"So much has happened since then," Arlecchino said.
"Yes," Luna replied.
Indeed, so much has happened, Luna thought.
Even after returning to this place, she was no longer the same girl she once was.
Having removed her mask, Luna sat on Arlecchino's desk.
Arlecchino paid her no mind, instead opening the music box.
"...As expected, the tone is still as rusty as before."
"Of course it won't change without replacing the parts. But if we replace the parts, it wouldn't be the music box I gave you all those years ago."
Even with the rusty tone, Arlecchino listened to the entire melody without interruption.
Her fingertips traced the card inside the lid.
The childish yet delicate handwriting remained legible, yet the figure in her peripheral vision had grown into such a stunningly beautiful woman.
Arlecchino closed the lid. "Time truly is astonishing."
"But my feelings haven't changed," Luna said, jumping down from the desk and stepping in front of Arlecchino.
She gently stroked Arlecchino's cheek and, without asking, settled onto her lap, nestling close to that familiar warmth, her eyes closed.
A soft kiss pressed against the corner of Arlecchino's mouth.
"I'm back, 'Father,'" Luna whispered.
"...Welcome back. But as I've said before, I won't assign you any missions. You remain my child, but you no longer need guidance or commands."
Arlecchino ran a hand through Luna's hair.
"Your fate is yours to decide, and I'm confident that the destinations we both reach will ultimately align."
That was enough.
Luna no longer needed her "Father's" guidance; she was gradually catching up to her. All that remained was for her to continue advancing at her own pace.
Luna inhaled the delicate fragrance of Arlecchino's hair and chuckled softly. "Alright."
She paused.
"...Actually, I have an impertinent request."
"Speak. I'm listening."
Luna's cheeks flushed slightly. "Could you kiss me? Just on the cheek."
Of course, a kiss on the lips would be better. But she knew Arlecchino wouldn't do that. She wasn't Chiori or Furina, and Arlecchino wasn't her lover.
She was her adoptive mother.
Arlecchino gazed at her silently, thinking: Her demands are growing bolder.
Even as a child, Luna had often sought affection, whether by sitting on her lap or resting her head on her thigh. But now she was a graceful young woman.
"Is that... okay?" Luna pleaded again.
Arlecchino continued to gaze at her wordlessly for a moment before reaching out and gently pulling Luna's face closer.
Then, she pressed her lips lightly against her cheek.
The sensation sent a thrill of delight through Luna. She knew perfectly well that this was just Arlecchino indulging her childish request, responding to her need for affection.
But a kiss was still a kiss! Luna beamed, took Arlecchino's hand, and gently bit her fingertip.
"Luna."
"Hmm?"
Arlecchino lifted her fingertip and casually brushed it across Luna's lips. "I have a request as well."
-
After leaving Arlecchino's office, Luna changed into casual clothes and returned to the living room.
The children were cleaning up the aftermath of their earlier "battle." Luna picked up a broom and joined them—after all, she had initiated the challenge and couldn't just stand aside.
"Lulu..."
Lynette noticed Luna approaching, her cat ears twitching.
"Lynette."
Lynette asked anxiously, "You..."
"I'm back," Luna replied with a gentle smile.
Lynette's eyes lit up with radiant color, her cat ears perking forward with delight. Before she could voice the words, Luna pulled her into a warm embrace.
"Ah..."
Lynette's ears flushed crimson. She moved her fingertips, cautiously returning Luna's embrace.
"Mm... welcome back."
Lynette was acutely aware of the other children's gazes, but she couldn't care less. Nothing mattered more than the warmth of Luna's presence in her arms.
"I'm sorry," Luna whispered.
"I should apologize too..."
But lingering too long in an embrace made Lynette shy, so she reluctantly released Luna.
Seeing the moment was right, Lyney and Freminet finally approached.
"Great, Luna! So we'll still be working together after this—"
"No."
Luna shook her head.
"Father won't assign me any more missions, and I won't carry them out."
Lyney blinked in surprise. "You mean...?"
"Like a figurehead? Hehe."
Lynette rolled her eyes. "Still saying 'hehe'... You're not a child anymore. You never talked like that when we were younger either."
Freminet, however, remained unfazed, smiling reassuringly. "I'm just glad you're back, Luna."
But when some of the other children overheard this conversation, their expressions shifted drastically.
"Luna doesn't have to do missions?"
"Why does she get special treatment? I don't want to either..."
"Luna's so strong! With her around, things would be so much easier..."
Though Lynette heard these complaints, she exchanged a glance with Luna, and they both chose to ignore them, remaining silent.
There would always be grumbling.
It all depends on whether they cross the line and violate the House of the Hearth's rules.
If they possessed Luna's strength, betrayal wouldn't matter. But without it... everything hinges on Arlecchino's judgment.
"Anyway, let me help with the cleaning too."
"Alright," Lyney nodded.
He cleared his throat. "If you have time, tell me what you think of our Magic Mechanisms. As a Phantom Thief, you must have cracked quite a few, right?"
"Mostly I just brute-force my way through them," Luna grinned.
Lynette smiled faintly. "Still the same as ever, resorting to force at the slightest disagreement."
"But I faced your mechanisms fair and square, didn't I?"
"True."
Lynette paused for a few seconds, then extended her fist.
Lyney and Freminet understood immediately and mirrored her gesture.
"Just you left," Lynette murmured.
"...I know," Luna replied softly.
Whether it was Lynette, Lyney, or Freminet, all of them had changed dramatically. Luna would no longer participate in the House of the Hearth's operations—except in extraordinary circumstances.
This meant they still wouldn't be fighting side-by-side as a quartet like they used to.
But... Luna extended her fist. "If you ever get into trouble, I'll protect you all."
Four fists bumped together.
Luna declared confidently, "After all, I can even steal Archon Power now!"
Lyney smiled gently. "You're so reliable."
Freminet nodded. "Don't hesitate to ask us for help if you need it."
Finally, it was Lynette's turn.
"We'll never abandon you, so stop overthinking things."
Lynette pressed a hand to her chest, lowering her head. "I... I can't bear to lose you again. Don't just worry about being abandoned yourself. Think about me too..."
Lyney's face softened with relief. Freminet's cheeks flushed slightly as he turned away.
Luna hugged Lynette again.
"I understand."
"This isn't a promise," Lynette whispered.
Luna smiled gently. "I know. It's something I want to do, right?"
Lynette's expression softened. "Yes..."
You need to take full responsibility.
By the time Luna finished cleaning the House of the Hearth, the night was already deep. But she still had one more task to complete before she could return home with peace of mind—return to Furina's side.
She entered the Harpsichord Room, where Arlecchino stood by the window, waiting.
Hearing footsteps, Arlecchino turned her head.
"All finished cleaning?"
"Yes. Please, take a seat."
Arlecchino nodded.
Her request was simple.
"Play me a piece."
That was all Arlecchino asked.
Just like old times.