A Detective's Summer, A Pirate's Treasure/Story

### Midsummer Case Files

Those who are involved with the Knight Company have been ordered to take a vacation as a countermeasure against the hot Summer. The order was to take care of one's own physical condition, but the detective Streptocarpus is the type who can't sit still. She slips past her watchdog, Japanese Barberry and heads to the beach to see if she can find any cases or trouble.

*-The pests are also exhausted by it and the number of reported sightings are fewer than usual for this time of year. Due to this, the Flower Knights are taking longer vacations, except...*
**Streptocarpus:** Hmmm... Hmm---m...
**Japanese Barberry:** ...... (Silently reading)
**Streptocarpus:** Uguu... Muuuun...
**Japanese Barberry:** ...... (Reading without a worry)
**Streptocarpus:** Nuuuu... Aaaah--!!
**Japanese Barberry:** ... You're sleep talking today is a lot more lively than usual.
**Streptocarpus:** It wasn't sleep talking! I'm awake!
**Japanese Barberry:** Is that so? Then, good night.
**Streptocarpus:** Wrong! That's not it at all! Even you must understand!
**Japanese Barberry:** Haa... You know, Carpus-san. I've lost count of how many times this has happened...
We've been told to take rest, so let's rest. There are no jobs or cases, so settle down.
**Streptocarpus:** No way... This isn't me...
**Japanese Barberry:** I understand. But I understand my previous statement even more.
No matter how great you are, you'll still be crushed by pushing yourself too far. It's the same for Flower Knights too.
The Knight Company are worried about those who keep active outside of work, like you Carpus-san.
They've gone to great lengths to arrange this vacation for all of us, so if you don't honestly make full use of it, then you'll be in trouble later on.
**Streptocarpus:** ... How many times have you given me that lecture?
**Japanese Barberry:** That was the fifth time.
**Streptocarpus:** So you have been counting?
**Japanese Barberry:** Well... I'm a little bored.
**Streptocarpus:** Then!
**Japanese Barberry:** No. I've decided to read all of this series.
**Streptocarpus:** Then I'll go by myse...
**Japanese Barberry:** I'm also set on not letting that happen. Please just give up on this.
... I've gotten thirsty from all this talking. I'll go and buy something for you too, Carpus-san.
**Streptocarpus:** ... Fufuu, so she's not so honest. Or could she just be naïve, that Barberry?
Th-the outside key! She doesn't normally go this far!?
Then I'll have to take the window... No, this is the sixth floor... Crap, so she's calculated everything...
... Fufuu, or so she thinks. I'm afraid this much isn't enough to lock me in.
As a great detective, I'm well versed in basic tricks to escape a locked room. I'm actually overwhelmed by how many ways I could do it.
Aah, that's right. It's hot outside. So I'd better make plenty of preparations...
**Streptocarpus:** OK, let's go look for some cases!
Wha-at, why is it so crowded? That means there should be at least one or two interesting mysteries to be found.
Oya? She's...
**Convolvulus:** Hmmm... Hmmm...
**Streptocarpus:** Heyo, Convolvulus-kun.
**Convolvulus:** Ah... Ummm... Hello. You're certainly from the Knight Company... The detective...
**Streptocarpus:** The Great Detective Streptocarpus! I look forward to working with you. Here, my business card.
**Convolvulus:** Th-thanks...
**Streptocarpus:** You looked troubled, so do you have a case for me?
**Convolvulus:** A case... Yeah. Maybe, a case.
There were some women who were crying and yelling just now, so I was a little concerned and called out to them.
I'm not really very good with sudden trouble, but... I'm a member of the Coisolia Unit.
**Streptocarpus:** Convolvulus-kun, Wall Iris-kun, Solidago-kun, Linaria-kun, and Seashore Aster-kun make the five members of that investigation team, right.
**Convolvulus:** Yeah. Because of Solidago, I can't leave it alone. She would say “You're a Flower Knight, so your job is to investigate”...
**Streptocarpus:** Hm.
**Convolvulus:** I was asked to investigate cheating couples.
**Streptocarpus:** ... I feel you might be in the wrong field.
**Convolvulus:** Not that kind of investigation... But to tell the truth, I'm in trouble. Solidago isn't even around...
**Streptocarpus:** I haven't seen her either. Aren't you with her today?
**Convolvulus:** That was what she promised at first... But Solidago had an all night mission yesterday... So she's asleep.
I can't go on missions at night when it's dark... So I got up early and went for a walk.
**Streptocarpus:** I see. This is certainly an urgent issue. So if that's the case, wouldn't it be better to refuse the job?
**Convolvulus:** No. Since I've already accepted the job, I want to do it properly so I don't disappoint anyone.
If I act irresponsibly, then the reputation of Coisolia Unit will be affected... I absolutely can't allow that.
**Streptocarpus:** You're so earnest, Convolvulus-kun. I don't think that would happen though...
Well, if that's the case, then would you leave it to me? I'll definitely show everyone what you can do!
**Convolvulus:** ... What are you doing?
**Streptocarpus:** This is my very own investigation method. I'm listening to what people are saying at the crime scene.
**Convolvulus:** ... I don't really get it, but do you mean there was some cheating here?
**Streptocarpus:** According to what you said, Convolvulus-kun, there are multiple clients. It was all around the same time, so it's safe to say that they're related.
So, since those suspected of cheating are men, and the other party involved is a woman, then the possibility that there is a lone woman deceiving multiple men presents itself.
Upon that assumption, would the meeting place be the same? No, it would be natural to adjust it according to the target. The damage is continuing, and that would be the least risky way.
This resort city of Platano is fairly large and has many popular sightseeing spots as well as usual dating spots. So there's a high probability that they would get a hit straight away. Actually, right here...
... Convolvulus-kun?
**Convolvulus:** ... Ah, no. I-I'm awake. So there was some cheating here, right?
**Streptocarpus:** Umu, exactly. And as luck would have it, it seems to have happened here mere moments ago.
Fumufumu... What? It can't be... Could it...
I've got it, Convolvulus-kun! This way!
**Convolvulus:** W-wait...!
**Angry Woman:** You're the worst! I don't want to know!!
**Slapped Man:** P-please wait!
**???:** Well well, why don't we have some fun over here♪ You've come all the way out here after all.
**Slapped Man:** Whose fault do you think that was!
**???:** Eh? Was it my fault? I certainly was the one who made the invitation, but...
But you weren't exactly happy to begin with, were you? The appeal of this beautiful woman caused your head to turn♪
**Slapped Man:** Uuu... I'm going home, this was terrible...
**???:** Fufuu, this is so fun, I can't stop♪ Especially as the number of couples on vacation has increased, this is the best♪
**Convolvulus:** ... I've found the perpetrator.
**Streptocarpus:** That was a lightning quick solution. We're in great shape today.
**???:** Perpetrator? Has something happened nearby?
**Streptocarpus:** You're the current offender. You're the homewrecker that's causing the commotion, aren't you?
**???:** Eeeh!? To be called a “homewrecker” is a bit...
**Streptocarpus:** It's no use trying to talk your way out of this. We have multiple testimonies claiming you as the offender...
**Garden Croton:** Thank you for the wonderful name! You're right, I'm the homewrecker Garden Croton♪
**Streptocarpus:** ... Your alibi?
**Garden Croton:** I'm not going to do that. You wouldn't let me do that from the start, would you?
**Streptocarpus:** Th-that's right... Well, this much is fine, so...
**Convolvulus:** We know the perpetrator. But, now... What should we do?
**Streptocarpus:** We go and tell them what we found out. Then we leave the concerned parties to resolve it themselves.
**Garden Croton:** The concerned parties... Hm, I'm sorry. I've got a lot of questions, but who are you going to tell?
**Streptocarpus:** Well, to be fair. You don't want to get stabbed because of a grudge, right?
**Garden Croton:** Ara, are you going to lecture me? I'm very sorry, but I'm sick to the stomach of that.
I'm only taking care of the body that my parents gave me. It's a fact that couples are always breaking up, the men and women just want to enjoy a bit of this and that after all.
... Well, I'm totally fine with some woman on woman too...
So that's why I won't change my mind any time soon♪ I'm not going to stop, even if I get cursed.
**Convolvulus:** She's not being punished at all...
**Streptocarpus:** Convolvulus-kun, don't ever become like this person.
... Oya? That's...
**Nightshade:** Hmmm... Hhhmmm...

### Forming the Phantom Thief Team

Just as Streptocarpus had finished helping out with the cheating investigation, she discovers her nemesis, Nightshade, deep in thought. Apparently she has gotten her hands on a pirate's treasure map (?), but she's in trouble because she can't decipher the code. Starving for a mystery, the great detective forcibly offers to help!

**Nightshade:** Hmmm... Hhhmmm...
**Streptocarpus:** What are you doing? Why the muttering?
**Nightshade:** Owaa, Carpus!? What are you doing on a normal vacation!?
**Streptocarpus:** Judging by appearances, you are too. The pitch black phantom thief is at the beach in broad daylight.
**Nightshade:** Fufufu, fool. This cool swimsuit is designed to deceive the crowd of simpletons...
If you can't even figure out that kind of thing, then will your name of great detective be obsolete? Ha—hahaha!
**Streptocarpus:** I see. By the way, what's that? There's some curious writings on it, but is it some kind of map??
**Nightshade:** Not like I would tell you. Myself and you are eternal rivals after all.
**Streptocarpus:** Hmmm, so you won't say. So it must be some kind of embarrassing doodles that you can't show to others...
**Nightshade:** What's that!? Don't make fun of me!
Fine, listen and be amazed! This is a pirate's treasure map!
**Streptocarpus:** Ooh... A pirate's treasure map.
**Nightshade:** That's right! I found a path that could be used as an escape route when I was walking with Lark-chan.
Hey, look here. It's a map of the Western Sea. There are many sunken ships around there, and this code is probably the treasure's...
Hey, don't look! Don't make me talk! Don't get involved, Carpus!!
**Streptocarpus:** Didn't you just start speaking all by yourself?
**Garden Croton:** What what? Who's getting involved with what?
**Convolvulus:** ... I'm not really sure, but I think you're having a completely different conversation.
**Nightshade:** Anyway, this is what we found! Forget everything you've seen just now!
**Streptocarpus:** That's an impossible request for a detective. Well, let's take a hundred steps and forget...
Are you going to be able to decipher that code all by yourself?
**Nightshade:** ......
**Larkspur:** Hey Carpus! I went to buy some juice, but I'm here too-pa!
**Streptocarpus:** Can you decipher this?
**Larkspur:** ......
**Streptocarpus:** Well, don't get yourselves so down. Even though your speciality is making mysteries, you're not so great at solving them, are you?
That's why the mystery solving expert, myself-- The Great Detective Streptocarpus will help you out!
**Nightshade:** Huh? Why, you, my eternal nemesis?
**Streptocarpus:** Why, you ask? Because I'm a detective. A detective's life is meaningless without any mysteries. So I can't live without a mystery.
So, pass over the mystery!! I'm so bored I could die!! Like a detective!!
**Nightshade:** Ku... What's with this strange energy...! It's like a starving wolf...
(... Hm? Wait a minute...?)
(If I allow Carpus to help →She'll find the treasure →Then I boldly steal it →Then everything will be mine...?)
... Kukuku, alright! As you've gone this far, I shall allow you to work as my minion!
**Larkspur:** Meister!?
**Nightshade:** (Calm down, my squire. This is all part of the plan.)
(We'll let Carpus help me with my evil deeds, then I'll prove to be the smartest mind ever. Once we do that...)
**Larkspur:** (!! It will be Meister's perfect victory-pa!? You've planned this much and I almost let it slip!?)
**Nightshade:** (Kukuku... Exactly! Everything is in my hands!)
**Larkspur:** (A... As expected of the Great Pitch Black Phantom Thief Nightshade-sama-pa!! I'll follow you for all my life, no, for all of my next life-pa!!)
Hey Carpus! Even though your not an assistant of Meister, it's fine to be honoured to help her out-pa!
**Streptocarpus:** Yaay! I'm super happy! I'll never be able to repay you! Thanks!!
**Larkspur:** Wh-what's up with her-pa...? She's even more creepy than normal-pa...!
**Garden Croton:** Pirates... treasure maps...? Could this be the witch's buried treasure?
**Nightshade:** Nu? Witch's buried treasure?
**Streptocarpus:** Thinking of it, it happened a long time ago. In the seas around Banana Ocean...
Water Hyacinth's pirate crew discovered the treasure that was hidden by the witch Scotch Broom-kun's grandmother.
**Garden Croton:** Yes, that's the story. If it's something similar this time too... Then I'll also look for it with you.
**Streptocarpus:** Fumu... I don't think it's just that you want to do something. Could you be related to the witch?
**Garden Croton:** There is! A huge one! It's very likely that that witch is the one who put a curse on me!
**Nightshade:** Did you say a witch's curse...!?
**Streptocarpus:** What kind of curse?
**Garden Croton:** I'm not saying. You probably won't believe it anyway.
Everyone's the same... They say it's a joke or a front... Then at the end of the day, they all treat me like a pitiful child...
So I won't say. I'll just say it's a living hell.
**Streptocarpus:** I see, understood. I'll respect your wishes.
(It would be interesting to unravel that mystery too.)
**Convolvulus:** ... You have a pretty excited look.
**Nightshade:** ... A witch's curse placed on one who bears the blame... How cool...
**Larkspur:** *Curse of Dunkelheit Witch*... Or something like that-pa...
**Convolvulus:** They look even more excited...
**Streptocarpus:** So, if this treasure is the witch's most prized thing, what do you plan to do with it?
**Garden Croton:** I'll obviously trade the treasure to break my curse.
**Nightshade:** Huuuh!? You're going to give the treasure to the witch!? I can't let you do that!
**Larkspur:** We can't let you do that-pa.
**Garden Croton:** Hmm, well... First of all I'll get my curse lifted, then after I hand over the treasure and her guard's down, then you can all surround her and beat the crap out of her?
Then I can get my revenge and you can get your treasure back! What do you think? It's a perfect plan, isn't it?
**Nightshade:** Eh... No, I'm not going to go that far...
**Larkspur:** This girl is a monster-pa.
**Streptocarpus:** I won't allow you to assist in that kind of thing. If this happens, then I will be siding with the witch.
**Garden Croton:** Haha, it was a joke!
Well, as long as I can break this curse, I don't mind... I'll leave everything to you to come up with something good.
**Streptocarpus:** I want to solve the mystery of this map. As for the treasure, I think it should be returned to its owner...
**Nightshade:** Oi, Carpus! I don't allow my minions to decide what to do with my treasure!
**Larkspur:** How dare you speak your mind-pa! You junk detective!
**Streptocarpus:** ... Well, shall we think about it once we find it? What will you do, Convolvulus-kun?
**Convolvulus:** Me?
**Streptocarpus:** Yeah. The cheating investigation has come to a close, so you have no reason to hang around with us.
**Convolvulus:** ... If it was Solidago, she would look for the treasure. We're the Coisolia Unit after all.
But, Solidago is all alone right now... So I'll have to...
**???:** Yyyyyahooo----o!!
**Convolvulus:** ! That voice is...!!

### Onwards, to the Ocean

The party has somehow become a large group of treasure hunters. While Garden Croton goes to rent a ship to go out to sea, each of the others prepares for departure. So, Convolvulus gets a swimsuit at Solidago's recommendation...?

**Japanese Barberry:** ... So, you're part of this big group to go and search for treasure, you say?
**Streptocarpus:** It's our turn, Barberry. It's finally starting to feel like a detective's Summer♪
**Japanese Barberry:** Haa... Even though I told you to take a break so many times...
Isn't this practically work, Carpus-san? Why is it that you can't even take a proper rest, Carpus-san?
**Streptocarpus:** Okay okay, I didn't mean anything bad. It's just that the person involved came to me.
**Garden Croton:** ... Didn't Detective-chan not stick her neck in?
**Larkspur:** (Now even Japanese Barberry is here-pa...)
**Nightshade:** (They're a little scary, aren't they...)
**Japanese Barberry:** I can hear you, you phantom thief duo.
**Solidago:** Detectives, Phantom Thieves, and even a homewrecker!? I don't know what's happening, but we have some amazing members!!
**Convolvulus:** Solidago, is it really alright if you don't take a break?
**Solidago:** I've had plenty of sleep, so I'm fine! Being full of energy is my strongest point!
So are you really searching for treasure!? Once I heard that, there's no way I could just lie around!!
**Streptocarpus:** Fufuu, you're just like me. I get tired out when I have to just sit and watch.
**Japanese Barberry:** I'm already exhausted by all of this.
**Streptocarpus:** Once this case is done, I'll settle down. I'm counting on you, Barberry! With my life!
**Japanese Barberry:** ... Well, this is Carpus-san after all. Understood. I'll believe those words for now.
**Streptocarpus:** Thanks! I'll treat you to some delicious tea later!
**Garden Croton:** Hey, Detective-chan. What do we need to do first? Can you decipher the map's code?
**Streptocarpus:** Cracking the code's fine and all, but first allow me to use the detective skills that only I can do.
Nightshade, where did you get your hands on this map? I'd be happy if you showed me.
**Nightshade:** Don't order me around! I was thinking of showing you anyway, come with me!
Here. Kukuku... It's definitely a route only those of the night would take.
**Convolvulus:** ... There's a lot of shade and it's a little cool.
**Japanese Barberry:** What do you think, Carpus-san? What can you hear?
**Streptocarpus:** ... I can only hear them intermittently. They're harder to pick up than usual...
It's most likely that some trouble happened that wasn't enough to be a case. I think the map was left behind at that time.
**Garden Croton:** ... Voices? Apart from us, there's nobody here?
**Japanese Barberry:** Carpus-san can hear the “voices” of those left behind at the scene of an incident.
**Garden Croton:** ... No way. You mean metaphorically?
**Japanese Barberry:** It's not a lie or a metaphor. This is how we've been solving cases for a long time.
Well, nobody but me believed her in the beginning.
**Garden Croton:** ......... Hmmm. It must be nice, to have a friend who believes such things.
**Streptocarpus:** ... I should be able to crack the map's code.
**Nightshade:** Really!? Where's the treasure?
**Streptocarpus:** Calm down. It's not like I understand it yet. The lingering voices left behind many hints.
It looks like we can decipher it based on them, but it's going to take some time...
For now, let's ride a ship out to sea. Since we know what general direction it is in, we can find out the details en route.
**Solidago:** A ship? A ship! Yeah... I really want one! Our very own ship!
**Convolvulus:** Is there a ship we can use freely...? If Danchou-san was here, then he would do something, but...
**Streptocarpus:** He said he was going on a vacation to a desert island. I wonder if he won't be back for a while?
**Japanese Barberry:** A desert island... Where there are no incidents or mysteries, that probably would have been better for Carpus-san.
**Nightshade:** A ship... I might have to break some bones, but with my exquisite phantom thief skills, one should pop up...
**Garden Croton:** You don't need to take such a risk. Leave it to me♪
**Convolvulus:** She left... What should we do?
**Japanese Barberry:** It seemed like she went to do something. Why don't we wait for now?
**Streptocarpus:** That's right. We should also use this time to get ready.
**Solidago:** O-K!
**Larkspur:** Meister, is there anything you want to buy-pa? I'll run and get it-pa.
**Nightshade:** No, I'll come with you. I know my way around this area.
... By the way, Carpus. You certainly hate the heat, don't you?
**Streptocarpus:** I hate it. That's why I'm taking so many measures. If I couldn't investigate due to the heat, then I wouldn't be a great detective.
Stopping in the shade, a hat, something to drink, also Barberry...
**Japanese Barberry:** Don't treat people like first aid kits.
**Streptocarpus:** But you really know all about those things. Isn't it so kind of her to worry about me?
**Nightshade:** Hm, but you're my minion now. I would be in trouble if you fell at an important point.
**Streptocarpus:** So, you'll save me if I get in a pinch?
**Nightshade:** Naturally. I shall be the one to defeat you directly.
**Streptocarpus:** Hmmm... Really?
**Nightshade:** ... What was with that meaningful reply? You're being really weird today. What are you planning?
**Streptocarpus:** Hm? Nothing really. Maybe I'm just a little overwhelmed by this heat.
**Solidago:** Countermeasures for the heat... Ah! That means Convolvulus needs to get a swimsuit!
**Convolvulus:** ... Eh?

### The Map's Secrets

After deciphering the code on the map, the party arrive at a remote island filled with pirates. The map didn't show the location of treasure, but a pirate's hideout. As Flower Knights, they can't overlook evil deeds, so Streptocarpus comes up with a plan.

**Larkspur:** The sea----!!
**Solidago:**A ship----!!
**Nightshade:** Kukuku... You did pretty well, didn't you, cursed woman. To be able to prepare a ship this easily.
**Garden Croton:** I eat fishermen like him for breakfast♪ He said he'd take us anywhere we want today♪
**Japanese Barberry:** If that fisherman doesn't have a wife or children, that's fine, but...
**Streptocarpus:** It can't be helped, even if we worry about it. We should honestly show our gratitude for now.
Why don't you come over here with us, Convolvulus-kun? Don't hide in that corner.
**Convolvulus:** ... I'm a little, embarrassed...
**Streptocarpus:** Why? You look so cute.
**Japanese Barberry:** It really suits you.
**Convolvulus:** W-when you include that, it makes me more embarrassed...
... But, thank you...
**Solidago:** That's great, Convolvulus! It was worth it to choose it together!
**Convolvulus:** Solidago's is? You're not going to wear your swimsuit?
**Solidago:** I'm fine as I am! Both for heat and ease of movement!
**Convolvulus:** ... Tell me if you get hot. You can rest under the parasol.
**Streptocarpus:** You're so prepared. I wonder if I can join in when that time comes.
**Nightshade:** You better work properly! What about the code, the code?
**Streptocarpus:** I've already cracked it. Actually, I had it as soon as our ship arrived.
**Nightshade:** Eh? I-is that so?
**Streptocarpus:** Yeah. I've already told him where to go. So all we have to do is wait for arrival.
However, all we know is the location. What could be waiting for us there... I'm so excited.
**Garden Croton:** Thanks, you've really saved us♪ Will you wait for us here until we get back?
Fufuu, got it. Look forward to la・ter・on♪ I can't wait to play with your fishing rod♪
**Convolvulus:** This is... Treasure Island?
**Streptocarpus:** We shall reveal this mystery here and now. What secrets were hidden in that map...?
**Nightshade:** By the way, Carpus. How did you solve the code on this map?
No, I fully understand it. But the others are a little behind, so tell them.
**Japanese Barberry:** Ah.
**Nightshade:** Eh? ... Wh-what is it, Barberry? That “Ah” was...
**Japanese Barberry:** No... It's already too late.
**Streptocarpus:** Firstly, what is the purpose of cryptography? It's nothing but to convey a message to only specifically chosen people. So you could say “It's only for those who can read it”. So it should put off those who can't read it at first glance... Right?
**Nightshade:** Ah...
**Japanese Barberry:** See?
**Streptocarpus:** So, with the exception of cipher geeks with limitless time on their hands, the task of cracking a code first requires a rough hypothesis.
But luckily, the hints were plentiful this time. We had the place where we found the map, the situation, and the lingering voices. Also, the easy to understand concept that “it shows somewhere in the sea”. What kind of people would communicate using this code? That was also easy to figure.
So with the above thoughts in mind, let's look at the cipher text. Start by looking at the whole, then taking out elements of it, the process begins with grasping at the overall structure at a partial level, but this time a map is also involved, so we need to use our imagination to create a three dimensional approach...
**Larkspur:** Uuu... Wh-what is this-pa...? I'm suddenly, super sleepy......
**Convolvulus:** Fight... it... Don't sleep...
**Solidago:** Zzz... Suyasuya... (Already sprawled out asleep)
**Streptocarpus:** ... I was able to decipher so much, so when I asked the fisherman that Garden Croton-kun took back with her what the meaning of these words were, which were the last remaining elements, then it all became clear.
With that, the last piece fell into place and the correct island was discovered. That's how we're here.
... Huh!?
**Solidago:** ZzzZzz... (Sleeping under the parasol)
**Convolvulus:** Sunya... Sunya... (Sleeping on Solidago's lap)
**Larkspur:** Supi... Supi... (Sleeping while leaning against Convolvulus)
**Streptocarpus:** Th-that's... What on earth...? All three of them, right in front of my eyes...!?
**Nightshade:** You're speech was far too long! I was in danger of my consciousness escaping too!
**Streptocarpus:** Mu, is that really so? That's... Pardon me.
**Nightshade:** You should be sorry! You were the guilty person this time!
... Well, it was my bad for asking... Are those two over there alright?
**Japanese Barberry:** I'm used to it by now.
**Garden Croton:** I've been fantasising about “substituting characters” and “connecting the parts” all this time, so I'm fired up♪
**Nightshade:** ... Again, it's my bad for asking. Wake up squire, it's over now. You two too.
**Larkspur:** Munya... Nightshade-samaa, hair...
**Nightshade:** Don't oversleep. People will think that you always do that.
**Convolvulus:** I'm sorry, I fell asleep...
**Solidago:** But, thanks to that, I'm fresh!
**Streptocarpus:** I see. Yeah. Then all's fine.
**Garden Croton:** Don't be so put off, Detective-chan♪ I had a lot of fun, didn't I?
**Streptocarpus:** The way to have fun was completely different in your case.
**Garden Croton:** Fufuu, no matter♪ Why not someday, I show Detective-chan my way of having fun♪
Hey, did you hear that just now? Was it those voices from before?
**Streptocarpus:** No... This place isn't especially... The likelihood of incidents is pretty low to start with...
**Larkspur:** ... Hm? Can't you hear those voices-pa? From the other side of that bush...
**Pirate Captain:** ... Oooh. Have all of you gathered?
**Pirate Crew:** \\\Aye!///
**Pirate Captain:** Then, let's start the debriefing. Show the list for this month.
**Pirate Minion A:** A-aye. Here is...
**Pirate Minion B:** What should we do, M'lady?
**Pirate Captain:** Booze, meat, fish.... Oh, there's something rare here. This is?
**Pirate Minion A:** It came from a Lotus Lake merchant ship. They were lazing around in port, so I snatched it.
**Pirate Captain:** No force used, well done. This is a magic item that can be sold for a very high price.
Kukuku... I can't believe how easy to make money like this. A pirate's life isn't so bad.
**Pirate Minion B:** It's all thanks to M'lady! For gathering all of us who rebelled...
**Pirate Minion A:** What would have happened if M'lady never came? As expected of someone who went to the Knight Academy, so intelligent...
**Pirate Captain:** Oi, the next time you say that, then I'll sink you.
**Pirate Minion A:** I-I'm sorry!!
**Garden Croton:** ... Hmmm. In other words, the secret of this map was...
**Streptocarpus:** It has shown us the hideout of these ne'er-do-wells. In a way, it really was a pirate map.
**Garden Croton:** It's a little different to what I imagined.
**Convolvulus:** ... What should we do? We can't pretend... We didn't see this.
**Solidago:** If they're bad guys, then we have to catch them!
**Nightshade:** It seems that only one of them has any skill... But they're no enemy of mine. On top of that, there are about thirty normal people.
**Larkspur:** But we are seven Flower Knights. There's no way we could lose if we took them head on-pa!
**Japanese Barberry:** That would mean using our Flower Knight powers. It's not a good thing to abuse it blindly.
**Streptocarpus:** No matter how many ne'er-do-wells we face, it's not smart to rely on violence from the very beginning.
... OK, everyone come here. We need to talk.
**Nightshade:** More hypnosis?
**Streptocarpus:** No. We need to take action... I'll keep it short this time.
**Pirate Crew:** \\\A—hahaha!///
**Pirate Captain:** Drink up, drink up, eat up, eat up. Forget about all the bad times.
**Pirate Minion B:** M'lady! M'lady!
**Pirate Captain:** What's with this noise? You'll make the drink taste bad.
**Pirate Minion B:** Th-that's...
**Pirate Captain:** ... Whaaat? Those kids are?
**Solidago:** \*Sniff... Sniff...\*
**Convolvulus:** We're... Lost...

### A Detective's Summer, A Pirate's Treasure

Convolvulus and Solidago pretend to be lost children while Streptocarpus and the others gather up the pirates' treasure. That was going to be the plan, but it all changed due to Nightshade's arbitrary decision. She tries to challenge the pirates head on, but right after she does that, pests suddenly appear...!?

**Streptocarpus:** While those two buy us some time, we'll go and grab the treasure. I'll signal them when we've loaded up the ship and we'll escape together.
Afterwards, if the pirates chase us, we'll lure them to the mainland and capture them there.
**Garden Croton:** If they don't chase us?
**Streptocarpus:** We turn in the treasure as evidence for our incident report and have them make wanted posters. I've fully memorised their faces, so I can make up profiles.
**Garden Croton:** I see. So both options are covered.
**Japanese Barberry:** ... Is it going to go that smoothly?
**Pirate Captain:** ... No, there's no way a kid would get lost in a place like this. Use some common sense.
**Pirate Minion A:** O-of course... It's pretty weird for two little kids to be on this remote island!
**Convolvulus:** U... Ummm, that's...
**Solidago:** We swam here! We were in a swimming race and ended up here!
**Pirate Minion A:** Liar! There's nobody who could swim to this place!!
**Solidago:** It can't be helped! We swam here!
**Japanese Barberry:** ... Are they alright?
**Streptocarpus:** Well, if they can buy us time, it's all fine. They're not paying attention to us, so we should hurry.
**Garden Croton:** Hmm... Which one of these is the witch's? Which one is which, and what is what...?
Haa. This is a thing for Thief-chan, but where have those two gone off to?
**Streptocarpus:** Eh?
**Japanese Barberry:** Huh?
**???:** Da-dum... Da-dum...
**Pirate Minion A:** Hm? What... Singing...?
**???:** Da-dum da-dum da-dum da-dum! Da-dum da-dum da-dum da-dum!
**Pirate Captain:** Hey, who's there? Who's messing about?
**Pirate Minion B:** Ah, over the... Ah, M'lady! Over there!
**???:** ♪From the black sea ♪Floating shadows
**Larkspur:** ♪Their name is...!?
**Nightshade:** ♪Phantom Thief Nightshade!!
♪Even under the Summer sun ♪A hazy evil
**Larkspur:** ♪Who's wrapped up in that dazzling swimsuit!?
**Nightshade:** ♪Phantom Thief Nightshade!!
**Pirate Minion A:** ......
**Pirate Minion B:** ......
**Nightshade:** (Fuu... It's done...)
**Larkspur:** (It was perfect-pa...! They're all lost for words-pa!)
**Pirate Captain:** ... Are they their allies?
**Convolvulus:** U-ummm...
**Solidago:** We don't know them! I don't know Nightshade-san or Larkspur-san!
**Pirate Captain:** So you do know them!? There are probably more of them, everyone spread out!
**Japanese Barberry:** Haa... Why would you call out your name and stand out so much that you get discovered, what an idiot.
**Nightshade:** It's my Phantom Thief aesthetic! Just silently stealing things makes us no different from petty sneaky thieves!
**Larkspur:** Because of that, we wanted to issue them a notice, right-pa? We should be getting praise for going through with it-pa!
**Streptocarpus:** Ahhaha. You guys really are funny, aren't you.
Anyway... Do we have any chance of success? Now that you've done enough to ruin my strategy.
**Nightshade:** Naturally. You minions should cross your fingers and watch. This is where I show my true strength...
Phantom Thief skills that can't be prevented, even if you know them! I'll show you the difference between pirate style and someone with style!
**Larkspur:** We'll give you all black eyes!
**Pirate Minion B:** M'lady. She's announced herself as the Phantom Thief Nightshade.
**Pirate Captain:** Tch, that's a problem... How did they sniff us out?
**Nightshade:** Fufufu! It seems like you know my name!
**Pirate Captain:** You're famous in this area. I don't think we can win even if we work together.
So what we need to do is make effective use of these hostages. If you don't want us to hurt these kids, you better give yourself up.
Someone, sink this great Phantom Thief into the sea for me. Wrap her up in shark bait. Ha---haha!!
**Pirate Crew:** \\\A---haha!!///
**Convolvulus:** ... You don't need to do what this person says.
**Pirate Captain:** ... Huuh?
**Convolvulus:** Don't worry about us. I will... Protect Solidago.
**Pirate Captain:** Hmmm... You're pretty brave for your tiny size. Are you not afraid of us?
**Convolvulus:** ... If I said I wasn't afraid, I'd be lying. But being a hindrance and a disappointment... is far more scary.
And even scarier than that is being unable to protect Solidago. Solidago is the centre of my world...
So that's why I won't lose to any bad guys. It's decided that I will protect her no matter what happens.
**Pirate Captain:** ...
**Solidago:** No no no, pirate! If you lay a hand on Convolvulus, I'll never forgive...
Dowaaa!?
**Pirate Captain:** Huh, what!? What's that sound!?
**Pirate Crew:** \\\Ah, M'lady!!///
**Pest:** PaaaaIREeeeEEEEee!!!!
**Pest Swarm:** \\\Yoooooosoroooooooo!!!!///
**Pirate Captain:** Why are pests...? So this wasn't a safe place to start with!?
**Pirate Minion B:** It should have been, judging by the preliminary investigations...
**Streptocarpus:** So it's pests impersonating pirates? They must have smelled the treasure and come here looking for it.
The reason for why there weren't many pests in the first place was because there wasn't any people or food here. They're raiders, so don't show up where there's nothing to loot.
However, because your pirate crew has been using this place daily as a hideout, the scent of people and things – treasure– has begun to spread. So they must have smelled it from far away.
No matter where you go in this world, you can't escape the threat of pests. We shouldn't be fighting between people, but living hand in hand.
In other words... Evil people like you can't prosper.
**Pirate Captain:** ... You talk too much!! No, I understand the situation!
**Pirate Minion B:** Ah, M'lady, what should we...!
**Pirate Captain:** What to do... Can we run, we have no choice but fight...
**Japanese Barberry:** Everyone, hide inside the ship. We'll face off against the pests.
**Garden Croton:** Oh, so this is how it's going? It's a good idea to have at least one painful experience, but...
Well, it can't be helped♪ Let's start this extermination!
**Convolvulus:** Please, untie me. I'll fight too.
**Pirate Minion A:** Eh, no... I don't have M'lady's permission...
**Convolvulus:** It's not the time to be talking like that! Hurry! We're in a lot worse situation!
**Pirate Minion A:** A-aye!

### Epilogue

The pest raid was all part of Nightshade's plan. They were safely subjugated due to the actions of the party, and so the pirates had a change of heart and decided to atone for their sins. So the adventure that began with a single map has ended and each party member spends their remaining time leisurely.

**Larkspur:** Fu---... Is that the last one-pa?
**Japanese Barberry:** Yes. It most likely is.
**Convolvulus:** Solidago, are you alright? Are you unhurt?
**Solidago:** I'm fine I'm fine! They weren't that big of a problem!
**Pirate Minion A:** A-amazing... You were able to do that...
**Pirate Minion B:** Those people were all Flower Knights...
**Pirate Captain:** .........
**Garden Croton:** Ara, is it over already? Don't you think it was a little too quick?
**Larkspur:** Where did you disappear to-pa!? You weren't around when it was happening!
**Garden Croton:** I went to visit the fisherman. It would have been a problem if pests showed up there too, right?
Well, luckily it was peaceful over there. As soon as I confirmed his safety I came back here as fast as I could.
**Nightshade:** Kukuku, having such worries were meaningless from the start. I never told you to pull out.
**Streptocarpus:** I see, so it was all your doing? All part of your act.
**Nightshade:** They were prowling around the sea nearby. It would have been dangerous to leave them alone, so I instead made use of them.
There's only one charismatic individual that these pirates follow. So in that case, the quickest and most effective way would be to prove that we're superior to them.
**Streptocarpus:** So you're saying that my method was too roundabout...?
**Nightshade:** That's right. You talk too much.
Behold, Carpus. You're now crying and begging me to join my minions. Ha—hahaha!
**Pest:** Yo... oo... ooo... Sorooooooo!!!!
**Streptocarpus:** Nightshade!!
**Nightshade:** Eh?
Nuoooo!!?
**Pest:** Gobobobobobobobo......
**Nightshade:** (This guy... Did he plan to play dead and then escape out to sea...!?)
(But you're unlucky to get involved with me! I'll finish you off!!)
**Pest:** Goboboo... Gaboo......
**Nightshade:** (OK, now float away...)
(Gah, my cape's caught on the pest's limb!? Is this how I get caught!!?)
(Kah... Shit, I'm being pulled under! M-my breath...!!)
**Streptocarpus:** (...!!)
**Nightshade:** (Ah, Carpus!? What are you...?)
*-Bukubukubukubuku.........*
**Nightshade:** (----!!?)
**Larkspur:** Meister!!
**Japanese Barberry:** Carpus-san!
**Streptocarpus:** Fuu, I'm glad I made it in time. It would have been bad if she was a little further away.
**Nightshade:** Y... Yo, yoyoyoyo...
**Streptocarpus:** Hm? What are you doing? You're flapping your mouth open and closed like a fish on land.
**Nightshade:** Youuuuu!! What are you doing to meeeee!!?
**Streptocarpus:** Wha...? Giving you air, it's mouth to mouth...
**Larkspur:** Were you kissing her-pa!?
**Nightshade:** It wasn't a kiss!! Don't call it that!!
**Streptocarpus:** Then there's no problems, right? Didn't you go out with a water bottle instead of an umbrella on a rainy day once?
**Nightshade:** It's not a probl... Hm? What's with that example!?
**Streptocarpus:** Aarg, enough, so annoying. Stop making such a fuss.
... You're the one who said it first. If you're in a pinch, it's only natural to save you.
**Convolvulus:** Thanks, for taking us out on your ship.
**Pirate Minion A:** Y-yeah, well... You also saved us, so...
**Pirate Minion B:** B-but, M'lady! This is a joke, right?
**Pirate Captain:** ......
**Solidago:** Oh? What is it, something else!?
**Convolvulus:** Solidago, step back. I shall be this person's opponent...
**Pirate Captain:** We give! It's our loss!
**Convolvulus:** ... Eh?
**Pirate Captain:** It's a complete loss. It's not just about strength. Right here... My way of life made me lose in my heart.
I'm sorry I called you all kids. Could you tell me your names?
**Convolvulus:** ...... Convolvulus.
**Pirate Captain:** Convolvulus... How cool. A fitting name for our new leader.
**Convolvulus:** ... Leader? What are you saying?
**Pirate Captain:** I aimed to be a Flower Knight a long time ago. There was a guy I liked. So in order to protect him.
But while I was working hard at Knight Academy, he stuck his nose out and started cheating on me with another woman...
Then it all kind of got really stupid. I flunked, dropped out, and became a half assed loser... Before I knew it, I was a pirate.
**Streptocarpus:** ... Don't tell me, that was you too?
**Garden Croton:** It was a long time ago, there have been so many that I don't know♪
**Pirate Captain:** But, seeing you reminded me. Of that passionate desire to become strong in order to protect those who are dear to you.
I need to start from square one again... I want you to take us in the right direction.
**Convolvulus:** T-to be told such a thing... What should I do, Solidago...!?
**Solidago:** Hmmm? If you do so, then these pirates will all become part of the Coisolia Unit?
But if we do that, then the name's going to get really long... Also, Coisolia Unit is made up of us five...
**Pirate Captain:** Then, we'll join you under the umbrella of this Coisolia Unit. We'll stay as separate groups, but join as a cooperative.
**Solidago:** Oooh, great! Let's do that!
**Convolvulus:** Y... Yeah...?
**Pirate Captain:** Please think about your reply carefully. We have to atone for all of our sins first.
Alright, all of you! We're quitting being pirates from today! We'll clean our feet and come back to the Coisolia Unit!
**Pirate Crew:** \\\Aye!!///
**Nightshade:** ... How did this happen?
**Streptocarpus:** Fufuu. In the very end, you missed out on your target, how very like you.
**Garden Croton:** O・K・th・en♪ For now, it's all come together full circle...
Could you bring out the witch's treasure for me?
**Pirate Captain:** Hmm? Witch's treasure?
**Garden Croton:** It's no use playing dumb. I've heard all about it. That you have magic items.
**Pirate Minion A:** Could you mean... This thing?
**Garden Croton:** Wah! If it isn't a suspicious looking pouch♪ I wonder what's inside, let me take a look♪
**Pirate Minion A:** Ah, wait! If you open it so violently...
**Garden Croton:** Eh!? W-wait, this is... Huh, huh...
*-Kaboom!!!!*
**Convolvulus:** This pungent scent... Could this be Lotus Lake wasabi?
**Pirate Captain:** Yeah, it's luxury brand wasabi powder. Have a taste. You'll be flying.
**Convolvulus:** No. It's stolen goods?
**Pirate Captain:** Umm, yeah that's right. Hey, sneezing girl, give that back right now!
**Garden Croton:** Hiiiiiiii!! D-don't come close----!!
**Pirate Captain:** Huh? If I don't get close, you can't give it back. Don't make such a fuss, you!
**Garden Croton:** Ah... Ach......
**Convolvulus:** What's wrong? You're all red up to your ears.
**Garden Croton:** E... Embarrassing...
**Convolvulus:** ...? What is?
**Garden Croton:** To be exposed in front of so many people, and in such a shameless outfit...
**Larkspur:** What did you say just now-pa!?
**Nightshade:** I just thought she was a weirdo, but now...
**Streptocarpus:** ... Could it be because of that? The “witch's curse” that you were speaking about?
**Garden Croton:** T-that's right...! Because of that curse...
Sneezing makes me so embarrassed that I might die! So to do it for two, or even three hours!!
Even if I was wearing heavy clothing, I'd still be embarrassed to walk outside, so to be surrounded by so many people and in this kind of outfit... Hi, hiiii...!
**Streptocarpus:** I see... This sudden change is certainly hard to believe. But why did she curse you like this?
**Garden Croton:** That's... Uuu... I messed around with the witch's lover, and faced her wrath...
**Nightshade:** You're completely self serving, you meathead!
**Larkspur:** Even so, here revenge and resentment is well placed-pa!
**Garden Croton:** I-it's my fault...! It was my fault, so please...
So please take me home quicklyyy----!!

*-So, the Summer adventure comes to an end. But, with the stronger the light, the deeper the shadow.*
*Where there are great detectives, there are mysteries... Where there are mysteries, there are great detectives...*
*I'm sure there will be many more cases after now, and I will accept all of them!*
**Japanese Barberry:** Are you satisfied, Carpus-san?
**Streptocarpus:** Yes, it was a wonderful way to rest my wings. With this, I'll be able to give my all from tomorrow!
**Japanese Barberry:** No, there's still a little more vacation left.
**Streptocarpus:** ............
**Japanese Barberry:** Don't make that face. Let's go and hang out somewhere. This time without any cases, or solving mysteries.