Episode 366

Responsibility (4)

Breaking the awkward silence, Raven spoke.

“Are you going to keep making that face? It’s not Jandel’s… I mean, Mr. Schuiz‘s fault.”

She might not know all of my circumstances, but she wasn’t wrong.

Of course, it’s ambiguous to say it’s entirely my fault.

However, I can’t shake the thought that I was the one who gave the final push to someone standing at the edge of a cliff.

If only I hadn’t gone to see that woman.

Maybe she wouldn’t have made that choice.

No, rather…

Dwalki.

Jandel Jarku, who was Bjorn’s biological father.

When I think of those two cases, I can’t help but accept that possibility even more.

A future changed because of my existence.

“Haa… If I’d known this would happen, I wouldn’t have told you until the end.”

Raven spoke again, as if considering me.

I felt that staying silent, as if I didn’t know anything, would only be another form of deception.

But…

“……”

At the same time, I also wondered.

Is it okay for me to reopen old wounds that have just started to heal?

Just because I don’t want to avoid my own responsibility?

I couldn’t easily speak while lost in that thought.

“The atmosphere is strange. Don’t tell me we’re interrupting?”

“What’s strange about it? There’s no way. But… Mister, what were you two doing…?”

As I sensed someone at the entrance and turned my head, Amelia and Erwin came in, lifting the tent flap.

……

Turning back, I saw that Raven had already turned her gaze back to the documents.

Well, this isn’t a conversation to have in this kind of atmosphere.

“……”

In the end, I didn’t say anything that day.

****

[The labyrinth has been closed]

[Your character will be transported to Raphdonia]

On the 75th day of exploration.

As the closure date of the 7th floor approached, we returned to the city.

‘Wow, it really feels like it’s been a long time since we’ve been here’

Having spent more than two months in the labyrinth, the city’s appearance felt somewhat unfamiliar.

Some upper clans take a month or two off after each exploration, and I think I now understand why.

“Are you heading straight home?”

“First, let’s rest. Then we’ll eat something delicious.”

“Yes!”

After leaving the exchange office, we headed straight to the mansion.

Oh, by the way, there wasn’t much money left after the exchange.

Since arriving on the 6th floor, we received all loot as stamps stamped with the royal seal.

We could go to the merits office and exchange them for money, but it’s bound to be crowded for a few days, so we decided to wait a bit before going.

“Whew, finally home.”

A mansion with a small garden, and all the windows boarded up.

I never thought this mansion would feel so welcoming.

Anyway, we’ll eat the food we brought after washing up…

“So, who’s going to wash first?”

As we were about to decide the bathing order, Amelia spoke to me.

“Schuiz, you use the bathroom on the second floor.”

“Uh? Well, thanks, but is it okay if I use it first?”

“The bathroom on the first floor is bigger than the one on the second floor. We can use it together.”

I didn’t quite understand.

“…Wait, what? You two are going to use it together?”

Somehow, I couldn’t easily imagine that.

“You two… when did you become that close?”

I couldn’t hide my surprise, and Erwin, flustered, frantically waved her hands.

“Cl-close? That’s not it! Tell him! Why would I shower with you?!”

“Because it’s more efficient. Well, if you really hate it, I’ll go first,” Amelia replied calmly.

“What? Why are you deciding that on your own—”

“Then, I’ll go in first.”

“Wait, stop!”

As Amelia headed to the bathroom, Erwen shouted and followed her.

These two never have a quiet day.

I decided to ignore it and headed to the second-floor bathroom.

I was a bit curious whether they’d decide who goes first or bathe together…

Either way, what does it matter?

At this point, at least they won’t pull out weapons and start fighting.

“Whew, this feels amazing.”

As the hot water cascaded over me, the fatigue built up in my body seemed to melt away.

At the same time, the reality that the exploration had ended began to sink in.

‘Still… considering all that happened, it ended rather smoothly.’

After the initial ambush, nothing significant happened.

I kept entering patrols to accumulate experience until I reached rank 7, and things remained peaceful after that.

However, something seemed to have happened with the main force, as they requested support from us and took some of our troops, but it wasn’t directly related to me.

Raven had to stay in the rear due to strategic reasons, and the same applied to our unit, which was part of Raven’s division.

This time, I’ll sell the equipment first and exchange the vouchers for money before settling accounts…

As I washed, organizing the gains from this exploration, I felt quite emotional.

“Rank 7, huh…”

It’s a level where I can proudly say I’ve reached the middle to late stages.

Considering the number of level 3 essences I’ve acquired, it wouldn’t be wrong to say I’m at the beginning of the late stages.

It seems like only yesterday that I was crawling through goblin traps.

…I’ve become much stronger.

Suddenly, I could feel my own growth.

After all, what’s the reason I can say this exploration ended smoothly?

Corpse Collector, Screaming Witch, Lighthouse Keeper, Blood Knight.

I had to fight four members of Orcules.

Surely, in the past, someone would have had to sacrifice themselves, and I would have had to risk my life.

Even so…

I need to become stronger.

Rather than feeling satisfied, I was overwhelmed by a sense of inadequacy.

After all, I wasn’t there yet.

To guarantee the safety of myself and my companions against monsters like the royal family, Auril Gavis, or Lee Baek-ho…

‘I need to reach rank 9 somehow. And I need to solve the spirit engraving problem as soon as possible…’

“Mister, is it going to take long? I’m about to reheat some food…….”

“Oh, I’ll be out soon.”

Realizing I’d been in the bathroom much longer than I thought, I hurriedly finished and came out. Then, we ate the warmed-up food and chatted.

“Schuiz, what are you going to do about the guild issue?” Amelia asked.

“The guild issue?”

“Raven, that woman, told you, didn’t she? If you want to avoid the eyes of the royal family, you should handle the information recorded in the guild somehow.”

“Ah…”

Rank 5 explorer, Rihen Schuiz.

The last time he entered the labyrinth was about five years ago.

But if the royal family accesses the records kept in the guild, my false identity will be quickly exposed.

Because the teams Rihen Schuiz was active in, the essences he’s confirmed to have consumed, etc., are recorded there.

“If they find his old comrades and ask a few questions, they’ll surely notice something’s off. Not to mention if they bring them directly to face me.”

“I need to burn and destroy Rihen Schuiz‘s records or modify them so they can’t be traced.”

“And that’s something only an insider of the guild can do.”

“Is there anyone who can help?” Amelia asked.

“Well, I never really got along with the guild.”

Though, one person did come to mind.

Julian Urbans.

The regional director’s daughter whom I once took hostage to clear my name.

Hmm, perhaps ‘precious daughter’ isn’t quite right?

Even thinking back, she was quite an unusual woman.

She wanted her father’s downfall just because she didn’t want to live like a puppet.

I wonder how that woman is doing now.

If I had helped her back then and earned her gratitude, would it have been possible to get help?

***

The next day after returning to the city.

Amelia went out to sell the Lighthouse Keeper’s equipment, and Erwin left, saying she needed to visit the sacred grounds.

And…

“Alright, I guess I should head out too.”

I grabbed some clothes and went outside.

After all, we had concluded that this much was safe.

Even Raven, my former comrade, didn’t recognize my face.

Unfortunately, with this face, it would be nearly impossible for anyone to think of Bjorn Jandel.

It’d be weird to just stay cooped up at home.

‘I should’ve met that kid from the dragon race with this face’

That dragon race priestess who had insulted my looks at first glance probably wouldn’t have dared lie if she had seen me now.

Tsk, what was so great about this feeble face?

‘Anyway, where should I head first…?’

This was my first proper outing since returning to the present. As I wandered aimlessly through the streets, taking in the sights, I soon reached my destination.

[Karcia Romne]

A blacksmith shop with an unnecessarily fancy name in ancient language.

Translated, it means ‘Magic Flame’ or something?

This was the shop Hikurod Murad, the dwarf, opened after leaving Team Halfling.

‘Seems like business has been good lately.’

I’d heard about it somewhat from Raven that business was booming, but I didn’t expect it to this extent.

It looked like he had expanded the shop by acquiring the buildings next to it. Quite the success story over the past two and a half years.

Shall I go in and have a look?

Feeling curious, I went into the blacksmith’s shop.

And as I was slowly browsing the displayed equipment—

“Ha ha ha! The displayed items aren’t for sale but are samples for custom orders. If you’re looking for something else, let me know!”

I turned at the familiar voice and saw a familiar face.

“Hikurod Murad.”

“Oh, you know my name? Hahaha! Guess I’ve gotten pretty famous recently…”

The dwarf I hadn’t seen in ages let out a hearty laugh, tilting his head up to look at me, and then, all of a sudden, froze in place.

“…Huh?”

“What’s the matter?”

“N-no, it’s nothing. Just… you seem kind of familiar. Tall and handsome, aren’t you?”

I wondered if he recognized me, but it didn’t seem like it.

Okay, at this rate, I guess no one will recognize me even if I show my real face.

But… why do I feel so disappointed?

Pushing aside the inexplicable feeling, I conversed with the dwarf.

“Is it okay for the boss to be out here?”

“Ha ha, I don’t really do the blacksmith work,” he replied.

“Why not?”

“Because the hired blacksmiths do it instead, so why should I? They make things much better than me.”

“I see.”

“Rather, this seems to be my true calling. I found my aptitude late. So tell me. If there’s something you want, I’ll match the price somehow.”

It seemed Hikurod had given up on his dream of being a blacksmith and transitioned into a sales role.

No wonder his business was doing so well.

‘Wow, he’s even wearing a mithril necklace now?’

Honestly, it was quite a shock.

Not just giving up on his dream, but his attire and everything—it didn’t feel like the guy I used to know.

“Tsk, I explained everything so well because you looked like a good customer, but turns out I was wrong.”

As soon as I said I was just looking and not planning to buy, he erased his smile and kicked me out.

“If you’re not buying, get out quickly! Other customers can’t come in because of you!”

Even as I was pushed out, I was dumbfounded.

What happened to him to become so money-hungry?

…Well, as long as he’s doing well.

After leaving the blacksmith’s shop, I headed to a training center whose location I’d noted in advance. It was a place where Mr. Rotmiller taught scouting skills to explorers for a fee…

It’s closed. I wanted to at least see his face from afar.

For some reason, it wasn’t open today.

“Then where should I go?”

I thought about going home, but since there was nothing to do there, I decided on a new destination and moved on.

[Ravigion Central Library]

When there’s nothing to do, there’s no place like here.

As I entered through the wide-open doors, indicating it was open, I saw a familiar desk.

But…

“What the…”

The faces of the people sitting at the desk were different.

Normally, there should have been just one sleepy-eyed librarian at that wide desk.

“Welcome. Thank you for visiting,” a staff member greeted.

Over twenty staff members were sitting at the desk, working.

Just like the library from 20 years ago.

“Excuse me… where is the librarian who used to be here?” I asked.

“Which person are you referring to?” the librarian replied.

“Ragna Litaniel Phefroc…”

“……?”

At my question, the librarian tilted her head as if she didn’t know, then went to the desk to ask other staff and came back.

“…Do you know when she retired?”

“I asked my seniors, and they say that’s the name of someone who retired before the library’s reorganization.”

“Since it was just before the reorganization, it must have been about two years ago.”

Two years ago, huh…

I suppose that makes sense. She didn’t exactly have the qualifications to be a lifelong librarian.

After all, she had been handling the work of dozens of people all by herself using her vast magical power.

“Is there anything else we can help you with?”

“No, just cast the detection spell, and I’ll handle the rest.”

“The book detection spell costs 3,000 stones!”

Wow, they charge for that now?

I could definitely feel how much things had changed while I was gone, but I paid the fee and found a few books to read.

How much time passed after that, I’m not sure.

Rrrng-!

Who is that?

Rrrrng-!

The sound of snoring echoed irregularly, and unable to take it any longer, I looked up.

“Excuse me, mam. We’ve received complaints… could you please wake up?”

A librarian was almost begging, shaking the shoulder of a huge barbarian who was snoring.

Drrrrrr…

Ugh, she’s embarrassing all barbarians…

Huh?

As the barbarian woke up, wiped her drool, and stood up abruptly, I couldn’t help but flinch.

“Oh, sorry! I must have dozed off for a moment!” she exclaimed.

Blonde hair roughly braided and let down carelessly.

Golden eyes that exuded stubbornness.

“Ah, yes… Then please exit…” the librarian stammered.

Huh, I never thought I’d meet her in a library.

Her frame had grown so large that I almost didn’t recognize her at first, but seeing her face, I was sure.

“Ha ha! No need to kick me out. I’m apologizing like this! Don’t be so harsh. Ah, was the word ‘harsh’ a bit difficult for you?” she said with a grin.

It was Aynar, the second daughter of Pheneline.