Sympathy for the Shadow and the Forger's Kiss
Her suggestion left me speechless at her simple question: "What do you think?" Yulia stared quietly at the painting hanging on the wall in front of us, then added more.
"Sharon said she chose the topic to criticize Phantom Thief Raven."
"Yeah. She did."
"But like I told you before... I don't think he's necessarily bad."
Of course I remembered. Her words from our trash-sorting chat had hit me like a fresh shock. My actions were changing an original character. It was obvious in hindsight, but that was the first time I truly felt the impact. Yulia, the upright model student from the original story, was now grappling with sympathy for a phantom thief because of me.
"So that's why you've been so conflicted?"
"Yeah, I guess so."
Not just Sharon—Rachel hated phantom thieves too. That was the natural reaction for most people.
"Am I wrong for feeling this way?"
Liking a phantom thief wasn't normal, by any means. It wasn't strange that Yulia was agonizing and blaming herself over it.
"Like I said before, I don't think that's bad."
"You really mean that? Not just being nice to comfort me?"
"To some, a phantom thief might be a villain who stole their treasure. But to others, he could be a grateful benefactor who saved their family."
Just like her right now.
"In the end, everyone's situations and thoughts are different. It's hard to just divide it into black-and-white good or bad."
I wasn't sure if it helped, but Yulia listened quietly and her expression brightened noticeably.
"Thanks. You're so kind, Kro."
Uh. When she smiles and says it like that, it makes me a little embarrassed.
[Oh dear. Have you fallen for one of your conquest targets?]
'Why would I go after Yulia?'
She's the main heroine in the original story. Sure, she doesn't end up dating the protagonist, but that's just because romance isn't the focus. They definitely develop a subtle mutual affection. If I dated her, it'd be like stealing the protagonist's fated connection.
Even considering it hasn't happened yet, it felt off.
'Besides, Yulia would never like me anyway.'
[I respect your thoughts, of course, but you're being too rigid. If you like each other, what does fate or destiny matter?]
The Goddess wasn't wrong. If we did like each other, it wouldn't be bad to just follow our feelings without overthinking. Not that it'd ever happen.
[You never know with people.]
'I get it, so stop planting flags.'
"Kro? Why are you spacing out all of a sudden?"
"Oh, it's nothing."
Yulia looked relieved, like she'd sorted out her worries. Glad it resolved more smoothly than expected.
"Actually, I agree with Sharon's opinion too."
"Huh?"
"Just convey objective facts and let people judge for themselves."
She had said that. It was ideal—pushing too hard on a sensitive topic could just provoke backlash from the other side. The problem was maintaining that neutrality.
"I've decided."
"On what?"
"I'm going to ask my sister for an interview."
I blinked, wondering what she meant, then realized who "sister" referred to.
"Your sister... the one who got help from the phantom thief...?"
"Yeah, that's right. Let's add Raven's good deeds to the presentation. What do you think?"
[Ho ho. This is quite an intriguing development.]
It wasn't a topic I could answer easily.
"The reaction might not be great."
"It's fine. To stay neutral, we can't just include one side. People will decide for themselves anyway."
"True, but..."
As I said, this was a sensitive issue. Going beyond just reporting Raven's crimes to include lesser-known positive acts could invite negative public pressure. And that pressure would fall squarely on Yulia, who was presenting.
Could she, who'd grown up surrounded by nothing but love and attention, handle that kind of backlash?
"Don't worry. I'll make it work, no matter what."
Actually, the original story made it clear. Yulia was no weak woman.
"Yeah. I believe you."
Stepping out of the art gallery, a bright full moon greeted me. I'd spent longer with Yulia than planned. Still, since I'd achieved my original goal to some extent, it shouldn't be a big issue.
[What’s your plan this time?]
"I need to be even more thorough than last time."
Using the sewers for the museum heist had made me overconfident. I thought no one would figure out such a trick easily. That arrogance nearly got me caught. Sherlock's unexpected interference played a part, but the root cause was my complacency.
What if I'd been more careful erasing traces? If I'd scouted the sewer entrance thoroughly? If I'd designed the crime trick meticulously from the start?
Anyway, luck had pulled me through the crisis, so from now on, I'd design tricks that were even more solid and precise. Of course, I couldn't control everything 100% perfectly. Unexpected variables would arise, and I might have to take gambles with slim odds. Without luck, I'd fail.
Still, every effort I put in raised the odds by at least 1%. That was enough. No reason not to try if I could boost it even that much.
"I’ve got a rough outline in mind."
[Hehe. I can’t wait to see how beautiful it is.]
No time to rest with a plan brewing. I got moving right away, starting with the first step.
My first stop was none other than the Witch's Shop.
"Hehe. Long time no see, Mr. Phantom Thief."
I smiled back at the sly witch's greeting.
"Guess I need to visit more often so that doesn't come up."
Maintaining a good relationship with her was always a net positive. She had plenty of secrets, but in business, she was a reliable merchant.
"Oh my. Does that mean you like me?"
If she skipped the cheeky teasing, that is.
[Hmph. That woman really rubs me the wrong way.]
The Goddess, who usually cheered for harems, was surprisingly lukewarm. She even seemed a bit wary of the witch. Was it that? Did she play hard to get when someone came on strong? Whatever—not important now.
"So, what brings you here today?"
"Do you sell paintings by any chance?"
"Of course. I even have collections of masterpieces by world-famous artists. Who do you want? Gogh? Michelangelo? Da Vinci?"
I shook my head. That wasn't what I was after.
"Lighthouse on Stormy Night."
"...Ah. You had a specific one in mind."
The witch gave a troubled smile.
"Sadly, I don't have that one. It's on display at a private art gallery."
The Witch's Shop had everything except what wasn't available, but unique items like artworks were one-of-a-kind by nature. It was impossible for it to be somewhere else and here at the same time.
But the witch was one persistent saleswoman. She'd find a way to sell even if it wasn't in stock.
"There is a way, though."
"As expected. Will you steal it for me, since I'm a phantom thief?"
"Hehe. That'd be like a silkworm mocking wrinkles. I'll pass."
She'd seen through what I wanted from the start.
"But I can sell you a 'fake' that's identical to the real thing."
"At a cheaper price than the original, naturally?"
"Of course. I don't mess around in deals."
But would a replica just pop out of thin air? Apparently not.
"Sadly, I don't have any in stock right now."
"How long do I have to wait?"
"Hmm. I close every Thursday, so if you come then, it'd be ready by Friday."
Too long. To minimize variables, I needed to move fast—especially to avoid getting nabbed by Sherlock if I dragged my feet.
"Can't it be quicker?"
"There is one way. Go to the Forger and place a direct order."
"The Forger..."
"Head to the address on this card, and you'll meet them. Handle the deal there."
I examined the card she'd handed me.
"I always owe you one, Witch."
"Oh? I didn't say it was free. You'll need to pay an introduction fee."
Tch. Worth a shot to slip by, but no dice.
"How much?"
She pondered briefly, then flashed a wicked smile and tapped her cheek.
"One kiss should do it♡"