[Phantom Thief Craze? — Beware the Reversal of the Phantom Thief's Reputation in Fontaine]
"Truly! I saw her save my family's cat with my own eyes!"
"Some say she's done evil deeds, but I haven't seen any of that. I'm certain it was her who saved us at the opera!"
However, all information regarding this situation is questionable in terms of credibility, and there's a possibility of rumors being spread. We ask all readers to be vigilant and discern right from wrong.
In addition, the Opera Epiclese is suspected to have been invaded by the Phantom Thief White Cat, but the reason is unknown.
Furina finished reading the recent news and carelessly set down the newspaper.
The Phantom Thief White Cat... She naturally assumed the Phantom Thief had been the one to act. After all, only the Phantom Thief could have accomplished such a feat.
If that Primordial Sea water had fallen on the audience, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Just thinking about it made Furina shiver.
How much longer would it take for the plan her mirror self mentioned to come to fruition? How long until Fontaine could be saved from dissolution?
If only she could specify the exact month and day. At least then she'd know where the finish line lay.
But the current situation was—she had no idea when this would end.
The more Furina thought about it, the more she became lost in her thoughts.
I... can I really last until the end of my performance?
Things had been manageable before, but now the water levels were rising higher and higher. Combined with the truth of the dissolution, the people were beginning to seriously consider the Prophecy's authenticity.
And any doubts, any skepticism, would ultimately lead to her.
Because she was the "Archon".
...No, I have to hold on no matter what. Furina shook her head. This was all she could do.
"Lady Furina, here's your report." Sedene entered the room at that moment.
She placed a file folder on the table. Furina immediately tore it open and took out the contents.
After just a quick glance, she smiled.
Finally, some good news!
Without hesitation, she leapt off the sofa, patted Sedene's head as she passed, and strode briskly to Neuvillette's office.
"Look at this!"
Neuvillette looked up. "What is it?"
"Good news from my informant."
Furina's spies were scattered throughout Teyvat. While they couldn't catch every whisper of wind, monitoring internal movements within the Court of Justice was child's play for them.
"Thanks to Vacher's arrest and the Phantom Thief White Cat's remarks, those hidden moles in the Court of Justice are scurrying around like rats burned by hot coals, desperately trying to whitewash themselves."
"But the more they move, the easier it is to spot their traces."
Furina pressed a hand to her chest and spun on her heel. "Those who dare pollute our justice and laws shall all be brought to trial!"
Judgment! Judgment! Judgment! Not a single rat shall be spared. Only then can we call it a proper purge.
Neuvillette carefully reviewed the documents and nodded.
"The evidence is conclusive. We'll hold public trials starting tomorrow. Though the number is unexpectedly large... It seems you'll be sitting in the audience for several hours."
"Huh?"
Furina blinked repeatedly.
Right, with so many criminals, the trials would inevitably take a long time.
And she'd naturally have to sit in her seat until her bottom went numb.
Neuvillette asked, "Is there a problem?"
"N-no... not at all..."
Well, I'll just add a cushion to my seat later.
Even if my body won't change, that doesn't mean I won't get numb.
Knock knock knock. The door suddenly sounded.
"Come in," Neuvillette replied calmly.
"Apologies for the interruption!"
The door opened to reveal a high-ranking official from the Court of Justice. Upon seeing Furina present, the official's expression grew even more serious and tense.
"What brings you here?" Neuvillette inquired.
The official bowed deeply, his movements precise. "Actually, the recent news about the Phantom Thief White Cat has been overwhelming..."
Furina snorted. "This is clearly just those unscrupulous newspapers spreading false reports."
The Phantom Thief, helping people for pleasure? She didn't buy it.
While the Phantom Thief did help others, claiming she did so willingly was a big question mark. In fact, one might even need to add an exclamation point before the question mark.
At least she wouldn't deliberately cultivate an image as the "neighborhood's friendly Phantom Thief."
It's obvious this is pure fabrication, isn't it?
"Yes, but..." The official hesitated.
Furina frowned at his hesitation. "But what? Get to the point."
"But the Phantom Thief's activities have indeed severely damaged the Court of Justice's reputation and credibility."
"Fontaine's core values are justice and law, yet a criminal remains free - still not apprehended..."
Furina crossed her arms. "What else? Don't tell me that's all?"
"...And there are the continuous scandals within the Court of Justice. Particularly how Vacher's men infiltrated the Maison Gardiennage, nearly leading to the slaughter of many civilians."
"I see."
In essence, they were targeting the Phantom Thief White Cat's reputation, hoping to use her to restore their tarnished credibility.
The Court of Justice official's speech quickened. "We've already identified who's spreading the rumors. Once this storm passes, we can immediately begin the Phantom Thief's arrest."
Furina's gaze turned subtle.
Are you truly certain you can capture that Phantom Thief White Cat?
Neuvillette cut to the heart of the matter. "We understand the Court of Justice's position. But did you come here merely to deliver a report?"
"Exactly. Get to the point," Furina urged.
The high-ranking official from the Court of Justice gritted his teeth and took a deep breath.
"Actually, we wish to draw upon the wisdom of Lady Furina and Monsieur Neuvillette."
After all, every attempt to apprehend the Phantom Thief White Cat had ended in failure.
With matters at this impasse, they could only rely on the Hydro Archon and the Chief Justice.
This is such a troublesome affair! Furina thought. She had no desire to become involved, especially since—hadn't the Phantom Thief saved many people?
"Surely Lady Furina also wishes to defeat the Phantom Thief?"
"Huh?"
Do I? Why wasn't I aware of this?
The official from the Court of Justice exclaimed, "Your radiance, your glory—all have been stolen by that vile Phantom Thief! Many people eagerly anticipate your counterattack to crush her spirit!"
Here we go again.
Though the "audience" wasn't physically present in the Trial Chamber, their gaze never truly left the Archon.
"Everyone wants to witness your duel with the Phantom Thief!"
Furina remained silent.
Neuvillette couldn't help but turn his gaze toward Furina, observing her quietly.
Ever since the Primordial Sea water appeared and he had to acknowledge the existence of the Prophecy, he would occasionally look at her like this.
As if trying to pierce through the layers of mystery surrounding Furina, to uncover the truth and discover more about her as the current Hydro Archon.
But this only made Furina feel like she was sitting on needles.
...Absolutely can't be discovered.
I'm Focalors the God now. At this time, I should... A smile naturally appeared on Furina's face.
"Mm-hmm, I understand."
"If it were me, I'd also be thrilled by the impending duel that fate has brought. Everyone yearns for the unknown stage, the unknown story, and the unknown ending."
"It might not be earth-shaking, it might not be tragic, but it must be full of drama!"
"Let's just consider it a reward. Let me put on a dazzling performance for my believers!"
Furina turned her back, blocking Neuvillette's view with her silhouette.
She clapped her hands. "I've decided—the play shall be titled The Sinner's End. But before our formal performance, we must prepare thoroughly."
"Especially, we need to gather all the actors."
Soon, within the Dark Moon Troupe—
Navia sprinted through the halls, arriving breathlessly at Luna's office.
Bang! She flung open the door.
"Lulu, we've got a major job!" Between gasps, she thrust a letter at Luna.
[ Phantom Thief Capture Plan Invitation ], it read.
...Hmm?