Chapter 95: The Phantom Thief and the Journalist

The final room was clearly a workshop.

Though Mungoth claimed to be the "Phantasmal Jeweler," his workshop resembled more of a chemistry laboratory. While minerals, gems, and metals were present, most of the space was dominated by bottles and jars filled with various concoctions.

Clorinde picked up a research report from the table and skimmed through it:

"He's studying the original primordial sea water obtained from Vacher."

"That's not surprising," Chiori said.

In large quantities, it could kill Fontaine residents without a trace.

In small amounts, it could keep everyone immersed in this slow-acting poison.

It's practically the perfect criminal tool.

Navia, too afraid to touch any of the containers, asked, "Did you find anything new?"

Luna scanned the room with her Thief's Vision activated.

"Mm-hmm~"

She found something good.

The girl stabbed her sword between two wall tiles, triggering a mechanism. A hidden door slowly opened to reveal a mountain of Mora coins inside - a golden treasure trove that could blind the eyes.

"So much Mora!" Navia exclaimed in astonishment.

"Truly a Phantom Thief - you can smell money from a mile away," Clorinde remarked with apparent approval, though her expression and tone remained utterly devoid of any genuine praise.

Luna twirled a lock of Clorinde's hair between her fingers. "Miss Clorinde seems to misunderstand me. I'm not interested in mere treasure, but in true treasures."

"Such as Lady Furina?"

"See? Now you understand me."

"...If you dare attempt that, I'll have no choice but to draw my sword against you." Clorinde's brow furrowed slightly.

Luna bounded into the treasury with light steps. "No matter. Having another pursuer won't hurt. Don't you agree, Miss Chevreuse?"

Chevreuse offered no judgment.

The treasury held nothing of interest, and Mora was beneath her notice. Her sole fascination lay with a finely crafted rifle hanging on the wall.

Luna removed the firearm.

Compact and exquisite, its structure differed from the one in her hand.

"This is... the new model being issued to the Special Task Force."

Despite its refined modifications, Chevreuse recognized it instantly - having tested the prototype herself.

"Why does he possess this? These new rifles should be restricted to internal use only." Chevreuse frowned.

"The answer's simple. Didn't he say it himself..."

Luna smoothly loaded the chamber, drawing another pistol.

Better than discarding the old model entirely. Might as well dual-wield them.

She nodded in satisfaction before continuing, "The Court of Justice has their people. Obtaining a mere pistol would be child's play for them."

As for Luna's unauthorized appropriation of the rifle, Chevreuse chose to overlook it.

The Mora remained safely in her pocket.

For now, cooperation prevailed.

Though they had resolved the source of the Tears of a Maiden, the truths they witnessed and heard still weighed heavily on Navia's heart.

The Court of Justice harbored their people within its ranks.

The residual echoes of the deceased had been divided into countless fragments, transformed into cheap imitations of "Tears of a Maiden."

Yet they had grown closer to the truth.

Vacher. This man was likely the true mastermind behind the scheme, the head of the Sinthe Industries. Uncover him, and the truth would surface like water revealing submerged rocks.

Then they could restore their father's innocence, and honor the dead.

The atelier held no further clues, with Mungoth's words themselves being the greatest lead.

After Chevreuse's signal, the Special Task Force immediately moved in to secure the area.

Luna smiled faintly. "The night grows deep, and I should be leaving soon. Or perhaps—"

Her smile widened. "Miss Chevreuse wishes me to stay by your side?"

The Phantom Thief truly never missed an opportunity to tease others. The newspapers weren't exaggerating after all!

Everyone present shared this thought.

Facing Luna's blatant provocation, Chevreuse murmured, "I have more important matters than capturing you. I must find Vacher..."

"Is that so? What a pity."

"If you wish to stay here, I won't refuse. However, I can't guarantee I'll be able to control myself." Chevreuse's hand drifted toward her gun holster.

The choice was clear: leave or continue fighting.

Their brief alliance had ended, and they were now adversaries once more.

The decision rested with Luna.

Luna merely smiled. "I might not be able to control myself either, so I'll take my leave first."

"Goodnight, my dear Captain, Miss Navia, Miss Clorinde, and..."

She turned her gaze toward Chiori.

"Miss Chiori."

Chiori remained silent, her eyes still locked on Luna.

Instead of vanishing like a shadow as she usually did, Luna walked directly past the Special Task Force's watchful eyes, departing with deliberate dignity.

"Captain, is this wise?" Turenna asked.

They had actually let the Phantom Thief escape.

"Let her go."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the scene before them.

"Compared to this, even a cat would be more charming."

"Though that's just a figure of speech," she added.

Turenna desperately wanted to ask, "Captain, could it be you actually have feelings for the Phantom Thief...?" But she quickly dismissed the thought - such questions were impossible to ask, let alone answer.

Who didn't know that Chevreuse had always prioritized justice above all else? She could never be attracted to the evil Phantom Thief. Absolutely not.

...Though the Phantom Thief White Cat wasn't truly evil at all, and had even helped them this time.

Outside Mungoth's base, a figure crouched in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Yes, it was her...

"So the reporter lady has also caught the scent of something interesting, huh?"

"Yah?!"

Charlotte jumped in surprise.

She looked up to see Luna perched on a tree branch. The moonlight outlined her firm, graceful figure, and her legs hung down along with that gaze brimming with interest.

Th-Phantom Thief White Cat...

Charlotte forced a smile. "H-hello?"

Her heart raced. Recently, most of her reports had been about the Phantom Thief White Cat. She'd even written numerous warnings about boycotting and rejecting the Phantom Thief.

I should've known she'd come knocking eventually, but I never thought it would be now! Charlotte tightened her grip on the camera.

It was her trusted companion and most powerful weapon.

"Hello," Luna replied with a polite, elegant smile.

"The night is quite beautiful tonight, ah ha ha..."

"Mm-hmm, the moonlight is clear and gentle, revealing the truth that's emerging," Luna said softly. "It's becoming clearer, and also incredibly tempting. It's like a jar full of honey, making anyone who wants to find the truth unable to look away."

Luna gently jumped in front of Charlotte.

Charlotte couldn't help but take a step back, her face full of caution.

But what Luna did next completely surprised her.

"...Even wanting to take a sniff, taste it, and drink it all."

Luna's finger gently slid down, touching Charlotte's lips.

"Would you like to taste the truth I'm bringing you?"

"What do you mean?" Charlotte asked, surprised.

Luna put her hand on her chest. "Yes, I'll accept your interview."