Chapter 89 : finding a hobby

“There was such an incident.”

The sound of chess pieces clattering filled the room. In this world, chess pieces move on their own when commanded, thanks to a touch of

magic.

In Lurue’s room, bathed in pink light, there was a scent of tea, cookies, and a distinctly feminine aura.

“I see. And then?”

“And then… damn it, don’t say things like that while casually taking my knight. I’m trying to explain here.”

Even if it was just a game of chess, the pieces that moved on their own were incredibly vivid. My knight had just been devoured by her rook.

Is this… really chess?

No matter how the game progressed, she was genuinely listening to my story. Since I had to keep the parts about magic and regression secret,

my tale was disjointed, but she quietly listened as I clumsily wove it together.

“Defeat, huh. That’s a strange word. No one in this academy would think of the princess as a loser.”

“It’s not like I started this to be praised by others.”

“Proving yourself, hmm. Not exactly the kind of topic for someone in pajamas.”

Amitere told me to find a hobby that would help divert my thoughts—preferably something unrelated to magic.

Since it was a rare academy holiday, I visited Lurue’s dorm to talk. Rather than doing girly things like embroidery or knitting, I thought

playing chess with her would be better.

And really, staying home in pajamas on a day off isn’t strange. I mean, I stay in just my underwear when I’m alone. And for the record, I’m

not some weirdo. It’s not like I’m some pervert who gets aroused just from seeing skin through thin fabric… right?

Of course, objectively speaking, Lurue was an incredibly beautiful princess. Her naturally tanned skin made her beauty even rarer in this

world.

“…Trea? What are you thinking about right now?”

“Wha? Ah, n-no, nothing.”

“Focus. Check.”

Before I knew it, her cavalry had infiltrated my palace and surrounded the king. It wasn’t completely hopeless, but a few dozen moves later,

I’d definitely be cornered.

The tides had already turned in her favor. Rather than struggle pathetically, I chose a noble death.

An honorable defeat.

“You give up quicker than I thought.”

“I call it rational judgment.”

With a sigh, I removed the crown from my king’s head and placed it on the floor. It was a sign of surrender, and Lurue picked up the crown

with a satisfied look. How have I never won even once?

I’ve lost more kingdoms than I can count. My father’s judgment was right—if I were to become head of the family, I’d ruin it for sure. I should

be thankful that I have someone above me.

“Doesn’t seem like chess is something I’ll get addicted to. Sigh.”

“Considering I gave up my rook and cannon pieces, it was quite brutal. But I had fun.”

“…Are you teasing me?”

“Oh my? Weren’t you the one complaining for hours about how much you hate being deceived? You don’t need to rush to find a hobby.”

Not that I meant for “teabagging” to be one of them… well, a bit of teasing is the victor’s privilege. If I hate it, I should win next time.

Honestly, my skill was pathetic. It’s like fighting with my hands and legs tied—and still losing. As she cleaned up the chess pieces, Lurue

asked casually.

“Summer break is coming up soon. Are you going home, Trea?”

“Well… I’m thinking about it. But it might be difficult.”

With finals over, all that remained for the students was to wait for summer break. I was considering going home, but the distance is

murderously far.

If the academy is on the eastern end of Und, then the Ludvek family estate is on the far western end of the continent. Just the round trip

would take at least three weeks. It’s a dilemma.

Sure, with spatial magic, travel wouldn’t take long. But teleporting that far is like trying to play Tetris with your body—not ideal.

“I’ll head back now. Sorry for barging in while you were resting.”

“No need to apologize. You’re welcome anytime.”

They say time flies when girls chat. Evening had already passed. As a guest, my manners were terrible.

I was just about to head out of the dormitory when Lurue stopped me with a question.

“By the way, have you spoken with Teferi since that day?”

“…No. Not even once.”

“It’s not my place to interfere, but I think it would be good to talk at least once. Pardon me.”

I didn’t answer, just gave a vague nod before stepping out. The words stuck in my throat and evaporated.

‘Talking with Teferi, huh.’

Drinking straight from the bottle on the dorm rooftop, my mind wandered. I felt like some saintess from a story. Alcohol is addictive, sure—

but not the right treatment to replace the addiction to magic. It’s weaker, and kind of unrefined. I can’t live every day with booze in hand,

right?

Still, drinking occasionally when feeling down does help. It’s only been two days since Amitere confiscated my ring and necklace, so it’d be

weirder if I already felt fine.

I pretend to be okay, but honestly, I want to wear them again—feel that ecstasy just one more time.

This is serious. I think I finally understand why Ami wants me to go through withdrawal, even if it means forcing symptoms. The pleasure is

incomparable to even this fine liquor.

‘Eventually, I’ll have to see him.’

I can’t stay distant from Teferi forever. It’s not just about us—this concerns the entire continent. Whether it ends in peace or disaster, it has to

be resolved. But my pride won’t let me face him. Besides, I still don’t know what I really want to say.

“Already finished the bottle?”

As I kept thinking, I realized I’d emptied the whole thing. I’m a little tipsy, but it still feels like it wasn’t enough. I already tasted something far

more intoxicating.

Staggering back to my room, I collapsed onto the bed. The headache reminded me that, yes, it was still alcohol. My room was a mess, thanks

to me claiming I’d handle magic after finals. Even Arwen had postponed cleaning it until the next “big cleaning day.”

“This is hard… really hard…”

When I first enrolled, I thought that as long as I took care of myself, nothing else would matter. But the future has turned out to be nothing

like I expected. The original novel feels irrelevant. Or maybe… is it because of that?

Ugh, I’ll think about the complicated stuff later. Let’s recall something else. Like… what Ami said to me before we parted ways.

‘Why did she tell me to touch my chest… no matter whose it is?’

Honestly, breasts are just lumps of fat made to look appealing on the outside, aren’t they?

I’ve lived with this body for years and never felt any particular use for them.

I never really had time for the cliché “groping your own chest” scene, since I was always so busy. Not to mention constantly being surrounded

by maids.

‘Hmmm.’

W-well, first, let’s just take off these clothes. Can’t sleep in my daytime outfit, right? I don’t usually wear pajamas anyway.

Maybe it’s the alcohol, but the blanket on my bare skin felt extra ticklish. Softer than usual, too.

I looked around cautiously and shouted loudly.

“Arwen! Are you still here?”

Of course not. Even though she’s a maid, she’s not of age yet. Making her stay up this late would be abuse.

Still, the reason I called for her was just in case—to make sure the academy didn’t break any labor laws or something. Totally not because I

wanted company.

‘…Is this really that enjoyable?’

Come to think of it, I’ve never really done anything with my own body. Maybe this is just another form of… research?

I guess I can’t judge clearly after drinking. My hand gently rested on my bare chest. Since it wasn’t a subconscious act, my heart was racing.

My chest is… pretty small, huh. No matter how loudly I claim it’s “average,” everyone kept reassuring me like it was a lie. Maybe they weren’t

wrong.

‘While I’m at it… maybe I should touch down there too…’

One good thing about the academy dorms? Thick walls and excellent soundproofing. And high-quality bedding, of course.

That night, I couldn’t sleep until dawn.

Looks like I found myself a new hobby.