I became a heart-stealing thief in Azure Files

[Ye Zhu: Not long ago, Hua Ye came again, saying she wanted to make special adjustments to Fubuki's treatment... When I asked why, she replied, "Sensei said that Fubuki is a very 'qualified' special talent."]

Ye Zhu: I don't quite understand what she meant.

[Ye Zhu: But if Fubuki has 'special talent,' then she should have it too.]

After reading the message, Amamiya paused briefly in thought.

The message came in the middle of the night... Does that mean Ye Zhu has to work until the wee hours of the morning?

That workload is far greater than that of the core organizations in the academy system he currently knows, such as seminars, tea parties, and the disciplinary committee.

The workload for the seminar was heavy, but not that outrageous. The disciplinary committee is indeed tiring and demanding, but it certainly wouldn't be this time-consuming.

Then... Hana went to the Valkyrie Police Station late at night and specifically asked them to "take special care" of Fubuki?

After trying to guess Hanaya's intentions from her perspective, Amamiya estimated that Hanaya wanted to win over Fubuki while also indirectly increasing her favorability by revealing this information to Ye Zhu.

From Huaye's perspective, this is truly a win-win situation.

Not only can it subtly highlight one's 'good boss' qualities, but it can also show concern for subordinates, and finally, it can demonstrate one's interest in the special identity of 'Sharai's Sensei'...

With a sigh, Amamiya opened the file sent by Ye Zhu.

After zooming in slightly on the portrait attached to the file, Amamiya frowned slightly, briefly shifting her gaze from the phone screen to the girl in the distance who seemed to be waiting for something, occasionally turning her head to observe the surroundings.

"Zhongwei Kirino...?"

After glancing back and forth between the 'ID photo' and the 'personal appearance' for a moment, Amamiya expressed his agreement with the last two messages sent by Ye Nagisa.

It really is……

Kirino gives the impression of having "special talent," both in appearance and behavior.

And this is indeed the case.

When Amamiya looked over with his "third eye," he could see the "Justice" Arcana hanging high above the girl's head.

[Assistant: Kirino Nakamatsu/Valkyrie's hot-blooded idiot]

Arcana: Justice

[Assistance Relationship: Not Unlocked]

'A hot-blooded idiot named "Justice" Arcana...'

Her personality type is self-evident.

Amamiya, having only seen the arcana and title that symbolized her, made a remarkably accurate prediction of the personality and negotiation style of this 'energetic, hot-blooded idiot' white-haired girl based on her extensive social experience.

After locking the electronic door of her residence, Amamiya strolled out onto the street and headed straight for the intersection where Kirino was waiting.

As they passed the intersection, the girl, who was nimbly looking around, revealed a delighted expression of surprise.

Then, she waved her hand and ran towards Amamiya.

"Sensei~ Good morning!"

"I am Kirino from the Valkyrie Safety and Security Bureau! I have been instructed by the Director to facilitate your contact with the Bureau!"

After standing about half a meter away from Amamiya, the girl seemed to instinctively step on the ground and salute, as if guided by the Valkyrie Public Security Bureau.

Amamiya: "..."

He is a phantom thief, a Sensei... but he is definitely not a ruthless military instructor.

This practice of 'saltting upon meeting' is really unnecessary.

"Kirino...right?" After a brief silence, Amamiya smiled helplessly and waved to her. "This special way of 'greeting' is really...exceptionally energetic."

【~???~】

The white-haired girl, seemingly taking Amamiya's words—which implied "don't do it like that next time"—as pure praise, looked adorably embarrassed by the compliment.

She scratched the back of her head and chuckled.

"It seems I've successfully made a good first impression on Sensei..."

Amamiya: "...It's really good."

That's not how you greet someone...

After a brief conversation, Kirino naturally turned sideways and walked to Amamiya's side, maintaining the same pace as Amamiya, and began her barrage of questions.

"Sensei, the chief told me that we should cooperate with Sensei's operations as much as possible, and if possible, we could consider having him stay in Xialai temporarily... What does Sensei usually do?"

"Ah...and one more thing! Sensei, can the 'Phantom Thief of Hearts' be considered a thief?"

"After all, it's all about 'stealing from somewhere,' even if it's stealing from such a strange and incredible place as the inner world, it's still theft... Sensei, do you think phantom thieves should be afraid of the police?"

Kirino's series of questions, derived from the keyword "heart thief," really left Amamiya somewhat speechless.

After all, while phantom thieves may seem cool, and their methods and ultimate goals are all good, at least from a legal standpoint, this behavior is intolerable.

Amamiya, feeling increasingly helpless as she answered the questions she could, took Kirino back to the vicinity of the Xialai Building.

In the early morning, the flowerbeds below the Charlemagne building are where the Arios Squad students usually have activities.

—It seems that Misaki is in charge of monitoring the surrounding environment and ensuring safety today.

After removing her mask, the black-haired girl, dressed in a light-colored summer outfit, seemed to be gradually adapting to life since arriving in Xia Lai.

Because of her "hay fever allergy," Misaki didn't go to the flower nursery early in the morning like the other three members to complete their regular watering and maintenance routine.

When Amamiya saw her, she was sitting calmly in a small pavilion used for shelter from the wind and rain, engrossed in reading a magazine.

Amamiya only needed a quick glance to see that there were still traces of lunchboxes and other fast food packaging left in the trash can not far away.

'Has Arius's squad been eating fast food lately?'

'It's not good for your health...'

Amamiya had this thought in his mind, and Misaki also noticed Amamiya and Kirino walking beside him.

After putting down the magazine in her hand, tilting her head slightly, and observing Kirino with exceptional seriousness, Misaki looked away and forced a faint smile at Amamiya, which, for her, was nothing short of a 'miracle'.

For Misaki, who has always had a self-destructive tendency and a gloomy personality... 'the smile of Sensei that redeems herself' is the result of her long-awaited efforts.

Amamiya's eyes lit up, and she was about to praise Misaki's smile.

At that moment, Kirino, who was standing nearby, suddenly spoke up, somewhat uncertainly: "I feel like I've seen you somewhere before..."

"...?"

Misaki seemed a little confused.

After a brief moment of confusion, Misaki regained her nonchalant calm: "But I've never seen you before."

Misaki can have 'normal conversations'... but only with Amamiya.

"That's strange, it feels familiar, but I can't quite remember where I've seen it before..."

Kirino's eyebrows furrowed slightly. After rubbing her chin in thought for a moment, a sudden flash of inspiration struck her. She remembered where she had seen it before: "That's right, it looks like a wanted poster..."

Misaki was taken aback, then narrowed her eyes slightly.

Indeed, Arius's squad used to be wanted and on the run...

But those are all things from the past, those dark days.

Now, Arios's squad is a special operations squad directly under Sharai.

Misaki remained calm: "Those are all unimportant, they're things of the past."

Kirino blinked, then suddenly realized—she might have accidentally poked a sore spot.

After lowering her head in embarrassment, Kirino fell into a brief silence.

Amamiya coughed lightly, beginning to 'smooth things over'.

"Kirino, come with me to the Xialai Building. I'll show you around Xialai so it will be easier for us to cooperate with the Valkyrie Public Security Bureau in the future."

After a pause, Amamiya looked at Misaki again, gave her a thumbs-up from Kirino's perspective, and mouthed something to Misaki.

'Your smile just now... was so cute.'

'You're surprisingly gentle, Misaki.'

Misaki, who clearly noticed Amamiya's gestures and lip movements, shook her head as if helpless and relieved.

“Since Sensei has other things to do… I’ll go patrol other places.”

As the black-haired girl spoke, she brushed past Kirino crisply, her steps becoming lighter.

[...I sensed Misaki's emotions.]

My bond with Misaki has deepened...

【Misaki Kaino (Death) ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆】

After watching Misaki leave, Amamiya then turned her gaze to Kirino, who looked conflicted.

"……What's wrong?"

"Well, how should I put it..."

After a moment's hesitation, Kirino shook the rose gold bracelet hanging from her waist, which was used to fasten the prisoner, with a complicated expression.

"...Suddenly, I felt that Sensei and Xia Lai were like a 'mastermind' and his large criminal gang."

"There's a 'phantom thief,' and a former wanted person..." (This is a fragment of a longer text, likely a corrupted or incomplete sentence.)

Amamiya gave a helpless smirk.

Now that Kirino says it... it definitely has that vibe.

"Don't think about it too much, Kirino."

"……Come with me."

Chapter Seven: Saya: Let's Begin the Experiment

Because of Kirino's 'staking out' early in the morning, Amamiya's plan to 'go to the Classic of Mountains and Seas early in the morning' was repeatedly delayed.

After showing Kirino around the various environments and other aspects of Xia Lai, it was already noon before they knew it.

Amamiya plated up the "Lubran Ultimate Curry" he had prepared, presenting it to Kirino in its most appealing, colorful, and aromatic form. He then casually removed his thick heat-resistant gloves, grabbed a handful of sweat from his apron, and wiped it off.

Amamiya gestured for the white-haired girl, whose eyes sparkled with tiny stars and whose mouth was nearly watering from the aroma of curry, to go back to the kitchen, take off her apron, and bring her own portion to the other side of the table before sitting down to enjoy her lunch.

As soon as Amamiya sat down, Kirino 'eagerly' put her hands together, patted them lightly, and declared, 'I'm starting to eat!'

Then, disregarding her image, she picked up the cutlery with shining eyes and began to wolf down her food.

This made Amamiya, who was originally planning to ask Kirino if she was familiar with the various situations of Xia Lai, immediately give up the idea.

As we all know, in table manners, it is very impolite to "talk about things while eating".

Amamiya leisurely finished his portion, then waited for Kirino to finish off the three portions of "Lubran's Ultimate Curry".

"Whoo~"

After licking the spoon clean, the white-haired girl leaned back lazily in her chair, her eyes squinting with happiness.

There were still obvious curry stains in a small area near the corners of her mouth, and her slightly chubby cheeks were filled with the ultimate aftertaste of 'full enjoyment'... such an expression.

After enjoying herself for a short while, she realized something was wrong.

She quickly grabbed a napkin to wipe her mouth, and mumbled her thanks.

"Thank you for the hospitality, Sensei!"

"After eating Sensei's specially prepared lunch, I wasn't sleepy at all... I actually felt more energetic!"

【~???~】

Amamiya: "...Sigh."

"Let's not talk about that for now. Kirino, are you familiar with all the matters concerning Xia Lai?"

"Mmm-hmm!" The bright-eyed girl nodded vigorously, "I'm familiar with everything!"

The more confident she was in her answer, the more uncertain Amamiya felt, with a vague sense of danger creeping in from nowhere.