Chapter 200: If your affection rises any further, it’s going to explode

The Primordial Sea had receded, and Navia, her expression grave, continued to direct the operations of the Spina di Rosula.

Soon, she stood before Luna.

"Phantom Thief White Cat..." she murmured, her voice laced with complex emotions. Then, with sincere gravity, she said, "Thank you. Truly. Without you, we would have lost so much more."

Luna surveyed Poisson.

The town was a chaotic, damp mess. There was no blood, no corpses—only survivors kneeling on the ground, piecing together garments that had belonged to their lost loved ones, their faces blank with shock.

A polite, elegant smile bloomed on her face. "You're welcome."

"Young Miss!" a familiar voice called out to Navia.

She turned to see Melus and Silver approaching, the latter clutching his back.

"Melus, Silver... are you both alright?"

"We're fine," Melus replied, shaking his head.

Silver winced. "Oof, my back... it aches a bit, but it's better than drowning."

Navia's heavy heart finally felt a sliver of relief upon hearing their replies.

"We must also thank you, Miss White Cat," Melus said sincerely, Silver nodding in agreement. Without her intervention, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

"If you truly wish to thank me," Luna chuckled lightly, "shouldn't you offer something more substantial?"

"Of course! Name your price—anything we have. Compared to everyone's lives, treasure is meaningless!" Navia declared without hesitation.

"Miss Navia, you remain as lovely as ever. But I have no interest in freely given treasures. If you wish me to accept your gratitude, you must prepare a grand stage, a lavish banquet, perhaps even a masquerade ball."

"Then, welcome me with fine wine and soft lighting, fragrant delicacies and lively music—and exert every effort to prevent me from taking the treasure."

Luna reclined on the rooftop, propping herself up on one arm, and spoke casually. "Now that's what I call proper hospitality. Wouldn't you agree?"

Navia sighed. "You're as perplexing as ever."

She refuses free treasures, insisting on making a grand spectacle...

"...Why are you even here?"

The Phantom Thief White Cat typically operated only at night, yet here she was in broad daylight. She hadn't sent a warning letter, nor had she expressed interest in any particular treasure.

Could she simply have been passing by and decided to lend a hand on a whim? Though, knowing her eccentric nature, that wouldn't be entirely implausible.

But Navia's intuition told her that Phantom Thief White Cat had been keeping a close eye on Poisson.

"Because Miss Navia is here," Luna said.

"That's not very convincing," Navia replied.

"But it's the truth," Luna insisted, resting her cheek on her hand, the hem of her robe swaying like a tail.

Navia remained unconvinced. She suspected that Phantom Thief White Cat had foreseen the potential threat to Poisson and had been monitoring the town for some time.

The Phantom Thief wasn't the villain others made her out to be. Regardless of her motives, she had undoubtedly saved many lives.

"I doubt you came here just to drink tea," Navia said.

"I would if you'd let me change my face first," Luna replied, removing her mask. "Perhaps... to your favorite Miss Luna?"

Navia frowned. "Absolutely not!"

Luna put her mask back on. "What a shame."

"Not in the slightest..."

But why had her every glance and smile been identical to Lulu's? Was this part of the Phantom Thief's acting skills?

Snapping out of her reverie, Navia said irritably, "Anyway, thank you for your help, but please don't use Lulu's face again."

"I can't guarantee how I'll react if I see you do that."

But the Phantom Thief in her eyes showed no anger. Instead, she smiled warmly and invitingly.

"I'm afraid I must decline."

Just as I suspected.

Navia sighed, deciding to ignore the White Cat for now. The danger might not be completely over yet; she needed to get everyone to a safer place.

"It seems we arrived a little late."

A familiar voice approached from behind. Navia turned to see white hair swaying gently. Slanted, cross-shaped pupils reflected her and Luna standing behind her. Arlecchino's gaze lingered on Luna's face for an extra second before she gracefully stepped forward to face Navia.

"You're..." Navia gasped in surprise.

Arlecchino offered a polite smile. "My child has been in your care."

It was Lulu's "father," the Fatui Harbinger known as "The Knave," Arlecchino!

Why was she here? Had Lulu asked her to come? Or... Navia kept her guard up. The Harbinger title alone was enough to put anyone on edge.

"There's no need to worry," Arlecchino said. "Our interests don't conflict at the moment, and since you've been caring for Luna for so long, it's only natural for a 'father' to help their child's friend."

"Help?" Navia repeated, noticing Luna wink at Arlecchino.

"Exactly," Arlecchino replied with a smile.

She briefly explained their purpose: they were here for three things: rescue, rescue, and more rescue.

They had ample supplies and manpower, perfectly suited to the situation in Poisson.

As for the price? There was none.

Except for one thing.

"I'm entrusting Luna to your care. She's a bright child, but few manage to truly reach her heart."

"Though she may seem warm and friendly, she likely formed her opinion of you long ago—a decision she may never change."

"If her family trusts you, then you have my trust as well."

After careful consideration, Navia agreed.

There was no other choice; lives were at stake.

"A wise decision," Arlecchino nodded, ordering the Fatui to join the rescue efforts, escorting the residents to higher ground.

Then it was time to wait and see.

I never imagined I'd be cooperating with the Fatui one day, Navia thought absently.

She glanced at the newly compiled list of casualties. Six names.

A surprisingly low number, considering what could have happened. If they hadn't prepared in advance, if the Phantom Thief White Cat hadn't intervened, the total might have been seven, eight, or even higher...

Melus and Silver could have been dissolved as well.

Navia: "..."

"Um, White Cat—" she turned to call out.

But the familiar figure had vanished without a trace.

Where did she go?

"She's truly elusive," Navia muttered.

"Nana!"

Navia perked up her ears. That voice!

A smile finally bloomed on her face. Just hearing it was enough to ease the anxiety that had been weighing on her heart.

"Lulu!"

Luna came running towards her. Navia didn't wait; she dashed forward and swept her into a tight hug.

Navia buried her face in Luna's shoulder and whispered, "Thank goodness you weren't here just now. The Primordial Sea surged up and nearly swallowed everyone whole."

"I'm not from Fontaine, remember?" Luna replied.

"I know, but... no murder I've ever investigated has chilled me to the bone like this."

"The people who dissolved didn't even scream. They just melted into puddles of water, leaving only their clothes behind," Navia's voice trailed off to a whisper.

Luna hugged Navia tightly, stroking her hair as she murmured, "I understand what frightened you, Nana. But it's over now."

"Mmm..."

Navia took a deep breath, feeling her spirits lift slightly. When she finally looked up, her eyes met Neuvillette's impassive gaze. Beside him stood Lumine, the golden-haired Traveler, and Paimon, whose cheeks were flushed as she pressed her hands to her face, her expression a mixture of shock and fascination, as if some scandalous thought had crossed her mind.

"What are you all doing here?!"

Standing on the high ground overlooking Poisson, Paimon wore a mournful expression. "Another person dissolved..." she murmured dejectedly.

Neuvillette remained silent.

The sky suddenly darkened, storm clouds gathering ominously as if threatening a torrential downpour. If the legends were true, the Hydro Dragon within him should now be feeling a deep sorrow.

"The Primordial Sea beneath the Fortress of Meropide will inevitably breach the seal I established," Neuvillette said. "Disasters always have omens. The Fortress was the first, Poisson the second."

Paimon scratched her head. "So, following the 'rule of three,' doesn't that mean the next one will be...?"

"...Fontaine being submerged."

A seal? What seal?

Navia was bewildered, but remembering Neuvillette's long lifespan, she reasoned that it wasn't surprising for someone extraordinary like him to possess special powers.

"We have to find a way to stop this!" she declared earnestly.

"But how? We still don't know the full truth of the prophecy..." Paimon fretted.

Lumine pondered thoughtfully. "What did Furina say?"

Neuvillette shook his head. "I haven't asked her yet, but I can already imagine the answer. Hmm?"

Suddenly, Neuvillette noticed something behind Paimon's hair.

"Paimon, turn around."

"Huh? What's wrong?" Paimon turned around.

Navia exclaimed in surprise, "There's a card tied to your hair!"

"Eh?! W-when did that happen? How did I not notice? What about you?" Paimon frantically asked Lumine.

Lumine could only offer a wry smile. "I didn't notice it either."

"T-this can't be from staring at screws for too long, right?" Paimon stammered.

"Let's hope not."

Neuvillette carefully untied the silken thread and examined the card.

"It's perfectly understandable that you didn't notice," he said.

He flipped the card over.

"Because this was done by the Phantom Thief White Cat."

"Could it be a warning letter?!" Paimon blurted out.

The group leaned in to read the message:

"South of the Rose, Truth Lies Above."

South of the Rose? Truth Lies Above? Paimon stroked her chin thoughtfully. "What does that even mean?"

Navia crossed her arms. "Another riddle. At least it's not a threat. We don't have time for her games right now... and she probably knows that." She glanced at Luna. "Lulu, what do you make of this?"

Surprisingly, she addressed Luna directly.

Luna pretended to ponder. "Actually, 'Father' told me about ruins south of Poisson. They contain records of the Prophecy, and I think that's what the card is referring to."

Paimon asked, "So, Phantom Thief White Cat is guiding us? Is the truth hidden at the summit of some place?"

Neuvillette nodded. "It's possible... but perhaps she's simply using us."

In reality, both were true.

Luna had already grasped the full scope of the plan. To deceive Celestia and make the Prophecy appear to come true, she needed to ensure every detail of its depiction was flawlessly executed.

The Fontainians' sins and Egeria's punishment had already come to pass.

Only two scenes remained:

The Hydro Archon's Judgment.

The Hydro Archon weeping alone on her Divine Throne.

Fulfilling these two scenes was all that mattered, regardless of the methods used or how they were presented.

To achieve this, Luna needed the third act to succeed—to incite the Fontainians to demand the Hydro Archon's judgment.

But under what circumstances would everyone unite in this demand?

The answer was simple: their shared desire to save Fontaine.

Celestia would be the audience, and everyone else, the actors.

She stood backstage with the "mastermind" who had orchestrated it all.

Everyone, take the stage.

Neuvillette said earnestly, "I need to examine the actual text of the Prophecy myself. There are still many unanswered questions."

"I'm going too," Navia declared.

"No way!" Luna snapped, gripping Navia's hand tightly.

"Huh? Lulu?" Navia tilted her head in surprise.

Luna's expression turned grave. "Our investigation revealed that the ruins are connected to the sea. Poisson's water supply has already been contaminated by the Primordial Sea, so the water inside the ruins is likely polluted as well."

Paimon's eyes widened. "You mean if Fontainians go there..."

"...they risk being dissolved."

"I can't just sit here and do nothing," Navia protested. "As President of the Spina di Rosula, I have a duty to act when disaster strikes."

Luna tightened her grip on Navia's wrist. "I won't let you go."

Navia's mouth fell slightly open. She had never seen Luna react this way before.

"Stay by my side, Nana. The people of Poisson need their Spina di Rosula President here, to inspire them."

A perfect stage wouldn't let any of its actors get hurt.

And if someone must be harmed, it certainly won't be you.

Navia murmured, "Lulu..."

The warmth of Luna's hand on her wrist, the slight pressure that bordered on pain, strangely reassured Navia.

"I agree with Miss Luna," Neuvillette said. "If you wish, I can share all the information we gather during our exploration with Miss Navia afterward."

Lumine nodded. "Don't worry about your good friend."

Paimon grinned. "Exactly! You two just relax here while we three tear through everything! No obstacle can stop us!"

Navia awkwardly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She twisted her wrist slightly, signaling Luna to release her hand. But Luna's grip remained firm, so tight that Navia almost felt like it would leave a mark.

"Alright, alright, I understand," Navia murmured. "I'll stay with Lulu. Don't worry."

Only then did Luna slowly release her hold.

Neuvillette gave a slight nod. "It shouldn't take too long. Please wait here for a moment."

With that, he departed with Lumine and Paimon, heading toward the ruins to the south.

Navia watched their figures disappear into the distance.

"Lulu."

"Hmm?"

Navia slid her fingers between Luna's, gently interlacing them.

"Water is so merciless," she whispered. "It nurtures life, yet it also devours it."

Far away...

Arlecchino watched Luna and Navia's retreating figures, muttering to herself, "Luna..."

"Have you already discovered something?"