Seeing Furina's wariness, Luna didn't seem bothered.
"Are you afraid?"
Actually, I don't feel that scared, Furina thought.
She lifted her gaze to study Luna's expression.
Warm, polite, and elegant—exactly as she had been when they first met on the beach. She hadn't changed at all.
Ignoring her identity, she was undeniably approachable.
Of course, even if Furina felt fear, she couldn't show it.
"Fear? How laughable! No matter how peculiar you are, you're just a mortal. I am Focalors, the God of Justice. Why would I fear you?"
"On the contrary, you should fear me, revere me!"
Furina puffed out her chest. "A villain like you will ultimately be consumed by the flames of justice. But if you show reverence for the God of Justice, your fate might not be so dire."
Luna gently pushed the pillow aside and chuckled. "Then what's the meaning of Miss Furina clutching this pillow?"
"Ah..."
Furina immediately dropped the pillow and crossed her arms.
She nonchalantly explained, "It was just a reflex... a biological instinct! A primal vigilance. Now that I'm awake, there's no turning back for you."
Furina flashed a confident smile.
"But if you yield, I might consider leniency."
"Choose, Phantom Thief White Cat! Will you submit to me, or—"
Luna lightly lifted Furina's chin, her cheeks flushing slightly. "—will I claim you?"
"E-eh? N-no, no, no, no! Can't you just listen to me properly!" Furina's words tumbled out in a rush. "You always do this!"
Threats held no sway over her.
It seemed nothing could instill fear in her.
No wonder she had become the renowned Phantom Thief White Cat. Furina felt a mix of admiration and exhaustion, yet she remained vigilant.
"Why did you bring me to this place?" she demanded, summoning her courage.
"What do you think, Miss Furina?"
"Don't answer a question with another question."
"Because you're not in a position to ask me that right now."
That made sense.
But she couldn't lose in terms of presence!
Furina pressed her hand to her chest. "You claim I'm your treasure, Fontaine's greatest treasure. Then treat me with the respect due to something beyond all treasures."
Luna looked surprised. "Respect?"
"Exactly! It's not that you stole me—I'm merely condescending to be your guest!"
Her words sounded like blatant sophistry, twisting the meaning of words.
But to maintain her facade as the Hydro Archon Focalors, she couldn't afford to show any weakness.
She had to bluff, pretending she hadn't fully unleashed her divine power yet.
...Though Furina suspected that even if this Phantom Thief were to face a true Archon, like Inazuma's Raiden Shogun, she likely wouldn't flinch.
"Miss Furina."
"Hmm?"
Luna gently pressed her chest and bowed slightly. "My apologies. I didn't realize Miss Furina had already considered a rendezvous with me. To resort to such a scheme shows a lack of discernment on my part."
"How could I have..."
Ah! Furina suddenly realized.
If she hadn't been kidnapped by the Phantom Thief, but had instead "willingly" become her guest...
That would indeed mean she wanted to meet Phantom Thief White Cat.
"Or perhaps Miss Furina was just speaking casually? Did I simply accidentally bring you here?"
Furina was momentarily speechless.
Of course, she couldn't admit that.
"Hmph..."
She could only let out a cool hmph to express her mood.
"The reason I brought Miss Furina here is quite simple."
Furina perked up her ears.
"What is it?" she asked curiously.
A faint smile played on Luna's lips as she pushed open the door and glanced back, as if to say, "Come."
She just opened the door like that?
Isn't she afraid I'll escape? Furina hesitated for a few seconds, then thought: Even if I did escape, with her speed, catching me would be as easy as a seagull snatching a french fry...
Better to wait for a better opportunity to escape.
Or wait for Clorinde to find me.
Clorinde, a formidable Marechaussee Hunter who had inherited their advanced tracking techniques, couldn't catch the Phantom Thief White Cat, let alone find her? Furina had absolute confidence in Clorinde's abilities.
Besides, she was genuinely curious about what the Phantom Thief intended to do.
Though only a little!
Furina got out of bed, followed Luna, and stepped outside.
The bright sunlight stung her eyes, and a warm breeze brushed against her cheek.
Free from the city's clamor and the gazes of others, all that surrounded her now was the vast sea before her, the sand beneath her feet, and the Phantom Thief beside her.
"Where am I?"
"A place far from everyone."
Luna pointed. "Fontaine is that way."
Furina blinked. "You're just pointing me in the right direction like that?"
"What's wrong with that? You know the reason perfectly well. If I wanted to, I could catch you anytime."
Like a cat playing with a mouse.
Before Furina could retort, Luna continued, "But rather than resorting to physical means, I'd prefer Miss Furina to genuinely want to stay here."
"Of course, it won't be for long."
She raised a finger.
"One day."
One day?
Furina felt that was far too long. She murmured, "For what?"
"To go on a date with Miss Furina."
No one would believe a word of that! Furina sighed inwardly. She didn't expect Luna to reveal her true motives, but she feared—
She clasped her hands behind her back, nervously rubbing her fingertips.
...she feared Phantom Thief White Cat was trying to see through her.
Just like Neuvillette.
Just like more and more Fontaine folk these days.
The reason was simple: prophecy. If that were the case, the pressure Furina faced here might even surpass what she endured with others.
Phantom Thief White Cat possessed extraordinary abilities and was exceptionally perceptive.
I absolutely cannot let my guard down... Furina mustered her courage and said casually, "I don't believe you!"
"I understand. I don't expect anyone to believe me."
"The truth isn't always a good thing. Sometimes, only lies can help others, even save them, don't you think?"
Furina's eyes widened.
Just as I thought...
Whether it was their encounter on the beach or White Cat's words during the Harpsichord Grand Ceremony, the Phantom Thief's words always resonated with Furina's inner thoughts, almost unconsciously.
But that was precisely what made this so difficult, so painful.
The more likely the other person was to understand her, the more vulnerable she became. This couldn't continue. Focalors couldn't afford to become vulnerable; how else could she maintain her act?
"...You understand nothing," Furina said, shaking her head.
And you must never understand.
"Don't say such things."
Luna, as if confirming something, smiled faintly. "Very well."
As expected, Furina was hiding something... but knowing that was enough. Not every wound needed to be reopened.
"I believe Miss Furina."
"What?" Furina seemed taken aback.
"About the Prophecy."
"Ah... you... believe me?"
Luna chuckled. "Give me one reason not to believe Miss Furina. If you can convince me, I'll start to doubt."
"There's no such reason!" Furina declared, hands on her hips.
The notorious Phantom Thief actually believes her...?
This isn't funny at all.