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"It’s been a while, Oliver."
Upon arriving at the Criminal Detention Center, I went in for a visitation with Oliver.
"……Yeah. It has been a while, Orun."
Oliver’s expression softened the moment he saw my face.
Following his rampage immediately after the finals of last year's Martial Arts Tournament, Oliver had supposedly been detained ever since for threatening the lives of the audience, which included many nobles.
In reality, however, he had struck a secret deal with Marquis Forgas. In exchange for a modicum of freedom, he worked behind the scenes to resolve various problems within the territory.
His appearance earlier this year to subjugate the giant skeleton that emerged while I was escorting Princess Lucila from the Royal Capital to Tsutrail was likely a part of that arrangement.
I had confirmed with Marquis Forgas beforehand that Oliver would be here today, but it seemed that lately, he spent more time traveling the territory than he did behind bars.
"I heard you were away from the city to conquer some labyrinths within the country. It looks like you made it back safely."
"I finished the conquests. Though, whether I’m actually 'safe' is up for debate."
As we exchanged idle chatter, I sent a message to him via Mental Transmission.
Oliver, can you hear me?
Oliver’s eyes widened in surprise as he received my telepathic message.
I’m speaking to you using Mental Transmission. I don’t want the guards to catch on, so don’t speak out loud. Respond the same way.
Like... this?
Oliver’s hesitant voice echoed inside my head.
Yeah, perfect.
Selma Claudel isn't nearby, is she? Which means... could it be……?
Yeah, I’ve regained my memories. My mastery over All Creation is back as well, as you can see. I’m going to keep talking out loud to keep the guards fooled. Last year, you were the one who said, 'Being an Enchanter is something anyone who can use support magic can do,' and 'It’s just an application of Parallel Construction, so anyone can do it once they’re used to it.' This should be a walk in the park for you, right?
I offered a bit of payback, teasing him.
These were the very words Oliver had spat at me in the heat of the moment—the day after I had subjugated the Black Dragon that moved to the 50th Floor of the Great Labyrinth due to the Hero Party's blunders after they had kicked me out.
Guh……! You really know how to hit where it hurts……. I was truly sorry for that. I let my emotions get the better of me and said those terrible things. I’m truly sorry.
Well, those remarks were definitely irritating at the time. Sorry for teasing you. Let's call it even with this, shall we?
I understand. If you're willing to forgive me with just that, Orun, I’m more than grateful……. Besides, I have no problem maintaining a telepathic link while holding a physical conversation.
"Oh, right. Listen to this. There was this village I visited during my journey to conquer the labyrinths—"
To ensure the surrounding guards didn't suspect anything, I kept up a stream of mundane conversation.
While we chatted about nothing in particular, we simultaneously exchanged vital information through our minds.
The fact that you've come here after regaining your memories means……
Yeah. I’m about to move against the Cyclamen Cult in earnest. Oliver, lend me your strength.
Oliver gave a subtle nod, careful not to let the guards notice.
You don’t even have to ask. I’ll give you everything I’ve got.
Thank you. With you by my side, I’ll feel like I have the strength of a hundred men.
But as you can see, I’m a prisoner. Escaping would be easy, but do you have a plan, Orun?
Yeah, I’ve already settled things with Marquis Forgas.
I then briefly explained the plan to Oliver.
……You’re going to be branded a criminal and driven out of the city just to protect Tsutrail from the Cult’s reach? I suppose that’s a logical move considering what comes next, but…… are you sure about this? It doesn’t matter for me since I’m already in this position, but the members of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky might end up hating you.
I don’t mind being hated. Not if it means the rest of the clan can stay alive. It would be ideal if they could send me off with a smile, but that’s probably too much to hope for.
I see. If that’s your decision, Orun, I won't say another word. But, could I ask one favor of you?
What is it?
It’s——
Oliver’s request was unexpected.
However, after hearing his reasons, I saw no cause to refuse, so I decided to accept.
"—Time’s up."
Just as Oliver and I finished ironing out the details for the day, the guard announced the end of our session.
"Has it been that long? Time flies……"
"Yeah. But I enjoyed talking with you, Orun."
"Same here. I’ll be back soon, so make sure you're ready to chat again then."
"Yeah, I will. I'll be waiting."
After exchanging parting words with Oliver, I left the Criminal Detention Center.
……It should be about time for Sophia and the others to return.
I’m glad I could wrap everything up before they got back.
Finally, the Time of Parting has come.
Thank you for reading.
Starting from the next chapter, the story is expected to follow Sophia's Perspective for about three chapters.