Chapter 49

As of October 31, I have made revisions starting from Chapter 48.

I would be grateful if those who read it before could reread from there. ('ω')

I have added more details about the "Gray Field," which was previously insufficiently explained.

"Hey, wake up."

A harsh voice and a dull pain dragged me up from the depths of a deep sleep.

Although my headache and fatigue remained, the scene before my eyes was enough to rouse me from my slumber.

"Simon... why are you here!?"

"Obviously, I followed you."

"What do you think you're doing...!?"

"Whoa, calm down. We have the upper hand here."

Simon grinned and gestured behind me.

"…!"

There, I saw Marina and the others, bound and restrained.

They seemed to be unconscious, showing no signs of movement.

Beside them, Barry and Camilla, who appeared to be guarding them, looked at me with triumphant expressions.

Jamie, unlike his usual self, stood quietly elsewhere.

"What have you done...!?"

"We just put them to sleep for a while."

He must have ambushed Marina and the others, who had little strength left to resist!

"Now, can you see the thing wrapped around the little one's neck?"

"…?"

Barry grabbed the unconscious Rain's head and turned it toward me.

Around her slender neck was an unfamiliar black choker.

Unfortunately, I recognized it.

"The Slave Collar...? Why do you have something like that!?"

"Our kind sponsors lent it to us. They seemed to hold a grudge against you?"

Among magical items, there are a few that are illegal to possess.

That is one of them. A magical item that forces someone to act against their will.

"Do you understand what will happen to that woman if I give an order?"

"What do you plan to do with such a thing? You'll be a criminal if it comes to light!"

"Either way, we're doomed. It's ridiculous to be branded as criminals and exiled for a minor misunderstanding."

Despite his words, Simon seemed in a good mood.

"So, I have a proposal that benefits both of us... Let's make up, okay?"

"Huh?"

"Because Yuke is one of us, the 'Thunderpike,' and the 'Clover' you created is, in a broad sense, part of our group, right?"

That sounds like a broad interpretation, like 'all humans are brothers.'

And I don't want you to include me in your group without my consent.

"Here, I have an official document. Will you sign it?"

Held out before me was a document with unbelievable items listed.

"Upon the start of the national commission, 'Clover' had requested an alliance with 'Thunderpike.'"

"Discriminatory remarks against elves were common within 'Clover,' and 'Thunderpike' was instructed to follow suit."

"All previous damages were the result of a charade and incitement by 'Clover' and Yuke Feldio, and 'Thunderpike' bears no responsibility."

"Yuke Feldio sincerely regrets past actions and apologizes to 'Thunderpike.'"

"'Thunderpike' will absorb and merge with 'Clover' and promote their rehabilitation."

"What is this...!?"

None of these can be accepted.

While he has always had a habit of blaming others for problems, this is pathological.

"These will become facts. Then, we'll all make an apology broadcast."

I can't understand what he's saying or what he's aiming for.

Has he finally lost his mind from the pressure?

In any case, a person who thinks they have nothing left to lose will act radically and mercilessly.

The curse-like effect of the Slave Collar is powerful.

It can even command someone to commit suicide.

...I don't understand why he didn't put it on me.

No, I see.

He mentioned an official document... It's probably a magical contract used for major business transactions.

If signed under the influence of a magical item, the contract loses its effect.

Whether by coercion or any other means, it must be signed by my own will to be valid.

Just like that collar, it's a trick by a somewhat cunning person.

"Come on, hurry up, Yuke. How about I make your beloved little girl grind on Barry?"

"Ugh..."

I thought he was just a naive fool, but he's truly become a despicable scoundrel.

"Release my companions if I sign this."

"Hey, don't give me orders."

Simon's iron boot stabbed into my solar plexus.

"Ugh..."

"Didn't I always tell you to know your place? Yuke, what are you misunderstanding?"

While stomping on my head, Simon sighed deeply.

"Every day, you've been having fun despite causing us trouble! Trash! Scum! Filth!"

Stomped on repeatedly, the taste of blood spread in my mouth.

"So, I'm going to make you pay it all back, with interest. Isn't that fair? We're the ones who made you what you are, after all. It's not right to hog everything for yourself."

"Hey, Simon. Don't kill him?"

"I'm holding back. But I need to teach him a lesson... How about making an example out of that barbarian over there?"

Simon laughed as if it were a brilliant idea.

"Yuke, I'm going to make that little girl kill the black elf barbarian. That should show you how serious I am."

"Wait, Simon. If you're going to kill her, let me have some fun with her first."

Barry's hand reached for Silk.

"Stop! ...Fine. I'll sign it."

"Better do it quickly. I don't want to do terrible things to a friend, you know."

After all this, who are you to say that...!

Taking the contract Simon offered, I clenched my teeth.

I know that signing this won't necessarily improve the situation.

But, this is the only way to resolve the current situation.

A magical contract is always in the name of the person. A dead person's signature should be invalid.

If all else fails, I can escape the labyrinth and, at the right moment, end my own life.

...I might meet Lady Persephone sooner than I thought.

"…!"

The moment I touched the pen to the paper, the labyrinth shook violently.

I have repeatedly warned and requested, but due to the rampant vandalism in the review section, I have decided to close it.

As an author, interacting with readers was one of the joys, but the level of abuse was unacceptable, leaving me no choice but to close it.

I hope you continue to enjoy it...