Chapter 266

“Ugh… Damn it…”

Ronan opened his eyes. His head felt heavy, as if it had been soaked in water. As he turned his body upright, he saw the familiar wooden ceiling and twenty heart-shaped daggers embedded above him.

“Who the hell did that… Ugh!”

As Ronan tried to sit up, he clutched his mouth, feeling a wave of nausea. Fortunately, nothing came up. Every breath he took reeked of alcohol. He staggered to his feet, leaning against the wall for support.

Ronan desperately tried to recall the fragmented memories of the previous night. After returning from Adren, he had been swamped with work and only reunited with Adeshan and the other members of the Adventure Club on the second evening.

Everyone warmly welcomed Ronan, Asel, and Shulipen back from their eventful journey and threw a party. Maruya provided the drinks and food, and Ithargand, who had lent them the ship, managed the event.

Despite the large number of attendees, the building was spacious enough for everyone to enjoy themselves. The frothy beer reminded Ronan of the foamy waves on a sunset beach.

He remembered up to that point. Looking around, Ronan clicked his tongue.

“We really drank a lot.”

The interior of the club building looked like a bomb had exploded. Pools of vomit and spilled alcohol were everywhere. The leftover snacks lay cold and lifeless.

Massive barrels, each big enough to fit a person, were scattered around, all completely empty. Most of the glasses were shattered, likely due to a drunken Maruya failing to control her strength. At Ronan’s feet, he heard a groan that could have come from an ogre.

“Ugh… Ugh…”

“Oh, damn it, you scared me.”

Looking down, Ronan saw Braum lying in his large shield, which he had flipped over to use as a bed. It fit him perfectly, like a coffin. His bushy beard still made him look more like a lumberjack than a knight.

“Is there no one here who’s sober…”

Ronan sighed. He found the other members not far away. The noble Shulipen had his head buried in a corkboard used for maps and notices, sleeping soundly.

In his hand was a piece of chalk, and a portrait of Iril had been intricately drawn on a map of the Empire.

“…At least it’s well drawn.”

Ronan shook his head. He had seen all sorts of drunken behavior during his time in the penal battalion, but this was a first. He staggered towards the kitchen, smirking.

“You did it, Asel.”

“Ugh… Ugh…”

Asel and Maruya were lying on the floor, with Asel snuggled into Maruya’s arms, groaning in discomfort. Her ample bosom was thoroughly obstructing his ability to breathe.

“Ugh… I’m sleepy…”

“Ugh… Ugh…”

With each movement Maruya made, Asel’s body shifted with her. It looked more like she was hugging a beloved toy or pillow rather than her boyfriend, but they seemed happy nonetheless.

“Hehe… Sis… You’re too bold…”

“What’s she on about now?”

Erzeveth, the young lady of Akalusia, was asleep against the stairs with her hair in twin tails (for reasons unknown). It was unsettling to hear her muttering Adeshan’s name in her sleep.

The vampire Ophelia was nowhere to be seen. Fortunately, Ronan remembered why. On his first night back from Adren, he had told her the secret about his blood. Given that vampires were the best at handling blood and she was a natural researcher, it made sense.

‘She was almost obsessed with it.’

Ophelia had gone to her castle to figure out how to use the blood, taking several samples with her. Perhaps that was why Ronan felt more intoxicated than usual.

【Krrkk! Krrkk!】

“Meow… Meow…”

Ithargand was passed out in his true form outside the building in the training yard. His glossy scales were covered in scribbles presumably drawn by the club members. Crouched on his broad back was Sita, fast asleep.

“…We had fun.”

Ronan chuckled as he looked around. He didn’t mind the chaos. These kids, always focused on their studies and work, had finally let loose.

‘Everyone needs this sometimes.’

It was time to start the day after a night of fun. He had sent the compiled reports to various places two nights ago, so he expected some responses today.

As Ronan headed to the bathroom to wash up, someone’s face flashed before his eyes. He stopped in his tracks.

‘Where’s Adeshan?’

He realized he hadn’t seen the most important person. Adeshan was missing. He remembered her getting very drunk and flirtatious, but then…

‘Did she go back home?’

As the student council president, it was plausible she had left early. Just as Ronan was about to move, a delicious smell wafted from the kitchen.

“This is…”

Despite his nausea, his mouth watered. It was the aroma of seafood stew, with mussels and other shellfish.

Ronan, like someone possessed, walked towards the kitchen. The sound of boiling water grew louder.

Opening the door, he saw Adeshan, wearing an apron, standing by a large pot. Her long hair, reaching her waist, was disheveled. Ronan watched her for a moment before speaking.

“Adeshan.”

“Oh, Ronan. You’re up?”

She turned and smiled at him, a smile that never grew old no matter how many times he saw it.

“What are you doing so early? You must be tired.”

“Well, everyone seemed to be struggling. I thought something to ease their stomachs would be good.”

“Huh.”

Ronan chuckled. Despite clearly having drunk a lot, she didn’t seem to have a hangover. She put down the ladle and continued.

“Why don’t you sleep a bit more? It’s not done yet anyway.”

“No, I should get up. Anything I can help with?”

“Yes, actually. If you’re not too sleepy, there’s something I want to ask you…”

Suddenly, Adeshan’s voice trailed off. Her face flushed slightly, making Ronan raise an eyebrow.

“What is it?”

“Last night… Do you remember anything?”

“Did I do something wrong?”

“Well, maybe… You know how I get when I drink… a bit reckless and all. So…”

Adeshan glanced around to make sure no one else was awake. She looked like a child checking for their parents’ reaction after doing something wrong. Seeing that Ronan wasn’t saying anything, she began to mutter quickly and incoherently.

“But honestly, it’s your fault too. It’s been so long since we met… and suddenly taking off your shirt because you’re hot is just unfair… No, no, it’s my fault. I should’ve been more responsible… Ah…!”

“Hmm… last night.”

Ronan scratched his head. Only fragments of memories remained, with no clear recollection. He just remembered drinking and passing out. Finally, he concluded and spoke.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I probably didn’t do anything.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. Really.”

“Phew… Then it’s fine. That’s a relief.”

Adeshan sighed in relief, her face relaxing. Ronan, puzzled by her reaction, tilted his head.

“…What’s going on?”

He didn’t understand. Silently, he pulled Adeshan closer and kissed her lightly. Her eyes widened in surprise. He had no particular reason; he just wanted to.

“I missed you.”

“Really…”

Adeshan, blushing, looked down. Soon, their eyes met again. As their faces drew closer, a voice interrupted from behind.

“You’re having fun right after coming back. Anyone would think you’re a newlywed couple.”

“Eek!”

Adeshan jumped in surprise, her shoulders twitching. Plates clattered to the ground. With reflexes like a wild animal, Ronan caught them just before they hit the floor.

“Damn it, you scared me.”

“I don’t intend to interrupt, but you should choose your time and place. If rumors spread that the student council president is having a scandalous relationship with a student… it’ll be too amusing.”

“Alright, alright. I thought no one was here.”

Ronan nodded and turned. Standing at the doorway, arms crossed, was Instructor Navirose.

“It’s been a while, Instructor.”

“Not bad at cooking, are you? It’s a bit sad to be left out of a feast when you’re the teacher.”

“Don’t be childish. You were on a business trip until yesterday.”

She was munching on a leftover chicken leg from last night’s party. Adeshan, who had been flustered, waved her hands in dismissal.

“S-scandalous relationship! We’re not…”

“I know. You wouldn’t do that. So, is that a mosquito bite on your neck, Adeshan?”

“Ah…!”

Adeshan gasped, her face turning an even deeper shade of red.

She quickly covered her neck with her hand, but Ronan had already seen it. As Navirose mentioned, there were a couple of red marks on her long, white neck.

“T-this is… I mean…”

“What a big mosquito. Resilient, even in this cold weather.”

Navirose teased Adeshan with a grin, clearly enjoying herself. Ronan’s face turned stone-like. Damn, did I do that?

“…I’m sorry.”

Finally, Adeshan, unable

to bear the shame, hung her head. Ronan whispered.

“What did I do? Did I really…”

“Shh, be quiet…”

Adeshan put a finger to her lips, signaling him to stay quiet. It seemed she had indeed made a significant mistake while drunk. Navirose, having finished her fifth chicken leg, spoke up.

“Well, that’s enough chitchat. Gather in Phileon’s main square when you’re ready.”

“Sure. Just the two of us?”

“Everyone here. The headmaster has something to say to all the students.”

“Huh? All the students?”

Ronan and Adeshan both tilted their heads. It was rare to gather all the students except for major events like graduations or festivals.

“What’s going on?”

“I’m not sure. It’s a sudden thing. Anyway, be there by noon.”

Navirose had come just to deliver this message. She made another crude joke, making Adeshan blush again, before turning away. Ronan, still bewildered, spoke.

“What could it be?”

“…I don’t know.”

Adeshan shook her head. Even as the student council president, she had received no prior notice. Regardless, they had to comply. Ronan woke up the other members and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

“Can’t believe she tolerated a kiss from this mess.”

Looking in the mirror, Ronan chuckled. As expected, he looked like a caveman. If he were Adeshan, he would have screamed and run away.

He took off his shirt to wash up. As he filled the basin with water, something caught his eye. His collarbone and neck were covered in red marks, similar to mosquito bites. A lot of them.

“…What’s this?”

They looked eerily similar to the marks on Adeshan’s neck. After washing up in less than five minutes, Ronan hurriedly left. The main square of Phileon Academy was already packed with students.