Chapter 51

Chapter 51

52: Black Street Two days had passed since returning from the underground plaza. Emily and Eira, who had gone on an expedition, had returned, and Mien, who had gone to Ortania, had returned to Karaldin. The others might not know, but I had also returned from the underground plaza, so everyone had returned safely. Celebrating our safe returns, we met at the ‘Flying Squirrel’ tavern and clinked glasses. “Celebrating everyone’s safe return, cheers!” “Cheers!” Eira cheerfully led the toast, and we followed her with laughter in our voices. Deep voices echoed along with ours because men were mixed in with the group. I didn’t know the exact reason, but Rakas and Tsarka were at the drinking party along with the four women. They must have become friends during the expedition, and since I knew them, it wasn’t awkward. Besides, there was no harm in them being there. These kinds of gatherings are more fun with a mixed group of men and women. The drinking parties back in Lakers weren’t exactly mixed, but they were fun in their own way. “How was the investigation?” I asked Emily, just in case, and she replied with a lively expression. “It wasn’t as bad as I thought. It was my first time fighting monsters, so I was a little nervous, but everyone else took care of it…” Fortunately, she didn’t experience anything similar to what I did. Well, that’s probably normal. I’m the weird one for being tossed around by men. I wondered if it would have been different if I had gone with them, but probably not. This world has common sense too, right? “Pfft, that was your first time fighting? Even the guards in our guild who have seen their fair share of battles can’t fight like that. These two little ladies are amazing!” “I agree. Your movements have form, and there’s no fear in your swordsmanship. That’s not something a beginner can imitate.” To Emily’s shy reply, Rakas and Tsarka praised her enthusiastically. But it was only natural. Emily had inherited the Sword Saint’s martial arts, and even if her inner strength was lacking, her skills were still there. Even if we can’t wreak havoc in this world, we each have our own skills thanks to what we’ve received. Emily, of course, and the rest of our friends who I haven’t found yet, should be able to take care of themselves. Of course, that also depends on luck, so I can’t be sure. Even I might have been living a miserable life in Lakers if it weren’t for the Succubus Arts. Emily blushed at the men’s praise and downed her drink. “D-Don’t praise me so much…” She said that, but her body seemed to be asking for more praise as she fidgeted. And judging by the glances she was giving me, she wanted my praise too. I found her cute, so I reached out and stroked her head. “Good job, Emily.” “O-Oh?” Emily blushed crimson and hesitated, then smiled and nodded. “Yeah!” // The drinking party continued. “Geometry is the most important subject in magic. Magic is a precise and beautiful formula, and it is perfected by shapes. The reason why there must be no mistakes in drawing the shapes that guide, confine, combine, and divide mana in spellcraft is because of that. The hand signs that wizards use in a hurry are also simplified forms of these drawings…” I nodded, watching Mien, who was slightly drunk, with flushed cheeks, giving a lengthy explanation. I thought she was so talkative probably because she was drunk. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be giving a magic lecture at a drinking party. Mien seemed to realize that too, as she drank a glass of brandy and giggled, then muttered again. “Well, this isn’t a story for a drinking party. But please know this. I have high expectations for Laila. Not just because she’s my first disciple, but because Laila has talent.” More than talent, it’s the knowledge she learned in her past life. How many people in a world where even writing isn’t widely available have learned mathematics? Considering that, it seems that my hard work in my past life wasn’t entirely in vain. I wondered where I would use math, but now I’m using it to learn magic. Still, I felt burdened that Mien was expecting too much from me. “That’s a bit of a burden.” I said with a wry smile, and Mien smiled back at me. “It’s okay. I know that receiving expectations from others is naturally burdensome. But Laila, we wizards need to get used to that kind of expectation. Whether you want it or not, whether you meet those expectations or not. Others’ expectations are interest, and that is the driving force that makes us develop further. I want Laila to develop, so I will continue to expect you. Even if you fail and make countless mistakes.” That seemed right, but if Mien said that, it would be difficult to tell her what I experienced in the underground plaza. That wasn’t something to be expected. Still, she might not get as angry as I expected. I was thinking of telling Mien about the Soul Absorption Art then too. Even if she suspects that I have knowledge from another world, my actions wouldn’t make sense without it. Actually, it’s true that I’m half enjoying it now, so it’s hard to talk about justification. “Yes, I’ll do my best.” I smiled slightly and drank the brandy. As the alcohol entered my body, a fiery energy surged through me, and my lower abdomen began to tingle, but I tried to ignore it. Unless the party breaks up soon, it wasn’t time to soothe my body yet. Thinking that, I turned back my hand, which was unconsciously reaching downwards, and drank the brandy again. Then the heat felt in my lower abdomen became even stronger. Can I endure this? “Hngh…” “Laila, what’s wrong?” “Ah, it’s nothing.” Was it because of the poison? It seemed that my body was getting aroused faster than usual. Even after two days, the poison I absorbed from Kwaidon was still eating away at my body. It was a little better than the first day, but my condition was still not good. Because of that, I seemed to be more strongly affected by the alcohol. My body had improved only because of the effects of the Iron Shirt Armor and the Succubus Arts, not because my body had adapted. The mana containing the poison penetrated my entire body as I circulated it, eventually poisoning my whole body. There were two options. Modify the mana circulation to accept the poison, or endure until I could resist the poison. Of course, the former was to open the Poison Gate and turn my body into a Poison Human, which was only possible with luck or deep knowledge of poison arts. Therefore, the only option I could choose was the latter. Fortunately, the poison that Kwaidon had in his body wasn’t that virulent, so it was bearable, but it was still a bit overwhelming. I tried to calm my breathing and focused on the others’ stories. It was an action taken in the hope that it would get a little better if I turned my attention away.

-Gurgle.

Then, Arum, who was still in my stomach, rippled slightly. Come to think of it, it was about time to feed her. Should I buy some jerky and feed her when I get back? “To be honest, I was a little worried, but your skills are still as good as ever.” “Damn it, Rakas. I may have been unlucky enough to be attacked by goblins, but that was just an accident. Those damn bastards…” “Yeah, I’ve already heard that story. Anyway, I’m glad you’re safe.” Glancing to the side, Rakas was talking to Eira, and Emily was clinging to Tsarka. “Hngh, I’m dizzy…” “You’re not very good at drinking. Rest a little.” “Yesss…” I wondered why the two of them were together, but she was drunk and staggering. Unlike me, Emily had never drunk alcohol before. She didn’t even know her own tolerance, so it was natural for her to be drunk and staggering. I sipped the brandy again and smiled wryly to myself as I looked at Emily. Judging by the state of my aroused body, I would have to spend the night with Tsarka today, but it seemed I would have to take Emily with me. It was about time for her to start learning the Succubus Arts in earnest. By the way, this brandy is really delicious. I know I shouldn’t drink it, but I keep drinking it. There’s a reason why this tavern is doing so well. // After a little more time, we decided to leave. “I’ll take my leave now.” “I’ll go in first with Emily too.” Tsarka was the first to get up, followed by me and Emily. Of course, there was a bit of negotiation in this situation. There was no way Tsarka, who had the mindset of a warrior in battle, eating, and drinking, would get up first on his own. “Okay, go in first. I’ll take good care of these two.” Rakas said, waving his hand lightly. Next to him, Eira was leaning her head on Rakas’s shoulder, seemingly drunk. …It seemed obvious what he meant by taking good care of her. It seemed we weren’t the only ones who were going to do the deed tonight.

-Wink.

Even in the midst of all this, he was winking, so he probably had an idea of what was going on. I had said something during the adventurer skill test before, so it would be strange if he didn’t notice.

-Wink.

When I winked back, Rakas chuckled as if it was funny and stroked Eira’s hair while drinking. I don’t know if the atmosphere is good, but I hope it goes well for both of them. The night in Karaldin was a little chilly. Not cold, but just the right amount of chill to feel good if you’re drunk from the heat of alcohol. Especially for me, who was feeling hot right now, this temperature was just right. I supported the staggering Emily and walked with Tsarka. By the way, a beautiful girl and an orc going home side by side. Just imagining it makes me feel a little creepy. I’m probably not the only one who thinks that. Halfway there, Emily seemed to come to her senses, as she raised her head and looked around. “Hwaaah?” But what came out of her mouth wasn’t a proper language. I smiled wryly and explained to her. “We’re going back now.” “Aaaah… Is that sooo?” Of course, the place we were going back to wasn’t the inn we were staying at. I whispered in her ear with a slightly laughing voice. “Yeah, to Tsarka’s room.” “…Heeh….Huh?” Then, surprisingly, Emily’s eyes sharpened in an instant. “Ahem.” Tsarka coughed next to us, and Emily scanned me and Tsarka in turn with eyes that seemed to have regained their reason. “U-Um, th-th-then, p-p-perhaps, th-that.” Looking at Emily, who was spouting robotic lines, I smiled even more. “Yeah, that.” Then Emily’s brown eyes shook aimlessly, and she showed a light of contemplation. But Emily didn’t shake off my arm, which I was supporting her with, until we arrived in front of the inn. With that, I should take it that I heard her answer.