"It's my fault you were in danger, but I won't apologize."
"You're truly obsessed with yourself, aren't you?"
"Okay, cut!"
On the film set, Furina was working as the director.
But calling it "work" was a stretch. They were really just reshooting scenes from the earlier part of the film. As previously mentioned, the rising seawater had damaged some of the tapes beyond repair.
Despite their best efforts to salvage them, the result was... ruined.
With no other choice, they had to reshoot. Fortunately, only a few scenes needed to be redone, so it wouldn't take long.
Luna greeted the other actors with a smile before approaching Furina.
"How was it?"
"Perfect on the first take. Not bad."
Luna beamed. "Well, it is me, after all."
"Yes, yes, it is you after all," Furina replied with a smile.
"Lulu—!"
A familiar voice, accompanied by a familiar figure, swooped in and tackled Luna.
"Am I late?" Navia asked with a beaming smile, hugging Luna.
"A little," Luna replied, "but you've seen the earlier scenes anyway, so it doesn't really matter, does it?"
"Oh, come on! The same scene can feel completely different depending on who's performing and how they're feeling that day. Every time I watch you act, Lulu, it's like seeing it for the first time!"
Furina stared silently.
She glanced at Navia's radiant smile, then at Clorinde sitting nearby, sipping her drink. Chiori's my rival, but what about them...? she wondered.
They're all so close to Luna, too.
Could they be my rivals as well?
Especially Navia. When we visited Callas's grave, she was practically clinging to Luna.
If that's the case, then—
I have way too many rivals!
It's all Luna's fault! Teasing people like that is bound to attract other women!
But Luna said...
"As long as you don't want me to leave, I won't. As long as you wish for me to live, even if 'Father' orders my execution, I'll find a way to survive."
That's what she said back then.
As long as Furina wishes it, they will never be separated.
With this thought, Furina felt utterly content once more.
So what if she has many rivals? I've already cemented my position as the Archon's rightful partner. Even if Arlecchino comes, she won't budge me an inch.
Luna's completely and utterly mine!
It may seem like Luna has me wrapped around her finger, but in reality, I'm the one who's calling the shots!
It may seem like Luna is in control, but I'm the true master here!
"Hmph..."
Luna asked curiously, "Fufu, what are you laughing about?"
Navia's eyes widened. "Fufu?!"
Clorinde cast a puzzled glance. "What? Is that a pet name?"
"Who are you calling a pet?!" Furina retorted indignantly.
She crossed her arms, tilted her chin, and let out a soft hmph.
"I've simply realized the truth. That's right, there's no need to be nervous or anxious... none at all..."
The more Furina watched Navia holding Luna, the more her earlier smugness evaporated.
A surge of jealousy surged through her chest.
She puffed out her cheeks. "Hey, is it really necessary to be hugging in this sweltering heat?"
"I'm not hot," Navia replied.
"But Luna's sweating!"
Am I? Luna hadn't felt any sweat, but Furina darted over, separated her and Navia, and cleared her throat.
"Come here, Luna. As your... companion!"
She had almost said cohabitant.
While there was no need to hide it, there was also no need to flaunt it.
"Anyway, I'm here to help you!" Furina began vigorously wiping Luna's skin with a towel.
Is she polishing me or something? Luna thought, yet she let Furina continue. After all, how could she resist the former Miss God's adorable fussing?
Navia: "..."
Was she about to say 'cohabitant'? Cohabitation... It's nice and enviable, but was it really necessary to mention it?
Navia frowned slightly. Could it be...?
Never mind. Navia snapped her fingers.
"Melus, Silver."
"Yes, Young Miss."
Melus and Silver brought out chilled drinks.
"Since it's so hot, we should have some cold drinks! Of course, everyone gets one—consider it a thank-you for taking care of my Lulu!"
"Yay!"
Furina was secretly alarmed: She's already trying to bribe the others? Hmph, but that won't be enough...
"Here, this one's for Furina."
Furina's eyes widened—it was a strawberry milkshake.
It was indeed her favorite flavor, but if Navia was her romantic rival, accepting it would make her seem spineless.
However, wasting food was even more shameful.
Every grain of rice was hard-earned and must be cherished!
Besides... Furina picked up the strawberry milkshake and handed it to Luna. "Luna, have a taste."
"Okay!"
Luna took a sip.
This wasn't a poison test. Once Luna drank from it, the milkshake became hers.
And as her girlfriend, what was wrong with Furina drinking from Luna's milkshake?
Truly, a stroke of genius.
Furina happily began sipping her cold drink, completely oblivious to Navia's subtle expression and Clorinde's watchful gaze.
"Um..."
"What?"
Navia desperately wanted to point out that Furina was drinking from the spot where Luna's lips had touched the straw.
But Furina's utter obliviousness made her hesitate.
"Furina, you touched the rim of the glass right after Lulu did," Navia finally said.
"Oh."
Furina remained utterly unconcerned.
After all those kisses, do I really need to worry about something so trivial? She just thought the cold drink tasted pretty good.
Navia: "..."
Meanwhile, Luna handed the cold drink to Clorinde and sat down.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Are you free lately? I'm on vacation and would love to hang out."
Furina whipped her head around. "Clorinde, you—!"
Navia was equally startled. "Wait, what—?"
"?"
Clorinde looked utterly bewildered.
I'm just inviting Luna to hang out. Why are they reacting like this?
Then it dawned on her. I get it now! A rare smile flickered across her face.
"You two want to join the Tabletop Troupe, too?"
"Eh? Ah~ um... yeah, sure, why not!" Navia answered vaguely.
Furina's expression turned awkward. "Y-yeah, that's right..."
Clorinde nodded. "Great. We can invite Chiori again and start a new game. The last one was such a chaotic mess, just thinking about it gives me a headache."
What?!
You were my former subordinate, and now you're inviting my romantic rival?!
This is blatant betrayal... Ah, she doesn't know, does she? Furina's emotions swirled in turmoil, words catching in her throat.
After much deliberation, Furina still felt a pressing need for a sense of crisis.
Even if Luna would never leave her, and no one could ever tear them apart, she still couldn't bear the thought of Luna's gaze ever shifting from her.
Since I'm your greatest treasure, you should just keep looking at me forever!
"But..."
How could she achieve this?
Furina couldn't figure it out, but another face flashed through her mind—a face identical to her own, bearing the name Focalors.
Maybe I should consult her?
Furina's gaze remained fixed on Luna, even after they returned home.
When Luna asked what was wrong, Furina flushed crimson and stammered an evasive reply.
Could she... want to do that with me...?
"Absolutely not!"
Furina blurted out a flimsy excuse and scurried back to the bedroom.
Left in the living room, Luna was puzzled. What's gotten into Furina? Could this be a rebellious phase, five hundred years overdue?
I'll ignore it for now. Let's check the Points first...
So much had happened these past few days, leaving her no time to properly review the results of her actions.
Action Successful
Security Level: Slim Chance of Survival
Treasure Rarity: A-Rank, A-Rank, A-Rank
Action Notoriety: Known to All
Splendor: Soul-Stirring
Points Calculation:
300 (A-Rank Treasure) × 4 (Security Level) × 4 (Action Notoriety) × 3 (Splendor)
(Number of treasures of equal rarity: 57,600)
Fifty thousand Points!
As expected of Neuvillette, he immediately cranked the Security Level to maximum.
But that tightrope-walking sensation truly lived up to its description: a slim chance of survival. The slightest misstep could result in grievous injury—and then she'd really be dragged to the Court of Judgement.
That couldn't happen. Only Chevreuse could capture her.
"There's so much I can do with 50,000 Points."
First, max out the most crucial one:
[Radiant Mask (LV: 3/3): Condenses dazzling light into a mask. When worn, it fuses with the wearer, transforming their form and amplifying their power. In this state, all elemental Skills receive massive amplification, while their consumption is drastically reduced. ] -20,000 Points.
Thirty thousand Points remaining.
Phantom Creation: Creates a phantom that replicates the target's form. Appears real but is intangible—of course, phantoms of treasures can also be created.
A minor Skill that might prove useful later.
-3,000 Points.
Luna set aside the remaining materials, unsure yet how to utilize them.
She returned to the bedroom to find Furina engrossed in a book titled How to Please Your Girlfriend, completely unaware that Luna had sat down beside her.
"It's actually quite simple to please me," Luna murmured.
"W-wah!? When did you get here...?"
Furina startled, hastily closing the book and tossing it aside to cover it with the blanket.
But it was too late.
Luna wrapped her arm around Furina's neck, chuckling softly. "You don't need that book. I'll teach you how to win my heart."
She closed her eyes, waiting.
Furina's cheeks flushed crimson. She knew exactly what Luna meant.
Is that all it takes?
Just like that, I can keep Luna's gaze fixed on me?
...Can it really be this easy? Furina felt bewildered, yet she leaned in and gently pecked Luna's lips a few times.
"Exactly like that. I'm very happy now," Luna murmured, pulling Furina into a tight embrace.
Furina nodded, her face flushed crimson.
"Th-that's good then..."
"But—"
Thump-thump-thump.
Furina suddenly felt a sense of foreboding.
Warm breath brushed against her ear as Luna whispered softly, "You've piqued my interest too."
What kind of interest?!
Her vision blurred, and when Furina regained her senses, she found herself lying on her back, with Luna sitting astride her, unbuttoning her shirt.
Oh, that kind of interest! Furina was about to protest when Luna silenced her with a kiss.
Then came that long-missed... though it hadn't been that long at all... familiar sensation.
Lost in a daze, her heart fluttered wildly. After a long moment, Furina lay sprawled over Luna, puffing out her cheeks.
"...You really have nothing but this on your mind, huh?"
"Because I love Furina."
Furina pursed her lips, suppressing a rising smile. Showing her delight now would only encourage Luna to take further liberties.
"Hmph..."
In the end, she simply let out a lighthearted huff.