I didn't want to turn down Liard's kindness, but today, I really wanted to keep my distance from the Prosek count's family.
So when I brought it up...
"I understand completely. That feeling. I know it all too well."
This guy's got intel on everything.
But this time, it's not just knowing—he says he knows it well?
"To be honest, I'm a hero from Prosek myself.
"I was just chopping wood in the forest for a living, and somehow I ended up slicing a few monster necks and became this adventurer hotshot."
"What? Captain Liard, you were a woodcutter!?"
I couldn't picture it at all.
Fallen noble's youngest son? Top graduate from butler academy? Prosek count's relative? Maybe.
"I can guess what you're imagining, Kirgil.
"But people change a lot as they age. Take me, for instance."
Woodcutter to general.
This must be what they mean by 'a dragon from the gutters.'
What the hell kind of life has this guy lived?
"Heh heh heh. Curious, are you?
"Then, as promised before, how about a drink with me before you go?"
Whoa!! How do you say no to a drinking story like this!!
More tempting and sexy than a peerless beauty's seduction—it's right here!!
I bolted for the booze.
My resolution to avoid Prosek folks all day?
Who cares about that now!?
Read the room!!!
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇Captain Liard's place... is it just me, or does it look like the flashiest mansion in the castle?
There's a garden, a hall inside decked with paintings, even servants.
They took my gear the second I walked in, gave me fresh clothes, and guided me to a bath.
It's a standard procedure to scrub off that adventurer stench from rummaging everywhere—and a pat-down search to boot.
With guest service this polished, he can't be some rags-to-riches newbie; this screams old-money lineage.
Or maybe it's just perks of being a capable general.
Woodcutter to general, after all.
The more I think about it, the more my heart races wondering what his story is.
After bathing and suiting up nicely, Liard was waiting to guide me to the drinking room.
"Go on in ahead. I've got some paperwork to finish before sunset, so I'll join you shortly."
A general's gotta deal with mountains of docs, right? I can be patient.
Peeking in, I saw the table set with bottles and glasses.
If it's already laid out, he won't be long.
Bracing for blockbuster-level drama, I stepped inside.
Clank!
Something locked from outside.
And right in front of me...
"F-F-Ferio!?"
I had a bad feeling I'd been royally screwed, so I yanked at the door.
Clank clank...
"It's... locked!!?"
Scammed!! It's a trap!! You tricked me, Liard!!!
I can't bust out of this with my skills! Totally played!!
Ferio was in the room—not in armor, but a dress.
Beautiful.Finally looks like a count's lady and a bride. I'd always wanted to see her like this.
But do you have any idea how I feel right now!?
Like I'm trapped in a room where I can't leave without sex!!!
"Uwaaaaaah!!"
I screamed and plastered myself to the door without thinking as she approached.
A moment later.
I was pretty flustered.
But not for the reason before.
Ferio had grabbed me and was just nonstop apologizing.
Ah, that's why I needed time to cool my head.
I figured it'd get better after blowing off steam with training or whatever.
No matter how distant, after rolling faces together for nearly a year, you pick up on someone's patterns.
"...But today, I couldn't just let you go.
"I thought you'd be so disappointed in me and Mother that you'd vanish somewhere."
So Ferio avoids family talk because of her mom, not her dad.
Not sure if this fits, but it's like an elite girls' school student council prez whose deadbeat drunk dad is a NEET—she keeps it secret, a family shame she doesn't want seen.
"Even Village Chief Agnes avoids saying my full name because she hates thinking of Mother."
Ah, so that's why Agnes calls her "Ferri." I thought it was a nickname.
Come to think of it, there are a few she never names outright.
She lights up when I use names, though. Suddenly wanna call out to Agnes.
Anyway, I wanna trash-talk Orio too, but... nah.
Be careful badmouthing families. Especially parents.
In times like this...
"Your father has a great personality."
Is this Kyoto-style indirect talk?
"I respect Father. But I can't understand him taking Mother like that."
"Still, thanks to him, you were born, Ferio. I'm grateful to him for that much."
"R-Really?"
Good, her mood flipped in a flash. Blushing too—now it really feels like one of those rooms.
Eeei! Mood shift!
"C'mon, Liard went all out setting up drinks, so let's have one. I wandered the castle grounds earlier—lost as hell with all the unfamiliar stuff."
"Seriously...? Lost in the streets at your age? Guess I need to train you in town next."
We toasted in the good vibes and took a sip.
"Huh..."
The booze smelled amazing. Grape wine vibe, but it hit hard.
If it kicks like this, it's strong stuff. By my experience, top-shelf.
In this world, booze this potent is super rare and precious.
Happy he pulled it out for me—shows his sincerity.
"...Hey, Ferio?"
Her eyes were glazing over; she looked a bit unhinged.
I know the difference.
Holding liquor and staying sharp after are two different things.
Ferio's tough, so she drinks fine. But...
"Dad's too much. How can he just sit there hearing that rude crap right in front of you?"
Lord title changed.I'm tense.
"I know Mom built up our house!
"Handled trades Dad couldn't even add or subtract for, landed deals and contracts herself—her skills are top-notch. Fine, Mom's amazing!!
"But that doesn't make all her thoughts right!"
Best to nod along and steer.
"Self-made successes rarely listen to others."
"Exactly! She's dead sure she can read people.
"That's why she treats you like that."
Ferio's downing this killer booze like water. I'll match a sip.
"I know you're a nobody too."
Drunk brings out the truth, huh.Damn, Ferio, you're brutally honest.
"And yeah, I like you a ton."
Ughhh... too honest, it's embarrassing.
Normally you'd swing your shield at me for saying that.
"But you've definitely got something.
"Something special no one else has. It's so damn attractive. You hit me with it, so how can I not like you?"
Ughhh, now I'm the blushing girl.Stop, Ferio.
My body's twisting up like a pretzel.
"But how do I explain that to Dad and Mom? I can't put it into words myself.
"That's why I'm pissed! I can't even tell them your good points!"
Now drunk and emotional waves crashing.
"Kirgil, explain it!
"How should I introduce you? Maybe Mom's right—swinging a sword narrowed my brain. So you explain.
"Tell Dad that charm I can't describe! Make him unable to let you go!! Just don't run—please!!!!"
Just sitting and listening felt like sailing a storm.
"Sorry. I... I...
"Got too worked up. Weird. Can't hold back like usual."
"Yeah, you need times like this to vent freely."
Even if booze causes slip-ups, sometimes you gotta purge emotions to stay sane.
That's why booze evolved in human civ.
Still, gotta warn her.
"But Ferio, be careful drinking with anyone but me."
"Sorry.
"Didn't wanna show you this side. Wanted to show something different today... not this."
"No, I meant watch it with others.
"I like your honest side. And the dress? Love it. Too much. Don't wanna share either with anyone."
"Ughhh..."
Ferio finally crumbled—not passed out, but face-planted on the table, trembling from shame.
Hmm, did I drop an impact bomb without thinking?
My social game's leveling up too fast lately. Does the Status Window not track this?
After that, one bottle, two... night fell before we knew it.
She's a count's lady tonight, not a knight—bedtime early. Servants can't sync schedules if it drags.
"Alright, bedtime. Can you stand?"
"Dunno. Feels cool and dizzy. Could crash right here. Floor's warm anyway."
"You're a noble lady tonight, not a campaigning knight."
"Then carry me."
Hand out like a kid wanting a piggyback—how could I refuse?
Princess carry time!
As I went to set her on the bed, something nagging caught my eye atop it.
From Agnes Village...
"That bundle looks familiar, Ferio. No way..."
Damn, shouldn't have said it.
Sometimes you gotta unsee things. Ferio swore she couldn't get up alone... right!?
Aaah, crushed by the disaster I invited.
You in on the trap with Liard too?
Uwaaaah, another hot night tonight?
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