Chapter 220: Chapter 221: Going to School! (1)

Public educational institution 「Graham Academy」.Located in the Freesia Empire, Graham Academy stood as one of the largest educational institutions alongside the 「Magic Tower」.With its long and storied history, Graham Academy had produced countless graduates who brought glory to its name, and its educational methods had been refined to perfection over the years.

Excellence in teaching staff and curriculum were just the beginning.The academy’s breathtaking campus scenery, perfect for nurturing both mind and body, earned its place as one of Freesia’s 4 great scenic views.

Donning Graham Academy’s uniform marked you as a future leader of the next generation.A Graham Academy diploma alone served as testament to one’s capabilities.This was why parents worldwide spared no effort to secure their children’s admission to Graham Academy.

The mothers at the Junk Mansion were no different.This year, the children turning six faced Graham Academy’s entrance examination.

In early spring, with winter’s chill still lingering in the air,Brigitte wrapped a scarf around Naru’s neck and spoke.

“Naru, you’ll do well on the entrance exam, won’t you?”

“Naru is confident about the entrance exam! But more than that… Naru remembers taking entrance exams before…! Naru said endless slaughter was the best thing in the world…! Wow, holy shh…! The memories are coming back…!”

Whoosh— Naru thrust her hands skyward.Watching Naru, Brigitte felt a twinge of worry about whether she could pass the entrance exam.

While experiencing these typical parental concerns, Salome carefully packed lunch and handkerchiefs into Hina’s bag.

“Stone…Ogre…Kenaz…”

Hina was absorbed in reading a notebook filled with 「Rune Language」. From Salome’s perspective, Hina seemed more than capable of achieving perfect scores on this year’s written exam.

What about Cecily?Unlike Hina, Cecily showed little interest in studying. Cariote never pushed her to study either.

“Cecily, we’ll focus on the interview and practical exam.”

The academy entrance exam consisted of three components: written, interview, and practical.

In Cariote’s assessment, Cecily would likely achieve passable scores on the written exam. More importantly, given Cecily’s natural charm, she would undoubtedly excel in the interview.With strong performance in the practical exam, her acceptance was practically assured.

“I want to accompany her and watch.”

Cariote wished to escort Cecily to the exam site.However, due to past incidents of parents causing disruptions over pass/fail criteria and scoring standards, rules now required children to handle everything independently, from arrival to examination.

“Come here.”

Cariote embraced Cecily.Then she playfully nibbled those soft white cheeks Squeeze—.Naturally, Cecily squirmed in protest.

“Hieek…!”

“Have a wonderful trip, children!”

Brigitte waved cheerfully at the children.Their escort would be Tywin, now approaching her twelfth year.Tywin had grown considerably taller and was blossoming into a truly beautiful young lady.

At age 12, Tywin’s princess-like qualities had reached SR level.Known as the 「Gray Princess」 at Graham Academy, she continued to achieve remarkable success.

As Tywin led the children down the street, they drew increasing attention. Passersby couldn’t help but admire the sight of such adorable children accompanied by their beautiful guide.

“Whose daughters might they be?”“Are they sisters?”“I hear they’re quite famous around here.”

Today, parents and children flooded into the city from far and wide. With young ones crowding every street, even Tywin felt somewhat overwhelmed.She realized she should have held the children’s hands while walking.Especially Naru and Cecily, who were prone to mischief, their hands definitely needed holding.But Tywin’s realization came too late.

“…The children…”

Naru, Hina, and Cecily had vanished from sight.Tywin quickly scanned the area, craning her neck to see above the crowd.Finding the children proved challenging amidst the sea of similarly-sized youngsters moving through the streets.

“Naru! Hina! Cecily!”

Tywin called out their names with growing urgency.A cold sweat began to form on her brow.

Today marked Graham Academy’s entrance ceremony.Tardiness meant missing the exam entirely, with no second chances until the following year.Even as Judas’s daughters, they would receive no special treatment from Graham Academy.After all, the school’s reputation was built on such unwavering standards, making their judgment even more stringent.

“I absolutely cannot allow the children to fail by being late to the entrance ceremony. Not while I, Tywin, am here.”

Swish—Tywin rolled up her sleeves, revealing delicate white wrists.As their capable older sister, Tywin naturally bore the responsibility for her younger siblings.

# # #

Upon waking late, I noticed Sifnoi bustling about the hallway.What could have her so animated?

“Sifnoi, you seem cheerful? Is it because the children are starting school?”

Sifnoi had diligently served as nanny to the children from their birth through their crawling days─ and from their first steps until now, as they prepared for school.The stories about nymphs having a natural affinity for children certainly proved true.

Even for a nymph, caring for three children simultaneously must have been challenging. In that light, the children’s enrollment in school should have been welcome news for Sifnoi.She would finally have some free time while they attended classes.I assumed her joy stemmed from this, but I was mistaken.

“Mwehehe, I, Sifnoi…! Have nearly completed exploring the 「Thief Cave」 near Freesia…! Soon I shall gather the Thieves’ Codex and Skeleton Key to truly become the King of Thieves…!”

I see.It seemed Sifnoi’s ascension to true King of Thieves drew near. Though truthfully, the era of thieves had effectively ended 4-5 years ago.Most thieves and criminals had retired to pursue legitimate work after rumors spread of a nymph potentially becoming the King of Thieves.

Moreover, with dwindling numbers of new recruits interested in learning the ways of thieves and criminals, the quality of current criminals had deteriorated dramatically.Petty thieves at best.Consequently, even the underground thieves guild, the Shadow Council, had grown increasingly quiet.It felt like watching a market district slowly wither from population decline.As a former thief, seeing the world of back alleys and walls shrinking felt somewhat melancholic, but as a father of daughters, I considered it fortunate.

Just then, Sifnoi’s expression turned serious.She appeared to be studying what looked like a cross-sectional map of the cave, letting out a small groan “Heuuu…”.I inquired.

“Having some trouble?”

“We’ve nearly reached Master Judas’s treasure vault hidden in the cave…! But the final passage eludes us…!”

“The final passage…”

“The treasure Master Judas concealed in the cave…! All manner of rare treasures…! I, Sifnoi, and the Nymph Thieves should rightfully claim it…! But villains have interfered midway, forcing us to hasten our efforts…!”

Villains?For Sifnoi to label them as such.As my interest peaked, Sifnoi growled Grrrr—.

“They’re criminals dealing in human trafficking and kidnapping…! They’re freely using the cave passages that I, Sifnoi, and the Nymph Thieves worked so hard to dig, even establishing their hideout inside…!”

Though Sifnoi and the Nymph Thieves appeared playful and silly, they were accomplished thieves. A group that even they had to yield to?

Given their involvement in human trafficking and kidnapping, they clearly qualified as villains, but it surprised me that such groups still existed.Like the dying embers of the thief era.

To think such criminals operated freely near Freesia.The world must have changed considerably while I enjoyed my recuperation at the mansion, content with playing with the children and rarely venturing out.

“This could prove troublesome.”

# # #

“…Are we really doing this? Kidnapping children from Graham Academy…!”

Deep within the dark cave.Several shadows danced in the flickering torchlight.Five men stood together.Each wore a black mask befitting criminals.

Before them walked three young girls, distinctive with their black, pink, and blonde hair.Their attire marked them as children of considerable wealth.

Zoro, leader of the 「Dawn Corps」, seized his black-masked subordinate by the collar and whispered harshly.

“Quiet now. Kidnapping? This isn’t kidnapping. We’re just… temporarily… minding the children! And they’re not Graham Academy students yet, just applicants.”

“B-But… in these difficult times for thieves, I’m not sure using children is right… they’re so innocent and sweet…”

“You fool…! Times like these demand one big score before we retire. Honestly, how did thieves become so soft?”

Zoro berated his foolish subordinates.Despite three years of experience, Zoro’s men remained as naive as novices.After rumors spread about nymphs becoming the King of Thieves and famous criminals abandoning the trade, only such simpleminded individuals remained among thieves.@@novelbin@@

Of course, Zoro was no common criminal.He considered himself the last ‘true professional’ of this era.Indeed, he had reached level 40 this year.Having surpassed platinum level, he’d earned the title of ‘master’.

‘My talent lies in stealing and taking! You’re saying the thieving skills I’ve honed nearly my whole life are becoming obsolete? Unacceptable! The era of thieves shall endure forever! I’ll ensure it!’

Stop—The black-haired girl suddenly halted, turned around, and asked.

“Is there really amazing treasure here? It just looks like an ordinary cave?”

“Y-Yes, absolutely. Truly amazing treasure. If you find it, passing Graham Academy is guaranteed. This uncle promises.”

Zoro matched the children’s mood while perspiring heavily.Though humiliating, he had no choice.If the children grew agitated, those Molumolu or whatever creature things would emerge and wreak havoc.Even as a level 40 master, Zoro remained far too weak to handle those furry beings.

‘Normally I’d avoid dealing with such brats entirely. But what choice do I have when the cave passage I finally discovered barely fits a child? At this rate the nymphs will surely claim the treasure!’

Zoro’s instincts told him.Beyond that narrow passage, accessible only to children, lay the ‘treasure’.Zoro was determined to claim it today.