The door opened, and a black-haired boy of about five years old—Orun—stepped inside.
“Welcome home. Oh? What’s wrong?”
Nicola, Orun’s mother, greeted him with a warm smile. However, when she saw the tears welling in his eyes, her voice immediately shifted to a tone of deep concern.
“...Mom, am I not normal?”
Orun looked up at her, fighting a desperate battle to keep his tears from falling as he voiced his doubt.
“Where did that come from? Of course you’re normal,” Nicola replied. She was inwardly bewildered by the sudden question, but she forced a smile and denied his words as gently as she could.
“But everyone... they won’t play with me. They said... their parents told them not to play with me... because I’m not normal. Sniff, ugh...”
Orun finally lost his struggle for control. He collapsed into a fit of sobbing, tears streaming down his face.
“I see... there, there. You just wanted to play with the others, didn’t you?” Nicola stroked his head, trying to soothe him. She looked up at Lence, Orun’s father, who had rushed into the room after hearing the crying. “Dear... is it really impossible to use that magic on Orun after all...?”
“...But—”
“I know I’m asking for the impossible,” Nicola said, her voice full of conviction. “But rather than a future that may or may not come, I want to help the child who is suffering right here in front of me. Especially since we have a way.”
“............”
Lence’s heart clearly wavered at her words, but he still struggled to make the final decision.
“I can’t stand to see my precious son hurt and crying anymore. Don’t you feel the same?”
“I feel the same way! My heart feels like it’s being torn apart even now!” Lence barked.
“...Are you guys fighting? Fighting is bad.”
Because Lence had raised his voice, Orun mistakenly thought his parents had started a quarrel. To stop them, he managed to quit crying long enough to insist they make peace.
“We aren’t fighting, sweetie. Right, dear?”
After reassuring Orun in a gentle voice, Nicola shot a look at Lence, seeking his agreement. Though she was smiling, she radiated an unspoken pressure that brooked no argument.
“Ah, yeah! Your mother and I are the best of friends!” Lence agreed, breaking into a cold sweat.
“That’s good. I wonder if I can find someone I’m close with too, like you and Mom?”
Orun’s innocent question, triggered by the word “close,” was more than enough to pierce Lence’s heart.
“...! Of course you will! You’re a kind boy. I’m certain that when you grow up, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of friends!”
“Plenty of friends...! I hope... I can make lots and lots of friends.”
“...He fell asleep,” Nicola whispered a short while later.
Orun had been subjected to heartless words from the local children and exposed to gazes of fearful awe from the adults. The mental toll, combined with the physical exhaustion of his crying fit, had finally caused him to lose consciousness.
“Damn it...! Why now, and why this child?” Lence hissed. “I know I’m going to hell when I die. I’ve already accepted that. If this is a punishment for what I’ve done, then punish me! Orun has nothing to do with it...! I know I’m being selfish, but I just wanted him to enjoy a normal, happy life...”
“...I feel the same way. But the world won't allow that. Because Orun has power. That’s exactly why I want him to live like everyone else, even if it’s only for a little while. Please, dear... perform that magic. Place the Sealing Magic on him.”
“...You’re right. If it means he can have a peaceful life, even temporarily. Fine. I’ll do it.”
Once the Sealing Magic was applied, Orun’s physical abilities were heavily restricted, and he became unable to construct any Advanced Spell Formula.
From that day forward, Orun went from being a “Prodigy” to being “Mediocre.”
I woke up to a ceiling I didn’t recognize.
Right. The clan assigned me a room.
I sat up and looked around. The space was large—spacious enough for two people to live in comfortably—and it came stocked with almost all the essentials for daily life.
I had officially joined the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky yesterday. Members were permitted to rent a room within the Living Quarters of the clan headquarters. It wasn’t mandatory; some people rented apartments elsewhere or lived with their families. However, I had been living out of an inn, so the timing was perfect. I’d decided to take the room on the spot. The rent would be deducted from my monthly salary, but the rate was incredibly generous.
I checked my body and found that the muscle pain was almost entirely gone. I had recovered enough to dive into the Great Labyrinth again, provided I stayed out of the Deep Floors. Not that I had any plans to dive today.
I washed up in the attached shower room and changed into a set of clean, sharp clothes that wouldn't look out of place at a casual party. Once I was finished, I spotted the long coat I’d received yesterday hanging on a rack. The design was quite stylish, I thought. It also seemed practical enough to avoid being a hindrance during exploration.
The Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky doesn’t run any clothing brands as far as I know. I wonder if they outsource this?
As I was lost in idle thought, a knock sounded at the door. I opened it to find Selma-san standing there with Sophia hiding in her shadow.
“Good morning, Selma-san. Good morning, Sophia.”
“Morning. Sorry for barging in so early, but Sophia insisted she wanted to see you.”
“I didn't say that! You were the one who said we should go to Orun-san’s room, Big Sister! —Ah, Orun-san, g-good morning.”
They were showing off their sisterly bond first thing in the morning. Still, Sophia seemed to be acting like her usual self. Perhaps she wasn't as afraid of me as I’d feared. Maybe I had just been overthinking things.
“And, um... thank you so much for saving us the other day!” Sophia added, her face turning bright red. Once the thanks were out of her mouth, she started fidgeting restlessly as if she were incredibly uncomfortable.
Was she just shy? Or was she just being polite while secretly remaining terrified?
“...You’re very welcome. I’m just glad you weren't hurt.”
Sophia continued to groan wordlessly, letting out a soft “Ah... uuu...”
Selma-san watched her with a wry smile before turning back to me. “Would you like to join us for breakfast? You probably don't know your way around yet. There’s a Dining Hall attached to the Living Quarters where we eat every morning.”
“...As expected of the largest clan in the country. Providing both a place to live and a place to eat. I’d be happy to join you.”
Sophia didn't seem to object, so it was probably fine.
Guided by the sisters, I arrived at the Dining Hall. It was massive, looking like it could easily hold over a hundred people. The menu changed daily, but everyone ate the same dish. You could, however, choose your portion size.
After picking up my food at the counter, we found some vacant seats and started eating. I could tell the menu was carefully balanced for nutrition, and more importantly, it was delicious.
I chatted with Selma-san while enjoying the meal. Sophia ate in silence. She didn't look like she hated being there; she just seemed bashful. I really hoped we could break the ice soon.
As we ate, a young man approached our table.
“Yo. Are you the ‘Dragon Slayer’?”
I’d been aware of the eyes on me since the moment I stepped into the hall. However, since no one had actually approached me, I’d tried to ignore it. Now that this man had spoken up, the weight of the surrounding stares intensified.
I looked at the man and recognized him immediately. His name was Wilkes Sevary. He had participated in the Joint Subjugation last month as an explorer from this clan. He’d introduced himself as a Defender back then, but his actual combat style had been much closer to a Front-line Attacker, which had left a strong impression on me.
“Aren’t you a ‘Dragon Slayer’ as well?” I replied.
Wilkes blinked in surprise. “Haha! I’m honored you remember me. I’ll be honest, I didn't remember you much at all. Sorry about that.” He apologized with a genuinely sheepish look.
“I was busy supporting Selma-san’s party during the subjugation. It makes sense that I didn't stand out.” Enchanters were plain existences by nature, after all.
“Right, that’s what I wanted to ask! How did an Enchanter like you take down a Black Dragon solo? I tried asking Big Sis Selma, but she just kept saying ‘I don't know’ and wouldn't give me a straight answer.”
Wait, Selma-san is called ‘Big Sis’ by her teammates?
Startled, I reflexively looked at Selma-san.
“He’s the only one who calls me that,” she explained with an exasperated sigh.
I see. Wilkes seemed like a free spirit, so that made sense.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t answer that here. There are too many people around...”
“Ah, good point. Sorry for asking something so weird in public.” Wilkes accepted the refusal without any fuss.
“No, it’s only natural to be curious. I don't mind.”
I would be forming a party with this man eventually. It made sense that he’d want to know the capabilities of a future teammate.
“Oh, that reminds me. Big Sis Selma.”
“...What is it?”
“Does the First Unit have anything planned for today?”
“No. We have the scheduled meeting today, so we’re free otherwise.”
“Hmm. If that’s what you decided, it’s fine, I guess. But wouldn't it be better to get everyone together after the meeting? I’ve met him now, but the sooner the other two meet him, the better. Especially Lucre—if she doesn't meet him today, she’s going to throw a massive tantrum.”
“Ugh... true. It would be a headache if she started a fuss. Fine. I’ll gather them after the meeting. We’ll do a round of introductions with whoever is free. If Lucre can’t make it, that’s her own fault. Is that okay with you, Orun?”
“Yes, that works for me.”
Lucre likely referred to the Healer, Lucretia Otis. I had the impression she was a very energetic girl. I could easily picture her pouting...
His business concluded, Wilkes took off as quickly as he’d arrived. He really was a whirlwind of a man.
Meanwhile, Sophia had been flustered the entire time because a member of the clan’s strongest party had suddenly appeared. I kept it a secret that the sight was actually quite heartening.
“Well, we had a bit of an intruder, but it’s almost time for the meeting. Orun, let’s head to the conference room.”
“Understood.”
“Sophia, you have that review session for the Guided Exploration, right? Don’t slack off.”
“I know! Good luck with your meeting, Big Sister. And, um... you too, Orun-san...”
“Yeah, thanks.”
After tidying up our dishes, I followed Selma-san toward the meeting hall.