After the meeting ended, Furina's schedule for the day was complete, so she returned early to the Palais Mermonia.
Griel had invited her to dine at Hotel Debord, but she declined. Compared to the exquisite desserts served there, she now preferred the ones made by Liu Yuan.
Yes — Liu Yuan had already learned how to make desserts.
A month ago, Liu Yuan had proposed adding a small kitchen to Furina's private quarters, and Furina, naturally, had agreed. Once she passed the message along, the Palais Mermonia staff immediately began work.
While Fontaine's bureaucracy was infamous for its layers of approval and tedious paperwork, any request directly concerning the Hydro Archon was treated as top priority.
So, within just three days, Furina's room was outfitted with a fully functioning kitchen — complete with an oven, refrigerator, and every appliance imaginable.
And that marked the beginning of Liu Yuan's dessert-making journey.
Though it was her first time, Liu Yuan was meticulous. She followed every recipe with exact precision, and her first attempts were, naturally, flawless.
When Furina, self-proclaimed as "Fontaine's Top Gourmet," took her first bite, she was astonished. It was simply divine.
From that day forward, Liu Yuan began experimenting — innovating beyond the recipes.
Furina had her doubts at first. In the past, she had sampled "creative dishes" from various chefs… and, to put it kindly, the taste had been memorable for all the wrong reasons.
But this was Liu Yuan. And because it was her, Furina was willing to take the risk.
The result? A revelation.
It was so delicious that Furina could hardly believe it.
Since then, Liu Yuan had made a new dessert for her every single day — never repeating a recipe, never failing to amaze. For a dessert lover like Furina, it was pure bliss.
And so, her daily routine gained one more precious moment: waiting for Liu Yuan's "dessert of the day."
---
Now, seated at the dining table, Furina rested her chin on her hand, watching Liu Yuan work calmly in the kitchen. The sound of soft whisking and the faint aroma of sugar filled the air.
Her mind drifted back to the events of the day.
The script was finalized, and the Lake Light Troupe had officially agreed to perform "Girl and Ghost." Of the troupes she had considered, their performance was undoubtedly the best.
But more than that — Furina could see the passion in their eyes. That, to her, mattered most.
As for Liu Yuan playing the role of the "Ghost," that had been part of Furina's plan from the start.
However… the name Miss Yuan was something she had made up on the spot. Thinking about it now, it actually suited her quite well.
And thanks to Griel's reminder, Furina now had the perfect explanation for Liu Yuan's existence.
If anyone asked, she could simply say: "Liu Yuan is my familiar."
It sounded convincing — and official.
---
Furina's thoughts were interrupted when Liu Yuan's gentle voice called to her.
"It's ready."
She looked up as Liu Yuan placed a beautifully plated dessert in front of her.
There was no name, of course — Liu Yuan never named her creations. For her, they were simply experiments.
"How does it taste?" Liu Yuan asked, sitting opposite her.
Furina scooped up a spoonful, tasted it carefully, and her eyes immediately brightened.
"Delicious!" she declared, smiling.
It was the same answer as always — Liu Yuan's desserts had never once disappointed her.
Furina scooped another bite, then held it out across the table.
"It's really delicious, A Yuan~" she said playfully.
Her tone was teasing, and a mischievous smile tugged at her lips. It was a new way of calling her — a little experiment of her own.
She wanted to see Liu Yuan's reaction. Would she blush? Look surprised? Anything?
But Liu Yuan merely leaned forward, accepted the spoon, and replied softly, "It's very delicious."
That calm, unbothered tone made Furina pout slightly.
Shouldn't anyone get flustered when their beloved calls them affectionately like that? Why was Liu Yuan's reaction so... flat?
She frowned, then tried again. "A Yuan?"
"Hm? What's wrong?" Liu Yuan replied just as gently.
Furina blinked. Still no reaction.
Finally, Liu Yuan looked at her and asked with a faint smile, "Are you thinking about the name?"
"Huh?" Furina froze, then nodded slightly.
"...Yeah. Don't you find it strange when I call you 'A Yuan'? I usually just call you by your full name. Doesn't it feel... different? Or— or special?"
Her tone softened toward the end, uncertain.
But Liu Yuan only smiled.
"The name isn't important."
"Not... important?" Furina repeated quietly.
Liu Yuan nodded. "Mm. What matters isn't how you call me — but that you're calling me. As long as it's you, I'll always respond."
Her voice was calm and sincere, carrying a gentle warmth that lingered in the air.
Furina blinked, her lips parting slightly.
Then, flustered, she looked down, hiding her face behind a spoonful of dessert.
From Liu Yuan's perspective, it seemed like she was simply focused on eating, but the soft pink tint on her cheeks betrayed her mood.
The name isn't important... What's important is the person you're calling.
Her heart felt oddly light.
"So... that's how it is," Furina murmured under her breath, smiling faintly.
.
.
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_