Chapter 53 - Drinking Again

Act 4: I’ll Have Them Grow Big and Strong

 On the next day, word about the shocking incident involving the Blue Flames spread among the Dark Knights. Everyone was shaken by the tragedy wrought by those they had believed to be comrades. Mayer, in particular, wore a grim look never before seen on his face.

 “It’s my first time seeing the captain look so furious…” Someone commented.

 “Maybe there’s something more serious that we’re unaware of?”

 “Best we keep on our toes—it’d suck to lose favor at a time like this.”

Many people gathered together, gossiping, cautious of Mayer. In my case, because I knew the truth of the matter, the only feeling I had was incredulity as I was aware the duke was nursing a hangover. Judging by how unsteadily Mayer had been walking the night before, he had indeed drunk quite a lot. 

 Sitting in the mess hall, I disinterestedly pushed my food around while listening to the chatter. Once I finished my meal, I immediately headed to my office, determined to finish the list of special unit members. Suddenly, someone called out toward me. “Jun!”

 I turned around and saw Axion striding over, red hair fluttering about. “I heard you had a drink with His Excellency after the meeting yesterday?”

“Yes, I did have a glass.” I downed more than what one would call ‘a glass’, but I chose to gloss over that detail.

 “His Excellency really seems to trust you,” he said, sounding impressed.

  “We just had some liquor.”

 “That’s the thing!” he suddenly exclaimed.

 “…What?”

“His Excellency doesn’t drink with anyone in private,” Axion explained, staring at me. “He either drinks with everyone at a banquet or he drinks alone.”

“Aha. So that’s why he indulged himself so much yesterday…” I muttered to myself. I could guess where Mayer’s habit of silently downing glass after glass had come from.

 “I’m seriously impressed.” The mage continued. “You must’ve felt lost, suddenly being appointed as vice-captain despite having no dungeon experience. And yet, next thing we know, you managed to purge corruption within the corps… Did His Excellency know you were such a capable person from the beginning?”

 “Can’t say…”

“I’m curious about the full extent of your ability. You were hiding your skills when we first met, weren’t you?”

 This man was oddly insightful and I had to admit he had a keen sense. I began walking away as I replied, “It’s no use even if you praise me. I’m not taking you into the special unit.”

 “What, why!” Axion flared up. “You’re taking Reverend August!”

 No wonder he had hinted the other day about how he wanted to enter dungeons with me; joining my unit had been the goal all along. “The captain gave me Reverend August, I didn’t choose. Besides, you have way too much offensive power.”

“I’ll hold myself back.” He immediately promised.

 “You’re in charge of a team now. How about you take good care of your Red Wolves?”

 “I’m good at multi-tasking, being such an able man.”

 To my annoyance, Axion was very persistent. It dawned on me that this might be his biggest talent, instead of his mana or the like. I gave him a casual shrug before walking away briskly. Axion followed me, undaunted, and asked curiously, “By the way, His Excellency is suffering from a hangover, yet you’re just fine. I guess you didn’t drink much?”

I was sure I had drunk more than Mayer, but if I was honest then I’d come off as a conceited rookie so I gave an evasive answer. “Well… I just drank in moderation.”

 “Wait up, what’s with that reaction? You sound like somebody who can hold their liquor.”

 “Haha.”  

Robin then appeared out of nowhere and joined the conversation. “What’s this about somebody holding their liquor?” 

 A lot of people were suddenly talking to me today. I had always gone around by myself like a loner, and yet… It was a new feeling.

“Looks like our vice-captain knows how to drink, eh?” Robur hung an arm the width of my thighs across my shoulder, yanking me over to her. “Now that’s nice to hear. Let’s have a drink together later, and get acquainted some more while we’re at it.” 

She made a gesture that mimicked gulping from a bottle, looking livelier than I had ever seen her before. Axion frowned at her and came to my free side to whisper in my ear. “Careful, Jun. Robur doesn’t drink liquor, she bathes in it. And she may very well do the same thing to you.”