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Chapter 2

Furina's thoughts lingered on Yoshika long after the masquerade's festivities had ended. The mysterious dancer's aloofness and piercing gaze had left a lasting impression, one Furina found both maddening and captivating. But the next morning, her musings were interrupted by a letter slipped under her door.

"Meet me at the Frosted Garden. Midnight. Come alone."

The handwriting was elegant yet sharp, and Furina immediately recognized it as Yoshika's.

"Drama already? Oh, I love this," Furina muttered, grinning to herself. But the thrill of intrigue was quickly replaced by apprehension when a familiar voice called from behind her.

"You're up early, former Lady Furina."

She turned sharply to see Neuvillette standing in the doorway, his imposing figure framed by the morning light. His long white hair flowed like a cascade of snow, and his icy blue eyes were as serious as ever.

"Chief Justice," Furina greeted with mock formality. "What brings you all the way to Snezhnaya? Don't tell me you missed me."

Neuvillette's expression didn't waver. "Your absence has been... noticeable in Fontaine, but that's not why I'm here. The Tsaritsa invited me for a diplomatic meeting. I didn't expect to find you here as well."

"Ah, well, even disgraced stars need to travel," Furina quipped, twirling a strand of her short white hair. "How's Fontaine holding up without me?"

"Stable," Neuvillette replied curtly.

Furina feigned offense. "Stable? How boring."

Before Neuvillette could respond, another figure stepped into the room-Clorinde. Her dark purple hair was tied in a ponytail, and her sharp purple eyes scanned the room before landing on Furina.

"I heard you'd come here," Clorinde said, her tone neutral but firm. "Do you ever stay out of trouble?"

Furina pouted. "Clorinde! Don't tell me you're here to babysit me."

"I'm here to ensure you don't embarrass Fontaine any further," Clorinde replied, folding her arms.

"Lovely to see you too," Furina said, rolling her eyes. "But don't worry. I've got my own plans here."

Clorinde didn't look convinced, but before she could press further, Neuvillette stepped between them. "Let's not waste time. If you're going to play games here, Furina, remember that Snezhnaya isn't as forgiving as Fontaine."

With that, the two left, leaving Furina alone with the mysterious note once more.

---

The Frosted Garden was eerily silent at midnight, its snow-covered pathways glistening under the moonlight. Furina wrapped her cloak tighter around herself as she waited, her breath visible in the frigid air.

"You came."

The voice was unmistakable. Furina turned to see Yoshika approaching, her majestic outfit gleaming faintly in the pale light.

"Of course," Furina replied, masking her unease with a confident smirk. "I couldn't resist a midnight rendezvous."

Yoshika's expression remained unreadable. "I wanted to see if you were brave or foolish. Perhaps both."

Furina raised an eyebrow. "And? What's the verdict?"

Yoshika stepped closer, her dark pink eyes locking onto Furina's. "You intrigue me, Furina. But this isn't Fontaine. Your charm won't get you far here."

"Who says I'm trying to charm anyone?" Furina countered, though the slight blush on her cheeks betrayed her.

Before Yoshika could respond, a shadow moved behind her. Furina tensed as another figure stepped into view-Arlecchino.

The Harbinger's black and white hair was stark against her pale skin, and her unsettling black eyes, with their red X pupils, seemed to pierce right through Furina.

"What a suprise to see you here, Lady Furina," Arlecchino said, her voice cold and devoid of emotion.

Furina instinctively stepped back. "I-I've remembered you, you are The Knave."

Arlecchino smirked, a predatory gleam in her eyes. "And you're the Old Hydro Archob who couldn't keep her secrets. Don't worry-I'm not here for you. Yet."

Yoshika placed a hand on Arlecchino's arm, her gaze softening slightly. "That's enough, Arlecchino. I'll handle this."

"Fine," Arlecchino replied, though her gaze lingered on Furina, sending a shiver down her spine. With a final warning glance, she disappeared into the shadows.

Furina let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Your friends are... charming."

"Arlecchino isn't a friend. She's a protector of Snezhnaya's interests," Yoshika said. "And she doesn't trust you. Neither do I."

"Then why invite me here?" Furina asked, her confidence faltering.

Yoshika stepped closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Because there's something about you I can't ignore. But don't mistake that for kindness."

Furina's heart raced as Yoshika leaned in, her dark pink eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and danger. "Prove to me you're worth the risk, Furina. Or don't bother coming back."

And with that, Yoshika turned and walked away, leaving Furina alone in the icy garden, her mind spinning with possibilities.

---

𝖠/𝖭: 𝗂𝖽𝗄 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗍𝗈 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝗒𝗐𝖺𝗒𝗌 𝗒𝖾𝖺, 𝖺𝗅𝗌𝗈 𝖸𝗈𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗄𝖺 𝗄𝗇𝗈𝗐𝗌 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖻𝗂𝗇𝗀𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗃𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝖺 𝗅𝗂𝗅 𝗂𝗇𝖿𝗈!