Chapter 73: The Moonlit Tryst Between the Special Task Force Captain and the Phantom Thief

Returning to Palais Mermonia, Furina felt utterly exhausted.

Yet there was no time for rest. Almost immediately, Sedna's notification arrived.

"Lady Furina, Monsieur Neuvillette says he needs to speak with you."

"Neuvillette?"

Neuvillette usually didn't seek her out, and when he did, it never boded well.

One after another, these issues... sighs

But a divine being could not show signs of weariness or preoccupation! Furina steeled herself, summoning all her composure as she strode purposefully towards Neuvillette's office and pushed open the door without hesitation.

"Well then, what is it that you require Focalors to handle?"

Neuvillette put down his pen and looked up.

"Someone was turned into a gemstone."

"... Huh?"

The Phantom Thief White Cat had spoken the truth.

There was indeed a voice within the Tears of a Maiden, and according to Neuvillette, the consciousness of a person was also trapped inside. The echoes of a departed soul, sealed within this crystalline gem.

No wonder this gem looked so extraordinary, as if something was indeed flowing within it. For what had truly flowed through it was life, likely the soul of a victim from the serial disappearance case of young girls.

Chevreuse gazed at the Tears of a Maiden.

"The more I look at it, the more disturbing it feels."

It was precisely because of its beauty that, after learning the truth, she felt extreme revulsion.

She put away the Tears of a Maiden.

For now, she didn't plan on returning it to the Confrerie of Cabriere, especially since they were suspected. Returning the gem would be akin to destroying evidence.

Neuvillette supported her decision.

"Though it's regrettable, turning it over to the Court of Justice isn't currently the best course of action," he said.

Even as the highest-ranked Judge, it didn't mean he stood entirely with the Court of Justice.

Neuvillette only stood with justice and the law.

The prospect of having his assistance was truly invigorating, but Chevreuse's mind was still preoccupied with that figure.

"Phantom Thief White Cat..."

Did she know the truth behind the Tears of a Maiden from the start, and that's why she stole it? Or did she stumble upon the truth by chance?

Regardless of the answer...

"I need to meet with her."

If this Phantom could help Chevreuse uncover the truth and bring the heinous criminal to justice, then she would temporarily set aside her priority to apprehend her—unless, of course, it was a situation where others were present.

The question was: Where could she find the Phantom?

This thief operated with such stealth, appearing and disappearing like magic.

No, perhaps she didn't even need to seek her out proactively.

"Though I'm reluctant to admit it, she is indeed very interested in me."

In that case, all she needed to do was release a message. The Phantom Thief White Cat would likely come knocking at her door then.

It's almost like I'm fishing for cats.

Except for the unfortunate fact that Chevreuse would be the fish, the bait herself.

One idea came to mind on how to draw the Phantom Thief White Cat's attention: curse at her publicly.

Chevreuse stepped out of the bedroom and descended the stairs, entering the main area where her teammates were gathered. She then gently nudged Turenna, who was dozing off.

"Argh! C-Commander, I wasn't slacking off!"

Chevreuse smiled slightly. "I know. I just wanted you to help me invite someone over."

"Who?"

"Miss Charlotte."

Two days later, the headline of the Steam Bird newspaper boldly declared:

[Phantom Thief White Cat Favors Teasing Respectable Ladies?]

"Pfft!"

What's this? A shocker first thing in the morning. What's going on? Did I do something?

"The past few days I've been diligently preparing for my performance, just as I should," Luna said, wiping her mouth with a handkerchief. She glanced at the nonsensical news with a subtle look in her eyes.

Although the headline spoke the truth.

Phantom Thief White Cat Favors Teasing Respectable Ladies?

Yesterday, Miss Chevreuse granted this newspaper's reporter an interview, sharing what she had learned about the phantom thief.

Chevreuse explained, "Firstly, the Phantom Thief White Cat has a penchant for teasing other women. It seems no one is safe from her mischief.

"Secondly, she has a clear understanding of herself. She doesn't need fans or the expectations of others. All she desires is the treasures of those around her.

"Therefore, no matter how much you idolize her, she will ignore you. However, if you stand in her way, she will take interest in you.

"She claims to have a fondness for beauty, so perhaps after this, she won't be content with just teasing women, but instead might completely steal them away entirely."

In response to this, members of the self-proclaimed Phantom Thief White Cat fan club stated:

"I'm game. Go ahead and try."

The President of the mysterious Spina di Rosula also chimed in:

"Everything Miss Chevreuse said is true. Please exercise utmost caution."

The author took this opportunity to issue a special warning: Beware the Phantom Thief White Cat!

No matter how beautiful she may be, she is still a dangerous criminal! The more beautiful something is, the more perilous it becomes—a momentary lapse in attention could result in the theft of your most cherished treasures....

And please refrain from displaying an abundance of valuables at home in an attempt to attract the Phantom Thief White Cat. This is to avoid repeating the Franglet family's tragedy.

"Hmm..."

As Luna read on, her expression subtly shifted, growing increasingly amused.

Although Chevreuse didn't utter a word, Luna understood her underlying message—Come to me.

Chevreuse rarely accepted interviews, even from the renowned journalist Charlotte. Even when she did, she seldom spoke much, maintaining the Special Task Force's stern image that could frighten children to tears.

Yet now, she had spoken so much, and it was all about the Phantom Thief. It wasn't difficult to decode her unique signal.

"But to call me over by insulting me?" Luna set down the newspaper with a soft scoff.

In that case, I won't go. she thought to herself. Wait a whole day then, Miss Captain.

... That's what she had originally thought, but bottling up her anger wouldn't do any good. Instead of making Chevreuse wait for her, she decided to teleport directly to Chevreuse's location.

And then properly vent her frustrations on Chevreuse.

So it was nighttime.

On the beach outside Fountaine, Chevreuse was taking advantage of the time for special training.

The long spear she swung remained steady in the air, with only imperceptible vibrations—a testament to her mastery of the weapon and her sheer strength.

But at this moment, she couldn't apprehend the phantom thief.

Her strength fell short of enacting justice.

She needed to become stronger, and all she could rely on was increasing her special training.

"Sigh..." Chevreuse let out a deep breath, sweat sliding down her face and dripping onto her collar.

She instinctively reached for a towel, only to find her hand empty.

It was then that Chevreuse knew the person she'd been waiting for had arrived.

In a cold tone, she said, "Return the towel."

Chevreuse turned around, gazing up at Luna standing on the roof of an old fisherman's hut. Luna held Chevreuse's towel, waving it lightly.

"Let me help wipe your body clean. As a gesture of gratitude for your heartfelt sentiments expressed in the newspaper."