Furina, Please Let Me Steal Your Heart!

Another week passed. The night of the banquet arrived.

Just as Luna had gleaned from her sources, a crowd of wealthy elites and nobility filled the spacious hall, wine glasses in hand, conversing as they mingled.

Though an abundance of exquisite pastries graced the tables, few were being enjoyed.

Of course, it wasn't that they couldn't be eaten, but rather that one must maintain "elegance."

No single piece could be consumed in excess; each morsel must be savored slowly, and one couldn't be solely focused on eating... In short, the unwritten rules were numerous.

In such an environment, indulging in the food to one's heart's content required a thick skin.

But Luna had no appetite to begin with, and compared to these sweets, she preferred the macarons Navia made. So, she merely sampled a few before losing interest.

Besides, she lacked the energy to engage more.

"Luna, your performance was truly extraordinary."

"Your bearing during the trial was captivating indeed. Ah, I should introduce myself: I'm from the... family. Would you be interested in dining together sometime?"

With her newfound fame came a bevy of sycophantic suitors, eager to profit from her favor. Impressed by her potential, numerous nobles hoped their sons could win her affection—daughters were welcome, too.

Handling these opportunists was no challenge, but the complete lack of information about any treasures left Luna feeling utterly helpless. Why are these people all so impoverished? she wondered. Don't they have a single treasure worthy of note?

"Lu Lu!"

Just as Luna was about to lose interest, a familiar voice called out.

She looked up and saw a dazzling white figure approaching, skirt fluttering. It was a stunning blonde with delicate makeup and an captivating smile—none other than Navia.

Behind her followed Chiori, resuming her usual attire—a stark contrast to their previous agreement on dressing appropriately for the occasion.

Regardless, their arrival swept away all of Luna's frustration.

"Navia, Chiori, you're finally here!" Luna exclaimed.

"My apologies, we were slightly delayed," Navia said as she approached Luna, "but I made it just in time, didn't I?" She reached out and took both of Luna's hands right away.

What's with the hand-holding straight out of the gate?

Smiling at the others, Navia explained, "Everyone, please wait a moment. We've already reserved a spot with Lulu first."

"Of course, of course..."

"They seem quite close indeed..."

To navigate high society, one must at least be able to read the room.

The casual crowd had thinned, and the trio found themselves a corner where they could finally speak without interruption. Chiori couldn't help but wear a teasing expression as she spoke.

"It seems our starry Miss celebrity finds this gala rather dull," she said.

"Oh, it is indeed," Luna concurred.

She hadn't come here for networking, after all. Nor did she need to flatter anyone. The only thing of value in this place was information, but so far, there hadn't been a single morsel worth her attention.

Navia, noticing Luna's discomfort, complimented her on her attire. "Your dress is truly lovely."

"What about my self?" Luna asked with a smile.

"Of course, it only serves to highlight your own grace and allure. If I were you, I'd expect a line of dance partners at the social later."

While not all gatherings included a dance, such events were nearly always part of a larger feast or banquet. Dancing was an integral part of the nobles' social activities.

Naturally, Luna had no interest in social dancing, except perhaps if her partner was someone like Chevreuse or Furina.

"Don't worry. I'll turn them all down," she assured Navia.

She had the confidence and ability to do so, of course.

Chiori wasn't surprised. "I knew it was you—I should've guessed. So, you're not planning to dance at all?"

"Well, about that... What about you, Navia?" Luna deftly changed the subject.

"Hm? Me?" Luna examined Navia's attire.

The white ceremonial dress appeared pure and noble. If anyone else had worn it, they would have looked like an innocent maiden, evoking feelings of affection. But on Navia, it instead accentuated her dazzling charm even more, making each of her gestures, her every smile, yet more captivating.

"Navia, you look beautiful! I'm sure lots of people will want to invite you to dance."

A blush blossomed across Navia's face, and she laughed. "Your praise is making me feel embarrassed now. But it's all thanks to Chiori's help, really."

Chiori smiled. "Well, I can take half the credit."

"You won't deny it at all?" Luna asked.

"The other half is because Navia is simply very attractive. The costume just makes it more noticeable."

"I thought you only knew how to tell me I looked pretty."

Sighing, Chiori said, "Well, no matter how I think about it, that's true."

"Am I going to cry now?"

"Cry, go ahead."

"You're sure? My acting is absolutely top-notch these days. I'll definitely pull it off convincingly," Luna boasted confidently.

"That's fine," Chiori replied calmly. "I was thinking that if there was ever an opportunity, I would make you cry too, just to teach you a lesson. Misunderstandings will work perfectly for me. It'll be easier now, without any reservations in the future."

"Are you serious?"

"What do you think?"

It has to be a joke, Luna decided.

Otherwise, she'd have to question Chiori's preferences.

I mean, constantly trying to make her cry... No matter how you spin it, it sounds odd. Like she's some kind of masochist.

Suddenly, Navia moved behind Luna, draping her arms over her shoulders.

"Chiori, don't you think we look like we're sisters?" Navia asked curiously.

As Navia drew near, Luna caught another whiff of her perfume. It was slightly stronger than before, but still not overpowering.

Both had blonde hair, but their eye colors and features were different.

"No, you don't."

"Hmm, you don't think so...? I was hoping we could be like sisters," Navia lamented.

"That's perfect as it is. I don't want any extra sisters or younger siblings," Luna cheerfully sidestepped the topic.

She was more curious about something else. "Chiori, why aren't you wearing a gown?"

"You two can take care of that."

Ever since Luna had known Chiori, she'd never seen her friend model herself.

Always, Chiori relied on Luna or someone else with a different body shape to be the mannequin. Luna suspected this might be related to Chiori's career mindset, but she'd never broached the subject.

"Why not?" Navia inquired.

"The focus of this banquet isn't on me. Besides, I don't want to deal with these troublesome people," Chiori said with a light scoff.

"They always say things I don't want to hear, ask questions I'd rather ignore— all because of those silly little concerns they have," she continued.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to stop myself from taking action, so rather than being as ostentatious as a certain someone, I'd rather keep a lower profile."

Luna, however, didn't think Chiori was being all that low-key.

Despite her temper, which made people keep a respectful distance, her natural beauty still attracted plenty of attention.

"When she stays silent, she's an absolute beauty," Luna sighed.

"Say whatever you want."

Just then, applause suddenly rang out.

It turned out that the ball was about to begin, and a well-known band had taken the stage. The crowd started to part in an orderly manner, stepping to the sides, leaving the center open for those who wished to dance.

Of course, this was also the moment when invitations were extended.

A young nobleman approached Luna, bowing respectfully.

"Miss Luna, may I have the honor of this dance?"

"Sorry, I already have a partner."

The young noble's expression turned awkward, but the gaze from his father behind him was sharp as a blade, making him too afraid to back down.

Forcing himself to press on, he asked, "May I ask who it is…?"

Luna didn't answer. Instead, she simply smiled slightly, turned lightly, and extended her hand, palm up.

"Navia, would you like to dance with me?"