I Got Reincarnated as the Villain and Saved the World, but After the Ending I Was Betrayed and Exiled. I Just Wanted a Peaceful Life in the Frontier, but for Some Reason My Former Companions Started Chasing Me with Yandere Eyes… - 26

Chapter 26: Date

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“Isn’t this place your homeland, Master? If you don’t mind, could you show me around?”

“Well, yeah, but this is the far edge of my domain, so I’ve never actually been here. I mean, aren’t you being a bit too close?”

Tia had pulled me by the hand into the city, and we were still holding hands. On top of that, the distance between us was close, almost shoulder to shoulder. Her sweet scent stirred something inside me.

“Well, our cover story is that we’re on our honeymoon. If we don’t act like a real couple, people will get suspicious.”

“Yeah, but that was just an excuse for the guards. Once we’re in town, no one’s gonna notice…”

“…Master, do you not like walking through town like this? With me clinging to you? I was actually looking forward to it, you know…”

Normally she would charge forward without hesitation, but now she was pulling back slightly while looking up at me with those cute upturned eyes.

Damn it, my chest feels hot. She’s not really using charm magic, right? I can tell all too well that her feelings are genuine. But after betrayal and everything else I’ve been through, the truth is I still don’t understand romance. I don’t know how to face her feelings in my current state.

“I understand your worries, Master. Your distrust of people isn’t completely gone, and Elena-sama also has feelings for you. You need time to think, right? That’s why I’ll wait. In return, you have to go on a proper date with me today.”

“Tia…”

She smiled gently and squeezed my hand tightly, as if to wrap over the wounds in my heart. I took a deep breath. 

What kind of Master am I if I just keep letting her worry about me like this?

“Thanks. Since it’s a date, let me escort you properly, honey.”

“Okay! This is actually my first time going on a date with a man, so I’m really looking forward to it, darling~♡”

Tia’s face lit up as she clung to my arm. The softness of her chest pressed against me almost made me grin, but I managed to hold it back. And so, I went on a date with Tia. A man passing by clicked his tongue enviously, but I didn’t care.

We headed straight to the marketplace. The marketplace was always the best way to see the character of a region. I’d never been here before, but it was still my domain, so I knew its specialties well enough. While we browsed the crowded stalls, Tia stopped at one shop.

“Wow, there are so many beautiful stones here!”

“Yeah, this area makes its living off mining. If you see a stone you like, they can make it into a necklace or a ring for you right here.”

The stall was lined with a dazzling variety of glittering stones. Incidentally, there was even a similar event in the game, where giving a heroine a gift from this stall would trigger a unique affection-boosting scene.

“Oh, you two are a hot item, huh? A couple, right? How about something to remember your trip by? I’ll give you a deal.”

“Really? You’re so kind, thank you~♡”

When Tia smiled, the middle-aged shopkeeper’s expression melted instantly. It seemed he had fallen under her charm right away. A gift, huh… I remembered that I once gave Henrietta a ring. As I was lost in thought, I felt a stare. Tia was watching me with narrowed, accusing eyes.

“Darling… You just thought about another woman, didn’t you?”

“No, of course not…”

Did she read my mind!? I tried to cover it up in a hurry, but she only squeezed my hand tighter and smiled.

“It’s fine for now, but I’ll make sure you can only think about me. So be ready, okay? After all, I’m cute.”

“…Yeah. Tia, you really are cute and amazing.”

Her positivity had saved me more times than I could count. She called me Master and looked up to me, but the truth was, I was only able to stand back up and face Elena because she was there. At the very least, I wanted to thank her somehow.

“Since we’re here, let me buy you a present, honey.”

“Really? Then which one should I choose…”

Tia’s face lit up, but… Sorry. I already knew the stone I wanted to give her.

“Ah, sorry…Since it’s a special occasion, can I pick? Shopkeeper, could you make a necklace with that purple stone?”

“Eh? Isn’t that one pretty expensive? You could choose something cheaper…”

“No, it’s my first gift to you, and it matches the color of your eyes. I think it would suit you. Is that okay with you?”

“…Yes. I want this one. Thank you.”

Seeing her genuinely happy smile, I knew I’d made the right choice. While waiting for the necklace to be finished, we decided to rest at a café.

“This area grows apples, so I recommend the apple juice and apple pie.”

“As expected of you, darling. Oh! Mind if I step out for a moment?”

After securing a table and ordering, Tia stood up, looking a little embarrassed. This date had turned out more fun than I expected, and I felt like I’d learned a new side of her.

★★★★

After excusing myself from Master, I headed back to the stall from earlier.

“Oh, it’s you, miss. What’s the matter?”

“Ah, sorry… I have a request. Could you make another necklace like the one earlier, for darling, too?”

Master might be embarrassed, but if it was a gift, he’d probably wear it. What I wanted was a matching accessory for the two of us. A solid bond between us two.

I guess I’m just as heavy as Elena-sama when it comes to my feelings to Master and I’ve been acting selfish enough to make him go on a date with me today. I hope he’s not put off by me. 

“I can make it, but… Do you know the gemstone’s meaning?”

“Eh? No, I don’t…”

“Not surprising. Only locals here know it. That guy earlier… He’s from around here, right?”

“Yes, we’re visiting darling’s hometown.”

The shopkeeper gave me a knowing grin, which puzzled me. I pointed at the stone Master had chosen.

“What’s the meaning of this stone?”

“It means… ‘the most precious person’ and ‘great trust.’ You only give it to one person in your entire life. It’s also expensive because it contains special magic.”

“Eh, that means…”

Master had specifically chosen this stone. Now I understood the reason why and also… The reason behind that slightly embarrassed look on his face.

“Master, you idiot…!!”

Maybe it wasn’t romantic love, but just knowing that I was his “most precious person” made me so happy I almost cried right there in the shop.

Ahh… I really, really love Master♡♡

★★

“That was fast… Wait, you’re…?”

Thinking Tia had come back, I looked up—and froze. Standing before me was a woman in her early twenties wearing a maid uniform. Her face looked familiar.

“It’s been a while, Phantom-sama. What brings you back here?”

“Stella… You’re the lord’s personal maid. Why are you here?”

“I’m the one asking questions, Phantom-sama. Why did you return to your hometown without telling us anything beforehand and with a demon in tow?”

After a year apart, I finally met my former personal maid again. However, she only shrugged, looking exasperated.

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