Furina, Please Let Me Steal Your Heart!

Luna placed the script on the table.

"It's done. Please review it."

She actually finished it? Romi didn't dare dismiss it, nodding as he accepted the manuscript and began to carefully read through it.

The story was simple: a girl reborn as the villainess's daughter tried to avoid the tragic fate bestowed upon her by the original story by constantly distancing herself from the protagonist. Yet, her efforts always backfired, causing their relationship to inexplicably deepen instead.

There was no doubt it was meant to be a comedy.

Isn't this kind of thing only found in those light novels from Inazuma?

"This... you're turning a light novel into a musical?"

"Exactly."

Luna raised her index finger. "Now, if we wish to escape the effects of past events, we must start anew."

"The most crucial change will be in the style."

She smiled. "Since the original was dark, our adaptation should naturally become more positive and upbeat, full of lightness and joy."

Though those words paradoxically sounded more ominous, the style indeed needed to change.

To completely detach from previous events, any transformation must be absolute!

Besides, her popularity was still soaring. As long as the performance was good, any type of drama would do.

"But surely there's no need for such a story, right?" Romi asked cautiously.

"Then let me convince you with a simpler approach, although your belief or skepticism matters little to me," Luna replied.

Romi dared not utter a word.

Luna's voice was clear and bright: "Foreseeing her tragic fate through a prophecy, a wealthy young woman, culpable of many sins, sought to avoid such an end.

"She continually distanced herself from the figure foretold in the prophecy, but each time, her attempts at manipulation backfired—instead deepening their friendship—"

In an instant, the light-hearted tone of a typical novel vanished, replaced by the feeling of a classic tale of star-crossed lovers.

"This..."

"Do you see now? The essence of the story remains unchanged, whether it's an opera, a musical, or just the narrative itself—there's no fundamental difference."

Romi could not argue; the truth was clear.

The core of the story remained the same.

To stand out and create a hierarchy, one must look beneath the surface—examine the flesh and blood that fills these skeletal frames. In essence, it's all about the form of their performance.

As for why I chose a light novel style? Well, of course, because it's more enjoyable.

"My script will be used," I declared. "And I assure you, I'll provide a satisfactory answer for everyone involved. Any objections?"

After a moment of consideration, the group replied, "...None."

Luna smiled warmly. "Excellent. I've already entrusted the costume design to Chioriya Boutique."

"...Very well," they responded.

Why don't you just become the director too?

Days passed. With the new play selected, all that remained was to make thorough preparations.

Performance costumes? No need for concern.

Acting and music? Equally unproblematic.

Everything was progressing smoothly. Although the other members found the light novel-esque content and name somewhat peculiar, they genuinely needed to escape the shadows of the past.

However, while the troupe was in good spirits, things were far from rosy on the special task force side.

"If you let the Phantom Thief roam unchecked any longer, do you have any idea what the Court of Justice will become?!"

The table shook with the force of his slap, causing Turenna to shrink back at the thunderous sound.

The repeated failures in capturing the thief were leading to increasing dissatisfaction among the higher-ups in the Court of Justice.

Never before had there been a criminal like the Phantom Thief White Cat!

Nor had there ever been a Special Task Force incapable of apprehending such an evil perpetrator!

"You're easily the worst squad I've ever seen!"

The pressure was reaching its limit.

The other members of the Special Task Force were visibly rattled, even those with experience. Only Chevreuse, positioned at the front, remained composed and unaffected.

"We are now aware of the true identity of the Phantom Thief," she stated. "Once the Marechaussee Phantom completes their investigation, we will take immediate action."

"That had better be the case. Don't forget who granted a criminal's daughter the privilege of joining the Special Task Force."

Turenna pursed her lips; such words were going too far!

But Chevreuse responded coolly, "It was Fontaine's laws and sense of justice."

"The Court of Justice!"

"Do you mean to say the two are not equivalent?"

The official from the Court of Justice was instantly at a loss for words, his expression shifting.

It was known that the Special Task Force operated differently, but he hadn't expected them to hold even the Court of Justice's upper tiers in contempt.

What was this doing to the Court of Justice's reputation?

But before he could continue, Chevreuse saluted. "Then please allow us to take our leave. Special Task Force, pack up!

-

Back at the Special Task Force headquarters, Turenna placed a steaming cup of tea in front of Chevreuse.

"How dare they say such things! It's not like we're the only ones chasing down the Phantom Thief!"

"It's all the same. Don't take it to heart," Chevreuse said, wiping down her pistol.

"Captain, aren't you even a bit angry?"

"Anger won't accomplish anything. It's true that we haven't apprehended the Phantom Thief. Naturally, our critics will seize on our failure and vulnerabilities, no matter where we are."

Turenna sat down glumly. "It seems they only care about themselves..."

Chevreuse smiled without replying.

"It's best not to speak such words aloud. Too much integrity can only invite disaster. Sometimes, to uphold justice, one doesn't need to be perfectly upright..." she murmured, examining the small-chambered gun in her hand.

The gleam at the muzzle of the gun always reminded her of that night when she conversed with the Phantom Thief White Cat.

Phantom Thief White Cat... she muttered under her breath.

"The Marechaussee Phantom and Maison Gardiennage's investigation has yielded results!"

Chevreuse snapped back to reality. "What are the results?"

"Although there were individuals with similar appearances, none of them were the Phantom Thief... And there's no possibility that any of them could be the thief."

"But how is this possible?!" Turenna exclaimed. "Miss Navia clearly saw her true form!"

"She did it on purpose," said Chevreuse.

"The Phantom Thief?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "She deliberately exposed her 'true appearance'."

Turenna looked utterly perplexed. "But why?"

"Who knows?"

It might have been a simple prank.

Given the deceptive nature of that crafty cat, such behavior wasn't surprising. Alternatively, it could have been a way of saying—you'll never catch the real me beneath this mask.

How can we clear ourselves of suspicion? Chevreuse pondered. By creating an "alibi of truth."

An alibi, false witnesses... and so on.

Chevreuse mused that perhaps the Phantom Thief White Cat felt her true identity was in jeopardy, prompting her to "out" herself.

Regardless, one thing was clear—they had come up empty-handed once again.

However, there was no time to lament the lost lead.

More vicious and heinous crimes were unfolding throughout Fontaine right now. Compared to these incidents, the Phantom Thief White Cat's threat seemed utterly insignificant.

"Oh, and Captain," the squad member added, "there's a letter for you."

Chevreuse took the envelope. It contained contact information from her friend, a Melusine at the Marechaussee Phantom.

I wonder if they've found anything interesting in their investigation of the Confrerie of Cabriere...

She broke open the letter and read it.

I'm so sorry. We couldn't find out anything!

The handwriting was quite cute.

But the contents were far from adorable.

Chevreuse sighed. She could picture the Melusine's crestfallen face, but she didn't blame her for a moment.

In fact, it's already impressive that they agreed to take on our private commission.

But when she thought about it from another angle, not being able to find anything at all was the real problem.

She sensed something unusual.

But... how to proceed?

Chevreuse's thoughts scattered, exploring every avenue of consideration, only to stall partway through each one.

There's still one crucial piece missing.

What could it be...? she mused as she strolled the streets of Fontaine.

-

"Chiori, have you heard of anything interesting lately?"

"Nope."

The voice drifted out from within the shop.

Chiori? Chevreuse realized with a start that she had, without realizing it, arrived at Chiori's. She had indeed come here often to ask Chiori questions.

After all, Chiori always seemed to have information that they couldn't capture themselves.

...I might as well ask her.

Chevreuse didn't harbor great expectations, but she knew that any clue could only appear if she tried.

Tinkling bells. Someone entered.

Chiori and Luna looked up as Chevreuse nodded in greeting.

"Good morning, Chiori, Miss Luna. I hope you can provide information about the Phantom Thief and the Confrerie of Cabriere."

And what a lucky guess that would be.