My goal is to reach the outside world.
To do that, I need to destroy the wall of art principles that separates the two worlds.
But if that wall disappears, the magical power from the outside world will flood into the world of art principles.
As a transcendent being, I have resistance to outside magical power, so I can live in that environment without issue. However, for the vast majority of people, outside magical power is no different from deadly poison.
Forcing others to sacrifice themselves so I can go to the outside world is completely unacceptable.
Destroying the wall of art principles while ensuring no one dies from it—this is the absolute minimum requirement.
On top of that, attempting something like this will undoubtedly draw interference from the Cyclamen Order.
A fight with the Order is inevitable.
Therefore, there are two major things I need to accomplish to reach my goal.
The first is to make it possible for people to live in the environment of the outside world.
The second is to completely crush the Cyclamen Order.
Neither will be easy, but I have no choice but to do them.
Because this is how I will seize the "future where I can live smiling" that Grandpa wished for me.
◇
After regrouping with Amuntsars in the Hitia Duchy, sharing information, and taking care of the urgent matters I wanted to handle, I transferred from the Downing Company to the basement of Grandpa's general store, just like in the previous timeline.
However, what greeted my eyes was not the familiar sight I remembered.
The place showed signs of long disuse, with visible deterioration in several spots.
"…Grandpa..."
The murmur that slipped from my lips simply dissolved into the silent space without reaching anyone.
In this world, Grandpa was supposed to have died ten years ago.
In the previous timeline, Grandpa had faked his death ten years earlier.
After that, he had come to Tsutrail, run a general store, and watched over me.
But this world was the one where that deception had become reality.
It was reasonable to assume that any traces of Grandpa's life in Tsutrail had either vanished or been replaced with something else.
Reflecting on the memories of Grandpa that no longer existed, I climbed the stairs.
When I reached the first floor, the entire space was covered in dust, just like the basement—an empty, desolate room.
There was no trace left that a general store had ever been here.
In the completely bare room, only the sound of my footsteps echoed, filling me with a sense of emptiness.
◇
After leaving the building that had once been Grandpa's general store, I headed straight to the residence of the local lord, Marquis Forgas.
I had only planned to make an appointment today, but things progressed smoothly, and I was able to meet with him the same day.
"Thank you for making time for me despite my sudden visit, Marquis Forgas."
"I owe you a debt of gratitude. I'm happy to make time for you anytime. So, what brings you here?"
Marquis Forgas welcomed me with a gentle demeanor.
It was a kind gesture, but the disconnect was overwhelming…
The Marquis Forgas I knew was the man who had been manipulated by Philly and acted as the sponsor for the Hero Party.
Back then, the words "cold-blooded and ruthless" had perfectly described him.
I understood that the man before me now—freed from Philly's curse after last year's Thanksgiving Festival—was his true self, but I still couldn't shake the discomfort.
"Actually, I would like to make use of that right you granted me."
"The right you mean… the reward for winning last year's martial arts tournament?"
"Yes."
Marquis Forgas's gentle expression shifted into that of a proper lord.
I had won the martial arts tournament held during last year's Thanksgiving Festival.
As the prize, I had received the right to ask Marquis Forgas for a favor within reasonable limits.
Right after the tournament, Oliver had gone berserk, then I had been sent to the Legreef territory on business, and now the kingdom was at war with the Empire. Various things had kept me from using that right until now, but I had decided to exercise it here.
"Understood. I will do what I can to grant your wish. Tell me what you desire."
"My wish is simple. —Please frame me as a criminal."
"...What did you say?"
Marquis Forgas frowned in clear confusion upon hearing my request.
Well, it was only natural to be bewildered by something like that.
"Of course, you cannot simply declare me a criminal without cause. That is why I will soon cause an incident. The content will be an attack on the detention facility. I will break Oliver out of custody. I will make sure no one is injured, but I plan to destroy the facility quite dramatically, so on that day, please adjust the patrol routes of the territorial army around the detention facility within reasonable limits—"
"—Wait! Hold on!"
As I explained what I intended to do, Marquis Forgas interrupted me.
"What exactly are you saying…? From the way you're talking, it sounds like your goal is to free Oliver, but if that's the case, couldn't you simply ask for his release?"
"No. My true desire is… to be driven out of this city as a criminal."
Marquis Forgas finally fell speechless. His expression clearly showed that he couldn't comprehend what I was saying.
"Sorry for the sudden change of topic, but what do you think of Philly Carpenter, Marquis Forgas?"
"Philly Carpenter…? If I'm honest, I consider her the worst woman imaginable."
Marquis Forgas answered my question despite his confusion at the topic shift.
Anger was clearly visible in his eyes.
"I feel the same. From now on, I intend to move against Philly Carpenter—and by extension, the Cyclamen Order. But if I clash with the Order, they will mercilessly target my weaknesses."
The Order already viewed me as a target for elimination even if I did nothing, but there was no need to mention that here.
"And you believe this city is one of your weaknesses?"
I nodded at the Marquis's question.
"There are many things I hold dear in this city. Therefore, I need the Order to at least believe that I have cut ties with this place."
"So if you are driven out as a criminal, the Order will conclude that?"
"That alone would be too weak. That is why I plan to cause one more major incident. An incident so large that not only this city but the entire world will brand me as an enemy. If they witness that, the Order should conclude that I have abandoned Tsutrail."
Marquis Forgas stared straight at me, as if trying to discern my true intentions.
"…Understood. However, the condition is that there will be no injured parties."
After a long silence during which he continued to look into my eyes, Marquis Forgas let out a small sigh and accepted my request.
As for the condition, I had already intended to avoid injuries, so there was no problem.
"Thank you for accepting such an unreasonable request. I understand the condition regarding injuries. I have no desire to hurt people unnecessarily."
After expressing my gratitude to Marquis Forgas, the two of us worked out the details of the detention facility attack.
Next would be tampering with the transfer array at the Explorers Guild.
In the previous timeline, Grandpa had handled that. Since he was no longer here, I would have to do it myself.