Published: February 1, 2026
A story about Lizel and the others, as seen from a “mob” character.
You can skip this; it won’t affect the main plot.
So, hi, I’m a thief from the four keys gang.
By the way, this is my so‑called “life flashing before my eyes” in the form of a recollection.
I’d just talked with that noble (well, not actually a noble) today, went to report it, got a furious kick from the boss under the pretense of “taking his anger out” on me, and passed out. I seriously thought my organs had ruptured.
Why’s that guy so strong when he’s thin as a drugged‑out brat? I mean, sure, once he takes his clothes off he’s actually got a pretty good body, but still.
Like I told the “noble”‑san, I’ve known the boss since he first joined the thieves.
I started thieving before him; I’m his senior as a thief. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid, so I’m a real veteran. Not that it matters.
We were a pack of thieves who ganged up on a kid wandering in the forest, got wiped out in return, and then hoisted him up as our new leader. Even back then, for someone that young, the boss was definitely not a law‑abiding citizen. I was sure he was from the same line of work.
Anyway, since we were about the same age, we spent a fair bit of time together, but he still scares me.
As a thieves’ boss, he’s perfect. No complaints there. I think he’s pretty great, actually.
So this is how the “noble”‑san and the others look from where I’m standing.
I’m Thief A, with bangs so long they cover my eyes—my trademark. Nice to meet you.
Why do I keep my bangs long? I hate making eye contact.
Okay, I’ll start with the swordsman.
That guy is legit a cheat. I thought our boss was already cheat‑level, but this is on a whole other scale.
Back when the boss was still attacking the “noble”‑san, even though we were sending small fry at him, that guy just kept killing them off.
I’ve never seen someone drive a handled knife straight through a human skull, punching a hole from the face through to the back of the head.
No matter how much you erase your presence and stalk him, he notices you. Total cheat. Terrifying.
I didn’t think anyone could beat the boss one‑on‑one. He makes you think that.
On top of that, his looks aren’t just first‑class, they’re special‑grade.
He’s got a seriously rough vibe, but his face is insanely handsome in a manly way, tall, long legs, perfect build. If he kicked you with those legs, your organs really would burst.
When he’s leaning against a wall smoking, he draws women’s eyes like crazy. Even if he looks rough.
Also, with the “noble”‑san alone, he’s weirdly well‑mannered, whether he’s conscious of it or not. He won’t sit until the “noble”‑san is seated, opens doors for him—feels unconscious, but still. Taking gentlemanly actions without realizing it.
Or maybe not gentlemanly so much as a retainer’s behavior? I kinda get the feeling.
We’ve got almost no info on him. Not even where he’s from.
Next is the “noble”‑san.
I seriously don’t get that guy at all. Saying he’s not a noble is a scam.
Sometimes it feels like everything he does is calculated, but then it also feels like he’s completely natural. You think he’s pure and clean, but then sometimes he’s oddly sexy; you think he’s smart, but then he’s clueless in really unexpected areas. I can’t get a read on him.
Though, for all he says, I actually think he really doesn’t notice being watched. It’s not that he can’t sense gazes, more like he’s indifferent. Even when people stare at him, he doesn’t care.
According to the boss, this guy almost killed him once, but he doesn’t look like the type who could fight at all.
He doesn’t even notice pickpockets. Once when I was tailing him, someone tried to pick his pocket and I stopped it.
He’s not girlish at all, but his movements are refined and beautiful, and it feels like he lives in a different world.
From talking to him, his impression matches, more or less, except he does some pretty out‑there things. Thanks to him, I’m currently lying here unconscious.