Chapter 140: Luna, don't move. It's Clorinde.

Luna released her hand and walked over to Chiori. "Want a hug?"

Chiori scoffed. "No way. Why don't you go hug that golden retriever over there?"

Golden retriever? Navia glanced toward the entrance. "Where's the dog?"

"You," Luna replied with a light laugh, clasping her hands behind her back. "Of course, it's Nana."

"Me? I don't think I act that much like one..." Navia muttered.

Though upon reflection, perhaps there might be... maybe... possibly... a tiny bit of truth to it?

"Chiori's more like a stray cat."

"What nonsense!" Chiori snapped. "How am I like a stray cat? Don't just say whatever comes to mind. I've told you countless times: you can't just eat anything, and you can't just say anything!"

"Ehehe, have I?"

"...Tch."

"You actually clicked your tongue!"

Closing the door, Luna followed Navia and Chiori back to the living room. As she set down her small bag, she noticed a conspicuous suitcase leaning against the wall.

"Staying over again?" Luna asked, turning to Chiori.

"Again?" Navia murmured.

So Chiori really does stay over quite often.

"Mm-hmm," Chiori replied.

"Why not just leave your clothes here? It would save you the trouble of lugging them back and forth all the time."

Chiori crossed her arms, her tone curt. "I don't trust you."

"What exactly don't you trust me with?"

"Everything."

She had unwavering confidence in her distrust of Luna.

It wasn't that she worried Luna would ruin her clothes; Luna always took excellent care of anything Chiori made.

Her concern was... what Luna might do with her clothes. Like sniffing them. Or sniffing them... or just sniffing them relentlessly.

Especially lately.

It was as if something had awakened within Luna.

The only silver lining was that Chiori wouldn't find cat hair on her clothes when she retrieved them. After all, Luna wasn't a real cat.

Luna picked up the suitcase and opened it.

"Don't rummage through my things."

"I'm not rummaging," Luna protested. "I'm just taking a casual look. This size... is this a new outfit for Lady Furina?"

"You can tell just by looking?" Navia exclaimed in surprise.

Indeed, a single glance was all it took.

Furina's preferred style was unmistakable, though it wasn't necessarily flamboyant or overly ornate.

What mattered most was the impeccable coordination of colors!

"This blue-toned fashion trend became popular in Fontaine because Lady Furina herself wore it," Luna said, closing the suitcase.

Chiori crossed her arms. "I've never seen you so interested in fashion before."

"Well, I'm a big star now."

That wasn't entirely untrue.

Since their joint performance with the Archon and Vacher's trial, both Luna and Navia's reputations had skyrocketed.

Already well-known, they had now become household names.

"Ah yes, the 'big star'," Chiori chuckled.

"Want an autograph? I could substitute it with a kiss, you know?"

"Eh?" Navia stammered.

"No need," Chiori retorted firmly.

Luna wasn't disappointed. When the mood struck, she could always act first and ask later.

This tactic always worked on Chiori.

"Nana, why don't you stay over too?" Luna invited with a smile.

Navia's eyes lit up. She had been wanting to ask that! "Really?" she glanced furtively at Chiori.

"Of course," Luna replied. "This is my house, so I make the rules. Unless Chiori wants some alone time with me?"

Chiori glanced at Navia before turning to Luna. "No. But I need to make one thing clear, specifically to you, Luna." She poked Luna in the chest. "I'm here primarily for work. Don't bother me when I'm feeling inspired."

Luna grabbed Chiori's wrist, smiling slyly. "No problem," she said with a mischievous grin. "I won't let you get inspired in the first place!"

Chiori flashed a dangerous smile. "You dare try that?"

"Just kidding! I know what your dream is and how important it is to you. I wouldn't dream of interrupting you when you're focused."

Chiori's dangerous smile faded into a faint one. "I know, but..." She raised an eyebrow. "Are you thinking, 'I'll be the judge of when she's inspired'?"

In other words, Luna wanted the final say on when Chiori's inspiration struck.

Luna's gaze wavered. "What? How could you think that?"

"...Whatever. When I tell you to leave me alone, just sit quietly."

There was no point in arguing further.

Chiori lowered her suitcase and began unpacking, pulling out design sketches, fabrics, and a half-finished garment. Luna's house already had everything else she needed.

If absolutely necessary, I can always go back to the shop for anything I'm missing.

Luna playfully draped an arm over Navia's shoulder from behind, chuckling softly. "Did Nana bring her luggage? Or would you prefer to borrow some of my clothes?"

Navia snapped out of her daze.

Lulu and Chiori are so close...

Feeling slightly awkward, she forced a smile. "Even so, I couldn't possibly wear Lulu's clothes, could I?"

"I think you could," Luna replied casually.

Really? Navia's face flushed crimson. "N-no, no, no, absolutely not!—Anyway, I'll head back to headquarters and get my own things."

Wait, if she was staying overnight...

Navia began counting on her fingers.

"Pillow."

"Skincare products."

"My mug and toothbrush... and..."

What else?

"Clorinde."

"Oh, right! And bring Clorinde too—"

Navia suddenly realized her mistake and blurted out, "Wait, why would I bring Clorinde along for a sleepover? Sure, it would be lively with four of us, but..."

Would Luna's bed even fit that many people?

Or would we all have to sleep on the floor?

Luna poked Navia's cheek, gently turning her face toward the window. "I meant Clorinde's outside."

"Ah!"

Navia and Luna stepped out of the house. Clorinde, standing at the door, lowered her hat and bowed her head in greeting. "Good afternoon, Navia, Luna."

"What are you doing here?" Navia exclaimed in delight. "Are you here for a sleepover too?"

"...Too?"

Clorinde glanced through the window at Chiori, who was tidying the desk, and her expression softened. "It seems I've arrived at an inopportune moment," she said calmly.

Navia placed her hands on Clorinde's shoulders and insisted earnestly, "No, you're here at the perfect time! Clorinde, you should stay for the night too. With four of us, we could form our own tabletop gaming troupe! It'll be so much fun!"

Clorinde turned to Luna.

"I don't mind at all," Luna replied with a smile.

"Is that so? Unfortunately, I'm busy today. I only stopped by because I was passing through."

Navia looked visibly disappointed.

Seeing her expression, Clorinde felt a pang of sympathy. She's off tomorrow anyway, she thought, nodding inwardly. Staying over for one night shouldn't be a problem. Tomorrow for sure.

She turned her attention back to Luna.

"Luna, please don't move."

Luna whispered, "One, two, three—"

Clorinde solemnly declared, "—Statue!"

What on earth are they doing? Navia crossed her arms, her face a mask of exasperation.

Everyone always said she had peculiar ideas, unconventional thoughts, and a mind that worked differently from others. But she thought Clorinde was just as peculiar, especially with that unchanging expression of hers.

Once Luna froze in place, Clorinde approached her.

She brushed aside the hair at the crown of Luna's head to examine her scalp, then patted and probed her back before pressing firmly on her chest.

"How do you feel?"

"My chin is a little itchy. Can I scratch it?"

Navia glanced at her own hand.

She really wanted to scratch it.

Clorinde smiled faintly. "You seem perfectly fine. It was my fault for not recognizing the Phantom Thief White Cat on stage yesterday. I sincerely apologize for allowing her to ambush and even knock you unconscious."

Luna and Navia exchanged looks of sudden realization.

Clorinde had come to visit Luna.

"I wanted to see you yesterday," Clorinde said, "but Lady Furina was kidnapped by the Phantom Thief..."

Luna smiled gently. "It's alright, Clorinde. I'm just happy you thought of me."

"Captain Chevreuse also asked me to send her regards and apologies."

If Chevreuse is sending me her regards and apologies, she must be furious with the Phantom Thief. Luna's heart skipped a beat. She longed to see Chevreuse's reaction immediately.

But it's probably best to wait.

Navia frowned. "How dare she do that to Lulu? I'll catch her for sure!"

Clorinde nodded solemnly. "Attacking and even kidnapping Lady Furina, my superior... I'd love to punish her with my sword and gun."

"The Phantom Thief sure is popular," Luna remarked.

"Serves her right... Ah, never mind her! Is Furina alright?"

Clorinde shook her head.

"Something happened?!" Navia's expression turned serious.

"No, she's fine. She's at Palais Mermonia, enjoying pastries. For some reason, she has a great appetite and is in high spirits today. Probably because she was hungry yesterday and just happened to defeat the Phantom Thief."

Navia fell silent for a moment, then sighed. "I guess that's what you'd expect from an Archon..."

Luna nodded slightly, her mood couldn't have been better.

After a brief chat with Clorinde, the Champion Duelist bowed and took her leave.

It seemed Clorinde would be serving as the Champion Duelist for the entire week.

This meant that any foolish defendant hoping to avoid judgment through a duel would likely be matched against this formidable duelist.

No other Champion Duelist would dare accept such a challenge.

Because they stood no chance of winning.

There was no point in facing an unbeatable opponent.

With time to spare before nightfall, Navia grew restless indoors. She persuaded Luna and Chiori to join her for a long stroll through Fontaine City.

As dusk settled, the trio returned home. Luna tugged at her collar.

"It's about time for a bath, Navia, Chiori."

"Hmm?"

"Want to bathe together?"

"...Together?!" Navia's face flushed crimson.

Chiori, however, wore an expression of utter disgust.