"Lady Furina, please open your eyes."
Furina felt her eyes were still damp. Hearing Luna's gentle voice, her eyelashes fluttered slightly before she opened her eyes.
Bright lamplight, filtered by the drawn curtains, sealed off the outside world. The soft, comforting scent lingered, calming her heart.
Furina had regained her composure... or rather, she had found a moment of peace within herself.
"Where am I?"
"Why, in your own bedroom, of course," Luna replied from her seat on the bed.
"I'm back?"
Luna leaned closer, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Shall I help Lady Furina confirm that? I promise to be very gentle."
Furina startled. "When you emphasize 'gentle' like that, it only makes me uneasy!"
Don't go out of your way to stress the word 'gentle'!
Moreover, Furina noticed she was still being held like a princess, nestled in Luna's arms.
"P-put me down," Furina stammered, her face flushed crimson.
"Are you sure? Earlier, Lady Furina was shedding such precious little tears—truly a heart-wrenching sight."
Furina's blush deepened, and she shyly averted her gaze. "T-that wasn't tears! It was just an excess of Hydro Element overflowing from my eyes! Not tears at all!"
No matter how many times Furina insisted, Luna's smile remained unchanged. In fact, it softened even further, making Furina feel increasingly flustered.
"Just... put me down already."
"No."
No? What does that even mean?!
Furina had never imagined a single word could make her so tense. Is the White Cat planning something again? she wondered. Even though she did save me...
I need to change positions. Talking like this is making the atmosphere weird.
Furina gently pushed against Luna's chest, struggling to get down.
"There's no need to worry, Lady Furina."
"Huh?"
Luna gently pressed Furina's head against her shoulder. Leaning in close, her cheek near Furina's forehead, she whispered, "Lady Furina can always rely on me, whenever she wishes."
Luna's warm breath tickled Furina's eyelashes and the tip of her nose. Furina pursed her lips.
"I..." Furina began, her voice barely audible.
But Luna slid her hand from Furina's head to her mouth, silencing her with a gentle fingertip. "Don't worry. Don't be nervous. And there's no need to say anything more."
"As you know, I'm only interested in treasure. I've never cared about anything else. If Lady Furina wishes to confide in me, I will, of course, listen attentively."
"If not, that's perfectly fine too."
"Think of me as the tree you lean against on a spring day, or the gentle breeze that whispers through the grass as you lie there. Simply feel my presence in silence."
Furina pressed her lips into a tight line.
How cunning, she thought.
Despite her harsh words last time and all the rejections and attempts to distance herself before that, the Phantom Thief showed no anger whatsoever, treating her with the same unfailing tenderness.
"...You shouldn't be so kind to me," Furina blurted out.
"How I treat others is entirely my own decision."
Furina stopped struggling.
Of course, she would never reveal the truth about the Hydro Archon Focalors to anyone, nor would she ever confide her deepest secrets to another soul.
It wasn't as if she had chosen to grow close; it was...
That's right! It was all Phantom Thief White Cat's fault! She had forced Furina's hand.
Yes, that was exactly it.
Sigh, but even I know that doesn't make sense, Furina lamented inwardly.
But Furina felt utterly exhausted and drained. Just for a moment—ten seconds, really, just ten seconds—she thought it would be okay to rest in silence.
Wait a minute.
Furina suddenly realized she was leaning on Luna's right shoulder and jolted upright.
"Whoa?!"
"What's wrong?" Luna asked, surprised.
"What do you mean, 'What's wrong'?" Furina exclaimed. "Didn't you get shot in the shoulder?"
"Oh, right. That did happen."
"Huh?"
What did that mean?
Furina frowned. "You're acting like you weren't even... hit by a..."
"...gun?" Her voice trailed off in realization.
Now that she thought about it, was Phantom Thief White Cat really the type to get shot?
This was the woman who'd made her debut dodging bullets in a hail of gunfire without taking a single hit!
Not to mention her vast elemental abilities.
Could it be...?
If the kidnapping and all those theatrics had been staged, was it possible the gunshot wound was faked too?
"You weren't hit at all?!" Furina finally exclaimed, two days after the incident.
Luna began to unbutton her shirt.
"Look."
"Whoa!? What are you trying to show me?!" Furina hastily covered her eyes.
"Look at my body."
"I-I'm not interested in that! I mean, I'm the Archon!" Furina turned her back, refusing to look.
"One glance will make it clear."
"No way! Why would I look? Just explain it properly! Yes! Hurry up and explain your whole criminal scheme and intentions!"
Furina desperately wanted to know Luna's motives.
Luna thought, Furina really is easily embarrassed, but that's precisely what makes her so endearing.
"A verbal explanation would be rather dull. Since Lady Furina refuses to look at me directly, I'll have to resort to this."
Resort to what?! Furina's heart skipped a beat.
She suddenly felt a force pulling her arm.
Before she knew it, Luna had dragged her onto the bed and pinned her wrists down.
"W-wait! Hold on!" Furina's face flushed crimson as panic surged through her.
"What do you think you're doing?!"
"Making sure Lady Furina looks at me properly."
Furina squeezed her eyes shut. "I told you, I'm not looking!"
Luna suddenly gasped in pain.
"It hurts..."
Huh? Is her wound acting up again?
Furina couldn't help but open her eyes. All she saw was Luna's bare, snow-white skin and her triumphant, smug smile.
"Lady Furina, you truly care about me. But look, there's no wound here."
Of course, there might be one later. Perhaps even a fatal one.
Furina scrutinized Luna's body, but there wasn't a single mark.
"...You deceived everyone," she whispered.
"So what?"
Furina opened her mouth to retort, but she had to admit, so what? No one could command Luna, no one could control her. That was the nature of the Phantom Thief White Cat.
"Then... why? Why risk tarnishing your reputation and making countless enemies?"
Luna simply smiled at Furina's question.
"Because a certain lovely lady I admire works at the Court of Justice."
Is she talking about me? Furina wondered. But I'm not exactly part of the Court of Justice. I'm the Archon, not a court official.
Then who was the person Luna admired?
Furina averted her gaze. "Hmph, so that's how it is. I bet you wouldn't dare reveal their real name, would you? No wonder, considering they're likely your accomplice!"
"It's Miss Chevreuse."
"...Huh?"
Luna repeated, "It's Miss Chevreuse."
The police captain who actually shot her? Furina blinked rapidly, even more bewildered.
Even before meeting Chevreuse in person, Furina knew from rumors and reports that she was an elite officer, uncompromisingly righteous and fiercely opposed to evil.
While Chevreuse might employ convicted criminals as temporary consultants, her methods were always unorthodox.
But collusion with criminals? Absolutely unthinkable.
"I understand you less and less," Furina muttered.
"Then that means I'm quite mysterious, doesn't it?" Luna smiled. She released one of Furina's wrists, letting her fingertips brush through her hair. "Rest assured, Lady Furina, the one who attacked you won't be back."
How can you be so sure? Furina desperately wanted to ask. But she couldn't afford to show weakness again. Even if Luna didn't believe her, she had to maintain the commanding presence befitting an Archon.
"Thank you," Furina said, her voice firm.
Still, Furina had to express her gratitude.
She puffed up her chest, trying to sound imposing. "Stopping an attack on a God is a tremendous feat! It's a pity I can't publicly reward you, given your status as a criminal who can't show her face."
"I don't mind," Luna replied. "But I have a request I hope Lady Furina will grant."
Please don't let it be some outrageous demand, Furina thought uneasily, but nodded.
"It's quite simple," Luna said, leaning down to press a soft kiss against the corner of Furina's eye. Out of the corner of her eye, Furina saw her ears immediately flush a vivid red.
"Have Sweet dreams..."
"Ah..."
For some reason, Furina felt her eyes grow warm again.
The Hydro Element threatened to overflow!
But she stubbornly held it back. She had already cried twice in front of Luna—exactly twice. She couldn't afford a third breakdown.
Everything comes in threes.
And when Luna said that, it usually meant one thing.
"You're..."
Leaving? Furina couldn't bring herself to ask the question.
As expected, Luna straightened up and headed toward the window, but suddenly stopped.
Why did she stop?
Luna looked down, and Furina followed her gaze.
A hand clad in a white-gloved stocking was gently pinching Luna's sleeve. It took Furina a few seconds to realize it was her own hand.
Furina quickly withdrew her unruly hand and said nonchalantly, "Thank you again for everything you've done. That's all I wanted to say."
Luna pressed a hand to her chest and chuckled. "Lady Furina, saying such things only makes me want to keep you here even more." She gave a slight bow. "Good night, Lady Furina. If you find yourself unable to sleep, please remember me. Even the version of me that exists only in your memory will surely steal away your worries."
"I've left you a little gift. Remember to brush your teeth after you finish it." Luna gave Furina one last lingering look before disappearing out the window.
A gift?
Furina noticed a blueberry cake had appeared on the table. She walked over, gently cut a slice, and put it in her mouth. "...Delicious," she murmured.
Thank goodness the White Cat is alright.
Of course, she could only keep this thought to herself, unable to voice it to anyone.
-
Meanwhile, Arlecchino stood by the railing, gazing at the night view of Fontaine.
Tap... tap... Footsteps approached from behind.
"It seems like ages since we last stood shoulder to shoulder, admiring the same view," Arlecchino said. "But I know your heart still belongs to the House of the Hearth. You'll always be a child of the hearth."
Arlecchino turned to face Luna directly.
Luna had changed into a new outfit, and beneath the brim of her hat, her eyes sparkled with complex emotions.
"I attended your harpsichord performance. It was magnificent," Arlecchino said, approaching Luna. She gently grasped a strand of Luna's hair and slowly let it slide through her fingers.
A faint smile finally touched Arlecchino's lips. "It's been many years since we last met formally. You've grown up, Luna."
Luna's hair seemed to glow even more brilliantly, her eyes more captivating than ever. All traces of childishness had vanished, leaving behind only pure beauty. She had blossomed into a remarkable young lady.
Luna's heart quickened slightly, and a blush rose on her cheeks.
"Um... long time no see," she stammered, unsure of how to address Arlecchino.
Noticing her hesitation, Arlecchino said, "You can call me whatever you like. I don't mind."
"Then..." Luna blushed. "Arle?"
She had always wanted to call her that. Arlecchino knew this.
But hearing her given name instead of "Father" still left Arlecchino momentarily silent.
"Yes, you may call me that," Arlecchino replied. "After all, depending on your answer, it might be the only name you're allowed to call me from now on."
This wasn't a subtle hint; it was a clear statement.
Luna's fate now hinged on the conversation that would follow.
Arlecchino turned around.
"Come now. While you were comforting that pitiful Lady Furina, I reserved a dinner for us—all your favorites. I'm sure you'll be pleased."
"...Very well." Luna's face showed no regret or fear.
Arlecchino was now certain.
Luna hadn't changed at all.