"Phantom Thief White Cat has issued another Announcement Letter?"
"This is unbearable..."
"I'm calling in sick tomorrow, claiming I'm afraid of getting caught up in Phantom Thief White Cat's schemes. Heh heh!"
Clorinde sat outside the café, her ears perking up at the passersby's conversation.
Phantom Thief White Cat...
She gazed into the distance, recalling her crushing defeat at the hands of the Phantom Thief White Cat.
Defeated by superior skill, I concede defeat. She cared little about losing her title as the "undefeated and strongest Champion Duelist."
But she cared about the Phantom Thief White Cat.
In her recent nightmares, Luna sometimes wore a mask... She had even suspected Luna might be the Phantom Thief White Cat, but there was no concrete evidence to prove it.
Might as well check it out.
Apprehending criminals wasn't part of a Champion Duelist's duties, but Clorinde couldn't stand by idly.
Too bad there's no bonus pay or overtime.
Clorinde sprinted in the general direction indicated by the passersby, quickly spotting the Phantom Thief's "Announcement Letter."
Using a billboard as her Announcement Letter... that's certainly her style.
Hector Talent Agency... This must be the place.
Special Task Force members stood guard at the entrance, but upon recognizing the renowned Champion Duelist Clorinde, they notified their superiors and let her through.
Inside, Chevreuse was speaking to someone.
"I've already told you, I don't want the Special Task Force's protection! If she wants to steal it, let her! It's not like I'm short on treasures!"
"These are necessary measures. Please understand."
"Alright, alright! Why don't I just give you the treasure and you can guard it yourselves?! Stop disturbing my employees! Hey, what are you doing? Stop snooping around my agency!"
Chevreuse took a deep breath. "We are investigating potential infiltration points for the Phantom Thief."
"I think you're just using this 'Forced Protection' measure as an excuse to disrupt the lives of law-abiding citizens like us!"
So noisy, Clorinde thought.
She walked over to Chevreuse. "Is the Special Task Force having trouble?"
"You're... Clorinde? What are you doing here?" Chevreuse asked, slightly surprised.
"I was curious."
"I thought so. Perfect. I'll borrow your authority for a moment."
Chevreuse crossed her arms, her displeasure evident. "This is Champion Duelist Clorinde. Champion Duelists are not under the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice and can serve as a third-party witness."
"If we do anything improper, you can file a formal complaint against me. Furthermore, giving us the treasure would be useless. Phantom Thief White Cat isn't necessarily targeting just the treasure."
Hector fell silent.
Knowing he was in the wrong, he maintained a calm facade despite his inner turmoil. He began frantically plotting his next move, wondering if this Special Task Force Captain could sniff out the truth.
Chevreuse glanced at the clock.
"Hasn't the Phantom Thief arrived yet?" Clorinde asked.
"Hmm..."
Chevreuse knew the exact time Luna had set—down to the hour, minute, and second.
The time was indicated by an "X." At first, it sounded like gibberish, utterly baffling. But with the right visual context, the exact time could be deciphered.
The "X" referred to a pendulum clock.
The hour, minute, and second hands first formed a "Y"-like shape. Then, by superimposing the pendulum's swing—either a "\" or a "/"—over it, the "X" pattern emerged.
On the announcement letter displayed on the billboard outside, the lines of the "X" varied in thickness, giving it depth.
The thicker lines had to be the hour hand and the pendulum.
That meant the approximate time was around 7:10.
Soon.
"One hour left," Chevreuse said.
"You've already solved it?"
"It wasn't difficult."
Clorinde nodded in admiration. "No wonder everyone calls you Phantom Thief White Cat's 'Number One Fan.'"
Chevreuse averted her gaze. "Let's drop that nickname, shall we?"
She simply understood Luna.
One hour! Hector's face paled. If the Special Task Force stayed here for another hour, they might uncover the truth. And they stubbornly refused to take the treasure for safekeeping.
Surely the Special Task Force isn't colluding with Phantom Thief White Cat, right?
As the Special Task Force continued to search his agency, Hector's composure began to crumble. He wasn't afraid of being arrested; he was terrified of his assets being wiped out in an instant.
In that case...
Hector's eyes darted. "Captain Chevreuse," he said, "there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it?"
"I've broken the law."
"...What?" Chevreuse frowned.
Observing from a distance, Luna raised an eyebrow. This was an unexpected development.
But she instantly understood his motive: confessing would earn him a reduced sentence. If he could protect the secrets of his business partners, he could stage a comeback after his release—or simply wash his hands of crime and live freely with his remaining wealth.
Clorinde narrowed her eyes. "What's going on?"
"Well," Hector said, "I imagine the Captain of the Special Task Force might already know."
"If I knew, I wouldn't be so surprised. What crime did you commit?"
"A crime everyone commits—using desire to gain ill-gotten wealth. I'll explain everything to all of you..." Hector wiped his hands. "...in the Duel Arena!"
The Duel Arena...
Clorinde's tone turned solemn. "Am I to understand that you are requesting a 'Proxy Duel'?"
If the accused is dissatisfied with the judgment, they can request a Proxy Duel.
Defeat the Champion Duelist, and you're absolved of the judgment, your honor restored. But whether the Court of Justice will continue to keep an eye on you is another matter entirely.
And defeating a Champion Duelist is next to impossible.
That's because Champion Duelists are the most powerful warriors, handpicked for their exceptional skill.
Clorinde is the strongest of them all.
While not all Champion Duelists possess a Vision like Clorinde, they are undisputed experts in combat.
They're not opponents you can challenge with mere parlor tricks.
In short, if Hector chose to surrender, the judgment was already sealed.
"Right. Go on, arrest me."
Hector held out his hands.
Chevreuse stared at him intently as she produced the handcuffs.
Click!
Hector sighed inaudibly. This is for the best.
If I can't escape, I'll surrender. Surrender, keep my secret safe, and start fresh after I get out. Plus, I won't have to face the Phantom Thief.
If the White Cat finds out about my connection to that dead bastard Ronat, she might just kill me herself... Best to avoid her at all costs.
Luna watched the scene unfold, her expression thoughtful.
It seems my stage isn't here, but rather...
Luna glanced at Chevreuse and Clorinde, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"I've decided. Let's change the plot of this play."
-
The day after stealing the treasure "Lolita's Crystal Shoes," a black-haired Champion Duelist arrived at the Opera Epiclese.
Luna adjusted her hat, tightened the rapier at her waist, and smiled faintly.
"I am Melda, the Champion Duelist assigned to today's Proxy Duel. Please let me through."
No one could steal the spotlight from her on stage.
Except Furina.
The Maison Gardiennage guards at the entrance nodded. "Very well. Please proceed."
"Thank you for your hard work."
Luna tipped her hat low in acknowledgment and walked into the Opera House's corridor. The feeling was nostalgic, though the last time she'd come here, it was to play the piano.
This time...
...it was to shatter their ridiculous notions.
Since you're so eager to perform on stage, why not let me join in?
Luna smiled faintly.
Showtime.