I Became A Thief Who Steals Overpowered Skills

Chapter 24 The Fourth Imperial Princess

Rattle, rattle.

Five days later.

Kraush, too, today, as always, looked up from the diligently trotting horses.

And thats when the walls of the Empire began to loom into view.

Were almost there.

Indeed.

Reacting to the merchant womans comment, Kraush raised his hand to shield his eyes from the blinding sunshine.

The capital of the Empire was located at a latitude similar to Starlons Hadenhartz.

As a result, the closer they got to the imperial capital, the colder the air became.

Even so, we still have quite a distance before reaching the capital of the Empire itself.

But it was important to acknowledge they had at least entered the Empire.

Whew, tomorrows the end of this year already. Luckily, Ill be spending New Years with some company.

Guess that means youll be with drug addicts.

Did you know? They say sex under the influence of drug species is out of this world.

Ill be 14 years old tomorrow. Its sexual harassment of a minor.

Ah, but you know, nobles are debauched, so they do it all young.

What on earth goes on inside her head?

True to the rough life shes led, she would often make bold and unruly remarks.

Ah, perhaps youre not familiar with this sort of thing, Lord Balheim. What do you say? Should your sister enlighten you as a New Years treat? Since its your first time, we can do it without protection.

I think slicing that mouth of yours might also be a fine option.

Ah, are you worried that I might end up taking a Balheim lords baby with me in the future? Hehe, just give me one manor, and Ill overlook everything.

Kraush decided it was best to keep silent.

I think Ill report you for sexual harassment before drug dealing.

Kakak, come to think of it, I havent tried that route yet! Shall we go soon?

Perhaps because she could see the end of their journey, the merchant woman was driving the carriage with excitement.

Thanks to her, they quickly approached the walls of the Empire.

Stay inside for now.

There was nothing good about being caught by an Imperial broker while bringing a kid.

So, Kraush opened the barred door and flopped down among the sleeping drug-erosion creatures.

After a short while, the sound of the merchant woman gabbing with someone could be heard, and the cart jolted as it moved again.

Several hours passed like this.

As Kraush waited quietly, the carriage eventually came to a halt.

The blackout curtain was drawn open shortly after, and the sound of the barred door opening reached his ears.

Ta-da, were here!

She announced with a sense of pride.

As Kraush walked out, his eyes fell upon the inns and streets of the Empire.

Judging by the proximity to the walls, it seemed to be a city near the border wall.

Looks like he had entered safely.

Thanks for your efforts.

Heh, you even saved us from that band of thieves on the way. It was nothing. Are you leaving right away?

Thats the plan.

He intended to find another carriage and head straight for the capital.

Witnessing Kraush prepared to depart, the merchant woman wore a look of regret.

Nevertheless, it seemed she had grown somewhat attached after their 15-day journey together.

My name is Kraush Balheim.

So, Kraush revealed his own name to her.

At the sound of his name, the merchant womans eyes widened, then shortly after, she beamed with a bright smile.

Im Lara!

Farewell.

If you ever feel lonely when youre all grown up, come and find me! Kraush sir will always be welcome!

Indulging in such remarks till the end.

Still, there might come a day when fate would bring them back together.

Kraush waved to her and moved on.

Its been a long time, Empire.

Meanwhile, Crimson Garden perched upon Kraushs shoulder.

Didnt you plant quite a few seeds in the Empire?

One is prepping for the academy, and another is in the royal palace. Im not too familiar with these border areas, though.

Did this creature have seeds in the academy too?

Hu-hu, by the time you arrive, shell be your senior.

After all, if one were to enroll now, theyd be a year ahead of him.

So who is it?

Wouldnt searching for them be part of the fun later on?

With that, she soared up into the sky.

Really, shes a being with a penchant for amusement.

I have one year ahead.

Kraush lifted his gaze towards the sky.

Maybe because it was winter, the sky felt incredibly high.

Its not far now.

Feeling the impending confrontation with the Sky Age, Kraush set out to inquire about a carriage.

Fortunately, it wasnt hard to find one bound for the capital.

The Empire was vast, and perhaps owing to that, Kraush had to endure nearly a month-long grueling carriage journey.

This isnt exactly easy.

Maybe it was because during the Sky Age, he primarily used spatial magic.

He was simply not adjusting to the carriage.

Oh, Kradd, practicing your swordsmanship again today?

Yes, daily practice is a must.

Ha-ha, hope you come out on top in the martial arts tournament!

Thanks to the extended journey, Kraush had become pretty close with the coachman.

By the pseudonym he was temporarily using, the coachman chuckled heartily.

Well arrive by evening. Just in time for the martial arts tournament.

Upon hearing the coachmans words, Kraush lightly dabbed at his brow to wipe the sweat.

The end of the carriage trip was a relief, although the thought of the return journey was already giving him a headache.

Maybe I just wont go back?

For a moment, the carriage trip was so tiresome that he seriously considered that option.

But he had promised that chick he would return, so not returning wasnt an option.

And so, as the carriage set off once more.

That evening, Kraush arrived in Shiran, the capital of the Empire.

Regarded as potentially the wealthiest and most advanced city in the world.

Having reached his destination, Kraush gave his back a light stretch.

Unlucky.

Perhaps due to a lack of fond memories associated with the Empire.

Kraush started with a gruff remark.

Then he immediately set off walking.

Even though it was the evening, the martial arts tournament registration was presumably still open.

Since the deadline to enter was tomorrow, Kraush intended to get registered ahead of time today.

But before that.

Kraush fumbled in his pocket and pulled out the transformation potion he had received from Darling.

He didnt know what form it would take, but anything other than his present appearance would suffice.

I need to find somewhere secluded first.

Finding a suitable spot to hide, Kraush opened the lid of the medicine bottle.

The unique scent of the potion stung his nose, but Kraush swallowed it effortlessly.

After a short while, his face twisted and contorted with the sensation.

It must be the effect of the medicine.

He waited a moment, and finally, the feeling from his face vanished.

Crim.

As he called to Crimson Garden, a crow alighted before him.

Can you see in front of you?

Crimson Garden tilted her head and asked inquisitively.

Can I see in front of me?

Kraush showed a look of puzzlement.

Whats with that reaction? What do I look like?

Just as I said. You really do look quite suspicious.

Kraush, not understanding what was being said, stepped outside.

And the moment he turned to look at a window nearby, Kraush froze.

What is this.

Eyes so squinted they were almost invisible.

Fuzzy hair, like a black dogs fur.

There stood a boy who, for some reason, reminded one of a scheming villain.

And when the crow-shaped Crimson Garden perched upon his shoulder, the image was complete.

[ Seems like you can still see. ]

Eyes are still eyes.

With an air of exasperation, Kraush looked at his transformed self.

For some reason, it felt as though Darlings cackling laughter was ringing in his ears.

She said she imagined my personality.

Was it something like this she had imagined?

Kraush let out a long sigh.

It didnt matter what form his appearance had changed into.

Though his face looked somewhat suspicious, it wasnt something to be overly concerned about.

[ Now you really do look like a crow. ]

Crimson Garden chuckled.

Thats her, laughing when its not her own problem.

[ You better hurry and get yourself registered. ]

Taking her suggestion, Kraush began walking toward the registration before it closed.

Ephania Empires martial arts tournament registration hall.

A building managed by the royal palace, which hosted the event, served as the registration hall, and it was quite crowded with people.

As it was a martial arts tournament organized by the Empire, it drew various contenders from all over the world.

Thanks to that, the tournament was more successful than ever.

Ahem, truly a lot have gathered. There are plenty of interesting folks.

Just then, a voice as clear as crystal beads rang out.

There was a doll-like girl with hair as blue as the sea.

She was dressed in clothes made from expensive fabric.

Nevertheless, she was practically glued to the second-floor balcony, observing the registration hall on the first floor.

There are many intriguing children gathered. How utterly fascinating.

Sizelry Princess, please, mind your demeanor. If His Imperial Majesty sees you like this, hell foam at the mouth.

Eek, do not speak of father. Its as if I can already hear him shouting in my ear.

Berating her attendant, her true identity was none other than Sizelry Ephania, the Empires fourth princess.

The youngest in the Empire, she was fourteen this year.

Although young, the intelligence and spirit in her eyes were extraordinary.

After all, there was an obvious reason for that.

Despite her young age, she possessed a mind that rivaled the most brilliant in the Empire.

The story of her solving a mathematical conundrum at the age of seven, which made Empires mathematicians tear their hair out, was rather famous.

But there was one flaw in her.

Just like her age, she was incredibly mischievous.

Curious about everything and using her brilliant mind to dodge her attendants, she even managed to escape the imperial palace.

Because of this, those who esteemed her sharp intellect also shook their heads, deeming her unfit to be a candidate for the throne.

But that was what those without knowledge of her would think.

One of her attendants, who had been at her side since birth, Sera Betella, knew her inner thoughts well.

Shes performing mischief on purpose, wanting to avoid becoming a candidate for the throne.

She had a brilliant mind but was naturally frail in body.

If such a person were enmeshed in the Empires most vicious power struggles, her frail body would inevitably break down first.

Thus, she purposely behaved even more like a tomboy.

Employing her keen intellect in other areas to make sure no one could nominate her for the imperial candidacy.

Sera felt both pity for her and relief that she was clever.

She suited a life of freedom far more than being an empress.

Huhuhu, these delectable things. I shall pick each one myself and send them all to the Rahelrn Academy to become my prey!

The issue was that her tomboyish tendencies seemed to get stronger with each passing day.

Princess, where did you learn to laugh like that? Youll ruin that pretty face of yours.

Sera, a face is an effective tool to reveal ones emotions. I must say, I handle that tool quite excellently. If anything, I deserve praise, dont I?

I feel the urge to scold you.

How dare you, a mere attendant, scold me, the fourth princess? Fourteen years have been too soon for that.

Truly, she was a princess with a peculiar personality.

Eh? Oh, look over there!

Suddenly, Sizelry pointed to something between the railings, having spotted something amusing.

Reluctantly approaching, Sera saw a boy.

With half-closed eyes and a gloomy face.

And a crow in tow that evoked images of a warlock.

However, the sword at his hip made him seem like a swordsman at second glance.

Why does he reek of a villain? Hes just like the sworn enemy of the Empire, the Balheims!

Why would a Balheim be here? Although it does seem a bit suspicious.

When his eyes open, it felt like a significant incident was bound to happen.

Then, Sizelry, who had somehow risen from sitting on the floor, clicked her tongue.

Ah, Sera. Its wrong to have prejudices based on appearances.

Didnt you just say he smells like a villain, Princess?

Thats why I shall verify it myself.

What?

Caught by surprise for a moment, Sizelry suddenly leaped through the railings with her small frame.

Princess!

As Sera cried out without thinking, Sizelry slid down a groove attached to the front of the railing.

It was as if she was sliding down a slide.

While Sera was in shock, Sizelry landed on the ground in no time.

Now, potential villain. Reveal your identity to this princess.

With that, she passed through the crowd with a playful smile on her face.

It was during this moment, while she was making her way through the crowd, that Sizelry, who was small and frail, collided with the shoulder of a man who had suddenly appeared.

Ah!

As she stumbled, her legs tangled, and she was about to fall forward.

At the last moment, a protruding arm gently touched her stomach, preventing her fall.

Startled, Sizelry looked up, just in time to encounter the half-closed eyes of the boy she had been aiming for.

Such a tomboy.

Seeing Sizelry, the boy muttered curtly as he steadied her.

Be more careful.

Then he walked off into the crowd, paying her little heed.

Sizelry stood there, mouth agape, tilting her head.

Tomboy?

The fact that the boy spoke as if he knew her raised questions in her mind.