Arlecchino had brought Luna to a desolate, open arena.
The surrounding crumbling walls were stark, their battle scars seeming to whisper of countless unspeakable tragedies that had unfolded here.
Where am I?
This was Luna's first time in such a place, but Arlecchino seemed to know it well. Still, she kept her attention focused on Arlecchino.
"What choice?" Luna asked softly.
Arlecchino's expression remained calm.
"I've already made my will clear: I want to know the truth. But I know you've concealed everything."
"The Oratrice, Furina's true identity, Focalors's purpose... You sacrificed your own 'death' to etch a false truth into Fontaine's history."
"I'm not here to criticize your actions. In fact, I'm proud of you."
"You accomplished what no one else could—stealing Fontaine's fate and history. You truly are the most outstanding child."
A hint of tenderness softened Arlecchino's tone.
Warmth bloomed in Luna's chest. If asked what she cherished most in the world, Arlecchino's praise would undoubtedly be among her most treasured things.
But she knew what awaited her next.
The morning sun bathed them in its golden light.
Arlecchino squinted slightly, Luna's golden hair shimmering brilliantly.
"You shine brighter than ever before," Arlecchino remarked.
She raised her hand. "But the rules form the very foundation of the House of the Hearth. No one is exempt from punishment for breaking them, Luna, not even you."
As the current "King" of the House of the Hearth, Arlecchino's will was the foremost of these rules.
"You have two choices," Arlecchino said softly. "First, take up your weapon and duel me."
"I choose one," Luna replied without hesitation.
Arlecchino showed no surprise. "Aren't you interested in the second option?"
"There's no need."
Ultimately, there would only be one real choice.
Besides, Luna wanted Arlecchino to witness her growth firsthand, to see her current strength.
"I'm not a child anymore," Luna stated earnestly.
I want you to understand that. And stop treating me like one.
Arlecchino responded calmly, "In 'Father's' eyes, children remain children, regardless of age. But if this is your will, I won't disregard it."
She clenched her fist, and a scythe materialized in her hand, erupting like flames and gushing blood.
The "Duel" system of the House of the Hearth applied not only to the children but to Arlecchino herself.
To shatter the chains of fate, one must possess both unwavering will and formidable power.
"Unleash your will and strength, and you can claim everything you desire."
"After all, since time immemorial, the victors have always dictated the rules."
Luna raised her hand.
"Ignite!"
Blazing flames coalesced into the Greatsword of Passion, an eternal inferno of resolve. She plunged the blade into the ground, the scorching wind whipping strands of hair across her forehead.
Her soft words carried on the breeze to Arlecchino's ears.
"I've never feared you, and I won't start now."
"Without Arlecchino, there would be no Luna as she exists today. You banished all the darkness from my life. For me, you are the very heart of what makes a home a home."
Home is wherever Arlecchino is.
Luna smiled gently. "As I've said before, my life was granted by you. If you wish to reclaim it, I would hold no resentment."
"But I will fight until my last breath—until I achieve victory or you seize my heart."
"I do not fear execution."
If Lynette hadn't stumbled upon her that night, Luna would have perished beneath the moonlight.
If Arlecchino hadn't arrived, her heart would never have burned with such fierce passion.
And so, she feared only one thing.
"...I only fear being abandoned by you, forgotten."
Just like when my parents abandoned me, Luna thought.
That's why she had left the House of the Hearth—better to sever the ties herself than wait for the inevitable.
She had never voiced these innermost feelings to anyone.
But Arlecchino simply nodded gently. "I understand."
"...Really?"
"That's why I said you've come to terms with your own weakness. Back then, it was using the Delusion the Doctor gave you that left you so vulnerable and powerless."
Arlecchino stood gracefully, her scythe held at her side.
"But I know you were only trying to protect Lynette and the others."
"The children of the House of the Hearth always live in the shadow of death, and you've repeatedly pulled them back from the brink—at your own expense."
"...In that respect, you haven't changed at all since you were a child."
"After all, that's what you've always done, even after growing up."
Countless people would place something external on one side of the scale as their price.
But Luna always preferred to put herself on the scale first.
Luna remained silent.
"Enough of this idle talk, Luna. Take up your weapon. I won't hold back, but I'm eager to see how you've improved..."
Luna took a deep breath, her gaze resolute. "Mm."
"Of course, you could try to steal my power, just as you stole a god's. But only if you can bear the curse, suffering, and fate that come with it."
Luna shook her head. "I won't."
Only by confronting Arlecchino, who had fully unleashed her power, would any of this have meaning.
Besides, even if she wanted to steal it, she probably couldn't. She had tested it before: despite the skill description, the effective range for power theft was extremely limited. She couldn't steal power from miles away; it only worked at point-blank range. Just like when she stole Focalors' authority, she had to physically reach inside. Arlecchino wouldn't give her that opportunity.
Arlecchino nodded. "Is that so...? But even if you tried, I wouldn't allow it. This fate flowing through my veins belongs solely to me."
"I will sever it, and you must do everything in your power to confront your own destiny—as a child of the House of the Hearth, as my child."
Arlecchino smiled faintly. "Come, Luna."
In the next instant, their figures blurred into motion.
Boom! A pillar of crimson flame erupted skyward.
Simultaneously,
Furina gasped for breath, scanning her surroundings anxiously. Where is Luna...? she thought frantically. A flicker of flame caught the corner of her eye. Turning toward the distant glow, Furina felt a sudden premonition.
"They must be there!"
"Did they really start fighting?"
"What on earth is going on with this mother and daughter? It's completely incomprehensible!"
"Ugh, honestly...!" Furina broke into another run, heading for the Duel Arena.