Ch.8The Black Mage is Free (2)

“Your party withdrawal process has been completed.”

I stood there in a daze as I received the ID card she handed over.

The withdrawal process was simple.

Fill out one form and modify the information recorded on the ID card through a magic tool, and it’s done.

It took about 3 minutes.

Of course, the guild would have more work to do afterward, but my part was finished.

The receptionist seemed to read something in my behavior and said with an anxious expression.

“You absolutely cannot reverse this decision?”

“Yes, I know. You explained that beforehand.”

In truth, it’s extremely rare for a member of an A-rank party to withdraw.

There aren’t many A-rank parties to begin with, and transfers to higher S-rank parties are almost unheard of.

That’s probably why the receptionist asked me several times beforehand.

But my answer remained consistent.

‘It’s fine. Please process my withdrawal.’

I don’t know how well that priest who tried to drag me down to hell will get along with them.

But there’s one thing I know for certain.

I’m bigger than him.

Both in generosity and in other ways.

With a snicker, I bowed slightly to the receptionist and left the Adventurer’s Guild.

I don’t know if I’ll ever come back, but if I do, I’ll surely be part of an incomparably tight-knit party.

Of course, as a Warlock, not a mage.

I took a deep breath.

Fresh air filled my lungs, and I felt my heart lighten.

Contrary to my worries, it didn’t feel bad at all.

The sky didn’t fall, and the ground didn’t cave in.

I even felt joy at the prospect of living a new life as a Warlock.

Should I be thankful to my party members at this point?

For cleanly casting me out, allowing me to discover a new life?

No, sooner or later, I would have discovered this situation anyway.

Honestly, the collapse of the Church was a big enough event to turn the country upside down.

In the end, that doomed party was of no help to me.

Ah, there was one thing.

I reached into my Magic Pouch and fiddled with the money pouch inside.

A-rank party quests can’t be accepted individually unless you’re an S-rank adventurer, so they at least helped fill the numbers.

What a splendid achievement.

But let’s not see each other anymore.

And so I began walking through the streets of the Royal Capital.

Streets that still bore traces of the battle between Warlocks and the Church.

Some buildings had completely collapsed, while others were operating normally.

I entered what looked like the most expensive restaurant, one that seemed like it could have defended itself even during the battle.

It was like a gift to myself for my new beginning.

“Welcome—oh.”

The server who was about to greet me cheerfully looked me up and down and frowned slightly.

She probably wanted to grimace more but held back.

To be fair, my appearance is exactly that bad.

Having left my clothes behind, I’ve been fighting for a week without changing once, so even I think it’s serious.

But I know the most useful method in this situation.

Why would the server be working here?

If she had a lot of money, she wouldn’t be doing this kind of job.

I took out a gold coin from my money pouch and flicked it toward the server.

As the gold coin spun in the air a few times before landing in her palm, she finally smiled brightly and guided me to a seat.

“This way, please!”

That gold coin probably equals about a month’s salary.

When I took a seat in a corner, she began explaining the menu.

But I wasn’t really listening.

I didn’t come in because I wanted to eat something specific; I just needed to give myself a gift.

“Our most popular dish is the Drake tail steak—”

“Just give me whatever tastes best, please.”

“Oh! Yes! I’ll prepare it right away!”

As the server happily trotted away, I looked around.

The ceiling, the floor, even the silverware.

Everything was luxurious, and I never imagined I would enter such a place.

To be honest, until now, I thought spending large sums on food was extravagant.

I believed meals were merely a means to fill an empty stomach.

But now I think it wouldn’t be bad to come occasionally.

To enjoy special moments with someone precious.

A little money is no big deal.

The atmosphere here is that special.

Is it some kind of magic that makes a nobody feel like somebody special?

While I was enjoying the ambiance, the server came out with the food and began placing dishes on the table one by one.

Looking at the splendid dishes lined up, I swallowed hard.

It was truly a feast fit for royalty.

After bustling about, she stopped in front of me when the table was full.

She seemed hesitant, as if she had something to say.

“Is there something you’d like to say?”

“Ah… the chef asked me to collect payment in advance…”

Ah, if that’s the case, I understand why she had trouble bringing it up.

It’s almost like suspecting the customer might run away.

But considering my appearance, I let it slide generously.

“How much is it?”

“Three gold coins…”

I was prepared to pay at least five gold coins, so three was quite surprising.

I took out three gold coins from my money pouch and handed them to her.

I thought about taking out the entire pouch to surprise her, but I didn’t.

There’s nothing more distasteful than someone showing off their wealth.

Especially to those who are poor.

After receiving the money, she bowed repeatedly while apologizing and returned to her position.

After confirming she had moved away, I began devouring the feast before me.

I don’t know who made this food, but it was as excellent as its appearance.

Harmonious, I should say. Nothing I ate was overwhelming.

When I stood up after finishing my meal in no time, the server rushed over as if there was a problem.

“We have tea prepared for after your meal…”

“Ah, I’m fine without tea. I’m in a hurry.”

“Oh… I understand. Thank you for your visit!”

I left behind the server who was bowing her head and went outside.

And while I was wondering where to go next,

I suddenly remembered that I had forgotten about my master.

Master, I’m sorry.

I ate something delicious by myself.

Feeling a bit guilty, I started walking through the streets of the Royal Capital again.

My destination was my master’s hideout.

It’s called a hideout, but it’s actually just an alchemy workshop.

As expected of the Royal Capital’s streets. Despite the battle having occurred not long ago, there were quite a few people around.

What stood out in particular were the Warlocks helping to restore buildings.

They kept apologizing to shop owners, showing not a trace of malice.

But the gazes of the people watching them weren’t particularly friendly.

Well, that’s a natural reaction.

After being brainwashed by the Church for so long, it would be stranger if public opinion changed overnight.

Still, isn’t it something that they can walk the streets so boldly?

They’re probably satisfied with just that much.

After walking for a while looking around, I stopped in front of a weapon shop.

I was sure I had to turn left here and then right to arrive.

It’s been years since I left home, so the way is a bit hazy.

Still, the surroundings haven’t changed much, so I could find my way somehow.

[Riano’s Alchemy Workshop]

My master’s hideout.

In the past, when the Church was still strong, there were no means for Warlocks to earn money.

So even those with talent in dark attributes would ignore it and find new paths, and even if they learned Black Magic, most had other professions.

For my master, it was alchemy.

I walked halfway around the building toward the back door.

Whenever my master got tired or bored with alchemy, she would always smoke here.

If she was there, I planned to surprise her.

But my master wasn’t there.

Seeing no cigarette butts around, it seems she’s focusing on work again despite being told to take it easy.

With a sigh, I pulled the handle of the back door.

The door opened with a creaking sound.

Oh my, I told her to lock the door properly, but is she getting forgetful in her old age?

I tiptoed through the back door, trying not to make any noise.

Suppressing my excitement at the thought of nagging my master after years.

But the moment I read the letter placed on the dining table, that happiness crumbled instantly.

[Crow, if you’re reading this letter, I’m no longer in this world…]