Phantom Thief.
No Fontaine resident would be unfamiliar with the term.
Not only is it a popular trope in plays and novels, but it has also appeared in real life.
More than a decade ago, a phantom thief known as "Mink" caused havoc in Fontaine.
It didn't matter whether you were rich or poor, young or old. From palm-sized jewels to a child's birthday toy—once targeted, you could expect to lose everything.
"But the Phantom Thief Mink is supposed to be dead," Navia said.
Indeed, the Phantom Thief Mink was dead.
According to the police, Mink's true identity was a magician named Cesar.
Although Navia always felt something was off about this conclusion, it had already been established as the "truth."
Marcel narrowed his eyes slightly and spoke calmly, "Perhaps it's just a prank."
He tore the heist notice in half.
"Our guild has an excellent reputation in the industry, and our performance improves every year. It's not surprising that some 'rival companies' might be jealous. This phantom thief nonsense is probably just an attempt to scare us!"
Corporate wars are often far from glamorous.
A little sabotage here, some rumors there—a smear campaign can be very effective. As a seasoned businessman, Marcel wasn't fazed.
"So, the exhibition will go on as planned?" Navia confirmed.
"Of course, halting it abruptly would cause unpredictable losses. We're expecting several prominent figures tomorrow."
Navia rubbed her lips thoughtfully.
Mink was dead.
But if a new phantom thief had emerged…
"Uncle Marcel, let Spina di Rosula help you!"
Marcel shook his head. "That won't be necessary… It's likely just a prank. No need to trouble you, Navia."
"I don't think it's a prank."
"And why do you say that?"
Navia straightened her posture. "Instinct!"
It might sound absurd, but her instincts were rarely wrong.
Everyone in Spina di Rosula and its allies knew this to be a fact.
Marcel's expression fluctuated between doubt and contemplation. Finally, he sighed and nodded.
"Alright, I'll leave it to you."
Navia's bright smile returned. "It's no trouble at all! Since we're allies, of course I'll help!"
But just who exactly was this Phantom Thief White Cat?
Navia crouched down to pick up the torn heist notice. She wasn't a detective and couldn't glean anything from the elegant handwriting.
Still, this Phantom Thief White Cat gave off the impression of being female…
"President, should we report this to the Special Forces?" a guild employee asked nervously.
"Absolutely not. If the Special Forces show up, it'll send the message that we feel threatened. The news would definitely leak."
Navia tucked the heist notice away, stood up, and dusted off her skirt.
"I think it's best to inform the Special Forces!" she said with a nod.
"I believe Spina di Rosula is enough," Marcel replied.
Navia smiled. "Maybe, but I trust everyone's abilities!"
"However, if she's targeting this exhibition, she's either reckless or extremely prepared. If we don't take precautions, she might turn the tables on us, and then we won't be laughing."
Besides, her methods were still unknown.
With so many guests at the exhibition, if she blended into the crowd or took hostages, capturing her without the Special Forces would be nearly impossible.
"And if something unpredictable happens, the guild's reputation will suffer. Isn't trust the foundation of business, Uncle Marcel?"
Marcel scratched his head. "Sigh, you've grown so persuasive, child. Fine, fine, I'll listen to you…"
Navia snapped her fingers. "That's more like it! Silver, Melus."
Two attendants standing nearby approached.
One was slightly older, while the younger one wore sunglasses.
The older man was Melus.
"Miss, do you want us to bring people over?" Melus asked.
"Yes, twenty should be enough."
Silver nodded. "I'll get to it."
Silver hurried off, while Marcel excused himself to personally report the situation. Navia remained behind, crossing her arms thoughtfully.
"What's on your mind, Miss?" Melus asked curiously.
"Oh, nothing. I was just wondering how she plans to steal Maiden's Tears."
Melus nodded in understanding.
He held up one finger. "Generally speaking, she might mingle with the guests and wait for the right moment to act."
He held up a second finger. "Or she could disguise herself as a guild employee and secretly swap the gem."
"Very common strategies," Navia commented.
"They're common because they have the highest success rates. The least likely option would be for her to reveal herself in front of everyone and take it by force."
With members of Spina di Rosula and the Special Forces present, no sane person would choose a head-on confrontation.
…Or would they?
Navia frowned slightly. Her instincts told her things wouldn't be so straightforward.
---
"Welcome to the art exhibition organized by the Confrerie of Cabriere!"
"Countless treasures have been gathered here tonight, thanks to President Marcel's generous sponsorship. Please enjoy and immerse yourselves in the world of art."
"And in thirty minutes, the 'beauty' you've all been eagerly awaiting will make its appearance. Stay tuned!"
As the host's voice faded, the exhibition officially began.
Though called an exhibition, it felt more like a social banquet—just without food or drinks.
Everyone was dressed elegantly, their graceful figures moving to the romantic melodies performed by a famous orchestra.
Navia glanced around and whispered, "There are so many Special Forces members here."
Silver adjusted his sunglasses and replied quietly, "I heard it's because the Special Forces failed to catch Mink back then, allowing some newspapers to take advantage."
"Is that so?"
Melus chimed in. "Yes. Although they suppressed public opinion at the time, it still embarrassed the Maison Gardiennage. That's probably why they're taking the Phantom Thief White Cat so seriously."
"So, it's a revenge mission," Navia concluded.
"But she's not just one person," Silver said.
"If it's a phantom thief, they must be caught."
As they chatted, time passed.
When they realized it, the host was back on stage.
"She's here," Navia murmured.
Melus checked his pocket watch. "Yes… The timing is right."
"But where is the phantom thief?" Silver asked, puzzled.
"Maybe she's in the crowd. Keep your eyes sharp."
"Understood."
Navia scanned the eager faces of the guests before turning her gaze to the stage.
The host cleared his throat, smiling. "The moment has arrived. I'm sure you've all been waiting impatiently!"
"Finally!"
"Yes, I'm dying to see Maiden's Tears! Just show us already!"
The host raised his hands, signaling for calm. The room quickly quieted.
He began pacing, speaking mysteriously. "Before the reveal, allow me to ask: What gives a gem its value? It's because… a gem doesn't touch everyone's heart."
"Beauty is subjective. What you find beautiful might not appeal to someone else. But to say there's no absolute or universal beauty—that would be a grave mistake…"
"And how can I be so sure? You're about to find out."
He stepped aside and gestured to Marcel.
"Let's welcome our dear President Marcel to unveil the embodiment of 'beauty'!"
Amid applause, Marcel approached the podium with a smile.
He pinched the corner of the draping cloth and slowly lifted it. Everyone craned their necks for a better view.
And at that moment…
The sound of shattering glass echoed through the room.
Navia instinctively turned toward the source, catching sight of scattered shards—and an immaculate, dazzling figure.
The figure landed lightly, their golden hair shining brighter than any treasure. Their white-and-gold outfit clung perfectly to their form, making them look like a prince who had stepped out of a fairy tale.
Yet the mask over their eyes and the weapons at their waist left no doubt—this person was trouble.
Luna bowed slightly, offering a graceful salute.
"The Phantom Thief White Cat has arrived as promised. Maiden's Tears shall now belong to me."