The ladies were rather excited when Aether showed up unannounced. They'd been sharing lunch when the double doors parted, and he entered. He grinned that sunshine smile that always melted their hearts.

"Hey. How're my favorite ladies doing?" They all grinned as he stepped inside. "I finished my commissions early and had some free time, so I thought I'd come hang out."

They pulled up a chair for him and insisted he sit down. Aether inhaled the sweet madame dreamily. He took a bite and hummed his approval, giving Xiangling a thumbs up. She grinned back, happy to see someone enjoying her cooking.

Then, Yae Miko—the scandalous one—got in close enough that she could whisper into his ear.

"We're so happy you're here, little one."

Opposite her, Lisa leaned in and flashed her eyelashes.

"So good to see you, cutie."

Aether blushed a moment. He made that little sigh he always made whenever he was happy. Then, he smiled magnanimously at Miko and Lisa.

"I'm happy to see you both too," he said. "I love hearing your voices."

They both gave their sultry chuckles.

Charlotte asked, "Hey, where's Paimon?"

"You know her," he said with a shrug, "Good Hunter is having a special on Sticky Honey Roast. So, how's your article on the Synthe Peddlers coming along? I hope you aren't planning any risky investigations without telling me?"

"It's a little slow right now," she admitted. "So, no. Never mind that, though, how's Natlan? I heard you made a new friend."

"I did," he replied. "Varesa is super sweet. I hope you'll get to meet her soon."

Mirror Maiden plopped herself into Aether's lap. Throwing her arms around his neck, she brought herself in close to him. She opened her mouth and planted one of her slobbering wet kisses on him.

The other girls twinged with jealousy.

"Hey, wait a second," said Ayaka. "It's not your turn with him!"

"Not my turn to date him, no, but I can and will kiss him whenever I damn well please."

Others in the room grumbled bitterly. Aether raised his hands, gesturing for silence.

"Come on, please don't get upset. I promise I'll kiss all of you to make it fair. So no fighting, okay?"

"OKAY!" They all agreed instantly.

They ate for a while, making small talk and kissing. Aether, as always, brought smiles wherever he went. Once finished, Aether helped them all wash the dishes. During it, his hands brushed by Arlecchino's, making her heart flutter. He shot Eula a smile, which made her faint. Of course, Aether caught her before she could hit the floor.

Then, the dishes were dry.

"We make a good team," said Aether.

Yae Miko, with a lewd expression, snuck up behind Aether, wrapped her arms around him, and bit his ear. He shivered, causing her to giggle. Her hands trailed down his midriff to the hem of his pants—not quite reaching beneath the shorts. No, she wanted to build his anticipation.

"So, little one," she said in her long-drawn-out way, "What say we all have a little fun?"

"W-wow."

The other girls nodded enthusiastically. Before Aether could respond, the mansion doors flew open. In walked a figure with a sunshine smile. His golden hair was illuminated in sunlight. His amber eyes glimmered. His white cape-scarf billowed behind him.

It was Aether.

The new Aether opened his mouth to speak when he saw the other Aether surrounded by the ladies. He blinked, confused. The ladies stared, jaws dropping, as they stared between the two Aethers. Yae Miko released her grip on her Aether, unsure what to make of this.

The newly entered Aether closed the doors. He crossed the threshold towards the second Aether. Thumbing his chin, he studied the stranger. His eyes widened with recognition.

"Furina?"

The Aether nodded. She pulled off the golden wig and removed the contact lenses. She shook her head, letting her white hair fall down.

For a moment, nobody spoke. Then, Mirror Maiden blurted out.

"Holy , I couldn't tell."

"Me neither," admitted Mavuika.

"That is some grade-A acting," said Yun Jin.

"And impressive makeup," said Emilie.

"You even sounded like him," said Hu Tao, mimicking a chef's kiss.

Yae Miko whistled. "Wow. Your reactions were on point. You had me going."

"So, um, why did you do this?" asked Amber.

Furina cleared her throat.

"I wanted to see if my acting was still convincing," she explained. "Sorry for using you all as test subjects. Also, happy April Fools."

Hu Tao stepped forward, got on her knees, and bowed reverently.

"I bow to a prankster whose skills exceed my own."