Published: January 24, 2026
“You are—!?”
The disciples who realized that Shion was the person who attacked them last year tensed up.
Seeing the disciples ready to fight, Shion briefly showed a lonely expression, but quickly composed herself and looked straight at the disciples.
“Sorry for showing up all of a sudden. I didn’t really plan to come out, but it seemed like you were in trouble. However, before anything else—”
In the tense atmosphere that could explode at any moment, Shion slowly bowed her head.
“—Last year, I tried to take your lives. I know that apologizing won’t make things right. Even so, please allow me to apologize. I am truly sorry.”
Seeing Shion bow her head and apologize, I almost wanted to tell the disciples to forgive her.
But I understood that would be misguided. Besides, Shion probably doesn’t want that, and it wouldn’t solve anything.
I swallowed the words that almost escaped.
“…I’ve heard a little about last year’s incident from Mr. Orun. That event was a mismatch caused by being set up by the enemy. Is that true?”
“...Yes, that’s part of it. But the main reason is that I am a weak person (………). That whole incident wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t neglected prior investigation. I should’ve noticed Orun’s presence. If I had, we never would have fought.”
“…Why did you neglect the investigation?”
“Because it dulls my murderous intent. The more you know about the person, the less willing you are to kill them. So, while I never forget the face and name of those whose lives I’ve taken, I never tried to learn anything else. Being weak, I protected my heart by lumping explorers trying to conquer the Great Labyrinth into enemies harming the world.”
“That’s despicable.”
Carol cut Shion down sharply, which was rare.
“Yes, it is. I’ve taken many lives so far. That sin will never disappear, and I won’t look away from it. Now, carrying this sin, I want to fight to save more people than the lives I’ve taken.”
Shion, who had been self-deprecating after Carol’s words, now looked straight at the disciples with eyes full of resolve.
I know Shion’s words come from the bottom of her heart, but how will the disciples take them?
As everyone silently watched the situation, Log finally spoke.
“I probably can’t forgive you easily. But because of the fear and defeat you caused me, I wanted to become stronger. In hindsight, I think that incident was necessary for my growth.”
“That’s right. I feel the same as Log. It was really scary back then, but looking back now, it seems like the trial we needed.”
“For me too, it was a turning point for changing my mindset. I can’t forgive you for scaring us, but hearing what you said, I can at least come to terms with it.”
Following Log, Sophie and Carol also shared their feelings.
Nodding at their words, Shion said,
“Thank you for your honest feelings. You don’t have to forgive me. I deserve that much.”
The tense atmosphere seemed to soften a bit.
For now, let’s be glad that no fatal rift formed between the disciples and Shion.
It’s impressive that all three don’t reject someone who once tried to kill them.
“So, Shion. You said earlier you’d ‘do something.’ Do you have a good idea?”
“Yes. I heard your story. Those three want to enter the academy, but they want to avoid having their connection to Orun exposed. Is that right?”
“Yeah. If it’s thought that we’re connected to the silver rabbits of the night sky, these kids and Tsutolairu might be targeted by the cult again. We want to avoid that.”
“That’s easy then. We just give those three fake backgrounds. My family can easily create fake profiles for them.”
Shion’s family, the Nasturtium Family, is known as middle-ranking nobility.
But that’s just the surface.
The Nasturtium Family, whose roots lie with the witch who fought the evil god alongside the Hero of the Fairy Tale, is practically the ruler of the Principality of Hitia.
“Are you from a really amazing family that can easily create fake backgrounds, Shion?”