Chapter 38

The door to the house opened, and a black-haired boy around five years old—Orun—came inside.

"Welcome back. —Hmm? What's wrong?"

Orun's mother, Nicola, greeted him with a smile. However, she noticed tears welling up in Orun's eyes and asked with a worried tone.

"…Mom, am I not normal?"

In response to Nicola's question, Orun tried hard to hold back his tears and asked her with doubt.

"What's suddenly gotten into you? That's not true at all."

Nicola, though puzzled by the sudden question, forced a smile and denied Orun's words.

"Because… everyone won't play with me. They say I'm not normal, and they're not allowed to play with me… They told their parents… U, uuuu…"

Unable to hold back any longer, Orun started crying.

"I see… It's okay, it's okay. You want to play with everyone, don't you? —Hey, you. Can we really not perform that magic on Orun…?"

While comforting Orun, who continued to cry, Nicola pleaded with Rens, Orun's father, who had come to hear the crying.

"…But—"

"I know I'm asking for too much. But I want to help this child who is suffering now more than some uncertain future. If there's a way to do it…"

"………"

Rens seemed to be wavering in his heart but was hesitant to make a decision.

"I don't want to see my beloved child crying and hurting anymore. Don't you feel the same?"

"I feel the same! It's so painful that my chest feels like it's going to tear apart!"

"…Are you fighting? Fighting is bad, you know."

Thinking that the two were fighting because Rens raised his voice, Orun stopped crying and tried to stop the fight, saying that fighting was bad.

"We're not fighting. Right, honey?"

Nicola denied it in a gentle voice to reassure Orun and then sought Rens's agreement.

"Y-Yeah! Dad and Mom are very close!"

Though Nicola's expression was a smile, there was an undeniable pressure, and Rens, sweating coldly, agreed with Nicola.

"Can I be like you and Dad, and have good friends?"

Reacting to the word 'close,' Orun asked.

That question was more than enough to pierce Rens's heart at that moment.

"…! Of course! You're a kind child. When you grow up, you'll definitely have many friends!"

"Many, many friends…! It would be great to have lots and lots of friends."

"…He fell asleep."

Orun, who had been subjected to cruel words from the children outside and fearful gazes from the adults, had suffered significant emotional damage. Combined with the physical fatigue from crying, he had lost consciousness.

"Damn it…! Why 'now,' and why 'this child'? I know I'll fall into hell after I die. I've already accepted that. If it's a punishment for me, just punish me individually…! Orun has nothing to do with it…! I know it's selfish, but I wanted Orun to enjoy a normal, happy life…"

"…I feel the same. But it's not allowed. Orun has power. That's why I want him to live like everyone else, even if it's just for now. …Please, can you perform the sealing magic on Orun?"

"…Alright. If it can bring Orun a peaceful life, even if it's just for now. —I'll perform the sealing magic on Orun."

After the sealing magic was performed on Orun, his physical abilities were restricted, and he could no longer construct advanced spells.

From that day on, Orun changed from a 'prodigy' to an 'ordinary person.'

◇ ◇ ◇

When I opened my eyes, an unfamiliar ceiling came into view.

(Ah, right. The clan gave me a room.)

I got up and looked around the room.

The room was spacious enough for two people to live comfortably.

Moreover, most of the necessities for daily life were provided.

Yesterday, I joined the Silver Hare of the Night Sky.

Clan members can rent a room in the residential area of the clan headquarters.

Of course, it's not mandatory, so some people rent rooms elsewhere or live with their families.

However, since I was staying at an inn, and this offer was convenient, I decided to rent a room immediately.

The rent is deducted from my monthly salary, but the price is quite reasonable.

Checking my body, I found that the muscle pain was almost gone.

I had recovered enough to explore the deeper levels of the Great Labyrinth.

I don't plan to explore today, though.

I took a shower in the attached shower room and changed into a proper outfit that wouldn't feel out of place at a casual party.

When I finished changing, I noticed the long coat I received yesterday hanging on a hanger at the edge of my vision.

I think it's a pretty stylish design. Probably.

It's also practical and won't get in the way during dungeon exploration.

(I don't think the Silver Hare of the Night Sky runs a clothing store, but maybe they commissioned it from somewhere else?)

While thinking about such trivial matters, I heard a knock on the door.

When I opened the door, Selma and Sophia, who was hiding behind Selma, were there.

"Good morning, Selma. Good morning, Sophia."

"Ah, good morning. I'm sorry for dropping by so early. Sophia insisted on seeing Orun."

"I didn't say that! ? It was you who said we should go to Orun's place! —Ah, Orun, good, good morning."

They showed a cozy scene early in the morning.

Still, Sophia seems to be the same as before.

Maybe I was just overthinking it, and they weren't that afraid of me?

"Anyway, thank you for helping us the other day!"

Sophia, blushing, thanked me.

After saying thanks, she seemed uncomfortable and fidgeted.

Is she just shy? Or did she say thanks out of politeness and is still afraid of me?

"…You're welcome. I'm glad Sophia is okay."

After that, Sophia kept making sounds like "Ah…, uuu…" without forming words.

Seeing this, Selma smiled wryly and said,

"Why don't we have breakfast together? You're still not familiar with the place, right? The residential area has a cafeteria, and we always have breakfast there."

"…Impressive, being the largest clan in the country. Not only do they provide a place to live, but they also have a place to eat. Of course, I'll join you."

Since Sophia doesn't seem to mind, it should be fine, right?

◇

Selma and Sophia led me to the cafeteria.

The cafeteria was quite large, capable of accommodating over a hundred people.

The menu changes daily, and everyone gets the same meal.

However, you can choose the portion size: small, medium, or large.

After receiving the food at the counter, I sat at an empty seat and started eating.

The menu was clearly well-balanced nutritionally.

And it was delicious.

While enjoying the meal, I chatted with Selma.

Sophia ate silently.

It seemed more like she was shy rather than unwilling to eat with us.

I want to get along with her soon.

After a while, a young man approached.

"Hey, you're the Dragon Slayer, right?"

I had been attracting attention since entering the cafeteria, but no one had actually approached me, so I tried not to mind.

Recognizing the man, I remembered him.

His name was Wilks Sevaree.

He participated in the joint hunt last month as an explorer of the Silver Hare of the Night Sky.

He introduced himself as a Defender, but his actual combat style was closer to a front-line attacker, which left a strong impression on me.

"Are you a Dragon Slayer too?"

When I responded, Wilks's eyes widened slightly.

"Haha, it's an honor that you remember me. I don't really remember you, though. Sorry about that."

He apologized with a genuinely apologetic expression.

"During the joint hunt, I was supporting Selma, so it's understandable if you don't remember me."

Enchanters are usually a rather inconspicuous presence.

"Right, that's what I wanted to hear! How did you, an enchanter, defeat the black dragon alone? I couldn't get an answer from Selma, who just kept saying 'I don't know.'"

Wait, Selma is called 'Boss' by her teammates!?

Surprised, I turned to look at Selma.

She explained with a resigned tone, mixed with a sigh,

"Only this guy calls me that."

I see, he seems like a free-spirited person, so it makes sense.

"Sorry, I can't answer that. There are too many people here…"

"Ah, that's true. Sorry for asking such a weird question."

He seemed to understand and backed off.

"No, it's natural to be curious, and I don't mind."

We'll be forming a party with this person.

It's important to know the abilities and fighting style of someone who will be my teammate.

"Ah, right. Boss Selma."

"…What?"

"Do you have any plans for today as part of the first squad?"

"No, there's a regular meeting today, so I'm free as usual."

"Hmm, if Boss decided that, it's fine. But wouldn't it be better to gather after the meeting? I ran into you here, but it would be better to meet the other two as soon as possible. Especially Lecre, who might throw a tantrum if we don't see her today?"

"Ugh, that's true. It would be troublesome if she causes a scene. Alright, I'll call everyone after the meeting. We'll have a meeting with those who are free. If Lecre can't make it, it's her fault. Is that okay with you, Orun?"

"Sure, that's fine."

Lecre must be Lecrencia Outes, the healer.

I can easily imagine her throwing a tantrum…

After finishing his business, Wilks quickly left.

He seems like a free-spirited person…

Incidentally, Sophia was flustered the whole time because the members of the clan's strongest party suddenly appeared.

Seeing her flustered, I felt secretly amused.

"Well, a strange intruder appeared, but it's time for the regular meeting. Orun, let's go to the meeting room."

"Understood."

"Sophia, you have the debriefing for the recent training exploration. Do your best, okay?"

"I know. Good luck with the meeting, big sister! And, Orun…?"

"Thanks."

After clearing the dishes, I headed to the meeting room with Selma.

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