"To be precise, I made this after taking your design sketches."
I knew it! Chiori thought. I felt like one of my sketches was missing.
So this Fat Cat had secretly taken it.
Not only that, but she'd used the design to create such a stunning garment.
Connecting this with what the staff member had said earlier, Chiori formed a guess.
"Could this be for me?"
Luna snapped her fingers. "ChiChi is as clever as ever! Exactly right, this is the sixth outfit I prepared for you. Weren't you missing a model?"
She waved the garment in her hand, her smile gentle.
"Then why don't you step up yourself?"
Chiori remained somewhat stunned.
It wasn't just because Luna had done something so unexpected. She was simply awestruck and deeply moved by the outfit's exquisite craftsmanship.
The design sketch had been a casual doodle inspired by a fleeting moment of inspiration.
It looked decent enough, she thought, but it never made it into her production queue. After all, she had stacks of even better designs waiting to be made.
Yet the finished product far exceeded her wildest imagination.
"...It's truly beautiful."
Chiori gently stroked the fabric.
"Because you designed it, and I made it," Luna replied.
Chiori smiled. "No, the greatest credit belongs to you. I never imagined this dress would turn out so stunning. I can tell you poured your heart and soul into it."
As she touched the stitches, she could almost picture Luna's hands moving as she sewed.
Not a single flaw.
"You've created a true treasure with your own hands," Chiori murmured softly.
Luna chuckled. "After seeing so much, you naturally learn how to make treasures. Enough about that—hurry and put it on."
"..."
Chiori fell silent.
"Running out of time?" Luna pressed relentlessly, her expression inexplicably infuriating.
Chiori's earlier good mood vanished instantly, replaced by a simmering annoyance at Luna's words and that infuriatingly smug expression. She was deeply grateful for Luna's dedication in crafting such a remarkable garment, but...
"I never agreed to be a model," Chiori stated firmly.
"But I want to share the stage with you, Chiori."
"...Why?"
Luna reached out and gently took Chiori's hand. "Do I really need a reason?"
Chiori whispered, "Give me one."
"Just as you've always created beautiful garments for me, I want you to wear my designs too. More importantly, I want to help you achieve your dream."
The dream of making Chioriya Boutique the most renowned brand in Teyvat.
"Because you have no dreams of your own?" Chiori asked casually.
"That's not it at all. It's simply because I like you, Chiori."
Chiori's ears burned. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, letting it partially cover her profile.
Now that Luna had confessed her feelings so openly, what could Chiori possibly say?
"If you don't join me on stage, I won't go either," Luna said with a sly smile. "Wouldn't that be a major blunder for Chioriya Boutique? Then newspapers would be everywhere. Chiori, you wouldn't want your brand to suffer, would you?"
Tch...
This is unbearable.
Whether it was this girl's audacity or her own overwhelming urge to push Luna down right then and there—Chiori knew she had to endure this one time.
Only Luna could make her endure.
"...Help me change, then."
Only Luna could touch her skin, undress her, and persuade her to willingly step onto the stage.
"Alright then."
Luna deftly changed Chiori into a gown she had personally crafted.
Chiori had lost count of how many times she had helped Luna change her clothes.
But being dressed by Luna? That was a rare occurrence, one she could count on one hand.
Chiori's hand sank into Luna's golden hair. As Luna leaned slightly closer, Chiori gently kissed the crown of her head.
"Why did you choose this design? There were so many other options."
Chiori stroked Luna's hair.
"I liked this one, so I chose it."
"Didn't you consider whether it would suit me?"
"No need to."
Luna removed Chiori's hairpin and tied a silk ribbon in its place.
"I trust your designs completely. Besides, no matter what you wear, I'm sure you'll always be an unforgettable splash of vibrant color. So I simply let myself decide."
Chiori caressed Luna's cheek. "I see... I'm very pleased."
"It shows."
After adding the final touches of jewelry, Luna quickly inspected Chiori's appearance and nodded.
That's perfect.
"Time to go," Luna said.
Chiori, rarely showing any discomfort, raised her hand. "Take me with you."
"You were the one who brought me to the stage. Now you have to take responsibility," Luna replied with a smile, grasping Chiori's hand. "Mm."
Leaving the dressing room, Luna led Chiori behind the exhibition booth.
"Finally here—hmm?"
Lyney, still tense from the preparations, noticed Chiori following Luna. The gown she wore unmistakably bore Chiori's design style.
"When did Miss Chiori prepare a set for herself too?" he asked in surprise.
Lynette narrowed her eyes and murmured, "It's not."
The design style was the same, but the craftsmanship was different. She could tell instantly—this had definitely been made by Luna.
Navia laughed. "Chiori's joining us too? Wonderful! I thought you'd just stay in the audience."
Furina struck a pose, hands on her hips. "Not bad! Now you'll finally be worthy of standing on stage with me and Luna. Aren't you thrilled?"
Chiori's face was a mask of "joy," yet her expression remained utterly impassive. "Yes, I'm absolutely thrilled."
"You certainly don't look even remotely thrilled," Furina quipped.
"Well, I'm certainly excited," Luna said with a warm smile.
"Hmph..."
At that moment, the stage announcer raised his voice: "Next up, from Inazuma—'The Thundering Brocade Tailor'! Presenting the fashions of Miss Chiori, owner of Chioriya Boutique!"
The moment had arrived.
Furina pointed dramatically. "Let's go!"
"Ahaha, I'm actually a bit nervous..." Navia admitted, her voice slightly trembling.
As they stepped onto the stage, they were greeted by blinding spotlights, the gazes of countless spectators, and...
"Wow, even more stunning than I imagined..."
"Isn't that Chiori? Is she modeling herself?"
"Miss Luna! Lady Furina! We adore you both!"
"The level of detail is almost terrifying. Are all Inazuman tailors monsters?"
"Such beautiful clothes!"
...and a cacophony of gasps and exclamations.
Luna turned to Chiori. "How do we look?"
"Nothing special," Chiori replied.
But she grinned. "Because this is exactly what we deserve."
Camera flashes erupted like stars, shutters clicking incessantly.
Furina twirled gracefully, striking a pose. Navia unfurled her parasol, striking a poised and elegant silhouette. Lyney pulled his hat low, exuding effortless cool, while Lynette maintained her gentle smile, radiating quiet charm.
Without a doubt, they were the most captivating sight at the Fashion Show.
Yet even more attention was drawn to Luna and Chiori, standing at the center.
Luna struck a pose and whispered, "Chiori."
"What is it?"
"Thank you for mending my heart back then."
Chiori glanced at her sideways, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I merely pointed out your flaws, but I'll accept your thanks... Luna."
"Hmm?"
"I love you," Chiori whispered.
Though her words were instantly drowned out by the cacophony of shutter clicks and applause, Luna still heard her confession.
Luna smiled. "I know."