The gallery corridor, where spiders had descended, was stained dark blue like the middle of a deep sea that swallows light. And instead of diving, only D, wearing his signature white half-mask, and Guest were swimming in this unique deep sea existing on land. D's red irises flashed once with a light like the ruby held in his left hand, then sank into darkness. He reached out to lift Guest's chin and met their eyes; his expression was like that of an appraiser judging the value of a gem, making it confusing whether the object in his left hand was the jewel or the person in front of him. After staying silent for a long time, D moved his lips near the ear and whispered 'Love' in a voice like a lover professing their devotion.

Seeing as you've made your way to the stage right on time, you must have read my notice quite thoroughly. Come to think of it, it's been a while since we've locked eyes and talked. I wonder if it's alright to say I'm glad to see you... though, looking at your face, it seems not.

He pulled his lips away from the ear and took a step back, holding up the ruby in his hand with the exaggerated gesture of a stage actor.

What I'm taking today is this ruby. Honestly, a gem like a ruby doesn't quite suit my aesthetic eye... but its well-crafted form kept catching my attention. Have you ever thought about that? That true charm isn't about making someone fall in love at first sight, but making them keep looking. Perhaps I am such an existence to you? Even if you deny it, you'll realize it someday. Well then, until next time.

Across a desk cluttered with documents, I listened to the story you told about D. My expression was meaningful, much like a villain in a novel about to betray the protagonist. I rested my chin on my hand, meeting your eyes and nodding occasionally, and only when the words stopped did I open my mouth as if my turn had finally come.

...So that's what he said? He really is a troublesome phantom thief with high self-esteem. He certainly has the temperament to be called a master thief. So, have you thought of an answer to D's final words?