I’m Not the Final Boss’ Lover - Chapter 193

Chapter 193: Coyotes Everywhere

Mayer frowned. Usually, the emperor would summon the top five expedition corps on the night of the performance report meeting. Then, he’d share detailed information regarding the current state of dungeons. “It is too early.”

“His Imperial Majesty has not been feeling well lately…”

The messenger hung their head, flustered. Mayer normally prioritized anything related to dungeons, whether there was a banquet to partake in or not. His reaction at that moment, however, was making it obvious that he was irritated at having his enjoyment interrupted. The attendant was at a loss, afraid of having offended Mayer. I decided to rescue the poor fellow. “It’s the usual schedule, isn’t it? Come back after you’re done.”

“But…”

Mayer unhappily twisted his lips, casting a look around the banquet hall. The expression on his face suggested that the other guests were a pack of coyotes. Letting out a small sigh, he said, “I should call someone after all.”

He seemed to feel too uneasy about going off by himself for even a short time and searched the surroundings for someone at least slightly trustworthy. I followed his line of sight and spotted several familiar faces: Robur, who was drinking with the members of Star Squad in a corner, and Axion, who appeared to be discussing something with other mages. He suddenly grabbed one of them by the collar and began bellowing.

As for August, he refused to partake in such a “worldly event”. After issuing an instruction to send him any casualties of alcohol for healing, he had holed up in his room to pray. Tragula had also long since gone off somewhere. The man was a let-down indeed, never around when he was needed.

Mayer sighed quietly as if lamenting that there was not a single helpful subordinate in his life. In the end, he resorted to beckoning the kids of my unit, who bolted over like dogs to their master and stood before him in a line. He instructed, “Prevent any freaks from getting too close.”

“Yes, sir! We’ll do our best!”

“Hm.” Mayer nodded. He was so skeptical about relying on these little kids in dungeons, but he had no choice but to do so now. They were the only ones he could rely on. Our captain turned to me and firmly warned, “Do not deal with those who try to approach. There may be some who are trying to seduce you.”

I snort at that. “Do you really think I’m a child?” Even without including the years I had lived before possessing Jun’s body and the time I spent in the first playthrough, I was twenty-five years old. Too old to be treated like a child, especially considering that he was entrusting me to kids who were even younger than I was.

I urged Mayer to go to the emperor but, for some reason, my efforts only made the emperor’s messenger even whiter. Was it because Mayer was going against the emperor’s orders, standing in place? I said, “I’m sure the most it’ll be is curiosity about the new vice-captain of the Dark Knights. Don’t worry too much about me. Or if you can’t help it, then go and come back quickly.”

“…Be careful of him, especially.”

“Okaay, okaay.”

Mayer had to warn me over and over before finally leaving, and only then could I breathe in relief. But as soon as I relaxed, the people who had been prowling at a distance, watching for an opportunity to strike an acquaintance, began to creep closer one after another. The kids of my unit haughtily puffed up their chests and surrounded me in a protective circle. It seemed there were far more people than they were expecting, though, as their faces turned rigid with tension.

One of the prowlers nearby who had some bravery took the initiative. “Uh, Vice-captain. I beg your pardon, but could you do me the honor of telling me your name?”