"Well, Luna? Don't you think my Liyue-inspired look is quite charming?"
Furina, dressed in traditional Liyue attire, came into view.
Overall, she didn't look much different from her usual self.
A suit-style top paired with hot pants.
The feather-like tailcoat had vanished, replaced by a swallowtail design—which, on the whole, still emphasized Furina's playfulness and cuteness.
Luna smiled faintly. "It's become a chocolate cake now."
"Seriously? Can't you find a different metaphor?" Furina's cheeks flushed slightly.
It makes it sound like you want to devour me.
Though, if we're being honest, Luna looked even more tempting: a tight black inner shirt layered beneath an elegant white robe, her long, smooth legs casting soft shadows against the black stockings—as if a single tug could peel away this wrapping to reveal the sweet, soft treat within.
"It suits you surprisingly well," Furina murmured, stroking Luna's hair.
"It would suit me even better with black hair," Luna replied, stealing a kiss on the back of Furina's hand.
Or maybe white hair.
That's right! I still have my transformation skill.
It's easy to forget these minor skills when I'm not working as a Phantom Thief.
Luna entered the dressing room and transformed. Her golden hair instantly lengthened and turned silver.
"How do I look?" she asked as she emerged.
Furina beamed. "It looks pretty good! But why white hair?"
"Because we're in Liyue."
"?"
What does that have to do with Liyue?
At that moment, Navia emerged from the changing room, having finished trying on her outfit.
"Quick, look! Don't I look like a legendary heroine from a Liyue novel?"
Navia's sleek, form-fitting outfit accentuated her graceful curves. She could easily stand out among the four of them, and at first glance, she genuinely resembled a martial arts heroine from a wuxia novel.
Luna pointed to a corner of the clothing shop. "There seem to be wooden swords over there. Why don't you show off a bit?"
Navia grabbed two wooden swords, stepped outside, and began practicing with vigorous, wind-whipping strikes.
"How was that?!"
Furina clapped enthusiastically. "Impressive!"
Luna chuckled. "One combo like that and you'd probably smash someone into mincemeat."
"Smash? I was clearly cutting!" Navia exclaimed in surprise.
"Mastering Twin Swords isn't easy. For example..." Luna circled behind Navia, lifted her hands, and pressed them tightly against Navia's back. Warm breath brushed against Navia's ear.
"The force in your arms and the rotation of your wrists shouldn't be too abrupt. Unlike a powerful Claymore, Twin Swords rely on relentless, continuous strikes. Nana? Are you even listening?"
Not at all.
Navia's face was flushed crimson. How could she possibly concentrate when pressed so close!
Seeing this, Luna grinned and began tickling Navia's side.
"W-waah?! Ahahaha, no, Lulu—stop... hahahaha..."
Furina raised an eyebrow. "Luna..."
"Want to join, Furina?"
"Huh? I didn't say that! Don't come any closer!"
As Chiori and Lynette exited the shop, they saw Luna chasing a fleeing Furina, while Navia, her face still flushed, sat to the side, panting.
Lynette sighed. "What on earth is going on here?"
"The cat chases the mouse," Chiori said.
"Who's the mouse?!" Furina protested, clearly annoyed.
Chiori's hair and features suited Liyuean attire well, but she clearly preferred lightweight, breezy clothes. The only constant was her black stockings.
Luna chuckled. "Boss Lady Chiori has become Sister Chiori now."
"Who are you calling 'Boss Lady'? You're the real boss lady," Chiori scoffed.
Lynette was similarly dressed in light, white clothing that revealed her shoulders and slender legs. Luna was slightly surprised.
"Doesn't Lynette usually prefer grayscale outfits?" Luna asked.
"...You remember that? Yes, it's convenient. When there's an emergency, I don't have to change. But here, there are no missions."
Just a simple trip.
Lynette tugged at her collar. "Does it suit me?"
"Perfectly, Miss Magic Cat," Luna replied warmly.
"Good."
Lynette's expression relaxed. She had another unspoken reason: since Luna was the White Cat, it wouldn't hurt for her to occasionally play the part of a white cat as well.
Arlecchino returned at that moment, glancing at them.
"It seems you've made your selections. I'll settle the bill this time."
Navia shook her head. "We couldn't possibly impose on you."
Chiori retorted bluntly, "We'll pay for our own purchases. We're not children of the House of the Hearth, so there's no need for Madam Arlecchino to go out of her way."
Lynette didn't seem to mind either way.
Furina asked warily, "Why are you suddenly doing this?"
"Consider it a gesture of gratitude for your kindness toward Luna. Please don't refuse."
At this point, the three women exchanged glances and reluctantly accepted. This wasn't a favor, but rather a parent thanking them for their support of Luna.
Navia smiled. "In that case, we'll graciously accept your offer."
Chiori nodded. "Thank you."
Furina stammered, "W-well, all right then. Thank you."
"You're most welcome."
Arlecchino stepped into the store, with Luna quickly following.
"'Father', look!"
As Luna spoke, she brushed her hand across her face. Instantly, strands of black streaked through her white hair.
"Just like you," Luna said with a gentle smile, touching her highlighted hair.
Just like me... Arlecchino picked up a strand of hair near Luna's face. This wasn't just a dye job; it had fundamentally altered her original appearance. To an outsider, they would undoubtedly be mistaken for a real mother and daughter.
"It's very beautiful," Arlecchino said. "The clothes are lovely too."
Luna beamed with satisfaction.
Arlecchino tucked a strand of Luna's hair behind her ear. "But you don't need to change yourself. I prefer the golden shimmer in your hair."
"I thought so too," Luna said, reverting her hair to its original golden hue and looping her arm through Arlecchino's.
"'Father', why don't you pick out an outfit to try on here?"
"No need."
Any other child would have given up at this point, but Luna was different. She tugged insistently at Arlecchino's arm, dragging her toward the clothing rack.
Arlecchino watched her for a moment, then finally relaxed her grip and allowed Luna to lead her to the rack.
Luna picked up the clothes, trying them on Arlecchino one by one.
"'Father,' please think of this as a simple spring outing. No missions, no burdens, even though your Harbinger identity remains a shadow at your side and the Curse still flows through your veins."
Luna smiled. "Or perhaps you want me to steal away these heavy thoughts for you, 'Father'?"
"No. These thoughts don't belong to you. I won't let you take them. As your 'Father,' I refuse to burden you with what belongs to me."
Arlecchino didn't bother trying on the clothes herself, simply letting Luna hold them up against her to gauge the effect.
She merely tilted Luna's chin slightly.
Luna bit her fingertip. "That's why it's called stealing."
"Hah... fair enough. I already feel much more relaxed, but—"
Arlecchino pressed Luna's hand down.
"No skirts or anything like that. They don't suit me."
After all, she was "Father."