This way, under the close guidance of Teacher Furina, the two of them finally completed the dress design together.
It was said to be a joint effort, but in reality, Furina took the lead by the end.
Qin Yu could only give up resisting and let her do as she pleased.
This form of art was still too difficult for him.
However, when they started discussing various clothing items, especially the quality and texture of stockings...
In short, what was supposed to be a good clothing design session had devolved into a scene of "artists" exchanging their XP.
...
"Hmm, not bad."
Furina put away the drafts, nodding her small head with satisfaction.
Her cat tail swishing, she picked up her teacup again and took a sip.
Steam rose, her small face looked content, full of the elegance and refinement of a Fontaine lady.
"As a god, Miss Furina seems quite at leisure."
Qin Yu looked at the relaxed and comfortable Furina, unable to resist the urge to poke her.
After all, who could refuse a cute white-haired cat?
"My esteemed Investigator~ You've been getting more and more mischievous lately."
"Are you that eager to go to court and be judged by this lady?"
Miss Furina elegantly turned aside, dodging Qin Yu's outstretched hand, and shot him a warning glance.
However, paired with those deep and charming eyes that were like gemstones, there was no deterrent whatsoever.
It felt more like playful banter, making one's heart flutter.
"A judgment by the Hydro Archon Furina... I'll pass on that."
Qin Yu smiled, obediently sat back down, indicating he was a law-abiding citizen.
Mm, he also casually pocketed a few of Furina's drafts.
The paper was good, he could use it to write something.
"A love letter? You're quite good at charming young ladies."
Furina looked over, remarking meaningfully.
She looked up at Qin Yu, her voice trailing with a hint of coldness.
He just finished his creative work with this lady, and now he's going to try and win the hearts of other girls?
Fure-t-she.
"Heh, Miss Furina, you're not jealous, are you?"
Qin Yu chuckled, shaking his head, and lowered his gaze to write a reply, teasing her deliberately.
It wasn't a love letter at all, but a reply to Shuichi Chiyo.
She had traveled across the vast ocean to send him a letter, so he had to respond.
Come to think of it...
Calling it a love letter might not be entirely wrong.
Perhaps he should write something to make her blush...
A smile curved Qin Yu's lips, and he was getting ahead of himself again.
"Jealous? This lady is not such a boring person."
Miss Furina tilted her small head, snorting lightly.
She nudged Qin Yu's arm, reminding him, "We agreed, these design drafts can only be used once."
"Why?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.
"In Fontaine, an artist's masterpiece cannot be copied or altered."
Furina explained casually, then brewed herself another cup of black tea, adding sugar.
Anything of value should receive fair treatment and protection.
This was a law she personally enacted to protect those engaged in artistic pursuits in Fontaine.
After all, the court representing the previous Hydro Archon had a very negative attitude towards art that could liberate minds and dismantle the foundations of its rule.
Heh.
...kuAiδugg
"Is that so... Then Miss Furina, is it too late to design a second set?"
Qin Yu paused his pen, sighing regretfully.
The original agreement was only for one set.
He had originally planned to ask Sister Ogura in Inazuma to make another set in this Fontaine style as a gift for Shuichi Chiyo.
He hadn't expected to run into a "copyright issue."
"Sure, I want you."
Furina stirred her black tea listlessly, her tone playful.
Perhaps she should trade the bargaining chip for him, her future Grand Investigator.
"No thanks, I'm not for sale."
Qin Yu smiled and continued writing.
...
Meanwhile, outside the small wooden house.
Under the lush shade of the trees, the breeze was cool.
Tap, tap, tap, the sound of a pen scratching continued.
Sitting by the wooden table was a pink-haired girl with a sweet appearance and a focused expression.
She wore a miko outfit, her posture graceful and elegant.
Her pair of round, slender legs were encased in delicate white stockings, exuding a pure yet alluring charm.
Most captivating were her crossed, unconsciously swaying little feet.
Through the semi-transparent white stockings, one could see her slightly splayed, round toes, a soft pink hue.
Mm, she wasn't wearing shoes.
She was writing something, muttering unconsciously.
"Arriving at Seirai Island and witnessing its changes, Energy +100"
"Accidentally stepping on Mr. Qin Yu's face, Energy -10"
The girl paused at this point, her delicate earlobes subtly flushing pink, gradually spreading to her cheeks.
She pursed her lips and continued writing.
"Getting wet in front of Mr. Qin Yu, Energy -100"
"My shoes were taken, Energy -1000"
"Mr. Qin Yu... Mr. Qin Yu..."
She muttered continuously, recording the day's events, her watery eyes filled with resentment.
How could she be so embarrassed in front of the same person multiple times in one day!
And it was the Mr. Qin Yu she greatly respected...
Just as the girl clenched her small fist, secretly vowing not to be embarrassed again.
"Sangonomiya Kokomi—!"
Suddenly, someone leaned in and enthusiastically patted her shoulder.
"Ah!!"
Kokomi's small body trembled, and she let out a cute yelp like a kitten.
She was very focused when writing in her diary.
She quickly turned to see who it was and then relaxed.
"Yoimiya, what's wrong?"
Kokomi feigned composure, closing her diary.
Her legs under the table instinctively tensed, and her white-stockinged feet were still restlessly rubbing against each other.
She was writing in her diary about Mr. Qin Yu, she hoped he hadn't seen it...!
"Kokomi, your face is so red, are you running a fever?"
Yoimiya leaned closer to Kokomi and reached out to touch her cheek.
Wow, it's so hot!
Just as Yoimiya panicked and started to pull Kokomi along, looking for a healer.
"I, I'm fine."
Kokomi took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but her voice was still unnatural.
This flustered feeling...
Was it because she was afraid her diary would be seen, or...?
She bit her lip and unconsciously recalled that concerned, handsome face.
Mr. Qin Yu...
When she was unconscious, he had held her waist to prevent her from falling and getting hurt.
He had even kindly given her water.
His actions throughout were gentle, and he didn't take advantage of her.
But her shoes were...
Could Mr. Qin Yu have strange hobbies?
But what could shoes do?
Just as the Yae Publishing House's relationship advisor was in a knowledge blind spot, deeply troubled.
"Oh."
Yoimiya nodded and, without thinking much, took out a pair of shoes.
"Kokomi, I found you a new pair, try them on quickly."
The shoes Kokomi had hastily found earlier had been taken off because they didn't fit.
...
"They fit perfectly, thank you."
Finally composing herself, Kokomi smiled.
She knew it was all a misunderstanding on the beach.
Mr. Qin Yu was so upright, how could he have strange thoughts about her?
"Mm! Aren't we going to see the Almighty Shogun? Let's go!"
Yoimiya grabbed Kokomi's small hand, bouncing along energetically.
"You're coming too?"
"Hehe, I'll sneak in with you, it's fine."
...
Inside the small wooden house.
"Phew... finally finished writing."
Qin Yu folded the letter to Shuichi Chiyo and let out a long sigh.
Mm, and Ayaka's small Western-style dress.
Now all he had to do was wait for them to come in and share this surprise.
"..."
Furina glanced at the envelope, a slight smile on her lips.
Still claiming it wasn't a love letter, and it even had cherry blossoms on it.
"Almighty Shogun."
Outside, several graceful figures entered.
"Hm?"
Qin Yu looked over, surprised.
Ayaka, Yoimiya, Kokomi.
Where was Shuichi Chiyo?
"Almighty Shogun, Shuichi Chiyo and Kujou Sara are at the encampment discussing the development of Seirai Island."
Kamisato Ayaka bowed, her posture elegant.
"Mm, please sit."
Ei quietly put away her light novel, signaling that preparations could be made before the discussion began.
"..."
The three women sat on Qin Yu's side, unprompted.
Seating arrangement: Yoimiya, Ayaka, Qin Yu, Kokomi.
"?"
Qin Yu was inwardly exasperated, glancing outside.
The letter was ready, but Shuichi Chiyo wasn't here.
This letter contained an invitation to tonight's gathering, and it needed to be delivered promptly.
After dealing with Watatsumi Island's matters, he also had to go with Ei and the Empress to test the Tsaritsa's latest equipment.
This meant he might not have time to go to the Tenryou Commission's encampment to meet Shuichi Chiyo.
What if he missed her...
To be safe, he should find someone to deliver it.
Thinking this, he instinctively looked to his right, at the Yae Publishing House's relationship advisor.
"..."
Bathed in sunlight, Kokomi's hair fell onto her delicate face, making her look beautiful and moving.
Her expression was calm now, but she was clearly somewhat distracted.
"Um, Miss Kokomi?"
"What is it, Mr. Qin Yu?"
"I apologize for what happened earlier."
"...It's alright."
Kokomi glanced at Qin Yu, her eyes distant.
The atmosphere was slightly awkward.
"In any case, could you please accept this for now, I..."
Qin Yu picked up the letter and was about to explain the situation.
"What is this?"
Kokomi instinctively took it, asking curiously.
Just then.
"Yu, what is that?"
A clear, cold voice rang out.
Ei furrowed her beautiful brows, staring at the envelope in Kokomi's hand.
It even had cherry blossoms on it?
"A love letter."
Miss Furina's casual remark instantly silenced the room.
Ei, Empress, Madam, Flora: ?
Ayaka, Yoimiya: ??
"...!"
Kokomi's eyes widened slowly, and she looked at Qin Yu in disbelief.
This... was for her...?
Wait, a love letter?!!
The Yae Publishing House's relationship advisor's face instantly steamed, her brain overloaded.
After all, she was still a naive girl who had never been in love.
A love letter and confession out of the blue, who could handle that!
"Wait, this isn't...!"
Qin Yu panicked, he wouldn't take the blame for this.
But he stopped mid-sentence, rendered speechless.
Alright, if he had to be honest, it was indeed a love letter!
"Not a love letter? Then read it out."
Ei narrowed her purple eyes, her domineering aura fully displayed.
"Read it aloud?"
Qin Yu was stunned.
Can I refuse to do something so embarrassing on the spot!
"Read it!"
The women in the wooden house said in unison.
Except for the relationship advisor, who was about to be utterly mortified and had given up thinking.
Energy -1000