[The Radiant Crown! The Heart of the Stage?]
Yesterday, this reporter had the good fortune to interview Miss Luna and Lady Furina, who had once captivated countless audiences with their shared performance. When asked about when they might reunite on stage, both gave a clear and decisive answer.
Furina: "Next week!"
Reporter: "A week? Isn't that too soon?"
Luna: "A week is more than enough for us. This time, we're primarily interested in experimenting with new genres. We'll be presenting it in a 'small but exquisite' format."
Not only that, but Lady Furina also announced she would use the treasure that caused a massive stir in Fontaine a century ago—the Radiant Crown—as part of the theatrical props.
[Radiant Crown]
The Radiant Crown was forged a hundred years prior by ten master craftsmen in relay. Each master had their own distinct style, yet all were seamlessly integrated into the crown.
It could be said to be the jewel among treasures!
But problems soon arose.
Reporter: "Don't you two fear being targeted by the Phantom Thief White Cat?"
Lady Furina patted her chest with confidence. "The grand stage of the Opera House—let her come if she dares! The Archon fears nothing, let alone some mere Phantom Thief."
As for the play's title and general information, the two offered no hints whatsoever.
"Wait and hold onto hope," Luna said. "That's what we must do."
The preparation time was only one week—hardly sufficient.
Yet Furina's standards remained as exacting as ever. Even the trap set for the Phantom Thief had to be crafted with exquisite elegance, befitting the Archon's divine identity.
Precisely because of these stringent requirements, the stage preparations weren't handled by Luna's Troupe this time. Instead, the Court of Justice specially selected personnel to manage different aspects, ensuring minimal overlap between teams. Most were acquaintances who barely interacted—a deliberate strategy to prevent the Phantom Thief White Cat from unraveling their plans before the performance.
Would it work? Who could say.
But they had no other choice.
"Making all these costumes in a week? You should be grateful only I can pull this off. Anyone else would be curled up in a corner, wailing in despair," Chiori grumbled as she presented the finished garments to Luna and Furina.
Chiori was in charge of costumes. Though she complained, Luna could see through her words. "Don't tell me you're not enjoying the challenge?"
"Every challenge brings breakthroughs," Chiori replied with a smile.
Every breakthrough brought her one step closer to her dreams.
"But that's not the main reason," Chiori said.
"Then what is?" Furina asked.
Chiori's smile widened. "Just imagine that Phantom Thief White Cat boldly walking into this trap. It's absolutely hilarious."
Luna snorted. "Your motivation source is truly... lacking in dignity."
"Thank you for the compliment. Do you mind if I exchange these costumes for front-row seats?"
Furina ran her fingers over the costume, its quality as impeccable as before. The craftsmanship was truly remarkable. Wearing such a garment would undoubtedly lift one's spirits.
"Of course. You might even have to help us catch her."
Furina's gaze fell on the Vision at Chiori's waist.
In truth, every single member of the audience for this play... was combat-capable!
Title: "The Sinner's End"
Lead Actors: Furina, Luna... and the Phantom Thief White Cat (not yet arrived).
Supporting Actors: Clorinde, Chevreuse, Navia...
Scriptwriters: Furina, Luna.
Costume Designer: Chiori.
Audience: Maison Gardiennage, Special Task Force.
The entire play was staged for one purpose: to capture the Phantom Thief White Cat.
Though the Phantom Thief wouldn't harm innocents, if a fight broke out, ordinary spectators might still get caught in the crossfire. Better to consider things from another perspective.
Let the Maison Gardiennage and Special Task Force be the audience instead!
When the Phantom Thief made her grand entrance, one command from her would send countless gun muzzles trained on the thief... Furina nodded to herself.
It would be just like a movie protagonist's badass moment!
"She could never imagine what awaits her," Furina declared, hands on her hips.
"Really? I don't think that woman would be so easily fooled. If anything, she's the exact opposite."
Chiori raised her fingers.
"One, she's cunning."
"Two, she's shameless."
"Three, she's willful... And her strength allows her to act however she pleases."
Furina wanted to ask, What does this have to do with our discussion except for the first point?
But the latter two points were indeed spot-on summaries.
Luna draped her arms over Chiori's shoulders. "So you know her very well, then?"
"What do you think?" Chiori shot her a glance.
Luna smiled without answering.
"Chiori's right."
The familiar voice came as Chevreuse strode toward them with purposeful steps. When it came to capturing the Phantom Thief White Cat, she was an essential part of the equation.
Wherever there's a Phantom Thief, there's Chevreuse. This had become common knowledge in Fontaine.
Moreover, it was an order from the Court of Justice.
"Don't underestimate her. You never know where she'll pop up from."
This sounded more like a warning about an insect that could appear anywhere... Furina mentally grumbled.
Chevreuse crossed her arms. "In fact, I don't agree with using treasure as bait to lure out the Phantom Thief."
"But we don't have any other options, do we?" Furina said.
"That's not true."
Chevreuse was certain. "Even without the treasure, she would still show up."
Chiori said mildly, "So certain? It seems you know her well? You haven't been... you know... by her before? I've heard she's teased you before."
Chevreuse responded calmly, "I wouldn't say I know her well."
Even now, the existence of the Phantom Thief White Cat remained shrouded in mystery.
The teasing topic had been deftly sidestepped! Furina felt secretly surprised.
"But she's so flashy and bold. If someone dares to challenge her, she'll never ignore it," Chevreuse said, her voice flat.
Furina blinked. Hmm... she supposed that made sense?
But since the announcement was already out, they couldn't just take back the treasure now.
They'd just have to consider it double the bait.
"Besides, she... might not only steal treasures," Chevreuse added.
"Hm? What do you mean?"
Luna smiled faintly.
"Phantom Thief White Cat has sent a warning letter!" A member of the Maison Gardiennage rushed over.
It's here!
Furina accepted the letter with some nervousness, glancing at the contents written on the card.
To the Illustrious Lady Furina,
A stage so grand, a tale so bright,Draws forth the thief who loves the night.With masks and mischief, I arrive—For art and thrill, I always strive.
When light and dark entwine threefold,And whispers hush what truths unfold,The curtain lifts—so hold your breath,For I shall dance 'twixt fate and death.
The ring of hearts, a gleaming prize,Shall vanish right before your eyes.Yet more than gems or trinkets clever,I seek Fontaine's greatest treasure—forever.
So brace your heart, prepare your lair…For I'll be gone before you're aware.And in my wake, what shall remain?A calling card—and sweet refrain.
—Phantom Thief White Cat
Fontaine's greatest treasure?
Why did she add that phrase? What is the treasure?
...Ah! Could it be?!
Treasures come in all shapes and sizes, but Miss Furina is undoubtedly Fontaine's most precious treasure. The Phantom Thief White Cat had once told her this bluntly.
Is she actually after me?! Furina's expression changed abruptly.