Inside the Special Task Force's dormitory:
Water cascaded from the showerhead, and Chevreuse closed her eyes, letting the hot water stream over her skin and hair.
"Captain, have you noticed the Phantom Thief White Cat seems different lately?" Turenna called from the next stall.
This was the communal bathroom, equipped with shower stalls and spray nozzles.
Chevreuse casually replied, "Different how? Doesn't she seem the same as always?"
"It's just... how do I put it? It's like she's matured after finding a partner!—that kind of feeling?"
"Maybe it's just my imagination, but I've noticed a slight change in her demeanor since she switched outfits."
"If that's true, who could have caused such a transformation?"
Who indeed?
Chevreuse touched her wrist. "Perhaps her conscience finally caught up with her."
"Do you actually believe that?"
"No."
Anyone could have a change of heart—except for the Phantom Thief White Cat.
Unless she was properly restrained, she would inevitably revert to her old, unrestrained ways.
And the restraint... or rather, the restraint itself, was Chevreuse herself.
For days, the Captain of the Special Task Force, revered by countless, had been plagued by the same recurring dream: the people and scenes were all from that fateful night in the church.
This was certainly not a sign of regret.
Chevreuse would never regret the choice she had made, believing it was the best decision she could have made under the circumstances.
So why did she keep dreaming about Luna?
"..."
Running a hand through her hair, Chevreuse exhaled deeply.
That cunning Phantom Thief—not content with stealing treasures, she's now stealing my dreams too?
Though I suppose I offered myself as the price of the bargain, so I am the treasure.
If the treasure of "Chevreuse" had been surrendered to the Phantom Thief, then the dreams born of her essence would also belong to them.
Enough.
Chevreuse twisted the handle to shut off the shower.
Returning to her bedroom, she stood before the intelligence board.
Showers always brought her clarity and inspiration, and the settled thoughts were perfect for unraveling the mysteries of major cases.
"Stuck, Miss Captain?"
A gust of wind swept in through the open window.
Chevreuse didn't even turn her head as she tossed the key toward the figure silhouetted against the window.
"This is the key to my room. I expect you to use the front door like a normal person, instead of constantly throwing my windows wide open."
Luna sat on the windowsill, dangling the key. The crisp jingle made her narrow her eyes. "Miss Chevreuse, aren't you afraid I might do something to you while you're sleeping, now that you've given me the key?"
"If you have the nerve, go ahead."
"Then you should sleep extra soundly tonight, so I can give you a proper surprise."
Chevreuse let out a disdainful huff, not bothering to reply.
As long as Luna honored their agreement, Chevreuse would abide by the terms of their bargain and offer no resistance to Luna's actions.
So, if Luna were to commit some unspeakable act while Chevreuse slept, she wouldn't blame her.
After all, it was a deal.
Trust was mutual. If Chevreuse couldn't uphold her end of the bargain strictly, she couldn't expect Luna to do so either.
Of course, she would despise Luna for it.
Tap... tap. Footsteps approached Chevreuse slowly from the window. She didn't turn around, waiting until Luna stood beside her, gazing at the intelligence board together.
"It seems Miss Captain has hit a dead end."
"I won't deny it. These criminal gangs operate in extremely dispersed locations and vanish quickly. Even when we capture their members, we can't extract any useful information."
Luna chuckled. "That's precisely why I said you've reached a dead end."
Chevreuse raised an eyebrow at her lighthearted tone.
"Then tell me where the breakthrough lies. Stop playing the Riddler."
Luna touched her mask. "Of course I can tell you. But if I'm right, what will Miss Captain do?"
"Nothing. Have you forgotten our deal? I won't resist, so you can skip your usual theatrics and just take what you want."
Besides, Chevreuse thought, what does Luna really want in the end anyway? The same old things?
Like a lesbian.
The thought made Chevreuse momentarily anxious. She won't want to... do that with me afterward, will she?
But even if she does, I can't refuse. It's a deal.
Brushing aside her unnecessary worries, Chevreuse said earnestly, "Just tell me your theory."
Luna smiled faintly.
"Let's make a bet."
"You—"
This is pointless.
Chevreuse sighed. "...What's the wager?"
"If I'm right, Miss Captain will call me 'darling' for the rest of the night."
Chevreuse's eyes sharpened slightly. Darling... She touched her arm, goosebumps rising. Had the Phantom Thief finally moved beyond mere flirtation?
"And if you're wrong?"
Luna leaned close to her ear and whispered, enunciating each word: "You may dispose of me as you see fit."
As she spoke, a flash of cold steel.
A needle darted across the room, piercing the corner of the map on the intelligence board.
"I await your good news."
Luna kissed Chevreuse's neck before leaping into the night sky.
Chevreuse pursed her lips.
That woman... She tilted her head back and looked in the mirror.
There was no lipstick mark on her neck, which relieved her. She was indeed Phantom Thief White Cat's property now, but there was no need for a brand.
This was a secret deal.
Mutual understanding was enough.
The next day.
Following the coordinates Luna had provided, Chevreuse led a small squad to stake out the area.
"Captain, are you sure this is the right place?" Turenna asked, doubt in her voice.
"There's no harm in investigating. It's better to take action and try something than just stare at the map and ponder... Here they come!"
"They're really here?!"
A recorded suspect cautiously pried open a wooden plank and slipped into the cave. Chevreuse nodded to her team, signaling them to move.
Call in reinforcements, seal off the area, and then—
Bang!
Chevreuse kicked down the door, raised her musket, and shouted, "Freeze!"
The operation was a resounding success. All captured criminals were handed over to the Maison Gardiennage to await judgment under the Law and Original Justice.
The captain of the Maison Gardiennage exclaimed, "Captain Chevreuse, you're incredibly swift! Capturing these rats so quickly is remarkable. They're cunning and elusive, but this is another major victory for us."
"Care to reveal your secret to solving cases?" he asked jokingly.
Secret?
...This isn't the truth I uncovered, Chevreuse thought. She could only offer a polite smile.
"Just received some guidance."
Back in her bedroom, Chevreuse removed her hat and placed it on the rack.
Just as she was about to change, she caught a glimpse of a white figure in the mirror. Whenever Luna visited, she usually maintained her Phantom Thief persona.
It wasn't strictly necessary, but since Luna enjoyed it, Chevreuse didn't mind.
"Did you catch them?" Luna asked with a smile.
"...You were definitely watching nearby, weren't you?"
Luna's steps were light and nimble. "Correct! It seems they've been apprehended. I truly admire your efficiency, Miss Chevreuse. Your criminal-capturing skills are simply captivating."
"Were you captivated even when I was capturing you?"
"My heart was pounding non-stop, utterly entranced."
"...You perverted Phantom Thief."
Luna's cheeks flushed slightly. "Hearing you say that makes my heart pound even harder."
"Then you're invincible."
What else could Chevreuse say? She shook her head slightly, pinched the collar of her shirt, and glanced at Luna.
"I need to change."
"I know. Let me help you?"
Chevreuse knew it was futile, but she still asked, "Can I refuse?"
"Nope."
Just as I thought.
Chevreuse closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and reminded herself to stay calm. Letting her emotions run wild would only play into White Cat's trap.
White Cat had always been adept at provoking others.
Luna pressed close behind her, hugging Chevreuse tightly. Chevreuse subtly averted her gaze, her heart inexplicably racing... it felt almost like being ill.
Then, in the next instant:
"So, according to our bet, what should Miss Captain call me right now?" Luna whispered in her ear, her warm breath sending a shiver down Chevreuse's spine.
Chevreuse: "..."
According to the bet, she should address Luna as...
Chevreuse found herself unable to say the words.
But a deal was a deal.
Reluctantly, she murmured, "Darling..."
Just that single word was enough to make Luna blush with satisfaction. She tilted Chevreuse's face up, bringing their lips within a breath of touching, and whispered again:
"Say it again? I was so happy when you said it before."
Chevreuse looked away, about to reply.
Luna's breath sealed Chevreuse's words, but Chevreuse caught the unspoken words in Luna's eyes: Say it again in this state, will you?
This woman... Chevreuse felt a sudden surge of irritation.
Yet she couldn't bring herself to resist.
It's just a transaction, Chevreuse told herself.
"D-darling..." she forced out between gasps, her voice and breath mingling with Luna's scent.
"Mm, I like you too, Miss Captain," Luna purred.
Chevreuse's ears burned as she averted her gaze. "...Haa..."
All she could manage was a trembling sigh.