"Neuvillette, take a look at this," Focalors said with a mischievous smile as she handed him a document within the Palais Mermonia.
He glanced up, a sense of foreboding settling in his chest.
Whenever Focalors smiled like that, nothing good ever followed.
In this regard, Focalors and Furina—or rather, Furina in her theatrical persona—were exactly alike.
"[ Phantom Thief Capture Plan II ]?"
There's a II?
The last time, Furina had devised the plan, only to have herself kidnapped by the Phantom Thief White Cat, along with her treasure and even her heart.
She'd lost everything.
"...You planned this?"
"As if! I would never target Luna," Focalors retorted, shaking her head.
Without Luna, there would be no Focalors as she existed today.
Though she couldn't publicly praise the Phantom Thief White Cat, she wouldn't oppose her either.
"This plan was devised by the Court of Justice," Neuvillette said with a slight nod, turning the pages.
Focalors paced the room with her hands behind her back, adopting a pompous tone: "Ahem, today, we will discuss how to deal with the Phantom Thief White Cat!"
"As we all know, the Phantom Thief White Cat has resurfaced. Over 70% of the populace is demanding immediate action."
"Huh? We're fighting the Phantom Thief? Seriously?"
"No need to fight, we just need to make a statement..."
Every expression Focalors wore perfectly mimicked the officials of the Court of Justice during their meetings.
It seemed she was eager to showcase her talents on the grand stage.
Neuvillette couldn't bring himself to laugh, nor did he understand the humor. He simply continued reading the documents in silence.
Focalors, feeling bored, sighed, "Ah, Neuvillette, you're not even remotely moved by my performance."
"My apologies. I don't quite understand these things."
"Hydro Dragon, Hydro Dragon, you just don't get the joke..." Focalors hummed a tune, propping her leg up on the sofa.
"To put it simply: Phantom Thief White Cat's reappearance has sent shivers down everyone's spines. After all, she's the one who gunned down officials of the Court of Justice."
"Not to mention, her reputation is already infamously heinous—she's considered utterly irredeemable."
Trying to list her crimes?
Who could possibly count them all? Perhaps only her "number one fan," Captain Chevreuse, knows the full extent of her transgressions.
"So the people turned to the Court of Justice for protection, hoping to capture Phantom Thief White Cat quickly."
Neuvillette responded tersely, "Impossible."
Phantom Thief White Cat was undoubtedly evolving constantly, no longer the same person she once was.
Meanwhile, the Court of Justice remained stagnant, with only the Special Task Force striving to keep up.
"Yes, impossible. But we can't just do nothing, can we?"
Doing something but failing and not doing anything because it's impossible are two entirely different concepts.
The Court of Justice had to make a show of action, regardless of the outcome. Otherwise, the hard-earned public trust they had regained would once again teeter on the brink of collapse.
"They also sought protection from our Palais Mermonia."
Primarily from Focalors herself.
Neuvillette turned the page. "But you have no intention of antagonizing Phantom Thief White Cat."
"Exactly. You and I both know what lies in her heart... So I plan to just go through the motions. As long as they don't break the law, why would Phantom Thief White Cat target them?"
"Treasure? Ordinary families don't have treasure."
"Of course, what Phantom Thief White Cat considers 'treasure' might exist, but since they fear the Phantom Thief, they're unlikely to seek her help."
"Anyway, back to the main point. During the meeting, they debated for ages about how to deal with Phantom Thief White Cat."
"Finally, someone suggested, 'Since Phantom Thief White Cat is drawn to treasure, why don't we just put some in the Fortress of Meropide?'"
"I was stunned! Such world-shattering brilliance!"
"The others were speechless for ages, awestruck by this ingenious idea! Eventually, this plan evolved into the document you've seen—isn't it remarkable?"
Neuvillette sighed deeply.
"What did Wriothesley say?"
"I haven't asked him yet."
"What about the treasure selection?"
"I haven't chosen anything yet."
"...So, all we have is this document?"
Focalors chuckled. "Exactly!"
Neuvillette sighed again.
-
Meanwhile,
"Ahem, allow me to introduce our salon's newest members—or, you might say, our family's newest members," Furina said, walking as she spoke.
She gestured. "This adorable, plump octopus is Gentihomme Ushar. He's remarkably polite."
Gentihomme Ushar tipped his hat in greeting.
"And this dainty, charming bubble seahorse is Surintendante Chevalmarin."
Surintendante Chevalmarin blew a bubble.
"Finally, we have the slightly clumsy but cheerful, brave, and lovable Mademoiselle Crabaletta."
Mademoiselle Crabaletta, a heavily armored crab, spun in a circle. Though she lacked a skirt, that didn't stop her from curtsying.
These three summoned creatures were the result of Furina's research into Visions.
They certainly looked small and adorable, but Luna's intuition warned that their combined attacks would likely inflict astonishing damage... at least, that was her gut feeling.
"These names... are they from that novel you mentioned before?"
Furina nodded with a smile. "Exactly! You remembered perfectly."
"It's an obscure but beloved novel of mine—a hymn to time loops, courage, and unwavering resolve! And these three characters are my absolute favorites."
In other words, these companions were born from imagination.
Her first acquired Elemental Power is summoning companions, huh?
Luna frankly admitted, "That's indeed typical of Furina."
"Are you implying something else?" Furina raised an eyebrow.
"Not at all!"
"Who's going to believe that! Hmph, I know direct combat isn't my forte, but if I can't beat them, my companions certainly can!" Furina planted her hands on her hips.
They were currently in the wilderness, specifically near a weeping willow by the lake. After cleaning up the disaster at home, Furina had dragged Luna here. The reason was simple—revenge!
"That Local Legend here scared me half to death last time, rushing at me without a word and making me lose face!" Furina wagged a finger. "But now things are different! I've grown stronger. A mere Local Legend? Won't be a problem!"
Tilting her hat back, Furina grinned confidently. "My dear Luna, witness my splendid battle!"
This wasn't mere confidence; it was pure overconfidence. Local Legends were no pushovers.
Luna was confident she could defeat the Local Legend even without using Elemental Power, but Furina? She had already foreseen the outcome before the battle even began.
"Alright, alright, I'll keep an eye on you."
Still, there was no harm in letting Furina gain some practical combat experience.
Furina nodded with satisfaction.
"One more thing."
She cleared her throat casually. "If... if I'm ever in danger, you have to come rescue me!"
Luna sighed helplessly. "Where did all that bravado go?"
"Oh, you know, just playing it safe!"
Furina pressed her hand to her chest, took a deep breath, and patted her cheeks.
"Alright!"
Furina, attack!
She'd show this ungrateful Local Legend the power of the bond between her and her companions!
"I'll be right back," she declared in a low voice.
Approximately ten seconds later...
"Luna, save meee—!"
Furina came sprinting back, tears streaming down her face, with the Local Legend "Rocky Avildsen," a boxing-obsessed Fontainian, hot on her heels.
But it was clear his skills went far beyond mere "obsession."
The Seafood Three Overlords of Salon Solitaire slammed into him, yet he didn't flinch. He leaped toward Furina and threw a punch!
In that instant, three streaks of icy light shot toward him.
"An ambush?"
Rocky scoffed, spinning mid-air to kick down all the flying knives before landing.
Furina finally sprinted to Luna's side, taking cover behind her.
"Phew... What's wrong with this guy? Doesn't he feel any pain at all?" Furina gasped, relieved to be alive.
"Pain? Compared to flesh wounds, my life is far more painful! Forgive my rudeness, blonde girl—eat this punch!"
Luna chuckled. "You're surprisingly polite."
Rocky's fist shot forward. Luna blocked with her arm, using his momentum against him.
The force of the counter-strike sent Rocky staggering backward two steps, his face a mask of shock.
Wow, she can block even a punch like that? Furina blinked repeatedly in amazement.
"Come on, Furina, don't be scared. I'll take the front. Use this chance to attack." Luna drew her one-handed sword, raising it in a defensive stance.
"Eh? Ah, right!"
I can't just stand here watching.
Furina snapped her fingers. "You're the ones! Go!"
After the merciless gang beating...
Rocky Avildsen collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Furina crossed her arms. "Luna, I've suddenly realized something."
"Hmm?"
"Gang beatings actually suit me quite well—I mean, multi-person combat."
Luna smiled faintly. "Do you know the prerequisite for a successful gang beating?"
"What is it?"
She pinched Furina's cheek. "That you, as the Summoner, don't become the primary target."
The Seafood Three Overlords were indeed formidable, but if Furina herself fell first, they would be powerless to help.
In short, within this four-person team, Furina was both the weakest and the most crucial member.
"So, if you want to become stronger, let me train you."
"Eh?"
Luna smoothly embraced Furina, leaning close to her ear. "Of course. Good behavior gets rewards, and bad behavior gets punishments."
Punishments? Furina's face paled.
"C-can I skip training?" she asked cautiously.
"Didn't you say you wanted to protect me?" Luna countered. "How can you protect anyone if you don't get stronger?"
Furina knew this all too well. Finally, she murmured, "...Fine, I'll train. But can we skip the punishments?"
She only wanted the rewards.
"That can be arranged."
Furina's eyes lit up. "Then what's the reward?"
"Me."
"...And the punishment?" Furina's cheeks flushed crimson.
"You."
Isn't that the same thing?!
...Well, it's not like I'm completely against it.