Your Shadow Is My Light

Chapter 27 - I definitely won't let us sink.

Normal text
Thinking
Onomatopoeia

Rayne's POV
Three days later.

"CHEERS TO OUR HEROES!!!"

The clink of mugs and joyous laughter echoed as people assembled around a campfire built in the parade square. The village had prepared this after-party celebration for us. And judging by the barrels of alcohol parked at the side, they won't be calling it quits until everyone's dead drunk. Crickets buzzed in the tranquil moonlight, accompanied by the bays of hunting wolves. Fireflies twinkled like stars. The night was young, faintly illuminated by the warm glows of the bonfire. Shadows danced and flickered on the gravel as people topped up their cups and went for second rounds of barbecue.

It was bustling like a wet market, but strangely, I don't despise it. Quite the opposite. I thoroughly enjoyed this lively revelry. The few rare moments when I could truly unwind in a crowd. There's no superiority complex brewing here. I don't have to constantly tiptoe around eggshells. Nor rack my brains to read between the lines of blatant humiliation disguised as perfunctory pleasantries. Over here, everyone's attitude was out in the open. A stark contrast to those stiff birthday parties held in premium hotels and restaurants back on Earth. Usually, I'd feel so out of place in a social setting designated for the elites. Made worse by the deliberate isolation and insidious mockery that aimed to tear me down from my humble status. Compared to those wretched hormonal teenagers with fake smiling faces, these rugged farmers and shepherds were much simpler. They either love you or hate you.

Sitting on the bench, I watched Akali foolishly compete in a drinking contest with those burly uncles and aunties who looked like they lived and breathed alcohol during their spare time. She's merrily chugging down gallons of booze without a care for her poor innocent liver. A shame.

I shook my head disapprovingly, "Stupid sensei."

While that nimrod's drowning in poison, I huddled in a corner far away from the alcohol fiesta. With my minimal sense of presence, I was quickly forgotten by the incapacitated crowd. Not that I mind since my girlfriend's idling with me. Nestled in my lap, Ahri was happily slurping and guzzling on beef stew. From the perky ears and the mad wagging of her tails, the midnight buffet must have satisfied the princess's classy palate. I stroked her silky tails dotingly. What a pleasant surprise. A noble princess could be so accepting towards a common peasant dish. I guess that's what makes her different from those condescending aristocrats.

At this time, a frigid sensation touched my cheeks, "Here. Grape juice."

I accepted Evelynn's thoughtful gesture and took a sip.

Reclining next to me, the succubus chuckled, "You don't want to try being high? It's quite an eye-opening experience."

"Nah. I prefer being grounded in reality."

The last thing I wanted was to become a damn drunkard like Brody Cadell.

"Hm. Boring~" she clicked her tongue.

That's what she said, but Evelynn never pushed me anymore. Just quietly bask in the pin-drop silence. She's considerate in this way.

As the night wore on, I noticed someone heading towards me. Her face was 80% similar to that of Akali-Mayym Jhomen Tethi, the current village chief. Coincidentally, also the renowned Fist of Shadow in the ancient Kinkou Order. My back subconsciously straightened in the presence of an influential figure.

"Hey, Hero girl. Why hide out here? The party not to your taste?"

Even the way she talked was the same as Akali-laid-back and chill. Not to mention the propensity to casually label others with funny nicknames. Despite the two demon generals lazing beside me, Ms Mayym was downright relaxed. It's safe to say that the hostility and vigilance towards our ragtag group has completely fizzled out at this point. To think malice used to overflow from their pointed glares.