Declared Dead, Exiled, and Betrayed— Now I Walk Away, but I'll Save One Who Cared - Chapter 33

Lord’s Manor (Shifa’s Perspective)

“Another Stampede?”

Yes, exactly.

I was shocked by the sudden urgent report from Her Highness, the Princess.

This is the second one this month.

There are twenty dungeons across the kingdom, so it’s not unusual for multiple Stampedes to occur within the same year.

But…

For one Stampede to break out, and then another to happen before the first is even fully dealt with?

That was unprecedented—at least according to the records.

With many of the Royal Knights deployed to handle the first Stampede, the kingdom was now struggling to respond to the second crisis.

And so—

The request was made.

The Royal Knights stationed in our territory would be recalled immediately, and if possible—

Lord Lax’s assistance was needed.

The communication artifact the royal family gifted us made a sound I’d never heard before,

So I rushed to answer—

Only to receive a message this urgent.

Meanwhile, Father—startled by the noise—

Failed to stand up from the sofa properly and threw out his back.

I healed him while listening to the Princess’s explanation.

…

Thank goodness this artifact only transmits audio.

Still, there was no way we could refuse a request from the royal family,

Especially after they helped free us from Duke Horneld’s influence.

Even though the thought of Lax leaving saddened me,

I had no choice but to ask for his help.

After sending a servant to call for Lax,

He arrived with Michelle and Claire already in tow—

Apparently, he figured out the situation before coming.

『Riofendarl Viscounty has settled down quite a bit, hasn’t it? We would greatly appreciate it if Lord Lax and his party, “Flash,” could lend their aid.』

“Riofendarl would also prefer swift resolution. If the kingdom is shaken, the nobility may grow restless again.”

With both the Princess and Father making their case,

Lord Lax nodded in agreement.

“Understood. I just took care of the lower-floor boss, so this dungeon should be stable for at least a few months—maybe years. I’ll take some of my party and head out.”

“Of course, I’ll go with you, Lax.”

As expected, Michelle volunteered immediately.

The two of them came to this town together and were originally adoptive siblings.

They were rarely apart.

…I was a little jealous.

No.

I can’t let myself think like that.

I have my duties to fulfill.

“Naturally, I’m going too. Lax is completely useless without me.”

“Shut up. If anyone here is useless, it’s YOU.”

As expected, Claire was joining as well.

In some ways, that was inevitable.

There were still many adventurers who resented Claire for betraying Lax and siding with Jekyll and my sister, Eranda.

Normally, Lax serves as a buffer between her and those adventurers,

But without him, it would be hard for her to stay here alone.

Even I could see that.

“I won’t be going. I’m helping my father, and with Michelle gone, I’ll be overseeing the guards’ training in her place.”

Meria decided to stay behind.

“I must also remain in Riofendarl. I’ll be waiting here.”

I had to say that.

I couldn’t let Lax or Father worry about me.

『Separating engaged couples before their wedding is unfortunate, but we are truly grateful for your assistance.』

And just like that—

Lax, Michelle, and Claire’s departure was finalized.

Now that the decision had been made, there was no time to waste.

The Stampede was already in progress.

I knew firsthand how terrifying it was.

People were fighting for their lives right now.

And Lax and his team had the strength to protect them.

At least I wouldn’t have to worry about their supplies.

Lax always carried:

• • Rations

• • Medicinal herbs

• • Healing potions

• • Other essentials

He was always prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

“Well, we’ll wrap this up as soon as possible and come back.”

“Yes…!”

And just like that—

They were about to depart.

I couldn’t cry.

I made sure to hide my emotions…

But then—

Lax gently patted my head.

And just like that—

My composure shattered.

“H-Hey… it won’t take long.”

“I’ll be waiting for you…”

“Yeah.”

And then—

He hugged me.

Lax was always so kind.

I wanted to hold onto him forever—

But after a few moments, I let go.

Then, he kissed me.

Stay safe… and do your best!

『Lord Lax, I’m counting on you. We can’t get an accurate read on the situation in Ruberry, so I’ll send word to Handar, the neighboring city. Stop by there first to get the latest information before heading to Ruberry.』

“Understood. I passed through that city when I first arrived in this kingdom, so I know the location. We’ll leave immediately.”

『That’s reassuring. If you’re traveling by horse, it should take about ten days, correct?』

“No. We’ll fly using magic, so two to three days should be enough. We’ll be on our way now.”

『Wait—! Hold on! The royal couriers won’t even reach them that fast—!’

“Apologies, but we’re already gone.”

『HEY—!!!!!』

The Princess’s exasperated shout echoed through the communication artifact.

But Lax was already in the air.

He’s so amazing.

And just like that, he was gone.

The Princess quickly ended the call, saying she would use the artifact to relay messages to the affected areas.

I prayed.

That as many people as possible would be saved.

And then—

“Lord Riofendarl! Lady Shifa! Urgent news!”

“What is it?”

“What’s wrong?”

The butler we had sent to fetch Lax earlier suddenly burst into the room, visibly pale.

What now…?

“Oh my, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

That carefree and familiar voice…

I turned in shock to see the unexpected guest standing at the entrance.

There’s no way…

She’s still alive…?!

“Big sister…?”