Furina, Please Let Me Steal Your Heart!

"Roméo! Why could it be you? Suddenly appearing in my life, always helping me yet evading my presence. This night once again I find myself sleepless; whenever I move towards you, you slip away—oh, cruel star-cross'd lover!"

"Juliet, she is the absolute protagonist of this tale. Thinking of her, I shouldn't alter the story's course..." Luna mused, "But why does reality always contradict my intentions?"

Reading merely the script wouldn't evoke much beyond curiosity.

However, the brilliance of a musical lies precisely in its performance.

The actors bring the characters' emotions to life through their acting.

Through song and expression, they embody the story's characters, bringing them vividly before the audience's eyes.

The troupe members below seemed to have forgotten this was just a rehearsal, their gazes fixed on the pair on stage.

Upon the stage, Luna and Furina had transformed into entirely different beings.

Regardless of their everyday personalities, whether outgoing or carefree, now they were the very avatars of the story's characters.

The audience couldn't help but think: It's her—it's really her!

This villainous heiress... Luna's portrayal was spot-on. It was as if she were playing her true self.

The delicate image of the female lead, coupled with Furina's appearance, added an indescribable charm.

Ah, my mind is reeling.

Alas, this was only a rehearsal. The lighting, music, and props were far from fully prepared, preventing them from unleashing their full dazzling potential.

Luna and Furina locked eyes.

Furina inwardly marveled, What a remarkable performance. She's virtually matching my skills! How old is she again? Was she holding back during our previous encounter?

Luna, equally impressed, thought, Truly a divine presence on stage.

Every gesture, each expression, and every subtle shift in demeanor was perfectly executed—flawless and precise.

Yet...something felt slightly off.

It was as if the current version of Furina had shed her original skin.

But no matter how closely Luna observed, she couldn't discern any further clues about this role-playing.

Furina and she were actors of the same caliber; neither could find fault with the other's performance, their brilliance being equally matched.

This left them in a stalemate.

No choice but to show her my full prowess, Furina thought. Having encountered an actor matched to her for the first time, she was unwilling to concede defeat. Moreover, the Hydro Archon Focalors would never surrender easily.

The scene immediately leapt to the next sequence!

This section was originally meant to be recited, but Furina felt it would be better sung.

"You're treacherously cunning!" She suddenly broke into song, her voice soaring.

Hmm? Wasn't this part supposed to be spoken? Navia looked puzzled.

It seems the Hydro Archon is taking things seriously now. Chiori glanced at Luna, confident that her model wouldn't lose.

"You're too pure and flawless!" Luna countered in a deep voice.

What a magnificent bass...! Furina nodded to herself, but she wasn't finished yet. She stepped forward, grabbed Luna by the collar, and sang:

"You're as timid as a mouse!"

"You're too persistent!"

"I only wish to caress your face."

"I'd bite off your finger!"

"Then let my blood flow into your heart."

Wait, isn't this dialogue a bit too strange? Is this supposed to be friendship? Furina mused, somewhat puzzled.

If it were me, I would have run away at this point. What happened to our sweet and naive female lead? Why are we delving into such heaviness?

But for the sake of drama, I suppose this isn't entirely unwarranted.

"Please, allow me to stay by your side. Don't reject me again." Furina reached out, attempting to gently touch Luna's cheek, but Luna turned her face slightly, avoiding the touch.

"Our destinies were never meant to intertwine."

"Romeo!" Luna spun around with a hardened heart, lifting her skirt as she fled.

"Ah..." but she tripped over nothing, crashing to the ground.

"...Romeo, your wound is bleeding profusely. Come to my home." Furina's expression shifted abruptly, and she pressed down on Luna with both hands.

"Please," her trembling breath whispered softly against the tip of Luna's nose.

Luna's expression became conflicted, her lips pressed tightly together.

What a delectable expression!

"... And?"

"Indeed, as expected of Lady Furina," she responded with admiration.

Hm? The troupe members watched as Luna and Furina stood up together, dusting off their clothes.

Everything had come to an abrupt halt, freezing at the most gripping moment.

They realized—if they didn't witness more now, they wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. But surely they couldn't demand the two continue.

Furina appreciated Luna's skill, "Because I am a god! Isn't this natural? Still, you're not bad yourself."

Despite showcasing her full power, Luna's performance held her own against the goddess.

Truly, the younger generation is formidable, Furina thought.

"So, who would you say won?" Luna asked with a smile.

"Of course, I did—"

"If we're evenly matched, how about we both consider ourselves winners?"

Both winners?

Furina was reluctant, "How can you count it like that?! Dear friends, please judge fairly—wasn't I slightly more dazzling?"

"This..."

The troupe members exchanged glances—how were they to answer?

On one side stood "Troupe Tyrant" Luna, and on the other, their divine patroness, Furina.

"B-of course it's Lady Furina!"

"Listen up," Furina said with a smug grin.

Furina asked softly, "Everyone, please be honest in your answers. I don't want anyone to lie."

"S-so it's Miss Luna, then!"

"You fickle fools!" Furina exclaimed, clearly dissatisfied.

What else could they have said? 'Furina, you're out'? 'Luna, you're out'?

"Both of you performed excellently!"

"Zero points," Furina retorted immediately.

Luna inquired, "What do you think, Chiori and Nana? Who do you think was better?"

Navia beamed, "Both were great! I haven't seen a musical in ages; that was truly a treat."

Chiori's gaze oscillated between Luna and Furina.

She had always been forthright.

Though not incapable of lying, she wouldn't do so without necessity.

And Luna knew this was no time for falsehoods.

After pondering briefly, Chiori gave her answer:

"Luna."

Furina was utterly astounded. "What?! D-did you choose her just because you have a good relationship with her?"

"I simply picked the character I liked."

"But that has nothing to do with acting ability, right?"

Luna interjected, "Didn't you mean you liked me as a person?"

"No, I didn't."

"ChiChi is being downright unreasonable."

"Don't call me that."

Luna's smile returned. "It seems I have more votes then. Lady Furina, can this be considered my victory?"

Furina crossed her arms, firmly denying it. "No way! She's clearly biased towards you; relying on personal connections won't fly!"

"So we're both losers then?"

Luna knew Furina could never truly admit defeat.

And indeed, the truth bore this out.

"Loser? How could I, Focalors, ever lose! Hmph, fine... let's just call it a stalemate!"

Neither had won, nor had either lost.

Disappointment thickened Luna's voice. "This is far too dull. What about the promised reward, Lady Furina?"

"I'll have someone buy you a cake later. Consider that your reward."

What happened to letting me do as I pleased? Luna thought, frustrated. How did it end up like this?

Wait, I suppose she didn't actually say I could do whatever I wanted. What a pity.

Cake... Luna approached Furina and murmured, "If you're willing to share it with me, then I can truly consider it a reward."

"Oh? Can I take that as an invitation for a deity to join a tea party?"

"Yes."

"You mean you want to occupy my precious time just to chat with you?"

"Exactly. As compensation—I'll host a perfect tea party for you."

Furina chuckled softly, "How bold of you."

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Nevertheless, I accept. Rejoice! The line of those who wish for me to be a guest at their tea party extends from Fontaine to Mondstadt. And coincidentally, I'm in quite a good mood, so there's no harm in agreeing to your request. Lead the way."

"But if my mood turns sour, don't blame me for leaving early or refusing to perform, okay?"

What a temperamental goddess, Luna thought.

Upon hearing this, the other members of the troupe broke out in cold sweat.

If Furina left their troupe and refused to perform, it would definitely make the headlines! Who knew what fresh hell awaited them from the press?

"Luna..."

"Furina," Luna interjected, "rest assured, I'll make sure you're well content."

After all, I know what she likes to eat, Luna mused.

"Oh, and Furina? Would you allow Nana and Chiori to join us?" she asked sweetly.

"Hm?" Furina paused, startled.

Surprise also crept onto the faces of Navia and Chiori.

Furina gazed at them for a moment.

"Alright, I've allowed it!"

-

Chapter 69 huh?…nice