Clorinde and Charlotte had already walked right into the trap.
Chenee and the others couldn't come today since they didn't have time off.
The only people Lucian knew in Fontaine now were Chiori and Navia.
Just as he was debating whether to go find Navia or Chiori first, there was another knock at the door.
"I'll get it."
Charlotte volunteered, standing up to answer the door, with Lucian following behind her.
When the door opened, they were met with a cool, indifferent face somewhat resembling Clorinde's.
The difference was that while Clorinde was aloof, the person before them wasn't—she simply looked like she couldn't care less.
"Miss Chiori?" Speak of the devil—Chiori had arrived.
Charlotte was startled. Why was even Miss Chiori coming to see Lucian? When did they meet?
Chiori hadn't joined their last gathering, so Charlotte had no idea Lucian and Chiori were acquainted.
"Charlotte?"
Chiori stood at the doorway, glancing between the two. She hadn't expected to see Charlotte at Lucian's place.
If it had been Navia, she wouldn't have been surprised.
"Seems like I came at a bad time."
"No, you came at just the right time. I was actually planning to go find you."
Lucian grinned. He'd been debating whom to visit first, and now he didn't even have to make the trip—she'd come to him.
"Is that so? Then I'll cut to the chase."
Chiori didn't bother with pleasantries, retrieving something from her Vision and saying:
"The design sketches you gave me before—I've finished making them."
This was something Lucian had drawn when he'd gone to Chiori last time to commission swimsuit designs.
It was a dark blue JK (Japanese-style schoolgirl) uniform, leaning more toward Western-style fashion. His intentions needed no explanation, right?
Lucian gave a thumbs-up repeatedly. "Amazing! You finished it so quickly!"
"It's so well-made, tsk tsk. The craftsmanship, the fabric—it'd definitely be comfortable and look great when worn."
"Then, do you want to try it on?" Chiori stared straight at Lucian as she asked.
"Huh?!" Charlotte gasped.
Change clothes here? Right in front of me?
Isn't this a bit…? Should I close my eyes or sneak a peek?
"?"
Lucian's face was full of question marks. Don't say weird things in front of a reporter!
Just looking at the design, there's no way this was meant for me to wear, right?
If I actually put this on, it'd be an eyesore!
Sure, we're both Hydro users but unlike Xingqiu, I'm not a pretty boy.
If you're into that kind of thing, once I'm back in Liyue, I can have Chongyun and Xingqiu wear it and send you pictures.
Or does Chiori just have a thing for watching a 180cm muscular guy put on a JK uniform and call her 'Onii-chan'? Is that the kind of disgusting kink she's into?
"Charlotte, don't misunderstand. I don't have any weird fetishes—this outfit isn't for me," Lucian explained.
He was terrified that by tomorrow, all of Fontaine would know he was a cross-dressing enthusiast.
Charlotte covered her mouth, suppressing a laugh. Of course, she wouldn't take such a joke seriously.
Her surprise earlier had been at the thought of Lucian personally modeling the outfit—not because she actually thought he was into cross-dressing.
Seeing Lucian's flustered expression, Chiori's lips curled almost imperceptibly into a faint smile.
"Just joking. I don't actually want to see you wear this."
"So, have you decided who it's for?"
"You'd better find a good model. Such a fine outfit would be wasted at the fashion week without the right person to showcase it."
Though Chiori's expression seemed aloof, she wasn't some cold, emotionless person.
The way she spoke was completely different from someone truly reserved like Clorinde.
"Fashion week?" Lucian immediately caught the key term.
"Yes. Didn't you ask me to design this for the fashion week?"
"Hmm, though I'm no professional in fashion design, this feels like it could start a new trend. Worth reporting on."
Charlotte focused her attention on the JK outfit as she gave her assessment.
At this rate, the next fashion week might just yield a major scoop.
A new fashion trend—far too many people would be interested in that.
Chiori nodded in agreement.
While this outfit wasn't as ornate as her usual designs, its simplicity and elegance had their own charm.
With the right model to bring out its appeal, it could very well become the next big trend.
"So, is the model Navia?" Chiori asked.
In her eyes, the person closest to Lucian was Navia.
And with Navia's top-tier looks and figure, she'd undoubtedly highlight the outfit's charm perfectly.
Navia was also the first person Lucian thought of—naturally, because they were closest.
If Lucian asked, she definitely wouldn't refuse.
But after some consideration, he felt it wasn't quite right.
Navia's golden-haired, high-society aura gave off a tsundere vibe—she'd suit something more regal.
Even if she wore a JK outfit, it should be in white-yellow or black, not this deep blue one.
As for who'd suit this outfit best… without a doubt, it was Furina.
After all, Lucian had originally chosen the color scheme based on Furina's attire.
But since he didn't know her yet, he hadn't considered her as a candidate at first.
"I'll think about it some more."
Chiori nodded, dropping the subject for now.
"Then, what about the next design?"
Next design? I've got novels to write, Elemental energy to train, weekly underwater… ahem investigations of Vacher's factory.
And now you want more designs? You're treating me like a workhorse.
"Next time, for sure," Lucian brushed it off.
Chiori, unfamiliar with the phrase's true meaning, took it at face value and didn't press further.
"Then, what did you want to see me for?" Chiori remembered Lucian had mentioned he was looking for her earlier.
Lucian nodded. "I'm planning a party. Guess who hasn't been invited yet?"
"Me?"
"No, it's Navia. Let's go—we'll find her together."
With that, the three of them set off to find Navia. Meanwhile, Clorinde had returned to the Palais Mermonia.
"So, he likes 'Fishy Toast'?" Furina sounded puzzled.
A foreigner who enjoyed this dish? How authentic.
Clorinde nodded in confirmation. "That's what he said himself."
"I see. Alright, I understand."
Behind them, Neuvillette was busy with paperwork.
He had overheard Furina's conversation but paid it no mind.
While he was curious why Furina was inquiring about a Liyuean's preferences, he wasn't one to pry.
The Chief Justice simply continued working quietly at his desk.
Neuvillette had no idea Lucian had written a prophecy book.
To him, Lucian was just another foreigner—one who hadn't broken any laws, so he saw no reason to take special notice.
Furina, however, was already making plans. She'd find a way to invite Lucian to one of her tea parties.
She'd prepare Fishy Toast for him—he'd surely be pleasantly surprised.
Once they were on good terms, she could ask him about Fontaine's prophecy…
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice: Chiori — About Lucian's Fashion Designs
"An interesting idea. What's impressive isn't the technical skill in the design, but the sheer creativity of bringing something entirely new into existence."