Chapter 16 — Idol Girl and the “Fiancé”

Part 1 — Exile, Then Saving the Nation

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A hulking foxkin stomped over. Mimi groaned. “Ugh, Makashiji. Go away.”

“What’s that tone for, fiancée?!” he snapped.

…Fiancée?

Mimi gave him a dead-eyed stare. “I’d rather die. Disappear. Forever.”

“Fine. We’ll settle it with a duel,” he said. “If I lose, I leave. If I win, you’re mine.”

He jabbed a finger at me. Great.

“No benefit for us,” Mimi scoffed.

“Then I’ll take you by force.”

He grabbed her arm. She yelped, struggling in vain.

“Uh, Ellie? Maybe we should stop him,” I muttered.

She glared. “I thought you had more backbone.”

…Right. “Fine, fine.”

“That’s the Dan I know,” she said, patting my back. “Go get him, Warrena.”

Dirty play, using the old name.

Mimi still flailed. “Pervert! Let me go!”

“Hey,” I said. “Hands off.”

Makashiji sneered. “Tell your girl goodbye already?”

“Nah. Just let go.”

“Don’t, Dan!” Mimi cried. “He’s the strongest in the tribe.”

Makashiji barked a laugh. “Yeah, Dan. Beating a few scrawny goblins doesn’t make you hot stuff.”

“Whatever.” I rolled my sleeves. “Mimi, step aside. Grandpa told me never to make girls cry.”

“Dan…”

Makashiji smirked. “Cute. After I carve him up, he’s monster chow—and you’re next. Better wait with your panties off.”

Classy.

He shoved Mimi away and drew a broadsword. She tumbled, swearing, but Elly raced over to help her.

Foxkin circled us, shouting insults. Mimi heckled loudest of all.

“Go, Dan! Smash that limp noodle!” she yelled.

“Draw your blade,” Makashiji said. “Or did you chicken out?”

“I’m good.” I beckoned. “Hurry up. I’m hungry.”

He charged, sword raised. I sidestepped, slapped the back of his hand, and the blade clattered free. A straight punch to the gut lifted him off his feet, followed by a one-two to the face. Silence rippled through the crowd as he staggered, barely staying upright.

“Pick it up,” I said.

He cursed and dove for the weapon—then flung a handful of dirt at me. I shielded my eyes and heard metal scrape. Cheap trick. He swung wildly, cursing.

Dodging got boring fast.

“Die!” he screamed.

Fed up, I kicked a spray of dirt into his face. While he blinked, I seized his wrist, twisted, and flipped him down, wrenching his shoulder. He hit hard; a quick knuckle strike to the throat cut off his protests.

“If you pull dirty tricks, at least win,” I sighed. He didn’t answer.

Cheers, boos, and curses erupted. Mimi launched herself at me and stole a kiss. Citrus and meadow and sweet heat slammed into my senses.

“You’re amazing!” she squealed, peppering my face with kisses. “I love you! Let’s do it! Right now!”

“No,” Ellie said sharply, yanking her tail. Mimi yelped and backed off.

◆◆◆

Dinner turned into a camp feast with the foxkin. They took turns toasting me.

“Still sore you took our idol,” one said, “but the way you clocked that jerk? Respect.”

“Never liked him anyway,” another laughed. “Take care of her!”

Mimi barely left my side. When the crowd thinned, I asked, “You sure about this? Leaving your village?”

“Totally,” she said. “If I’m with you, I don’t need it.”

I sighed. “It is a big deal.”

“Not to me. I’m serious, Dan.”

She met my eyes, hazel irises bright and earnest.

“I might not be able to return your feelings,” I warned.

“I know. Staying with you is enough.”

She looped her arms around mine. “So let me stay.”

I groaned. “Fine. Just… remember, you’re here because you want to be.”

“Yay! I love you,” she murmured, squeezing tighter.

Her whispered “happy” echoed something in my chest—and, unbidden, I wondered what my ex-fiancée was doing now. Not that it mattered.

----- End of chapter -----