Chapter 98: Don’t Speak of Forever, My Dear Captain

Luna's eyes widened slightly.

Only I can hold onto you? That sounded almost like…

"A proposal?"

Chevreuse's gaze sharpened. "Impossible. You wanted a reason, so I gave you the most fitting one. That's all."

"Miss Chevreuse, you're hurting me a little." Luna moved her wrist slightly.

"You need me."

Chevreuse stated it as a fact.

Luna did need her. But to be precise, what she needed was… Luna raised her other hand, the pad of her finger gently gliding over Chevreuse's soft, unblemished lips.

"What I need is Miss Chevreuse's lips."

"It's the same thing."

If she didn't want to, she wouldn't open her mouth as Luna wished.

The initiative was in her hands now.

"And what I want is only the truth." Chevreuse released her grip.

Luna rubbed her wrist and smiled. "The truth is simple—I'm tired."

She clasped her hands behind her back, took a light step, and twirled, her skirt swirling with the motion.

"I'm tired of boring games. I want to take every last treasure that guy Vacher has."

Chevreuse looked at her suspiciously. "Really?"

"What else?"

Luna turned back suddenly, leaning in close, her breath warm and fragrant.

"Or does Miss Chevreuse think I'm doing this for someone?"

Chevreuse averted her gaze. "No, I don't."

And ultimately, it didn't matter.

Whatever the Phantom Thief's motives were, her actions had undoubtedly protected Navia and the others.

Chevreuse fell silent.

Luna snapped her fingers. "Miss Chevreuse, what should the most dazzling performer on stage be like?"

"…I don't know."

She rarely watched theater.

As the captain of the Special Security Force, she witnessed plenty of tragedies every month—ones far more brutal than any stage play.

She had no need for stories performed under the spotlight.

"The answer is: standing tall and proud."

"Only cowards hide in the shadows. But I'm different. I will stand in the brightest light, at the center of attention."

A smirk played on Luna's lips. "And then, I'll take them all down—every last one. Defeated. Blinded by my brilliance."

"My dear Captain, do you understand now?"

It was as if she were saying: If the enemy hides in the dark while I stand in the light, then I shall make my light so brilliant that the darkness will have nowhere to hide.

But arrogance was not a word that could be used to describe her.

Because she could indeed make it happen.

The brighter she shone, the more wary her enemies would be, and all their attention would be drawn to her.

There was no need to warn her of the dangers.

"…You've planned this from the start?" Chevreuse asked.

Luna shook her head.

"No?"

"You're not in a position to ask anymore."

Not in a position? Chevreuse raised an eyebrow but wasn't surprised.

Likewise, she didn't care.

Chevreuse remained composed. "You need me to cover your lies and put you on stage."

Luna was just as confident. "And you'll agree. I have no doubt about that."

"What makes you so sure?" Chevreuse murmured.

"Because you don't want to see more innocent people disappear."

Luna rested her hand on the railing, propping her head on her arm with a faint smile. "The greater the shadow, the more innocent lives it swallows."

"Perhaps, as we speak, someone else has perished because of Sinthe. Another child is crying. Another family is torn apart, left in ruins."

"And yet, the mastermind lounges in a lavish bedroom, sipping freshly uncorked wine."

That's not what she truly believes, Chevreuse thought.

The Phantom Thief White Cat was only trying to shake her resolve.

"Then why not let me become the light they cannot ignore?"

Luna straightened, stepping closer to Chevreuse, her fingertip trailing lightly down Chevreuse's neck. She batted her lashes and lifted her gaze slightly.

"Or is Miss Chevreuse afraid of seeing me hurt?"

"Don't flatter yourself."

"Then isn't it a fair trade? Sacrificing one criminal to secure the future of countless families?" Luna leaned in further, forcing Chevreuse back against the railing.

But Chevreuse ignored their proximity, instead narrowing her eyes.

"No. Even if it's you, I won't place you on the scale. You must be judged, held accountable. And I will ensure that Fontaine's laws and the courtroom deliver that verdict."

Chevreuse grabbed Luna's collar. "Do you think the captain of the Special Security Force would sacrifice a criminal for the greater good?"

"…No." Luna's smile was gentle.

"Good. And besides, you never make a move without a guarantee."

"See? You understand me better than you think." Luna nodded.

Chevreuse averted her gaze. "So what? It's just to catch you."

To understand, to analyze, to predict, to ensnare—just like a hunt.

"Miss Chevreuse."

Hearing the soft call, Chevreuse's gaze returned to Luna's eyes.

"You'll help me."

Chevreuse didn't reply. All she could feel was Luna pressing against her, the warmth through her clothes, the faint scent, the breath lingering between her lips…

It made her uneasy.

She didn't like such close contact.

But she couldn't deny that it allowed her to scrutinize Luna's expression more clearly.

"Use me, Miss Chevreuse."

Luna's lips parted slightly, glistening under the light. "Don't hesitate. Exploit me as you wish. This isn't a partnership, but I won't betray you, because—"

"Shut up."

"—I want you to put me on that stage."

Pushing a Criminal into the Spotlight?

Chevreuse was well aware that her methods didn't strictly follow the rules, nor did she believe that following them to the letter was the only way to uphold justice.

But this—this was something she wouldn't do. Something she had never even considered doing.

"You think I'd act as you wish? The Special Security Force isn't something you can use at will." Her tone was low.

"Are you scared?"

"This isn't about fear."

"But it doesn't cross your bottom line, either," Luna murmured.

Chevreuse pressed her lips together.

"And what I can promise you, Captain Chevreuse, is very simple."

Luna took her hand, lifting it gently and placing a kiss on her fingertip.

"I'm the only one you can catch."

The meaning was clear—she would be fine.

So just use her however she wanted.

The heat lingering on her fingertip was not warmth but scorching, like it was burning her. Chevreuse immediately withdrew her hand, avoiding Luna's gaze.

"Phantom Thief White Cat."

"Hmm?"

"I hate you."

A faint flush dusted Luna's face. "Hearing that just makes me like you even more."

"...Hah." Chevreuse took a deep breath.

Of course, she wouldn't believe the thief's words.

But they needed time. The truth was just within reach—just one more step, and they'd grasp it.

And if the enemy's attention was all on the thief, then they would have ample room to investigate.

"...I still don't understand you."

Luna paused before breaking into a gentle smile. "That's okay."

"If you ever want to, you can get to know me anytime. Of course, it may come at a small price."

She turned away, waving a hand.

"Until next time, Chevreuse."

Chevreuse hesitated for a moment, surprised at being addressed by name. But it didn't mean their relationship had changed—nor would it.

It was more like the thief now saw her as a true enemy. Or perhaps, a true rival.

"...I hope I never see you again, White Cat."

Chevreuse watched Luna's figure disappear into the crowd. She leaned back against the railing, the lingering warmth on her fingertip having faded.

Yet, she still felt as if it was burning.

"By the way."

"!?"

Chevreuse jolted, tensing as Luna suddenly reappeared out of nowhere.

She pulled out a single fry and popped it into Chevreuse's mouth.

"It's fresh, don't worry."

Chevreuse felt a sliver of relief, but she still shot her a glare. "Why did you come back?"

"To share fries. I can't finish them."

"I don't believe you," Chevreuse muttered, chewing.

"Open wide—ahh." Luna held up another fry.

Chevreuse didn't even look, simply took it herself. Just as she was about to put it in her mouth, she noticed Luna's gaze.

"...If you have something to say, say it."

"You could take a bite first and then give it back to me."

"Pervert."

Luna leaned against the railing, nibbling on her fries. Chevreuse glanced at her but said nothing, simply mirroring her posture against the railing.

"Liar Cat."

"Meow."

"...You didn't come back just to get back at what I said earlier, did you?"

Since she had just declared she never wanted to see Luna again.

"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't." Luna shrugged nonchalantly.

Chevreuse took a deep, steadying breath.

"The next time we meet, I will catch you for sure."

Like a third-rate detective in a shadow play, she thought absently.

As if waiting for those exact words, Luna turned away with a light step.

"That's more like it."

She shoved the remaining fries, box and all, into Chevreuse's hands.

"Never say 'forever.' You never know if it'll come true one day—or if it'll shatter."

She wagged a finger before turning her back.

"See you next time, my dear Captain."

Chevreuse watched her in silence before lowering her gaze.

Food shouldn't be wasted. That White Cat had bought so many fries, yet she couldn't even finish them herself.

No choice, then. Chevreuse ate every last one.

Returning to the shop, she sat back down in front of Charlotte.

"...Everything the Phantom Thief White Cat said is true."

That didn't mean she had become an accomplice.

"—This is what you'll write, Charlotte."

She would not yield to the thief's expectations.

"After this, I'll tell you everything. However, when the time comes, I hope you'll think carefully about whether or not to publish it."

Charlotte looked surprised, momentarily at a loss for words.

"...Alright." But she still nodded seriously.

After a moment of contemplation, she asked, "Is it because my report could affect the course of the case itself?"

Just like that case from long ago—the one Chevreuse's father had worked on.

"Yes."

"Alright, I'll help. But you have to keep your promise—tell me the truth afterward!" Charlotte grinned.

She patted her camera.

"For a reporter, pen, paper, and a camera are all weapons to fight with, after all."