I gazed out from the swaying carriage at the people working on the city's restoration.
It had been one week since the day of Oliver's rampage and the monster overflow.
Since the incident, nearly every explorer from "Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky" had joined the recovery efforts.
Yesterday marked the end of rubble clearance and such. Today they shifted to full-scale rebuilding.
Accordingly, the clan had returned to normal operations.
My spell [Object Float]—originally only able to lift light objects—played a major role in rubble removal and rescuing buried people.
During the festival prep period, I borrowed knowledge from the magic development room to improve it.
As a result, I succeeded in lifting things heavier than a human.
However, it cannot lift living beings—including humans. My guess is that biological magic resistance interferes.
It may be inappropriate right now, but sales of [Object Float] magic tools are doing well.
This past week, I was caught up in post-incident cleanup and city restoration, so I could focus on those matters.
But as things calmed down somewhat, my thoughts kept drifting back to that day.
I lost to Oliver.
When his attack pierced my abdomen during our fight, I prepared for death.
Yet I didn't die.
Next thing I knew, I awoke in a forest south of the city—and Oliver had regained consciousness.
The look on his face then—like something possessing him had finally left—remains vivid in my memory.
'Orun, walk straight down the path you've chosen. No matter what decisions you make, we… will respect them.'
Those words he spoke when handing himself over to the military still swirl inside me.
Why did Oliver destroy the city?
Why was he so calm after regaining consciousness?
Why am I still alive?
Beyond those, too many things about this incident remain unclear.
I plan to investigate it thoroughly from now on.
Too many inexplicable events have happened recently.
It doesn't feel like mere coincidence.
And since that day, I've had the same dream repeatedly.
The dream shows events between losing to Oliver and waking in the forest.
In it, I completely overwhelmed the incredibly strong Oliver.
I know it's just a dream, but the sensations feel strangely real.
Each time I wake, I'm left with an indescribable feeling.
If—even with one-in-ten-thousand odds—the dream reflects reality, then I possess that level of power.
But why would dream-me know about such strength?
◇
The destination still seemed far off, so I decided to organize my thoughts on the recent incident again.
Two major events occurred simultaneously that day.
First: Oliver's destruction of the city.
According to reports, Philly Carpenter from the hero party was also destroying parts of the city.
Additionally, Aneli and Derrick were captured by Will and Rain while attempting to harm the guild.
As a result, all hero party members except Philly are currently detained.
She disappeared immediately after the incident.
That's about all I know regarding the hero party's current status.
But I'll learn more where I'm headed next.
Second: the monster overflow—massive numbers of monsters emerging onto the surface.
From all five labyrinths surrounding Tsutorail.
Overflows are extremely rare.
Labyrinths dot the country, yet domestic overflows happen maybe once every few years—if that.
Five simultaneous overflows is clearly abnormal.
The cause is still under investigation.
Thanks to Selma-san's ability, we avoided falling behind and dealt with it quickly.
The west gate suffered some monster damage, but other areas successfully prevented intrusion, keeping city-wide damage minimal.
While there were unavoidable casualties, given the incident's scale, the outcome can be called sufficient.
◇
While lost in thought about the incident, the carriage stopped and the door opened.
"Lord Orun, we have arrived."
An elderly man in a tailcoat—the one who opened the door—spoke.
"Thank you, Philip-san."
Philip is the head butler serving Marquis Forgas.
Stepping out, a massive mansion filled my view.
(It's been months, but it's still huge.)
I had come to Marquis Forgas's residence.
Yesterday, one of the Marquis's messengers suddenly arrived with instructions to visit today.
Following Philip's guidance, I entered the mansion.
He led me not to the study I had visited several times during my hero party days, but to a grand reception room meant for entertaining nobles.
"Yo, Orun! Been a week!"
The first voice to greet me as I entered belonged to Hart from "Copper Twilight".
He lounged on a sofa as if it were his own home.
Cocky as ever.
"You must be Orun-kun. —First, thank you for saving the city this time."
The Marquis rose upon seeing me and bowed in gratitude.
(The prideful Marquis Forgas… bowing to me…?)
I couldn't process it immediately.
Moreover—what did he just say? "You must be Orun-kun"? As if meeting me for the first time.
"…It's been a while, Lord Forgas. Hart-san too."
"Ah, so you were originally with the hero party. We've met before?"
"Forgas-sama, he won't get it like that. —Orun, this guy's got amnesia. Lost the last ten years of memories. So he doesn't know you."
"…Huh?"
I let out a dumbfounded sound.
Amnesia—missing the last ten years?
"It seems so. With initial recovery efforts calming down, I wanted to talk with you both here. —Orun-kun, take a seat."
Still reeling from Hart's bombshell, I followed the Marquis's gesture and sat beside Hart.
"Now then, Hart-kun—tell me. The truth behind the incident I caused…"
…The Marquis caused it?
The incident's origin lies with him?
"Got it. This is only what I can say, but honestly—I'm not sure if you caused the incident, Forgas-sama. But from what Luna said, the culprit was you."
I was surprised by Hart's blunt tone, but the Marquis didn't seem bothered.
For now, I'd listen to Hart.
"Story jumps around, but your amnesia comes from Philly Carpenter. Her ability is [Recognition Alteration]—she can rewrite memories. This is speculation, but you were likely hit with [Recognition Alteration] multiple times over the past ten years."
[Recognition Alteration]…
Even the name alone screams dangerous ability.
If such an ability really exists, it explains the recent unease I felt around hero party members.
It's natural to think she was involved in their changes.
…Assuming this is true.
"Probably over these ten years you learned too much… and got erased to be discarded. Whether your life was spared on a whim or for some other reason—I don't know."
Why did the unknown-in-Tsutorail Philly Carpenter join the hero party? That question had lingered.
If she and the Marquis were connected, it made sense.
"And fearing disposal by Philly, you triggered Oliver's rampage—or so I think. I won't say how. There's a chance it could be repeated."
"So Oliver's actions were on your orders, Lord Forgas?"
"No—not orders. You gain nothing from destroying the city. You probably tried to pit Oliver against Philly. Berserk Oliver's strength is on another level. Orun understands that best, right?"
"…Yeah. Oliver's strength back then was abnormal."
I avoided killing by dulling the magic sword's edge and such, but I had septuple buffs. I was at full power then—and still lost.
"So you didn't intend to destroy the city, but ended up triggering the destruction anyway."
"Yeah, pretty much. And sorry to pile on, but the monster overflow traces back to Oliver's rampage too."
"What do you mean?"
"Philly caused the overflow too. Hard worker, that one. —Probably Oliver's rampage disrupted her plan. She triggered the overflow to correct it. I don't know the plan details or how overflow fixed it, but she had some scheme—no doubt."
I had suspected the overflow was man-made, but hearing confirmation still shocked me.
Humans controlling monsters? An application of [Recognition Alteration]?
"Hart-san, who is she?"
"She's with "Cyclamen Cult". Not just a member—high up, like a clan executive."
""—!?""
"Cyclamen Cult"—one of the two great criminal organizations.
An executive!?
"That I was on friendly terms with such a person… So the entire incident was my fault…"
"That's just my speculation mixed in heavily. Not necessarily fact. But I think it hits close."
With those words, silence filled the room.
Hart wore an expression of having said his piece.
The Marquis closed his eyes in thought.
After a long pause, the Marquis spoke.
"Hart-kun, thank you for telling me. It seems I must atone after all. I will take responsibility and step down as lord."
The conclusion the Marquis reached after reflection was resignation.
Indeed, relinquishing his position could be one way to take responsibility.
—But that choice could not be overlooked.
"Is stepping down as lord your way of atoning?"
I asked the Marquis.
"Yes. Even if Hart-kun's story were publicized, I likely wouldn't be punished. So I step down voluntarily."
"Certainly, without clear evidence, as you said—no punishment would come. Resigning as lord is one way to take responsibility. —But I don't think it truly atones for your sins."
A whirl of emotions churned inside me.
"If you truly intend to atone, cling to the lord's seat. Work tirelessly for those harmed this time. Isn't restoring the city as quickly as possible and reassuring the people you should protect your current duty?"
I know I have no right to say this.
Yet the words kept pouring out.
"If what Hart-san said is true, I cannot forgive you. You tormented Oliver and hurt countless unrelated people… But if you genuinely feel guilt and desire to atone—don't run."
After saying what I needed to, silence returned.
"…I see. My choice was 'running'."
The Marquis murmured with a lonely expression.
"I apologize for overstepping."
"No—it's fine. I think Orun-kun is right. I still hadn't truly faced my sins. Part of me treated it as someone else's problem since I don't remember."
"That's understandable. Whatever I said—the root cause is Philly Carpenter. In a way, Forgas-sama is a victim too. Whether you stay lord or step down—I don't care. But if you stay, you'll probably favor us. For me, you remaining lord might be a plus."
Hart spoke half-jokingly.
Probably to keep the Marquis from drowning in guilt.
"Thank you both. I swear here: I will make this city the best in the world."
"Yeah, looking forward to it. I like this city's vibe. If it becomes even more livable—no complaints."
◇
"Lord Forgas—may I ask one thing?"
With the atmosphere lightened, I voiced a question that had bothered me from the start.
"What is it?"
"Why was I summoned here? Was it just to hear Hart-san's story?"
Yes—that was my main confusion.
Hearing Hart's account was huge.
Whether true or not, I'd verify it later—but it was more than enough as a starting point.
Still, I didn't think that was the only reason.
"Yes, partly. You're now called the "Hero" who saved the city from Oliver's clutches and cleared the south gate monsters. As the greatest contributor to this incident, I felt you had the right to know."
As the Marquis said, recent newspapers praised me for capturing Oliver and preventing city destruction—labeling me "Hero".
Though the title "Hero" already belongs to someone in the empire.
"I see. 'Partly' means there's another reason?"
"Unofficially—I wish to grant your desire. I turned your only fellow countryman into a criminal. Despite that, you cleaned up my mess. If it's within my power, I'll grant anything. Do you have a request?"
A request… Perfect timing.
I planned to ask the Marquis directly later anyway.
This would do.
"Thank you for your consideration. Then, taking you at your word—one request—"
I told the Marquis my wish.
Even if refused, I had a plan to achieve it myself.
But if the Marquis could pull strings, it would save immense effort and time.
"…I see."
The Marquis murmured gravely after hearing my request.
"I've gathered evidence on the kidnapping matter. Is it difficult?"
"…You probably know—he's difficult. But a deal's already been made under different terms, so no death penalty. Rest assured on that. Anyone else—I promise to handle immediately."
Yeah, obviously.
I knew the situation with him couldn't be resolved immediately.
Hearing no death penalty from the Marquis was enough for now.
"Yes. Understood. Then—can you do it?"
"Very well. Let's settle the details."
◇
"—Then I'll leave it to you."
After some back-and-forth with the Marquis, we reached a satisfactory agreement.
I was content.
Moreover, this meeting reaffirmed how capable the Marquis truly is.
Despite a ten-year memory gap, during our discussion he showed no sign of it.
Governing a major city built around the anomaly of a Great Labyrinth requires immense knowledge, intellect, and authority.
It convinced me—someone with that much could easily pull off the perfect crime.
…Of course, with his memory gone and no evidence, whether he actually committed crimes remains unknown.
What he did to Oliver is unforgivable.
But as lord—I think he can be trusted.
If he ever threatens what's important to me again—naturally, no mercy.
"Understood. Leave it to me. —Sorry for taking your time today, both of you. I look forward to your continued achievements as explorers."
◇
While I met with the Marquis, Hart—who had lounged beside me the whole time—left the mansion with me and boarded the Forgas family carriage.
"Hey, Orun—one question."
Hart—sitting opposite—spoke up.
"Sure. What is it?"
"How'd you capture Oliver? I didn't watch your whole fight, but when I saw—you were losing."
Hart looked at me seriously.
This might be the most serious I've ever seen him.
"…You might not believe it, but I don't remember well."
"…"
"I came to with Oliver neutralized."
"…I see."
Such an answer shouldn't satisfy anyone—yet Hart didn't press further.
I appreciated it—but why?
"Then—one more question?"
As I wondered, Hart spoke again.
"Yes."
"Are you staying with "Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky" as an explorer from now on?"
Why ask that? Recruiting me?
"I'm a clan executive—can't leave easily. Even without that, I like the clan now and have no intention of leaving."
"…I see."
With that mutter, Hart fell silent.
I didn't understand his intent, but I guess he accepted it?
Then—I'd ask something too.
"Hart-san—one favor."
"A favor? From you to me?"
When I said I had a request for him, he looked stunned.
"Yes. From me—to you."
"…Depends on what it is. What?"
"I want you to teach me more about ki—you gave me a light explanation before."