Furina, Please Let Me Steal Your Heart!

Tears of a Maiden.

This was one of the treasures given to Chevreuse by the Phantom Thief White Cat.

"So this is about Hydro element perception, huh..."

According to the Phantom Thief White Cat, only those possessing Hydro element perception could hear the voice of the maiden within the jewel.

Chevreuse couldn't fully trust her words.

"She is still a lying cat, after all."

Thus, she needed proof.

Unfortunately, Chevreuse held a Pyro Vision; to verify Luna's claims, she would need assistance from others.

When it came to Hydro element power, the first thought that popped up in a Fontainian's mind would be—Furina, the Hydro Archon.

After all, she was the Hydro Archon, wasn't she?

"...I should probably make an appointment."

As the captain of the Special Task Force, Chevreuse had the right to schedule a meeting with the Hydro Archon, although she'd likely have to wait in line for several days.

Bureaucracy could be quite a hassle.

"At the same time, I need to find someone with strong Hydro element perception..."

However, she could prepare both hands.

Chevreuse put away the Tears of a Maiden and set out immediately.

Upon reaching Palais Mermonia, she began the process of making an appointment.

"Captain Chevreuse, you wish to meet with Lady Furina, correct?"

Sedna, the Melusine overseeing the process, looked up. Her watery eyes were filled with curiosity.

After all, the Special Task Force didn't often make such requests.

"Yes, may I trouble you?"

"Oh, certainly. However, depending on the purpose of your meeting, the wait time varies. What topic do you wish to discuss with Lady Furina?"

"Criminal cases," Chevreuse said mildly.

"Urgent?"

"Urgent."

"Then the Court of Justice must have issued an emergency application, yes?"

Chevreuse was about to reply when a calm voice spoke from behind her.

"Sedna, what seems to be the problem?"

That voice...

Chevreuse turned around, meeting a pair of eyes so indifferent they could be described as apathetic.

She immediately bowed in respect. "Monsieur Neuvillette."

-

Inside Neuvillette's office.

"A case?"

"Yes."

"A case that requires the assistance of Lady Furina?"

"That's correct."

Neuvillette pondered this; even he couldn't fathom what kind of case would necessitate the personal involvement of the Special Task Force captain, to the point of inviting the archon of an entire nation for assistance.

However, since this matter concerned Fontaine's laws and justice, it was his duty as the highest judge not to turn a blind eye to it.

He sat erect behind his desk, which was piled high with documents and files.

"If you don't mind, please provide me with the general outline of the situation. Afterwards, I'll relay it accurately to Lady Furina. This way, we can bypass any unnecessary procedures."

Chevreuse sighed with relief and said gratefully, "Thank you very much. It's like this—"

She omitted her encounter with the Phantom Thief White Cat and only revealed the secret of the Tears of a Maiden.

"Hydro perception?"

No wonder she had thought of the Hydro Archon.

Neuvillette murmured thoughtfully, "Could I examine this Tear of a Maiden? If what you know is true, I should be able to hear its voice."

He didn't possess the Vision, nor did he need it.

Although he never voluntarily mentioned it, he was actually a being known as the Hydro Dragon. In terms of hydro perception alone, he was not outdone by any existence.

Can Neuvillette hear it? Chevreuse wondered as she handed the Tear of a Maiden to him.

Neuvillette was Fontaine's highest judge, known for his fairness and impartiality, never showing bias towards any party due to personal feelings.

It was true that he lacked warmth and compassion.

But justice should never be swayed by personal sentiments. A crime is a crime, regardless of who commits it.

From Chevreuse's perspective, this made Neuvillette a trustworthy individual.

"Thank you," Neuvillette said gratefully, taking hold of the Tears of a Maiden.

He didn't need to concentrate deeply; merely holding the gemstone allowed him to hear the voices within.

"Don't give up... We must find a way to escape..."

"I don't want to die! Who will save us?!"

The voices were remarkably clear.

One, two, three... Countless emotions were captured in this jewel, but only three voices stood out distinctly.

Neuvillette's expression remained unchanged as he identified them: "Anger, fear, despair—there's no doubt that the consciousness of others exists within this gemstone. Or, to be precise, it 'once existed'."

"This means..."

"Someone turned them into this gemstone, and the voices and residual consciousness of the dead still echo within."

The Tears of a Maiden truly lived up to its name.

"

"So, what's your angle?" Furina asked, cutting straight to the chase.

In Luna's office, a private gathering of women was underway—Furina, Chiori, Luna, and Navia, all seated around a table.

The aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air as Furina stirred sugar into her cup with absentminded ease.

Navia couldn't help but glance at Luna, seated across from her. "I must ask Lulu the same question—why this sudden invitation?"

She had initially thought the tea gathering was just for Luna and Furina. Were their additions a bit...superfluous?

After all, it was Luna who would grace the stage alongside Furina; their chemistry seemed more promising.

"Let's get straight to the point," Chiori urged.

Luna's lips curved into a smile. "Such impatience! Shouldn't we first indulge in topics only girls like us can share?"

"Such as?"

"Lovers, perhaps?"

Chiori's interest was clearly lacking. "Are you even interested in such matters?"

"Not particularly."

"Then that settles it. Let's move onto the main purpose of our gathering."

Luna picked up a pastry, casually popping it into her mouth.

Though the atmosphere wasn't decidedly tense, the lack of conversation certainly didn't lighten the mood. Yet Luna remained utterly composed, her demeanor a testament to her composure.

"Chiori, don't you wish for your brand to captivate all of Teyvat?"

"...That's true, but what's your point?"

Luna gestured with her hand. "Before that can happen, we must ensure Lady Furina becomes a client of Chioriya."

So that's how it was. Chiori now understood Luna's scheme.

She was simply seizing this opportunity to help promote Chioriya to Furina.

It's not like I need to do this; I'm not chasing after dreams or anything.

Furina smiled. "You have such a great friend, the designer from Chioriya."

"It'd be even better if she could make my life easier more often."

Since it was Luna's kindness, of course Chiori wouldn't refuse.

She said solemnly, "You've already seen my performance costume. Whatever custom request you have, I can fulfill it, even if it's from a archon."

"Now I know why you two are friends."

They're practically identical in their core.

Satisfied, Furina forked up a piece of cake and ate it in one bite, then smoothly licked away the cream from the corner of her mouth.

"Then after this, I'll give you an order. If you can make it, I'll mention you to my audience." Furina waved the fork in her hand.

"I hope you'll wear it yourself instead."

"Haha, that would be great too! Saves me from having to mention you." Furina twirled the fork and pointed it at Luna's plate.

"What about the miss from the Spina di Rosula? Why did you bring her?"

Luna felt Navia's gaze on her.

She rested her chin on interlocked hands, shooting Navia a gentle look.

"I wanted to tap into a Archon's wisdom."

Her tone was equally gentle and soothing. Despite the table clearly separating them, Navia felt as if Luna were tenderly stroking her head—yet Luna had never done such a thing.

"I'll see if I can assist Miss Watson in achieving her goal," Luna continued.

Navia's eyes widened. "Lulu... you're not suggesting that you've been thinking about me all this time...?"

All this time, remembering this for me?

"Not constantly," Luna replied with a smile, leaning back in her chair. "I just happened to remember it now and thought I could help."

But isn't that still the same as constantly remembering it? Furina glanced at her.

Such an enviable friendship.

...Is it really just a friendship?

Unable to contain her joy, Navia smiled brightly. "Thank you! You truly are my best partner. Heh-heh-heh, I won't forget this."

If it weren't for others being present, Luna felt sure that Navia would have thrown herself at her in a hug right away—like a large dog bounding in for a embrace.

"Forgetting would be fine too; you deserve this anyway. A noble and beautiful soul should receive its rightful reward, don't you think?" Luna responded with a playful wink.

A reward, huh? Will all I've done also be rewarded?

Even though just keeping us all alive is already the best reward. But honestly, I don't think lying to everyone for hundreds of years makes a soul beautiful or noble...

Furina mused half-heartedly.

Chiori sipped her red tea.

Our very own Miss Watson, huh...

-

TL Note: Changed my name, No longer am I Emiya