The Sage Who Drinks 48

“…”

I can see sparks flying in the ashen pupils. Rinet’s expression was filled with obvious hostility. It meant she had clearly recognized Adela as a romantic rival.

In contrast, the Sage’s expression was relaxed. Adela, as if enjoying her advantageous position, grinned and received Rinet’s gaze.

‘This isn’t good.’

I didn’t want to see Rinet and Adela causing sparks here. If they fought in such a crowded place. And especially if I was the cause. What kind of reputation would follow.

But that was just a secondary reason. The true reason why I thought this wasn’t good was different.

‘Adela doesn’t know.’

Her confidence stemmed from having confessed to me, even if it was drunken honesty. That’s why she could speak so confidently.

-I’ve only gone as far as confessing to His Highness.

However.

‘The one who confessed…’

It wasn’t just Adela.

As if speaking on behalf of my correct thoughts, Rinet’s lips began to move slowly.

“And so?”

Sharp.

A woman who has been cut by a tongue once becomes angry. She won’t forgive her opponent and will tear them to pieces with her own tongue.

“…?”

So, Adela’s expression was filled with doubt.

An expression clearly filled with confusion, like “What?” She probably hadn’t imagined that Rinet wouldn’t be flustered by this and would immediately counterattack.

“You’re making such a big deal about just confessing… Is that something to be so proud of?”

“What?”

“I mean, is confession the only means you have to prove your relationship with His Highness?”

Her volume was loud.

How much vocal training must Rinet have done during worship at the Order? Her crisp and clear timbre had no roughness, and it was spreading clearly around us.

I felt several people nearby turn their heads toward us.

Despite knowing this, I couldn’t easily intervene.

These two had already entered a battle of words using their tongues as weapons. If I carelessly stepped in, I would be the one cut.

This time, Adela’s expression also distorted. As Rinet said, having confessed must have been her source of confidence.

“Then? What makes you so special that you’d say something like that, Lady Saint? You must have confessed too, right?”

“Yes, I did?”

And going further, this time Adela’s expression turned stunned.

Seeing that, I grabbed my forehead. I had expected it to flow like this, but Adela’s shock seemed greater than I thought.

“Y-you confessed?”

“Yes.”

Rinet isn’t someone who wouldn’t know that.

Realizing she had now taken control, Rinet smiled triumphantly.

It was the sneer unique to a woman looking at another woman positioned below herself.

“I proudly confessed when we went toward the sealing stone together. Did you also confess when you came to the Tower with him?”

“…!”

Adela averted her gaze.

Her confession had been made while drunk, not while sober. And she hadn’t particularly progressed further after coming to the Tower.

Of course, Rinet wouldn’t understand everything. But she would get the feeling.

-Ah, this woman, even after taking separate time together, she didn’t do anything?

She must have realized that immediately.

Rinet’s appearance was one of certainty in victory. A fierce attack continued.

“Really, aren’t you getting too excited about just one confession? It’s not that great.”

“Ugh….”

Now the outcome was clearly divided. The victorious Saint looked down, and the defeated Adela avoided eye contact.

But Rinet, also skilled in conducting herself as a Saint, soon sighed after observing my expression and the gazes around us.

She declared the end of the match.

“Alright. Well, anyway, I understand. All women in love are like that.”

It was a statement born from composure. An action that only the winning side in a war could take.

Nevertheless, because Rinet wasn’t cruel by nature, she followed up by warming her tone slightly and comforted Adela.

“But, if you want to continue your relationship with His Highness, I’d advise against that kind of attitude.”

“…What do you mean?”

Now completely like a cat with its tail tucked, Adela asked with her eyes raised.

Rinet smiled broadly and brought her hand to her mouth.

A posture of smiling with a “Shh-” gesture.

“His Highness would know the answer. Ask him.”

This could only be a declaration of complete victory. She even passed the flow to me.

Naturally, Adela’s gaze turned toward me, and just as she was about to continue speaking.

Tak, tadak!

In an instant, all the lights in the party venue went out. Given that all the magitech devices’ lights were extinguished, it must have been a magician’s work.

The surroundings became dark in a moment. However, people weren’t surprised. Because they knew it was now time for the protagonist and host of this place to appear.

Soon, the tak, tak sound of heels was heard. Far beyond our high seats. From the highest and central position, the sovereign of the Pitch-Black Tower showed herself.

“Greetings.”

She had let down the tightly bound hair I had seen before. The black silky hair flowed down to her waist, attracting attention as it rippled with every step she took.

Befitting a magician of the Pitch-Black Tower, her attire was as black as the night sky. Stars embroidered on it shone brightly in the darkness.

“I am the Pitch-Black Tower Master, Agria Ciadellia.”

As she bowed respectfully, everyone in the venue applauded.

Clap, clap, clap- After the noise continued for a while and died down. Agria opened her red lips again.

“The reason I invited the stars that illuminate the world here is of course for the party. But before that, I want to make a more important announcement.”

Most of the figures who heard those words tilted their heads. It was a sudden declaration.

However, Adela and I, knowing the reason, remained silent.

Agria raised her hand. There was nothing in her hand, but mysterious star clusters swirled above her palm and an object appeared.

A vortex inside a crystal box. It was the magic “Reignition” that I had seen in the research lab before.

“I wish to introduce the magic I’ve developed, and to find those who can help with it.”

 

When Agria began her explanation, people’s reactions were mostly similar.

‘Why develop such magic instead of an offensive one?’

As the explanation continued a bit more, reactions changed further to surprise.

‘To create such a thing, she truly is the Tower Master.’

But when the Tower Master finally said she was looking for someone to help, only silence followed.

No one could easily assist. It wasn’t a matter of will but of ability.

Except for Loran von Welert, who had the strongest dragon blood power in this world, no one could fulfill the Tower Master’s wish.

“…I see.”

A bitter smile formed on the Tower Master’s lips as she understood that. She probably had expected it inwardly, but when it becomes actual reality, it must be quite painful.

But what hope did she see in me? She turned her head to look at my eldest brother.

“First Prince.”

“Yes.”

“Perhaps, could you help with my research?”

To specifically point out the person with the highest status in the Empire after the Emperor. Even for the Tower Master, it’s not an easy thing to do.

Nevertheless, asking so directly means that Agria is that desperate.

My eldest brother knew that too. David shrugged his shoulders.

“…I don’t think I can.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I think I understand why you’re asking me… But I’m afraid I won’t be able to provide much assistance.”

My brother, who let out an awkward laugh, shifted his gaze to look at me.

-It’s you, right?

At that look asking me, I could only give a bitter smile.

Eventually, one must acknowledge limitations. Agria took a deep breath and tried to conclude her announcement.

“I understand. Then, I’ll end my announcement here.”

Agria, with a regretful expression. However, as the person responsible for this gathering, she cut off her emotions and proceeded with the schedule.

“Now I’ll start the next item, the ball. Everyone in the venue, please select a partner to dance with…”

The subsequent explanations were all common knowledge for those engaged in social circles.

Since almost everyone here had been dancing since childhood, rather than paying attention to the Tower Master’s explanation, they rose to find their own partners.

Of course, it was the same for me.

“Your Highness.”

Adela’s gentle voice struck my ear.

She rose from her seat and adjusted her dress. The fluttering black dress swayed in the breeze.

“Shall we go?”

But she didn’t extend her hand.

Though she said “Shall we go?”, it seemed she was expecting me to lead her.

Of course, as a gentleman, I should escort her.

My gaze shifted slightly to the side.

“…”

Rinet’s expression didn’t show much change.

She, who had approached us earlier and was sitting in a nearby chair. Despite hearing the conversation between Adela and me, she didn’t seem particularly concerned.

“What are you doing? Go and come back.”

Rather, she waved her hand casually, making a gesture as if saying “Hurry up and get it done.”

“…”

I was about to say something like “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”, but I swallowed those words.

Saying such things in front of Adela now would be impolite. It would be an act that would hurt her feelings.

Now, I would only escort Adela without saying anything.

I stood up from my seat and bowed neatly. It was the maximum greeting shown to a partner.

Then I extended my hand toward Adela and. Stopped in that posture, waiting.

“Would you dance one song with me?”

The happiness in Adela’s expression upon hearing those words was so radiant.

“…Yes.”

The way she approached me gracefully and grasped my hand with her elegant hand was so beautiful.

“Let’s go.”

My steps toward the very center of the party venue somehow felt weighted.

‘It’s heavy.’

Her affection, love, and trust directed at me.

Could I repay that?

From the distance, the guidance of a Tower official resonated throughout the venue.

“Now, before we start dancing! Let me introduce today’s protagonists. The next Tower Master and Sage of the Pitch-Black Tower, Miss Adela Ciadellia and…”

As I stood with her at the center of the venue.

One terrace caught my eye, visible just straight ahead.

A place where the Tower’s scenery could be seen at a glance. And a position where the night sky and the stars embroidered on it could be captured in one view.

I immediately knew.

‘That’s the place.’

The place where Adela said she would confirm my heart.

The time to make a decision, now there was really not much left.