Published: January 22, 2026
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The day after having dinner with Sophia and Ms. Selma.
Since we were set to start exploring the Great Labyrinth from tomorrow, I headed to the general store I’d been frequenting to buy healing potions and other consumables.
“Grandpa, hello.”
“Oh, Orun, it’s been a while…”
The shopkeeper was an elderly man in his sixties, with a long beard that had turned completely white.
Ever since I came to this town and became an explorer, I had often visited this store.
Even when I wasn’t earning much, he gave me discounts, sometimes handed me prototypes for free, and occasionally offered advice as a senior in life. Grandpa had really taken good care of me.
“It’s not like it’s been that long. You were here just four days ago.”
“Is that so? Lately, with more customers coming in, I’ve been talking to all sorts of people.”
“Good to see business is booming.”
“Hohoho. That’s all thanks to you, Orun.”
“I didn’t do anything. It’s just that the potions and goods you make are good.”
“I know. I’m grateful that even though you became the top of the explorers, you still use my shop and even promote it. I truly appreciate it, Orun.”
Suddenly, Grandpa started expressing his gratitude to me.
“Why all of a sudden? I’m the one who should be thanking you.”
“You can never say thanks too early. Say it when you can.”
True, farewells can come unexpectedly.
‘Say thanks when you can’—I’ve learned so much from Grandpa.
Yet now, I might not be able to repay his kindness anymore.
“…Grandpa, I’m sorry. Actually, I’m no longer part of the hero party… So I probably can’t promote your shop anymore…”
Until now, I had been promoting the shop by using the hero party’s reputation. I’m not personally famous, and now that I’m no longer in the hero party, my influence around here is limited.
When I confessed that I had left the hero party and couldn’t promote the shop any longer, Grandpa softly patted my head with his usual gentle expression.
“What are you worrying about, child? It’s been almost nine years since I met you. I’m already grateful you’ve been this old man’s companion for that long. Don’t worry about such things. Besides—keeping the customers who came because of your promotion is up to my own efforts. You’ve done more than enough. Thank you.”
“That’s what I should be saying to you. Thank you.”
Touched by Grandpa’s kindness, I couldn’t hold back my tears.
Usually, I wouldn’t cry, but being kicked out of the hero party hurt my heart more than I thought.
When Oliver, who had been with me since birth, pushed me out of the party, it felt like everything I’d done was being denied.
That’s why being affirmed by Grandpa, who I’d known for nine years, felt incredibly comforting.
Grandpa always listens to my complaints.
Grandpa always helps me.
Grandpa is always on my side.
Since I have no family, I think of Grandpa as my real grandfather.
I must never betray this man. I reaffirmed this in my heart and swore it firmly.
◇
After buying what I needed at Grandpa’s store and doing some light exercise fighting demonic beasts in the dungeon, I visited the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky Headquarters regarding tomorrow’s guided exploration.
“…The interior is impressive, too.”
Until now, I’d only passed by the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky Headquarters and seen the exterior. Today was my first time stepping inside.
It rivaled the lounges of the finest hotels, like the one used by the marquis family that sponsored the hero party.
Even I, who don’t know much about furnishings, could tell that several items here were valuable.
“Orun, you’re here.”
Ms. Selma, sitting in a lounge chair in the rest area, greeted me as soon as I entered.
“Good evening, Ms. Selma. This is my first time inside, and it’s a splendid lounge.”
“Thank you. Well, this is the entrance, so it’s done up nicely. The other areas aren’t as fancy. Now, I’ll take you around. Follow me.”