Chapter 82: This Is a Wife... A Partner

"Did I hear that right?" Navia turned to Luna for confirmation.

Looking for...

The Phantom Thief White Cat.

To steal something?

Luna was equally surprised. "I don't think we misheard. This is truly shocking—someone actually wants to commission the Phantom Thief."

Last time, it was exploitation, which was predictable.

As long as someone has fame, there will always be people who try to use them.

While alive, they want to cling to them; once dead, they want to consume them, gnawing away at the last remnants of their flesh and blood.

But a commission? This was a first.

One could say it was quite intriguing.

A bit interesting—information delivered straight to the doorstep.

Navia couldn't help but press the table and stand up. "Why are you looking for the Phantom Thief?! If this gets exposed, you'll be judged for it!"

That would be a major crime, especially since the target was none other than the infamous Phantom Thief White Cat.

"But that's still better than disappointing my mother."

Luna pulled Navia's hand down, urging her to sit back down.

Then, she curiously asked, "Could you explain the full story in detail? Don't worry, we won't let this slip."

Sally sat back down in front of them, placing her plastered hands on the table.

"As I just mentioned, I'm from Mondstadt. My mother always hoped I would become a renowned musician, and my talent gave her that hope."

"Of course, I love playing the piano myself," she added.

When she spoke about playing music, there wasn't a trace of deception in her expression.

"Before they broke my hands, I had signed up for a pianists-only concert."

Sally pushed forward a crumpled flyer.

'Harpsichord Grand Ceremony'

A concert exclusively for harpsichordists.

The venue was the renowned Opéra Épiclès, and it was set to begin in the evening, seven days from now.

Performances would be judged by a panel, and the contestant with the highest score would be crowned champion.

"Lady Furina is rumored to be attending as a spectator."

Sally looked at Luna with admiration and reverence. "If I could receive her praise, just like you did, Miss Luna, it would be the highest honor!"

"But my hands were broken, so the organizers decided I couldn't participate and revoked my qualification."

"My mother really wanted to see me win a trophy."

"In Fontaine's music scene, the difference between first and second place is essentially the difference between first and tenth... I wouldn't dare claim I could win, but now I don't even have the chance to compete."

"I don't want to disappoint my mother..."

Navia found herself at a loss for words.

On the matter of not wanting to let down the people closest to her, she could relate.

"So you want the Phantom Thief to steal the trophy for you?" Luna asked.

Sally shook her head.

"I just want her to bring the trophy here so I can take a picture with it and send it to my mother... That's all."

That way, her mother would believe she had won.

Navia had initially thought she wanted to take the trophy because she couldn't win it.

Luna casually remarked, "But this would still be a crime, you know."

"I know. My mother has mobility issues, she won't come to Fontaine, and she doesn't follow the news."

"When I get out of prison, I'll return to Mondstadt... and make up an excuse."

I got tired of music, I lost interest, I had a falling-out with an orchestra—something like that.

"And then I'll quietly live out my life," Sally murmured.

She had her future planned out, down to the smallest detail.

Navia's expression grew complicated. "If it's just for a photo, wouldn't it be possible to ask the organizers directly?"

"I tried."

Sally shook her head. "One of the highly respected judges scolded me, saying, 'This trophy was made for the champion to receive. Only the champion can take a photo with it. Someone who can't even play shouldn't tarnish it!'"

Wow, that guy was probably some shameless old fossil.

Luna sighed. "You could report him, you know."

"At best, he'd be criticized, forced to apologize in a press interview, and maybe banned from speaking for a few days." Sally's voice was quiet.

"Then I'll go have a word with them!" Navia declared.

There was no way they wouldn't give the Spina di Rosula some respect.

It was just a photo, after all.

"I don't want to humiliate myself anymore!" Sally suddenly shouted.

"Ah... I'm sorry," Navia apologized.

"...I'm the one at fault."

Sally seemed mentally fragile, but when it came to commissioning the Phantom Thief, she was unwavering.

"Miss Navia, as the leader of the Spina di Rosula, I believe you might know how to get the Phantom Thief White Cat's attention," Sally finally revealed her true intention.

But here was the problem.

Why did she assume the Phantom Thief would agree to help her?

Navia raised this question, and in response, Sally struggled to lift a small chest onto the table.

Inside was an array of necklaces, bracelets, and bangles—glimmering gold, seemingly of great value.

"You have this much money?" Navia was surprised.

"No, I took out a loan... I'm already an unwanted musician."

Sally was desperate. "The Phantom Thief White Cat likes treasures, right? I have plenty of gems set in—"

"Not quite. These are just high-end counterfeits," Luna mused.

"Huh?"

Luna picked up a bracelet and pointed to the inner ring. "Look here—there's a clear defect. The 'gems' weren't cut from natural stones but were artificially made."

In simple terms—these were no better than glass beads.

"The craftsmanship is clever enough to fool those who don't know better," she continued.

But these couldn't be called true treasures.

"There are plenty of these on the market. They're decent as accessories, but how much did you pay?"

Sally named a price.

It was the kind of sum that would require extreme frugality, only five hours of sleep per day, and relentless work for most of her life to repay.

And that's without interest.

"Without a doubt, you were scammed," Luna stated.

Sally collapsed into her chair, as if her soul had left her. "I was scammed..."

Navia's heart twisted. She slammed her hands on the table.

"It's fine! Tell me where you bought them, and the Spina di Rosula will get your money back!" Navia promised.

When it came to delivering justice, Spina di Rosula had plenty of experience.

"....Thank you, but without real treasure, the Phantom Thief won't come, will she?"

Luna nodded. "That's right."

Without a treasure, the Phantom Thief had no reason to steal.

"But no one knows what the Phantom Thief White Cat considers a treasure. Even if you put a chest full of genuine jewels in front of her, she might not care."

Really? Navia was doubtful.

But she did agree—no one truly understood what went on in the Phantom Thief White Cat's mind.

"So what should I do?"

Luna smiled. "Try insulting her in the newspapers."

Wait, what?

Would that actually work? Navia was even more confused.

But that wasn't the main issue.

The real issue was that Luna was essentially strategizing for Sally to meet the Phantom Thief.

If the Phantom Thief actually stole the trophy, then Sally would be...

Realizing this, Navia immediately pulled Luna aside.

"Why are you helping her, Luna?! If the Phantom Thief really accepts, she'll be judged for it!"

If the photo was discovered, it would be undeniable evidence.

Not to mention, Sally looked like the type who would turn herself in afterward.

Luna spoke softly. "I know."

"Then—"

"But will the Phantom Thief really do as she wishes? I don't think so."

Luna continued, "Besides, what do you think she would do otherwise, in her current state?"

Navia's expression darkened—she had thought of the worst possibility.

Even so, her face remained conflicted.

"This is complicated."

"And your expression is just as complicated," Luna teased.

"Of course..."

Evil people had ruined someone's life and future, pushing them toward a dark path.

But what could she do?

"I don't know how to handle this," Navia admitted seriously. "But I do know that she must get justice! That fraudster must face Spina di Rosula's wrath."

"And after that…"

She wasn't sure what would come next.

For now, she would just do what she could.

"Let's go, Lulu. First, we'll make that scumbag taste the power of the Spina Di Rosula."

"…Aren't you going to say anything else?"

Navia had just taken a step forward but paused at Luna's words.

"You mean…?"

Luna spoke softly, "About me giving her advice—I thought you'd scold me for it."

Navia looked into Luna's eyes, then clenched her fist and lightly tapped Luna's chest.

"Lulu has already explained her thoughts. I can't say I support it, but I understand why you did it."

Being partners didn't mean they had to think the same way or share the same views.

Sometimes, their opinions might completely oppose each other.

But that was exactly what made them partners.

"That's enough. The rest—we'll figure it out together!"

Navia suddenly puffed out her cheeks, grumbling, "I'm not about to pin my hopes on that White Cat's whims!"

Because a cat's thoughts could change at any time.

She wouldn't let Sally's future depend on that thief's decision.

But this wasn't a gamble.

Luna knew that very well.

[Treasure intel discovered: Grand Ceremony Trophy]

She glanced at the notification that had popped up earlier but paid it no mind.

What treasure to steal;

What kind of phantom thief to become;

Those were things she would decide for herself.