Noticing the change in Furina's expression, Chevreuse immediately asked:
"What's wrong? What does the Phantom Thief's letter say?"
Furina wordlessly handed over the warning letter. Chevreuse frowned deeply.
The letter is a rhyme, and treasure names are described with abstract terms. It seems she's growing more fond of being a Phantom Thief.
Putting those aside for now, the key point lies with Fontaine's greatest treasure.
She'd heard the Phantom Thief White Cat had referred to Furina as Fontaine's greatest treasure.
Even Chevreuse's eyes widened slightly. "Her target is Lady Furina?"
"What?" Chiori exclaimed in surprise.
"Would she actually steal people?" Luna asked.
"...Hard to say. But kidnapping someone would only compound her crimes, especially when it's Lady Furina. My advice is to terminate this operation immediately."
Terminate?!
"Absolutely not!" Furina protested urgently.
Of course she didn't want to be captured by the Phantom Thief, but if they terminated the operation, wouldn't outsiders see it as fleeing from battle - becoming deserters?
How could the mighty Hydro Archon Focalors possibly become a deserter?!
Furina flicked her bangs aside. "How could Focalors surrender without a fight? How could I flee without a battle?"
Though she desperately wanted to.
"Risk often accompanies tremendous opportunities and rewards! I have faith in your abilities to proclaim our order and justice, to punish that lawless madwoman White Cat!"
You'll never let me be captured, will you? Furina felt uneasy.
She turned to Chevreuse.
Chevreuse remained silent for a moment before saluting. "Of course not."
Don't let the silence last more than three seconds!
She turned to Chiori.
"What are you looking at me for? I'm just a fashion designer. I don't have any combat skills like the others."
Who would believe that?!
Finally, she looked at Luna.
Luna pressed a hand to her chest and smiled. "Please rest assured. The Phantom Thief White Cat would never harm a hair on Lady Furina's head.ᗜ⩊ᗜ"
"Luna..." Furina said, touched.
But Luna didn't even have a Vision. She probably couldn't defeat the Phantom Thief White Cat at all.
Sigh, it's good that she has such a kind heart... Furina sighed inwardly.
Chiori glanced sidelong at Luna, pursing her lips.
The Phantom Thief White Cat won't harm Lady Furina ≠ Luna will protect Lady Furina.
"I'm more concerned about what the White Cat might do beyond harming Lady Furina," she said.
"...Huh?" Furina was taken aback.
What could she mean by "beyond harming"? The thought had barely formed when images flooded her mind:
"The treasure I speak of is Miss Furina herself."
"Because I adore Miss Furina's cuteness, I mean all of her."
A blush bloomed across Furina's cheeks. Indeed, they should be wary of the Phantom Thief White Cat's other intentions.
Regardless, they must never let her be captured!
The preparation time slipped by unnoticed; a week truly wasn't long enough.
The performance day arrived.
The seats below were filled with spectators, but as previously mentioned, these were members of the Maison Gardiennage and Special Task Force, each armed with weapons.
The moment the Phantom Thief appeared, they would swarm forward.
They'd use sheer numbers to overwhelm her!
However, before the Phantom Thief's appearance, they had the opportunity to enjoy Furina and Luna's joint performance.
"I couldn't get tickets before, so this finally fulfills my wish."
"Watching a show during work hours is truly a treat..."
"Could the Phantom Thief please make her grand entrance a bit later?"
Despite the serious nature of their mission, the atmosphere remained light-hearted—a condition Furina had insisted upon.
"Even at an opera, the audience shouldn't all wear stone faces!"
Weep when the moment calls for tears, laugh when it demands mirth.
This was both an opportunity to apprehend the Phantom Thief and a legitimate musical performance.
When asked whether failing to capture the Phantom Thief and inciting their superior's wrath was worse than defying Furina's orders and angering her, the answer was clear.
The former was undoubtedly more disastrous.
Furina's allure remained potent even in her anger. How could those sour-faced bosses compare?
That said, no one actually wanted to deliberately provoke Furina.
So they followed God's instructions: enjoy the drama, then let the Phantom Thief become part of the spectacle.
"Why hasn't it started yet?"
"I'm so anxious! So anxious!"
The opera house's audience seemed to possess a magical quality, transforming anyone seated there into bloodthirsty spectators.
Fortunately, the stage lights soon dimmed.
As the performance was about to begin, the audience craned their necks, gazing intently at the stage.
When the lights came back on, a lavish banquet scene unfolded before them. The meticulous arrangement and perfect decor were hard to believe had been prepared within a week.
"This is the one you'll need to devote yourself to from now on, Freya."
The audience consisted of members from the Maison Gardiennage and Special Task Force, while the other actors had been carefully selected by the Court of Justice.
Their acting was superb, their composure flawless. Even in the face of unexpected events, they remained completely unshaken - precisely the type of talent required for this performance.
Furina's face was contorted with anger. "No! I've already decided I won't become your sacrifice anymore!"
But when it came to who performed best on stage, that honor naturally went to those two.
"Then do you mean your sister should take your place? Don't defy your father's command."
Furina turned back to look. Luna, seated in her wheelchair, appeared so fragile. How could she possibly leave and survive on her own? How could Furina herself bear to part with her?
Sorrowful, gloomy, delicate... Luna embodied these qualities perfectly, yet at unpredictable moments, she would suddenly reveal a completely opposite side. Such a mercurial character was particularly difficult to portray.
Yet she managed to capture every nuance of expression and movement with flawless precision.
Truly a powerhouse actress!
Lady Furina's discerning eye had chosen well.
Similarly, the complexity of the character Furina portrayed matched Luna's sister role. Though appearing brave and daring, the truth lay in stark contrast.
Seeming independent of all others, yet utterly dependent on her sister... beneath the maternal tenderness lay a twisted attachment.
Ah, what a perfect relationship!
"The sister believes she's the parasite, unaware it's the other who can't live without her..."
"Brilliant, simply brilliant."
"The script and performance quality have improved so remarkably in just a week."
"Those two sisters have certainly dirtied their hands now, becoming criminals."
"I love tragic endings. Dying together is still a good conclusion."
If they hadn't seen Chevreuse on stage playing a supporting role, the performance would have completely captivated their attention and emotions.
What about the Phantom Thief? If she didn't appear soon, they'd have to watch the entire show.
...Could it be that the Phantom Thief was watching too?
With this thought, the Special Task Force members scanned their surroundings but found no traces of her presence.
They couldn't help but wonder: When exactly would the Phantom Thief make her grand entrance? And in what manner would she reveal herself?
On the stage.
After witnessing Luna and Furina's performance up close, Chevreuse and Navia finally grasped the terrifying depth of their foundation and true capabilities.
It was as if they'd transformed into entirely different people before their eyes—a doppelganger with the same face but a completely different personality and bearing... Watching them act felt like a master carpenter showing off his skills to a novice.
Navia felt a pang of resentment. She wasn't particularly skilled at acting, but seeing Furina and Luna...
"Sister Freya?"
"Please don't leave me, my sister. Even when you can stand again, don't step onto paths beyond my reach..."
...the sensation of being held like this was truly peculiar.
What if she were the one playing the lead? Navia mused absently.
She'd probably fail miserably.
Only those with genuine talent could become the star of the Opera House stage.
This wasn't some shoddy imitation film.
But still, she couldn't help feeling envious... Wait, no! If she wanted, she could embrace Luna anytime without acting, without pretense—just as "Navia" and "Luna" holding each other.
That wasn't so bad, was it?
More importantly, the Phantom Thief White Cat was the most pressing concern.
Why hasn't she appeared yet?
When Navia met Chevreuse's gaze, she could tell the other girl was thinking the same thing.
Let's review the contents of the warning letter.
The time is "When light and dark entwine threefold." When light and dark entwine threefold? When would that happen?
Then Navia noticed the lighting apparatus.
Could it be...?!
Boom! The band's drumbeat thundered, the music's sudden surge igniting the atmosphere as the story reached its climax. Navia, Chevreuse, and Clorinde exchanged glances.
She's coming.
Where will she appear?
"Sister, my legs are no longer numb."
"Then dance with me," Furina said, taking Luna's hand. "Let me know you'll always be by my side. Then I'll give you my most precious treasures—my crown and my life."
Furina helped Luna rise from her wheelchair.
The trembling of legs not yet fully adapted, the lightness of restored strength... all of it, under the music and song, made the audience's eyes glisten with tears.
The tears were about to overflow.
Finally came the dance reserved for the two protagonists alone.
Furina held Luna's hand, guiding her body through gentle steps.
"Wow?! Sis, you're scaring me!"
"You can scare me too! Come on, let's dance, Schnail!"
The crisp, melodious laughter filled the air, occasionally punctuated by gasps. Gradually, the laughter dissolved into wordless gazes and smiles.
Just as everyone became entranced, the lights dimmed for a moment.
"!?" Chevreuse tensed, her senses alert.
The lights came back on.
One alternation.
The dance continued, steps light and swift.
The lights dimmed again, then brightened.
Two alternations.
Only one more to go. Where... White Cat, where are you?
Chevreuse narrowed her eyes, her hand subtly resting on her pistol.
Navia tensed, her gaze sweeping the area.
Clorinde silently placed her hand on her sword hilt. The Phantom Thief White Cat wanted to steal Furina? She wouldn't let that happen.
The dance went on, Luna and Furina sometimes pulling apart, sometimes pressing close together.
Dancing didn't always mean matching each other's steps and breathing. It could be the opposite - advancing steps as attacks, retreating steps as evasions... Though others couldn't tell, they were truly in a duel.
The reason was simple.
On this stage, only one person could claim the most dazzling title.
The lights dimmed.
She's coming!
The lights came on again.
Click! The sound of the lighting system activating echoed through the silent space. All the lights focused on the center of the stage, illuminating a pure white figure.
Everyone in the audience sprang to their feet.
"How is this possible...?"
The Phantom Thief stood on the stage, one arm around Furina's body as she leaned back.
And the fact that she could appear like this meant...
Furina panted softly, staring in disbelief at the familiar face before her. She couldn't mistake those eyes beneath the mask.
"Phantom Thief... White Cat..."
Luna gently caressed Furina's cheek. "As you wished, I've come to our rendezvous. It's been so long since I danced so passionately. How does it feel to dance with me?"
She leaned close to Furina's ear.
"Lady Furina..."
"Hm?" Furina's face flushed crimson.
So she's targeting me?!