Escape

Late at night, long past dusk’s fading light.

Though it was time for people to sleep for tomorrow, the Academy’s lights showed no sign of dimming.

“Ughhh…”

How much time had passed?

Veronica unintentionally checked the clock upon seeing the darkened scenery outside and gasped in surprise.

Good heavens, it was already 3 AM. When did it get so late?

No wonder her body felt stiff – she must have been sitting too long.

“Hoo, getting older really makes time fl- hup!”

Veronica clapped a hand over her mouth to stop the involuntary words.

Uttering such things would be no different than admitting she was old.

She was still young.

Unlike those who slowly aged without reaching magic’s pinnacle, she had frozen her body’s coordinates against aging.

Since most who mastered magic to that level were wrinkled elders, this was her unique secret technique.

But that damn brat kept calling her old or grandma, needling her nerves.

Hmph. If anything, that kid was older than her.

“Ugh, my back… Need a short break…”

But Veronica failed to realize one thing.

That Stella called her grandma not because of her appearance, but her mannerisms.

She would likely never realize this.

“I… I want a drink…”

Veronica mumbled blankly while lying on the mattress in her office corner.

The Academy attack incident had been somehow managed.

Naturally, there was criticism for allowing another attack despite past incidents… but fortunately, the lack of casualties made fabricating events relatively easy.

The publicly released version was citizen-reassuring content.

A story about the Academy intentionally setting a trap that the attackers fell into, rather than being assaulted.

Though some buildings burned, damage was within quickly repairable range. With no casualties, the Bright Light Society leader killed, and remnants arrested, the lie held.

Of course, easy public opinion manipulation didn’t mean easy aftermath handling – hence working until this hour.

“Where was I… Oh right, visiting the counsel- ah.”

Veronica froze mid-step toward her hidden alcohol stash.

…The counseling teacher was gone.

Though the alcohol should remain untouched, drinking alone felt too lonely.

“Tch. She didn’t need to leave.”

While unclear on details, Veronica could guess why she’d suddenly disappeared.

That madman laughing hysterically while spouting nonsense.

His final words before death had been about her.

What was it? Something about “Great Ophelia-nim’s orders…”

His voice irritated her so much she tore out his throat before hearing more, but a crime boss wouldn’t say such things without connection.

Likely some relationship existed.

Not a good one, clearly – he’d kept running his mouth even facing death to cause trouble.

Something about hypnosis too.

Probably why she left without a word.

She could’ve handled any rumors he spread.

“…Tch. Maybe I’ll visit that kid.”

Veronica sighed and stood up.

Work was mostly wrapped up – a short break wouldn’t hurt.

She decided to visit a long-neglected place.

***

“Sniff… Sob…”

“Don’t cry too much. Here, take this.”

“This is…?”

“On the house. Best way to forget troubles is drinking, right? That’s why you came?”

I smiled at the customer clutching her glass while crying at the bar.

“You’ll find better people. Consider this a gift to forget bad connections and find good ones.”

“…Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Bars attract people carrying various stories.

Those wanting to forget, those celebrating happiness – people seek alcohol for such reasons.

…Though regulars like our Regular Customer just really love drinking.

I rarely initiate conversations first.

Usually customers start talking under alcohol’s influence.

I just listen while absently wiping glasses.

Occasionally offering small freebies like this.

Not entirely selfless, of course.

“…One more of this, please.”

“Certainly.”

Heartbroken people often become regulars after small kindnesses.

Someone planning moderate drinking might stay until closing time.

A bit of salesmanship.

“The newbie’s quite skilled.”

“You know I’m not new, Owner-nim.”

“Eh. A secondhand newbie is still a newbie.”

The Owner-nim watching nearby began teasing me.

She must have noticed my scheme.

…Well, obvious perhaps – she taught me these tricks.

I recalled her saying regular-focused bars require this approach for first-timers.

“Um, just one more…”

“You’re too drunk. More would be dangerous – perhaps stop for today?”

“…Really?”

“Yes. Drinking’s fine, but excess harms the body.”

Blackout drunks might forget my free service.

Moderate tipsiness was ideal.

Higher return chances, naturally creating regulars.

“Thank you. For listening.”

“Not sure how helpful I was. Never dated anyone.”

“…What?”

“Wait, you’ve never dated?”

“…?”

Why these reactions?

The heartbroken customer, Owner-nim sipping while watching, even distant drinkers – all stared at me in shock.

“With that body? Really?”

“…What do you mean, ‘that body’?”

“Well, you know…”

Knowing where this headed, I glared at Owner-nim.

Always bringing up chest size. Owner-nim often made it a topic.

Honestly. As if I chose to be this big.

Shoulders always sore, running painful.

Nice to look at, but inconvenient to live with.

Not complaining about having a pretty woman’s body, but personally preferred tall and slender types…

Would’ve looked better in formal suits.

“Bigger isn’t better. Hurts, feels heavy. I envy your figure, Owner-nim.”

“…Really?”

“Yes.”

Owner-nim smiled awkwardly, perhaps taking it as flattery.

I meant it.

Her model-like looks definitely contributed to the bar’s regulars.

(T/N: Wait what? The bar owner was a woman?? ah fuck me)

“Compliments feel good. Since I’m in the mood, I’ll…”

“Ophelia! Found you!”

Startled.

Owner-nim and I jerked toward the entrance at the familiar voice.

Simultaneously, the entrance bell rang clearly announcing a customer…

I reflexively hid behind the counter.

“…Bartender?”

“Shhhhh…!”

Why was the Principal here?

Thinking deeply, I remembered forgotten information.

…Right, Principal-nim and Owner-nim are close.

I’d prepared for her visit before, but forgot after her long absence.

“What’s this? Drinking alone here?”

“Ah, well… No customers, so just a quick drink.”

“What about them?”

“They’re finishing up. Nothing wrong drinking a little while working if not standing, right?”

“Hmm…”

Thump, thump.

My heart raced at the thought she might have spotted me.

Did she? Probably not?

“Should visit more often.”

“Sorry. Been busy. Academy attack incident.”

“Heard about it. Big case.”

“Yeah. Finally stabilizing though. Most work’s done.”

“Good to hear.”

“By the way, has Ophelia visited?”

Eeeeeek!

Why ask?! Planning to kill the culprit?!

Trembling like standing outside in thin winter clothes at the thought of being hunted by someone who could dismember me.

Hypnosis works on others, but not her without alcohol…!

“Why her? Something wrong?”

“…No, nothing. Never mind.”

“How dull.”

“Want something strong tonight. Got anything?”

“Sure, wait a sec.”

Watching Owner-nim move naturally, I realized:

…Can’t stay here either.

I had to move my hideout.

Crouching hidden until Principal-nim left, watching her drink like draining poison.

Owner-nim and Principal-nim conversed, but I couldn’t hear.