Chapter 81: Beware of Fontaine’s True Devotion

"Speaking of which."

"Hmm?"

Navia gently stroked Luna's knuckles, deep in thought. "Lulu, what kind of work do you want to take on?"

Acting?

Music?

Or was it simply about making more money?

"Something where I can truly shine."

"That's too broad!"

After all, with flawless acting, a perfect singing voice, and striking looks, what couldn't she do?

Luna chuckled. "We can think about that later. Right now, what matters most is my performance with Lady Furina."

"True." Navia nodded.

"Besides, I never really gave it much thought. At first, I just wanted popularity. But it came so fast, and my goal was achieved so easily."

Navia sighed. "Saying that would make struggling performers in the industry furious, you know."

"But it's the truth, isn't it?"

"At least put it more tactfully! No wonder you and Chiori get along so well."

Their personalities were oddly similar in certain ways.

"I wouldn't say we get along because of that. Honestly, I wouldn't even call myself passionate about performing," Luna admitted.

Enjoying the spotlight was one thing; loving the act of performing was another.

Navia tapped her chin, contemplating. "I think it's because you haven't experienced that moment yet."

"You're talking about poetry again?"

"No, I'm not!"

Navia placed a hand on her chest, speaking earnestly. "When I was little, I used to pester my father to buy me opera tickets just so I could watch the plays on stage."

"I adored—well, I still adore—the feeling of experiencing dramatic highs and lows alongside the characters on stage."

"But later, when my father brought me into the Spina di Rosula's affairs, I witnessed tragedies far worse than any stage drama… and I had a thought."

"I wished such things would only ever happen in plays."

"That moment changed me. It made me who I am now. I think for you, Lulu, you might also need that kind of moment in your career as a performer."

Luna understood her point.

A single moment of revelation could change one's perspective and aspirations. Perhaps, as Navia suggested, she simply lacked that defining experience to take performance more seriously.

But where would she find such a moment?

Luna thought about it briefly before dismissing the idea. "Guess I just haven't found it yet."

"No rush! I'll help you find it."

"A proposal?"

"No—what? Lulu, you really love joking around!" Navia huffed.

It was precisely because it wasn't real that she could joke about it.

If it ever did become real, she'd probably be the first to run away.

As they continued their leisurely stroll, the sky darkened.

"It's about time to head back," Navia remarked, a hint of reluctance flashing across her face. But more than anything, she was satisfied.

Luna nodded in agreement.

However, just as they were about to leave—

Splash!

The sound of something heavy falling into water.

"What was that?" Navia asked in surprise.

"Probably just a rock."

"Hmm… let's go check it out."

This way, their walk could last just a little longer.

Navia secretly wished this moment would never end.

Still holding Luna's hand, she followed the sound.

Before they even got close, Luna spotted the disturbance on the water's surface.

"Over there…"

Navia followed her gaze, eyes widening in shock. "Someone fell in!"

Rescuing the drowning person wasn't difficult for them.

Fortunately, the woman they pulled out hadn't swallowed too much water and remained conscious.

"Cough, cough, cough… Thank you so much. I thought I was really going to sink." She coughed up water, visibly relieved.

"No problem. Did you fall in by accident?"

"…More or less."

She was vague. "I wasn't paying attention and slipped. At first, I thought, 'Ah, drowning wouldn't be so bad.'"

"But when the water rushed into my nose and mouth, it was so unbearable that I changed my mind and started struggling. The problem is, I can't swim, so I would've drowned if not for you two."

Navia and Luna exchanged glances.

"Are you in some kind of trouble?" Navia asked.

As the leader of Spina di Rosula, she couldn't ignore someone with a metaphorical exclamation mark above their head.

"…The trouble is already dead. Now, I myself am the new trouble."

The woman raised her hand, revealing it was wrapped in a cast.

Sadness flickered in her eyes, but more than that, there was resignation. "The one who broke my hand was executed through vigilante justice."

"Huh? You mean…"

"Yes, I'm one of Alkien's victims. This hand… was broken by someone under his orders."

"Oh—wait!"

Luna suddenly recalled something. "Are you that Sally? The pianist who was supposed to perform at the Franglet family's banquet but never showed up?"

"…Yeah." Sally's expression darkened.

Navia was less surprised by Luna's memory and more concerned about Sally's situation.

"A pianist with an injured hand… that means…" she murmured.

"The doctor said my hand will heal, but there will be lasting effects. My fingers will never be as nimble as before."

Sally looked down at her hands. "I can't play the piano anymore."

The Next Day

Sally invited Navia and Luna to her home, claiming it was to thank them for saving her.

But Luna suspected it wasn't just gratitude.

Accepting the drinks Sally handed them, the two waited for her to continue.

Soon, Sally spoke.

"I'm from Mondstadt. My mother still lives there. I came to Fontaine because I heard it was the land of the arts and wanted to build my career here."

"I started out doing odd jobs and participating in music societies. Then, Alkien discovered me, sponsored me, and provided me with resources. My career took off."

Sally lowered her head, her delicate features twisted with anger. "But during that time, he also learned everything about me… and used it to blackmail me into obeying his every order. If I refused, he threatened to ruin my reputation."

Navia's face darkened.

"He was connected to powerful people behind the scenes. Just as they could make someone famous, they could just as easily destroy them."

"Many people couldn't handle the fall from grace, nor could they endure the harassment and threats. So, they gave in… and did things they could never speak of."

Sally clenched her lips.

"I refused. I couldn't stand such corruption in music! I couldn't let music become a tool for these people's power games."

"I wanted to expose them. But the journalist who interviewed me turned out to be one of their people. When they found out, they sent men to break my hand. And that was all they broke…"

"As soon as word got out that I might never play again, everyone abandoned me."

Sally stood up, walking to the keyboard in her room, staring silently at the black and white keys.

Navia tried to comfort her. "The one who hurt you is gone now."

"I know. But…"

Sally hesitated before finally turning around.

Her expression was a mix of conflict and determination. "Actually, I have a request—no, a question."

"Go ahead! If there's anything Spina di Rosula can help with, we'll definitely do it," Navia said confidently.

"That's great! Actually—"

Sally took a deep breath.

"—I want the Phantom Thief White Cat to steal something for me."

"...…Huh?"

Navia froze in utter disbelief.