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Chapter 242 - Chapter 242: Rainbow Woman

Once she calmed down, Navia exhaled deeply.

Alright, let's go back!

Pretend none of that just happened... That's impossible.

Once the thought took root, it was a step from which there was no turning back.

As for whether she truly felt the twing in her heart or not, Navia temporarily refused to consider it.

Because if she started down that path, she knew she'd never stop!

Gathering her courage, she pushed open the door.

Then, acting as if nothing had happened, she said to Luna, "Oh, by the way, Melus and the others seemed to want to talk to us earlier. Let's go see what's up!"

Finally, she turned and left without another word!

As long as she wasn't alone with Luna, everything would be fine.

Navia nodded to herself, convinced her plan was flawless. She could always think about the rest later.

"Nana."

"Hmm?"

Navia instinctively turned her head, and a soft touch brushed her lips.

"Eh?"

She froze, visibly startled.

Luna tapped her own lips. "There was some cream stuck there. I cleaned it off for you."

Was there? Navia touched her mouth, but her fingertips only met the lingering dampness of Luna's touch.

"Next time, remember to 'wash' more thoroughly, okay?"

Luna's voice was full of hidden meaning as she opened the door and left.

Left standing there, Navia touched her burning cheeks and sank into a crouch.

She knew her face must be crimson, impossible to show in public.

What am I supposed to do now?! She pulled something like that right as I was about to leave!

She's so cunning.

And did she not react at all to that kiss?

Though it wasn't a real kiss... was it just a joke?

Navia sighed deeply at this thought.

I'll wait a bit longer. At least until my face isn't so red.

After a while, Navia finally entered the grand hall.

"Young Miss, you've finally arrived. Miss Luna mentioned you weren't feeling well. Have you caught a cold too?" Melus asked with concern.

Navia glanced at Luna, who wore a smug smile, and felt a surge of irritation.

"No, it's nothing really! Anyway, what did you need to talk to us about?" she said, abruptly changing the subject.

Silver stated bluntly, "The Spina di Rosula's enemies may be planning an attack soon."

"Enemies?" Navia asked, surprised.

Since its founding, the Spina di Rosula had certainly made enemies. Given their stance, other factions resented their rising power.

But "enemies" and "arch-enemies" were two very different things.

Who would hate the Spina di Rosula so intensely?

Vacher? He was dead, not even eligible for a revival match.

Melus chimed in, "Young Miss, you're likely aware of the significant internal conflict within the Spina di Rosula regarding the Aquabus construction project."

"One faction, led by Mr. Callas and fully supported by Ms. Clementine, advocates for the Aquabus construction."

"The other faction, led by Romeuf, opposed the Aquabus and advocated for investing all the funds into developing Poisson."

"For the record, I naturally sided with Mr. Callas," Melus added with a nod.

"Me too, though I was quite young back then," Silver chimed in.

And you're still quite young now! Navia sighed inwardly.

"So Romeuf is the Spina di Rosula's nemesis?" Luna asked.

It wasn't hard to imagine the ultimate outcome of such a clash of opinions, especially with both Callas and Clementine sharing the same vision.

"Yes," Melus confirmed.

"Once Mr. Callas made up his mind, there was no room for further discussion. Romeuf and his followers eventually left the Spina di Rosula, harboring deep resentment toward him."

"In fact, they've been throwing obstacles in our path for years, showing no regard for past ties."

I see.

"Even though Dad has a terrible temper, does that really warrant such hatred?" Navia wondered aloud, her brow furrowed.

The word "hatred" carried such weight. She could understand people disliking Callas, but hatred? Was that really necessary?

"Yes, because what they truly wanted was Mr. Callas's position."

Luna cut to the chase.

Melus nodded slightly.

"Indeed. Back then, the Spina di Rosula was a vast organization. Among the veteran members, there were always those with ulterior motives, and Romeuf was one of them."

Luna smiled faintly. "In the face of profit, the word 'hatred' surfaces all too easily, you know."

Though the word "hatred" carried immense weight, cultivating such animosity was surprisingly simple.

Colter spoke up at this moment.

"Mr. Callas wasn't always like this. He used to listen to us, and with Ms. Clementine consistently siding with us, things remained relatively stable."

It was common knowledge in Poisson that Callas handled external affairs while Clementine managed internal affairs.

"But then, Ms. Clementine sided with Mr. Callas that one time."

"They believed her judgment was clouded by her pregnancy."

"Later, Ms. Clementine died in childbirth. Mr. Callas, viewing the Aquabus as her final wish, refused any further discussion."

Navia frowned in displeasure.

What is all this nonsense?

"Why does it sound like my mother was in the wrong? She wasn't just some peacemaker!"

"Besides, securing the Aquabus is a rare opportunity. If we miss this chance, Poisson will lose the benefits of connecting with Fontaine."

"Of course, I understand that developing Poisson is equally important," she added.

"But prioritizing long-term gains over short-term advantages is the key to success! If you don't believe me, ask the Tianquan of Liyue, she'll surely agree."

Colter shook his head. "Are these benefits really so important? When he was wrongly accused, Fontaine did nothing. Where's the justice?"

"Because no one could have imagined that Fontainians could be dissolved," Luna replied calmly.

"The Law has its limitations, but rejecting its inherent justice because of those limitations is unacceptable."

Navia couldn't help but glance at her.

The Phantom Thief White Cat seems to share this sentiment as well?

Acknowledging the Law, supporting the Law, understanding the Law—yet completely disregarding it.

It's like saying: "I support ≠ I obey."

"The Callas Case remained unsolved due to insufficient evidence."

Colter narrowed his eyes, studying her intently.

Luna remained unfazed, continuing, "The claim that Ms. Clementine's pregnancy clouded judgment is merely an excuse."

"These people don't want Poisson to improve; they only want it to become what they desire."

"A clear pattern emerges from reviewing the Spina di Rosula's past accounting records."

"After the economic downturn caused by the construction of the Aquabus, the Spina di Rosula's finances began a steady, rapid recovery—until the Callas Case."

"The Spina di Rosula's economic foundation lies in public support and trust... Remaining stagnant and clinging to Poisson will only derail Fontaine's future and allow other gangs to dominate."

"The Spina di Rosula needs to reach every corner of Fontaine."

"Callas knew this, and so did Clementine. They were right. By seizing this opportunity, they could also filter out dissenting voices within the Spina di Rosula and eliminate them early on."

They even showed her the Spina di Rosula's ledgers?

Colter was secretly shocked. If true, Luna could be considered an "honorary member" of the Spina di Rosula, perhaps even one of Navia's closest confidantes.

"You... you're remarkably like Mr. Callas," Colter remarked bluntly.

"Under normal circumstances, I'd take that as a compliment. But right now, it sounds more like you're trying to label me," Luna replied with a gentle smile.

"No, no, it was just a compliment... Mr. Callas was an exceptional man."

Luna smiled without responding.

Though her smile remained unwavering and appeared warm and approachable at first glance, Colter couldn't help but break into a cold sweat under her gaze.

Navia murmured softly, "The Spina di Rosula needs to reach every corner of Fontaine... Yes, that's right... But I can just imagine what Dad was like back then."

Stubborn and unyielding, enough to make anyone sigh.

She shook her head, deciding to drop the subject.

"So, Romeuf is planning to retaliate against us?"

"Possibly," Silver replied.

"Colter mentioned he might be connected to Marcel... and Vacher, though there's no concrete evidence. Still, it's best to be cautious."

Navia pondered, "Poisson is still being rebuilt."

As the saying goes, "Strike while the iron is hot." If Romeuf intends to act, he'll surely seize this opportunity...

Poisson is at its most vulnerable right now. If they attack, there will undoubtedly be casualties.

"Melus..."

Melus nodded. "Leave it to me, Young Miss. I'll have people keep an eye on things."

"Mm, please take care of yourself. Don't get involved personally."

"With Miss Luna here, I certainly won't need to."

With that, Melus gestured for Luna to step aside with him.

Luna followed Melus to a corner of the hall. He glanced at Colter.

"Miss Luna..."

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of Nana," Luna said bluntly.

"As expected, nothing escapes your sharp eyes. Colter said you resembled Mr. Callas, but seeing you now, you remind me more of Ms. Clementine."

Luna asked, her voice tinged with curiosity, "Really?"

"Yes, after all—" Melus chuckled nostalgically, "No one wants to see Ms. Clementine lose her temper."

Managing a vast gang like the Spina di Rosula required more than just gentleness.

So Nana's mother was quite the formidable figure.

-

"Oh, by the way, Colter, Lulu and I are heading to Fontaine next. Why don't you join us? You should see the new world now that you're out of prison!" Navia beamed, her face full of smiles, betraying no hint of unease.

But Luna knew better. Her Miss Watson had already begun to suspect.

If there was one crucial lesson Navia had learned from the Marcel incident, it was the art of suspicion.

And Luna was equally certain that Navia had started to doubt her identity.

When you realize your Miss Holmes is a fraud, what will you do? Luna mused absently, gazing at Navia's face.

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