Furina, Please Let Me Steal Your Heart!

The next day, at the Franglet family mansion.

Although they were nobles, among all the noble mansions Navia had seen, the Franglet family's residence was undoubtedly the poorest.

Several awkwardly empty spaces indicated that this mansion once held many valuable artworks, but they had all been sold off as the family's fortunes waned.

All due to mismanagement.

Navia tugged on Luna's fingers and whispered, "So it really is as we thought, huh?"

"Mm-hmm, that's about right."

Although the Franglet family had only invited Navia, they reluctantly agreed to let "Detective" Luna accompany her at her insistence.

With Luna's approval, Navia came out with her question:

"Are you trying to attract the Phantom Thief to steal your cup?"

Her voice wasn't loud, but it made the couple leading them stop in their tracks.

Gran was about to respond when Aire gestured for her to speak.

"We knew we couldn't fool either of you."

"You've admitted it."

"...But there are reasons for this," Aire sighed softly.

Luna, with keen interest, said, "It's not hard to deduce—you wish to use the Phantom Thief White Cat, don't you?"

Using the Phantom Thief.

It sounded bold and incredible, but considering the family's current situation, this inference wasn't unreasonable.

"...Why do you say that?" Aire asked, her expression calm.

"In a quiet voice, Luna replied, "Because your family has fallen on hard times and you're deeply in debt. Poor management of your family's industries has caused significant losses, and you're desperately in need of a lifeline.

"This lifeline is the Phantom Thief—in other words, the Phantom Thief's reputation."

Navia nodded.

After discussing with Luna, she had already grasped the whole matter from beginning to end.

"You forged the Phantom Thief's announcement letter. While drawing public attention with the news of the treasure, you aimed to catch the White Cat's interest. But you were already prepared."

They wanted to "duel" against the Phantom Thief.

By grabbing eyeballs and absorbing traffic, winning would let them trample over the thief and become Fontaine's celebrities.

Countless paths to riches would open up; even a pig could make a killing with this chance.

Lose? Naturally, they'd be left with nothing, relegated to the laughingstock.

But their goal was to gamble. They were already at rock bottom anyway.

We've hit the lowest point, so no matter what we do, it can't get any worse.

Gran spoke with a look of confidence. "Precisely!"

There was no longer any point in beating around the bush.

Since they needed the Spina di Rosula's assistance, they naturally should provide the necessary information.

Yet his words carried a tinge of disdain. "Phantom Thief, Phantom Thief, Phantom Thief... Now everyone in Fontaine is talking about that thief, completely disregarding those of us who work tirelessly!"

"To draw the public's attention back to us hardworking folk, such actions are entirely reasonable."

Luna smiled but remained silent.

Those who spoke such words often had plenty of shady deeds hidden behind them. Having seen it all before, she'd grown weary of paying attention.

You want to use me?

Well, let's see if you have what it takes to dance with the wolves.

Navia let out a meaningful hmph.

Of course she didn't believe this nonsense, but since they were customers, she wouldn't say anything unnecessary.

Business is business; she'd sort things out after it was all over.

"What about the treasure?" Navia asked.

"We've hidden it in the safest place," Aire whispered. "Please rest assured."

"You don't mind if we have a look, do you?"

Aire smiled slightly. "On the night of the banquet, you'll naturally see the Jade cup."

Brows furrowed, Navia realized they weren't showing the target to their bodyguard? Strange... What were they planning? Was the Jade cup even real? Just a decoy?

But that wasn't right - they wanted to "face-off" with the Phantom Thief.

They wouldn't bet on nothing.

"Is the Jade cup very large?" Luna asked.

"No, it's not," said Gran.

Aire gave him a glare, and Gran sheepishly rubbed his head.

Before the performance time, they couldn't reveal any information about the treasure to anyone.

To build anticipation, they had to be thorough.

Maintain the mystery to keep the interest alive.

"...So, we've prepared the compensation for the Spina di Rosula. When the time comes, we'll need Miss Navia and your subordinates' help to maintain order and security during the banquet."

As she left the mansion, Navia's expression was somewhat complicated.

Luna asked curiously, "What's wrong? Why that expression?"

"...I just didn't expect someone would want to use the Phantom Thief White Cat."

Luna smiled nonchalantly. Even she didn't find it strange, so why was her enemy suddenly getting all sentimental?

"Is it really that strange?"

"A little, I suppose."

Navia leaned against the street railing, gazing at the cityscape of Fontaine. Clean streets, bright colors, clear flowing water... Typically, such scenes brought her a sense of calm, but now she felt somewhat uneasy.

"That Phantom Thief White Cat girl has indeed done bad things, but didn't she also do something good last time?"

"I don't see her as a good person. If I encounter her again, I'll still try my best to catch her, but... ah, I can't even explain this feeling myself."

Luna leaned back against the railing, tilting her head as she pondered for a moment.

Navia's feelings were rich and complex, so much so that even she couldn't clearly articulate her own thoughts.

"Let me deduce it then," suggested Luna.

Navia turned, her eyes sparkling. "You want to deduce my emotions?"

"Just trying, of course."

"Well, go ahead then. If you get it right, I'll bestow upon you the title of 'Navia's Best Mind Reader,' hehe!"

Luna smiled. "And if I guess wrong?"

Navia tapped her lips, pondering. "Hmm... If you guess wrong, you'll have to spend the entire day with me. How about that? Making the star detective miss a whole day—now that would be a real punishment."

"You want to go shopping?"

"Mm-hmm, all day long."

That certainly sounded like a punishment...

It wasn't hard to imagine Navia's high energy keeping Luna shopping till she was ready to drop.

A pearl from an oyster, indeed.

Luna recalled, "Didn't you say before that you wanted to thank the Phantom Thief White Cat?"

"Yeah."

"Still want to now?"

"Definitely."

Luna clapped her hands, laughing. "That's it! Having someone try to use the person you want to thank as a tool—anyone would find that annoying, wouldn't they?"

Navia covered her mouth, looking astonished.

"Oh my, you're right!"

Now that she thought about it, it made perfect sense. The person she wanted to thank was being tried to be used as a tool by someone else.

Hmm... that would indeed be rather irritating.

Navia suddenly felt refreshed and couldn't resist taking Luna's hands, swinging them as she exclaimed, "Lulu, you're truly amazing! You can even deduce my emotions!"

"It's just basic stuff, my dear Watson."

"Is that so? I'd say we're kindred spirits, you and I! Anyway, thank you. I feel much more at ease now." Navia's smile was radiant.

She continued swinging Luna's hand, her fingers gently tracing the patterns on Luna's palm.

"... But I still must hold onto her."

"Because she's a sinner?"

"... Yes, no matter how you look at it, stealing someone else's treasures is wrong. But what I said to her before was from the heart too. I hope she can join the Spina di Rosula after her release. She has so much potential."

Navia lifted her head.

"What do you think, Lulu?"

Feeling Navia's gentle fingers, Luna smiled.

"Your thoughts aren't wrong, Navia."

"I knew you'd understand me! I'm really glad. Hee hee."

"The Franglet family plans to hold a banquet in three days," Navia said softly. "The fake invitation letter they forged also mentions the same night. If the Phantom Thief White Cat knows about it, she'll probably appear at that time."

After all, the Phantom Thief White Cat had always made her grand entrances in broad daylight.

So it seems her opinion of the Phantom Weasel being less refined than the cat has some truth.

"Lulu, you..."

"From tomorrow onwards, our troupe will be busy, so..."

"There's no rush," Navia smiled. "After all, acting is your primary occupation! Keep up the good work. I'll definitely come to see you if there are any new performances later."

Luna returned the smile.

"Mm-hmm."

But they wouldn't have to wait long for her next appearance.

The specific time: three days from now.

Navia's thoughts and actions were not wrong.

However, the only way to stop Luna was to catch her—just as long as they could catch her. Whatever they did to her then, Luna wouldn't have any complaints.

Of course, it was impossible for them to truly catch her.

Three days later, nightfall.

Luna's gaze shifted away from the clock. The time had come—the real notice had been issued, and all that awaited her now was the brand-new stage.

"Let's confirm the treasure's information one last time."

Jade Cup

Information: This treasure was crafted by a master artisan of Liyue, based on a cup once used by the Geo Archon. The design incorporates modern elements.

Its intricacy and craftsmanship earned praise even from the Geo Archon himself. Rumor has it that this cup is virtually indestructible—no scratch or mark, no matter how small, will ever mar its surface. Any wine submerged within it becomes infinitely more fragrant and sweet...

The volume of this object is not large.

This treasure will appear at a banquet hosted by Franglet.

Treasure Rarity: A

Fixed Point Value: 300 points

-

A-grade... I wonder what constitutes an S-rank treasure?

Luna donned her mask and leaped into the moonlit night.

Meanwhile...

Navia stared silently at the notice she held in her hands.

[Since you've so kindly called my name,

How could I turn away from fame?]

[But if with wolves you wish to dance,

Ask yourself—can you take the chance?]

[Tonight, when eight strikes on the clock,

The Jade Cup leaves its rightful lock.]

Until then,

The Phantom Thief White Cat