Upon seeing the Phantom Thief White Cat again, Chevreuse couldn't help but stare into her eyes.
A smile seemed to be the only emotion visible in those captivating, gem-like eyes.
"Stealing others' towels too? I thought the Phantom Thief only took beautiful treasures?" Chevreuse replied mildly.
"I didn't steal it. It ...
Returning to Palais Mermonia, Furina felt utterly exhausted.
Yet there was no time for rest. Almost immediately, Sedna's notification arrived.
"Lady Furina, Monsieur Neuvillette says he needs to speak with you."
"Neuvillette?"
Neuvillette usually didn't seek her out, and when he did, it never boded well.
One af...
Chiori asked, "Is this what you've discovered about the case? That the killer can transform into a non-human entity and vanish?"
"That's far too preposterous!" Furina responded swiftly.
Luna returned to the board.
"I can't deny it sounds utterly implausible, but once we've eliminated all the wrong choices, no matter ...
"Though it may sound discouraging, I didn't say I agreed to your request." Furina leaned back in her chair, casually crossing her legs.
This gesture, while accentuating her slender figure, served no other purpose.
Luna nodded. "I understand."
"You mean you're certain I'll assist you?"
"Yes."
Furina let out a so...
Tears of a Maiden.
This was one of the treasures given to Chevreuse by the Phantom Thief White Cat.
"So this is about Hydro element perception, huh..."
According to the Phantom Thief White Cat, only those possessing Hydro element perception could hear the voice of the maiden within the jewel.
Chevreuse co...
"Roméo! Why could it be you? Suddenly appearing in my life, always helping me yet evading my presence. This night once again I find myself sleepless; whenever I move towards you, you slip away—oh, cruel star-cross'd lover!"
"Juliet, she is the absolute protagonist of this tale. Thinking of her, I shouldn't alter the sto...
Luna already knew why Chiori had come to the theater, but she playfully poked her on the shoulder.
"Why the sudden visit? Are you here to watch my rehearsal? Missed me?"
"Just passing through, I was so lonely," Chiori replied half-heartedly. "Here are your costumes for Villainess Noble Daughter. Take a look; if anything...
Time rewinds to earlier...
In Fontaine's theatrical world—or more specifically, in the traditions of the Opera Epiclese—there was a longstanding custom:
The lottery.
Before each performance, the various troupes stationed at the Opera Epiclese could apply to send an invitation to Furina.
If Furina was willing, ...
Luna skimmed through the newspaper; for the past few days, neither she nor Furina had made headlines. Although they would soon dominate the news, Luna realized that this suggested—Furina hadn't told anyone about her encounter with the phantom thief.
"Is this some kind of secret between you and me?" Luna asked with keen i...
The reason for her insomnia.
Of course, this was due to... various unspeakable reasons.
She couldn't let anyone know she was an imposter Archon, and the rising sea levels and prophecies were even more impossible to discuss directly.
She couldn't cause panic among the populace.
Did the Phantom Thief White Cat count...
Furina approached the world-weary Blubber Beast, which appeared detached from earthly concerns, holding a macaron.
"Want to eat?"
The Blubber Beast rolled over and patted its belly.
"Looks like it doesn't want to eat," Furina murmured.
What was she supposed to do with the macaron in her hand? It was a commemorativ...
Furina had a secret hobby that few knew about.
Of course, it wasn't performing or eating sweets.
For her, eating sweets was as natural as breathing air, not something to be singled out as a specific interest!
Her hobby was quite simple—playing with small animals.
Cats, dogs, birds, squirrels... any creature she ...
Click!
The camera's flash illuminated the corpse's ghastly form.
The security team combed the crime scene for any trace of evidence, while outside, a cacophony of voices swelled.
Turenna, her voice weary, asked, "We just dealt with the Phantom Thief yesterday. Why another murder case this morning?"
"Techn...
"Here's the intelligence you requested, 'Father'."
Inside the House of the Hearth, Arlecchino, who had been deep in thought with her eyes closed, slowly opened them.
Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet had already returned and were standing by the table.
She looked at the notebook on the table and picked it up.
"Luna ask...
While Luna wreaked havoc, Lynette and Lyney had already distanced themselves from the scene.
Listening to the distant commotion, Lynette murmured, "Why did she become a Phantom Thief?"
"So it was Luna after all?" Lyney confirmed.
"Yes, there's no mistake, but I still don't understand..."
They had left the House of...
In that moment, both Luna and Lynette instantly realized who the person before them truly was.
The Phantom Thief White Cat was Luna.
This figure in black was Lynette.
And the other one must be Lyney—they were all once her "family."
And their presence here could only mean one thing.
Father had set his...
Luna descended before them, squinting, feeling as though this masked duo was eerily familiar.
And wasn't it the same for the others? Golden hair, crimson eyes—Lynette's mind flashed with a guess.
But how could that be? It must be a delusion. More importantly, how to get out of here. If Chevreuse had truly teamed up wi...
In response to Luna's obvious taunt, Chevreuse merely offered a calm retort.
"Hmm, my thoughts have never strayed from you."
"Wow, you care that much about me? I must say, I'm quite fond of Miss Chevreuse too."
Chevreuse aimed the muzzle at Luna's torso. She couldn't risk aiming at her limbs, as it would be easier fo...
"If you'll excuse me, Lyney, it's late. Time for me to retire."
"Mm-hmm."
Leaving Lyney behind, Lynette returned to her own bedroom. Knowing she'd need ample rest to prepare for battle, Lynette closed her eyes. Yet despite the familiarity of hearing that name again after so long, sleep evaded her entirely.
The clock ...
Two nights later, the House of the Hearth welcomed... or more accurately, welcomed back its current master—the woman the children called "Father."
"'Father,' would you like something to drink?"
The warm glow of fire illuminated the room.
While Fontaine's ubiquitous hybrid energy system made light bulbs shine as bri...
Back at home, Luna removed her mask.
"If only I could stay a little longer, but she'd definitely get angry."
She took out the eyepatch Chevreuse had worn, examining it carefully.
[Chevreuse's Eyepatch]
[Description: This is the eyepatch Chevreuse always wears, made from high-quali...
The Phantom Thief White Cat was an utterly illogical creature.
Chevreuse thought she had already grasped this fact, but Luna managed to surpass herself once again, refreshing Chevreuse's understanding of her unpredictability.
Why was it always her?
"Do you find it amusing to toy with me?" Chevreuse asked coldly.
"...
Chevreuse pulled up a chair, placing it in front of Luna, then took a seat.
"Enough with the small talk. It's time to lay everything out in the open."
"Are you serious? Do you think this is some kind of interrogation?"
"Yes."
Luna laughed nonchalantly. "Well, you haven't exactly caught me, have you? As long as my ...
Chevreuse ignored the blatant coquetry.
Whether Luna's words were true or not, she had no interest in them.
"Why did you deliberately 'reveal' yourself?"
"What do you mean?" Luna asked, swinging her legs back and forth with a light chuckle.
Chevreuse crossed her arms, her voice icy. "Don't play dumb. Isn't the fac...
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 con...
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 upo...
The House of the Hearth was situated within the Vasari Passage.
Its grandeur was unmistakable, with meticulous ornamentation, clean walls, and gleaming windows. Though not centrally located, it invariably drew admiration from passersby.
This was also the "home" of Lynette, Lyney, and the other children.
"'Father' say...
"Does 'Nana' refer to Navia?" Chiori couldn't help but ask.
Navia was equally curious. Didn't we just decide against nicknames? Why the sudden change of heart?
Is this an elaborate puzzle for me to solve?
Despite her doubts, Navia took a deep breath, her heart brimming with anticipation.
Luna, pu...
"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 ordin...
"Is this the true face of the Phantom Thief White Cat?"
"Indeed, it matches my description perfectly," she confirmed.
Within the headquarters of the Special Task Force...
A group of officers surrounded a table, passing around a portrait drawing. This portrait was based on Navia's description of the White Cat. Despite...
