Chapter 64: Spare a Stomach from Hunger

Furina approached the world-weary Blubber Beast, which appeared detached from earthly concerns, holding a macaron.

"Want to eat?"

The Blubber Beast rolled over and patted its belly.

"Looks like it doesn't want to eat," Furina murmured.

What was she supposed to do with the macaron in her hand? It was a commemorative edition; even standing in line might not guarantee one's purchase.

Eat... out of the question, she thought.

This was food from the Phantom Thief. Even children knew not to accept food from strangers—especially when that stranger was a known criminal.

"I'll give it back to you."

"You won't eat it?"

Furina snorted softly. "Even if I jumped into the sea from here, I'd never eat anything given by a Phantom Thief! But wasting food is disgraceful, so you can deal with—mmph!"

Luna seized her chance, stuffing a macaron into Furina's mouth.

Furina instinctively chewed and swallowed. Then her expression changed.

This macaron is spiked!

"...How is it so delicious?" she murmured, surprised. "Could this be the power of the commemorative edition?" She found herself wanting another piece after just one.

Wait a second...

Furina belatedly stepped backward. "You actually shoved it into my mouth!"

"I couldn't bear to let the Archon go hungry."

"I already told you, it's just hydro elements boiling inside me."

Luna picked up another macaron, bringing it to Furina's lips. "Then let me soothe it, how about another one?"

"No."

"Really no? These are commemorative, limited release. Once they're gone, they're gone for good, you know?"

Furina pursed her lips. She could detect the fluffy, sweet aroma, which awakened memories of tasting pastries. It simulated in her mouth the fuzzy sensation of something soft and delicious...

Her gaze wavered, and in the end, she took a light breath and replied.

"...Forget it—just consider it an offering to the gods!" Furina carefully took the macaroon, nibbling it down.

"See? It wasn't spiked after all."

Indeed, it was not.

However, there was no doubt that Phantom Thief White Cat was a dangerous element.

If Clorinde were here, Furina would have been willing to engage Luna in conversation. But without any guarantee of safety, this thief had even said she wanted to steal her... How could anyone feel at ease?!

"You're lovely, but unfortunately, I don't intend to linger here for long."

"Is it because I'm here?"

Luna had hit the mark.

Nevertheless, Furina maintained her composure, planting her hands on her hips and declaring, "I'm simply not in the mood anymore."

"But I find Miss Furina quite intriguing. Won't you spare a moment for a chat?"

"Chat?"

Luna returned to sitting atop her stone.

Do all thieves prefer the heights, feeling compelled to stand or sit high above?

As the distance between them widened, Furina's tension eased slightly.

"If you'll stay put right there, I might just deign to waste a few moments of my precious time conversing with you," she said nonchalantly.

In other words, don't come any closer.

Luna's response dripped with curiosity. "Could it be that Miss Furina fears me?"

"Fear? Never!"

Though she was indeed afraid, she couldn't admit it. "Then why didn't you approach closer?"

"We're not close."

True enough. Luna stated frankly, "Your words hold truth. Truly impeccable, Miss Furina."

"Of course, Archons cannot be flawed!" Furina replied. "But you... you..."

It seemed Furina had some questions for the Phantom Thief White Cat. She initially thought there was no difference between this thief and the former Phantom Weasel, but as more reports about the Phantom Thief White Cat emerged, her curiosity about the individual grew.

For instance...

"Are you my fan?"

Luna pondered aloud, "Is that so?"

"Why do you respond with uncertainty?"

"Probably."

"Then... didn't you steal my portrait precisely because you're a fervent fan of mine?" Furina queried, puzzled.

Of course not. It was treasure, so she stole it. Simple as that. But continuing the conversation this way would be unproductive. With such a rare opportunity to chat with an Archon, Luna didn't want it to end so soon.

"Hmm, I do indeed wish to collect works featuring Miss Furina," Luna said thoughtfully. "By that measure, I suppose I could be considered a fan—though perhaps not a 'fervent' one."

Furina nodded repeatedly. "Ah, I see! I always knew it—it must be due to my overwhelming popularity."

She sighed, half in exasperation and half unable to suppress her smile. "Ah, being too dazzling can certainly be troublesome! I never imagined that even the renowned Phantom Thief would be my devoted fan."

"By the way, which of my works do you like?" Furina asked. "Film or theatre—either is fine."

Luna smiled. "All of them." 

Saying "all" was the right move here. 

"Really?" Furina said, sounding doubtful. 

"Because I adore Miss Furina's cuteness, so it's all." 

Furina was silent for a few seconds before frowning. "You certainly have a frivolous way of speaking." 

And she kept praising her cuteness. 

Though it was true. She was indeed dazzlingly beautiful, with a charm that radiated from her. 

"Is that so? Then that must be why no one's willing to tell the truth. Every word I speak is the truth, you know." 

Still unconvinced, Furina pressed on. "Aren't you always losing treasures all over the place? Could it be that even my portrait ended up getting lost?" 

"No, not at all. And that was just a baseless accusation." 

Luna conjured up *Smile of Furina* and laughed softly. "See? I carry it with me everywhere." 

"Wow, you really keep it with you? Then you must be..." 

Furina seemed wary, keeping a slight distance. "...truly... hmm... But I guess you really *are* my loyal fan after all!" 

What was behind that hesitating expression and halting speech? 

Had she wanted to call her a pervert? *That wouldn't be right at all!* 

What was wrong with wanting to keep beautiful things close, to be near lovely people? This was the very aesthetic of a Phantom Thief! 

"But then, why go around losing other treasures?" 

"I didn't lose it."

But to say that she had made a one-sided deal with Chevreuse wouldn't be quite right either, and it was something she couldn't reveal.

A kiss for a treasure—that debt was still outstanding on Chevreuse's side.

Luna decided not to explain further and instead changed the subject. "Q&A session, I see. Miss Furina has asked me so many questions; now it's my turn."

"Huh? We never agreed to any such rules!"

Furina's senses sharpened instantly. It was said that the Phantom Thief White Cat possessed keen powers of observation; she couldn't give anything away. No matter who she was dealing with, she must not expose her true identity.

"True, we didn't set any specific rules," Luna continued, "but I do wish to understand you better, especially after..."

Luna gently patted her stomach and smiled. "Witnessing such a delightful scene with the Archon."

"Oh..."

Almost forgotten—she had just watched me playing with the Blubber Beast!

A blush spread across Furina's cheeks, feeling the heat—this "Archonic" character she was playing wasn't supposed to be one who could so thoroughly enjoy playing with little creatures.

"Ahem. I assure you, that was an examination of Fontaine's ecology using the Archon's powers! To you, it may seem like mere play, but in reality, it's just that mortals can't perceive the signs of my authority at work."

No matter how one looked at it, it seemed purely like play.

But such trivial matters didn't truly matter.

"I see. Then let's come to the point: question number one..."

Furina composed herself, adopting a serious demeanor.

"Could you tell me why Miss Furina is unable to sleep?"

"...Hmm?"

Is that what she's asking?