Furina, Please Let Me Steal Your Heart!

"Phantom Thief White Cat Stands Victorious! Franglet Family's Challenge Fails!"

Last night, the Phantom Thief White Cat infiltrated the Franglet Family's residence. During a lavish banquet, she brazenly stole their prized possession—the Jade Cup—in full view of the guests.

However, this was no ordinary heist; it was the culmination of a challenge issued by the Franglet Family to the Phantom Thief White Cat.

The Franglets, aiming to reverse their deteriorating fortunes due to mismanagement, had crafted a fake notice in the Phantom Thief's style. Their plan was to draw her attention and capitalize on the ensuing media frenzy. Yet, their scheme backfired as the Phantom Thief White Cat once again proved her mettle, thwarting their attempts and successfully making off with the Jade Cup.

-

From an unknown viewer: "The Phantom Thief White Cat's agility is truly daunting. And she instantly saw through the real Jade Cup being hidden within the wine glass—such keen eyesight, such incredible prowess... She's a genuinely terrifying figure."

From an unknown noble: "The Franglet family actually had the nerve to ask for bets right before the challenge. They were breached and defeated in less than five minutes—hilarious!"

From an unknown Phantom Thief Fan: "The Phantom Thief White Cat has absolutely no regard for her fans! I've turned from a fan to an anti!"

In response, five-star crime expert Mike had this to say:

"The most important thing in life is to keep your feet on the ground. Gamblers have nothing; those who don't gamble already possess everything they need."

This newspaper's writer also sincerely advises everyone to steer clear of gambling!

-

Romi put down the newspaper in disbelief and looked at Luna.

"Did... did you say you came to write the script?"

"Is there a problem?" Luna asked curiously.

Cold sweat dripped from Romi's brow. He didn't dare say there was.

"Well... not really a problem, it's just that I've already contacted a new scriptwriter."

He slid open a drawer. "See, here's the new script. Although there are only two preview acts, I think if it's you, Luna, you'd be able to give a 100% performance."

He produced a slim script and handed it to Luna for her examination.

Luna leafed through it with great interest.

The script was mostly dialogue, with some necessary descriptions of the setting.

But a script isn't a novel; it needs to take into account many factors, inseparably linked to reality.

...but with Luna's professional gaze, she had to point...

"5 points."

"Full score?"

"The full score is ten. Not passing. No deal."

Romi wanted to say, "Since when did you become a scriptwriting guru?"

Back when he had no idea about her secrets... He feared whoever tried to pull the wool over her eyes would risk ending up blindsided.

Never underestimate someone favored by the stage.

"Exactly what's in need of improvement? I think it's pretty good looking at it."

Luna critiqued, "The opening is indeed captivating, but the first act is overloaded with too many elements. I doubt this author can tie up all these plot threads in the later stages. It risks ending up as a classic case of promise unfulfilled."

It was clear that the troupe had not yet officially purchased the script, so they could only access the first two acts.

However, some things were immediately apparent even from this limited view.

While there were many unscrupulous buyers out there, unscrupulous sellers were equally abundant.

"This is obviously an attempt to trick you into buying it. What did the seller say about compensation? Royalties? Full payment upfront?"

"Full payment upfront."

"How much?"

Romi held up his fingers. "This much."

"Too expensive, not worth it. If we use this script, any issues that arise later would require significant revisions. That's definitely not ideal for the troupe."

Luna raised three fingers. "I'll write a new one. I'll have it done within three days. Are you still concerned now?"

"...No."

Luna smiled. "Excellent."

She wasted no more words. After making her declaration—or perhaps more accurately, giving her one-sided notification—she turned and left.

She needed to go home now and give serious thought to the script situation.

Two days later.

Navia clutched the paper in her hands and gazed around the room.

The house was neither large nor particularly luxurious, indistinguishable from the others in the neighborhood.

The door bore the number 221—the same digit Silver and Melus had mentioned.

This is it. I've finally reached Luna's doorstep.

Naviya muttered, "I haven't seen Lulu for days. I wanted to discuss Chevreuse's allegations with her properly, but I can't find her anywhere."

A visit to the troupe had yielded no answers; its members all claimed Luna didn't spend all her time practicing there.

"Miss Luna seems to be working on a script, so she won't be around these next few days..."

"I wonder what kind of script she'll come up with."

"Let's hope it's not too demanding. We're not as skilled as she is... It could be a bit much for us."

A script?

Indeed, the troupe was currently without a key playwright. Their original repertoire was no longer viable, and they desperately needed fresh talent to invigorate their performances.

But to think that this new entity would be Luna.

She could sing, act, and now write scripts too...

Naviya couldn't help but recall their dear Hydro Archon. Lady Furina seemed quite taken with Lulu last time they met. Shared interests and compatible personalities—there was a chance that for their next performance, Furina might even decide to join their troupe on stage.

After all, the Opera House had its traditions.

"She must be home, right?"

Navia pulled out her monocular and peered at the window.

Hmm, I can't tell from here. Either way, I should call her first.

"Lu—" Navia began.

"Navia?"

"Huh?"

A familiar voice came from behind her, devoid of warmth or inflection.

Navia turned to see Chiori, as expected.

Chiori, carrying two elegant bags, waved with her free hand.

"Good morning. What are you doing at Luna's door?"

"Morning! I came to chat with her, but I haven't seen her around these past few days... What about you?" Navia asked curiously, glancing at the bags in Chiori's hands.

"Dropping off clothes."

Chiori produced a key, unlocking the door with a practiced ease.

"Come in," she said casually, stepping through the entrance without hesitation.

The fluidity of her actions was uncanny. Navia blinked, following her inside before the realization hit.

"You have Lulu's key?!" Navia exclaimed, astonished.

"Is that so strange?"

Strange? Not really, no...

Navia twirled a strand of hair near her face. "It's not strange exactly, but it's unusual to have keys to someone else's home, isn't it?"

"You've known her long enough; you should know by now that 'usual' doesn't apply to her, especially recently."

I think she's dodging my question, Navia mused to herself.

Chiori, not bothering to remove her shoes, strode directly into Luna's room.

This was Fontaine, not Inazuma. Naturally, there was no need for her to adhere to Inazuma's unwritten rules.

Navia curiously observed Luna's home.

The bright interior with ample natural light gave off a warm and inviting atmosphere.

However, the furniture appeared to be somewhat old, clearly not new; while the overall environment was clean and tidy, one could spot traces of clutter here and there.

It was precisely this mix of order and casual disorder that gave Navia a sense of lived-in comfort.

"Lulu lives alone?"

"Yes." Chiori paused before adding mildly, "I believe she used to live with her family... but I'm not entirely sure."

"Lulu's family?" Navia asked curiously. "Her father and mother?"

"Who knows..."

Despite knowing each other for quite some time, Chiori didn't claim to know everything about her friend.

After a few seconds of silence, Chiori spoke up again, "Just to be clear, I should point out that although I have her keys, I don't visit her home frequently. So, you don't need to read too much into this."

Naveia shuddered. Care about it? Did she even care?

No, probably not... probably...

"Ah, ha, ha, I don't care at all. I just thought, well, Chiori and Lulu must've known each other for quite some time."

"Just a twisted fate," Chiori replied, knocking on the bedroom door.

Yet without waiting for permission or even mentioning it, she twisted the doorknob and stepped inside.

Just barged right in?

"Luna... what are you up to?"

Luna was sprawled on the floor, her feet tucked on the bed, and her pose anything but dignified as she perused a script.

Her mischievous position left her snow-white belly entirely exposed.

Unfazed by Chioris' entrance, Luna barely glanced up before returning to her book.

"As you can see," she said, voice indifferent.

"You can't leave a mess like this with guests around!"

"How was I supposed to know you'd drop by?" Luna retorted.

With a sinuous motion, Luna rose to her feet and straightened out her clothes.

"You'll wrinkle your clothes like that."

"Cuz it's not your outfit. Don't worry about it."

Chiori sighed softly and set the bag on Luna's desk.

Though she hadn't anticipated their visit today, Luna had long since stashed away all her Phantom Thief-related paraphernalia in her storage space.

Everything was under control!

"Morning, Chiori."

"Hi."

Navia smiled. "Good morning to you too, Lulu!"

"Ah, good morning, Nana."

"Hm?" said Chiori.

Nana?