Even Though I’m a Former Noble and a Single Mother, My Daughters Are Too Cute and Working as an Adventurer Isn’t Too Much of a Hassle

The Phantom Thiefs Premature and Unannounced Entrance

Now then, please spend the day together with Her Highness in this room. Until I come back, make sure not to leave.

Mm. Got it.

Be careful on patrol too, mama.

Sophie! Tio! What are you doing!? Let us begin at once!

Four days before the beginning of the summer solstice Just as they had every night, Sophie and Tio saw off Shirley from their guest room.

At first, Shirley had thought to stay closer to Hilda at all times, but she soon realized that the notorious Phantom Thief might have set up some magical traps and tricks around the castle that only she had the ability to see with her power.

I will definitely claim a victory today! Yesterday was only because I was a little unlucky!

I didnt think it was possible for me to win 100 times in a row at Old Maid.

Ahaha Hilda isnt very good at keeping a straight face, huh? Maybe thats a bigger problem than her luck?

Whaaaa!? A-Are you saying that I am weak!?

The princess had become addicted to card games lately, which were usually the pastime of gambling types, and constantly invited Sophie and Tio to play with her before bed. Despite her unending losing streak, however, she continued to challenge them without learning her lesson.

Usually, people would get tired of playing the same thing over and over.

Thats what Shirley thought, but maybe when it comes to playing with friends, who youre playing with is more important than what youre playing. Convinced that her girls were having fun, Shirley left the room with a faint smile on her face.

Ah, Shirley-san Are you heading out on patrol already?

You can wait until we got back, yknow.

She probably knew it was about time for us to change shifts anyways.

After stepping out into the corridor, she ran into Kyle and the others who were just finishing up their own patrol. They were checking potentially suspicious places with magic, but they hadnt turned up anything.

Did you find anything strange?

Nope, not really.

In the first place, theres already a bunch of security magic tools in the royal castle. Plenty of guards too. I really doubt anyone would be able to slip in or out easily.

Is that so?

It was fairly predictable that they wouldnt find anything, be that a trap or some other mischievous mechanism.

In all of Crowleys previous kidnappings and other assorted thieveries, nothing had ever seemed amiss before the promised day of his heist. The young girls he had kidnapped over the years included daughters of influential families, guarded in ways not inferior to the current security of the royal castle.

(It would be nice if this thief thought that Her Highness had left the country since Siegfried himself has already left for the Land of Demons.)

Even though the dragon king that had originally served as Hildas escort possessed a high level of intelligence, he was still technically a monster after all. Whilst his sworn friend, the Demon King, had no problems allowing him into his castle, there were naturally some hesitations about allowing a dragon into the royal castle, so it was decided that he would return.

Well, then, if I could ask Please take care of my daughters, for the time being.

N-no problem.

P-Please leave it to us.

Feeling the weight of a huge responsibility suddenly being thrust onto their shoulders, the three of them nodded earnestly. Satisfied with that, Shirley began to bound through the castle.

Of course, she was running in her own unique way. Speeding through like a divine wind, she passed by the patrolling soldiers at such velocity that they had little chance to register her as more than a sudden trick of the light.

(I have to get back as soon as I can.)

She couldnt afford to forego her escort duties for too long, even if it was for the sake of patrolling. Using both her eyes ability to see everything as well as her slight power of clairvoyance, Shirley was able to inspect most of the castle within a very short span of time, eventually finding herself in front of the main doors that lead to the throne room. It was there she ran into Glorious in a full set of armour, himself on patrol.

Hm. If it isnt Lady Shirley. Are you on patrol?

Yes Saying that, it seems youre doing the same.

Indeed. Even if Im a Marshal, I am still a soldier in the service of His Majesty. I didnt want to sit around idly after finishing my paperwork for the night Have you found anything, by any chance?

Glorious whispered the last part, but Shirley shook her head in response.

I see The security sweeps havent picked up anything either. Its possible that this Phantom Thief of ours might not make any moves until the eve of the festival.

Could that really be the case? Shirley categorically decided that it was impossible.

Even if the thief hadnt gone so far as to lay any traps, it was ludicrous to think that he would stage a kidnapping without at least scoping out the castle in advance. No matter how self-assured this thief might be, that was too much.

I havent heard any reports from Canary. In any case, we shouldnt let our guard down.

Agreed. Make sure to keep a good eye out.

As Glorious said that, he turned to walk away. Shirley casually looked at him as he departed, but then her eyes suddenly opened wide with realization.

Your Excellency. When I met with you before, had you hurt your leg?

What? No, such a thing is What on earth are you suggesting?

No, I was just imagining things. I beg your pardon, Ill be taking my leave now.

Shirley spun on her heel and walked away, but as soon as she turned her corner she ran even faster than she had before.

StrictReality

Focusing the spell on her eyes and brain, Shirley cast a spell called Anti-Mirage, designed to dispel any illusionary magic. As she used her eyes to see through the whole castle, she sped up the side of the wall aiming for the highest peak of the tallest tower, summoning her twin favourite swords with imagination alchemy as she did so.

(I was careless! We should have considered he would have a unique power as well!)

When Shirley had been patrolling and guarding throughout the castle before, she hadnt been able to find a single trace of Crowley.

But, the reason wasnt that Crowley hadnt been there at all The truth was, Crowley had some method of evading Shirleys exception sight. Shirley was convinced of this when she met with Glorious before, but chasing after the thief who had evaded her attack just now, she had conclusive evidence.

(Between the first time I met him and his gait today His Excellencys movements were clearly different!)

Both of them had stood tall, walking with a soldiers stride. But, something she had learned over the past few days was that swordsmen classically trained as soldiers will tend to lean slightly towards the side of their dominant sword hand.

The soldiers she had beaten in those duels were like that, and now so was Glorious with that impeccably trained body of his Except, the first time she met Glorious, he didnt have that kind of gait at all.

(The first time I met His Excellency, he was actually a different person who somehow managed to evade my powers In other words, that person Phantom Thief in disguise!)

Only through an eclectic mix of her exceptional power and high-level magic was she able to keep track of him now. The fact that she had to go that far to see through his disguise attested to the true power of the Phantom Thief.

(No, thats wrong If he used any power, I would have been sure to see it But, for some reason, I couldnt register it despite that. That means the Phantom Thiefs real power is something different)

Reaching the top of the tower, Shirley finally stood face to face with the thief that had eluded her all this time, as they were both exposed to the strong night wind.

Well, well I suppose congratulations are in order for being able to see my true form? This has been the first time anyone has seen me in, well now, it must have been three hundred years already?

With a top hat and monocle to match his fine white suit, the young man in front of her truly cut a unique appearance.

To judge his age purely by looks alone, he must be younger than Shirley Perhaps in his mid-twenties. However, the centuries-old atmosphere he exuded belied that youthful appearance.

I suppose as much is to be expected from the Demonic White Sword? Until the other day, you didnt seem to notice my little trick at all, but I am ever so interested in just how you saw through it, for future reference?

Youre not going to have a future to speak of. You are the Phantom Thief, arent you?

Fufufu The very same. Now that we can meet each other without reservation for the first time, it is indeed I, the one who sent out that invitation for the eve of this summer solstice, Arsene Crowley.

The semi-immortal in front of her doffed his hat in a low bow, extending his other hand elegantly in a way only a showman would. Apparently, he had no intention of denying it.

Whats more, it showed just how much self-confidence he had in his own ability to escape, even when confronted by Shirley.

To be honest, the only thing I care about is capturing you. It would be easy if you would just stay still so I could tie you up But I need to make sure you wont be able to escape first.

As she held up one of her blades with a cold glare, Crowley rolled his shoulders leisurely.

Goodness gracious You really are an exceptionally prickly lady, arent you? Dont you think its important in life to enjoy a fun chinwag every now and again?

What nonsense Theres no reason to have a leisurely conversation with a dangerous kidnapper at all.

Oh, and isnt she ever so cold? Personally, I would much sooner get along with you, truly.

Shirley frowned at his perplexing words.

What do you mean?

Well, think of it this way I would rather not be on such sour terms with the mother of the daughters I am going to be spending a lot of time with.

With a flick of his wrist, a familiar looking calling card appeared between his fingers, which he turned to show Shirley. And, written there

To toast in celebration of our unexpected encounter, at the same time that I shall receive the princess into my care, I shall also welcome with open arms the two twins of blue and red, guarded by the fearsome yet beautiful sword demon.

Crowley the Phantom Thief

To little surprise, Shirley blood lust became a tsunami of murderous rage that surged forth like a tsunami. Crowley expression twitched for just a moment, but he quickly went back to flashing a jovial grin.

Oh, such a daunting pressure! My deepest apologies for calling you cold earlier, you clearly are full of wonderful passion!

Before I lose control, answer me this. What are your goals for targeting my daughters? A magical experiment Or do you intend to sell them on to some influential person who is pulling your strings?

The adventurer relied on the last vestiges of her composure to ask him that question. After all, Crowley still hadnt revealed even a trace of his motives. If she could figure out just why he committed his crimes, it would be much easier to thwart him.

Magical experiment!? Selling them to some boorish noble!? Perish the thought! To do such a cruel thing to a young girl, why, that is the gravest insult against the name Phantom Thief!

However, in reaction to the first motives that came to mind, Crowleys joking face turned to one of fiery indignation as he baulked at the very idea. Shirleys expression, meanwhile, didnt move a muscle as her sword tip stayed pointed squarely between the mans eyes.

Then, just why are you trying to kidnap them? If not for experiments or money, then?

For the sake of true love.

Crowley didnt hesitate at all as he responded.

My love for the unspoiled innocence of unpicked flowers, that is myraison dtre.

Excuse me?

She had no idea what he meant. Realizing Shirley hadnt quite understood him with the eloquent way he put it, Crowley reiterated himself differently, looking slightly bashful as he did.

Well, to put it more bluntly than I would like, I am what some crude people might call a lolicon.