Furina, Please Let Me Steal Your Heart!

Staring at Luna's outstretched hand, Navia couldn't help but recall her slender, delicate fingers through the thin black silk glove.

She asked, astonished, "Me?"

"Yes, is that so strange?"

It wasn't strange at all.

The dance party didn't specify that couples had to be male and female.

Thus, if one wished, they could dance with their female or male friend.

Of course, the former wasn't unusual, but the latter... was somewhat odd.

It might even be mistaken for a classic case of "BL."

"Not strange, no, I just thought..." Navia sneakily glanced at Chiori.

She had assumed Luna would ask Chiori first.

They were dance partners, true, but Luna and Chiori had known each other longer and shared a deeper bond. Their every action hinted at an almost imperceptible rapport.

Logically, shouldn't Chiori have been first in line?

Sensing Navia's gaze, Chiori nonchalantly replied, "I'm not interested."

"See? She's already said it's fine," Luna prompted.

Is it really okay?

Navia hesitated for a split second before taking Luna's hand.

"Well, since my partner has invited me, I can't refuse."

Navia sneaked another furtive look at Chiori, relieved to find that she indeed showed no signs of objection.

Everyone perceived her as optimistic and energetic, but that didn't mean she lacked a discerning mind.

Even Navia herself had her concerns.

"Excellent, let's go," Luna said, pulling Navia towards the center of the banquet. The other guests had also paired up for dancing.

Seeing this, the band on stage began to play a serene melody.

"Shall we dance too?" Navia asked with a smile, noticing everyone else had already started.

They took each other's hands and began stepping in rhythm with the music.

Navia knew that Luna was originally an adventurer who had recently become an actress. Her singing and acting could be described as the best among her peers.

But she didn't expect Luna's dancing skills to be quite good as well.

"Have you studied dance?"

"Does sword dancing count?"

Navia smiled. "Of course it does! You seem to be skilled in so many things. Lately, people have been saying you were born for the stage, that you even came into the world with a curtain in your mouth."

Then, did becoming a Phantom Thief make her born with a mask in her mouth?

"What are you talking about?" Luna said helplessly.

"No, but seriously, were you born with a sheet music in your mouth instead?"

"I doubt it. Besides, no one can remember exactly what happened when they were first born."

As Luna moved, Navia's steps quickly followed. The two changed positions, but her eyes remained fixed on Luna's flowing blond hair.

When Navia's hand reached Luna's shoulder, she gently twirled a strand of her hair around her finger.

"Hmm... I don't remember either," Luna replied softly. "If I did, perhaps I could see what my mother truly looked like with my own eyes."

Navia's mother had died during childbirth—a fact known to many in the community who were familiar with the Thistle Society's history.

Luna chuckled lightly. "Indeed, I'm the same."

"Even you too, Lulu?" Navia gazed thoughtfully into Luna's eyes before smiling. "It seems we have more in common than I thought. We're both blond and haven't seen our mothers."

Could it be that we're not related by blood at all? Just half-sisters with different fathers?

But even that explanation sounded rather strange.

In a lighthearted mood, Navia asked, "By the way, why didn't you invite Chiori?"

"Because she'd definitely decline."

Why not invite Navia instead? Chiori would certainly say no.

"But aren't you close friends? If it were me, even if I said 'no!', deep down, I'd still hope for an invitation from someone like Lulu."

Though if she were in Luna's shoes, she wouldn't dare refuse.

Luna mused, "How should I put it? You'll understand soon enough."

"Soon enough?"

At that moment, the music gradually reached its climax, the dance steps growing ever faster.

Navia fell silent, focusing solely on the dance.

She was indeed a young lady of noble birth, but it had been many years since she'd attended such a banquet. She barely remembered dancing at parties when she was much younger.

Though she never neglected her dance training, even as a child, she felt:

Rather than these lavish parties, I prefer everyone coming together for a lively, hearty meal.

This sentiment, combined with the demands of the Spina di Rosula Guild's work and the current situation, meant that with her limited free time, she naturally avoided such gatherings unless absolutely necessary.

Making a fool of herself at a time like this wouldn't do.

To be precise, it wouldn't matter much if she stumbled, but Luna's position was different.

Already, many eyes were fixed on Luna. Even the slightest misstep could be blown out of proportion.

True, Luna wouldn't care, but as her partner, Navia couldn't afford to add to her troubles.

As the song ended, applause filled the air.

Navia let out a soft sigh. "Dancing like this once in a while isn't so bad, huh?"

"Shall we dance together again next time?"

"Of course, but let's... change the location!"

There was no way to really cut loose here.

Perhaps my own home would be better, she mused.

After a brief respite, the second ball commenced, finding Luna still brimming with energy.

Seeing her vivacity, the wealthy youths grew restless, priming themselves to seize the moment and invite her to dance.

Before they could make their move, Luna gently took hold of Chiori's hand, pulling her close. But Chiori remained unmoved, steadfast as a rock.

"...What are you doing?"

"Trying to get you on the dance floor."

"I won't dance," Chiori replied bluntly."

"But I want to," Luna persisted.

Chiori heaved a deep sigh. "Then why not dance with those young masters over there? They're eager to devour your fortune."

"You're suggesting I dance with wolves? It can be quite thrilling, but I'm not in the mood right now."

Besides, they weren't true wolves.

If she had to compare, Chevreuse, the captain, was indeed the one who fit the bill. Too bad she wasn't here.

"Then what about Navia?"

"I've already danced with her," Navia smiled. "I'm done for the moment."

"So that's how it is. You're the type who moves on to the next woman after having your way with one. Unfortunately, I—"

The music had started, and Luna decided to resort to more unorthodox methods.

She leaned in close to Chiori's ear and softly puffed her breath.

"Haaah."

"!"

Chiori's body shuddered slightly, and she glared at Luna with a murderous expression.

It would have been quite intimidating, if not for the blush on her face.

"You..."

Before she could finish, Luna seized the moment and gave her a forceful tug.

Chiori had no choice but to take a step forward to maintain her balance. But when she heard a soft giggle beside her, she realized she had fallen into a trap.

As expected, she was now on the dance floor.

"Luna!" Chiori growled.

"Dance with me."

"I've said I don't want to dance."

"But I do. Come keep me company for a bit? It won't take much of your time or energy, and with us, you can't possibly maintain any sort of low profile."

"This isn't a good enough reason to drag me in here against my will," Chiori said coldly.

"Can you really bear to let your popular star friend turn into a forgotten clown?"

"I can bear it."

"Come on, keep me company."

".....Sigh."

A headache was coming on. Why in the world had she decided to befriend this girl in the first place?

Ever since taking the stage, Luna's smile had become twice as infuriating.

She was certain that one day Luna would push her to the brink of exasperation.

"Only this once, no more," she cautioned, yet still chose to accept.

"You can't have it your way. There are only two balls; afterwards, it's all about eating and drinking."

"I'm already thinking of going home."

"Shall we leave now? Though we'd be left with a juicy tale of a three-person elopement."

Chiori, irritated, retorted, "Ah, enough already! If you want me to dance, stop talking!"

She knew that if she had been invited, Chiori would have vehemently refused, followed by a scolding. That's why she decided to bring her along by force instead. Now that they were already here, Chiori understood there was no turning back. After her initial outburst, she quietly acquiesced to Luna's demand.

Luna reached out, and Chiori pursed her lips before gently taking her hand.

"You were right to change your clothes first, weren't you?" Luna teased.

"Shut up."

What a cunning, underhanded woman!