“I never expected things to develop this way... I suppose it’s about time to bow out, isn’t it…”

The Kingdom of Arclight is currently split cleanly into two major factions. One is led by the Third Princess, Lily Arclight, and the other by the Second Prince, Jester Arclight. There are even rumors circulating that these two were responsible for the assassination of the King and the Crown Prince, though the truth remains unclear.

“Still, it happened just like Welter said, didn’t it?”

I thought it was some kind of joke when he said the Kingdom of Arclight would be destroyed soon... I honestly didn’t think the royal castle would actually be reduced to rubble.

“Heh, and to think the one responsible is Welter’s disciple, no less. How amusing.”

It’s rather amazing that no one other than the royal family in the castle died. The Empress Dowager, who had been imprisoned in the spire, had become nothing but a harmful presence anyway, so let’s just consider it a bit of trash cleaned up.

From the perspective of the citizens, all that’s really changed is who’s sitting at the top. It doesn’t seem like their daily lives have been affected in any noticeable way.

The other summoned Heroes seem to have left the country, but it looks like the Kingdom of Arclight doesn’t have the capacity to send anyone after them. Or rather, it’s as if they’re treating the matter like a taboo—no one’s even bringing it up. Shu and Rio’s retaliation must’ve left a deep impression.

After all, you can’t shackle someone with a collar of subjugation and then expect to welcome them back with open arms later. That would be absurd.

“Hmm... if that’s the case, then maybe I should try making contact with them.”

They headed toward the mercantile nation, if I recall correctly. Since they’re moving in a group, their pace shouldn’t be all that fast. There’s one of them acting separately, but… well, that one can be left alone for now.

Let’s quietly slip out of the royal castle and take a look at the town as I head outward.

“Doesn’t seem like much has changed.”

Even after glancing around, nothing seems particularly out of the ordinary. In fact, the number of people going up and down the main street actually looks like it’s increased. In terms of reconstruction, especially around the castle, I suppose the demand for construction work has risen.

Stalls have gathered around the castle, clearly aiming to take advantage of the opportunity. I tried buying a skewer of meat, and it’s not bad, taste-wise.

The noble district is apparently a bit noisy, as the power dynamics are being rewritten. Still, that’s nothing new. And it’s the general populace that carries the brunt of the nation’s economy. As long as they can continue living their usual lives, there shouldn’t be any issues.

“Now then, the Heroes are headed south, are they.”

After confirming their coordinates, I began heading for the southern gate of the city in pursuit. It’s been a while since I returned to Bergstein, but… well, I’m sure it’ll be fine.