Published: January 22, 2026
"I'm home, Father-in-law."
"...Ah."
Having returned to my in-laws' house, I immediately headed to the study where my father-in-law was.
Even when I greeted him, he didn’t lift his gaze from the documents, replying absentmindedly.
Well, this is usual, so I didn’t mind.
Normally, I would leave right away, but today I had something important to discuss, so I spoke to him again.
"Father-in-law, I know you're busy, but could you please spare a moment to listen to me?"
"......What is it?"
My father-in-law sighed softly and finally directed his eyes toward me.
"Actually, I'm thinking of leaving the hero party. It's clear from this morning’s newspaper that the hero party is declining. There’s no reason for me to remain in it anymore. Once my penalty period is over, I plan to withdraw immediately."
"What are you saying? What nonsense is this? What will you do if your actions cause us to lose our deal with Marquis Forgus?"
My in-laws run the flockhart trading company.
Flockhart trading company is one of the largest trading companies in the country, dealing extensively with the nobility.
Among these, the trade with the Marquis Forgus family is the most significant. Over the past decade, the company has become heavily dependent on them.
Once, they had more diverse dealings, but now they mostly trade with nobles affiliated with the Marquis Forgus faction.
Indeed, if Marquis Forgus abandons us, this company will falter.
◇ ◇ ◇
I was once an orphan and was adopted into this family when I was seven.
I have never felt parental love from them.
The reason I was taken in is simple.
This family, unable to have children, took me in as a tool for a political marriage.
Still, I accepted it.
Life here is undeniably better than in the orphanage, and if I were to marry into a large trading company or a baron’s family, I believed I could live comfortably.
I received education for that purpose and thought my life was better compared to other orphans.
However, I was never used as a tool for a political marriage.
My in-laws informed Marquis Forgus about my supernatural ability.
Upon learning this, Marquis Forgus proposed increasing trade with us under one condition.
My in-laws immediately agreed.
The condition was that I must form an explorer party with two boys who were arriving in this town.
Following instructions, I pretended it was a coincidence and formed the explorer party with Mr. Orun and Mr. Oliver.
Perhaps it was to recruit the talented Mr. Orun.
Though it remains a mystery how they knew about him.
◇ ◇ ◇
"Is there any value left in the party that Mr. Orun left? I believe Marquis Forgus thinks the same."
"What are you misunderstanding? We had you form a party to support Oliver Cardiff. Not some fake who only happened to defeat the black dragon, but a true hero!"
A true hero?
Certainly, Mr. Oliver is talented.
But Mr. Orun surpasses him by far.
"With respect, the dungeon's deep floor boss is not something you can defeat by chance. Especially not alone. That would be an achievement on par with heroes from fairy tales, would it not?"
"...You ignorant girl, don’t talk back! Marquis Forgus has considerations far beyond your imagination! And who do you think saved you? You only need to obey our orders! Don’t talk back! I will not allow you to leave the party! Understood?"
"...Y-yes... I understand."
In a way, my father-in-law is right.
If I had stayed in the orphanage's harsh environment, I might already be dead.
This family saved my life.
I owe them that much.
But if I stay in the hero party now, with Mr. Derrick and Ms. Aneli going out of control, it will fall apart.
In the worst case, I could lose my life exploring the dungeon.
I don’t want to die...
Since I can’t leave the party, I can no longer be a bystander.
I must actively communicate with everyone to prevent the party from collapsing.
The other day, picking a fight with Mr. Derrick was a mistake...
But there’s no use lamenting.
I have to do everything I can.
I won’t lose my life over something so pointless.