"Please support our Phantom Thief Fan Club!"
"Join now and receive a Phantom Thief trading card!"
Furina watched from a distance as men and women wearing masks distributed flyers on the street.
"What's going on here?" she asked Clorinde, who stood beside her.
"Good question. Apparently, it's a fan club spontaneously formed by admirers of the Phantom Thief."
Furina exclaimed in surprise, "Ah? A Phantom Thief fan club? A fan club for a criminal... Shouldn't the Maison Gardiennage be arresting them?"
"They can't. They claim to be a 'Phantom Thief Culture Appreciation Society'—in other words, they're fans of the romanticized portrayal of phantom thieves in stories and plays. At least, that's their official stance."
Furina's expression was dubious. "They're really good at skirting the law."
"Moreover, the Court of Justice has determined that cracking down on phantom thief-related organizations isn't a priority right now."
"Hmph, seems they've tasted the sweetness of this arrangement..." Furina muttered, crossing her arms and humming softly.
Clorinde nodded. "Phantom thieves are proving quite useful—perhaps they've all come to that conclusion."
"Even if Phantom Thief White Cat refuses to act according to anyone's expectations, they can still exploit her very existence."
Whether Phantom Thief White Cat likes it or not, she seems destined to remain trapped on the stage.
Unless she blew up the stage.
No one could predict Phantom Thief White Cat's actions, and Furina didn't believe trying to manipulate her would end well.
If you dance with wolves, you must be prepared to be devoured.
"By the way, aren't you off today?" Furina asked.
"Yes, in fact, that's why I came to speak with you, Lady Furina," Clorinde replied. "I'm on leave today, so please be extra vigilant and watch out for anyone who might be the Phantom Thief."
Furina crossed her arms and scoffed coolly. "Mortals need not concern themselves with gods!"
A confident smile bloomed on her face. "If that foolhardy Phantom Thief dares to challenge me again, I'll surely bring her to justice and punish her thoroughly—making that naughty cat meow in repentance!"
"Just enjoy your holiday," Clorinde said.
Furina turned to leave. "...Taking a good break is still important, you know!"
With that, she sauntered back to Palais Mermonia.
Clorinde nodded. "Indeed."
Looking at Furina, it was clear she had been in excellent spirits these past few days.
But when exactly had she taken her leave? Surely not while tangling with the Phantom Thief?
Clorinde also found it hard to believe that Phantom Thief could have been beaten so badly.
Only Furina and the Phantom Thief White Cat knew the truth.
"Time to pack up," Furina said, remembering her promise to stay overnight at Luna's place that day.
But as soon as she left Palais Mermonia, a cheerful voice stopped her.
"You're the strongest Champion Duelist?"
A young man approached, his smile bright. Clorinde immediately sensed the battle intent in his eyes, and his attire was distinctly un-Fontainian.
"The Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui... what business do you have here?"
The Eleventh Fatui Harbinger, "Childe" Tartaglia, grinned. He pointed a finger at her.
"I've heard you're strong. And I just arrived in Fontaine and was feeling bored. If you're the strongest, there's no reason I shouldn't fight you."
"Tch."
"Did you just click your tongue?"
Clorinde's expression remained indifferent. "I have no time for Fatui..."
"There!"
Huh? Both Tartaglia and Clorinde suddenly heard a shout.
Chaotic footsteps rapidly approached.
Chevreuse, rifle raised, charged toward them with the rest of the Special Task Force, quickly surrounding Tartaglia.
"Suspect confirmed!"
Chevreuse said sternly, "A Fatui Harbinger... Never mind. Anyone under suspicion has to come with us."
Clorinde turned to Tartaglia. "Looks like you're busy now too."
"Wait a minute! What did I even do to have so many guns pointed at me?" Even Tartaglia couldn't help but widen his eyes in disbelief.
If this had happened in Liyue, he might have understood. But he had just arrived in Fontaine—why were these pitch-black gun barrels being shoved in his face? He hadn't even done anything yet.
Chevreuse gestured, and Turenna produced a report from the Marechaussee Phantom. "You're suspected of murdering Darduffe!"
Tartaglia remained silent for a long moment, a question mark reappearing above his head. "Who?"
After a while, Tartaglia followed the Special Task Force. Clorinde could guess his motive: he wanted to test Fontaine's "Duel" system. Anyone familiar with the Fatui knew how eager Childe was for a fight.
"I'll see you in the Duel Ring!" Tartaglia called out to her.
Clorinde nodded slightly. "I'm on vacation today."
"..... What?"
The unbelievable had happened: Tartaglia was finally escorted away by the Special Task Force.
Clorinde watched the Special Task Force depart, then nodded in acknowledgment to Chevreuse, who saluted her.
"The Special Task Force really has it rough," she remarked, glancing at the white kitten curled up beside her. "I heard they get called in even on their days off. What do you think?"
"Meow?" the kitten replied.
Clorinde crouched down and gently stroked the kitten's belly.
Lost in thought, she murmured, "Why would someone claim to be the Phantom Thief White Cat when they don't even have any feline traits?"
-
Back home, she began packing.
What should I bring? she pondered.
A tabletop game, to stave off boredom.
Snacks, to satisfy my cravings.
And clothes, of course. I can't possibly wear Luna's outfits; they wouldn't fit at all.
Especially across the chest, she thought. Her own buttons were already straining—Luna's would surely burst. She certainly didn't want to ruin anyone else's clothes.
I should probably bring a gift too.
It wouldn't be proper to visit empty-handed.
Soon after, Clorinde arrived at Luna's doorstep, pulling her suitcase with one hand and carrying a bag overflowing with pastries in the other.
She raised a finger and gently knocked on the door.
Knock, knock... The door opened quickly, and Luna peeked out.
"Clorinde?" She blinked, slightly surprised.
"Good afternoon, Luna. I'm here to stay overnight."
Luna glanced at the suitcase Clorinde was dragging.
"I can see that. Come on in."
"Thank you. Here's a gift."
Clorinde handed Luna the bag and wheeled her suitcase into the living room. She looked around but didn't see Navia or Chiori anywhere.
"Where are Navia and Chiori?"
Luna stuffed a pastry into her mouth. "They already went home."
"...What?" Clorinde stared in disbelief. She had assumed Navia and Chiori would be staying longer, not just one night.
No, it's my fault for not asking, Clorinde thought, a headache beginning to form. I should have confirmed their plans yesterday. Now I'm all alone.
"Did you think Navia and Chiori would be staying another night?" Luna asked.
"Yeah, I even brought my new board game—the latest version. I was really looking forward to playing it with all four of us." Clorinde looked genuinely disappointed, a rare expression for her.
It was clear she had been eagerly anticipating a group game night.
"Should I invite them back?" Luna offered.
"...No, I don't know about Chiori, but if Navia were free, she definitely would have stayed longer."
Clorinde, her face expressionless, said, "She's always talking about you. I almost thought she wanted to marry you."
It was undoubtedly a joke.
But Clorinde's unchanging expression made it impossible to tell which of her words were serious and which were in jest.
Luna leaned against the wall, smiling. "So, Clorinde, are you planning to stay here?"
Clorinde pondered for a moment.
Staying overnight at Luna's place alone? She wasn't worried about anything untoward happening.
On the contrary, it was an opportunity to get to know Luna better and deepen their friendship.
The more Navia told her about Luna, the more curious Clorinde became about her various quirks and facets.
"I'll stay," Clorinde said. "Though I might not be as entertaining as Navia. I'm not sure I can keep you from getting bored."
Luna chuckled. "I actually find you quite interesting, Clorinde."
"Hmm? Really?"
She didn't think so herself.
But if Luna said so, then perhaps it was true. Clorinde didn't dislike being complimented, so she nodded frankly and accepted the praise.
Clorinde set down her suitcase and let out a sigh. "I'm a bit tired. Can I borrow your bed for a nap?"
"Sleep together?" Luna asked.
"Sure, as long as you don't kick me off in your sleep."
Luna stared at her in silence for a moment, then smiled. "I think I understand why Navia likes you so much."
"Why?" Clorinde tilted her head slightly.
Luna stepped closer, picked up a pastry, and held it out. "Open wide. Ah—"
Clorinde was puzzled but opened her mouth and took a bite.
Luna then delicately brushed away a crumb from the corner of Clorinde's mouth with her slender finger.
The sudden contact made Clorinde avert her gaze, feeling flustered.
"Because you're adorable."
"...Do you always talk to people like this?"
"Maybe you just happen to be exactly my type? Come on, have another bite?" Luna chuckled, bringing the pastry closer to Clorinde's lips.
"I can feed myself."
"But I want to feed you."
Does Navia have to put up with this every day? Clorinde wondered.
The question flashed through Clorinde's mind as she opened her mouth for another bite. The delicate sweetness of the pastry melted on her tongue, leaving her craving more.
"One more," she said.
Pastry -1
"Another one?" Luna asked.
Pastry -1
"The last one," Luna said, holding it out.
Clorinde gently pushed it away. "No, you can have it."
"Then will you feed me, Clorinde?"
Why has it turned into her feeding Luna now? Clorinde wondered.
But she didn't refuse. Fair was fair; she'd been fed countless times, so returning the favor wasn't strange. She picked up the pastry and popped it into Luna's mouth.
"This is actually pretty good," Luna said contentedly.
"Next time, I'll wait in line with you. They only sell one pastry per person, but with two of us, we can buy two and have more."
After a few more casual exchanges, Luna led Clorinde to the bedroom.
"Let's sleep. I'll stay right here beside you, Clorinde. You can even use me as a pillow if you want."
"No need," Clorinde replied.
As she lay down on Luna's bed, Clorinde noticed strands of hair near the pillow—dark brown locks intertwined with a single, strikingly long golden strand.
"Do you think three people could fit on this bed?" she couldn't help but ask.
"Maybe even four," Luna replied with a smile.
"Unless we arrange ourselves with three lying lengthwise and one crosswise, I don't think it'll work," Clorinde said.
Luna smiled and lay down beside her. "We might need a bigger bed soon," she said, stretching her legs and sighing.
"Want to go look at furniture later? I know a place with nice stuff."
"Sounds good, but let's sleep first. We talked too late last night, and I didn't get enough rest."
Before long, Clorinde noticed Luna had already fallen into a deep sleep.
She closed her eyes, trying to drift off too.
But somehow, the thought of sleeping with Luna where Navia couldn't see them made her feel strangely conflicted.
With a soft exhale, Clorinde brushed aside the distracting thoughts.
In the afternoon, they browsed the furniture store together.
"Find anything you like?" Clorinde asked.
"Not really." Luna thought it would be easier to just make one herself—it was just a matter of activating a Skill.
They chatted while waiting in line for snacks, went to a café to read and drink coffee, and before they knew it, evening had quietly arrived.
"Good night," Luna said.
"Mm-hmm," Clorinde replied.
Just an ordinary day, Clorinde mused.
Yet her body and mind felt remarkably refreshed. Not bad at all.
Being with Luna was surprisingly relaxing. Maybe we're just compatible, she thought.
"It would be even more fun if we could play Tabletop Troupe," Clorinde mused.
If Luna really wanted to play, Clorinde wouldn't mind being the Host while Luna played.
But these kinds of games were much more enjoyable with a larger group.
"Still thinking about that?" Luna chuckled, gently tugging on a strand of Clorinde's hair. "We can try another tabletop game next time. After all, Clorinde and I are good friends now, so we can always find time to hang out."
"...Mm."
Friends... Clorinde's thoughts drifted to Furina. Having served the Hydro Archon for quite some time, she had never seen Furina share a close bond with anyone.
"Being an Archon must be tough," she suddenly murmured.
"You have no idea," Luna agreed.
The next day, Navia hurried into Luna's home. Having finished her work the previous day, she was eager to invite Luna out to play again.
And if she could bring Clorinde and Chiori along too, it would be even more fun!
With this cheerful thought, she eagerly pushed open the door.
"Lulu, let's go play—"
Clorinde sat on the edge of the bed, biting on a satin ribbon as she struggled to tie her hair back. Luna lay behind her, sleeping peacefully.
Clorinde visibly startled at the sight of Navia.
"Navia?" The satin ribbon she had been biting fell from her mouth as she spoke.
"Clorinde?"
"What are you doing here?" "Why are you in Lulu's bed?" they said in unison.
A silence fell between them.