Chapter 11
That night, after returning from the Trial Cave.
The entire town was enveloped in an electrifying atmosphere.
Stalls lined the plaza, ale flowed freely from barrels, and musicians played flutes and drums.
“Yuma-san! Over here!”
“Congratulations on clearing the trial!”
…Though I didn’t exactly *want* to clear the trial.
I desperately denied it in my mind, but the smiles and congratulations of the people around me were overwhelming, offering no escape.
I was practically dragged to the long table in the center of the plaza and seated.
“Yuma-san, please! This is a stew I made!” (Lisa)
“Please try these dishes too. They’re made with medicinal herbs, effective for restoring stamina.” (Serena)
“…I grilled meat. Eat it.” (Miria)
A mountain of food was placed before me.
My stomach screamed at the endless stream of dishes being presented.
“Y-you guys, wait! I can’t eat that much!”
“Don’t be shy!” (Lisa)
“I’d be happy if you finished it all.” (Serena)
“…If you leave any, I won’t forgive you.” (Miria)
—I think I’m being tortured by my stomach right now.
“Yuma-san, try this drink!” (Lisa)
“No, no, I can’t hold my liquor…”
As I dodged the glass Lisa offered, Serena quickly placed another cup with a smile.
“This is a sweet wine. It should be easy to drink.”
“Seriously, I’m really weak when it comes to alcohol!”
Just then, Miria silently placed a potent liquor in front of me.
“…Drink it.”
“Are you trying to kill me?!”
However, pressured by the expectant gazes of the three, I ended up taking a sip of each.
—Following my stomach, my liver is also in a critical state.
As the feast grew more lively, the commotion around me intensified.
Townsfolk one after another raised their glasses, shouting “Cheers to Sir Hero!”, patting my shoulder and pouring me more drinks.
Amidst the clamor, I suddenly felt a gaze.
Turning around, I saw a man who appeared to be a retainer of the lord staring intently at me.
His eyes held not a look of celebration, but rather… a measuring, probing glint.
(…I have a bad feeling about this.)
I quickly averted my gaze, but a small unease bloomed deep within my chest.
In the latter half of the feast.
Lisa followed me as I slipped through the crowd and escaped into a deserted alley.
“Yuma-san!”
“Whoa, Lisa? You came all the way out here…”
Her face was flushed, and she trembled slightly with her hand on her chest.
“I… I just really wanted to tell you something…”
(…Here it comes. Could this be an event flag?!)
But I desperately tried to deny it.
Because I’m just a side character. This kind of development doesn’t suit me.
“Lisa, calm down. You’re probably misunderstanding. Guys like me—”
“N-no! I… I’ve always…!”
At that moment.
“Yuma-san!” (Serena)
“…What are you doing?” (Miria)
At the worst possible timing, Serena and Miria appeared.
“Eek! Please save me from this awkward situation!”
Lisa’s words were cut short, and the scene immediately devolved into chaos.
“Yuma-san, I wanted to talk for a bit—” (Serena)
“…I want to walk with you alone.” (Miria)
Lisa wouldn’t be outdone and shouted.
“N-no! I was first…!”
Caught between the three, all I could do was break out in a cold sweat.
“No, wait! I’m just a side character! I can’t handle romantic events!”
My cries were in vain as the three gazes intensely fixed upon me.
The result—the confessions remained unvoiced, and the feast continued well into the night.
Finally returning to my room, I collapsed onto the bed and glared at the ceiling.
“…Why does it always end up like this?”
I just want to be a side character.
I just want to be an observer.
And yet, somehow, I always find myself dragged to the center of the story.
Outside the window, the laughter of people still echoed.
My heart remained restless with the aftereffects of the unfulfilled confessions.
