Chapter 60

"I have returned, Father-in-law."

"…Ah."

Having returned to my in-laws' house, I immediately headed to Father-in-law's study.

Even though I greeted him, he barely acknowledged me, keeping his eyes on the documents without lifting them.

Well, this is nothing new, so I don't mind.

Normally, I would leave right away, but today, I have something important to discuss, so I speak to Father-in-law again.

"Father-in-law, I know you are busy, but could you spare a moment to listen to me?"

"……What is it?"

Father-in-law let out a small sigh and finally looked at me.

"Actually, I am considering leaving the hero party. It's clear from this morning's newspaper that the hero party is in decline. There is no longer any reason for me to stay. I plan to leave as soon as the penalty period is over."

"I was wondering what you would say. —What nonsense are you spouting? If you do that, what will happen if the Forgas Marquess family cuts off our business?!"

My in-laws run the Frockhart Trading Company.

The Frockhart Trading Company is one of the largest trading companies in the country, conducting business with many noble families.

Among them, the most significant business is with the Forgas Marquess family, and over the past ten years, the company has become heavily dependent on them.

Previously, we had a broader range of clients, but now we mainly deal with nobles from the Forgas Marquess faction.

Indeed, if the Forgas Marquess were to abandon us, the company would be in serious trouble.

◇ ◇ ◇

I was an orphan and was adopted into this family at the age of seven.

I have never felt the love of parents.

Yet, the reason I was adopted was simple: to be a tool for a political marriage because this family had no children.

But I was fine with that.

The living conditions here were far better than in the orphanage, and I thought that even if I married into a large trading company or a baron's family, I would have a decent life.

I received an education for that purpose and thought I was leading a better life than most orphans.

However, I never became a tool for a political marriage.

This was because the Forgas Marquess learned about my special ability through my in-laws.

Upon learning this, the Forgas Marquess proposed a condition: if we agreed to it, he would increase our business with his family.

My in-laws immediately accepted the condition.

The condition was to form an explorer party with two young men who were about to arrive in town.

Following the instructions, I pretended it was by chance and formed an explorer party with Mr. Orun and Mr. Oliver.

It was probably to recruit Mr. Orun, an excellent talent.

Why they knew about Mr. Orun is a mystery.

◇ ◇ ◇

"Does the party have any value without Mr. Orun? I believe the Forgas Marquess thinks the same."

"What are you misunderstanding? You were brought in to support Oliver Cardiff. Not some fake hero who just happened to defeat a black dragon, but a genuine hero!"

A genuine hero?

Indeed, Mr. Oliver is a talented person.

However, Mr. Orun far surpasses him.

"Excuse me, but defeating a boss in the deeper levels is not something that can be done by chance, let alone by one person. It's a feat worthy of a hero from a fairy tale, isn't it?"

"……Don't talk back, you ignorant girl! The Forgas Marquess has deeper plans that you can't even fathom! Besides, who do you think saved you? You just need to follow our orders! Don't talk back! You are not allowed to leave the party! Do you understand?"

"……Yes. …I understand."

In a way, Father-in-law is right.

If I had stayed in the orphanage, I might have already died.

This family saved my life.

I need to repay that kindness.

However, if I stay in the hero party, it will likely collapse due to Derrick and Anneli's reckless behavior.

In the worst case, I might die during a dungeon exploration.

I don't want to die…

Since I can't leave the party, I can no longer be a mere observer.

I need to actively communicate with everyone and prevent the party from falling apart.

It was a mistake to provoke Derrick the other day…

But there's no point in lamenting.

I need to do what I can.

I don't want to die over something so trivial.

Sigh… If only—, if there really is a hero from a fairy tale, I wish they would save me.

But such a person doesn't exist…

My life will probably end up being moved around by someone else's convenience.

I know it's not allowed, but I… I want to cut all the strings that bind me and be free.

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