Declared Dead, Exiled, and Betrayed— Now I Walk Away, but I'll Save One Who Cared - Chapter 16

“Cheers!!!”

“Kanpaaaiii!!!”

“To victory!”

“Great work, everyone!”

After I defeated the dragon and put an end to the stampede, the kingdom provided us with support, helping rebuild the guild, the inns, and the lord’s manor.

Having taken down a stampede that included a dragon, our party became famous overnight, earning national recognition and royal rewards.

Thanks to that, funds and manpower poured into reconstruction, and within a few days, everything was restored—

No, even bigger and better than before.

The magic architects and artisans sent by the kingdom were seriously impressive.

With the newly expanded guild building, we decided to hold a massive celebration at the attached tavern.

The Stampede Victory Celebration!

Handmade decorations hung from the walls, giving the place a cheerful and festive vibe.

Despite its casual appearance, this was still an official event—even the Lord Viscount was attending.

I just hoped his health was holding up.

Of course, no matter how big the new tavern was, it couldn’t hold all the guests.

Not even the entire guild building could fit everyone.

So, with the clear skies and good weather, the party spilled out into the main square in front of the guild.

A massive outdoor banquet.

When I fell into the deep levels, I had no idea what my future held.

But now…

Watching everyone laughing, drinking, and celebrating—

I was glad I made it back.

I had wanted to drink quietly at the edge of the tavern.

Yeah, that was just wishful thinking.

There was no way these drunken idiots were going to leave me alone.

“Lax! You drinking over there?!”

“You can’t hide in a corner! The star of the show belongs here!”

“Let me pour you a drink!”

“Come on, sit with us!”

“Yeah, yeah. Thanks.”

No choice but to join in.

Not that I minded—

It felt good.

After everything, many of them had apologized for believing Jekyll’s lies and treating me unfairly.

Those who had resented me finally understood the truth, thanks to Lord Viscount and Shifa explaining the situation.

A few of the more hot-blooded guys even got mad at me, saying I was too secretive about everything.

…Which I still don’t get.

“Ah! Lady Shifa!”

“And Lady Michelle!”

“Over here! This way!”

“Huh…?”

“……”

Shifa and Michelle had arrived at the tavern entrance, looking a bit hesitant.

Shifa had always been quiet, and Michelle wasn’t exactly the social type.

“Oh, Lax.”

“Lax.”

They spotted me and headed straight over.

Which was a huge mistake.

“NOT FAIR!!!”

“LAX! FIGHT ME!”

“YOU CAN’T JUST HOG THEM!!!”

“Huh?!?!”

The drunks immediately lost their minds, some throwing punches, others pouring me drinks like their lives depended on it.

Shifa and Michelle looked even more confused.

Yeah, no. This needs to stop.

“Oh? You wanna fight?”

“S-SORRY!!!”

“FORGIVE US, LAX!!!”

“WE WERE WRONG!!!”

I let out a fraction of my magic power and glared at them.

Of course, I made sure not to let Shifa or Michelle feel it.

“Thanks, Lax.”

“That helped.”

They both sat down beside me, blushing slightly.

A flower in each hand, huh?

The rest of the night was lively.

Even in the chaos, the three of us found a way to talk and drink together.

Six months apart.

So much had happened.

We had a lot to catch up on.

Shifa asked about my family and my connection with Michelle.

Michelle wanted to know about the deep levels.

I answered everything they asked.

Of course, the adventurers and guild workers occasionally caused a ruckus.

I shut every single one of them up.

Then, for some reason, a group of adventurers suddenly marched over to me.

“What’s up?”

“Lax! Tonight we’re finally saying it!”

…Why do they look pissed?

Were they still mad about how strict I used to be during training?

And why was Lyla standing right next to them, glaring at me too?

Wasn’t she just smiling and drinking at her table five minutes ago?

We literally made eye contact, and she smirked at me.

What the hell happened?!

Shifa was staring daggers at the two adventurers.

And Michelle…

Yeah, she wasn’t built for alcohol.

She had already passed out, peacefully snoozing beside me.

“Please go out with me!”

“Huh?”

“No fair! Don’t cut ahead, Eltena! Now that Lady Eranda is out of the picture, I should be first!”

“Huh?”

“No way! Lax belongs to me!”

“Huh?”

“EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!?!?!”

…Wait.

Where did Eranda go, anyway?

Not that escaping reality was an option right now.

Hold on.

When the hell did I become Shifa’s?

What is happening?!

She’s drunk, right—

And then, all rational thought left my brain.

Because—

The moment she declared it—

Shifa jumped up, wrapped her arms around my neck…

…and kissed me.

“Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh?!”

Gasps.

Groans.

Anguished cries.

The adventurers and guild workers—many of whom adored Shifa like an angelic little sister—were wailing in despair.

And then—

To top it all off—

Lord Viscount, who had seen everything, calmly walked over and said:

“It seems you and Shifa aren’t on bad terms. I won’t force you, but… if you could look after her, I would feel at ease.”

Well.

At that point, I had no choice but to accept my fate.

The next day, when Shifa was sober, we had a proper conversation.

And she—

Confessed.

Said she had always loved me.

“You’re a noble’s daughter, you know? You’re awfully straightforward.”

I had always thought of her as a kid.

A little sister.

But now that I looked back—

She had never hidden her affection.

I just never took it seriously.

In fact, I had probably treated her terribly without realizing it.

She had always been important to me—

But I had only seen her as my fiancée’s little sister.

When I finally told her:

“If you’re okay with someone like me…”

She immediately replied:

“I want you, Lax.”

And then I wanted to die from embarrassment.

Unfortunately…

I had accidentally said that in the middle of the guild hall.

So now—

Every night since then—

I have been harassed in the tavern without fail.

Oh, right.

Where the hell did Eranda go?

And no, this isn’t me avoiding reality.