Declared Dead, Exiled, and Betrayed— Now I Walk Away, but I'll Save One Who Cared - Chapter 27

Having successfully completed the dungeon expedition, we returned home.

We reported our achievements to the lord and also relayed them to the royal family, who had been supporting our efforts recently.

When we presented the black crystal dropped by the dragon as a tribute, we received various gifts in return. Among them was a direct communication magic device linked to the royal family.

At first, I had assumed it was just an extravagantly designed communication tool and didn’t think much of it.

So, I didn’t particularly prioritize it.

If I’m being honest… I had just left it sitting around.

Then, one day, curiosity got the better of me, and I finally activated it—only to find a single registered contact.

And that contact was the princess…

Naturally, she was thoroughly sulking about being ignored.

I had genuinely braced myself for death.

But after repeatedly praising her beautiful voice— “What an honor… Such a lovely voice, as always…”—she eventually forgave me.

Now, she sometimes keeps the connection open at all times.

I tried to refuse, but when she said, “Do you have something to hide?” it became hard to argue.

Of course, whenever I meet with Shifa, I disconnect the call without question.

But then, the next time we talk, it always starts with a halfhearted apology from me—it’s become our usual routine.

The princess knows that I already have a fiancée.

…At least, she should know.

After the celebratory banquet for our dungeon conquest, we returned to the lord’s estate.

We really do hold a lot of banquets… but they’re fun, so I won’t complain.

Shifa, blushing while I stroked her hair, was adorable as always…

I was enjoying the lingering atmosphere when the lord approached and spoke.

“The duke is coming.”

What for, at this point?

If he wanted to come, he should’ve shown up right after the Stampede ended.

In my mind, the ducal house already had the worst possible reputation, thanks to Alessandro.

The lord himself seemed conflicted, likely because he had received their support in the past.

I didn’t care much, but both the lord and Shifa seemed to have something in mind.

They immediately left to start preparing for the visit that evening.

Just in case, I informed the princess as well.

For some reason, her voice turned serious, and she said she would make arrangements.

…For what, exactly?

Come to think of it, when we offered the black crystal, I had hoped it would help reduce the duke’s influence.

I had left the exact details to the lord, so I didn’t know what had been arranged behind the scenes.

As someone outside this kingdom’s nobility, the only plans I could think of were releasing a massive burst of magic to intimidate them or disposing of the duke in secret.

But since I hadn’t received any instructions, I just went to sleep.

At some point during the night, I sensed Claire sneaking around…

So I kicked her out.

It was a good morning.

But inside the mansion, there was a commotion.

Even before breakfast, an announcement came—

Not of the duke’s invasion (though it sure felt like it)—but of his impending arrival.

How inconsiderate.

With everyone scrambling, I released some magic, startling the horses pulling a fancy carriage and buying us some time.

Just so we’re clear—

I had no idea if it was actually the duke’s carriage or just some random noble’s.

When I reported this to the lord, he cleared his throat awkwardly but thanked me anyway.

“We greatly appreciate you making the trip, Duke.”

From the long-awaited carriage emerged a round old man, whom the lord greeted with politeness.

…Did he look like Alessandro?

Maybe?

“Hmm. Your welcome is noted.”

The pompous duke stepped down, followed by a flashy woman.

His daughter, perhaps?

The lord led the duke and his party to the reception hall, where the discussion began.

“It has been some time, Duke Horneld. Lady Minerva.”

So, the two visitors were Duke Horneld and his daughter, Minerva.

On our side, there was the lord, Shifa, and her fiancé—me.

“Hmm. Since Riofendarl successfully overcame the Stampede, I must say, I feel quite proud. I had hoped to discuss the matter of reconstruction, but how has the situation been since?”

Right… because he’s the patron of this territory.

Under normal circumstances, reports should have gone through the duke, who would then relay them to the king.

However, after witnessing Alessandro’s behavior during the Stampede, we had no trust in the duke’s faction.

So instead, we bypassed him and sent our report through the Guild directly.

Was he trying to subtly rebuke us for that?

Or just being passive-aggressive?

Honestly, this was just proof that the Guild and Royal Family had played their hand brilliantly.

While the entire region was in chaos, scrambling to recover, they had already taken control of the situation.

The adventurer guild master of Riofendarl—whom the duke had placed there to maintain his influence—had already been quietly replaced.

For reference, the former guild master, Gandos, was a puppet of the duke.

And when the Stampede broke out?

He was the first to flee.

“This entire area, including the lord’s manor and the Guild, was completely devastated. Unfortunately, the guild master also went missing, cutting off all communication with the outside world. However, the Royal Capital quickly detected the anomaly and dispatched a unit immediately. Fortunately, by the time they arrived, we had already defeated the monsters, but among their forces were magical architects and engineers, who assisted in the swift reconstruction.”

Thus, the duke’s schemes and his attempt at mockery were completely crushed.

Honestly, the Royal Family handled this masterfully.

“That is most excellent. But… this city has changed quite a bit, hasn’t it?”

Ah.

He must be referring to the casino.

“Under royal decree, we expanded the Guild. The lord’s manor was also rebuilt. This entire district has been significantly redesigned.”

All responsibility lay with the Royal Family.

Which meant the duke had no say in any of it.

Of course, the fact that the Royal Family intervened so directly wasn’t without reason…

“How very thorough. I had thought to offer my support for reconstruction, but…”

“We sincerely appreciate your concern. However, the Royal Family has already provided for everything.”

Translation:

“If you were planning to demand a cut of the profits, you’re too late—there’s nothing left for you.”

“I see. In that case, I shall recall the loans I had extended to this city. Given how much it has flourished, I assume they are no longer needed.”

With a smug grin, the duke finally played his hand.

He thought he still had leverage.

Too bad for him…