Chapter 63: I’m the one who wants to claim it.

Furina had a secret hobby that few knew about.

Of course, it wasn't performing or eating sweets.

For her, eating sweets was as natural as breathing air, not something to be singled out as a specific interest!

Her hobby was quite simple—playing with small animals.

Cats, dogs, birds, squirrels... any creature she deemed cute, Furina would want to approach and try to play with.

For hundreds of years, she'd seen countless people and grown weary of it all. Interacting with humans was never easy, and over time, it took a toll on her mentally.

But animals were different.

These creatures adhered to their instincts, pure and unblemished.

None embodied this more than the Blubber Beasts, Fontaine's local specialty.

With snowy white bellies and rotund bodies, smooth skin paired with glistening, aqueous eyes, they were adorable beyond words.

But what mattered most was their docile nature.

"There you are! Heh heh, long time no see," Furina exclaimed, grabbing hold of a Blubber Beast resting on the beach. "Hm? You say we've never met before? That must be your mistake!"

Swinging it back and forth, bobbing it up and down, stroking its belly or treating it like a giant drum... as long as no hostility was shown, the Blubber Beast wouldn't attack.

It would merely lift its head, silently expressing its protest and dissatisfaction.

Do you want to kill me, buddy? it seemed to say.

"Blubber Beast meat is said to be quite tasty," Furina muttered to herself.

The Blubber Beast cast a look that seemed to ask, Are you serious?

But that was probably just an illusion.

"Just kidding, just kidding! Here, I brought you some fish jerky. Want to eat?" Furina offered.

The Blubber Beast lay back down, seemingly uninterested.

Furina was greatly disappointed. "Won't eat! When did you all become picky? Oh well, if you won't eat it, then I'll just have it myself."

She pulled out a small pouch of dried fish, opened it, and was about to stuff it into her mouth.

"Would you mind sharing some with me?"

"Huh?"

The unfamiliar voice startled Furina, and she looked up from her food to see who had spoken.

Bathed in the soft moonlight, the stranger had wavy blonde hair and wore a silvery-white dress that was both pure and elegant. Luna sat on a large rock by the shore, her chin resting on her knees, and smiled warmly at Furina.

As a devoted reader of The Steam Bird Weekly, Furina recognized the girl before her immediately.

"Phantom Thief... White Cat?"

What was she doing here? Was it possible that...

"You're... you're here to steal me?" Furina's face paled, and she hastily stood up.

It was true that she possessed several valuable treasures, items that could be considered priceless. But she never imagined someone would target a "god" like herself! Wasn't Luna supposed to be her fan?

...Wait, there are some fans who do have twisted feelings towards their idols.

Could it be that Phantom Thief White Cat is this kind of fan?

Instead of explaining why she was here, Luna simply smiled. "Yes, that's right."

So it really is true!

What should I do?

There's no way she could defeat a figure like the Phantom Thief.

Will she win?

I'll definitely lose! I've never even fought before.

But simply handing over the treasure without a fight wouldn't befit a goddess.

Furina suppressed her unease, thinking to herself:

I am now the Hydro Archon Focalors... Hmmph!

She wanted to quickly get into character, and self-suggestion seemed like a good method.

"Ahem, I've long heard of the Phantom Thief White Cat's audacity. To think you'd dare set your sights on Focalors' treasures—"

"You're mistaken."

"What?"

Luna gracefully hopped off the rock, walking close to Furina until she stood on the fine sand. Then, she took Furina's hand and said, "The treasure I spoke of is Miss Furina herself."

"... ... ... Huh?"

What does that mean? Treasure = her?

And this Phantom Thief White Cat took pleasure in stealing treasures.

In other words, she wanted to... kidnap someone?

Furina's face, already pale and luminous, turned even whiter as it transitioned from a blush to a new shock. She snatched her hand back, alarmed, "Are you trying to steal a goddess? If you dare do that... if you dare, divine retribution will surely fall upon you!"

"Well now, what if I said I eagerly accept Miss Furina's punishment?"

What's with this girl?

Normally, wouldn't such words make one hesitate? Furina wondered. How come they seem to embolden her instead?

Furina couldn't help but feel genuinely frightened. This Phantom Thief was indeed quite peculiar...

Yet, she feigned nonchalance, clearing her throat. "Easy for you to say! Even with elemental power, you're still just a mortal. What right do you have to challenge the authority of a god?"

"Nevertheless, consider yourself honored and reassured!"

"I, Focalors, am not one to hold grudges. If you swiftly depart now, I will overlook your trespass and insolence. This is my final ultimatum—"

Luna curiously twirled a strand of Furina's hair.

"—Listen carefully... to what the gods say, you audacious one!" Furina could no longer contain herself, finally snapping...

Or at least attempted to.

After all, she truly wasn't a match for the Phantom Thief.

Luna smiled. "My apologies, I couldn't help but admire Miss Furina's lovely hair."

The Phantom Thief was one who simply couldn't move on upon witnessing something beautiful.

"Well, of course—it's only natural, since I am a god!" Furina declared proudly, hands on her hips. She hesitated momentarily before regaining her composure. "Now, kindly leave. Did you not hear what I told you?"

Luna nodded.

"I heard you."

"Then..."

"However, I have no obligation to act according to the Archon's will, do I?"

Huh?

(TL Note: But I Refuse! (๑•̀ᗝ•́)૭)

While Furina was momentarily stunned, Luna took a few more steps away. She clasped her hands behind her back and gazed at the shimmering waters.

"Fontaine's laws don't specify that this beach belongs exclusively to Miss Furina. So, I'm not violating any rules by taking a stroll for some relaxation, am I?"

"You've broken the law multiple times already," Furina retorted with arms crossed.

"How can I be called the Phantom Thief if I don't break a few laws?"

Furina had no response ready.

Though she sensed no malice from this Phantom Thief White Cat, her rare playtime had been interrupted, leaving her slightly annoyed.

"Oh, really? Well, enjoy the view then. I'm heading back."

"Apologies for bothering Miss Furina. As compensation, here's something for you." Luna snapped her fingers, producing a box of treats from within her storage space.

Inside were limited-edition macarons.

Surprised but unfazed, Furina replied, "No need, I'm not hungry."

Yet, after taking just a few steps away, her stomach growled audibly.

...

Seems I didn't eat much dinner.

"It seems your stomach doesn't agree with your words."

Furina blushed, lifting her chin. "This...this is merely because the hydro elements within me are churning!"

What an all-purpose excuse, Luna thought to herself.

She opened the box and personally ate a macaron.

"See? It's not poisoned. Lady Furina, you can rest assured. If you still don't trust me, why don't we..."

Luna's gaze shifted, and Furina followed it.

Their eyes met with those of the innocent Blubber Beast lying nearby.

"Why don't we let this little guy have a try?"

Are you trying to kill me, sis? the Blubber Beast's eyes seemed to say.