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… - 38

Chapter 38: To the Royal Capital

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Two sturdy military horses were harnessed to a pair of carriages—plainly decorated, but solidly built.

“Ugh… My head hurts…”

“How much did you drink…?”

I muttered to myself as I watched Elena swaying unsteadily while leaning on her staff. She had been drunk even when eavesdropping on the wall of Ange’s room, but apparently she had drunk more than I had expected. That was rare for her.

“Ufufu~ It seems Elena-san was happy to have the party members together again after so long. I’ll cast a status ailment recovery on her later.”

“Yeah, please do. I’m glad to see you’re okay, Ceres. You’re not great with alcohol after all.”

“Yes… I’ve never quite gotten used to it.”

Seeing Ceres blush shyly brought back memories of the time we were adventuring together—when just a single drink at the tavern left her tipsy and clinging to me. She got so clingy after just one drink. It was quite the ordeal indeed. 

“Phantom-oniichan, that’s a lie. This fake little sister kept goading Elena-sama into a drinking contest until she got drunk.”

“…Huh?”

I turned to Ceres in shock at such unbelievable words, but she only smiled as she replied.

“That’s a misunderstanding. Elena-san invited me for a toast to celebrate our reunion, so I couldn’t refuse. I simply turned my wine back into water while enjoying the meal. Well… She did say things like, ‘I met up with Phantom first. I’m the one who’s fit to be his partner,’ so I did have to punish her a little…”

“…I see.”

Reverse Christ? The power of a saint really could do just about anything.

As I was thinking that, my eyes met those of Tia, who had come over to us.

“Master…Good morning.”

“Ah, good morning, Tia.”

When I called her without honorifics, the events of yesterday came rushing back to me, making me feel embarrassed. It seemed she felt the same, as she blushed while smiling.

“Excuse me for a moment, Phantom-oniisama.”

For some reason, Ceres, who had been eyeing Tia and me with a sharp, lingering gaze, leaned in and sniffed at my neck. What on earth was that about? Did I smell that much?

“Ufufufu~ mostly Ange’s scent, with only a trace of Tia’s. I’m relieved to see you haven’t done anything like that. Good morning, Tia-san.”

“…Master, I’m scared of this person. Do I really have to adventure with her?”

Tia hid behind me in fright from Ceres, who was smiling yet somehow radiating a strange pressure.

“No, Ceres isn’t scary. She’s just easy to misunderstand, but she’s a good girl.”

She had been raised carefully in the church as a saintESS, so her sense of personal boundaries was unusual to say the least. While I reassured Tia with a wry smile, Solomon and Amon arrived.

“Yesterday’s meal was truly exquisite and the archives contained a variety of hero tales, so I ended up reading through the night without sleeping. Human knowledge is truly wonderful.”

“Sure, demons can go two or three days without sleep, but your head still slows down, y’know? We’re about to go take down Ose, Young Lady…”

Amon jabbed at Solomon, who was beaming while carrying a huge stack of books.

“The journey’s long, so you can bring a few. I didn’t expect demons to like hero tales. You’ve changed my impression of demons, Solomon-chan.”

“Yes, we cannot create them ourselves, but we can enjoy them. That is why I became fascinated with the possibilities of you humans.”

“That’s nice. When we come back, let’s exchange thoughts about them. So you have to make it back safely, okay?”

“Absolutely! At that time, I’ll tell you my own adventure tales as well.”

Solomon’s eyes shone at Ange’s words. Ange had always liked hero tales, so maybe the two of them could actually become good friends.

“Then Solomon, Stella, and I will head for the castle via the main road. Phantom, Tia, Amon, and Ceres, you go through the back roads and launch a surprise attack. I’m counting on you.”

Everyone nodded, and Elena and Solomon boarded the carriage first.

“…That person isn’t coming after all… Did she not read my letter?”

“Hm? You’ve got another one coming?”

“It’s nothing. More importantly, it looks like Stella is here.”

Following Ange’s serious gaze, I saw Stella—delayed due to preparations and handing over duties—arrive and bow gracefully.

“Phantom-sama, rest assured. I will protect Elena-sama and Solomon-sama.”

Stella, dressed not in her usual maid uniform but in tight, easy-to-move-in clothing, smiled as if to reassure me. My gaze involuntarily dropped to her chest, emphasized by the outfit—only for something soft to press against my arm.

“…Ceres?”

“What’s wrong, Phantom-oniisama?”

I tried to pull away, but she didn’t budge an inch… When I glanced at Tia for help, for some reason, she pressed her own chest against my other arm.

“…Tia?”

“I think Elena-san will be fine, but this person feels dangerous if left alone.”

I was starting to think the one in danger here was my chastity. Not that it was an unpleasant situation, but…

We are about to go fight demons, you know?

“Onii-chan is becoming a playboy…”

“Fufu~ Phantom-sama seems quite popular now. When all this is over, please return to the estate. I’d like to welcome you officially next time.”

Avoiding my little sister’s look of disdain, I boarded the carriage. Amon, already up on the driver’s seat, called out to us.

“Well, well! Look at you! Putting on quite the show all of a sudden! Ahhh! The pain! I can’t get enough of this!!”

“You’ve got some incredible mental fortitude, you know that!? You’re not right in the head, are you?”

Somehow managing to get Ceres and Tia to let go, we set out on our journey…. To save this kingdom.

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