It can't be true!

　I quickly dismiss the chapter leader's words when he told me that he was trying to save us from a labyrinth runaway.
　The way he treated me and the people of the city is a countermeasure against the Maze Runaway?
　There was no way he could admit that.

　The anger I felt when I found out I was banned from the labyrinth.
　I stared at the branch chief and shouted at him to beat that emotion that I can still remember vividly.

'How can I believe you if you say that to mend things now: ......

　But the momentum was quickly lost from my words.
　The anger still smoldering in my chest.
　But as I pile on the words, I realize that it's too good to be excused.

　...... It's too good to assume it's an excuse.

　All this time I've been wondering about guilds.
　Why did the guild prevent the city from selling materials or blocking us, one of the most talented people in this labyrinth city, from entering or leaving the labyrinth?
　As a result, if the city's people and highly skilled adventurers leave the labyrinth city, the guild will have nothing but losses and it doesn't seem to benefit them.
　The guild's unknowable intentions give me the creeps.

　But what if the guild's goal was not to make decisions based on profit and loss, but to get rid of me and the other people in the city?

......!

　You can go to King's Landing if you're unhappy.

　I remember what Banzam told me in the guild when I was banned from the labyrinth.

　When Banzam first told me, I thought they were words of mockery, but now I see that I was mistaken.
　Maybe it wasn't because of the labyrinth runaway, as the branch chief had said.

　Still, Banzam at that time had definitely acted like he was going to kick me out of the labyrinth city.
　I'm not saying that he said it famously, but it was clear from Hanzam's attitude at that time.

　...... If I had left then, it was then that such a thought came into my head.

　If I had done so, Narsena might not have gotten caught up in the labyrinth runaway.

'I, am ......'

　The voice he mumbled was so snatched up that he couldn't believe he'd let it out.

　The smile on his face as he handed the material to the townspeople.
　And the sight of Marnell and the others laughing and interacting with the townspeople came to mind.

　It was supposed to be an act of pride for me, until now.
　But that thought is crumbling away.

　I don't know what kind of intentions the branch chiefs had in trying to get rid of us.
　It's a coincidence that the labyrinth runaway happened by chance, they may have had some other intentions, or they may have been planning something else and we were in their way.

　But the fact that I did something unnecessary doesn't change.
　The reason being that, no matter what their intentions were, the chapter leaders wanted us and the people of the city to escape from the labyrinth city.

　If I hadn't done the unnecessary things, then the people of the city and Narsena wouldn't have been caught up in the labyrinth runaway.

　My mind goes blank.
　It was at that moment that the branch manager spoke to me.


"Everything about the city is not your fault.


　The branch manager had a smile on his face, full of friendliness and kindness.

　That smile made me feel an unconscious sense of relief.
　But when I noticed the boss's smile, I unconsciously stepped back.

You have done nothing wrong. I should have told you more about the threats that were coming to this labyrinth city.

　Without paying any attention to my attitude, the chapter leader continues to speak.
　He was trying to comfort me, seeing my mind in full perspective.

　The chapter leader's words were just kind.
　But I instinctively understand.
　I can't hang on to this kindness.
　If I hang on to it, I might end up doing the boss's bidding.

　It was then that my master stepped in front of me with his magic built up.

''Stop trying to take in my disciples,''

　The Master, who doesn't even try to hide his annoyance, glares at the Branch Chief.
　But the branch chief just laughs at the master, who doesn't even try to hide his displeasure.

''It's offensive to me that you would say that. I'm just trying to accept my faults and make a suggestion to you guys.

...... suggestions?

Yeah. That's another useful suggestion for you guys.

　The branch chief smiles amicably at his master, who twists his face inexplicably.
　A smile is plastered on his face, as if he were talking to a friend, and he opens his mouth.


''──In this labyrinthine city where a labyrinth runaway occurs, why don't we cooperate?


......!

　What I remembered from those words was discomfort and anger.
　Naturally, my hand tightens its grip on the weapon.
　Revealing my hostility, I said to the branch chief, "No, sir.

'No thanks. If you're feeling guilty, on the contrary, could you not get any closer to us?

　It's probably true that the branch chiefs tried to get me and the city's people to escape from the labyrinth city.
　However, I didn't believe them at all when they said that they noticed the labyrinth runaway and tried to escape the city's people and us.
　I don't know as much about the elves called Mist, the head of the Labyrinth City Branch, as my master does.

　However, I understand from our previous interactions that he is not a sweetheart who can be forgiven here.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find some sort of conspiracy to get rid of me and the people of the city from the labyrinth city if it's this man.
　I don't doubt that at least the branch chief has the ability to take advantage of the labyrinth runaway.
　I tell him that in no uncertain terms.

''I don't trust you at all, and I have no intention of doing so,''

You ......!

　In response to my words, Hanzam glares at me.
　I can feel the killing intent that makes my skin tingle, but Hanzam is loyal to his branch chief's words, for better or worse.
　Knowing this from our previous interactions, I ignore Hanzam and open my mouth to Master.

''That's right, Master.''

　At that moment, I had no doubt that my master was in agreement with me.
　If Master is even more wary of the branch chief than I am, he must understand more than I do the horror of bringing the branch chief to his side.
　In such a situation, there is no possibility of nodding to the Branch Chief's proposal.
　That's what I was thinking.


...... All right. Mist, I'll take you up on your offer. I'll work with you guys.

............ Huh?

　Therefore, I couldn't believe the words of the master who told the branch chief.


　The expression of bitterness on Master's face as he accepted the Branch Chief's decision to become an ally shows that he was unwilling to accept the proposal.
　Nevertheless, there was no hesitation in Master's words when he told him that he would accept the proposal.
　As I was stunned by the unexpected situation, Master and Branch Chief exchanged a few words with each other.

'A wise decision, Larma.'

Shut up. Make it clear you're only trying to cooperate. You betray me and you'll be the first to die.

Scary.

　Overhearing that conversation, I finally understand.
　That the Master is seriously trying to get the help of the branch manager.

...... What do you mean by that?

　With helpless confusion, I reflexively turn around and try to question my mentor.
　Why are you trying to do something as dangerous as making the branch chief your ally?
　I'm sure you'll find that siding with the branch chief is even riskier than antagonizing the branch chief.

　...... It was then that I noticed something strange about my master.

''Sh, Master ......?''

　There was intense frustration and tension on Master's face.
　On the contrary, I, who was at close range, also noticed that Master's complexion was pale.
　It was even worse than that time before I entered this room, when I told him that I had a thirty percent chance of winning with the branch chief.
　I was speechless at the sight of it, and Master told me in a whisper, "I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. Apparently I was wrong in my assessment. ...... Perhaps the mist really doesn't have any means of escape.

　Master's words, which completely denied the purpose of coming here, brought a bit of a shock to me as well.
　However, I had expected that to some extent based on the attitude of the branch chief, but I didn't lose my composure at his words.

　The proof of this is the fact that they are trying to build a cooperative system with us, but they don't talk about any escape routes.
　At the very least, even if there was an escape route, it would surely take some time or effort.
　Otherwise, there was no reason for the chapter leaders to offer us cooperation.
　All they have to do is say nothing and run away.

　So, even after receiving that master's words, I was more interested in whether he agreed to cooperate with the branch chief.
　As if he understood my inner thoughts, Master tells me.

'I know. I have not the slightest idea of trusting the Mist. I also understand the danger of making him an ally. But I know that if we can't keep up with this kind of opponent, we won't last a few days.

　It was then that I remembered the danger of a labyrinthine runaway that had been missing from my mind during my interactions with the branch manager.
　...... Even after all this time, I recognize the threat of a labyrinth runaway against the loss of an escape route.
　Still, I can't admit to having the branch chief on my side, and I open my mouth to my mentor.

'But it's more risky to have that branch chief on your side ......

I'm sorry.

　But my master never heard the end of my words.

...... The current situation is that you have to rely on them, no matter who they are.

I...

　The master's face was filled with intense frustration as he told me this.

　...... It was then that I finally recognized a glimpse of the horror of the labyrinth runaway.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of your time with us.
　After Hydra and Phoenix, I wondered how I could get involved in such a nasty ...... thing.

　If I go back, I'll have to explain to everyone that the branch leader I was supposed to have recognized as an enemy has become an ally.
　I frown evasively as I recognize the troubling future.

'At least don't let anything more happen to me: ......

　I don't know, as I muttered that pleadingly.

　...... that something has already happened to make the situation even worse.