Drinking with the Wolf
“Should I light a fire here?”
“Yeah, we’ve cleared out enough of them, so they won’t attack first if we start a campfire.”
“Got it.”
Tier nodded right away at my words, rummaging through her bag and pulling out supplies to get things ready. We were on the second floor of the Tower. The high-grade specs of our characters didn’t let us down anywhere—the party was massacring goblins left and right, making smooth progress without a hitch. Except for one weird thing...
I turned my head and saw Tier, still busy starting the fire just like I’d said.
What the hell? What did I do to deserve this?
I was utterly baffled by how she’d done a complete 180 since yesterday’s encounter. Even her friend Daphne looked stunned, gaping like a fish at this side of Tier she’d probably never seen before.
“What now, Berg?”
“Uh... let’s heat up some rations and eat.”
“Okay.”
She followed my lead again, adding dried meat and veggies to hot water and starting to cook. It was like she’d really become my dog at this point.
“Berg, what happened with you and Tier?”
Leon sidled up, whispering in a whiny tone, but hell, I was just as curious.
“Nothing? We just bumped into each other on the street yesterday, that’s it.”
“R-really?”
He sat down by the campfire with a puzzled look. While Tier bustled around, he just stared blankly at the flames to kill time. Soon enough, she finished cooking and dished out soup into everyone’s bowls.
“Here’s yours, Berg.”
“Uh...”
I glanced over—yep, mine was packed with chunks of meat, just like always. And she even scooted over, pressing her hip right against mine. She kept a straight face like nothing was up, but the little breeze I felt on my back? Definitely her tail wagging.
It felt self-conscious as hell, but suspicion crept in naturally.
Is this... the green light?
As we ate, I reflected on the day, and conviction hit me. Unlike the first day at breakfast when we were alone, she’d been ladylike with her spoon. On the way to the Tower, she’d stuck close to my side. It wasn’t baseless confidence—there was so much evidence, it almost seemed suspicious. The way she acted? Straight out of some awkward puberty-struck teen crushing hard.
Only one thing came to mind as the trigger. I pictured her, hiding her body like it was some huge complex, all lacking in confidence.
Did she get teased a lot about it usually?
Anyway, her favorability seemed to have skyrocketed out of nowhere, so I’d gauge her reactions and adjust my stance later.
+++
“Cheers!!!”
In the boisterous tavern hall, our party clinked frothy beer mugs together. The cool, fizzy brew slid down our throats, drawing satisfied grins all around.
“Climb’s going smooth.”
I said it casually as I drained my mug, and everyone nodded. Today, we’d fully cleared the second floor, marked the third-floor entrance, and headed back to the city. It was just the second floor, not that big, and only basic goblins, so celebrating felt a bit much—but hey, a good start is half the battle, right? A few high-ranking adventurers eyed us like we were cute or something, but fired-up Tier and Daphne ignored it, chugging beer nonstop.
They were probably picturing their successful selves, thrilled at how our comrades exceeded expectations.
“S-still, we can’t get complacent.”
Unlike my quiet smile and the girls’ easy vibes, Leon forced a grin to hide his stiff face.
Fucking pathetic wizard bitch.
Leon, who’d begged us to trust him, tapped out after just two fights today, burning all his mana and dropping from the party’s combat power. And that wasn’t all—fragile as a glass cannon, his stamina was trash too. No one said it, but without him dragging us down, we could’ve cleared the third floor, not just marked it. We’d towed his dead weight up to three and called it, heading back to town.
Sweet Daphne giggled into her mug for some reason, while Tier, half-drunk and overheated, thumped her tail repeatedly, venting silent frustration. Couldn’t help but nod proudly.
This party had to feel awkward as hell for Leon right now.
That’s part of why I set it up this way. Gotta talk openly with Tier...
The lull hit, and sure enough, Leon noticed the vibe and chugged his beer before standing.
“I’m heading up first. Can’t skip magic practice, you know. Have a good time, everyone.”
I nearly puked at his lame-ass excuse, but him bailing on his own? I’d welcome it with open arms.
Leon bolted from the table, and Daphne—whose pale skin was flushed red from her weak tolerance—stood too.
“I’ll head out too. Gotta chat with Undine... Tier, I’ll be upstairs. See you tomorrow, Berg. Hehe.”
She slurred with a tipsy tongue. Tier sighed and stood.
“You drinking more, Berg?”
“This much is nothing.”
“Okay, I’ll drop Daphne off at her room quick.”
I followed her glance around the hall—guys peeking at Daphne. I nodded. City was safe enough, but not for a drunk beauty who could barely stand.
Worried for her friend, Tier stood, supported Daphne, and headed upstairs.
Now alone at the table. It’d gotten messy with fewer people, and the innkeeper shot a subtle glance. I smiled at him, then moved to a cozy corner spot with a small table and two chairs, ordering snacks and drinks. Felt just like a street food stall—perfect.
+++
As I chatted and laughed with nearby adventurers, time passed. Tier came down the stairs in lighter clothes. I waved her over, and she plopped down beside me.
I handed her the beer I’d ordered.
“Daphne always this weak with booze?”
“Ugh, don’t even. Weak as hell, but like a true elf, she loves liquor like crazy. You have no idea how much I’ve suffered.”
She downed it in one go and ordered another. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“How’s it feel, conquering the Tower?”
“Kinda bittersweet.”
“Heh. Where’d that shivering newbie go?”
I teased, curling my lip. She flushed, remembering her early tension, and stabbed at her sausage with her fork.
Should I poke her too...?
I eyed her, sipped my beer, and spoke casually.
“Still kinda disappointing, though. We had plenty left in the tank for the third floor. Messed up party condition management?”
The tone and words self-deprecated me, but the subtext? Straight-up comparing me to Leon and gaslighting him.
“No way! We totally could’ve done three. You were amazing, Berg. Yeah, like a leader.”
“Leader, huh?”
“Uh, nothing!”
She blurted it without thinking, then babbled and chugged her fresh beer. Leader meant party leader—solid compliment.
Gotta check the detailed settings later.
New mobile game, so outside the rough story, tons was missing. Local lingo? No surprise I didn’t know it.
I nodded as she drowned her slip-up in booze.
“Slow down. Daphne won’t mind?”
“Leave me be. I’m getting wasted tonight.”
She grumbled but smiled, clearly pleased. Her reactions to me said the mood was ripe.
Time to get real. If she got pissy, blame the booze—she’d let it slide once or twice.
“Tier.”
“Yeah?”
“Hand.”
Her hand landed in my palm instantly. She blinked, clueless about her own action.
“Tail.”
I held out toward her waist; her swishing tail slipped softly into my grip.
“Good girl.”
Stroke. Stroke.
I grinned mischievously, petting her head softly. Her face went beet red, dazed. The flush spread from her scalp like she’d baked on the beach.
“Kukuku. Just like a puppy.”
“Y-you... you psycho!”
She clutched her head, howling like that was the worst insult ever.
“Nah, honestly, first beastkin I’ve seen up close—been dying to try. Heh.”
I speared a sausage and held it to her lips to lighten the mood. She hesitated, then ate it right up.
“D-don’t. It’s super rude to beastkin...”
She had a point—treating her like a pet could bruise pride. But her tail wagged like she didn’t hate it, so still in bounds?
She was so fluffy, I wanted to tease forever. Big and burly, but acting pure doggo?
“Don’t like it?”
“Huh?”
I grinned back slyly as she let her guard down, then scratched her chin quick.
“Grr. Ah, ack!”
A growl slipped out unconsciously.
“See? You like it too.”
“F-fuck.”
She trembled in fury. Fucking hilarious.