Chapter 204: Black Tea
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 204: Black Tea
It was a perfectly ordinary date.
We strolled through the Hydrangea Garden, shared some bread, grilled meat at a small shop, laughed, and chatted about trivial things. Had it not been for our underlying hostility, there would have been nothing unusual about the day at all.
Earlier that afternoon, I had read the movements of the Paladins. It seemed they already had a plan set for tomorrow.
This meant Alice had already obtained the Phantasmal Clock, the artifact capable of accelerating the resurrection of the Evil God. By now, that clock would likely be in the hands of her minion in the other world.
However, the fact that I was an enemy hadn't been officially established among the Paladins yet.
Looking back on the day of the closing ceremony, Alice was almost certainly convinced I was an adversary. That being said, she hadn’t yet informed her subordinates that I was a confirmed threat.
I wanted to talk to her. I wanted to know what Alice was truly thinking. I felt like today might be my last chance…
Eventually, we reached the shore outside the academy grounds. Alice had mentioned wanting to come here with me.
The sky was inked in darkness, thick clouds veiling it so densely that not even the stars could peek through. As the world grew darker, the few rays of light that managed to breach the fortress of clouds appeared even more beautiful. Our eyes were naturally drawn to them.
As the waves swept across the sand, bioluminescent organisms flickered with magical light. It looked as if multiple auroras were rippling through the sea. In the summer, this place teemed with these invisible, glowing plankton.
Alice took off her shoes and stepped onto the fine sand. I followed her, barefoot.
“The night sea is so beautiful here in the summer. That’s why I come every year. Have you been here before, Baby?”
“No, it’s my first time. It really is beautiful.”
“If only the weather were better, it would’ve been perfect.”
The sky threatened to unleash a downpour at any moment. Alice’s expression was tinged with regret. We walked along the shoreline, leaning into the sea breeze.
“…Senior Alice.”
“Yes?”
“Why did you come to Märchen Academy?”
“What a boring question. Life just becomes easier after graduating from a place like this. That’s all… What about you?”
“I came for the same reason. Though, I’m not as strong as you are, Senior.”
“Hmm, I think you’re underestimating your own value. So, what is it you want to do, Baby?”
“I’m a wizard, but I haven’t decided on a specific path yet. What about you? What do you want?”
“I want to be revered like a Queen, and I want to live happily ever after with the person I love.”
“That’s… not really a career, is it?”
“I didn’t ask about a career. I asked what you want to do.”
“If that’s the case, I want something similar. To be respected like a King and live happily ever after with the people I love. Who wouldn’t want that?”
“People, plural? You’re quite greedy, Baby.”
Plop.
A raindrop landed on the tip of my nose.
I looked up instinctively. The dark clouds were finally making good on their threat. Alice did the same as the rain began to intensify.
“It’s starting. Should we head back?”
Alice stopped and turned toward me, extending her hand.
“Give me your hand, Baby.”
“…?”
It wasn’t a trap. She was simply offering her hand. Curious, I took it, and she immediately pulled me straight toward the water.
“Ah!”
Splash!
We stepped into the surf. The water glowed green and blue with every step we took.
The drizzle quickly turned into a heavy downpour. The bioluminescent creatures reacted to every raindrop hitting the ocean, glowing brilliantly before slowly fading away. The scene was utterly breathtaking.
“It’s pretty, right?”
Alice’s golden hair was soon drenched. Waves of shimmering color overlapped at our ankles, yet my eyes remained fixed on her.
“Yes… very much so.”
“Do you hate the rain?”
“I like it right now.”
Alice grinned.
Her soaked shirt was becoming translucent, so I draped a thin coat over her shoulders. Alice thanked me, pulling the garment tight around herself.
“Look at this!”
Alice chattered excitedly, stomping in the shallow water. Brilliant light surged with every step. I followed suit, and the shimmer swirled around me as well.
Soon, we were both soaking wet, our clothes heavy and damp. Yet, there was a strange sense of freedom in being completely drenched, as if I had nothing left to hide. My heart gave a subtle throb.
Alice playfully splashed water at me. I let out a surprised yelp, which sent her into a fit of laughter. A laugh escaped my lips as well, fueled by the simple, genuine fun of the moment.
We continued frolicking in the surf, playfully splashing each other.
“Whoa!”
I lost my balance and tumbled backward. My already-soaked body was completely submerged in the seawater. Alice burst out laughing as the glowing organisms clung to my skin.
She approached me, and for a moment, I thought she would offer a hand to pull me up. Instead, she flopped down right beside me, soaking herself completely.
The bioluminescence covered us both. The sight was so ridiculous that I couldn't help but laugh.
“Hehe, help me up, Baby.”
“Come on.”
I took Alice’s hand and pulled her to her feet. Her hand felt so small compared to my callused palm. We stood there, gazing into each other’s eyes and chuckling for a long while.
After playing in the sea, we took shelter in a nearby coastal cave. I pulled a stack of firewood from my magic pouch, activated a fire spell scroll, and started a bonfire. We needed to warm up if we wanted to avoid catching a cold.
Outside the cave, thunder rumbled occasionally through the relentless rain.
“That was fun~.”
Sitting by the fire, Alice spoke with a genuine smile, clearly savoring the moment. I sat opposite her, basking in the warmth of the flames.
I pulled a blanket from my magic pouch and handed it to her. She smiled softly, draping it over her shoulders. I boiled some water and brewed black tea with leaves I had prepared in advance. I handed her a cup, which she accepted happily.
“When did you pack all this?”
“I always carry supplies. I happen to like black tea as much as you do.”
Alice sipped the tea with a look of pure satisfaction. For a while, we both remained silent, watching the crackling fire.
“Senior Alice.”
I poked at the kindling, glancing at her. Her pinkish eyes reflected the dancing flames and my own small silhouette.
“What is it, Baby?”
Her voice was still light, the joy of the beach lingering in her tone. It was a lovely sound.
I turned my gaze back to the fire. There was something I needed to ask.
“What kind of men do you like?”
Alice chuckled softly. “Why are you asking that all of a sudden?”
“I thought it might be me.”
Alice wanted to bring ruin to this world. However, even someone like her had preferences. The Phantom Cat Cheshire had mentioned that I was her type.
I asked because I couldn't understand how Alice—a human with genuine emotions—could become such an extreme villain.
Alice smiled playfully. “…And what if it is you? Would you date me?”
“Why not?”
She hadn’t anticipated such a calm response. The smirk on her face gradually faded.
I was trying to probe into Alice’s inner feelings. I needed to confirm her humanity, even if I felt a twinge of guilt for exploiting her emotions.
Tomorrow, we would become adversaries destined to kill one another. I judged that understanding her true heart was of the utmost importance.
Alice seemed to ponder for a moment before asking an unexpected question.
“Baby.”
“Yes?”
“Do you have more blankets?”
“I have two extra.”
“Then, shall we sleep here?”
“…Huh?”
…What?
I looked at Alice. I thought she was joking to dodge an awkward conversation, but her expression was dead serious. Suddenly, she set down her tea, the blankets, and the coat, and stood up.
She walked over and stood right next to me, her clothes still damp. Then, she leaned in close, bracing her hands on the ground on either side of me.
“Senior…?”
I reflexively pulled back, but she leaned in even further. Fearing she might be seizing an opening to strike, I placed my hands over hers on the ground, pinning them down.
Alice glanced at my hands, then looked back into my eyes. An odd tension filled the air. She was poised as if she were about to pounce, and I had no choice but to keep her in check.
Our eyes locked, mere inches apart.
“Isaac,” Alice whispered. “Would it be okay if you stayed the night with me?”
Time seemed to grind to a halt. Only the crackling of the bonfire proved that the world hadn't frozen.
“…Why?”
“No reason… I just want you to.”
I couldn’t fully grasp her intentions. What was she thinking? What was she feeling?
What was clear, however, was that I couldn't show any vulnerability. Even this seduction could be a ploy to kill me. To Alice, I was an archwizard capable of destroying the world—a formidable enemy and the greatest obstacle she had to overcome.
It was an offer I couldn't accept.
I lowered my gaze. Ultimately, I concluded that I would never truly know what was in her heart.
Blinking softly, I looked back at her with a kind smile.
“…Alice, save proposals like that for when you truly fall in love with someone.”
It was an excuse. But considering her rash suggestion, it was the most appropriate response I could give.
Alice’s eyes narrowed. Her seductive mask crumbled.
“You’re quite firm. How boring.”
“I get that a lot.”
Mostly from the girl in the witch hat.
“Let’s dry our clothes and head back. The rain seems to have let up.”
“…Sure.”
Alice pulled away and stood up. We looked toward the cave entrance; the sound of the downpour had indeed faded.
We gathered our things and left the cave. Alice didn't say another word. We returned to the academy in total silence.
Only the streetlights illuminated the grounds. No students were out at such a late hour. Alice stopped outside Bartos Hall.
“I had fun today, Baby. Get home safe.”
“Huh? Senior, aren’t you going inside?”
“I still have things to do.”
“Ah, that sounds rough…”
I waved goodbye, offering one last smile.
“Then, I’ll see you tomorrow, Senior.”
“Yeah. See you tomorrow.”
After parting ways, I headed toward my dorm while she entered Bartos Hall. As I walked, I glanced back at the building.
The light in the student council room never turned on.
[Meow. Why didn’t you try to kill Isaac?]
As soon as Alice Carroll entered the student council room, her familiar—the fat, purple Phantom Cat Cheshire—revealed itself. In the darkness, the magical beast’s body was nearly invisible.
[Even if Isaac is strong, shouldn’t you have found a way to finish him? Why, oh why, didn’t you kill him?]
“…”
Alice quietly brewed a cup of black tea and sat in the president’s chair, holding the steaming mug. She took a slow sip.
“Our goal is to resurrect the Evil God. Everything ends tomorrow anyway.”
[Meow! That’s right! Tomorrow is going to be so much fun, so it doesn’t even matter! Hehe!]
The Phantom Cat became fully visible, sitting on the desk with its mouth twisted into a long, grotesque grin.
[But why did you do that?]
“Do what?”
[Did you want some comfort from Isaac before the fight? Since he’ll be your enemy tomorrow and today’s little relationship will be dead and buried? That doesn't sound like something the person about to end the world should be thinking, does it?]
“…You’re being ridiculous,” Alice responded calmly. “It was just for fun. One last bit of amusement.”
The Phantom Cat chuckled, its form beginning to fade like smoke.
[I see. So that’s it. I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait to see the look on Isaac’s face when our dear Alice resurrects the Evil God tomorrow. I’m truly excited. Don’t disappoint me, Alice.]
The cat vanished.
Alice stared at the spot where it had been, then gently fiddled with the choker around her neck. She could feel the rough texture of numerous scratches on the leather.
She turned her chair to look out the window. Between the clouds, a moon the size of a palm peeked through. She sipped her tea while gazing at the sky.
When she finished the cup, she got up to brew another. Her eyes, now adjusted to the dark, peered into the tea leaf container.
It was empty.
So that was the last of it.
Alice muttered to herself as she set down the empty cup.