Furina, Please Let Me Steal Your Heart!

The headquarters of the Spina di Rosula were located in Poisson, but their hideout was situated near Fleuve Cendre, below Fontaine.

The Fleuve Cendre was, in reality, a city within a city situated inside the sewers.

Fontaine's sewer system was comprehensive, but rather than being dirty and smelly, it could even be described as clean.

The city built within these sewers had a rich history, forming an integral part of Fontaine's past.

Many plays were set against the backdrop of Fleuve Cendre's history, recounting tale after tale of heroic resistance.

Still, it would be disingenuous to call it a picture-perfect place.

It could be called orderly, but that was only the superficial appearance.

Perhaps you might find a blood-stained handgun in some corner, or perhaps hear sounds of conflict in the dead of night... even if the Spina di Rosula's stronghold were located here.

Moreover, the influence of the Spina di Rosula had already greatly declined.

"This way," Navia continued, pulling Luna along. "We've run for so long, I'm hungry, heh heh."

"I think you can let go of my hand now."

"Hm? Do you dislike having someone hold your hand?"

"No, I don't dislike it, but it's been a while."

Navia seemed to not quite grasp the matter, but still obediently released her hold.

"I actually think between good partners, holding hands for a long time is fine. But then again, they might start to sweat, so let's give our palms a chance to cool down for a bit."

Navia led Luna to a building.

Although it looked somewhat shabby, compared to the other houses in the Fleuve Cendre, it could already be considered a "mansion." This was the Spina di Rosula's stronghold in the Fleuve Cendre.

"Welcome to the Spina di Rosula—our stronghold!"

"It looks pretty good," Luna smiled.

"Right? But if we had money, we could make it even better looking. Alas..." Navia's words were full of regret.

The case of the former president, Callas, had dealt a heavy blow to the Spina di Rosula's reputation.

And it was precisely the support of the people that had allowed the Spina di Rosula to flourish and persevere.

They did not engage in businesses that defied morality and the law, nor did they resort to harming others for immense profits. Their conduct was open and upright, principled and honorable.

But such a good reputation, once lost, would crumble completely.

It was indeed true that doing good is difficult.

"We at the Spina di Rosula have always relied on the support of our generous patrons for a significant portion of our income," Navia began. "However, as they say, good reputations are easy to lose, while bad ones can easily take root."

"Since my father's passing, I've been leading the Spina di Rosula, but it's been nothing short of a nightmare compared to before. Revitalizing... well, just maintaining our current state is proving to be quite challenging. It's all due to my own inadequacies," Navia lamented.

Luna chimed in, "Ah, the world has always been tough for good people."

"Nevertheless, someone must stand for what's right," Navia responded resolutely. She pinched her cheeks and perked up. "Alright, no more dwelling on hardships. After all, I've met you, detective girl, my new partner in crime. I can't afford to be down in the dumps with such a promising ally. Come on, this way. Let me treat you to something from my culinary skills!"

Navia pushed open the door and stepped through.

"Greetings, boss."

"Miss, you're back!"

The new recruits called her "boss," while the long-time members, having seen her grow up, habitually addressed her as "miss."

"Have Silver and Melus returned yet?"

"Not yet."

Navia nodded. "Alright, the kitchen is this way."

When they arrived at the kitchen, Navia pushed Luna over to the dining table and gently pressed on her shoulders, helping her sit down.

Without even asking what she wanted to eat, Navia skillfully cracked open some eggs.

Just when Luna thought they were about to make simple scrambled eggs, Navia pulled out sugar and almonds as well.

Before long, a freshly baked, colorful plate of macarons was set before Luna.

"To be honest, my specialty is making pastries. What do you think? Don't these macarons look simply delectable?"

As she spoke, Navia brought over two cups of hot tea.

"They certainly look beautifully made," Luna marveled. "If you opened a pastry shop, I bet you'd make a fortune."

"Thank you for the compliment. If I hadn't become the Guild Master, I might've given it a try..." Navia sat down opposite her, resting her chin in her hands, her face filled with anticipation.

"Try them first and see how they taste. If you like them, I'll bring you more next time, just a little treat for your performance."

Navia's smile was always infectious; Luna couldn't help but grin as she replied, "I'll happily accept this treat if you promise to watch my performance later."

"Absolutely, I'll be there!"

Luna picked up a macaron and popped it in her mouth. Despite being a self-proclaimed White Cat, she certainly didn't have a cat's tongue. As she chewed, savoring the soft texture and sweet flavor, she looked at Navia's beaming face and raised two thumbs in delight.

"How would you rate it?"

"Ten out of ten."

Navia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I knew it! My intuition told me you'd have a sweet tooth, Lulu."

Not quite, thought Luna, taking a sip of her Earl Grey tea before they started chatting.

"The case is settled. What do you think will happen to your theater group now? I mean, the writer caused such a massive scandal."

Luna sipped her tea and replied, "It's not looking good."

"Why? Once their reputation is tarnished, it'll be tough to rebuild," Navia said, puzzled.

"There are many ways to resolve this."

The troupe could rebrand and reorganize, or they could split entirely - there's no shortage of options.

"After all, the incident only involved a playwright, and besides..."

Luna pressed her hand to her chest with a smile.

"The protagonists who solved this case are me and you—a member of the theater troupe and someone whose father has been accused of injustice... If we just publicize it slightly, the narrative can shift."

For ordinary people, their sources of information are limited. Whoever controls these channels can manipulate "the truth."

"But that won't prove whether my father is innocent or not though," Navia said while caressing her teacup.

"It may not, but you've protected the legacy he left behind—the 'Spina di Rosula'—it may not be easy to accept. I bet he would be more than thrilled." Luna replied.

Navia chuckled softly. "Of course...I can almost hear him chiding me for accepting outside help." She leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. When she opened them again, her gaze was clear and unperturbed.

"What do you think was the Phantom Thief White Cat's motive for attacking the Sinthe gang?"

But Luna merely responded with feigned nonchalance, "I don't know. Perhaps it was a whim."

She acted like an uninterested passerby, leaving Navia's gaze unquestioning, though her eyes still sparkled with contemplation.

""The Just Phantom Thief?" That's what the newspaper wrote, using a question mark."

"I believe so."

Navia leaned forward. "What do you think?"

"A Phantom Thief?"

"Yes."

Luna set down her teacup. "If she's just, then what about Miss Chevreuse and the others? Besides, I doubt she's the type who would want to be defined by labels like 'just' or 'unjust'."

Imagine if she's considered a just Phantom Thief by society, Luna thought, and then decides to steal treasure at some point:

"H-How could you do this?! How could you possibly steal treasure?"

And if she's viewed as an unjust Phantom Thief, Luna pondered further, and happens to beat up a few villains one day:

"O just Phantom Thief, thou art my Archon... We revere thee!"

What a mess.

"Oh really?"

"Yes." Naviya stared intently at her. "You seem quite certain about this."

"Because I know what criminals are thinking," Luna replied.

"... Mm, indeed."

Navia leaned on the table and gazed at Luna. "Before, you said you didn't want to understand the mindset of criminals, but during the Trial, every word you spoke precisely hit their weak points."

"I didn't want to."

Luna patted her belly, content with her meal.

She smiled slightly. "But if I hadn't understood, how could I know they were people absolutely unforgivable?"

Understanding is necessary to beat them without reservation.

Of course, you can beat someone without understanding them, but understanding their thoughts after the fact just makes it more satisfying.

"I see... hm... I understand now. Indeed, only after comprehending the depth of their evil can one truly bring down their full wrath."

"Exactly."

Navia straightened up and took a sip of tea to soothe her throat. Her moist lips moved slightly.

"The Phantom Thief White Cat stole Marcel's Tears of a Maiden and Furina's Smile. She's undoubtedly our Spina di Rosula's enemy, but this time, I find myself wanting to applaud her."

"'Well done!'—I want to say that to her."

Navia sighed, "But I doubt there's anything we can do. She appears and disappears like magic; we don't even know where to find her."

She's right here, in front of you.

"Lulu, use your deductive skills to guess where she might go!"

Should I deduce where I myself will go?

"This question is too hard. Lulu doesn't know the answer."

Heh.

Navia agreed, "You're right. Without any information, it's impossible to deduce the Phantom Thief's whereabouts."

Why didn't she comment on my last remark?

"Do you think the Phantom Thief has a home?"

"She probably does. It's not like she's a stray cat," Luna replied helplessly.

It seemed Navia was quite preoccupied with "The Phantom Thief White Cat."

Though Luna didn't mind this, being constantly questioned about the thief was starting to give her a headache.

I need to change the subject.

Come to think of it... Luna fixed her gaze on Navia's face, her direct stare naturally drawing Navia's attention.

She took out a hand mirror, gently touching her cheek.

"Is there something on my face?"

"No, there isn't."

Confused, Navia asked, "Then why are you staring at me?"

"Hmm... I was wondering if I could give you a kiss, Navia."

"...Ah?!"

Me? She wants to kiss me?