"What's peculiar?"
Furina snapped out of her thoughts and quickly tucked the sketch card away. "Nothing. What are you planning to do with this fish?"
Luna pulled out a kitchen knife and swiftly scaled the fish, chopped off its head, slit its belly, and removed the entrails.
Furina couldn't help but avert her gaze. She found the process of turning an animal into food rather unsettling.
Besides, the sight of a masked Phantom Thief butchering a fish was just too bizarre!
"I'll make some grilled fish fillets. If Miss Furina can't bear to watch, perhaps you could gather some firewood for me."
"I... I can bear it."
Well, mostly.
"To think you'd ask Focalors herself to gather firewood for you—you're truly unreasonable!" Furina huffed dramatically.
Still, she obediently went to the nearby woods.
Just a few twigs will do.
Clorinde had said that fallen branches made the best firewood.
Wait, could I try to escape now?
She glanced back at Luna, who was still processing the fish.
I could try, but I might get caught.
"I'll have to give Miss Furina a little punishment for trying to escape. Please bear with me." That's exactly what would happen!
Besides, as the Hydro Archon Focalors, fleeing would be rather undignified.
Better to wait for Clorinde to come find me.
That way, I can project an image of composure and fearlessness in the face of danger! Furina nodded to herself.
Better stick to gathering twigs.
"One twig, two twigs, three twigs... Ugh, what kind of 'date' involves making your partner gather firewood?"
As expected, not a single honest word from that woman.
...Just like me. Furina fell silent for a moment, then sighed again.
A sinner who deceived the world for five hundred years;
A Phantom Thief who vowed to steal every treasure.
"We really are a perfect match," Furina said with a self-deprecating smile.
Humming the "Twig Song," Furina gathered the remaining branches. By the time she returned to Luna's side, Luna had already prepared the fish.
"Thank you so much! If you don't mind the fishy smell on my hands, I could give you a hug?"
Furina shook her head vigorously. "No way!"
Luna propped up some branches, placed the Dendro-rich petals on top, and summoned the Greatsword of Passion with a gentle tap.
Flames erupted suddenly, then gradually subsided into a steady blaze. Furina watched as Luna produced a grill and mesh, setting them over the fire.
Furina brought the chair over and sat down. "How long will this take?"
"Not long at all."
Elemental power truly was convenient.
Furina rested her chin in her hands, gazing into the flickering flames.
What will the final Judgment be like? Perhaps it was a memory that had flashed through her mind as she drifted off to sleep, but she found herself pondering the question idly.
Will it burn as fiercely as this fire?
"Miss Furina, please."
"Hmm?"
Luna offered her a bottle of drink.
"...You really didn't bring any food, did you?"
"Maybe not?" Luna shook the bottle.
Furina huffed irritably. "As expected, the Phantom Thief's lips only speak lies."
"Then would you like to taste it?"
"Huh?! Uh, taste..." Furina's gaze unconsciously drifted to Luna's lips, full and delicate, as if a gentle press could...
A deep blush bloomed across her face, more intense than before.
Could Phantom Thief White Cat really not be her?
Luna winked playfully and pointed to the grill. "I meant the grilled fish slices, Miss Furina. Why is your gaze fixed on my face?"
Furina couldn't contain her irritation. "Then why did you use that word?!"
Isn't it normal to make that connection?
"It wouldn't hurt to try it, you know?"
"No way!"
"What about the fish slices?"
"...I'll take them."
Accepting the plate and utensils Luna offered, Furina forked a fragrant piece of grilled fish and popped it into her mouth. Her eyes lit up instantly.
The aroma was rich, the texture delicate, and the fish melted on her tongue. The saltiness and spiciness were perfectly balanced, and most importantly, every bone had been meticulously removed, making it completely safe to eat!
Simple grilling required no special skill, but the seasoning blend and masterful knife work...
"Worthy of praise!" Furina declared without reservation.
Taking a sip of her drink, Furina's eyes sparkled even brighter.
The tangy, refreshing beverage was the perfect complement to the meal!
While it couldn't compare to dessert, this was the most enjoyable lunch Furina had had in days.
But most importantly, it was quiet here.
No one was watching her.
She didn't need to worry about what came next. After all, she was a "guest," the Hydro Archon Focalors, yet she didn't have to face the world as Focalors.
Here, there was only one person wearing a mask, and another wearing a "mask."
Is this what it feels like to have a gathering with friends?
Furina couldn't say. She thought, Phantom Thief White Cat and I aren't friends, and we never could be. Just like with Luna.
She bit her fork, silent for a moment.
"Phantom Thief White Cat..."
"Yes?"
"...Nothing."
What did I want to say? It's like there's nothing, or like I can't say anything.
Furina could only remain silent.
Luna smiled gently. "Let's just enjoy our meal quietly. There's no need to talk."
Furina opened her mouth, then slowly nodded.
She gazed at the sea before her. The waters surrounding Fontaine were actually an inland lake, and she had witnessed this "lake" steadily rising, gradually swallowing and submerging the landscapes of a century ago, decades ago.
Only when she submerged herself underwater could she find that familiar sense of belonging.
Furina rubbed her arm.
The prophecy was inevitable; the sea would rise.
"The sea..."
Luna turned to look at her.
The warm sea breeze made Furina's hair dance, concealing the fleeting sadness in her eyes.
Isn't it strange?
Nurturing life, yet devouring it.
"...It's beautiful, isn't it?" she finally managed to whisper.
The God people sought should be powerful, flamboyant, and confident—a being capable of erasing all their doubts and anxieties. Such a God couldn't, shouldn't, show any other emotions.
Luna stepped behind her, her hand curving around Furina's chin to gently lift it.
Forced to tilt her head back against the chair, Furina met Luna's gaze as the latter leaned down to look at her.
"And what about me?"
"Huh?"
Luna raised her hand, her fingertips slowly tracing the curve of Furina's neck. The delicate tickling sensation made Furina swallow hard.
Luna bent closer, her masked yet undeniably captivating face filling Furina's vision. Furina could almost feel the warmth of Luna's breath.
"Miss Furina, what do you think of me? Am I beautiful?"
Furina's cheeks flushed crimson, her gaze darting away.
So close! Too close! Furina tensed slightly and whispered, "T-take your hand away, and I'll tell you."
Luna smiled faintly, her hand gliding over Furina's eyes to gently cover them.
"Miss Furina seems a little tired. Why not take a nap? Don't worry, I'll steal all the bad things from your dreams."
"You can even steal that?" Furina couldn't help but ask.
"If I want to, there's nothing I can't steal."
What about Fontaine's Prophecy and Destiny?
Can you steal those too?
Furina would never voice such a question, but she did feel drowsy.
Normally, she wouldn't take a midday nap. Just because she wasn't involved in Palais Mermonia's affairs didn't mean she had nothing to do. There were always Judgments, performances, and other duties awaiting her.
But right now, she really wanted to sleep.
"Shall I carry you to bed?"
Furina instantly snapped awake. "No!"
She absolutely couldn't let this Phantom Thief have her way. Who knew what she might do?
"A nap? I don't need such things!"
Ten minutes later...
"Ugh..." Furina rolled over in bed.
She was sleeping soundly.