Several days later, in Fontaine City
On the bustling streets of the Lyonette District, four hooded women strolled together. Their contrasting statures gave the impression of three older sisters accompanying a petite, adorable younger sibling.
Stopping to admire the city's steampunk aesthetic, they leaned closer to whisper among themselves.
"Makoto," one murmured. "Fontaine's huge. Are you sure you know where Luo Qing lives?"
The second, a purple-haired woman, nodded confidently. "I remember Theresa mentioning it. I'm sure I have the address right."
"Shouldn't we at least let Luo Qing know we're coming?" the third woman, with flowing white hair, asked hesitantly. "What if we walk in on something we shouldn't?"
"Oh, please," Makoto scoffed, crossing her arms.
"Knowing him, he'd probably be thrilled if we caught him in the act."
"..."
"That's settled, then. No need to overthink it," Makoto said, motioning for her sisters to follow. "If anything happens, I'll take responsibility."
The group moved with purpose toward Luo Qing's home. But four hooded women whispering on a sunny street drew attention, including that of the local patrol.
Just as one guard moved to question them, the smallest of the group—a white-haired girl—raised a delicate hand. A faint green light glimmered at her fingertips.
Moments later, the guard blinked in confusion.
"What was I doing just now...?" he muttered, scratching his head.
Meanwhile, the women vanished into the crowd.
---
Elsewhere
While Luo Qing busied himself at Meropide Fortress, Theresa and Rosalyne remained at his Fontaine residence.
But the days without him had been dull and uneventful.
Deprived of Luo Qing's company, Theresa found herself succumbing to a peculiar loneliness. She had tried to pass the time by reading light novels, but even those couldn't fill the void. Rosalyne, ever composed, busied herself by polishing every corner of the house with meticulous precision.
As sunlight poured through the windows, Theresa lounged on the living room couch, yawning between pages of her novel.
"Ugh, I'm so bored," she groaned, stretching her arms lazily. Her gaze wandered to the bright blue sky outside.
Her imagination drifted. What if Luo Qing pinned me against the window for a passionate...
The knock at the door startled her from her daydream.
"Huh?" Theresa blinked, confused.
Who could be visiting at this hour? Even Furina only came by in the evenings...
Before she could move, Rosalyne silently set down her cleaning cloth and approached the door. With a turn of the knob, she opened it.
The four hooded women entered in single file, the room filling with a sudden, palpable presence.
"This aura..." Theresa's eyes widened. It's my sisters!
Leaping from the couch, she bolted straight into Makoto's arms.
"Makoto! I missed you so much!" she cried, tears streaming down her face.
"Alright, Theresa," Makoto said, patting her head fondly before gently prying her off. "Compose yourself."
Her sharp gaze shifted to Rosalyne, who stood respectfully to the side.
"Lady Rosalyne," Makoto greeted.
"Makoto," Rosalyne replied with a slight bow, her tone unbothered. She seemed unsurprised by their arrival.
"Where is Luo Qing? What trouble has he gotten into this time?"
"..."
Rosalyne paused, glancing briefly at Theresa before responding.
"He's currently at Meropide Fortress. He left to handle some matters and won't return for a while."
"Meropide Fortress?!" Makoto exclaimed, her composure cracking. "You're telling me he's in jail?!"
"..."
Rosalyne's silence was telling.
Makoto turned her attention to Theresa, who squirmed under her gaze.
"Don't look at me!" Theresa said, raising her hands defensively. "It was his decision! I even asked to go with him, but he refused!"
Makoto sighed deeply, exchanging a look with Ei and Bu'er behind her.
"And he didn't say when he'd be back?" Makoto asked.
Theresa hesitated, fiddling with her fingers.
"He said he had to investigate something... but he promised he'd come back once it's done."
Her eyes darted to the others, noting Bu'er's serene presence and Ei's subtle concern. This wasn't the sort of gathering one would expect for a scolding or confrontation.
"Makoto, are we going to help Luo Qing?" Ei asked, her voice laced with unease. "That place—"
"No need," Makoto interrupted, shaking her head.
"We've been traveling nonstop for days. Let's rest and wait for his return. Rushing into Meropide Fortress would do more harm than good."
She glanced at Bu'er and Ei. While their stamina held strong, Makoto and Bu'er were currently bound by human limitations. Fatigue from their long journey was unavoidable.
"Theresa," Makoto continued, her voice firm but kind. "Come with me. There are some things we need to discuss."
"Uh... okay..." Theresa mumbled, following her out of the room.
---
That night, Palais Mermonia
Two weeks into Luo Qing's absence, Furina lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
The days had grown unbearably dull without his antics. Even worse, he hadn't sent a single message through the Void Terminal, despite his promises.
He said he'd talk to me every night—even from Meropide! Liar. Jerk.
Her frustration simmered as she contemplated how to entertain herself.
Maybe I should sneak into his house and sleep in his bed?
Her spirits lifted at the thought. Theresa knows me, so it should be fine... right?
Deciding on the impulse, she jumped out of bed, quickly dressed, and slipped out into the quiet streets of Fontaine.
As she approached Luo Qing's house, she noticed the second-floor lights were on—his room.
"Wait, did he come back?!" she whispered, her heart skipping a beat.
Excited, Furina pulled out the spare key Luo Qing had begrudgingly given her after much pleading. Unlocking the door, she pushed it open, already imagining how she'd scold him for not letting her know he'd returned.
This jerk... coming back without saying a word. Let's see how he handles me!
---
T/N: DRAMA TIME?