Furina, Please Let Me Steal Your Heart!

 This so-called Phantom Thief was more like a common bandit. She'd never heard of a Phantom Thief who left the scene of the crime in such disarray.

And what's more, stealing the treasure of another thief—was this what they called "thieves taking from thieves"?

Chevreuse couldn't be mistaken. The liquid in those bottles was none other than the "miracle potion" that had once swept through Fleuve Cendre.

Later, after the former president of the Spina di Rosula, Kalles Kaspar, discovered its hallucinogenic properties and addictiveness, Sinthe had been completely banned.

In the aftermath, the "Iniquitous Callas" case had come to light.

It was hard to believe there was no connection between the two events.

But that case had already been closed... Chevreuse averted her gaze, refocusing on the Phantom Thief under the watchful muzzles of the guns.

Was she responsible for that explosion earlier? she wondered. To draw the attention of the special task force?

Luna tucked away her gem and attempted to take a step forward.

"Don't move!" a member of the special task force called out.

Though she was not surprised by the order, she replied, "Miss Chevreuse, surely you agree that we ought to deal with these vile things before attending to me?"

"Vile things?"

"Those bottles and jars."

Chevreuse said, "I know, I'm just surprised that you despise them so much."

"I've already told you, I like beautiful things."

Luna ignored the gun pointing at her and twirled on her heel, her voice clear and ringing: "Beauty, as I define it, is something that brings joy and happiness to those who behold it."

"Even when one's eyes wander elsewhere, the lingering sensation of such beauty remains etched within the heart. Each recollection invites a sigh, a testament to the object's transcendent craftsmanship."

"So what about Sinthe?" Chevreuse asked.

"No, if we're being technical..." Luna's face broke into a mischievous grin. "Miss Chevreuse, you'd be more fitting of the term 'treasure' yourself."

Chevreuse replied coldly, "Interfering with the Special Task Force? That adds another degree to your sins."

"But you can't even catch me."

"Tempting the Special Task Force? That's yet another level of sin."

Luna showed not a hint of fear; instead, she sighed. "Well, I must truly be a woman of grave sin."

She leaped high, landing gracefully on a tree branch.

She really does move like a cat, Chevreuse thought, the comparison flashing through her mind.

"Are you running away again, tail between your legs?" Chevreuse's tone was indifferent, but each word dripped with provocation.

She was gambling on the idea that this attention-seeking Phantom Thief might choose to engage them for a bit, to sate her twisted desires. And that would be their chance to catch her.

"Yes, I'm running away," Luna replied.

But Luna remained unfazed, bowing gracefully with her hands clasped behind her back.

How can she make escaping sound so effortless? Chevreuse sighed inwardly.

"If you truly believe harboring a Phantom Thief is more wicked than letting countless lives plunge into despair and blame for the source of evil in Fontaine, then I don't mind continuing our little game." Luna's tone was light and cheerful. "But when that time comes, I won't be held accountable for being utterly disappointed by every last one of you."

Chevreuse was taken aback. "Disappointed?"

To think a Phantom Thief might still harbor expectations of the Court of Justice... It all feels so strange.

"Of course. You can never be disappointed by the person trying to send you to prison. Why wouldn't I have expectations for Fontaine? Justice can't be missing from Fontaine, right?"

With those words, Luna leaped toward the distance.

The special task force was about to pull their triggers, but Chevreuse raised her hand and called out to halt them.

"Stop... there's no need to waste bullets. Your firearms won't work on her."

Confused, an officer lowered her gun, unsure what to make of this situation. "Captain, are we just going to let her go like that?"

Instead of answering right away, Chevreuse walked over to the Sinthes that had fallen to the ground and casually picked up a notepad from the floor.

"...Seal off this area. Tonight, our task is to lock these people up."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Cordon tape was raised, roadblocks were placed, and the special task force took up their positions with guns at the ready. Moments later, the Melusines from the Shadow Pursuit Court arrived to assist with the investigation.

"Hurry up and put out the fire!"

"We're here, we're here."

The water cannons quickly extinguished the still-burning cargo.

Chevreuse leafed through the notebook in her hands once more.

Regardless of the Phantom Thief White Cat's motivations, she thought, it's clear this act brought justice to this Sinthe trafficking ring.

But the law didn't allow for complete exoneration through good deeds; only reduced sentencing was possible.

The Phantom Thief was still a fugitive to be apprehended.

The reason she was allowed to escape was simply because crimes varied in their severity—some were more heinous than others.

One must choose the lesser of two evils, that's all.

Chevreuse had no qualms about that, but deep down, she still had a question: Why did the Phantom Thief do this?

Was it just because she had her sights on these criminals' treasures, and the trafficking ring went down as a convenient side effect?

That must be it.

But how did she know there was a Sinthe trafficking ring hiding here? Did she possess information that neither the Court of Justice nor the Shadow Pursuit Court had?

If that's the case...

Chevreuse slipped the notebook into an evidence bag and handed it to one of the Melusines from the Shadow Pursuit Court.

Melusine, a marvelous creature unique to Fontaine.

Their heads and bodies were perfectly rounded, with big eyes that sparkled with intelligence. At first glance, they looked as if they'd stepped straight out of a fairy tale picture book.

But these creatures, known as Melusines, possessed exceptional senses. They could perform tasks that would be difficult for humans and detect clues that would elude the average person.

That's why the Shadow Pursuit Court often employed Melusines for reconnaissance and investigations. They also made excellent companions and teammates for the special task force and security squads... although some people simply saw them as perfect mascots.

"Thank you for your hard work, Captain Chevreuse!" the Melusines said, giving her a proper salute.

"You've done well yourselves. How are things looking?" Chevreuse returned the salute.

"These people may have broken a few bones, but they're still breathing. The Phantom Thief truly knows how to pull a disappearing act."

They're still alive? Chevreuse thought. She'd assumed they were all dead.

It seemed they'd merely been rendered unconscious, like infants asleep.

After handling the necessary handover procedures, the special task force concluded their operation and returned to headquarters.

All except Chevreuse.

"...It's about time you revealed yourself, isn't it?"

She turned around as she spoke, lifting her gaze.

A familiar figure sat perched on a tree, legs crossed. Leaves cast shadows over her face, but Chevreuse was certain—she was smiling.

Luna spoke with keen interest, "When did you notice my presence?"

"The moment I left the crime scene," Chevreuse replied.

"I can't believe you've stood it this long, Miss Chevreuse."

"It's because I wanted to see how strong the Phantom Thief's voyeuristic streak is," Chevreuse said dully.

"That's going to depend on how beautiful you are, Miss Chevreuse," Luna replied without a hint of apology.

-

...

Chevreuse made no reply.

"You're not going to pick up your gun? There's a living criminal right in front of you."

Chevreuse crossed her arms and closed her eyes.

"I won't thank you," she said. "You've dismantled an important criminal base, but you yourself are also a criminal. As the captain of the Special Task Force, both logically and sentimentally, there's no reason for me to treat you kindly."

"I don't need your thanks," Luna said lightly.

"That's ideal, then."

Although she wouldn't thank Luna, she wouldn't draw her weapon either.

That was Chevreuse's attitude.

Chevreuse fell silent for a moment before asking, "Why are you doing this?"