Chapter 37: Not Troye Actually Being “Nice” For Once

??? Pov:

"Shit." The masked man coughs up a lot of blood. Out in the distance, he could spot a royal looking carriage. Was it from the people he had fought prior? Regardless, it was clear that he didn't teleport far enough. The man clenches his chest, he was too weak to move, the best thing he could do was to hide and hope for the best.

The man deeply inhales and exhales, occasionally grunting and groaning in pain. In the vast forest, it was only him alone.

"For fuck's sake, when was the main character the demon lord! I didn't program that in!" He curses out before puking up another mouthful of blood. 

"Out of everyone I could've transmigrated into" He mumbles, gripping his aching head. Allister, Troye, Noah, Reinhart, and even Troye's sister…erm, what was her name? Forget, why should I care about a cannon fodder. He had somehow met all the male leads in only a few days, and they were out for his blood! 

The figure takes off his mask, revealing plain brown hair but warm hazel eyes. He was handsome and cute, but a little plain, like the main character was designed to be. Damn it, he wanted to enjoy a simple life seducing hot men, not barely surviving each day ordering around some stupid demons that wouldn't let him go! Fuck demonic powers, fuck dark-power users, and screw himself for making such a setting. 

While complaining to himself, the man hears a loud rumbling, ah shit, they're reaching him. He rolls away painfully, using the last bit of mana he had left to hide away his mask. Maybe if he did get caught, he could just say he lost his memory and was simply a victim. 

…

Selina gets off the horse and immediately rushes to the carriage to check on her dog. The little brown dog was currently sleeping, staying in the same position as prior. Selina pets the dog.

"Aww, what a smart little guy." Noah sneaks up on her and whispers into her ear.

"I can assure you he's stupid as hell."

"Gah!" Selina steps away. "Don't say that Noah…are you not a dog person?"

Noah chuckles at her reaction. "Nah, I like dogs, just not this kind of dog and you shouldn't either."

"Why not?"

"...I'll tell you when we reach the castle. I promise you that the 'little' pup is up to no good."

"I'll trust you, for now that is." 

"Whatever, head down to eat. We're having a victory feast apparently."

"Victory feast with what rations?"

"It's a small one; the actual one is going to happen when we get back and of course it'll be coming out of Troye's pockets." Noah smirks smugly.

"Like it should~" Selina gets out of the carriage and heads to the center. All the knights were awake now, happily celebrating. 

The atmosphere was a stark contrast to the battlefield just hours ago. Laughter and chatter filled the air as knights gathered around makeshift tables, eating whatever rations they had left. The warmth of the bonfire flickered against their exhausted but relieved faces.

Selina made her way to the center of the gathering, scanning the area. She spotted Reinhart standing near the edge of the camp, arms crossed, watching over everything with her usual sharp gaze. She wasn't one to openly celebrate, but Selina could tell she was at least content that they had made it out alive. She could even make out a small smile on her cold face.

Selina and Noah joined the crew. Noah was eagerly stuffing his face while Selina was conversing with the others, enjoying the atmosphere. 

"Noah, slow down, the chicken won't runaway, I'm pretty sure it's dead." Selina teases.

"Forgive me for enjoying a meal after nearly dying." He smirked, but it was obvious he was still drained.

"Where's Troye?" Selina questions.

"I don't know, look for him if you care so much." Noah answers her.

"Gee, that's so helpful and don't get me wrong, I don't care about him, I'm simply curious and bored."

"Whatever makes you sleep at night." Noah shrugs and continues stuffing soup down his throat.

Selina looks around for a bit before spotting Troye all alone in a corner. Aww, she would've feel bad if she didn't hate his guts.

"...Your grace, aren't you hungry?" Selina hesitantly questions.

"Why? I don't see a bowl of stew in your hand you could possible give me." Troye sarcastically fires back.

"I was just asking."

"Half-blood, if I wanted to eat something, I would've eaten. I'm not some idiot who would starve themselves for no good reason."

"Well excuse me for wanting to hold a sliver of a sibling relationship." Selina was just trying to be nice, but to no prevail. They were left in awkward silence, so Selina turns her heel to leave.

Troye stares at her for a bit before reluctantly opening his mouth.

"A-amelia, you weren't half-bad out there for a newbie. I'm not saying you did a good job, it was neither good nor bad. Congrats for not dying." Troye turns his head slightly to avoid Selina's gaze.

"Uh, thanks?"

"Just leave me alone."

"Alrighty." Selina walks away awkwardly.