CHAPTER 24
“Told you I was right, didn’t I? I said he’d be here drinking himself stupid.”
“This takes me back. Back then, Sir Lian used to drink and turn into a dog just like them.”
“One more drink and he’ll be crawling on all fours. This is hilarious. Is the booze really that good? Gnome, want to try it too?”
“……”
Luspell still hadn’t shown up, even though he was past our promised time.
I couldn’t stand the thought of wasting an entire day, so I sent someone to the Academy out of frustration.
But when they couldn’t find him there either, I started getting nervous.
I was afraid he might’ve done something awful again.
If Undine hadn’t mentioned “Charles Beer” as a possible hangout for him, I would’ve searched the entire capital all night.
Even though I wasn’t sure, I came here anyway—and I never imagined I’d actually find him like this.
“What a mess.”
Leonhart was slumped over the table, asleep, and Luspell was passed out underneath it.
Clinging tightly to Leonhart’s leg.
At least Owen had the decency to pass out on top of the table. But this? Sprawled out on a dirty floor?
“Unbelievable.”
These guys barely even get drunk under normal circumstances. And yet they were completely wasted.
“How much did they drink, anyway?”
Sure enough, there were empty beer barrels scattered all around the table. Looks like they drank every last drop in the place.
“They’ve lost it… Are they trying to drink themselves to death?”
Charles Beer had been one of my favorite bars back when I was still Adela.
I used to come here often because their craft dark beer tasted similar to the canned beer I used to love.
Back then, these guys were all pampered young nobles who’d never even touched beer.
They didn’t even like it at first.
“Of course they wouldn’t. Why would commoner’s beer suit refined noble palates? They only drank it because I liked it. Just to go along with me.”
Luspell, in particular, always frowned whenever I suggested we go out for beer.
And yet now, even without me, they’ve come here to drink together. They actually like beer now?
Suddenly, the passing of time hit me hard. I even felt a little left out.
“Ah… I haven’t smelled beer like this in ages. It’s intoxicating.”
I gulped involuntarily.
I wanted to drink, too…
Just as I was eyeing the heavy pint glass, Charles cautiously approached me.
I quickly pulled my hood forward to cover my face.
“Excuse me… I’m sorry, but we’ve run out of beer. Please come again another time.”
“They’re drinking just fine.”
“Ah, those gentlemen are an exception. They rented out the whole place to hold a memorial.”
“A memorial? Who died today?”
Charles’s expression turned strange—like he couldn’t believe I didn’t know.
“Ah, perhaps you forgot. Today marks the fifth anniversary of the death of the hero, Adela Helsing.”
“Huh…?”
“No matter how busy life gets, we can’t forget the hero who gave her life for us. We may not be able to honor her like those gentlemen do every year, but still…”
Charles launched into a solemn speech.
It was mostly praise for me—but honestly, none of it registered.
“So… today’s the anniversary of my death.”
I blinked in a daze, then asked again.
“Wait… every year?”
“Yes. At least for humans.”
“Those guys. Have they done this every year?”
“Uh, yes… they have.”
The happiest day for me—after I reincarnated—had been exactly five years ago.
But for them, today must be the most painful.
“What am I supposed to do with you guys…”
Charles suddenly stopped speaking and asked cautiously,
“Um… You seem to know them quite well. Are you… acquaintances?”
“I’m… their friend.”
“F-friend? Their friend? B-but I’ve never seen you here before.”
“I’ve only just returned from far away.”
“Ah! That’s why you didn’t know what today was…”
Ignoring the flustered Charles, I walked over and sat at the empty table.
“Uh, wait! Sir!”
“What?”
“Even if you’re their friend, I’m afraid you can’t join them. They asked for complete privacy… And as you can see, they’re not really in any condition to talk. Honestly, they probably wouldn’t even recognize you.”
“I’m not here to talk. I just want to sit and watch.”
“E-even so… couldn’t it wait for another day…?”
“No. It has to be now.”
It was the only time I could comfort them—while they didn’t recognize me.
I pulled out a pouch of coins and tossed it to Charles.
He caught it in one swift motion.
“I’ll just sit for a bit and then leave.”
“But…”
“I won’t do anything. You can keep an eye on me if you want.”
After thinking it over, Charles handed the pouch back.
“Please keep it. If you’re really their friend, I’m sure they’ll understand. Um… Would you like a beer? I think I can pour one or two.”
“A pint of the craft dark beer, please.”
“Oh? You really have been here before. You knew exactly what to ask for.”
“Yeah… a few times, back in the day.”
A little later, Charles brought me the beer.
“Take it slow. Ours is a bit stronger than most places.”
“I know.”
I gazed into the beer, then took a sip. The sharp, bitter taste exploded with a rich floral aroma.
“Still delicious.”
As I quietly savored the drink, I silently comforted my grieving friends.
I couldn’t tell them I was Adela. I couldn’t even say I missed them.
How much I longed to see them again… could never be put into words.
All I could do was sit here like a thief, sneaking in during a time they wouldn’t remember.
That was the most I could allow myself to do.
I was halfway through my beer when the subdued voices of the spirits whispered in my head.
“Lian, are you upset?”
“Are you sad because they didn’t recognize you, my lady?”
“F**k, did your contractor pour booze into them? They drank themselves stupid. Why are you the one upset? Isn’t that right, Gnome?”
“…It’s okay, Lian.”
Even Gnome was trying to comfort me. Do I really look that pathetic?
I chuckled bitterly and finished my beer.
Time to leave. Who knows when one of them might sober up.
All three had strong enough powers to delay drunkenness—but they sobered up just as fast.
I emptied the glass and placed it down.
“Ah…”
Maybe it was because I hadn’t drunk in a while, or maybe Adrian’s body just couldn’t handle beer—but even just one glass had me spinning.
I held onto the table to steady myself.
Just as I was digging out some money to pay and leave, I heard a low voice.
“Adel, you’ve got foam on your lips.”
“……!”
I froze.
Leonhart was staring directly at me—fully conscious.
He never looked drunk, no matter how much he drank.
He spoke clearly. His face didn’t change color. Totally normal.
But I knew better.
I knew how to tell when Leonhart was truly drunk.
“Leona.”
“Yeah, Adel?”
“What illness did you have as a kid?”
“Asthma.”
“Who do you hate the most?”
“Adrian Ivrante.”
“How drunk are you?”
“A lot.”
He smiled sweetly, his dark eyes curving like crescent moons.
When Leonhart got drunk, he answered every question truthfully.
When he got wasted, he passed out.
And when he woke up and kept smiling and answering questions like that—it meant he had no memory of anything. A blackout.
I let out a breath of relief.
“You scared me. I nearly had a heart attack.”
“Scared? Why?”
“Ah… just. It’d be a problem if I got caught.”
“Sorry, I don’t get it.”
“You don’t need to.”
“Want me to wipe your lips?”
“Huh?”
“The foam. It’s bothering me.”
“W-wait…”
Leonhart reached out and gently wiped the foam from my lips.
Then he casually licked the foam off his thumb and smiled dazzlingly.
“Tastes good.”
Suddenly, I was dizzy—from something other than the beer.
I’ve drunk with Leonhart many times—but he’s never acted like this before.
I didn’t know how to react. I just sat there dumbly and blurted out,
“Y-you… I told you not to smile at me like that!”
“Yeah, you did.”
“Our Leona sure is obedient. But what if someone else sees you smiling like that and thinks you like them? I told you—men should be modest!”
“But I can’t help smiling when I look at you.”
“Saying things like that with that face is cheating! Have you no shame? Even I might get the wrong idea!”
“Then please do. Please misunderstand.”
“Huh…?”
Leonhart reached out and cupped my cheek. Then, gently wrapping his hand around the back of my neck, he pulled me closer.
His warm lips brushed my ear.
“But Adel… it’s not a misunderstanding.”
