---

Chapter 4

The frostbitten halls of the Tsaritsa's palace were alive with music and laughter. Diplomats and nobles gathered under the shimmering chandeliers, their words veiled with double meanings. But Yoshika, Snezhnaya's most famous dancer, found no joy in their company.

She stood at the edge of the grand hall, her dark pink eyes scanning the crowd with disinterest. Her performance earlier had been flawless, as always. Applause had roared like a storm, yet it felt distant, meaningless.

"You've been quiet tonight," Arlecchino said, approaching with her usual calm intensity.

Yoshika's lips curved into a faint smirk. "I thought you preferred me that way."

Arlecchino chuckled-a rare sound. "True. But even you must notice the ripples in the air. The arrival of Fontaine's former celebrity is no coincidence."

Yoshika's gaze darkened. "Furina."

"She's reckless, loud, and insufferable," Arlecchino said, her tone sharp. "But she's not stupid. She's here for something, and I need to know what."

"Let her play her games," Yoshika replied, her voice cold. "She'll learn that Snezhnaya isn't a stage for her theatrics."

"And what if her games threaten our plans?" Arlecchino asked, stepping closer. "You're the one she seems drawn to. Use that to our advantage."

Yoshika turned away, her expression unreadable. "I don't need your orders, Arlecchino. I know how to deal with people like her."

Arlecchino nodded, satisfied. "Good. Don't underestimate her. She may be a fool, but even fools can cause chaos."

---

Meanwhile, Furina wandered the city streets, lost in thought. The alliance with Lyney and Lynette had given her a foothold, but it wasn't enough. Yoshika's icy demeanor haunted her, a puzzle she couldn't resist solving.

Furina found herself back at the Frosted Garden, the tranquil venue where she had first encountered Yoshika. To her surprise, the dancer was there, alone, practicing under the dim light of the chandeliers.

Yoshika moved like a whisper, her every step precise and graceful. Watching her was like witnessing a story unfold without words. For a moment, Furina forgot her own troubles, entranced by the performance.

"You're staring," Yoshika said suddenly, her voice cutting through the silence.

Furina blinked, startled. "And you're mesmerizing. Should I apologize?"

Yoshika stopped mid-step, turning to face her. "What do you want, Furina?"

"To understand you," Furina replied honestly, stepping closer. "You're a mystery, Yoshika. Cold and distant one moment, captivating the next. Why?"

Yoshika's expression didn't change, but her voice softened. "You wouldn't understand."

"Try me," Furina said, her blue eyes gleaming with determination.

For a long moment, Yoshika said nothing. Then she sighed and turned away. "I dance because it's the only thing that makes sense in this world. Everything else is chaos, lies, and manipulation. But on the stage, there's truth. Perfection."

Furina frowned, her usual confidence faltering. "I used to think the same about acting. But perfection is just another illusion. Isn't it?"

Yoshika looked at her, something unreadable flickering in her dark pink eyes. "Perhaps. But it's the only illusion I have left."

Furina stepped closer, her voice softer now. "Maybe it's time to create something real."

Yoshika didn't reply, but she didn't move away either. For the first time, the distance between them felt smaller, the air heavy with unspoken understanding.

---

𝖠/𝖭: 𝖧𝖾𝗅𝗅𝗈𝗈𝗈!! 𝖨 𝗁𝗈𝗉𝖾 𝗒𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝖾𝗇𝗃𝗈𝗒𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗂𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗄𝗂𝗇𝖽𝖺 𝗋𝗎𝗌𝗁𝖾𝖽