Chapter 26: A Turbulent Day at the Tea House

Facing the quietly impressed Rahi, Lara was just about to launch into a discussion about comics when the voices of two Youngae, chatting as they passed by their table, drifted clearly into their ears.

“Yeah, yeah. I saw that comic too. Isn’t the Dark Mage just irresistible? Haaa…”

“Exactly. The Dark Mage’s obsessive possessiveness over Lilica is just crazy.”

With dreamy sighs, the Youngae left the tea house. Lara felt oddly detached from the minor taste for Dark Mage x Lilica. Just as Lara subtly closed her lips, an excited, deep tone burst out from the opposite side.

“So the Dark Mage is popular as a villain, but let me be clear – he’s not a bad guy! Why doesn’t anyone understand? That criminal, who brainwashed and imprisoned Lilica and even tried to rape her, deserves to be executed!”

A tightly clenched fist on the tea table trembled with anger. Lara looked at him in astonishment as his fury swelled. Only then did the truly composed Rahi become aware of Lara’s glance.

“…Why are you looking at me like that? Don’t tell me you actually like the Dark Mage?”

At his words, Rahi’s long lips stiffened. If his favorite was being insulted, their relationship was as good as over. With a barrage of harsh curses already unleashed, no apology could win forgiveness now. His throat began to parch, and the prominent Adam’s apple in his center visibly shifted.

After a brief pause, Lara finally broke her silence.

“I didn’t expect you to be so fluent with insults…”

“Phew, what can I say? I’m surprised.”

After brushing his hand over his chest, Rahi quietly regarded Lara. Just then, a waiter arrived, setting down the ordered tea between them before leaving.

“Everyone thinks I’m a pure soul, but I’m anything but that.”

“I never thought of you as pure—I just always took you for a bit of a loser.”

“…”

“The tea tastes good.”

“It does indeed.”

Sipping the tea, Lara smiled warmly and lowered her voice.

“You know your stuff. I really can’t stand the Dark Mage either.”

“We’re on the same page then? I honestly thought you’d be into Dark Mage x Lilica as well.”

“I don’t have a crush, if that’s what you mean. But the Dark Mage really is a ticking time bomb around so many people…”

“Right. I’m a ticking time bomb myself. Until I’ve seen dirt in my eyes, I will never condone Dark Mage x Lilica!”

At that moment, a fresh breeze wafted in through the open window. It caressed the flowerpot on the windowsill before settling on Rahi’s glasses. He quickly turned and, having removed his glasses, rubbed his eyes.

“Got some dust in my eyes…”

“We might as well call it condoning.”

“Not this time! Unless a fistful—no, a hundred fistfuls—of dirt gets in my eyes, I’ll never stand for it!”

Then, a piercing scream erupted from the next table. A man with a rapidly paling complexion forcefully pushed away his chair and began to run. As the shrieks of alarm grew louder, Lara peeked outside the window. In the distance, a sandstorm was barreling toward the tea house.

“Customers! Close the windows, quick!!”

Perhaps the great patron of revelries had been watching him and decided to mete out punishment. Deep down, Lara resolved that she would henceforth keep a tighter rein on her indulgences.

* * *

In the early, dark hours before sunrise, Lady Elina III roused herself as usual. A quick wash and a sleek twist of her long hair were the extent of her grooming. Gripping the neatly arranged sword on the table, she opened the door and stepped out into the silent corridor.

Entering the family’s training ground, Lady Elina III began her warm-up. Even during a lap around the spacious area, her breathing remained steady. When she increased her pace, rapid footsteps sounded from behind. Lady Elina III halted and turned.

“You’re…”

A burly man with flowing, golden hair was sprinting toward her. As he reached out to embrace her, she quickly ducked to the side. Creon, stumbling on the floor, rolled over but then charged at her again with a playful tongue protruding.

For Lady Elina III, this persistent opponent was a first. Having never balked before even against senior knights, she now found herself at a loss.

He was the man Lady Elina II had brought along—but who knew he could be so tenacious. Unaware of his own strength, Creon finally succeeded in closing in, leaning in to lick her cheek. At that instant, a small punch landed on his cheek.

“Ouch…”

It was a rather mild hit. Lady Elina III sat down, clutching her cheek, and glowered coldly at the man before her.

“That tactic might work on Elina II, but it won’t fly with me. Get out of the training ground.”

“…Ouch.”

“Can’t even speak, huh…?”

Having heard he was of a mixed race, Lady Elina III only felt exasperated.

“Now, get up.”

Thankfully, he seemed to understand the command. Looking up at the much larger man, Lady Elina III said icily,

“Just because you didn’t know until now doesn’t erase your guilt. If you’re clueless, then learn.”

“Ugh.”

“That noise isn’t human. What on earth did Elina II ever teach you… Sigh.”

How could someone be so utterly untrained? With Elina II’s free-spirited nature, responsibility was never a priority. Still, Lady Elina III felt truly vexed. She couldn’t just let such ignorance slide.

“Okay, now answer properly with ‘Yes’ from here on out.”

“Huh?”

“I said, answer ‘Yes’.”

Demonstrating the correct pronunciation, Lady Elina III showed him how to say it. Creon stretched his mouth comically from side to side to mimic her.

“U-uh, y-yes.”

“Don’t stick your tongue out.”

“Ugh… yes. Yes.”

“That’s it. Good job.”

“Yes!”

Delighted by the praise, Creon circled Lady Elina III erratically.

“I just can’t stop!”

Reaching out, she barely managed to grab the back of Creon’s neck, yet he, defiant as ever, bowed his head to lick her left cheek. The damp saliva made Lady Elina III narrow her eyes sharply. Already, there was a mountain of lessons to be taught.

“I’ve been troubled by something lately.”

“Huh?”

After an agonizing period of hellish training, a brief respite had finally come. Lara looked at Lady Elina III in surprise as the latter suddenly sought her advice. Could it be relationship counseling? Just as Lara almost gulped down her saliva, Lady Elina III spoke:

“Creon, that guy Elina II brought along—he’s been tailing me nonstop lately. Just this morning, he practically wouldn’t leave me alone.”

“You… you really like her that much?”

Was he really so smitten with Lady Elina III? Lara had expected him to follow the orders of Elina II as a matter of course, and now this made the entire cliché feel pointless. Remembering the incident that had made him pass out earlier, Lara hesitated for a moment.

“But at least he’s been obedient enough to speak properly now, following the training.”

“My goodness, really? Just a few weeks ago you couldn’t even form a sentence in our language.”

“Lady Elina IV has been teaching him daily. Using word cards like a game, Creon started speaking on his own within a few days.”

“That’s truly impressive…”

Lady Elina IV—another leading lady, known for her intellect—filled in the hazy details of Lara’s recollections when a divine voice echoed:

“No way. This week, I have to attend a tea party hosted by Ainus Youngae.”

It was said that becoming the one true servant of God meant sacrificing almost all personal life and leisure. Resigned, Lara heaved a reluctant sigh.

Lara stood before the door of Duke Liniat’s Mansion. After two knocks, a butler promptly appeared to greet her.

“My Lady, you are waiting in the room on the third floor. Allow me to show you in.”

Feeling rather self-important under such refined treatment, Lara exuded elegance as she crossed the silent corridor and reached the door. She stepped aside gracefully so the half-open door could be opened without a sound.

A polite knock from the butler was all it took—within three seconds, the door swung open. Nodding lightly to the butler’s invitation, Lara stepped inside.

Instead of a scenic room, a blond man was blocking her path. Lara jumped back in surprise. Just when it seemed he might bare his fangs and lunge at her, a huge hand reached out.

“Are you the friend of Lady Elina III who was expected today? Pleased to meet you.”

Flashing a charming smile that revealed white teeth, the man looked unexpectedly endearing despite his sizeable build and curly, golden hair.

“My name is Creon.”

“…Really?”

“Oh? Haven’t we met before?”

“No, no, not at all.”

Lara shook her head so fast it seemed as if she had three at once. Creon looked down at her, amused.

Then, a sound from behind Creon indicated another door opening. Out stepped none other than Lady Elina III herself, her hair damp as if she had just showered.

“Ah, Lady Elina III! Your friend has arrived.”

If Creon had a tail, it would have been wagging wildly as he immediately clung to Lady Elina III’s side. She, clearly annoyed, pushed his large cheek away with one hand.

“Sorry for making you stand out. Come on in.”

Lara nodded and glanced at Creon. She found his transformation hard to believe—from resembling an ordinary large dog to the epitome of a noble hound in a male lead.

“Come on in, Schmord Youngae.”