Synopsis

The protagonist arrives in Arbeloa and checks into an inn, where he's treated kindly. He overhears conversations about a large, kingdom-wide monster subjugation in the Magic Beast Forest and the disastrous past attempts which led to internal division. He also learns of rumors about the 'moron' third son of a marquis family, who is said to be a black magic user, and realizes he himself is the subject of those rumors. He contemplates how people judge others based on rumors.