Furina, Please Let Me Steal Your Heart!

Chiori wasn't surprised by Chevreuse's visit.

Her boutique customers often let slip clues pertaining to various events. Although not intending to run an intelligence agency, gathering such information allowed her to trade favors with members of the Special Task Force and the Maison security guards. This way, they could conveniently "turn a blind eye" at times—quite a profitable arrangement.

Thus, she kept her ears open for all sorts of clues and intel, even actively seeking them out on occasion.

Chevreuse's presence likely meant the investigation had hit a dead end, necessitating fresh data.

But sadly... regarding the Phantom Thief, she knew absolutely nothing.

"I'm afraid I must disappoint you. My knowledge of the Phantom Thief is no greater than that of the general public."

Steals precious treasures.

Operates with great flair.

In reality, she's quite beautiful.

"Oh, right, there's one more thing." Chiori picked up an old newspaper.

It featured, of course, an account of the Franglet family's "unfortunate" incident. The article included a clear image of the Phantom Thief White Cat captured by a photorecorder.

Half-hidden was her head costume.

"Her taste in clothes and headgear is poor."

There he goes again!, Luna thought irritably. She was used to Chiori's habit of making unkind comments about her clothes.

Chiori pointed at the picture in the newspaper. "The design style is far too ordinary. White and gold certainly can give an idea of elegance."

"But it also makes the shortcomings of the design even more obvious. Here, here, and here have glaring 'blank' spots that need ornamentation."

"The needlework is fine, but the design has no originality. I truly wonder who made these clothes for her."

Hint: I'm the one who made them. Stop your ranting, Luna mumbled to herself.

If Chiori kept this up, Luna would give her a piece of her mind.

"Can this be considered a clue?" asked Chiori expressionlessly, setting aside the newspaper.

"Maybe yes, maybe no," Chevreuse's response was deliberately ambiguous.

Perhaps, perhaps not.

Translated simply:

I don't know.

Unless Chiori could instantly identify the origin of the fabric, it was time to call it a night.

"One more thing."

"What is it?"

Chiori said, "I don't see where the 'cat' feeling comes from."

".... Is that so." Chevreuse's face was indifferent.

What, should the Phantom Cat White wear cat ears and a cat tail? The Phantom Weasel doesn't even look like a weasel.

Luna had to bring the conversation back on topic, clapping her hands with a light chuckle. "Miss Chevreuse, what specific information would you like to know?"

Chevreuse thought, There's no harm in telling her.

Though she hadn't attended the last trial, she had heard about Luna's actions from her colleague—especially what she had said to the criminal at the end.

She believed that Luna must have a heart for justice; otherwise, she wouldn't have wanted to utterly crush the criminal.

"I can tell you, but you need to keep it confidential. Is that okay with you?"

"No problem!"

"Can I not listen?" Chiori seemed to find it a bit troublesome.

"Up to you. But Miss Chevreuse, we're going to step out for a moment..."

Chiori sighed. "Forget it, forget it, go ahead and say it. Also, Luna, lock the door and put up a sign."

Luna nodded, quickly hanging up a "Temporarily Closed" sign before locking the door. By the time she returned, Chevreuse and Chiori were already sitting on the sofa.

Luna casually sat down next to Chiori.

"Through a certain unreliable intelligence channel, I've learned information about the Confrerie of Cabriere possibly being involved with the Sinthe shipping industry..."

Chiori, curious, asked, "An unreliable intelligence channel?"

Chevreuse, nonchalantly crossing her leg, replied, "...It's the Phantom Thief."

A rare expression of astonishment showed on Chiori's face.

"You're serious?"

"I have no reason to deceive you. Of course, she might."

Indeed, there was truth in that. Luna nodded in agreement.

"However, as you well know, our 99% effort might all be in vain. But as long as there's a 1% chance to solve it, we must give it a try."

"Yet the current investigation is making no progress."

Chevreuse tugged at her hat. "'Unable to uncover anything'—do you understand what that means?"

What seems beyond question is often the greatest mystery.

"What about the Marechaussee Phantom's investigation?"

"I was the one who entrusted it to the Melusines," Chevreuse explained.

Chiori frowned slightly. Melusines had the unique ability to perceive things imperceptible to ordinary humans, giving them a natural advantage in investigations.

"Have there been any findings within the Court of Justice?"

"You mean between the officials and the Confrerie? No, they're clean—too clean, as if by divine intervention." Chevreuse shook her head.

That indeed complicates matters.

However, the more something appears flawless, the greater the likelihood of it harboring hidden flaws.

No one can conceal a secret indefinitely; it's merely a matter of time...

Of course, the special task force and Fontaine's citizens cannot wait that long.

Just as both Chevreuse and Chiori were at a loss, Luna spoke up.

"Actually, there's something I've been very curious about," she said, bending down slightly as if probing with genuine interest. Her acting was now at its peak; naturally, the other two wouldn't detect any hint of her true intentions.

"Why would the Phantom Thief steal the Tears of a Maiden?" she asked.

"She just likes them, doesn't she?" Chiori replied, crossing her arms.

No particular reason, she simply wants to steal them.

That was the public's impression of the Phantom Thief White Cat.

Pure, innocent, perhaps even naive—a villainous archetype, yet with a touch of authenticity.

Chevreuse, however, broke her usual silence.

Tears of a Maiden? Why that item?

"But didn't she tell Miss Chevreuse about the Confrerie of Cabriere? And the Tears of a Maiden was on display at their art exhibition..." Luna hinted gently, leading them towards a realization.

Chiori's brow furrowed slightly, clearly sensing that something was off.

"Could it be..."

"Is the 'Tears of a Maiden' the key?" Chevreuse pondered aloud. "Ah, I see. This indeed points us in an intriguing direction for our investigation."

Caught between the thief and the victim stood the object of desire: the treasure itself. Everyone, even members of the Special Task Force, had overlooked the actual item, their attention fixed solely on the phantom thief and the victim of the theft.

Are we more likely to overlook details when they appear less significant...?

It was time for some serious self-reflection.

Chevreuse, musing with a faint smile, said, "My sincere thanks. You've got quite the keen nose for clues, Detective Miss. Would you be interested in joining our Special Task Force?"

First an invitation from the Spina Di Rosula, now one from the Special Task Force. While being popular wasn't necessarily a bad thing...

"Should we go?" Chiori asked. "I think you'd be perfect for it."

"What about the star status?"

"The Special Task Force having an idol wouldn't be a bad thing either. We could even use you as a mascot for publicity."

Luna, clearly unenthusiastic, remarked, "I'm not keen on being a mascot."

Besides, the idea of a Phantom Thief joining the righteous Special Task Force...

It just felt wrong.

"Although I'm flattered by your recognition, Miss Chevreuse," Luna replied with a smile, "please allow me to decline your offer."

Chevreuse replied, "Just call me Chevreuse. I understand your feelings, and I won't force you. However, if we ever need that keen sense of smell in the future, please lend us your assistance."

"Good woof," Luna responded with a smile.

"Woof?"

Luna pointed at her nose. "Because my sense of smell is actually quite sharp."

"Chiori, your friends certainly are interesting," Chevreuse remarked.

Chiori sighed. "If you become close to them, you'll have your hands full."

Chevreuse couldn't agree more.

(TL Note: Luna truly is something else, huh?)

Indeed, if the relationship changes, it will undoubtedly give Chevreuse a headache.

I'll keep this in mind. She closed her eyes, pondering. But since the Tears of a Maiden are now in the phantom thief's hands, we'll have to go straight to the Confrerie and start our investigation from there...

Luna watched Chevreuse in deep thought for several long moments. The corner of her lips curled up slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Later that night...

As Chevreuse was about to return to her dormitory, she sensed a familiar gaze and presence.

"Has my dear captain encountered some trouble?"

The light tone of the voice was irritatingly grating.

The way it made her fists clench involuntarily... without a doubt...

Chevreuse turned, her face stoic.

The Phantom Thief sat on the wall, her body slightly bent forward. Cradling her face in one hand, she gazed tenderly at Chevreuse, as if looking not at an enemy, but at a friend whom she hadn't seen in ages.

But Chevreuse wouldn't be so easily fooled; she knew better than to trust the feline scoundrel's expressions or those alluring eyes.

Untrustworthy.

A friend? That was even more absurd. There was absolutely no way she could ever be friends with the Phantom Thief.

And yet... she truly did want to see this particular thief.

"Missing me?" Luna asked with a smile. "I'm glad you wanted to see me."

"Then why not come closer for a hug? You can choose where you want to kiss."