Chapter 58

After finishing my conversation with Log, I headed to Estella's place.

She seems to be doing paperwork at the same desk where we greeted each other this morning.

It looks like Selma has already gone home.

"Estella, I'm sorry to bother you while you're busy. Is it okay if I talk to you for a moment?"

"Hmm? Oh, it's you, Ol! Are you done with today's training?"

"Yes, I wrapped it up a bit early since it was the first day."

"I see. Thank you for taking it on! So, what do you need from me? Oh! Could it be a date invitation!? Oh, that's a tough one~"

"......I'm sorry. It's a serious matter."

When I said this in a serious tone, Estella's demeanor also became serious.

"I see. Sorry for teasing. So, what's the matter?"

"The matter concerns Caroline. Please tell me what you know about her past."

"......I see. We can't talk about this here, can you come with me?"

She got up and led me into a small conference room.

"First, I'm sorry. I should have told you about her before assigning you to train her. I wanted you to meet her without any preconceptions."

Estella bowed her head in apology.

Bringing me here suggests there are things that can't be said openly.

But if she had intended to tell me, I wish she had done so from the beginning.

"It's fine. It's in the past. In the future, please let me know in advance. Not just about Caroline, but also about Logan and Sophia, please tell me everything you know."

"Okay, I understand. Let's start with something relatively light. ...I know it's rude to categorize someone's past as light or heavy, but bear with me. First, do you know Logan's background?"

"I heard about it just now. He was born and raised in a small village."

"I see. Then there's not much to add about Logan. What I know is that he was sent off by the village and joined the *Silver Hare of the Night* when they were recruiting new members. Next, let's talk about Sophia. Do you know anything about her?"

"To be honest, not much. I don't understand why a noble child isn't attending the Noble Academy and is here instead."

"You know a lot about the noble system. It's not something that usually concerns explorers."

"I had the opportunity to interact with nobles when I was part of a hero party, so I learned about it. So, do you know why Sophia isn't attending the Noble Academy?"

"Um, to be honest, I only know the surface details. Sophia seems to be the child of a concubine. Her mother apparently died shortly after giving birth, and she was raised in the Claudel family. However, she was apparently persecuted by the main wife, Selma's mother."

A concubine's child refers to a child born to a man and a woman who are not married.

This country practices monogamy.

However, some other countries have polygamous systems.

"Selma didn't mind and treated Sophia kindly. When Selma was around, the main wife didn't treat Sophia too badly. But after Selma became an explorer and returned home less frequently, the abuse worsened. Selma found out and brought Sophia here. The main wife apparently never intended to send her to the Noble Academy."

It's a pretty harsh story.

I understand that nobles live by different standards, but it's not a pleasant tale.

"Finally, let's talk about Caroline's past. Before I do, do you know about the *Cyclamen Cult*?"

The *Cyclamen Cult* is an organization that worships the most evil and wicked monster—demon god—from fairy tales. Their goal is to revive the demon god.

The fact that they aim to revive a being that may not even exist makes them a suspicious organization.

Moreover, they are involved in inhumane activities such as human experimentation and human trafficking.

They also engage in terrorist acts like attacking towns and villages, and are counted among the two major criminal organizations.

"Yes, I know. The fact that the cult's name comes up here means..."

"Yes, I think your guess is correct. About two years ago, the guild gathered several powerful members from multiple clans to destroy one of the *Cyclamen Cult*'s bases. I wasn't a senior member at the time, so I don't know the details, but it seems that only Albert from the *Silver Hare of the Night* participated. According to old reports, Albert brought Caroline back from there."

So, Caroline was rescued from there?

"Caroline was apparently kidnapped from somewhere. She said this herself. From here on, it's partly my speculation, but I think she was treated inhumanely at the cult's base. You know, because of her special ability."

It's a terrible story.

My anger towards the *Cyclamen Cult* is rising, even though I already had a bad impression of them.

"Hey! Ol, calm down! You're really scary!"

"Ah, sorry."

Sigh...

To feel such emotions the moment I learn someone close to me has been a victim is hypocritical...

But I now have a better understanding of the three of them.

I know they all have painful pasts.

I hope I can help them with their emotional healing.

Thank you for reading to the end.

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