Chapter 17: Finally Free

【Siegfried PoV】

Ah, what a beautiful day.

Here we are, inside this boring carriage, on our way to Elizabeth’s home.

Correction: Eksu is on his way to Elizabeth’s home. I’m just tagging along.

Poor Eksu.

I almost feel bad for him.

Almost.

But honestly, seeing him like this makes me happy.

Really, really happy.

You might think I’m cruel, but after eight long years, I’ve finally transferred exactly 20% of the protagonism to Eksu.

Twenty percent!

You have no idea how hard I’ve worked for this.

For the first time since coming to this crazy world, I’m finally getting fewer random heroic encounters.

No more weird villagers running up to me begging to rescue their lost chickens.

No more mysterious old ladies dragging me into epic side quests that take days to complete.

Finally.

This carriage ride is proof of my freedom.

Elizabeth hasn’t even looked at me once.

Not one glare.

Not one punch.

Instead, she’s completely focused on Eksu.

Poor, poor Eksu.

He looks like a man about to face execution.

Well, better him than me.

I mean, I do feel slightly guilty.

Just slightly.

But hey, it’s Eksu’s fault anyway for having that insanely overpowered 【Absolute Defense】 skill.

It’s the perfect match for Elizabeth’s daily attacks.

I chuckle softly, glancing at Eksu.

He sits there, looking absolutely miserable.

Elizabeth has moved closer to him, gripping his hand tightly.

He looks like he wants to jump out the carriage window.

Hang in there, my friend.

Think of all the good you’re doing for me.

His pain is my freedom.

Cruel?

Yes.

Necessary?

Absolutely.

I watch as Elizabeth leans even closer.

I can see the desperation in Eksu’s eyes, silently begging for rescue.

Sorry Eksu, today I’m just a bystander.

A completely innocent bystander.

He’s trying to avoid Elizabeth’s eyes, looking everywhere but at her.

Too late, buddy.

That orchid perfume really did its job.

I remember clearly that brilliant moment eight years ago.

Eksu thought the perfume would repel Elizabeth, thanks to my tiny lie.

Instead, it became her favorite thing about him.

Perfect.

And now, the results speak for themselves.

Elizabeth won’t let him breathe.

She’s practically glued to his side.

Eksu looks at me pleadingly.

I just smile back.

This is the price of my freedom, Eksu.

You’ll understand someday.

“Eksu… are you okay…?”

Elizabeth’s voice sounds worried.

Well, worried in her own twisted way.

I decide to help him out, just this once.

“Yes… he is…”

I answer cheerfully, trying my hardest not to laugh.

Eksu shoots me a betrayed glance.

I ignore it.

This is good for him too.

He’s a hero now—well, at least 20% of one.

He needs to get used to these dramatic situations.

Honestly, I think he’s doing great.

He just needs a little push.

It’s for the greater good—my good.

I notice Elizabeth placing her hand gently on his forehead, checking for a fever.

How sweet.

Eksu visibly stiffens, probably expecting her to start a fight out of nowhere.

Well, to be fair, that would be very much like her.

I don’t envy him one bit.

But at least now, her attention isn’t on me.

That alone deserves a celebration.

For eight long years, I’ve carefully shifted protagonism onto Eksu.

I’ve plotted, planned, and pulled strings behind the scenes.

And every time Eksu defended himself from Elizabeth’s endless attacks, he unknowingly gained more of my spotlight.

And here we are, 20% down.

Eighty percent more to go.

I briefly imagine Eksu as the main hero, surrounded by epic battles, endless trouble, and relentless pursuers.

All while I peacefully sip tea in the background, free from chaos.

A beautiful future.

Elizabeth continues speaking.

“Eksu, you’re making a weird face. Are you nervous?”

Eksu hesitates, looking completely lost.

He glances at me again.

I can’t resist chuckling softly.

Oops.

He looks angry now.

I quickly pretend to look outside the carriage window.

Trees. So many trees.

At least it’s not my problem anymore.

I mentally pat myself on the back.

Well done, Siegfried.

You’ve successfully transferred a fifth of your protagonism.

All thanks to Elizabeth’s obsession and Eksu’s stubbornness.

They truly make the perfect chaotic pair.

Maybe someday they’ll thank me.

Probably not.

But that’s okay.

I’m perfectly fine with being an unsung hero.

The hero who bravely gave away his own spotlight to a friend.

I’m practically a saint.

And speaking of saints…

Poor Eksu looks like he’s mentally praying to every known deity right now.

Elizabeth’s innocent smile is terrifying.

Hang in there, Eksu.

It only gets worse from here.

“Eksu, we’ll have so much fun together. My parents will love you!”

I shiver slightly at Elizabeth’s cheerful tone.

Even after all these years, hearing her speak in such a friendly voice still terrifies me.

But again, that’s not my problem anymore.

That’s Eksu’s issue.

I smile blissfully, enjoying my newfound peace.

No random kidnappings.

No legendary quests appearing out of nowhere.

No one is throwing knives or punches at me.

Life is good.

I glance once more at Eksu, trapped in Elizabeth’s affectionate grip.

Yeah, life is definitely good.

“Eksu…”

He looks at me with clear resentment.

But beneath that resentment, I see a flicker of determination.

He still hasn’t completely given in.

That’s good.

The longer he resists, the more protagonism he takes.

And the freer I become.

For now, I’ll enjoy this peaceful carriage ride.

Watching Eksu struggle is oddly relaxing.

In a twisted way, he deserves it.

He always wanted to be left alone.

Now he’s stuck with Elizabeth.

Forever.

Maybe someday he’ll forgive me.

Or maybe not.

Either way, I’m happy.

I stretch comfortably in my seat.

It’s a good day to be Siegfried.

As long as Eksu remains Elizabeth’s obsession, I remain safe and sound.

With twenty percent down, I’m finally free from random heroic encounters.

Imagine how much freedom I’ll gain at fifty percent.

Or seventy-five percent.

Or best yet, a hundred percent.

My mind drifts happily toward that perfect future.

Eternal peace and quiet.

Good luck, Eksu.

You’re going to need it.