With the Gratitude Festival just days away, two people faced each other in a small conference room at the Explorers' Guild.
One was Leon Conti—Guild Leader overseeing the southern continent, including the Great Southern Labyrinth.
The other was Philly Carpenter—the Enchanter currently in the Hero Party.
The atmosphere between them was far from friendly—tension stretched taut like a drawn bowstring.
"First off—good work. Achieving the quota in under two months? Truly the Hero Party. Gathering that many magic stones must have been grueling."
Leon spoke with his usual gentle, smiling expression, offering praise.
"...Sarcasm?"
Philly responded with a sour look, as if chewing something bitter.
"No, no—none intended—"
Leon meant it sincerely.
The guild's penalty demanded a magic stone quota that—even for A-rank parties excluding "Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky" or "Copper Twilight"—would take at least three months.
They'd done it in under two. Worthy of praise.
"—Though your first labyrinth dive as the Hero Party was... pathetic. Letting caution dig your own grave."
"Tch... Whatever. I came today for one reason. Why—why didn't you report that "Amuntzares"—and the White Mage—was in the southern Great Labyrinth?"
Her tone remained soft, but her gaze was sharp enough to make most people tremble.
"Why? Because we imposed a gag order. No way word would reach a mere explorer like you."
Leon replied calmly, unflinching under her piercing stare.
"A mere explorer? That's just pretense. I'm Grandmaster's close aide. My position is higher. Know your place."
"Even if I'd told you "Amuntzares" was active—what then? Easy to imagine. —You and the White Mage would clash fiercely, causing massive civilian casualties. Knowing that, why would I report it?"
"...Your imagination's correct. If I'd known—I'd have moved to kill her without hesitation. —But what's wrong with that? She's a clear enemy. Killing explorers makes her a murderer. Eliminating her is priority. Even if every resident of this city died—it wouldn't matter."
"...What do you think human lives are?"
Leon's gentle mask cracked—anger barely contained, voice strained.
"I don't think anything of them. If anything—convenient puppets that serve as my limbs?"
Philly spoke lightly, as if stating the obvious.
"Scum..."
"Don't look down on us so much. It'll come back to bite you."
"Hehe... Bite me? How? If I use my ability—the next instant, you'll forget this conversation... Such fragile beings—what could you possibly do to me?"
"...You think I'd face you like this without precautions?"
"..."
"Your ability is powerful. Used right—it could even reshape the world... But it's not perfect. Try it on me. The instant you do—guild HQ's location and all your past crimes will flood the world. What would "Amuntzares" do then? Nine times out of ten—they'd assault HQ full force."
"—! But even that—you..."
"I'd forget... probably. But my trap's not that simple."
Philly gave Leon a probing look.
"...This is clear treason, isn't it? You're not truly loyal to Grandmaster?"
"Hmph. I never swore loyalty to Grandmaster."
"What—"
"Of course—Grandmaster knows. To me—the guild's true purpose... means nothing. No—I despise it. But this society needs the guild now. That's why I work here. —For the innocent people living in this world...!"
Leon's voice carried fierce conviction.
His tone spoke volumes.
"...Sigh. Probably bluff—but there's always a chance. Fine—I'll concede today."
"No winners or losers here."
"For now—non-interference. You stay out of my way too."
Philly's words eased the tension slightly.
"Fine by me. —I pray your plans fail."
Mutual non-aggression agreed—Leon threw in a parting jab. Philly grimaced but left without reply.
"...Phew. Crossed a dangerous bridge—but at least some deterrence. —Now, festival prep."
Philly's footsteps faded. Alone, Leon muttered.
Deep breath—then his usual mild demeanor returned as he stood.