Published: January 24, 2026
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Originally, the plan was for everyone to leave Darane today and return to Tsutolairu.
Therefore, Ms. Selma and the others had started preparing individually to return to Tsutolairu.
As for me, I wanted to continue the conversation with Fuuka from earlier, but after she finished breakfast, she said she had some errands and went outside. With no choice, I began preparing for the journey until she returned.
I had a pretty good guess about the person Fuuka wanted me to meet.
That person was likely Christopher Downing.
――“Make contact with Christopher Downing, head of the Downing Trading Company.”
This was another instruction left by Gary.
The main branch of the Downing Trading Company is in the Principality of Hitia.
Also, Fuuka lived in the Principality of Hitia before coming to Tsutolairu.
Given all this, I couldn’t believe this coincidence was accidental.
"Damn, my headache's getting worse again..."
The more I thought deeply about my past, the more intense the headache became.
Fuuka, who apparently knows part of my true past, mentioned that.
It’s almost certain that I received cognitive alteration from Philly Carpenter.
If that’s the case, the headache likely comes from questioning the parts that were rewritten by the cognitive alteration.
It’s probably a warning not to think any deeper.
"...Thinking about it now is just a waste of time and effort. I’m about to meet the person who knows my past. I can think deeply then."
I muttered this to myself, trying to ignore the headache and not dwell on the past.
Still, it’s impossible not to think about my past at all.
I can’t help but think about it.
Maybe that’s why this dull headache has persisted since morning.
Knowing this headache will probably continue for a while, I sighed.
While I was lost in these thoughts, Ms. Inora, attendant to Princess Lucilla, called out to me.
“Orun-sama, good morning. Do you have a moment now?”
“Good morning, Ms. Inora. Yes, I’m fine. Is there something you need?”
“The princess requests a meeting with Orun-sama. Could you please come to her room?”
(Princess Lucilla? What could this be about?)
Honestly, I was already busy with my own matters.
But given that we are at war with the empire, and as a senior member of the silver rabbits of the night sky, I couldn’t just ignore a request from the princess.
Explorers no longer go to the battlefield, but that’s only for now.
Depending on how the war goes, explorers might still have to go to the battlefield.
If I owe Princess Lucilla a favor now, she might consider the personnel carefully if that happens.
The chance is slim, but as a leader of the clan, I should do what I can to keep our members from going to the battlefield.
“Understood. I’ll head to Princess Lucilla’s room.”
“Thank you very much. I will guide you.”
Following Ms. Inora, I spotted Fuuka, who had been outside earlier.
“Fuuka, are you done with your errand?”
“Yes, I finished. Orun, are you going to meet the princess now?”
Fuuka glanced at Ms. Inora before asking.
“Yeah. Seems like she wants to talk to me.”
“I see. Hey, can I come along?”
When I responded, Fuuka turned to Ms. Inora and expressed her desire to accompany us.
“Yes, that’s fine. The princess has instructed that if you request to accompany, it should be granted,” Ms. Inora replied.
Surprised that Princess Lucilla had anticipated this situation, Fuuka and I followed Ms. Inora to meet her.
â—‡
“Excuse me.”
“Good morning, Orun. Sorry for calling you on such short notice.”
After entering the room and addressing Princess Lucilla, she greeted me in return.
Her usual warm, gentle expression was gone; she seemed somber, as if hiding something troubling.
“There’s still time before you leave, so please don’t worry. Now, what is your request?”
I forced a smile to show I wasn’t bothered and asked.
“Before I speak, let me confirm something. Fuuka—I expected you would come along, but how much have you two discussed?”
“Nothing in detail.”