Ch.66Addiction?

The sight of delicious food that made my mouth water just by looking at it, and fruit wine that seemed to have been purchased at a considerable price.

These two essential elements of any party blended together, naturally lifting my spirits.

Well, is that normal since alcohol has entered my body?

As I was thinking this and about to pour the fruit wine from the glass bottle into my cup—

“Are the prepared foods to your liking?”

Ludmila, the person who invited me to the party and its host, took the bottle from my hand as she spoke.

Though awkward, her actions were efficient as my wine glass filled up. When it was about half full, the bottle returned to the table.

As I swirled the glass in small circles, the purple fruit wine undulated, its refreshing aroma tickling my nose.

“The food is so delicious it feels too generous. I’ve never eaten such food in my life.”

Though mixed with a bit of exaggeration, I meant every word.

She must have spent a considerable amount to host this party, so I should at least make her feel good about it.

After all, words don’t cost anything.

“I’m glad. My friends said it was fine, but I was actually nervous. I thought you might pretend to enjoy it even if you didn’t, Professor.”

“I might have forced myself to eat it since my student is hosting the party, but what I just said was sincere. It’s delicious. Really.”

Pleased by my words, Ludmila smiled.

Looking at her, a question formed in my mind, which grew stronger as I looked around.

Deep navy blue clothes.

Pants for men, skirts for women—these were the clothes worn by Academy students.

The waist-length robes they wore over their clothes also had the Academy emblem embroidered near the chest, so naturally they matched.

All the students were wearing Academy uniforms.

Is that normal because they’re students?

But this is a party, isn’t it?

These contradictory thoughts crossed my mind, and unable to reach a conclusion, I decided to just ask.

“Ludmila, why is everyone wearing Academy uniforms?”

Come to think of it, the clothes I was wearing weren’t particularly suitable for a party either.

Just comfortable and neat clothes.

Maybe they were being considerate, thinking I might not have appropriate clothes?

I harbored such hopeful expectations, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

“Oh, we like doing this. Drinking and having fun while wearing Academy clothes.”

“Um… why?”

While I could accept that my expectations were off, I absolutely couldn’t understand her explanation.

How does one come to enjoy that?

“The Academy gives off a kind of rigid feeling, right? So when we drink or have fun wearing these clothes, it gives us an incredibly unique feeling. Like we’re doing something we shouldn’t.”

Something they shouldn’t do.

So they’re feeling a kind of guilty pleasure?

It’s fascinating how simply changing clothes can alter one’s mood, but as a professor, I couldn’t just let it slide.

I wouldn’t want any issues affecting the Academy’s reputation.

“I’m sure you all know how to control yourselves, but I hope you don’t do anything too extreme.”

“Of course not. We’re just creating a mood. We all understand.”

While I was conversing with her—

Lael, who had been at a distance, suddenly approached.

When our eyes met, she smiled sweetly, but there seemed to be dissatisfaction hidden within it.

Of course, it might just be my imagination.

“Professor, what are you and Ludmila discussing so enjoyably?”

“Huh? Oh, nothing important.”

Her tone seemed normal, but I could tell. She was definitely displeased.

But considering the content of our conversation and the atmosphere, I didn’t think there was any reason for her to be upset.

Could it be that she simply dislikes me talking to another woman?

Thinking about it that way, it seemed rather cute.

“Ludmila, let’s go join the others with the professor. Don’t stay in this corner.”

“Oh, I was about to say the same thing but forgot.”

“I see. I thought you two might be having a secret rendezvous.”

“R-rendezvous?! Me?! Absolutely not!”

As Ludmila shook her head vigorously in denial—

Lael nodded as if she understood, and the coldness in her eyes seemed to diminish a bit.

“Then, Ludmila, go ahead. I have something to discuss with the professor.”

“Oh, okay. Take your time.”

With Ludmila gone, only Lael and I remained in the corner.

The cold, jealous Lael from moments ago was nowhere to be seen, replaced by a cute girl with pouting lips.

“Be honest. What were you two doing?”

“Really, nothing at all.”

She should know better than anyone that I have no such intentions.

After all, she’s the one involved.

She’s been rejected countless times when she asked to meet outside, so it would be strange if she didn’t know.

“I know. I was just saying.”

“Then why…?”

“Even though I know, it still feels… how should I put it…?”

Lael shifted her gaze to the void, furrowing her brow.

“It makes me bubble with anger.”

She met my eyes again and repeatedly clenched and unclenched her hands to express the feeling.

She must have been quite frustrated.

Seeing her like this, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

The more I get to know her, the more surprising she becomes.

It’s nice that it’s never boring when we’re together.

Anyway, staying together too long might raise suspicions.

“Stay still for a moment.”

I moved closer to her and grabbed her hand.

Startled by my action, Lael looked up at me, and I quickly hid our joined hands behind my back.

This way, it’s not visible from the other side.

“Ah… you really startled me…”

Speaking in a more flustered voice, Lael tightly gripped my slightly trembling hand.

“Do you feel a bit better now?”

“More than a bit…”

We stood like that for a very brief moment, feeling each other’s warmth.

* * * * *

After the party ended, we left the mansion together.

But the excited atmosphere showed no signs of dissipating, and everyone wore expressions of reluctance to leave.

The only party I’d ever attended was drinking excessively with men at a tavern during my adventurer days.

It was barely even worthy of being called a party, but I definitely enjoyed this one.

Especially around the middle when I joined the students—I was having so much fun that I even forgot to eat.

Anyway, it’s late now and time to head back.

“I had a great time today. I hope we have another opportunity like this.”

As I spoke first, the students began to make their way toward the Academy one by one.

However, there was one who couldn’t.

“Uweeeek—”

Ed, who had consumed two bottles of fruit wine by himself.

He was leaning against the wall with both hands, continuously vomiting what he had eaten.

Is it the person drinking the alcohol, or the alcohol drinking the person…?

Thinking this, I approached to pat his back, but he stopped me with his hand, threw up one more time, and then—

Ptui.

He finished by spitting.

“Ed, are you alright?”

“N-no… I just want to get back to the dormitory quickly and sleep.”

“Yes, let’s head back quickly.”

Unable to just watch, Frit came running as a representative and supported Ed.

As we continued through the alleyways and finally reached the main road—

“Everyone, get back safely.”

The Academy and the workshop are in opposite directions.

It’s time to part ways.

The students bowed their heads in unison as if they had planned it, and when Ed, who wasn’t looking well, lowered his head, I tensed for a moment.

But he was just bowing too.

Going from the bustling group of seven to suddenly being alone, the night air felt cold, but my face was flushed from the alcohol, which felt nice.

Arriving at the workshop, I carefully opened the back door.

With a creaking sound, the wooden door moved, and Riano, with her eyes half-closed, greeted me.

“Welcome back…”

She must have fallen asleep waiting for me.

She didn’t have to wait up.

Still, the fact that she waited for me made me feel loved, which was nice.

“Are you sleepy? Let’s go in and sleep.”

“Hmm…? Oh, but since I waited… give me a reward.”

A reward…?

I’ve heard of masters giving rewards to disciples, but never the other way around.

She closed her half-open eyes completely, raised her head, and slightly pursed her lips.

She was clearly asking for a kiss as her reward.

This much I could easily give, but…

I wonder if we’re doing this too often.

Well, if I like it and she likes it, isn’t that good for everyone?

With that thought, I kissed her cute lips.

Smooch.

A cute, short kissing sound was heard, and Riano smiled brightly.

Yet her eyes remained closed, making it seem like she might stagger and fall at any moment.

I put my arm around her shoulders and guided her into the room.

Clearly, I was the one who had been drinking, and yet…