The door to the house opened, and a black-haired boy of about five years old ―― Orn entered the house from outside.

“Welcome back. ――Hm? What’s wrong?”

　Orn’s mother, Nicola, had greeted him with a smile.

　However, Orn’s eyes were filled with tears and Nicola, upon seeing that, asked in a worried voice.

“…Mom, am I not normal?”

　In response to Nicola’s question, Orn desperately tried to hold back his tears as he asked her. 

“What’s happened all of a sudden? That’s not true.”

　Even though Nicola was bewildered by the sudden question, she tried her best to put on a smile and refute Orn’s words. 

“Because, nobody, will play with me. Because I’m not normal, so it’s bad to play with me, that’s what, everyone’s parents, said…. Uuhhh….”

　Finally unable to bear it, Orn’s tears started to flow. .

“I see….. don’t cry, don’t cry. You wanted to play with everyone. ――――Hey, darling. After all, can’t that magic…. can’t it be used on Orn…?”

　While stroking the head of the crying Orn, Nicola pleaded with Lens, Orn’s father, who had come after hearing the crying. 

“……But–“

“I understand I’m saying something unreasonable. Still, rather than a future that might not come, I want to help this child who is suffering right now. Since there is a way.”

“………………”

　Lens seemed to be shaken by Nicola’s words, but he couldn’t come to a decision. 

“I don’t want to see my beloved child hurting and crying anymore. Don’t you also feel that way?” 

“I feel the same way! Even now it’s so bitter, it’s like my heart is breaking!”

“…Are you, fighting? Fighting is no good.”

　Because Lens had raised his voice, Orn thought that the two had started arguing and stopped his crying to insist that they should stop fighting. 

“We weren’t fighting or anything. Right, darling?”

　Nicola denied with a gentle voice to reassure Orn and asked Lens for support.

“A, ah! Dad and mom are very good friends with each other!” 

　Although Nicola had turned to Lens with a smile, she exuded an unspoken pressure, leading Lens to agree with Nicola while in cold sweat. 

“That’s nice, me too, like dad and mom, I wonder if there’s someone, who can be my good friend?”

　In response to the phrase ‘good friends’, Orn asked.

　That question was more than enough to gouge at Lens’ heart. 

“…su! Of course! You’re a kind child. I’m sure you’ll be surrounded by many friends when you grow up!”

“Many, friends…!” A lot, a lot, friends, that’s nice…”

“…He fell asleep.”

　Orn, hurled with heartless words by the children outside and exposed to the fearful gaze of adults, had suffered considerable mental torment. Combined with the physical exhaustion from crying, he ended up losing consciousness. 

“Damn…! Why ‘now’, why ‘this child’? I know hell awaits me after I die. I’ve already come to terms with that. To punish me… then why not just punish me alone…! I know very well that it’s selfish. But I just want Orn to be able to enjoy happiness like a normal person…”

“…I feel the same way. But, that can’t be allowed. Orn has power, that’s why… Because of that, at least for now I want him to be able to live… the same like other people…. Darling, please. Use that magic — that sealing magic on Orn.”

“…You’re right. Even if only for now, just to let Orn live a peaceful life– I understand. I will use the sealing magic on Orn.”

　Orn, subjected to sealing magic, had his physical abilities restricted, and was no longer able to construct magic formulas for advanced magic or higher.

　And from that day on, Orn went from being a ‘child prodigy’ to an ‘average person’.

　　◇ ◇ ◇

　When I wake up, an unfamiliar ceiling comes in sight.

(Ah, that’s right. The Clan lent me a room.)

　I get up and look around the room.

　The room is spacious enough for two people to live in.

　It also has almost all the things you would need for daily living. 

　Yesterday, I joined “Night Sky’s Silver Rabbit”.

　Members can rent a room in the residential area of the headquarters. 

　Of course, it’s not mandatory, so there are people who rent rooms elsewhere or live with their families.

　That said, I’d been living in an inn and since the timing happened to line up, I’d immediately decided to rent a room. 

　The rent will be deducted from my monthly salary, but the cost is pretty fair. 

　When I check the condition of my body, there’s almost no muscle pain left.

　I’ve recovered enough to be able to dive even in the Great Labyrinth, as long as it’s not the deep layers. 

　Though I have no plans to dive today.

　I wash off my sweat in the attached shower room.

　After that, I change into proper clothes that wouldn’t look out of place even if I am to attend a simple party.

　When I finish changing clothes, I see the long coat I got yesterday hanging on a hanger at the corner of my vision.

　I think it’s a fairly stylish design. Probably.

　Besides that, it’s also a practical outfit that won’t get in the way of exploring the labyrinth. 

(I don’t think that “Night Sky’s Silver Rabbit” operates a clothing store, but maybe there’s another place where they entrust this work to.)

　While my thoughts wander, I hear a knock at the door. 

　Opening the door, there’s Selma and Sophia hiding in Selma’s shadow. 

“Good morning, Selma. Good morning, Sophia.”

“Ah, good morning. Sorry for coming uninvited in the morning. It’s because Sophia said she had to meet up with you no matter what.”

“I didn’t say that!? Sister, you’re the one who said ‘shall we head to Orn’s place’, didn’t you! –Ah, Orn, g, good morning.”

　Even in the morning, they show how close they are with each other.

　Still, Sophia looks the same as before.

　Could it be that she was just apprehensive around me, and wasn’t that scared? 

“So, um, for helping us out the other day. thank you very much!”

　Sophia thanks me with a red face.

　After expressing her gratitude, she uncomfortably fidgets. 

　Are you just shy? Or did you just thank me as a courtesy and you’re actually afraid of me after all?

“…You’re welcome. I’m glad Sophia, you didn’t get hurt.”

　After that, Sophia stammers “ah…., uuuuh…” without saying anything else. 

　Selma, seeing this, smiled wryly. 

“After this, how would you like to have breakfast together? Orn, surely you also don’t know too much about this place. There’s a cafeteria in this residential area and we have breakfast there every day.”

“…As expected of the largest Clan in the country. Not only do you have a place for your members to live, but you also have a place to eat. Of course, let me go with you.”

　Sophia doesn’t look like she hates the prospect, so it’s okay, right?

　　◇

　Guided by Selma and Sophia, we arrive at the cafeteria. 

　The cafeteria is quite large and can probably accommodate more than 100 people.

　The menu changes daily and is the same for everyone.

　In addition, it seems that you can only choose serving sizes from large, medium, and small. 

　When we receive our food at the counter, we sit down in empty seats and start eating. 

　You can understand very clearly that the menu has been planned to take into account nutritional balance. 

　And it’s also very delicious.

　While smacking my lips at the meal, I chat with Selma. 

　Sophia eats silently.

　I can tell it’s more like she’s shy rather than reluctant to eat with us. 

　I want her to quickly be able to open her heart up to others. 

　As we continue eating for a while, a young man approaches us.

“Yo, are you the ‘Dragon Slayer’?”

　From the moment I had entered the cafeteria, I knew I was attracting the gazes of the people around me. 

　But no one had actually talked to me, so I tried not to worry about it.

　With this man calling out to me, I feel that the attention of the people around me has gathered even more.

　Seeing the face of the man who spoke to me, I started to recall this person. 

　I think his name is Wilkes Savery.

　During last month’s joint subjugation last month, he had participated as an explorer from “Night Sky’s Silver Rabbit”.

　At the time, he had introduced himself as a Defender.

　However, when he actually fought, his movements resembled that of a Vanguard Attacker, so he left an impression on me. 

“Aren’t you a ‘Dragon Slayer’ too?”

　When I reply, Wilkes’ eyes slightly widen. 

“Haha, I’m honoured that you remember me. I don’t really remember you. I’m sorry.”

　He apologises with a really sheepish expression.

“During the joint subjugation, I was going around supporting Selma, so it’s alright if you don’t remember.”

　Enchanters also don’t stand out.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I wanted to ask! How did you, an Enchanter, defeat the Black Dragon alone? Every time I asked big sis Selma, she just kept saying ‘don’t know’ and I didn’t find out a single thing.”

　Eh, Selma is called “big sis” by her comrades!?

　In surprise, I unconsciously turn my face to Selma.

　Then,

“The only one that calls me that is that guy.”

　Selma says in an exasperated tone and explains with a sigh. 

　I see, this person feels like a free-spirited person, so I conclude that it’s possibly true.

“Sorry, I can’t answer that. There are a lot of people here…”

“Ah, that’s right as well. My bad for asking something strange.”

　When I tell him I can’t speak in a crowded place, he agrees and withdraws. 

“No, I think it’s natural to be curious and I’m not bothered.”

　I’m going to be in a party with this guy.

　I’d like to know the strength and fighting styles of those who will be my comrades from now on.

“Ah, that’s right. Big sis Selma.”

“……what?”

“Are there any plans for the 1st Unit today?”

“No, there’s a general meeting today, so it’s free time as planned.”

“Hmm, if that’s what big sis has decided then it’s okay. Though, wouldn’t it be better if we gathered after the general meeting ends? I got to meet him here, but I think it’ll be safer if the other two also get to quickly meet him. Especially Lucre, if she doesn’t meet him today, ain’t there a chance she’ll throw a tantrum?”

“Uh… that’s certainly, true. It’ll be troublesome if that person makes a fuss. I got it. When the meeting is over, I’ll call out to her. For those who are available then, let’s have introductions. If at that time Lucre can’t make it, then it’s her fault. Orn too, are you alright with that?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

　Lucre is probably the Healer, Lucresha Otis.

　I have the impression of her as an extroverted person. I can easily imagine her whining…

　Perhaps finishing all he had wanted to talk about, Wilkes speedily takes off to somewhere else. 

　Truly a free-spirited person….

　By the way, from the start to the end, Sophia was flustered because a member from the Clan’s strongest party suddenly appeared. 

　Watching that appearance of hers was very healing, but I’ll keep that to myself. 

“Well, a strange intruder appeared, but it’s about time for the general meeting. Orn, let’s head to the meeting room.”

“Understood.”

“Sophia, you have your guided exploration review session. You’ve got to do it well, yeah?”

“I know. Big sister too, do your best at the meeting! And, Orn too…”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

　After finishing the food and clearing away the dishes, together with Selma, I proceed to the venue where the general meeting will be held.

–

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