I’m Not the Final Boss’ Lover

“Why should I?”

Fabian’s proposal was a laughable one. Give up being second-in-command in the Dark Knights, who were riding the highway to the top, and join a newly formed expedition corps of a latter-middle rank? Not to mention, he was acting as if he was doing a great charity, expecting me to be grateful for being accepted by him. At this point, it wouldn’t be funny even if this was a joke, but the shocking thing was that Fabian was sincere.

“There’s a limit to how far that man can go. You know as well, don’t you?” he asked. “That I was ultimately the one to grasp victory in the past.”

That matter-of-fact confidence of his could only be borne from conviction. Sure, I could understand his arrogance as Fabian had a history of beating the Dark Knights, but it was too early for him to be swinging his weight around. He wouldn’t be able to beat them again, not this time around. Fabian’s achievement was nothing but past glory, which no one even knew about.

“If Saint Marianne gave any human the talent to defeat the demon lord, that would be me.”

I had believed so too. And I was betrayed. I asked quietly, “How are you so sure of that?”

“The fact that I remember the past is proof. Although of course, I didn’t expect that you would remember too… But wouldn’t that be a sign that you’re my fated partner?”

Fabian was filled with confidence. It seemed like he didn’t even imagine the possibility of Mayer also keeping his memories. I could see why, though. Since he completely believed that he was the chosen one, he probably didn’t want to think that anyone else could be special. Especially if it was someone that he couldn’t overcome without that specialness.

He held his hand out to me and said, “Come on. Let’s defeat the demon lord for real this time. You and I, together, can do it.”

If he had come to me before I remembered my element conversion spell… I would’ve been conflicted about whether to accept his proposal or not, regardless of what he had done to me. But it was too late. I had already resolved to pave out a new future that deviated from the game story.

Slapping Fabian’s hand away hard, I answered coldly, “You’re talking about a future that’s already gone, Fabian. Do you think the Dark Knights will fall behind you again this time? When they have me on their side, someone who has knowledge of the past and the information of dungeons? It’s never gonna happen. No—I’ll see to it that it doesn’t.”

I gave Fabian the hard truth, but he didn’t get my warning and merely snorted. “You? Before, the Dark Knight and I lacked information yet I still won. The result will be the same even if you do tip him off, because both of us, we’re both in the same situation. Which is why I’ll be the victor in the end.”

“The same situation? What nonsense are you talking about? I helped you back then.”

“What?”

Fabian genuinely didn’t seem to know what help I had given him. The dungeon information I gave, the talented individuals I scouted, my support magic… It felt like all that effort was for nothing. It wasn’t like I was hoping for something in return, but it was so hollowing that someone I treated with good intentions wasn’t even aware of it. At this point, I felt ashamed of how I had used to be so desperate in helping out an ingrate like this. Feeling suddenly exhausted, I muttered self-mockingly, “You were lucky before. And as for the present… It’s a pity, but your luck seems to have run out. And it’ll probably continue to be that way.”

“Are you fancying yourself as some goddess of fortune?”

“If you think otherwise, then isn’t there no need to be so obsessed about bringing me over? Like you said. Same situation.”

Perhaps my words had hit the nail on the head? A crack formed on the composed face Fabian had been keeping up all this time. It seemed like he was getting impatient at not making any progress in convincing me. He sneered. “Is it because the Dark Knight is rich? Did you fall head over heels for him after getting all these things, the expensive dress, jewelry, and artifacts?”

“What?”

“I suppose they are something to go crazy for. I didn’t know you were so materialistic. I would’ve done the same for you if I had known right away.” Fabian scanned me up and down with a repulsive gaze as if judging every part of me. His lips twisted in disapproval as he continued, “But think of the days to come. The days after the demon lord is gone—”

“Could you stop prattling like you’re so generous?” I interrupted, unable to stand listening anymore. “You did nothing for me in the end. The reason I chose Mayer? Because he gave me expensive gifts? No. It’s because he gives me the appreciation I deserve. Unlike you, he acknowledged my worth—and that explains how I got these gifts. Simple as that.”

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