Chapter 76: Sometimes, I Can Be Something Other Than Human

At this point, nothing Chevreuse said could truly surprise Luna anymore.

Because Luna felt that no matter what was said now, Chevreuse would always maintain an observant and scrutinizing attitude, calmly accepting it—

All for the day she could finally catch her.

But Luna didn't mind.

As long as she didn't want to be caught, Chevreuse never would.

She had absolute confidence in that.

"So, does that mean I can kiss you?" Luna asked softly.

"Yes."

"...There's no taking it back, you know?"

Chevreuse's face showed no change, her expression as cold as ever.

"I'm not like you. Besides, I won't allow you to kiss any part of me that I don't want you to."

Chevreuse removed her gloves and extended her hand.

Luna realized what she meant. "So you're saying I can only—"

"My hand. Anywhere else, and if you dare… Hah, you know what the consequences will be."

"Would the consequence be the great phantom thief and the captain tying the knot?" Luna chuckled.

"Save your daydreams for sunrise. You said one treasure for one kiss, but you never specified where."

Chevreuse was quite skilled at exploiting loopholes.

Luna sat back on the table. "And I never said I had to be the one to do it."

Chevreuse frowned.

"What if I say I'd rather have you kiss me?" Luna rested her chin on her hand, tilting her foot slightly—her intentions were obvious.

"I refuse."

"So you're saying I can kiss you, then? I didn't expect Captain Chevreuse to be so high and mighty when I'm the one holding the treasure."

Chevreuse clenched her fists, but anger would only create openings.

She stood up and gripped Luna's shoulders.

"I recall you saying anywhere is fine. If that's the case—"

Her gaze landed on Luna's neck, clearly intending to do something—something that would leave a mark. A way to identify her.

The neck was the most conspicuous place.

Luna couldn't tell if Chevreuse was serious or just trying to intimidate her.

But she still hooked a finger around Chevreuse's slightly damp collar, where sweat had left its mark.

"I wouldn't mind if my collar ended up the same way."

Chevreuse stared at her in silence. Luna responded with an elegant smile.

"Well? Yes or no? I'm only asking this one last time." Chevreuse's tone was utterly indifferent.

"Of course, yes."

Luna knew exactly what she meant and lifted Chevreuse's hand.

This was not a delicate hand—if anything, it was a little rough.

But it was a hand that had wielded weapons, fought alongside comrades, and carried out justice again and again. It was a mark of honor.

Chevreuse turned her hand over, palm down.

She was framing it as a simple hand-kissing gesture.

Luna lifted her eyes, a glint of amusement flashing within them.

She had a bad feeling about this…

Chevreuse instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but before she could, Luna raised it to her lips—

And lightly bit the tip of her finger.

It wouldn't leave a mark, of course, but it was certainly not what Chevreuse had intended.

Chevreuse's gaze sharpened. "That wasn't a kiss."

"A cat's kiss is like this."

"You're human."

"Sometimes, I can be something other than that."

This woman… Chevreuse forcefully withdrew her hand, immediately wiping her fingertips with a towel.

"I knew you wouldn't play by the rules."

"And I knew you'd react like this."

Chevreuse shot her a glance.

So, as long as she overreacted, this white cat would keep teasing her? No—if anything, it would only make Luna more entertained.

Luna leaned in again, speaking softly. "I still have another treasure. Want to trade?"

"…Don't talk like you're a merchant. You're just a thief."

"A phantom thief, not a regular thief. A common pickpocket wouldn't be doing this with the Captain of the Special Patrol." Luna attempted to lift Chevreuse's hand again.

Chevreuse stared at her in silence, as if to say: Don't even think about trying that again.

Luna smiled. "The back of your hand, right? I understand."

She could ignore Chevreuse's resistance and do as she pleased, but that wouldn't be any fun.

So, Luna merely brushed back her own hair and gently kissed the back of Chevreuse's hand—twice.

One left. But there was no need to use them all at once.

"Well?"

"Nothing. Disgusting." Chevreuse withdrew her hand, visibly uncomfortable.

"How cruel. But I am quite good-looking, don't you think?"

Chevreuse pulled her gloves back on. "No amount of beauty can hide what's in your heart."

"I quite like that phrase. But the order in 'beauty and kindness' exists for a reason, you know?"

Chevreuse ignored her. Even with her gloves back on, she could still feel the lingering warmth and softness of Luna's lips against her skin.

She'd have to wash her hands thoroughly later.

"…Now, where's the treasure?"

"Don't rush, I'll give it to you tomorrow. You wouldn't want to carry a whole harpsichord back by yourself, would you?" Luna said while absentmindedly touching her lips, as if savoring something.

Chevreuse suddenly felt irritated and grabbed Luna's hand, stopping her from continuing.

"Then you should tell me now."

"I really like Captain Chevreuse's hands."

Chevreuse remained indifferent. "I meant information. If you're going to use me, then give me intelligence. Of course, I won't hesitate to use you either…."

"A partnership?"

"…That depends on your answer."

She didn't outright deny it.

But rather than trust or acceptance, it was simply pure distrust.

Chevreuse had absolute confidence in not trusting the Phantom Thief.

And by keeping her words ambiguous, she would have a reason to punish Luna later, if necessary.

Whether that would work or not was another matter.

Luna's expression turned serious. "Instead of investigating the serial disappearance of young girls, why don't you look into the Callas incident?"

"You mean Callas Caspar?"

"Yes. Maybe someone turned into liquid that day?"

Chevreuse recalled the location of the Callas incident, which had occurred at the Confrerie of Cabriere's estate.

Luna circled around Chevreuse, lightly resting a hand on her bare shoulder, gently scratching.

"Of course, even if that's the case, I don't think the mastermind will be caught so easily. The third party who died either used something to liquefy themselves, or…"

"Or was used…" Chevreuse mused.

"Very clever."

Luna spun around lightly. "The other side has the massive criminal network backing them. Be careful… one careless move, and you might end up liquefied too."

"I know."

More than herself, it was Navia who needed to be careful.

Chevreuse realized she had to warn Navia properly.

The enemy might not dare to touch the Special Security Patrol, but the Spina di Rosula was a different story.

After all, Spina di Rosula was an unofficial organization, and how much the Tribunal cared about them was uncertain.

While the truth was still hidden from the public and hadn't caught the enemy's attention, it was best for Navia to bide her time.

"But I doubt the killer could have liquefied someone from across all of Fontaine at the most precise moment. He or she must have been there that day, inside that estate, silently watching Callas, Jacques, and the third party… before pressing a button."

Chevreuse turned around—

But Luna was already gone.

Only a single card lay on the window ledge.

"Look forward to tomorrow's delivery—The Phantom Thief White Cat."

Without much expectation, she flipped the card over—

As expected, there was another line.

"Stay safe, okay? ( ˶˘ ³˘)♡"

"..."

Chevreuse stepped out of the room and scanned her surroundings.

She didn't sense any lingering gazes—Luna had already left.

The night wind brushed against her cheek, carrying a slight chill.

"…Wait."

Where was her towel?