Chiori changed into a new pair of black garter stockings in the tent. The pair she had been wearing was, of course, no longer wearable after being soiled. She had taken them to be washed with clean water and then stored them away using her Vision's pocket space. A Vision was not only an external magic organ for its wielder but also contained a small internal space, perfect for storing a few items. As for whether she would wear the washed stockings again... they were intimate apparel, and it would be a shame to discard them, so Chiori probably would.
When she emerged from the tent, the first thing she saw was Lu Li sitting by the shore, looking a bit emo. Chiori crossed her arms, huffed lightly, and said coolly, "How long are you going to sit there? I don't even mind, so what are you so worked up about?"
"Ah, this!" Lu Li rubbed his nose awkwardly. He had, after all, made a mess of her stockings. And despite being just friends, they had suddenly and inexplicably taken this new step. He was still struggling to adapt to the sudden shift in their relationship.
But now, seeing that Chiori still looked cool and unfazed, as if the incident meant nothing to her, Lu Li nodded and agreed with her proposal to put it behind them.
"So, heading back now?" Lu Li asked casually as he joined her on the path back to the Court of Fontaine.
Chiori nodded. "We'll go back, have a meal, and it'll be evening. It's perfect... I have some new ideas for my next designs. Also, if you have time, come by the shop so I can take your measurements. A new year is coming, don't you want a new outfit? Liyue has the Lantern Rite, right? As you say, we're both strangers in a strange land. I can't help you much, but I can make you a new outfit. Consider it a memento of our year-long friendship."
"Haha, alright. I'll come by when I have time," Lu Li said with a touch of emotion, stretching as they walked. "By the way, Chiori, I wanted to ask, has Clorinde been to your shop recently?"
"She left a jacket with me to have a button sewn on. She should be by today or tomorrow. Why, do you need her for something?"
Chiori didn't notice it, but in the past, saying this would have left her calm. Now, after speaking, even she didn't realize a flicker of impatience had crept into her tone.
Lu Li didn't catch it either, as Chiori's tone was always direct.
"Yes, I do. Not long ago, on a mission, I happened to acquire a power that lets me control elemental energy, even without a Vision," Lu Li explained softly.
Chiori stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes turning cold and serious. "A Delusion?"
"No," Lu Li shook his head. "I don't need to pay any price to use this power."
Hearing this, Chiori scoffed, crossing her arms with a look of disbelief. She knew about Lu Li's hidden identity; his other friends probably did too, though it was an unspoken truth. Lu Li never pried into their private lives and was adamant about not dragging them into his troubles, which was how their friendships had remained so strong. But today, hearing that he would resort to such means to pursue power, she was naturally a little angry.
Seeing her distrust, Lu Li sighed. "Fine, I'll show you. Come closer. I can't control the attack's power very well yet."
Seeing that he didn't seem to be faking, Chiori, though still doubtful, slowly approached. But she stopped a short distance away, making Lu Li feel speechless. You just helped me out like that, and now you're keeping your distance?
He simply reached out and pulled the relatively petite Chiori into his arms.
The cool beauty from Inazuma flushed with annoyance and was about to hit him when she looked up and saw the handsome boy's black eyes suddenly turn a brilliant gold.
(What is this...) Chiori didn't understand, but she was deeply shaken.
As a Vision holder, her perception of elemental energy was sharp. At that moment, she clearly felt the surrounding elements fall into chaos and the air temperature skyrocket.
The next instant, she saw a violent explosion erupt in a five-meter radius around them as Lu Li finished chanting a string of unfamiliar words.
"BOOM—"
Though she wasn't the target, the cool beauty could clearly sense the force of the blast. If this attack were unleashed in the streets or inside a building... a single blow could likely destroy an entire city block.
It was an outrageous amount of power. Even some Pyro Vision holders might not possess such strength...
She looked up at Lu Li's golden eyes and said softly, "It really isn't a Delusion, and it's quite impressive. But don't tell me you're looking for Clorinde to spar with her?"
"Not exactly. I want her to guide me, to learn how to control elemental energy and apply it in combat," Lu Li said sincerely.
Chiori looked at the scorched, ravaged surroundings and nodded. "That's fair. This power certainly has room for learning control... I understand. If I see Clorinde in the next two days, I'll tell her."
"I'm counting on you, Chiori!" Lu Li thanked her warmly.
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