The Banished Villainous Noble Son Who Was Used as a Stepping Stone in the Original Work Awakens to Combat and Destroys the Laws of the World - Episode 46: Return

Episode 46: Return

――Preparations for returning to the royal capital proceeded smoothly. And now all that was left was to head back.

With the report on the request completed, the investigation mission was officially concluded. From here on, all that remained was to return to the royal capital, visit the guild, and formally submit the completion report.

We returned to the base safely, gained new insights, and completed the request.

Perhaps because of that, a faint emptiness lingered in my heart.

“I’ll have the carriage prepared then. We should be able to depart around midday as planned.”

“Thank you.”

(…Somewhere in my mind, I had assumed that once the request was complete, I’d be returning alone.)

Until I submit the report to the guild in the capital, I’m still technically “on duty.” And right now, I have someone who wants to “see that last step through” with me.

“Please take care of the carriage.”

“Of course. Likewise.”

It was a simple exchange. But even that left behind a certain lingering feeling.

(“Magic,” huh. I thought the Academy might have some leads… but at the very least, this time yielded nothing.)

Even though I say “at the very least this time”… the top priority should be leveling up my “Constant Activity” skill. After that, I should reconsider which direction to pursue next.

With that in mind, the quiet return journey to the royal capital began.

◆

It hadn’t even been a full week since we left on this request. But it felt strangely long.

The moment I pushed open the guild’s front door, I felt like I had been away from this place for far too long.

(…Just my imagination?)

Nothing should’ve changed in just a few days. Even so, maybe the time I spent on this request had slightly altered my senses.

Inside the interview room, Irina spoke in her usual calm tone.

“I’ve confirmed the report and inspected the submitted materials. The Academy has also submitted their report. With that, this request is complete.”

“Understood.”

I nodded. Lucrane also quietly bowed beside me.

(…So it’s over, huh.)

Even after doing all that, “Request Complete” is just a few words on a piece of paper.

It’s not that I can’t accept that. But it still felt strangely hollow.

(—No, it’s not over yet.)

This is just the formal ending. For me, it isn’t over—not until I find out what that ice monster really was.

“…Hmm. A string-like monster, you say?”

It seemed Irina was deep in thought about the string-like monster I encountered.

“It’s hard to believe. There are monsters known to absorb magical energy. But I’ve never heard of one that spreads out string-like tendrils to absorb magic, as your report states.”

“…You think so too, Irina-san?”

Lucrane agreed with her.

“As for the ‘black crystal’ that Alphonse supposedly brought back, analysis is underway at the Academy. But due to its unique properties, progress has been… difficult.”

“Something unique, huh. In any case, without results, it’s all speculation. Still, it seems too unlikely that the string-like monster Alphonse defeated and the magic instability in the Magic Ore layer are unrelated.”

Irina lowered her gaze to the documents. She was seemingly deep in thought even as she read.

“This request is now complete. However, cases of magical instability are rare even in the capital. The information you brought back is extremely valuable.”

“I see.”

“Of course, it will be analyzed alongside the Academy’s report—but it’s precisely because people like you go out into the field and gather this data… you did well.”

In her voice—rarely—there was a slight softness.

“Thank you very much.”

I bowed deeply. Irina nodded lightly. She then shifted her gaze to Lucrane.

“Lucrane, you’ve worked hard as well.”

“No… I merely tried not to hold him back.”

Irina nodded at Lucrane’s humble words.

“For now, this request will be processed as complete.”

A small sound echoed as she closed the document. As if that sound was a signal, we left the interview room.

◆

Even after leaving the interview room, Lucrane said little.

It wasn’t so much that we were walking side by side. But more that we just naturally started walking in the same direction.

As we headed toward the hall, I glanced downward.

The hall’s bustling noise felt like it belonged to some faraway world.

(…Even after submitting the report, I don’t feel like it’s truly over.)

Normally, this would be a stopping point—mission complete, safe return, reward to be received later.

Even so, the icy feeling remained lodged in my chest.

That string-like monster, the ice monster—or maybe I should just call it *that*.

That gaze, that breath.

It wasn’t human, nor beast, nor demon—something unknown. Yet, there was unmistakable resonance.

A feeling I can’t express in words has settled at the bottom of my heart.

“Well then, I’ll be off here.”

Before leaving the guild, Lucrane stopped and gave a small bow.

“As for what comes next, the Academy will contact you again… When that happens, I hope we can work together again.”

“Likewise, I look forward to it.”

With just those brief words, Lucrane quietly left. I watched his back as he walked away.

(With this, this request is over. But—)

But deep down, I already knew.

This “calm” won’t last long. In fact, this is only the beginning.

There’s a part of me that wants to feel that sensation again, to relive that battle.

Fighting proves I’m alive.

And I believe that, without doubt.

I’m not tired.

Then I should do what I can, starting now.

With that thought, I headed toward the reception desk.

“Ah…! Welcome back, Alphonse-san! Great work on completing your request!”

A soft voice greeted me. It was the usual receptionist.

We hadn’t seen each other in a few days. But there was a noticeable bounce in her demeanor this time.

“Thank you. By the way, I’d like to know what requests are currently available.”

“Eh… r-requests?”

The receptionist blinked in surprise.

“Yes. Do you have any subjugation-type ones? I’d like to get my body moving a bit.”

“Ah, r-right. In that case, perhaps this one…”

As she handed me the available requests, I silently confirmed things to myself.

(…Ever since I obtained “Indomitable”, my body responds differently. I still haven’t mastered it, but it’s worth experimenting with.)

And—

(Also, it’s about time I level up my “Constant Activity” skill. Now that the request is over and I’m back in the capital, this is a good time to take on a lot of jobs.)

Yes, the battle has already begun.

Even beyond the end of this request, I must take the next step toward my goal.

Thanks to the unexpected gains I made, I felt my bl00d stirring more than usual.

Original Author’s Comment:

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