Chapter 37
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 37. Return
I was heading to the smithy dragging my stiff body.
Far away, I saw white hair strolling in the garden.
It was Cassia.
Perhaps she tossed and turned all night, her complexion looked a bit paler than usual.
I approached her casually.
"Good morning, Princess."
At my voice, Cassia's shoulders flinched and shot up.
She turned her head with a creaking motion like a person who saw a ghost.
As soon as she met my eyes, her white face instantly flushed red.
"Uh... U-uh? Is it... Si... Si-woo?"
She seemed to find it burdensome to even call my name.
Her pupils lost their place and wandered in the empty air, and her lips only moved slightly as if words wouldn't come out.
I tilted my head.
"Are you sick anywhere? Your face is red."
"A... No! I am fine! T... Then keep up the good work!"
She babbled, then quickly left the place as if running away.
It was such an urgent pace that the hem of her dress fluttered.
I blankly watched her retreating figure.
I felt like I had done something terribly wrong.
Thinking carefully, there was only one thing I could guess.
"Ah... Is it because I said 'Princess' is more comfortable last time?"
I scratched my head.
"I should subtly call her name once next time we meet."
I brushed it off lightly and moved my steps to the smithy.
Time flowed like water.
The heat of the smithy didn't cool down, and the hammering sound rang out endlessly.
And finally.
"It's done! The repair is finished!"
One blacksmith raised a farming tool shouting with joy.
The hoe, which had a chipped blade and a twisted handle, was neatly fixed like new.
Perfectly matching the ratio of the special alloy mixed with [Purified Blood Stone of Hob Goblin] powder, the red life force was also preserved intact.
"It's a success! We did it!"
A shout that seemed to blow away the smithy burst out.
Men hugging each other and shedding tears.
It was the moment those who had relied on abilities while just flicking their fingers were finally reborn as true blacksmiths.
With this, the [Farming Tools of Abundance] could be used semi-permanently.
It was safe to say the Empire's famine problem was now definitively caught.
That evening, a massive banquet was held in the Imperial Palace.
It was a gathering specially bestowed by the Imperial Princess to praise the hard work of the blacksmiths who had suffered all this time.
In the front yard of the smithy, a bonfire flared up, and whole pigs and sheep were being roasted.
The smell of greasy meat and alcohol, which I hadn't smelled in a long time, vibrated.
"Now now! Everyone fill your glasses!"
I tried to subtly slip away backward.
I hated crowded places, and above all, since my work was all done, I wanted to rest quietly.
But Hans, who was quick-witted, grabbed my arm firmly.
"Master! Where are you going! We'd be sad if the main character of today leaves!"
"No, I'm a bit tired...."
"Hey! Just have one drink and go! Please!"
Other blacksmiths also flocked over and surrounded me.
With them looking at me with sparkling eyes, I couldn't possibly refuse.
Eventually, pretending not to be able to beat them, I was dragged to the seat of honor and sat down.
In front of me, steaming meat and a glass full of alcohol were placed.
Hans jumped up and raised his glass high.
His face was flushed red from the heat of the fire and alcohol.
"Everyone! Please pay attention!"
When the gathering quieted down, he looked at me and raised his voice.
"We lived a shameful life all this time. Hiding behind the excuse of abilities, we neglected real skills, and as a result, we couldn't be of any help when the Empire was in difficulty."
His voice trembled.
"But Master showed us the way! You taught us the value of shedding sweat and made us realize what we must protect with our own hands!"
Hans continued speaking tearfully.
"Thank you so much for allowing us to protect the Empire! And our families with our own hands!"
"Thank you, Master!"
"It's all thanks to you, Knight!"
Words of gratitude burst out from here and there.
The sincere shouts of crude and rough men were heard.
I rubbed my nose in shyness.
I really can't get used to this kind of atmosphere.
I also raised my glass and answered them.
"It's thanks to all of you following without giving up. You've worked hard."
The sound of dozens of glasses clinking rang in the night sky.
I looked at the glass held in my hand.
Come to think of it, I couldn't even remember how long it had been since I drank alcohol.
After awakening, I was frantically busy and had no time to drink, and before that, I didn't drink to save money.
The pungent smell of alcohol stimulated my nose.
"Good. Only for today."
I threw my head back and downed the alcohol in one gulp.
—Gulp!
"Kuuuh...!"
The liquid going down my esophagus was hot like a fireball.
The alcohol content seemed much stronger than I thought.
My face naturally frowned at the sensation of my stomach burning hot.
Having poured strong alcohol into an empty stomach, I felt like the tipsiness would come up quickly.
Smacking my lips wondering if I downed it in one shot for nothing.
A familiar system window popped up before my eyes.
—Ding!
Huh?
What is this saying.
Alcohol is poison?
Well, alcohol is technically a toxic substance if you think about it.
But before I had time to be flustered, my stomach, which was burning hot a moment ago, calmed down like a lie.
The tipsiness that was about to come up dizzily disappeared as if doused with cold water.
My head didn't just clear up, it felt as refreshed as if I had just woken up from sleep.
"......Eh? No way...?"
I blankly stared at the empty glass.
Just in case, I poured alcohol from the bottle again.
Seeing the alcohol pouring out glug-glug, cheers burst out around me.
"Ohh! As expected of Master!"
"You are fiery!"
I hit a one-shot once again.
This time too, my throat burned.
But the result was the same.
—Ding!
"......Ah."
A sigh leaked out.
I have now become a body that cannot enjoy alcohol.
No...!
I haven't even been able to drink much in my life...!
Status effect immunity.
To think that cheating ability would stab me in the back like this.
I felt unjustly wronged.
"Drink! Drink!"
"We can't lose either!"
The blacksmiths, thinking I was a strong drinker, got competitive and drank alcohol continuously.
The atmosphere was ripening, but I alone was looking at them with a perfectly sober mind.
I don't get drunk.
No matter how much I drink, I can't feel that pleasant dizzy feeling.
It just felt like drinking bitter water.
It was when I was falling into disappointment and making a crying face.
"Her Highness the Imperial Princess is entering!"
The Chamberlain's shout was heard from the entrance side.
The boisterous banquet hall instantly became quiet.
Even the blacksmiths staggering drunk were startled and fixed their postures.
Cassia walked out from the darkness beyond the bonfire.
Not the simple attire she wore in the morning, but a dignified appearance wearing a formal dress embroidered with a golden lion.
"Everyone be at ease. I came to praise your hard work, so there is no need for formalities."
She raised her hand to reassure the blacksmiths.
Her gaze naturally scanned the gathering and stopped at me sitting in the seat of honor.
Her purple eyes were staring at me without wavering.
That gaze was strangely persistent, so I slyly avoided her gaze and just fiddled with my glass.
Outside the window, darkness had already settled thickly.
Imperial Princess Cassia was rolling a pen sitting at her office desk.
Before her eyes, administrative tasks to process were piled up like a mountain.
As the famine was resolved and farming tools began to be distributed, reports coming up from each territory were flooding in.
Most were glad news, but the matters she had to approve and instruct as an Imperial Princess were endless.
"Phew...."
Cassia put down the pen for a moment and leaned against the back of the chair.
Massaging her stiff neck, she absentmindedly looked at the window behind the chair.
Due to the structure of the Imperial Palace, the front yard of the smithy couldn't be seen from here.
But her gaze was heading exactly towards the direction where the banquet would be held.
To think of someone who would be there was a very natural thing.
'Si-woo....'
As soon as she recalled the name, his back figure hammering while sweating in front of the red hearth a few nights ago was drawn clearly in her mind.
The strange heat and palpitation she felt then tickled her heart once again.
Since that day, it was difficult to run into him.
No, to be exact, it was correct to say she avoided him because her face burned hot every time she saw him.
"Why am I acting like this, really...."
Cassia cupped her cheeks with both hands.
The cheeks touching her palms were hot.
She couldn't focus on work.
She shouldn't just keep avoiding him like this.
He is the Empire's benefactor, and she is the Imperial Princess.
To run away without even conveying a proper greeting of gratitude was not the duty of an Imperial Family member.
'Right. I'll just go, see his face, say my thanks, and come back.'
Cassia made up her mind and stood up from her seat.
"Chamberlain."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The Chamberlain guarding outside the door immediately entered and bowed his head.
"I will go to the banquet hall right now."
"Do you mean the banquet hall?"
The Chamberlain's eyes widened.
Knowing well the disposition of the Imperial Princess who usually didn't enjoy noisy drinking parties, he couldn't help but be puzzled.
He hesitated for a moment and carefully opened his mouth.
"Your Highness... I apologize, but you must not drink alcohol."
At the Chamberlain's worried loyal advice, Cassia's shoulders flinched.
Because it brought to mind the dark history of the past festival when she drank a glass of wine, became unconscious, and conversed with the trees in the Imperial garden.
Cassia put on a stern expression and cleared her throat.
"Ahem! I know. I am just going to convey my greetings of gratitude to those who worked hard, I have not the slightest intention of drinking alcohol."
"Ah... If that is so, understood. I will prepare immediately."
The Chamberlain bowed his waist in relief.
Cassia tidied her dress and left the office with a grim expression.
Cassia reassured the blacksmiths and approached my side.
Wearing a glamorous formal dress, she looked dignified, completely different from her appearance running away in the morning.
She stood in front of me and opened her mouth with serious eyes.
"This gathering is for the blacksmiths who worked hard, but actually it is to convey my gratitude to you, Si-woo."
She placed her right hand on her left chest.
It was the most polite etiquette of the Imperial Family.
"Representing the Empire, I convey my gratitude to you once again."
She bowed her waist deeply.
Then the blacksmiths around also put down their glasses and took the same posture.
The sight of dozens of men bowing their heads simultaneously was quite a spectacle.
I was bewildered, stood up from my seat, and returned the greeting.
"No. Please raise your heads. Don't mention it."
It was then when the atmosphere was ripening warmly.
Hans, who was already crookedly drunk, tactlessly raised his glass high.
"The Princess is here too, let's all drink together!!"
Normally, it was a remark he wouldn't dare bring up in front of the Imperial Princess.
The Chamberlain was startled and tried to stop him, but Cassia raised her hand to restrain him.
"It is fine. It is a good day today, so there is no need for formalities."
At her generosity, the banquet hall atmosphere heated up again.
People started pouring alcohol proposing toasts.
I looked at the strong alcohol placed in front of me.
Even if I drink it, I won't get drunk and it's just bitter, is there a need to bother drinking it?
I was also thirsty, so I thought I should drink some water.
I reached for the water bottle placed in the center of the table.
It was then.
—Tap.
A cold and soft touch touched my fingertips.
It was Cassia's hand trying to drink water at the same time as me.
She also seemed to have chosen water instead of alcohol.
"...Ugh!"
Cassia was startled and pulled her hand away.
It was an excessive reaction like a person burned by fire.
Her pupils lost their direction and shook.
I chuckled and pushed the water bottle toward her.
"You drink first."
"A... No! I am fine!"
Too flustered, she snatched the other bottle next to the water bottle in a flurry.
And without a moment to think, she poured it glug-glug into her glass and downed it in one gulp.
"Uh... Princess?"
There was no time for me to stop her.
The bottle she drank from was not the water bottle.
It was the Empire's strongest hard liquor, over 60 degrees proof, that the blacksmiths had earlier.
She just one-shotted the alcohol that even I thought was burning my esophagus.
"Pha...!"
Cassia, who emptied the glass, let out a rough breath.
And silence.
1 second.
2 seconds.
3 seconds.
"Mmm...?"
Cassia's face, which was like white jade, instantly flushed red like a ripe apple.
Her pupils lost focus and started to loosen.
Her body swayed this way and that like a reed.
"Princess? Are you alright?"
When I asked worriedly, she smiled sillily and pointed at me.
"Si-woo... You...."
"Yes?"
"Why do I see... three of you...?"
With her tongue completely twisted, she was trying to count me in the empty air with her finger.
I touched my forehead.
'She's properly drunk....'
I looked around to call the Chamberlain or an escort knight, but they too were caught by the blacksmiths and busy receiving drinks.
It didn't look good to keep the Imperial Princess in this mess.
I sighed and stood up from my seat.
"Princess, please get up. I will escort you to your room."
"Mmm... I want to play more...."
She grumbled, but her body already didn't seem to listen.
I supported the staggering her and left the banquet hall.
The hallway of the Imperial Palace was quiet.
Only the moonlight entered long through the windows and illuminated the hallway.
I walked with my arm around Cassia's shoulders.
But it wasn't as easy as I thought.
"Uh-uh...?"
"Careful!"
Her legs kept giving out.
It was already the third time she almost tripped over my feet.
At this rate, it felt like we would both fall and roll.
Cassia was already half asleep and couldn't even hold her head up properly.
I stopped walking, pondered for a moment, and made a decision.
"......Excuse me."
I bent my waist and lifted her back and legs in one breath.
"Phew... This is much more comfortable."
She wasn't heavy.
Rather, she was so light compared to what I thought that I was surprised.
The problem was elsewhere.
Perhaps feeling like she was floating in the air, Cassia instinctively hugged my neck and dug into my embrace.
"Mmm... It's warm...."
Her face was buried in my chest.
A subtle floral scent wafted over.
It seemed like the tea scent I smelled last time, and also like her body scent.
As the moonlight coming through the window illuminated her white hair, it sparkled like the Milky Way.
Her cheeks flushed red from the alcohol and slightly parted lips were exposed defenselessly.
"......."
My heart pounded like crazy.
No, you said I'm immune to status effects.
Why isn't this immune?
To a forever-single person, this super-close physical contact was too strong a stimulus.
I fixed my gaze straight ahead and chanted a spell in my mind.
'Until the East Sea's waters and Mt. Baekdu dry and wear away....'
I perfectly sang the national anthem up to the 4th verse in my head and headed to the Imperial Princess's bedroom with quick steps.
Arriving safely at the bed, I carefully set her down.
"......That was the biggest crisis of my life."
I wiped the sweat forming on my forehead and muttered quietly.
It was the moment I thought I should quickly leave and was about to turn my body.
"......Mmm?"
Cassia's eyelashes, lying on the bed, fluttered and slowly opened.
Purple eyes looked up at me hazily.
My eyes met hers exactly.
Silence flowed.
Anyone could see it was a situation perfect for misunderstanding.
Feeling cold sweat flowing down my spine, I urgently opened my mouth.
"Um, please don't misunderstand. The Princess was too drunk and couldn't walk so...."
I babbled and explained the whole story.
I was nervous she might scream or call the guards.
But Cassia was surprisingly calm.
She blinked her eyes and seemed to trace her memory for a moment.
The warm and solid embrace, the arms that supported her with a sense of stability, and the pounding sound of the heart she heard in her ear.
Her film wasn't completely cut off.
The sparse remaining memories made her face turn red again.
"Ah... So that was it. I showed an improper state."
She sat up and tidied her disheveled hair.
No wariness or displeasure was seen.
Rather, it was an expression mixed with apology and shyness.
"I am sorry. I must have been heavy...."
"No. You were light as a feather."
At my words, she burst into a chuckle.
The awkward air felt a bit loosened.
She took a sip of the water placed on the bedside table and looked at me.
Perhaps the alcohol had worn off a bit, her eyes had become much clearer.
"Since it turned out like this... would you like to have a cup of tea before you go?"
"Yes?"
"My mind is not at ease to just send you away. And to wake up from the alcohol a bit."
At her suggestion, I paused for a moment and answered.
"......Let's do that."
At my acceptance, Cassia's face brightened radiantly.
She got off the bed and headed toward the table.
Sitting across from each other at the window table illuminated by moonlight, we came to have such a strange night teatime.
A window table subtly illuminated by moonlight.
Silence flowed across the steaming teacups.
It was such a peaceful time that the commotion from a moment ago felt like a lie.
Cassia fiddled with her teacup and opened her mouth.
"Si-woo, I thought a lot about how to express my gratitude to you."
I took a sip of tea and quietly waited for her next words.
Then she started to unfasten the bracelet she was wearing on her wrist.
It was a thin silver bracelet set with a brilliant light-purple gem that looked exactly like her purple eyes.
Being delicately crafted rather than crude, one could tell at a glance it was a precious item.
"It is a bracelet passed down through generations in my mother's family."
She offered the bracelet.
I flinched and set down the teacup.
I had heard well that the Imperial Princess's mother had passed away.
If so, that isn't just an accessory, but her mother's keepsake.
I reflexively waved my hands.
"...I cannot accept this."
I am a person who pursues practical interests.
Money is good, and items are good.
But there is a line that shouldn't be crossed.
I didn't want to become a shameless person who takes a parent's keepsake, a precious item of which there is only one, as a price.
At my firm refusal, far from being flustered, Cassia smiled softly as if rather pleased.
"I knew you would refuse."
"...Why give it to me knowing that. I will accept only the thought."
"As I said before, there are few things I can give. Only one right to the Secret Vault, I cannot give more than that."
She fiddled with the bracelet and sent an affectionate glance.
"Then I thought it was right to give the item I consider most precious. And my mother too would respect my choice."
Her gaze headed toward the Imperial Palace garden submerged in darkness beyond the window.
"My mother loved this Empire more than anyone.... If I say I am giving it to the one who protected such an Empire, she will probably nod happily from heaven as well."
She looked at me again.
That gaze was so stubborn and solid that if I refused anymore, it felt like it would rather be an insult to her sincerity.
If I refused, she seemed ready to persuade me all night long.
I sighed and nodded.
"...Understood."
When I carefully received the bracelet, relief spread across her face.
The bracelet touching my palm was warm, containing her body temperature.
At that moment, a clear notification sound rang in my ears.
—Ding!
I pondered for a moment looking at the message floating before my eyes.
I showed too much this time too.
I shook my head and pressed the refuse button.
Simultaneously with the item name appearing, a halo of white light began to rise around my body.
As my body sparkled and became transparent, Cassia's pupils shook.
"...Are you returning now?"
"It seems so."
I stood up from my seat.
The light became increasingly stronger, slowly enveloping up from my lower body.
Cassia jumped up from her seat.
She moved her lips as if she had words left to say, then asked with an anxious voice.
"...I will be able to see you again, right?"
Deep regret and fear were evident in her voice.
It was a child-like gaze, afraid that I might not come back, that I might disappear forever like this.
I smiled brightly to reassure her.
"Of course."
I held up the bracelet in my hand.
"I received something this precious, I will come back soon."
At my joke-mixed answer, only then did a faint smile spread across her lips.
"I will wait.... Please definitely come again."
Along with the system text, the world flashed white.
My vision blurred, and Cassia's figure disappeared into the light.