Upon returning to Fontaine by boat, Navia's first task was to collect the Spina di Rosula's custom uniforms.
Not from the Chioriya Boutique, but from another familiar tailor's shop.
"You've fallen out of love with Chioriya Boutique," Luna sighed, shaking her head.
"What kind of talk is that?! I still love Chioriya Boutique. It's just that all our Spina di Rosula uniforms are custom-made."
"Changing to someone else would break her heart, don't you think?"
Assuming the quality is up to par.
If the quality isn't good enough, then goodbye.
The Spina di Rosula uniforms have certain protective properties. We absolutely can't compromise on quality!
Luna added, "Chiori would definitely be heartbroken if she found out."
"She... would be heartbroken?" Navia couldn't help but ask.
"More likely she'd be furious than heartbroken," Luna admitted frankly.
"Hmm, that sounds more like her—wait, she wouldn't say anything to me."
But Luna might not be spared.
Ninety percent of the clothes in Luna's wardrobe were from Chiori, as if she wasn't meant to wear anything else. Such weighty affection.
Still, Furina's now living with Lulu, so her wardrobe must be overflowing with clothes that don't belong to Lulu either.
Navia fell silent.
How nice, living together... She sighed.
"Hmm?"
At that moment, Navia sensed a gaze. Just as she was about to turn around, Luna grabbed her hand.
"Stop. Don't look back."
"So Lulu noticed them too?"
Someone had been following them since their first step into the city.
Luna smiled. "Mm, let's go."
"Alright."
These seasoned partners needed no further explanation.
Navia and Luna continued walking ahead, chatting casually, while Colter trailed behind, having been pulled into their plan.
He only occasionally interjected with a few words, spending most of the time in silence.
The figures trailing behind them kept a discreet distance.
But as the trio rounded a corner, they were astonished to find:
"Where did that blonde go?"
"Isn't Navia blonde too?"
"I mean the other one!"
A voice echoed from behind them.
"Why don't you turn around and take a look?"
Who's there?! They whirled around in terror, only to be met by Luna's raised leg and then the sole of her boot crashing into their faces.
Thud! A muffled impact as one of them collapsed.
"Get your weapons!"
"Not a chance!"
Navia's clear, sharp cry was followed by the swing of her umbrella gun.
"Guwaaaah—!"
The pursuers let out strange, guttural cries as Navia swiftly pummeled them to the ground with her umbrella.
Navia snorted softly. "As long as I'm here, no one will harm Lulu!"
She strode quickly toward Luna.
"Lulu, are you alright?"
"Perfectly fine, Your Highness."
Your Highness... Navia's face flushed crimson. Yet Luna truly did resemble a princess, especially when held in her arms.
"You're all so weak," Luna chuckled, stepping on one of the fallen pursuers' backs.
Picking up the man's sword, she pressed the blade against his temple, the polished steel reflecting his terrified expression.
"You have three seconds to explain why you were following us."
Well, she certainly doesn't act like a princess, Navia thought again.
"One."
"Two."
Martinat, the leader of the trackers, quickly interjected, "We're just seeking revenge against the Spina di Rosula!"
"Revenge? Are you one of Romeuf's people?"
Navia wasn't surprised in the slightest.
"You know? Then you should understand where our hatred stems from!"
Luna smiled faintly. "Of course I understand."
She leaned down, raised the tip of her sword, and lightly grazed the skin on Martinat's neck.
"It stems from delusions, from weakness, from pitiable... origins."
"You—!"
"Shhh."
Luna pressed the flat of her sword against Martina's throat. The bone-chilling cold made him tremble violently.
"Am I wrong?" she murmured.
She tilted the blade slightly, gradually bringing the blade's edge perpendicular.
"I won't tolerate anyone harming my Nana. Beautiful things should be cherished and protected, not destroyed and ruined—am I right?"
"S-save me..." Martinat's face went deathly pale.
Navia knew Luna was playing the "bad cop," leaving her to play the "good cop." But these words... they were practically the Phantom Thief White Cat herself.
Navia shot her a subtle glance, a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Stop, Lulu."
"Okay."
Luna tossed her sword aside and leaned against the wall.
Navia said sternly, "I know why you hate the current Spina di Rosula. As its current President, I, Navia, want to speak with your leader personally."
"Speak?" Martinat blinked in surprise.
"Yes. Many things should turn over a new page."
"Even if you refuse to cooperate with us again, I hope to have one less enemy—without resorting to force."
Navia said earnestly, "To show my sincerity, I won't hold you accountable for this incident."
After all, they can't possibly defeat us.
"However..." Navia twirled her umbrella with a friendly smile. "If you don't give me the respect I'm offering and try something like this again, I'll have no choice but to treat you to a few bullets. Understand?"
Martinat and the others shuddered.
This Navia is definitely not someone to mess with!
"Understood. I'll inform our leader. Let's go!"
The trackers supported each other as they fled.
"Nana."
"Hmm?"
Luna chuckled softly. "I'm going to use the restroom. It might take a while, okay?"
Navia gazed at her intently.
Saying she's going to the restroom? She clearly wants to follow secretly and find Romeuf's gang's base.
Navia considered this and said softly, "...Alright."
Just then, Colter, breathless from running, caught up to them.
"Boss, you guys run so fast! Huff... What just happened?"
Navia briefly explained the situation. Colter's eyes widened in surprise.
"A stalker? How dangerous! Too bad I missed it, but I completely agree with your actions, Boss."
"Resorting to violence is a primitive approach that violates the Spina di Rosula's aesthetic."
Aesthetic? Navia repeated the word mentally.
As the word echoed in her mind, the figure of Phantom Thief White Cat surfaced in her thoughts. Now, White Cat's image was superimposed over that of her beloved Lulu.
Luna hadn't even bothered to disguise herself, almost as if she were declaring:
I am Phantom Thief White Cat.
So, what are you going to do about it?
What am I going to do about it? Navia mused distractedly.
"The Spina di Rosula avoids using force unless absolutely necessary," Navia said softly, "but without it, we'd be nothing more than fish ripe for the slaughter."
"If Romeuf and his people agree to meet and talk, that would be ideal. I'd love to turn the page on the past."
"If they refuse to meet but no longer obstruct us, each going our separate ways, that would also be acceptable."
"But if they show no remorse—" Navia took a deep breath. "Then they can't blame me for showing them no mercy."
Colter nodded.
"Understood. But let's hope it doesn't come to that. After all... breaking all ties with family cuts deep."
Navia crossed her arms. "Family only in the past."
The Marcel case had taught her much. The Phantom Thief White Cat's actions and Luna's thoughts had given her plenty to ponder.
There was no denying that these experiences had helped her grow.
"Speaking of which, where's Miss Luna?" Colter asked, concerned.
"She went to the restroom. She'll be back any minute now."
"I see..." Colter nodded, casually leaning against the wall to wait.
A moment later, Luna returned.
"Alright, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting so long. My stomach hasn't been feeling well lately," Luna said with a gentle smile.
"It's no problem at all," Navia replied, glancing up at the sky.
Twilight had already fallen, and night was about to descend.
Rather than rush back immediately, it might be better to spend the night in Fontaine. After all, she could send a letter to Melus to have them prepare for her return.
"Let's stay in Fontaine tonight and head back tomorrow!" Navia suggested with a cheerful smile.
"Nana wants to stay at the Fleuve Cendre headquarters?"
"Mm-hmm."
Colter smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll protect the Boss."
"That won't be necessary," Luna countered.
"How so?"
Navia's eyes lit up. Could it be...?
Luna took Navia's hand. "Why don't you come stay at my place?"
And so...
Furina watched Luna and Navia with a peculiar expression.
"...Just so you know, I don't like sleeping in cramped beds!"
And I definitely don't want to share a bed with anyone but Luna.