[St. King's 128 years, Green Moon, 5th of July]

bang-bang

　As they were spending the morning at the inn, a knock on the door suddenly echoed through the room.

I'm the messenger from Platenah Castle. Is Lord Kanata here to see you?

　At the sound of a voice from the other side of the door, Jupiter turned to look at me with a quizzical look on her face.

It's a good idea to have a good time.

I didn't do anything!　I mean, I think I've seen a similar development before...

　If I had done something wrong in the first place, I wouldn't have called out so politely, I would have kicked down the door and come rushing in.
　The messenger from the castle means that Princess Priscia is calling you again, right?

The only thing you need to know is that it's a good idea to have a good time. It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.

"Who are these people?

　Satsuki opened the door while Jupiter was muttering with an indescribable look on her face, and there stood a young woman dressed in the same clothes as the maid at Sharon's parents' house.
　Her long, slightly habitual black hair braids and large round glasses were quite distinctive, and for all intents and purposes, she was a "de serious housekeeper! It's like.

'Is St. King's City a trendy place to dress?'

Huh?　Oh, these are the uniforms of our "Maid Company". So you are acquainted with the other members.

　Oh my God!
　They had a service in this city that allowed them to send a maid to the city just by loading up on money!
　That meansyyy...!

No!

I haven't said anything yet...

No!

　I was told twice because it was important.
　The smiling but strangely powerful Elena terrified me, and while I was shunned, I regained my composure and decided to listen to the maid.

I'm sorry to be late, but my name is Anais. I'd like to get right to the point, but I've actually received something like this........

　Saying that, he handed me a letter.
　When I opened it, I found something outrageous written in it.


[Challenge letter]
　Tonight, I'm here to get the "Treasure Sword Lightning Dagger" that lies in the castle's treasure room.
　～Ruffin the Phantom Thief


Phantom thief?

　When we were surprised by the sudden talk, Anais told us the details.

'The Treasure Sword Lightning Dagger that the Phantom Thief aims for, the Lightning Dagger is a magical sword with a characteristic that increases its sharpness in accordance with the user's ability. Depending on the user, it is said to cut through mithril and even orichalcon, and the human body is like a piece of paper.... If it falls into the hands of someone with malicious intent, I can't even imagine the amount of damage it could cause.

　Anais lowered her eyes and shuddered in fear as she imagined the possible tragedy that could occur.

''Unfortunately, the brave Kanemitsu-sama has already crossed the Elven Forest and cannot be relied upon. Therefore, I thought I would ask for the cooperation of Kanata-sama and the others who rescued Princess Pricia together with the hero Kanemitsu-sama in the previous incident. Would you please protect the Treasure Sword Lightning Dagger from the thief Ruffin?

'Ummm...'

　As I couldn't hide my confusion at the unexpected request, the little guys jumped in front of me and started to make a scene.

"Kanata-ni-chan. You can't let such a dangerous thing fall into someone's hands. You'll have to help her!

'Mm-hm!　A bandit (sifu) vs. a thief is so cool, it's like a confrontation between villains (heels)!

'Aside from Jupiter, Satsuki has a funny reason.

Well, why not?

　I mean, this kind of incident wasn't "the world I once saw".
　Could it be that Kanemitsu didn't return to the city and history has changed, and the thief Ruffin and his ilk have decided that there is no one left to interfere with the execution of their plan?

'I didn't expect this, but is it okay?'

"Of course. I can't just turn a blind eye to someone in need.

　I'm not going to be able to get the same kind of results as the others.


◇ ◇ ◇.


　When we arrived at Platenah Castle, Anais took us to the hall in front of the treasure room.
　However, Satsuki, who was scurrying around, had a strange look on her face.

''What's up?''

No, I was just wondering if there was anyone else who could help me.

　Indeed, Satsuki was right, there is no one else in the vicinity of the treasure room except us, and the security is far too lacking for a thief to be targeting us.

''Naturally, those from the castle will provide security as well, but only Kanata-sama and the others will cooperate with us as mercenaries.

If it's such a big deal if it's stolen, why don't we just put our money where our mouth is and get all the people in town to help us?　With a country this big, there's plenty of room to recruit people.

　While Anais was taken aback by Satsuki's opinion, which was too blunt, she once again explained the reasoning behind it.

'As for treasures with extreme power like the Treasure Sword Lightning Dagger, it's something we as a nation don't profess our existence. If we were to gather a large number of mercenaries to protect it, not only would its existence become public knowledge, but the fact that it is overly valuable could lead to a situation where it would be targeted by a second or third thief...

I see. If we are the only collaborators, it's difficult to spread the information and we are the only ones who are here to begin with. If Satsuki accidentally slipped up and said that there's a legendary weapon in the castle's treasure room, no one would listen to her.

I'm not that talkative!

　Although Satsuki complains about it as if she's not happy, the genuine feeling of 'I'm definitely going to say it' oozes out of Jupiter's face as she stares at it with her zit eyes.
　However, if I say it stupidly and honestly, the future will come for Jupiter to be attacked by Satsuki, so I decided to keep it quiet.
　Unlike my foolish sister, I'm a tight-lipped person.

''Anyway, if Ruffin the Phantom Thief is going to come as declared, tonight is the night. However, there's a chance he could set something up beforehand, and we're going to stake out here now!

What, it's still light out?　........Then can me and Jupiter just hang out around there at random?

"Why do you want to involve me in this?

　That said, it looks like a lot of things would be dangerous if Satsuki is with her when she encounters the thief, and there's no better way to get away from the scene (here).
　Jupiter may not be happy, but if you're following along, Satsuki won't be able to do anything rash.
　Seeing our exchange, Anais smiled a little bit and bowed her head begrudgingly in front of Satsuki and Jupiter.

''Would you like me to show you around the castle?''

Oh, really?　Wow, thanks!

''Excuse me Anais-san........ Oh, you can't go ahead without permission!

　That's why the little guys left to explore the castle while making a lot of noise, and with the exception of the guards who patrol the castle from time to time, me and Elena were the only two people in the hall.

"I hope that Satsuki guy doesn't bother the people in the castle... haha.

　Seeing me let out a sigh, Elena suddenly patted me on the head.

'Eh, what?'

''Kanata-san, you seem to be struggling with something about this, is that something you can't talk to me about?''

Huh!

　In response to my surprise, Elena smiled gently.

''At a time like this, I'm sure it will be easier to talk about it. No matter what the story is, I'm on Kanata-san's side.

Ha ha ha. You can't win at all.


◇ ◇.


　Late night of the same day.
　The air around the treasury is tense and tense to the point that it almost burns your skin.

Is there anything you've noticed over there?

No, my sense of danger skills don't respond to a clear intent to kill.

　In response to my reply, the armor-clad, bearded old man muttered ruefully, ''I see.......''

''But then, how is that thief going to get past the castle's security?''

Yeah.

　Just like Elena said, since the thief Ruffin sent a letter of challenge, the security inside the castle is on maximum alert.
　It's not only that, but also the onslaught of the magicians would extinguish any attempt to break into the castle from the outside, as soon as they see you, and even if you try to break into the castle from the air, their security has been tightened since the kidnapping of Princess Priscia earlier.

You can't possibly break through this perfect security. The thief Ruffin will be afraid of us and will run away!

Oh, that's a flag.

　When Elena muttered something strange in response to the bearded old man's comment....

Oh, tada, tada, tada, tada!

　Anais came in with a familiar letterhead in her hand, looking flustered.

'What's the fuss about!'

His Highness Linus, here, look at this!

　Newsflash!　The bearded man's true identity was a very important man!
　I've been talking in a tame voice for a long time, but I wonder if he'll get mad at me later for disrespect or something.
　As I was freaked out inwardly, His Highness Linus's face changed color.

''This, this is...!　d*mn, I wish I could do that to you!

　His Highness Linus threw down the letter and hurriedly unlocked the magic key to the treasure room and ran into the room.
　I pick up the letter that fell on the floor and look over the text that was written.


[Thank you letter]
　I took the Lightning Dagger.
　I'll see you soon!
　～Ruffin the Phantom Thief


Are you kidding me? "What?

　As Elena and I were looking up, a dumbfounded-looking His Highness Linus walked out of the treasure room.
　In his hand was the treasure sword Lightning Dagger, still in its scabbard.

'What was given to you,' How dare you dance to a mere bluff...''

　But at the moment when His Highness Linus let out a sigh of relief, an intense chill ran through him.
　This is.........Passive Skill Crisis Know!

'Oh, shit!　Everyone get out of here quickly...


Too late!


　Immediately after hearing a suspicious voice, the area was enveloped in purple smoke.