Strolling down Chanson de lune, I caught the attention of many men and women. The city had changed; many makeshift nests had been built for pigeons, flowers were still everywhere, and the shops offered a wider variety of goods.

  “They still cling to the old ways, how wonderful.”

  “The shops have stocked up on so many new items lately.”

  A few jewelry shops caught my eye; the unusual necklace styles, the pure gemstone colors were quite impressive, and the chains were ready to hang askew.

  “Impressive, quite unconventional,” I said with a touch of interest.

  “Let’s go in, find some inspiration.”

  Pushing open the door to the jewelry shop, I was immediately greeted by neatness, new designs in the display cases, and some soft music.

  A man wearing glasses, dressed in a white shirt with dark blue stripes, tucked into black pants, hurried out to greet me; he was quite small in stature.

  “Excuse me, miss, how can I help you?” his voice was rather indifferent.

  “Are you an employee here? I’d like to see some new gemstone necklaces,” I said with a polite smile.

  “Ah yes, I’m Walter Losette. You’re quite discerning, ma’am. The owner is busy right now,” he said, smiling as he went to get the items.

  The goods were taken out of the display cases and arranged in rows. The one in the middle caught my eye; a deep, dark red that highlighted the gold around the frame and chain, yet subtly competed with itself.

  “The one in the middle… how contradictory! This color… is special.”

  “This one is for formal… and strong occasions, ma’am,” Walter explained slowly.

  The other two pieces, the one on the left is so simple. Pure white, the clarity and purity of the diamonds and crystals are displayed simply, the small diamonds and thin interwoven layers create an elegant accent.

  "This one will sell well, it's easier to match with outfits. The other one is fun, it suits Patricia very well."

  The clear yellow of the sapphire and yellow diamonds is cheerful, subtly elegant and sophisticated, combined with the dazzling gold frame that attracts attention.

  "Ah, sir…" Walter said.

  "Sorry, I was thinking too much." Hearing the call, I snapped back to reality and gave him a wry smile.

  “I was too busy evaluating them; these two will sell better, the one in the middle is too picky for customers.” After hearing this, Walter could only smile wryly and quietly jot it down in his notes.

  Walking around the room, I saw many impressive items, including a mechanical watch with a dazzling silver finish, silently ticking away.

  “It’s a Z-O model, a new model, forty-nine million luminous bronze gold.”

  The items lay quietly, with quite a few necklaces in different designs. Passing the ring section, one ring immediately caught my eye, a hexagonal ruby ??neatly set in a silver frame.

  “This one’s interesting, a WZ model, fifty-three million luminous bronze gold.,” I chuckled softly.

  I looked at the other items; many interesting, shiny, exquisite, and diverse pieces, including many small wedding rings that were very delicate, luxurious, and impressive.

  “You have a shop with great potential,” I said to Walter.

  “Thank you miss, I’ll inform the boss,” Walter nodded slightly.

  “You seem troubled by something, may I know what it is?” I approached the counter, but Walter gave a weak, dismissive smile.

  Walter turned down the music playing on the record player, stepped into a secluded corner, and slumped to the floor, weariness and dejection evident on his thin back. I went to check on him; he forced a strained smile.

  “Miss Celeste is so proactive, this shop is about to close,” Walter said, his voice tinged with sadness.

  “The proud lady… of the magnificent Fontaine de Paris, Tiara Dorée Oréliane, has come here…” Walter said hesitantly.

  “After a few comments… this shop has gone downhill in just a few days…”

  This news surprised me completely, I wasn’t prepared at all. Looking around the house, it was quite old-fashioned, with glossy brown wood, playing vinyl records; it lacked any striking visual appeal, quite minimalist.

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  "Don't be sad, I'll help."

  "But take it slow, I've already taken on quite a lot of work," I patted Walter's back to comfort him.

  "Thank you so much, you're so kind," Walter whispered softly, his voice a mixture of sadness and forced joy.

  I sat beside Walter, comforting him, and neither of us spoke another word. Time passed slowly, the clock ticking steadily, Walter gradually recovering, his gloomy expression giving way to happiness.

  I told myself.

  Looking around the room, the design was simple and minimalist: a bed, a medium-sized wooden wardrobe, a coat rack, and an old baseball cap; there was plenty of empty space in the room.

  Stepping out of the room, Walter, seemingly having just finished his self-service glass of water, was relaxing at the checkout counter, the items that had been displayed earlier now put away.

  "Walter… what about those glasses?" I asked hesitantly. He adjusted his glasses slightly.

  "I have mild myopia, Miss Celeste," he replied concisely, without any further embellishment.

  "Don't be upset, I apologize for asking," I comforted Walter. He didn't reply, only shook his head slightly, seemingly unaffected.

  Without bothering him further, I waved goodbye and left the shop. Strolling through the city, the afternoon sun and fresh flowers adorned the streets like a beautiful painting. People were walking and chatting happily.

  “Hey, have you heard the news?” two young girls chatted.

  “Tickets are about to go on sale at the Palais Garnier, and Diva Rosé Rita is about to perform an opera!” a group of people shouted.

  I chuckled to myself.

  “The evening special, Miss Tiara just wowed Friedensstadt Irene with her new collection…” A young man’s voice rang out, fanning himself with the evening newspaper.

  Walking down the street, as I passed a house, a girl with bright wavy blonde hair stepped out, accompanied by a friend of about the same age with shoulder-length blue hair, wearing a blue and white dress.

  The large wooden door hadn't yet closed, displaying the house number, and beside it, a small garden of blooming red roses.

  "Your Highness, good afternoon! What a pleasant surprise!" the cheerful voice of a blonde girl rang out as soon as she saw me.

  "You know me, little girl?" I paused for a moment. The girl with blue hair looked shy, holding her friend's arm.

  The blonde girl smiled brightly like sunshine. I suddenly remembered a few familiar faces: Stella's enthusiastic smile, Charlotte's mischievousness, and the carefree, innocent girls of the Lightbird clan.

  "Yes, Your Highness, you are the princess of the Sylph tribe. Thank you for protecting everyone," the girl replied innocently and confidently, her bright red eyes sparkling. She adjusted her dress and bowed to me in a basic ceremonial manner.

  “I’m Velvet Bernadette Lafont, a Lightbird. Queen Selena and my teacher Charlotte have told me a lot about the flock,” Velvet said, and I couldn’t hide my surprise.

  “She’s Vivy Jeanne Moreau, my best friend.” Velvet hugged her friend, and Vivy shyly bowed to me.

  I took a good look at her.

  My eyes widened in surprise, unable to believe what I was seeing. Vivy looked at us both with a puzzled expression, but didn't urge her friend to leave like the other girls.

  “I am the daughter of Miss Vermillion Lucine, the younger sister of the esteemed Queen Lucianna!”

  “Yes, Princess, I also have an older brother, Leonard, but he’s with the knights,” she replied cheerfully.

  “Oh, really? Be good, it seems we both have things to do,” I said, approaching and patting her head. Velvet smiled brightly in return, while Vivy remained a little shy.

  They walked hand in hand down the street, and I watched them as they chatted. Vivy’s voice was quite delicate, soft in the breeze, with a hint of worry, but it didn’t blend in with Velvet’s.

  “It feels so nostalgic, just like when Patricia and I were kids.”

  “Chanson de lune never ceases to surprise,” I exclaimed.

  Looking at the Velvet house from the outside, it was quite luxurious, with a light ivory white color and many windows slightly ajar. The rose garden was well-maintained, adding a gentle touch to the house; a few leaves were slightly damaged, but they enhanced the overall look.

  I strode on at the right turn, and after a while, I reached the central square, which was even wider and more bustling. Numerous shops of all kinds, a throng of people and various sounds filled the air, and a few horse-drawn carriages strolled along the street.

  “They’re still the same as ever, they haven’t changed at all,” I chuckled to myself, turning a corner of the street.

  Opening my magic circle, I took out my elegant dark blue fan to shield my face from the dust and smoke, and people quickly moved aside.

  Pushing through the crowd, a row of shops unfolded before me. One shop, particularly striking, was adorned with adorable cat details—a small, three-story building, its colors reminiscent of a calico cat, and its glass windows allowing easy viewing of the interior.

  With a mischievous grin, I opened my magic circle and took out my masquerade mask.

  Stepping inside, a gentle bell rang as the door swung open, and the room was filled with a light, warm, and pleasant fragrance.

  Gothic costumes hung neatly on the walls, a small chair sat beside a tall wooden table, still slightly dusty with chalk dust, tools neatly arranged in the corner, and a few sewing needles tucked into yarn.

  "Is the shop owner here? I'd like to order a custom-made garment," I mimicked a critic's voice, feigning a demanding tone.

  The inner door of the room pushed open, and the door behind it closed, causing me to instinctively look back. It felt like a gust of wind had brushed past me, or perhaps someone was silently watching.

  “I heard you, sigh. Even if you change your voice, you still can't fool a cat.” When I turned around, Marinette had appeared, surprising me.

  “Hello, teacher. Chat Calicot Masqué tailoring shop is pleased to serve you.” Marinette pulled up her dress, bowing elegantly to me with a respectful, slightly haughty tone.

  I carefully observed Marinette, a remarkable creation. Her three-tiered gothic dress hugged her body, a blend of black, brown, and a touch of white. Bows adorned her from her cat-like paws to her head, and her sharp, characteristic golden cat eyes.

  Her long, wavy dark brown hair was neatly tied back on both sides, a three-colored tail with a bow wagging behind her, and her elegant fingers and manicured nails were beautifully manicured.

  “You’re amazing, the outfit suits you so well,” I took off my mask and smiled happily at my student.

  “Teacher, I missed you…” Marinette rushed in, laughing and jumping up to hug me tightly.

  Happiness mixed with joy, Marinette buried her face in me, her cat tail wagging continuously, her claws clinging to my dress. A few minutes later, Marinette let go of me, responding with a face as bright as a flower, mixed with a touch of cuteness.

  “I hope the teacher won’t blame me. I came here on my own because I felt I needed to settle down.” After hearing this, I stroked her head and gently scratched her chin. Her face showed delight, just like a cat being petted.

  “It’s okay, no one will stop loving you, Marinette.” I continued to playfully scratch her chin. Marinette shook her head slightly and rubbed her cheek and head.

  “You’re something else, still liking to pet and tease me.” Marinette blushed slightly, and I chuckled.

  At the same time, the two twin girls walked out. The one in front wore a long white dress with crystal embellishments cascading down the hem, and elegant white high heels. The woman behind me, wearing a white dress that blended seamlessly with the blue, accentuated her waist and made her figure even more elegant, surprising me…

  “Luna, Arianna, I missed you both so much!” Overwhelmed with joy, I rushed to hug both of them.

  “It’s been a long time since we last saw you. We were upstairs taking care of the cats and were just lounging around when we heard your voice, so we came down,” Arianna said softly.

  “What a surprise! We were wondering why you hadn’t arrived yet. Have you had lunch yet?” Luna added, her voice gentle and kind.

  I let go of them both. They gently patted my head, and I happily replied:

  “Yes, I’ve already eaten. By the way, Charlotte really bought a vacation home, and she’s been quite a party girl!”

  “Really bought one? That girl… we have to tell Patricia!” Arianna and Luna exclaimed simultaneously.

  “But before that… this is for little Marinette.”

  I opened my magic circle, took out the prepared gift boxes, and placed them on the table. Marinette wagged her tail excitedly.

  “A gift? Thank you so much, teacher!” Marinette beamed with joy.

  “Celeste is so thoughtful, our cat is so lucky today!” Luna and Arianna said, laughing.

  The ribbons were untied together, and when the gift boxes were opened, Marinette wagged her tail continuously. The two sisters were surprised, and the whole shop was filled with happiness and boundless joy.

  “High-quality royal silk, Celeste, this… this is so luxurious!” Luna picked up a piece of silk to admire it, both of them clearly surprised.

  “Thank you so much!” Marinette hugged me immediately.

  Laughter echoed through the fashion shop, a bustling afternoon as Marinette, her two sisters, and I chatted and tidied up the gifts.

  Some time ago, on the balcony of the guesthouse, Charlotte encountered a lady in elegant black attire, a black veil covering half her face. While Charlotte felt a little awkward, the lady gazed at the city in the distance.

  “Puppeteer, you really are something! Because of your meddling in the Mare Star Palatium security area, I almost got killed by the Serpent Lord Basilika.”

  “That sounds good. I suppose you’re a third-rank member of the guild, aren’t you? Or maybe me?” Puppeteer replied, still gazing at the distant scenery.

  “I saw the incident where your royal sister let someone touch her hair; it sounds quite easygoing.” Puppeteer chuckled.

  Charlotte thought to herself.

  A gentle breeze swept across the balcony, cool and carrying the scent of the flowers decorating it. Staff continued to move about, serving customers. Puppeteer took out a neatly folded piece of paper, and a quick exchange ensued.

  “Don’t you dare play any tricks on my big sister, or you’ll lose your life, and no one will save you,” Charlotte whispered.

  “That sounds awful, but I didn’t say anything,” Puppeteer deflected, ignoring Charlotte’s subtle annoyance.

  Puppeteer thought to herself.

  Time dragged on, the work continued steadily, and Puppeteer left in silence, leaving Charlotte alone to enjoy herself.

  “You really are something. At least order something to drink,” Charlotte sighed wearily.