Chapter 89: Chiori Was Born to Be Eaten

The Harpsichord Grand Ceremony Champion is the Phantom Thief White Cat?!

The previous evening at six o'clock, the Harpsichord Grand Ceremony took place at Opera Epiclese. However, the winner left everyone utterly astonished—the Phantom Thief White Cat disguised herself as Sally, who had previously been disqualified, and claimed the championship.

Not only that, but she openly hurled the trophy to the ground, publicly humiliating the judges.

Fortunately, our reporter was able to interview... or perhaps it should be said that Lady Furina found our reporter, granting us permission to interview the Hydro Archon.

Reporter: "Lady Furina, what do you think the Phantom Thief White Cat's actions were for? She didn't steal any tangible treasures, yet claimed to have taken something."

Furina: "An excellent question, but asking this reveals your limited understanding of the Phantom Thief!"

Furina: "Must treasures only exist in physical form? Of course not. To the Phantom Thief White Cat, another person's heart counts as a treasure too."

Reporter: "So you mean she wanted to steal..."

Furina: "Without doubt, the spectators' attention itself!"

Many industry professionals have criticized Mr. Audelfen for using unjustified low scores to gain attention.

Mr. Audelfen initially refused to comment, citing depression. Later, he publicly accepted an interview to apologize to contestants he had previously criticized.

The organizers are considering revoking Mr. Audelfen's judging qualification.

Meanwhile, countless contestants expressed being moved by the Phantom Thief White Cat's performance and speech.

Unknown Contestant #1: "She voiced my exact thoughts!"

Unknown Contestant #27: "From now on, everyone should flip off what they dislike!"

Unknown Judge: "I want to hear the Phantom's performance again. Without it for a day, it feels like ants are crawling all over me. Ugh, so itchy!"

The ownership of the Grand Ceremony trophy had become a contentious issue.

The organizers proposed it should be awarded to the second-place contestant.

This suggestion met with widespread criticism and resistance.

["Don't give it to me, I don't want it," said an unknown second-place contestant. "She won it fair and square. Why would I want this hot potato?"]

["What the hell? If you're going to be so shameless, I'll never participate in this Grand Ceremony again!" exclaimed an unknown third-place contestant.]

["Then where am I supposed to find this Phantom Thief?!" demanded an unknown member of the organizing committee.]

The latest proposal was to follow the instructions left by the Phantom Thief White Cat and present the trophy to Lady Furina.

However, the Court of Justice's Advocate was locked in a heated debate over whether this declaration was legally binding.

Mr. Mike, a five-star crime expert, commented:

["It's not the theft of treasures that worries me, but the theft of hearts. But some people aren't even worthy of being stolen from... Oh, and I didn't buy a ticket, by the way."]

Meanwhile, Miss Sally - the victim of identity theft - had also been interviewed.

["I rushed back to Mondstadt overnight and told my mother about everything. She said it didn't matter... she's proud of how I've pulled myself together."]

The shocking industry scandal she revealed is currently being compiled by our reporter...

Our reporter reiterates: No matter how beautiful the Phantom Thief White Cat may be, or how well she plays the piano, she remains a criminal who must be brought to justice!

[Don't let her charm deceive you!]

Every operation of the Phantom Thief White Cat made headlines.

The newspapers practically treasured her.

She was essentially a walking, talking headline. Wherever she went, massive scoops followed. It was no surprise this attracted others' greed.

The greater the fame, the more troubles there are.

But the Phantom Thief White Cat didn't seem to care about such things.

Rather, she appeared to not care about anything at all. She stole when she wanted, fought when she pleased.

She was just like a certain someone, Chiori thought absently.

Ding-dong. The doorbell rang.

"ChiChi, I'm here."

The "certain someone" had arrived.

Chiori sighed and put down the newspaper. "Sofa or chair. Choose one."

Luna patted Chiori's leg.

"Then I'll choose your lap."

Chiori's expression remained unchanged. "That's not an option."

"Besides, you're coming at a bad time. I need to design new clothes next. Keep quiet or I'll tie you to the chair."

"Leaving me tied up? Isn't that a bit too much?"

"I don't care."

Just as Chiori picked up the paper and pen, she felt something heavy settle on her head.

A hand gently removed her hairpin, letting loose strands cascade down to brush against her ears.

Two hands then pressed into her hair, their familiar weight settling atop her head.

No words were needed to identify the culprit.

"Too heavy! Don't press on my head," Chiori grumbled.

Luna buried her face in the hair, fingers tangled in the strands as she mumbled, "It's fine. I'm sure Chiori's neck is strong enough to avoid cervical issues."

"Based on what?"

"You never bow your head to anyone."

"If you're going to joke around, do it outside," Chiori said absently.

"Meaning you'll treat me to a meal?"

"I never said that. I said I'm busy. Unlike you, the lazy cat who comes here daily just to sleep, I've got orders from the nation's Archons."

Luna's interest piqued. "The Hydro Archon wants you to design clothes?"

"Exactly."

Chiori picked up a paper and offered it to Luna above her head.

Luna didn't take it, instead reading aloud from where she stood: "Requirement 1: Must befit my noble status."

"Requirement 2: Should not accentuate my physical form, but rather my spiritual essence."

"Requirement 3: Make me more noticeable wherever I go."

"Requirement 4: Must be easy to put on."

"Requirement 5: ..."

Luna exclaimed in amazement.

"So many requirements."

Chiori smiled. "They're not difficult to understand or achieve. But to befit a nation's Archon, my current designs still fall short."

"That's why I need to focus. Do you understand?"

"I do."

"Then get off my head. You're crushing me," Chiori said, her voice low.

But Luna remained, her face buried in Chiori's hair.

The soft scent of hair filled her nostrils.

"It's fine. Just consider me a decorative accessory. With me here, your inspiration will flow like a tidal current."

It seemed Luna had no intention of moving.

Chiori decided to give up struggling. Few could make her abandon her plans, but Luna was one of them.

"What's wrong?"

"Hm?"

Chiori picked up her pen and began sketching randomly on the paper.

"You're more troublesome than ever today. What happened?"

Though Chiori disliked using such words, Luna was indeed clingier than usual.

If she didn't act soon, Luna would likely refuse to let go when they went anywhere.

"Chiori."

"Yes?"

"I'm hungry."

Chiori took a deep breath. Saying that while sniffing my hair?