The next morning.
"Then Nana and I will head back to Poisson to prevent any problems."
"Mm-hmm."
Furina gave a terse reply, while Navia was already waiting outside.
"Furina."
"Hmm? Mmm—"
Furina slowly closed her eyes.
Their lips parted, and Luna exhaled softly, her breath sweet as orchids: "If you ever feel lonely later, just tell me."
Furina's face flushed crimson. Don't kiss me so early in the morning! But she still nodded slightly.
"Not lonely, just bored," she corrected.
"Alright, alright."
Luna paused, her eyes sparkling. "One more time?"
"Don't get addicted!"
Seeing how resolutely Luna carried out her will, Furina had assumed her self-control would be impeccable. But now, kissing her felt as natural as breathing.
She has absolutely no self-control.
Or rather, Luna simply had no desire for it.
If Furina told her to "be more self-respecting," Luna might mishear it as "self-help" and lean in even closer.
This is unbearable!
Furina thought, touching her lips, a warmth spreading through her chest.
What expression would Luna make if I took the initiative and kissed her back?
Curiosity suddenly piqued, she muttered to herself.
Then she startled.
No, no, no! How could I even think that?
Wouldn't that imply I'm enjoying this?
I'm not a glutton for this! Furina clenched her fists and nodded vigorously.
-
Colter had spent the previous night at the Spina di Rosula's Fleuve Cendre stronghold.
His gaze fell on Luna's face. "Uh, Miss Luna, will you be accompanying the Boss again today?"
"Yes, is there a problem?"
"No, no problem at all..."
Tsk. Colter clicked his tongue inwardly. Why is Luna always sticking to Navia like glue?
If this keeps up, I'll never get a chance to strike!
Should I make my move here? Right now?
No, attracting the Special Task Force would make things even more complicated... I've heard their Captain is stronger than ever these days.
That's all thanks to the Phantom Thief White Cat, who's been giving her plenty of practice.
I'll have to hold back for now, unless Romeuf loses his patience and makes a move first. Colter nodded inwardly, his face remaining impassive.
"Then let's head back," Navia said.
As they returned to Poisson, Navia was about to send the Spina di Rosula uniforms she'd obtained when a sudden shout cut through the air.
"Young Miss!"
"Melus?"
Melus and Silver rushed toward them, panting heavily.
They're in such a hurry... this can't be good news. Navia frowned, exchanging a worried glance with Luna.
"What's wrong? Catch your breath first."
"No time! It's urgent... Young Miss, Romeuf's faction has appeared outside Poisson, and they seem to be carrying explosives!"
"Explosives?" Navia asked, surprised. "Are you sure it's explosives?"
"Yes, though I couldn't get a clear look from this distance, the shape resembled old-fashioned explosives."
Luna smiled faintly. "Looks like you'll have to treat them to a taste of lead, Nana."
"Yeah..."
Yesterday, they had anticipated that Romeuf might tear up the pretense of civility and resort to outright violence. But they never expected him to use explosives.
Navia frowned deeply. "If they refuse to respect the Spina di Rosula and won't even sit down for a proper discussion, then they can't blame us for showing no mercy!"
"Where are the explosives?"
"Near the Clementine Line!"
What?!
Navia stared in disbelief. "Are they planning to blow up the Aquabus?"
"Not only that," Luna added, "the area is mountainous. An explosion could easily trigger rockslides."
A plan to kill two birds with one stone: destroy the hated Aquabus and inflict devastating damage on Poisson.
It seemed Lulu had been right all along—they didn't want Poisson to prosper, only to seize power. And if they couldn't have it, they'd rather destroy everything.
This was outrageous, unforgivable!
Navia's expression turned grim. "Quick, evacuate everyone to safety! Lulu, let's go! We have to stop Romeuf's evil scheme—"
"No, you're not going anywhere!"
Colter drew his pistol and aimed it at Navia.
Simultaneously, several fully armed thugs leaped out from behind the house, clearly having been waiting in ambush.
Melus wore a conflicted expression. "Colter, you..."
Silver clenched his fist. "You traitor!"
"Just as I suspected," Navia said, unfazed. "Your heart had long since left the Spina di Rosula."
Luna smiled faintly. "With your clumsy acting and genuine contempt showing through, Romeuf couldn't have chosen a better pawn."
"You knew all along?" Colter stammered, stunned.
"Yes," Navia replied softly. "We were just waiting for you to slip up. Suspicion alone isn't enough for a Judgment."
"We needed evidence," Luna added.
She pulled out her pocket watch and glanced at the time.
"Of course, you might be hoping the explosives will detonate and Romeuf's plan will succeed."
Click. The pocket watch snapped shut.
"But time is always mine to command." Luna's smile never faltered.
Her words were an unmistakable revelation of her true identity.
Melus's eyes widened in shock, while question marks popped up above Silver's head.
What does she mean?
Could Miss Luna actually be a Magical Girl?
Navia shot her a slightly complex glance before taking a deep breath.
"Why did you side with Romeuf?" she asked.
"...I don't approve of his radical methods, but I hate you, Navia! If I kill you, Romeuf won't attack Poisson."
"Yet you've been flirting with this woman the entire time!"
Flirting?! Where?!
...Have I?
"I never got a chance to assassinate you. Romeuf lost patience and resorted to explosives. Even if I have to die with you, I'll kill you first!" Colter snarled.
Melus stepped in front of Navia.
"I won't let you do this."
Silver also stepped forward.
"Me too!"
"Get out of the way!" Colter waved his gun.
Melus and Silver didn't budge.
"Why are you doing this?" Navia demanded coldly.
"Why? Because it's all your fault!" Colter shrieked hysterically. "Clementine died because of you!"
Navia pressed her lips into a thin line.
"Callas died for you too! Look at what's become of the once-glorious Spina di Rosula! I considered backing down, but I can never forgive you."
"I used to love the Spina di Rosula and Poisson more than anything, but now everything's gone!"
"Have you ever considered that no one actually likes you?"
"You're only respected because you're Callas and Clementine's child. Everything you have was left to you by your parents. You're nothing."
Navia: "..."
After a moment of silence, just as Navia was about to speak, a cold voice suddenly cut through the air.
"Done talking?"
Luna stepped before Colter, who tensed visibly.
"You..."
"As expected, someone so dull can only utter sleep-inducing drivel."
Colter froze, gripping his pistol tighter.
"What do you know about me? Do you understand my pain?!"
"I have no interest. You're just raving like a mad dog."
Luna tugged at her gloves. "But I know the pain Nana has endured: her father, falsely accused, died by the sword of his closest friend. The words she longed to say to him were never delivered."
"She never saw her mother, and she likely believes her birth brought about her mother's death."
"Guilt, confusion, sorrow—I've seen it all in her eyes."
"Yet she ultimately rallied, her soul shining with unwavering resilience. Without a doubt, she is one of Fontaine's greatest treasures, beautiful and radiant."
Navia pressed her hand to her chest, murmuring, "Yes, Lulu has always been by my side..."
Whatever facet of her she showed, Luna had seen it all.
Luna raised her hand. "Melus, the sword."
Melus snapped out of his daze and hastily presented a single-handed sword with both hands.
Luna seized the hilt, drawing the blade in a fluid motion. The steel flashed, then settled downward.
"You have no right to lament your pitiful 'suffering.' Ms. Clementine poured her heart's desires into Nana, a truth you willfully ignore."
"Mr. Callas sacrificed his life to protect his child, a sacrifice you also chose to disregard."
"You claim to love the Spina di Rosula and Poisson, yet you silently condone their destruction and harm."
"You don't hate Navia; you only hate the Spina di Rosula for failing to give you everything you wanted."
"You care only for yourself. Everything else is just an excuse."
"This isn't a drama, just a tiresome interlude. You're not even a villain—just common muck, condemned to slither and survive in the shadows."
Colter's expression flickered between dark and light, as if each word struck directly at his heart.
These were precisely the ugly, foul thoughts festering within him, thoughts that would shrivel and vanish under the harsh light of truth. He cared only for himself, not for anyone else.
A gentle breeze lifted Luna's hair as her voice rang out clearly:
"Perfect. Let me show you how the Children of the Hearth fight."
No Elemental Power, no special abilities—just the combat skills honed over a lifetime.
With a twist of her wrist, the blade flashed.
"I'll finish you in five seconds."
In the blink of an eye, blood bloomed in the air.