Destiny begins at a drinking party (2)
…an hour after that.
As the promised time approached, the door to the lab opened without knocking. This time it was a music box. The music box entered with graceful steps as if dancing a waltz.
“Taran~”
Narsha watched him silently. I wasn’t even angry because I was so dumbfounded.
“… what are you doing?”
“What are you doing? I’m here to see our manager.”
The music box bounced through my hair.
Then, like a secretary, he pointed to the door with nobility.
“Shall we leave, chief?”
Narsha didn’t respond. I just blinked my eyes, then lowered my gaze to the desk. I even read the research materials. In a word, it was dog ignorance.
“what? Aren’t you going?”
The music box approached the desk. I crouched down like a poor puppy and looked up at Narsha.
“Hey, where is that? It’s not polite to miss the host.”
“Don’t fall out.”
Narsha said with her eyes fixed on the research materials. Then, he raised his index finger and pushed the forehead of the music box.
“You fall for a bit.”
“Wow-”
thud-
The music box that took the buttocks touched his tailbone. Even though he frowned at the pain, he quickly regained his smile.
“Really? Are you really going? But why are you still doing that?”
“Because there are 10 minutes left.”
“10 minutes······?”
The music box turned its head towards the wall clock.
The current time is 6:50 PM.
Exactly 10 minutes left until 7:00. I’ve known for a long time that I’m a workaholic, but to be engrossed in work even 10 minutes before a dinner party.
It was great, but at the same time, it was jingling. How did you want to do that?
“So you’re going to finish the 10 minutes?”
“It should be.”
“Am I waiting like this?”
“To do so.”
“Am I really bored?”
“Then you work too.”
I tried to pretend to be sorry, but it didn’t work for Narsha. I didn’t even pay attention to what happened.
Even so, it was not a music box to give up here. The music box kept talking.
“9 minutes and 32 seconds left.”
“yes.”
“Now it’s 9 minutes and 27 seconds.”
“·······”
“What? You don’t even answer anymore.”
“·······”
Narsha responds silently.
If it came out like this, there was no other way, even with the music box.
“It’s okay. It’s so dirty and mean that I wait.”
The music box collapsed on the floor. I looked up at Narsha with sad eyes.
“·······”
The laboratory became quiet for an instant.
Narsha was immersed in her work with terrifying concentration and did not show even the slightest movement. It was as if they were stuffed into place.
Time is the only thing flowing in the lab where everything has stopped.
Tick-tock-tock-tock-
Only the second hand moved leisurely. With a regular stride, neither fast nor slow.
Tick-tock-tock-tock-
It feels like an hour has passed, but only a minute has passed.
The music box couldn’t stand the bird and asked.
“So, where did you decide on the dinner party?”
Narsha didn’t send an invitation text only to herself. That’s why the music box didn’t know where the dinner party was until now.
I think he would have chosen a quiet place because of his personality.
Surely it’s not like a food stall? Or a convenience store?
“Brunoubel.”
Contrary to concerns, a nice name came out of Narsha’s mouth.
It was a top-notch private bar near the academy that I had heard of before.
The music box quietly admired it.
“Oh… what’s the matter? Do you know a place like that? Who have you been with?”
“That, it’s just… Someone I met a long time ago.”
Narsha gave an awkward answer. Then he hurriedly got up from his seat.
“I can’t concentrate. Let’s go.”
“Eh? suddenly?”
“yes. suddenly.”
Narsha urgently organizes her desk.
It was somewhat suspicious, but on the other hand, it was fortunate. I was getting bored of waiting.
“okay! By the way, who is attending?”
“They say they all came.”
Narsha said while inserting the research materials into the file folder. The music box also shook its butt and rose from the floor. The moment I was about to leave the door first, Narsha’s words stopped the music box.
“Is Leonard a bit late?”
“…?”
The music box stiffly turned its head. I asked Narsha after she had finished cleaning her desk.
“Who is late?”
Being late means attending anyway.
did i hear wrong?
At first, he doubted his ears. It was so unbelievable.
However, Narsha answered indifferently.
“Leonard. I have a prior appointment, so I’m late or something.”
“What······? Why is Leonard coming?”
“Yeah, there’s a dinner party.”
“What do you mean? Can you get in touch with Leonard?”
“yes. Did you get it well?”
Narsha turned on the crystal ball. He showed me the contents of the text with Leonard.
— 1 hour before —
[ hey. Are you busy today? I was thinking of having a simple dinner party. ]
[ Leonard: What time? ]
[ At 7:00 Brunobel. ]
[Leonard: Yes. Instead, it might be a bit late. ]
The music box’s eyes widened.
“It’s real…”
The sender marked on the crystal ball is Leonard.
What Narsha said was true.
Leonard, who had disappeared after ‘The Annals of the Gates’, was known to have left the world according to the public, he was in contact with Narsha.
Narsha snorted.
“Is it fake then?”
Considering that expression, that tone, and that tone of voice, it was clear that Narsha was unaware of this incident. It was possible enough for Narsha, who was dull in the world.
Furthermore, on the day the Annals gate exploded, I left for Catalonia.
The music box put a hand on Narsha’s shoulder.
“Narsha, when did you come back?”
“This morning.”
Narsha was also taken aback by the serious voice. I asked with bewildered eyes.
“Why is that…?”
“Listen. What happened to the Empire while you were away…”
The music box explained the ‘Annals Gate’ that made the empire go wild.
It is said that the Imperial Guard was almost framed for the misdeeds of the Immortal Knights, that the family conflict has intensified, that Terrios killed Bernos, and that Leonard disappeared due to the shock.
All issues were explained in detail.
“So in a nutshell, Karios’ father killed Leonard’s father. The shock caused Leonar-sama to disappear.”
“What······?”
As if the music box’s prediction had come true, Narsha couldn’t help but be astonished.
“Did something like that happen?”
“yes. There was a lot of fuss at one time about whether or not I should report her missing. But I’m curious because I can’t get in touch with you.”
“I know? I’m not the type of guy that I used to get in touch with.”
“If that’s the reason… hmmm…”
The music box seriously caressed his lower jaw. After thinking about it for a while, I soon came up with the answer.
“That’s what I think, but I guess I’m relying on you a lot.”
“Me, to me?”
“okay. to you. Or why would I bother contacting you? Even though I had a prior appointment, I even participated in the dinner party.”
“is it······?”
Narsha scratched her head in confusion. When I heard it, it seemed right.
Maybe the fact that I went to Catalonia beforehand was actually waiting for me?
To wash the wounds in my heart, to be comforted.
But I, a fool, didn’t know that and was only treated.
“Aww…”
Narsha sighed and covered her face. Belated regret and guilt came at the same time.
“why? Do you have anything?”
“Ha… no. Let’s go out at once.”
＊＊＊
Meriel, Kelly, Lalina, Chafien, Julia and more.
A total of 8 team members gathered in the private room. A huge velvet sofa was placed in the room, a luxurious table was lined with cakes and finger foods, and the team members chatted while drinking champagne.
“Are we really number one?”
“It’s not confirmed yet, but Katherine has quietly warned me that there will be good news.”
“what? Then it’s confirmed first place.”
“Great! This is a dream. You are alive.”
Laughter flowers in full bloom inside the room.
The sweet scent that brushes your nose and the graceful glow of the chandelier.
The scene of a party where everyone is excited.
In that bright atmosphere, Narsha kept her mouth shut. Without being able to mix with his teammates, he blankly stared at his glass.
“·······”
The news of Leonard that I came across late.
It was a shocking story even for a third person to hear. Perhaps if I had gone through something like that, everyday life would have been impossible. I would have literally gone mad.
But Leonard didn’t show the slightest hint.
Rather, he shared my sorrow by helping beecho, and comforted me again. I didn’t mention anything about this situation for fear that it would interfere with my meeting with my mother.
I didn’t even know that.
I didn’t even know you were in so much pain, and you just grumbled like an idiot.
How much of a strength you gave me when I was having a hard time, but I can’t believe he didn’t help me at all even though he was in my aide.
“·······”
Narsha’s face darkened.
sagging shoulders. Two eyes locked in passion. It feels like sinking into the dark deep sea.
Unlike the splendid surroundings, Narsha’s heart crashed endlessly. To the extent that the end is unpredictable…
“Shall we have a toast?”
Meriel’s voice was heard then.
Meriel pushed her glass into the center of the table. After that, the other team members gathered their glasses one by one.
“Good~”
“I’m sorry if the toast is missing on a day like today.”
Seven glasses gathered on top of a cake.
Narsha also had no choice but to raise her glass. Soon, thin champagne glasses collided and a clear resonance rang out.
DEEING–
At the same time, the team members cheered.
“Wow!”
“Everyone had a hard time, really.”
“If you win 1st place, you will have one more dinner?”
After giving thanks and compliments to each other, we sipped champagne. Narsha, on the other hand, stared at her glass in silence.
“·······”
An expensive liquid shimmering in gold.
Although it was gorgeous on the outside, it was just a chemical composition with a little alcohol and many synthetic additives added. I couldn’t understand why he was drinking.
But for today, I’m going to try it.
In order to wash away the guilt that has settled in my heart like a piece of baggage, and the regret that gnaws at my heart.
Narsha closed her eyes. He put the glass to his mouth and slowly tilted it. He swallowed all the liquid that flowed in.
gulp- gulp-
A refreshing fruity scent that lingers on the nose. Sweetness that wraps your mouth. soft throat. A slightly bitter aftertaste.
When he finally put the glass down, it was empty. It was a one-shot that I had only heard about.
To express that feeling…
“·····················”
not bad.
My whole body became hot, I felt a sense of elation for some reason, and I laughed strangely. The taste wasn’t too bad either.
Narsha filled her glass. I drank champagne again.
gulp- gulp-
A softer neckline.
Addictive taste that keeps swallowing.
I hit one shot again. A hot breath rose from prayer.
“under······”
It was dizzy. I was out of my mind. My heart was beating fast. Laughter was uncontrollable.
“Hehe.”
As if a building were collapsing, the view slanted diagonally.
After several attempts, Narsha managed to pick up the bottle of champagne. I looked at the odd marking on the bottle.
[ Alcohol content 35% ]
35% alcohol content? Since the temperature of the human body is 36 degrees, it must be suitable, right? is not it? is it high?
If it’s high… a hot air balloon, a hot air balloon is fast, if it’s fast… what was it?
I couldn’t remember. It was just dizzy. As if reality is not reality, as if the world and I were separated.
As if my body became lighter, I felt like I was floating.
“after······”
Narsha let out a deep sigh. I opened my eyes to overcome my gradually blurring mind and narrowing field of vision.
“······!!”
I think I should stop eating now, but I think I’m still fine.
What do we do?
······Let’s just have one drink and stop drinking.
Narsha filled her glass again.
······
I made an appointment with Yerina to make a potion, and headed to Brunobel.
The manager showed me to the lounge room.
“Here.”
Luxurious and quiet atmosphere in the hallway.
But in front of the door leaked out the sound of hearty laughter from the team members. A tone that doesn’t even feel pretense. Everyone seemed drunk.
smart-
I knocked and opened the door. The noisy interior became quiet in an instant. Everyone’s eyes turned to me.
“······uh! He came.”
“Why are you so late!?”
“Please sit down. hurry!”
The team members became more friendly, perhaps because they were drunk.
Following their guidance, I sat down on an empty seat on the sofa. Meriel got up from her seat and poured champagne into her glass.
“Thank you for your hard work, Leonard. Have a drink.”
“now! Park Soo-woo to the professor who worked hard!!”
Suddenly, the music box shouted. Immediately, the team members cheered and clapped.
clap clap clap-!!
The atmosphere of a party that goes by without hesitation.
I smiled shyly.
“thank you.”
It seemed that I was the only sane person here. It was very embarrassing. Somehow, I felt like running away.
As Meriel poured the champagne, Julia raised her hand.
“Since everyone is here, shall we play a praise game?”
“A praise game? what is that?”
Lalina, who was sitting next to her, asked. Then Julia stroked Lalina’s hair.
“Our Lalina, you did a great job researching the data. Thanks to that, the project performance turned out well. Very commendable~”
Then I looked around the team.
“It’s a compliment for a job well done. Make sure to do love-hate skinship. The direction is counterclockwise!”
Doesn’t he suddenly pour you champagne, cheers for your hard work, or suddenly asks you to play a game of praise?
I don’t know what kind of sudden development this is, but I didn’t have a choice. The team members clapped seals and welcomed them.
“Oh, good, good.”
“Say only good things unconditionally!”
“With lots of love and charm!!”
Lalina was patting the shoulder of Chafien, who was sitting next to her. The praise game had already begun.
“Thank you so much for the magic invention, Chafien. To be honest, I did a lot of data research, but thanks to that, I lived. I love you~”
Subsequently, Chafien praised Meriel.
In this order, Kelly, Luanel, music box, Narsha, and me were next.
Suddenly, Narsha started to praise her.
“I commend you very much, Meriel. Of course, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Leonard-sama did all the magic, but-”
“Hey~ I was just going to compliment you.”
“Oh right, right. Look at my mind.”
A fast-approaching turn.
I looked at Narsha, who was sitting next to me. However, her condition was not serious. His eyes were half open, and he was smiling unresponsively. His usual cold appearance was nowhere to be seen.
I tapped Narsha on the shoulder.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“Uh?”
Narsha turned her head. Fluttering hair covered her flushed cheeks.
Narsha looked at me blankly and smiled Bessie.
“It’s okay. don’t worry. You don’t have to do it now.”
The pronunciation was inaccurate, as if drunk. I could smell the alcohol on her breath.
Has your child been drinking? According to the setting, it was a character who did not drink alcohol?
The moment I was about to ask.
“You’ve been drinking-“
“Now my turn!”
The music box grabbed Narsha’s head. He rubbed her cheeks and showered her with compliments.
“Narsha, whom I love the most~ I praise you so much for being in charge of medicine alone. It must have been really the hardest, but it’s so commendable. You are the best.”
“Hee hee, I know.”
Narsha smiled brightly and hugged the music box. It was a very strange and unfamiliar scene. Other researchers were also quite surprised.
“What is he?”
“I must have been drunk.”
“Hahaha, Narsha is drunk~”
A mocking voice followed.
Before long, Narsha turned to me. Just like the music box did, I put my hands on my cheeks.
Chow!
Naturally, the ball was crushed.
A small smile crept across Narsha’s lips. He smiled with open eyes and faced me with a bright face in the world.
“Hehe… Hey.”
I tried to get rid of her like that.
It was because I was worried that I might spit out swear words by mentioning the past, that I might get slapped suddenly, or that I might reveal what happened in Catalonia.
However, that worry was completely dispelled by the words that followed.
“love.”
Narsha looked at me gently. It was a pupil that shone like a jewel, but was soaked in sadness.
before I even answered anything.
“Heartily.”
Narsha pulled me by surprise. The gap quickly closed.
He covered my lips with those little lips.
“·······”
A private room that became quiet for an instant.
A breath breaking on the philtrum. A strong body odor. A soft touch on the lips. The reverberation of champagne permeates through it.
Everything that came to me vividly, felt unreal.
It was such a strange moment .