"Hm? Orun Dura. So you caught wind of this company's crimes too? Impressive. Maybe expelling you from the hero party was a mistake after all."
Marquis Forgas—upon spotting me—spoke smoothly, as if reciting pre-planned lines.
"...Long time no see, Lord Forgas. Pardon my rudeness—but could you tell me what crimes you've uncovered here?"
"Hm. You have the right to know. I've heard dark rumors about Flockheart Trading Company for some time. A long-time associate of mine. I assumed jealousy fueled false gossip—so I investigated. Then my subordinate reported they truly engage in human trafficking—"
"What are you saying!? This was all your orders!"
Pascal interrupted—voice trembling—claiming Marquis's orders.
Probably true.
But—
"I gave such inhuman orders? Don't insult me! Treating people as less than human—how casually you spout such lies! I'm ashamed I ever associated with someone like you."
"..."
Pascal stared in disbelief—like seeing something impossible.
"This man claims Lord Clive's orders. Is that a lie?"
A stern-faced man in central army armor—among the Marquis's group—spoke.
(This is the Marquis cutting ties with Flockheart. But—was it his will, or forced? Changes everything.)
◆
The stern man was famous—"Purifier" Lester Haston. Central Army 4th Division Commander.
Central Army—royal force—divided into four divisions.
4th Division—small but agile—specializes in intelligence.
Why "Purifier"? Ruthless judgment—even against nobles.
Thick royal trust—hard to touch.
Nobles resent him.
Commoners adore him.
Odd for intel head to be famous—perhaps intentional misinformation.
I dislike him.
He does right—punishes evil.
But only punishment.
Aftermath—someone else's problem.
Many stories of victims suffering worse post-punishment.
Thus—poor impression.
◆
Marquis likely cut ties—forced by Haston's grip.
"Of course. No way I'd order this. Pascal—you're framing me. Surely you have proof?"
"T-That... all verbal..."
"Hmph. Nonsense. Lester—surely you won't believe this delusion?"
"...Seems a miss this time. But I'll expose your sins someday, Marquis Forgas. —Men—arrest the four on ground and Flockheart head for child kidnapping in progress."
"""Yes sir!"""
"More pressing matters for soldiers than chasing phantoms."
Pascal muttered "Lies... mistake..."—no resistance—taken.
Sleeping girl—uncuffed—carried by soldier.
Bitter ending.
Flockheart likely collapses—charged with child kidnapping.
"...Lord Forgas—one answer."
Asked quietly—out of central army earshot.
"Go on."
"Was this sudden? Because I poked in?"
"Hmph. Quite full of yourself now. Back in Dawnlight—low self-esteem—only propped Oliver. Well—ends after festival. You can't beat him..."
"...Answer."
"No."
'No'—cutting Flockheart planned from start.
But why?
No benefit from info I have.
Two months since hero party exit—situation shifted greatly?
Answered—Marquis left with central army.
Only Fuka and I remained.
"Let's head out. But seriously—just stall-hopping—how'd it turn into this..."
Grumbling—climbed stairs. Noisy voices.
Military fully investigating company.
Avoid trouble—hid presence—exited quickly.
"I'm returning to clan HQ. You?"
"Home too. Saw what I wanted... satisfied."
...Wanted? Nothing there seemed her desire.
Whatever.
"Yeah. Split here. —Like said—what happened here—tell no one."
No need for secrecy now—but no reason to spread.
"Okay. Got it. See you, Orun."
"Yeah. Later."
Final farewell—parted ways.