Episode 48…
In my life, I’d only ever drunk alcohol once.
It was right after I had just become a legal adult.
I bought a bottle of soju and a bottle of beer at a convenience store and tried them out of curiosity.
‘It was right after I’d left the orphanage….’
With the director’s help, I managed to pay my college tuition and even get a small studio apartment, but the monthly rent was my responsibility.
‘Thankfully, since it wasn’t in the capital area but in a provincial city, the rent was cheap.’
But as most cheap one-room apartments are, it was cramped and shabby.
Even so, back then I was thrilled just to have a place of my own.
I probably bought the alcohol on impulse on my way home late at night after my part-time job because of that excitement.
And the first alcohol I ever tasted was…
‘Disgusting!’
It was bitter, astringent, stung my throat, and burned my stomach as if I’d swallowed a ball of fire.
I couldn’t understand what was so good about it.
‘What a waste of money… I should’ve bought a lunchbox instead. I’m never drinking again.’
But—
In a situation like this, being urged on in such a lively, bustling atmosphere…
Strangely enough, I grew curious.
And the drink Daphne offered was pretty—bright red in color, and—
“Smells nice, right? It’s made with raspberries! It’s low in alcohol, so you can drink it without 부담. Try it!”
It smelled incredible. Fresh berries, and maybe even a hint of flowers.
‘Should I just take one sip?’
As I stared at the liquid in the glass, hesitating, I heard Lishian’s concerned voice beside me.
“If you can’t drink it, give it to me, Muriel.”
“N-No. I can drink it!”
I hurriedly stopped him from taking the glass from my hand. I felt like I’d regret it if I didn’t at least try a sip.
‘This is all part of the experience…!’
Having justified myself, I quickly brought the pleasantly fragrant drink to my lips.
And then—
“…!”
My eyes widened on their own.
‘It’s good…!’
The first taste was sweet and refreshing.
It grew bitter and slightly astringent toward the end, but not unpleasantly so.
If anything, it balanced the flavor nicely.
After I swallowed, the distinct hot, tingling sensation of alcohol filled my stomach.
It felt like it was gently warming my body. It was nice.
‘Is this why people drink?’
As I quietly stared at the remaining liquid in my glass, something was suddenly thrust toward me from the side.
It was a piece of steak skewered on a fork.
“Here, here! Have some food with it!”
“Th-Thank you…?”
As I chewed the steak Daphne fed me, I glanced sideways at Lishian.
He looked like he very much disliked this situation.
“What’s this? Are you all trying to get Muriel drunk?”
“It’s not a proper welcome party without drinks!”
“Muriel, try this one too!”
Starting with Daphne, the others swarmed in and began offering me all kinds of alcohol.
Why were there so many kinds? There had to be at least nine.
I tasted them all. Rose wine, mushroom wine, apple wine… The apple one had a refreshing scent, maybe mint had been added.
There was even wine brewed from mandrake!
“No, wait—! My 120-year-aged mandrake wine…!”
Apparently it was Dante’s prized possession.
The guild members tied Dante up with ropes so he couldn’t move and poured the liquor into a glass.
“Don’t let the guild master drink! When he drinks, he goes gambling again!”
“Let’s just keep him tied up until tomorrow morning.”
“How about knocking him out?”
“Poor guild master oppa. Nike will give you food.”
“N-Nike, the guild master oppa hates avoca—mmph! Mmph!!”
When Nike stuffed a chunk of avocado into his mouth, Dante’s face turned blue.
At this point, I genuinely felt sorry for him.
But as the newbie, there was nothing I could do…
“Muriel! Try the mandrake wine!”
The guild members, excited to introduce me to the world of alcohol, swept me along helplessly.
The mandrake wine was incredibly bitter. After just one sip, I waved my hands in refusal. I didn’t think I could drink any more of that.
‘Ugh, and it’s super strong too.’
The other drinks had been fine, but this one made my head spin the moment I swallowed.
My vision blurred dizzyingly. Something felt wrong.
Am I drunk…?
“Muriel, that’s enough.”
Lishian grabbed my shoulders and spoke seriously.
I shrugged off his hand and mumbled,
“I can still drink more….”
“Wow! Looks like Muriel’s got guts! That’s right! Drink more!”
“At a welcome party, you drink till you drop!”
Wild cheers erupted from all around.
Soon a large mug was plunked down in front of me, and a deep golden liquid was poured to the brim.
“Here, Muriel! Have some honey mead!”
“Drink up~ drink up~!”
“Ooooh~!”
I stared blankly at the brimming mug.
The clear golden color, like amber, sparkled beautifully…
‘Honey mead… Does it taste like honey…?’
As I reached for the handle, someone blocked my hand and snatched the mug away.
“…?”
I turned my head slowly.
Lishian was lifting the mug to his lips.
Gulp, gulp—
He drained the large mug clean in one go.
Thunk!
He set the mug down with a sharp sound and coldly addressed everyone.
“That’s enough. If you don’t want to die.”
In an instant, the entire hall fell silent.
Only the ticking of the wall clock could be heard.
“R-Right! That’s enough, all of you! That lunatic would really blow up this entire building!”
Dante, who had been suffering under Nike’s relentless feeding, hurriedly came to his senses and shouted.
“H-Haha… Maybe we went a bit overboard?”
“Y-Yeah…”
“Let’s stop here…”
The guild members laughed awkwardly and gradually distanced themselves from us.
Lishian quietly stood up, took hold of both my arms, and helped me to my feet.
The moment I stood, dizziness hit me and I swayed, collapsing against his chest.
“Muriel, are you okay?”
“I’m dizzy….”
“That’s what happens when you drink too much with such a low tolerance.”
It was a scolding, but his voice was endlessly gentle.
With his large hand, he slowly stroked from the crown of my head down to my waist, then carefully adjusted his hold and lifted me into his arms.
Still holding me, he turned to Dante and asked a single word.
“Room.”
“Uh, fourth floor. End of the east wing! That one’s empty.”
Without replying, Lishian turned and left the banquet hall.
As he walked down the corridor and up the stairs, my body didn’t sway at all.
He moved as smoothly as gently flowing water.
Maybe it was because I was nestled in his warm arms—my dizziness gradually eased.
With my arms wrapped around his neck, I stared intently at his face.
Then, out of nowhere, I said,
“You’re handsome.”
“……”
“It’s true…. When I first saw you, you were so pretty I thought you were an angel who fell from the sky. You know you’re handsome, right?”
Lishian smirked.
“Yeah. I know.”
“When we go to the market… everyone only looks at you. It’s kind of annoying….”
“Annoying?”
“You’re my fox….”
“Ah…? Hahaha!”
I was serious, but he burst out laughing like he’d heard something ridiculous.
Annoyed, I pouted and pinched his cheek in retaliation.
Creeeak—
With the sound of hinges rubbing, a door opened.
We must have reached the room.
The interior was submerged in darkness, but Lishian moved confidently as if he could see everything clearly.
He laid me down on the bed and sat beside me. I didn’t like that I couldn’t see his face properly.
“Can’t you… turn on the light?”
“It’s easier to fall asleep in the dark. Go to sleep.”
“I’m not sleepy. I want to talk more. I want to drink more…. Why did you bring me here?”
“Muriel, you’re drunk.”
“I’m not. I’m fine….”
As I whined, a sigh followed. He pulled a blanket over me.
“You’re definitely going to have a headache tomorrow.”
“Then I’ll need hangover soup…. Bean sprout gukbap….”
“What’s that?”
“It’s made by boiling bean sprouts in dried pollock broth….”
He fell silent, as if trying to imagine what bean sprout gukbap was. I guessed he probably wore a thoughtful expression.
I gazed at him blankly and spoke whatever came to mind.
“Why are you such a terrible person…?”
“……”
A long silence followed.
I rambled on again.
“Why don’t you get along with Dante?”
“……”
Without answering, Lishian reached out and brushed my hair back.
“But I… think you’re kind.”
His hand, which had been gently caressing my cheek like a feather, froze.
My eyelids grew heavier as I continued speaking slowly.
“Lishian…. I don’t really know you, but you’re a really good person.”
“……”
“You believed me…. You stayed by my side….”
“…I’ll stay by your side from now on, too.”
At that, I smiled faintly. My heart felt full of something warm.
With my eyes half-closed, I whispered as I looked at him.
“I’m not scared of being hurt anymore. Because you’re here.”
“…I won’t let you get hurt.”
“Yeah, it’s better not to get hurt. You don’t get hurt either!”
Suddenly I really wanted to hug him. So I quickly sat up and stretched out both my arms.
Lishian flinched slightly, then let out a helpless laugh and embraced me in return.
