Ding—
The teacup was gently placed back, a crisp echo sounding with the light touch.
"Mmm... this tea is truly delicious."
Qin Yu closed his eyes, drawing in a subtle breath, the rich and smooth flavor lingering.
He smiled, sighed softly, feeling refreshed and invigorated.
And then…
He realized he was getting a little too pleased with himself.
He coughed lightly, looking at Miss Furina and blinking innocently.
In short, it was wonderful.
"Heh… if you like it, then come to Fontaine sooner. It gets rather lonely being by myself."
"When you do, this lady will treat you to authentic afternoon tea."
Miss Furina’s lips curved slightly, her gentle voice carrying a hint of alluring temptation.
With that, she gracefully retracted her paw and turned her gaze back to the fashion design sketches.
Writing and drawing, she continued.
“…Oh.”
Qin Yu watched the elegant and focused Miss Furina, a strange emotion suddenly surfacing in his heart.
Is that it?
It seems… a bit disappointing.
Come on, that was practically a kiss, how could there be no reaction?
It wasn't that Qin Yu wanted to take advantage of Miss Furina.
It was just that the calmer Furina acted, the more foolish he felt for agonizing over it for so long… so foolish.
You're not secretly laughing at me, are you!
"Sigh… my esteemed Arbiter, what do you want."
Furina, sensing Qin Yu's wandering gaze, felt a hint of exasperation.
She put down her brush, rolling her eyes adorably.
Didn't he know to be quiet during artistic creation?
"Nothing, I just wanted to see your little dress."
"You just want to see mine so badly?"
Miss Furina glanced at Qin Yu, her eyes playful.
A lady's attire was a secret only intimate companions were privy to.
Was he already unable to resist falling at this lady's feet?
"To see your… cough, no."
Qin Yu responded instinctively, then shook his head.
It was to see your design draft!
"Here, take a look."
Miss Furina didn't keep him waiting and moved her paw away.
Qin Yu seized the opportunity, leaning in and bringing his face closer.
"Too close!"
Miss Furina exclaimed in disgust, lifting a paw to push Qin Yu's face.
"Don't be so stingy, come and look together."
Qin Yu smiled faintly, shamelessly staying by Miss Furina's side, and even holding her paw.
Only then did he get a clear view of the entire dress.
What met his eyes was a dress exuding the refined aura of a Fontaine lady.
Primarily blue and white, with delicate lace trim.
The ribbon at the waist was tied into a large bow, perfectly accentuating the waistline.
While highlighting the wearer's elegant temperament, it also retained a sense of liveliness and charm.
Looking closer at the hem, there were many small butterfly decorations, as if a gathering of sprites.
Oh, and most importantly, white stockings adorned with small floral patterns.
He could imagine how captivating and exquisite she would look when a beauty wore this ensemble out for a stroll.
"The name is… Flower Season's Letter?"
Qin Yu murmured, his gaze drawn to the beauty before him.
"Alright, careful you don't drool."
Miss Furina glanced at Qin Yu, her light voice carrying undisguised smugness.
It was a joy for a creator to have their work recognized.
Even the Hydro Archon was not immune to this sentiment.
"I'm not drooling."
Qin Yu instinctively wiped his mouth, then realized.
Miss Furina, you tricked this honest man again!
"You have a guilty conscience, and I can't be bothered to expose you."
Furina huffed lightly and was about to retrieve the draft.
There were still some details to add to the dress.
"Wait a moment, can I design something into it too?"
Qin Yu held onto her paw, his voice full of anticipation.
You don't want to fail the client's request, do you, my beautiful Miss Furina.
"?"
Furina didn't refuse, but her gaze was suspicious as she looked at him.
Can you really do it?
"Let me try, you can guide me."
Qin Yu poured a cup of tea for the artist Furina and smiled.
He was clearly trying to inject his own… no, his artistic inspiration.
"Hmm… it's not impossible."
Miss Furina looked at the eager Qin Yu and cleared her throat.
She lifted her paw and patted her chest.
It was a confident posture, as if saying, "Try whatever you want, leave the difficulties to Teacher Furina."
"Thank you, Miss Furina!"
Qin Yu eagerly picked up the brush, wanting to make the dress even more…
"That's not how you hold a brush."
"Oh."
"What are your hands touching?!"
"Ah?"
Inside the cottage, the other ladies noticed the two whispering together. They glanced over, then looked away.
They were quite at ease with Miss Furina.
Just a little cat, what could she do?
…
Finally, after a period of chaos.
"Ah, this."
Qin Yu looked at the messy scribbles on the draft and scratched his head.
They were crooked and wobbly, clearly a failed attempt at drawing.
Although there was a backup copy of the draft that could be restored, it was still rather embarrassing.
It seemed he had no talent for artistic design.
With that thought, he looked at the little cat Furina beside him.
"Cough, my apologies."
His honest and simple demeanor was just like a student waiting for their teacher's reprimand after making a mistake.
"Darn it…!"
The elegant lady felt provoked and her fur bristled as she bared her claws.
She hadn't expected Qin Yu to be so clumsy!
Since verbal guidance wasn't working…
"Miss Furina?"
"Don't move, I'll teach you hand-in-hand."
Furina had clearly gotten serious.
She extended her paw and guided Qin Yu's hand holding the brush, starting with the simplest lines.
Stroke by stroke, detailed and focused.
Threads intertwined and separated, like the red strings of fate being held in their hands.
Silence fell upon the cottage once more.
"…"
Qin Yu looked at Miss Furina, who was looking down with an elegant demeanor, and was slightly lost in thought.
The sunlight outside the window shone on the teacups before them, shimmering with light.
Furina's sapphire blue eyes blinked, resembling a lake reflecting a starry night, deep and beautiful.
A lady engrossed in art would inadvertently reveal a romantic charm that stirred the heart.
"Thank you."
Feeling the warmth in his hand, Qin Yu smiled slightly and said in a low voice.
Then, he collected his thoughts and focused on the drawing.
The tranquil atmosphere was both relaxing and soothing.
Even for this moment of beauty, they had to work hard together.
"…"
Miss Furina looked up at Qin Yu's handsome profile, her lips curving slightly.
My esteemed Arbiter, when he gets serious, he actually looks quite competent.
She said nothing, merely tilting her little head and quietly leaning against Qin Yu's arm.
Like a truly lazy cat, she gently nuzzled against him.
She then placed her other paw, encircling Qin Yu's large hand.
Her tail swayed behind her, slow and graceful.
On the wooden table, two teacups were placed side by side.
Steam rose, gradually intertwining.
And within this beautiful and tranquil haze…
They enjoyed their romantic time as artists, quietly snuggling together.
…