Just as King was brainstorming—
"Shopkeeper Chiori."
A calm, emotionless voice rang out at the right time; it was Lynette.
At some point, he had walked up to Chiori's side, tilting his head slightly as he asked, "Excuse me, how much will Lord King's suit and Miss Clorinde's dress cost in total?"
Chiori was busily picking up the pearl buttons that had popped off the floor. He froze upon hearing this and looked at Lynette in surprise. Did this cat-eared lady not know the customs of the Opera Epiclese?
"Is this lady a new staff member at the Opera Epiclese?"
Lynette nodded slightly. "Yes, I am Lord King's maid, Lynette."
A look of realization flashed in Chiori's eyes, and he explained politely, "That won't be necessary, Miss Lynette. Chioris Shop has long provided custom clothing and procurement services for the Opera Epiclese, and all costs are settled monthly."
So that was it.
King felt a sense of relief and silently withdrew his hand from his empty pocket. The indifferent expression on his face, which had almost cracked, stabilized again and even became a bit colder.
He gave Chiori a slight nod. "Thank you for your hard work."
"You're too kind; it's only right!" Chiori waved his hands hurriedly, then looked at Clorinde. "Miss Clorinde, please change back into your original clothes first. I will reinforce this dress for you immediately... er, readjust the structure around the bust. I guarantee it will be finished within an hour and sent to the Opera Epiclese."
As if granted a great reprieve, Clorinde immediately turned and practically fled back into the fitting room.
A moment later, Clorinde, back in his usual attire, walked out with his head down. The blush on his face hadn't faded, and he didn't dare look at King, only saying hurriedly to Chiori, "Sorry for the trouble. Please send it over as soon as it's modified."
After speaking, he stood silently behind King like an elementary school student who had done something wrong.
Lynette stepped forward, meticulously packing and then picking up King's discarded casual clothes with precise movements.
With the crisis averted, King had no intention of staying. Under Chiori's ninety-degree bow, he left Chioris Shop with Lynette and the still somewhat distracted Clorinde.
Chiori watched the three of them leave, let out a long sigh of relief, and slumped back into his work chair, feeling as if he had just experienced a thrilling adventure.
He touched his still-aching forehead, then looked at the pearl buttons scattered on the floor, unable to help but mutter, "Miss Clorinde's figure is simply the'strongest in Fontaine'..."
...On the way back to the Opera Epiclese, the atmosphere was even more subtle than when they had come.
Clorinde was silent the whole way, the blush on his face never receding. His eyes wandered, occasionally stealing glances at King's tall back before quickly looking away, lost in thought.
Lynette was as quiet as ever, carrying the bag of clothes and following steadily behind King. However, those pale violet cat-like eyes would occasionally sweep over Clorinde and then look at King ahead thoughtfully.
As the three approached the grand main entrance of the Opera Epiclese, a familiar figure stood on the high steps with arms crossed.
It was Furina.
He had changed into an even more elaborate and magnificent blue-and-white formal dress today, wearing a small, exquisite top hat. Although he looked dressed up for a banquet, there wasn't a hint of the joy one should have when attending one on his beautiful little face.
On the contrary, he puffed out his cheeks slightly, his heterochromatic eyes fixed on the three approaching at the bottom of the stairs, his gaze full of grievance.
Especially when his gaze swept over the well-fitting, brand-new black suit on King, and then at Clorinde following by his side with a suspicious blush still on his cheeks... the iconic blue cowlick on top of Furina's head almost stood up like an antenna!
A thick scent of what could be called "sourness" filled the air.
"Hmph."
"You guys..."
Furina's voice trailed off, filled with obvious displeasure and accusation:
"Why didn't you call me when you went out to have fun?"
"..."
King paused at the foot of the stairs, looking at the Hydro Archon above who was puffing out his cheeks with a face that said "I'm very unhappy," feeling a bit helpless.
It was just going out to buy some clothes; why did it seem like he had done something to wrong him?
Before he could speak, Lynette beside him answered first.
"Lord Furina, we didn't go out to play. It was just that Lord King didn't have a suitable formal suit, so we went to 'Chioris Shop' to pick one out."
He tilted his head slightly and glanced at the blushing Clorinde beside him. "Miss Clorinde also picked one out while we were there; it will be delivered later."
The cat-eared maid's tone was as calm as if he were reporting on work, seemingly unaware of the thick sourness in the air.
Hearing Lynette's explanation, Furina was not only unconvinced but grew even angrier.
That's not the point!
"I know you went to buy a suit!"
Furina's small leather shoes stomped lightly on the steps, his voice carrying obvious dissatisfaction. "But why didn't you ask me to go buy it with you?!"
"I am the most artistic and fashion-savvy Furina in all of Fontaine—no, in all of Teyvat!"
Lynette and Clorinde exchanged a glance.
Could the Hydro Archon... be throwing a tantrum?
Or rather, is he feeling lonely?
Looking at Furina's "I'm very unhappy, come coax me" appearance, King felt a bit helpless but also thought it was somewhat cute.
"Next time,"
King spoke, his voice still flat but less cold than usual. "I'll definitely call you next time."
It was a very simple sentence, hardly even a promise.
But Furina's eyes suddenly lit up as if stars had fallen into them. That restless blue cowlick also swayed happily.
"Really?"
He pressed, a hint of hard-to-detect joy in his voice.
"Yes."
King nodded.
"Then it's a deal!"
The gloom on Furina's face vanished instantly, replaced by that iconic, somewhat flamboyant smile.
He hopped lightly down the steps, sidled up to King, and with hands behind his back, circled him halfway, carefully examining the black suit he was wearing.
"Hmm... Chiori's craftsmanship is indeed good; this suit suits you well—steady and handsome! But if it were up to me to choose, I would suggest you try sapphire blue or deep blue; that would highlight your temperament even more!"
He rubbed his chin, unintentionally mixing in his own preferences while commenting seriously, recommending his favorite colors to King.
Just then, the doors of the Opera Epiclese were pushed open.
Neuvillette's figure appeared at the doorway.
He was still wearing his meticulous Iudex uniform, holding the cane that symbolized his authority, his expression as steady and calm as ever.
His gaze swept over the people below the steps, pausing briefly on King's brand-new suit, and then he understood.
"It seems Mr. King is already prepared for the banquet."
Neuvillette walked down the steps, his voice steady. "I was just about to go back and change my clothes. I hope I am not disturbing you all."
His wording was as formal as ever, as rigid as if he were conducting official business.