Neuvillette looked at Lora in her current state and let out a helpless sigh. "Focalors truly is your successor. In matters like this, the two of you are exactly the same—always carrying everything on your own, never telling anyone else."
"I'm sorry. She has her reasons, and I have mine."
Lora pressed her lips together slightly, folded her hands before her, and bowed deeply to Neuvillette. "I was an unworthy god. For Fontaine's sake, she has endured so much hardship. So… thank you. Truly, thank you for taking care of Furina over these past four hundred years."
"And I also ask that you continue to look after her during this time…"
"…I will." Seeing Lora bow to him, Neuvillette was genuinely taken aback and clearly unaccustomed to it.
"Then that's settled. I won't interrupt your work any longer. I'll be on my way." Lora nodded to Neuvillette in farewell.
"Shall I arrange accommodations for you?" Neuvillette asked.
Lora waved her hand.
"No need. I'll figure that out myself. Though… I didn't bring much money. My expenses in Fontaine will probably be sent here to the Palais Mermonia as a bill. You don't mind, do you?"
Neuvillette nodded slightly. "You built all of Fontaine. It's only a bill—of course that's fine.
By the way, how about having Hélie act as your guide? She's quite familiar with the scenery throughout Fontaine. If you'd like to see how Fontaine is now, she can show you around."
"Thank you," Lora said.
"Would you like me to see you off?"
Neuvillette asked as he watched her head toward the door.
With her back to him, Lora waved.
"No need. I still know the way around the Palais Mermonia."
When she reached the door and raised her hand to open it, the door suddenly swung open from the outside.
"Neuvillette!!"
A shout rang out, and a familiar, energetic face appeared in front of Lora, rushing forward so quickly that she nearly collided with her.
Blue-and-white hair fell down her back. Deep within her teardrop-shaped heterochromatic eyes lay exhaustion and the brink of collapse.
Hélie, who had been waiting by the door, blinked at the sight and suddenly exclaimed, "Ah! Miss Lora looks just like Lady Furina!"
In truth, Lora and Furina did not look the same. Lora appeared more mature and was slightly taller. Compared to Furina's blue-and-white hair, Lora's hair was a purer white, with only blue-tinted ends.
However, Lora also had teardrop-shaped pupils. Her beautiful eyes were now filled with surprise and astonishment as she stared at Furina.
Warm breath brushed lightly against Furina's face. She instinctively took a quick step back, frowning at Lora as she hesitantly asked, "You are…?"
She met Lora's gaze, a strange sense of familiarity stirring within her. She felt certain she had seen this person somewhere before, yet no matter how she tried, she couldn't recall where.
Lora hadn't expected to meet Furina like this. She straightened and said calmly, "I'm Lora Chaya."
"Have I seen you somewhere before?" Furina asked, her brow furrowed.
"She's my friend, invited here at my request," Neuvillette said from behind, interrupting their exchange. "Lady Furina, did you need something?"
Taking advantage of the interruption, Lora slipped past Furina and left together with Hélie.
Furina stared at Lora's retreating figure, her brows knitted tightly. "I've definitely seen her somewhere… So why can't I remember? Was it in a dream? But if it was a dream…"
It was Neuvillette's voice that finally pulled Furina back to herself. She walked over and sat down on the sofa.
"Lady Furina, what brings you here?" Neuvillette asked, looking at her.
"Obviously, it's about trials!" Furina said. "I wanted to ask if there are any particularly interesting or dramatic trials coming up at the Opera Epiclese."
"There are no trials scheduled at the Opera Epiclese for the next few days," Neuvillette replied.
Furina looked a little disappointed. Her gaze drifted to the half-finished glass of water on the table. "Is that… what Miss Lora was drinking earlier? She's a lady, you know. You invite her over and only give her a glass of water?"
Neuvillette answered seriously, "Not everyone shares your fondness for sweets, Lady Furina."
"Neuvillette!!"
Furina puffed up in indignation.
...
Lora and Hélie exited the Palais Mermonia. Standing on the steps at the main entrance, Hélie looked up at her and asked eagerly, "Lady Lora, where would you like to go? I'll take you there!"
"Let's find a place to stay first."
Lora glanced up at the sun. It was already sinking toward the west—she couldn't exactly sleep on the streets of Fontaine.
If reporters from The Steambird spotted her, she'd never hear the end of it.
"I know some inns," Hélie said. "I'll take you there."
Under Hélie's guidance, Lora arrived at an upscale inn. After giving her name and background, she requested the best room available. As for the cost—
"All expenses incurred by me will be billed to Neuvillette at the Palais Mermonia," Lora said.
"Uh… billed to Lord Neuvillette?" The innkeeper's eyes widened in shock. "Miss, you're not joking, are you? Sending the bill to Lord Neuvillette?"
"That's right!" Hélie said at once.
"Lady Lora is Lord Neuvillette's honored guest."
The innkeeper looked from Hélie to Lora, then nodded. "I understand…"
He completed Lora's check-in, then immediately took the bill to the Palais Mermonia—and actually managed to meet Neuvillette. Furina was still sitting on the sofa in Neuvillette's office, eating desserts.
"Lord Neuvillette… someone just checked into my inn and requested that all expenses be billed to you. About this…"
The innkeeper held out the bill hesitantly, explaining Lora's situation.
Neuvillette nodded.
"Yes. She's my friend. Send all bills to me. And regarding her—make sure she's treated well."