I, the “Clock User”, Was Kicked Out of the Craftsmen’s Guild for Being Incompetent, but at the Dungeon’s Depths, I Awakened My True Power – Even Though I Was Told to Return Because They Couldn’t Handle the Work, It’s Too Late Now, and I Will Live Freely as an SSS-class Adventurer V10C7

Translated by Hamster

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### Volume 10: Reunion

**07 The Whereabouts of My Mother**

That afternoon, Cyclo headed to the guild's reception room for his meeting with the Handsome Count.

"—It's been a while, Cyclo!"

As Cyclo entered, the Handsome Count rose to greet him warmly, extending his hand for a handshake.

"The honor is mine. I'm glad you remember me!"

Cyclo reciprocated with a handshake.

"Why would I forget? The clock you repaired has been running without a hitch since then. Thanks to it, I've been able to boast about 'the clock repaired by that SSS-rank adventurer' and it has smoothed over many a troublesome social situation!"

"Haha. I'm glad my name could be of service."

With a good atmosphere, the two reconnected and proceeded with the meeting.

"—So, Cyclo, since you've reached out to me, you must have something you want to ask. You can start with the main topic."

"In that case, I'll do so without hesitation."

Cyclo first sought information about the investiture.

"First, how are the nobles of the kingdom viewing my investiture? I'd like to know in as much detail as possible."

For Cyclo, the Handsome Count was his only significant connection to the nobles around the capital. It was natural to inquire about such information ahead of the investiture ceremony.

"I see. Leave that to me."

With that, the Handsome Count continued the conversation.

"Do you know that the nobles of the kingdom can broadly be classified into two factions?"

"Yes. The Conservative faction and the Reformist faction. The Conservative faction maintains the status quo while preserving their privileges with the church, whereas the Reformist faction seeks national benefits through a deeper connection with the Skill Selection Church."

Cyclo responded with knowledge he had learned from Deimos, the frontier count in Northfolia.

"Ah, indeed. Our country has a deep relationship with the Skill Selection Church. You could say that politics is always entangled with it. Therefore, factions are inevitably born based on their stance toward the church."

Affirming Cyclo's answer, the Handsome Count continued.

"And naturally, the Adventurer's Guild isn't immune to this factional influence. The Reformists aim to allow the Skill Selection Church to have more active involvement with the guild, while the Conservatives try to maintain the current system."

Cyclo reflected on the events at the Northfolia Adventurer's Guild. The anomaly in the Deep Hole, the worst dungeon, and how the church sought to intervene in the guild's operations under the guise of needing forces to resolve the issue.

He came to the conclusion that the Reformists were aiding the church's moves, while Northfolia's resistance indicated they were likely part of the Conservative faction.

"This relationship directly influences the nobles' stance toward you, Cyclo. The Reformists are wary of your overwhelming, independent power and would ideally want you as an ally, although their attitude towards you might not be entirely friendly."

Even if they wanted Cyclo on their side, his strength made him a difficult card to play. The Reformists' unfriendly stance was not hard to imagine.

"On the other hand, the Conservatives find it more convenient for you to remain independent. Thus, their main focus is less on interfering with you and more on obstructing the Reformists. Therefore, their attitude toward you should generally be friendly."

They could not afford to alienate Cyclo and make him an ally of the Reformists, so their basic strategy would be to act in a friendly manner toward him. This was the situation because the Conservatives did not need to control Cyclo as a piece on their board.

"Currently, the ratio between the Conservative and Reformist factions in our country is approximately three to seven. With your investiture coming up, the Reformists are plotting to integrate you into their faction. Conversely, the Conservatives would prefer you not to be invested, but due to their position, they can't risk alienating you or move freely because of the power imbalance, so they're likely to remain passive unless something extraordinary happens."

"...And that's why the Reformists have an easier time maneuvering. Is that correct?"

"Exactly."

The Handsome Count nodded at Cyclo's words.

"It's certain that the Reformists and the church will attempt something at your investiture ceremony."

"—I'll be prepared."

Cyclo had not anticipated the investiture ceremony would pass without incident, but he steeled himself anew for the troubles ahead.

"—Now, let's put aside the complicated matters of nobility. Is there anything else you'd like to know?"

"Well, if I may, there's one more thing. It's about my mother."

"Hmm?"

With the main topic concluded, Cyclo brought up something that had been on his mind.

"I believe she was working at your residence, but where is she working now? I'd like to meet her and talk, but I have no means of contact."

"Ah, your mother. I remember her well."

And then, an unexpected fact came from the Handsome Count's lips.

"However, I'm sorry. She left her job quite a while ago. It was right after your false accusation, I believe. Therefore, I'm not aware of what happened to her afterward."

"...What!?"

At this revelation, Cyclo let out a surprised voice.

He immediately began to consider what had happened to his mother, Sarina, after she quit.

(...If she quit right after my wrongful accusation, my honest mother would not have hidden the fact that she was the parent of a criminal. She probably believed in my innocence. In such a situation, I doubt she could find decent employment.)

He came to a conclusion: his mother was currently unemployed.

"...Excuse me, Count. I have an urgent matter to attend to."

"I understand. Let's end here for today."

And thus, the meeting with the Handsome Count concluded unexpectedly — Cyclo left the Adventurer's Guild in haste to search for his mother.

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