Chapter 45: Let's Get Wasted (2)
Third Person's Point of View
Back at the camp.
Prince Polestar woke up, completely healed. The healers check him up and find nothing unusual. He stands up and goes outside to find the dungeon gone. He’s confused and looks around him, there are fewer knights because the others went home already and the others were still unconscious.
He thought, how did they get out of the Dungeon? What happened? The last thing he remembers is he was hit by the spiky wing of the Wyvern and was called an IDIOT. His eyes glared in rage and he went to search for that bastard who has the guts to call him an Idiot in front of many knights.
"Your Highness! You woke up, how are you feeling?" Devon greets him, but he glares at him instead.
"How many casualties this time?" He still feels a bit dizzy and disregards the useless thoughts
"Less than 50 people died inside the dungeon during the raid before entering the final floor, Your Highness. While currently, we have no soldiers and knights in minor or critical condition, it has been taken care of." Devon reported.
While listening, the Prince noticed something weird in what he said. "...Yes, I know full well there are 46 deaths before the final room, what I'm asking is the overall total of casualties before and after the final room. And what do you mean by there being no soldiers in critical conditions? Is that even possible after facing that giant wyvern?"
"...Yes, Your Highness, it is what I said. The total deaths are 46 and there are no soldiers in critical condition, they've been taken care of as soon as we come out from the dungeon." Devon rephrased his report, "No one died on the final floor…"
"What? How is that possible? When I, myself, a 1st-rate swordsman and a 3rd-circle magician, almost di-"
'TOO IDIOT FOR A PRINCE!' He suddenly heard a voice, more like recalled it.
"...No, where is that bastard?! Find him and get him for me! I'll kill him!" He furiously commands. Devon, just stands there and doesn't know what he's pertaining to.
"Who...?" He asks. But the rage of Prince Polestar only increases, though the intimidation the Prince is releasing can't affect Devon, he still respects him.
"Who else?! That damned Model who dared to disrespect me!" Like a beast, he roared at Devon. Then Devon becomes serious, almost glaring at the Crown Prince. He just can't let the Prince do what he wants without knowing who saved them and contributed so much to the operation.
"Your Highness, please come with me to the planning tent. We'll talk about this calmly." The aura around Devon sharpened, making the Prince speechless and follow along.
Upon entering the tent, he soon frowns after looking at the storage filled with treasures, gold, and everything he expects from the dungeon. His eyes land on Valentine and Devon sitting at the long table, waiting for him.
"When did you get this? You managed to conquer the dungeon when I passed out." He asked in surprise and sat down.
"No, Your Highness." Devon began, "It was Sir Randall who conquered the dungeon hours before we faced the Wyvern. He handed it over to us."
The frown on the Prince's face only got deeper. He didn't believe Devon's words as he is an acquaintance of that guy, so he looked at Valentine. Expecting him to rebut, but he did not.
"He was the one who saved you after you got hit and ended up slaying the Wyvern in the end." Sir Valentine
The Prince's at loss for words so he only stares at them seriously. He humiliated Randall before entering the dungeon, he had no reason to save him, in fact, it was his chance to get back at him, by leaving him to die. He also thought, 'if I were in his position I would hold back myself to save me and watch me die.'
"Why would he do that? What for?" The Prince wondered. The two look at each other knowingly, and the Prince finds it strange- Devon is cold to everyone, but when it comes to Randall he becomes lively and seems to be getting along with Valentine, who only talks to someone stronger or with equivalent strength as himself.
"He mentioned, after getting the treasure he was about to leave but he saw sir Keaton got hurt, he couldn't bear to just watch or leave, so he jumped out to save everyone and not only sir Keaton." Valentine explained, "He wants to secure Sir Keaton's safety first."
Somehow, the image of Randall in the Prince's head changed. No wonder such a person dares to enter the dungeon all by himself because he had the skills to do so. He's wrong about him. And if these two judges Randall as a great man, then he can't argue anymore… He just needed to see his skills personally, because he didn't get to see them in the dungeon. On top of that, by conquering a dungeon with a limited group number, he is surely skilled.
*sigh*
"Did he leave a message along with these treasures? Request or anything?" He figured the guy they were talking about is no longer here in this camp.
"He said… He's sorry." Devon hesitated when he saw the Prince's face waiting and expecting a good response.
"Why? Sorry for what? Did he do something to me when I was unconscious?" His eyes shoot glares
"No, your Highness. He said 'Sorry, If you were saved by a mere model, I didn't mean to, but still did otherwise.' " Devon was unwavering despite glares with a serious gaze the Prince is giving him.
The Prince stands in fury and clenches his fists while he grits his teeth. Intimidation fills the tent, sir Valentine sweats under pressure and Devon only stares at him.
"THAT ARROGANT BASTARD!"
-----
It's already 1:00 in the morning and the competition between Randall and Melancholy is still ongoing. They are at it for 4 hours straight. Derox, who is in charge of the pub, and serving Randall can only shake his head in disbelief while refilling their tankards.
'Even I can't believe they are the so-called Noble, that is known for being elegant, proud, and authoritative. But looking at these two, they look like fools. They're prideful retards to be exact.' - Derox
*SLAM!*
"MORE BEER!" Randall/Melancholy shout in unison. They're both fired up, refusing to lose to each other.
But in reality, their faces are red and anyone can see that the effects of alcohol are already in their systems. On the other hand, Randall had long since completed the quest after eight tankards but still can't let Melancholy win. Just because he hates losing.
"Hey… why canchu jush givap? (why can't you just give up?)" Melancholy asks, looking at Randall with her heavy eyelids, she wants to close them and doze off already… but just like Randall, she can't let him win due to her pride.
"Shattap en jush trink (shut up and just drink)" Randall answered. The reward on the quest won't be in effect after 5 hours. It's because the system gave him time to enjoy, originally, he can't drink that much but his pride drove him to stay up even after drinking more than 20 full tankards of Menalian beer.
Menalian beer is stronger than Cartanian beer, that's why it's surprising that someone like Tania or rather Randall who could get drunk with only a glass or two of alcohol, is holding up after 20 tankards of beer. But unfortunately, after finishing up his 23rd round, his head fell- I mean slam down the counter instead of the empty tankard.
Melancholy, who almost dozes off, is startled by the loud thud of Randall's head. Slowly, her half-closed eyes become wider as much as her grinning mouth.
"Ha-HAHAHAHA! I won! You saw that Derox, right? I won! Hahahahaa! No one can beat me as I thought." Melancholy laughs as hard as she could, "Derox, you're our witness so if it happens he denies me as his buddy, then tell him honestly hahaha… if not, I'll curse you, I'm quite known for that."
Slowly then after her threat, Melancholy's eyes slowly close, and finally fall unconscious. Derox's face was expressionless while staring at the two drunkards.
'How dare they fall asleep here…! These nobles are really unreasonable, I'm not a servant you jerks!' Derox could only curse internally while remaining expressionless externally. 'Should I kick them out? But won't I be sued for throwing out a noble? Aish! Fucking hierarchy.'
Derox carefully lifts Melancholy and carries her upstairs where the inn. His father announced that anyone linked to that man downstairs could lodge in their inn free of charge, so naturally, this lady is one of them because she is now his so-called buddy. He just asked the female staff to tend to the drunk lady. He goes back downstairs to do the same for the man.
But before he can even lay a hand on his clothes, Randall's head lifts up on his own. Derox who's startled by that and forgot to react. Randall's red face tones down to its original pale white color as if he had never drunk alcohol.
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'What happened to his red face?' Derox thought.
Randall turns to Derox and asks "How much time has passed since I started drinking?"
"…err… about 4 hours- Ahh…No, 5 hours to be exact, my lord."
"…holy shit, what time is it now?" Randall suddenly shoots up and stares at the counter where one barrel and four pitchers are emptied.
"1:24 in the morning, my lord-" Derox can't finish when Randall suddenly places a pouch on the counter.
"I'll pay for the room and drinks with this, keep the change as your tip. I need to go now." And then he runs outside like he is chased by something.
"Asking what it might be is none of my concern… tsk, just looking at the shabby pouch, it must have contained a few silver coins if not copper coins, how dare he tell me he was giving me a tip?!" Derox mumbled as he took the pouch and open it.
But unexpectedly for Derox, he did not show any emotion when the golden light came out from the pouch, but his eyes became dull.
"…Well, I guess he really is a noble after all."
'I'll definitely put him as our VIP customer!'
-*-
"Shit shit shit! The Marquess definitely will kill this time!" Tania is currently gnawing her fingernails in nervousness because she hadn't seen the Marquess show too much emotion beyond his expectation according to the book, but not this time.
TANIA
'Earlier today I saw him release too much power and anger… This never happened in the book so I have no idea how to deal with this situation. Haaa… I've been disrespecting him since I came into this world because I thought he was just an extra with an easy character to the trash with.'
"Mister, we have arrived at the Cavelier's Mansion." The coachman announced.
I didn't respond nor did I come out. I review the panel that appears back at the pub before I leave. These are the awards for that quest.
*dingg!*
♤Main Quest 1: Go to a Pub♤
You just conquered the Current Strongest Dungeon in the Continent, drink 8 tankards of Menalian beer, and make sure to make yourself drunk.
[CLEARED]
[Due to unexpected development that exceeds the system's prediction. The reward has been re-calculated]
Quest Reward:
Nestiary Pub and Inn's VIP customer [Title], Alcohol Tolerance - Lvl. 2 (passive) [Skill], Unforgettable Moment [Exp.], Acquired Drinking Buddy [Achievement], 15 Gem Points [Bonus]
The rewards changed…? But alcohol tolerance is a skill? The heck? Seeing that there's a drinking buddy over there means I lost the bet. Tch.
- Hey, are you sane?
- Yeah? Why?
- Then did you recall your quest reward from the emergency quest yesterday?
- ……
- That's right. You're doomed.
Even when I remember it clearly, the specific phrase pops out, as if reminding me about it.
Marquess Trastius's Earful Sermon (Rare)
[Exp.] [SOON]
*gulp*
I finally come out of the carriage, when the coachman has a displeased expression, I hand him 2 golden coins, and immediately he sweats after receiving them. Originally it was supposed to be 2 silvers but I have a purpose for giving it.
'I'm not generous without a reason.'
"If I happen to have a future business and have to travel incognito, you shall be at my service for it, Mister Castor."
"H-How did you…? A-Ahh… I-I understand, my lord." He politely bowed and didn't ask again.
How did I know his name? Simply because I can know everyone's name thanks to the system. [{*Remember that our MC could see the character's name above their heads, as long as he/she chooses to see it. Originally, NPCs and characters only have glowing dots above their heads}]
I enter the mansion as carefully as I can, I'm even using the system to avoid being discovered but it fails when Marquess's strong aura can be sensed just a few steps from the door.
'How did he know that I'll use the backdoor?!'
Too late, because a large hand lands on my shoulder.
I want to slap the handoff, whoever it belonged to, because of my OCD but instead of dirt, I could feel danger behind my back.
"Welcome back Miss, the Lord is expecting you at his office." Above his head is his name…
Treso Ahne, Lvl. 235
Current Status: Self pity 40%, Annoyance 30%, Worry 30%
-----
Marquess' Office.
Silence is eating me for a while now after I entered his office. I'm standing in front of him like a convict but I keep my confidence up.
"…So you choose to have fun after leaving us behind." His words are full of coldness while emitting a vicious aura
'Fun my ass… Drinking with Melancholy isn't fun at all.'
Trastius Drell Cavelier, Lvl. 250
Current Status: Rage 50%, Worry 30%, Anger 20%
*Gulp*
"…What do you mean Marquess?" I remain on my spot, feeling guilty so I am trying to avoid his gaze.
"Do you really think you won't reek in alcohol just because you look fine? And to think a lady will dress up like a man outside and risk her life just to fight?" He emphasized every word coming out of his mouth, though I felt insulted and triggered because I did it for a reason and not just for entertainment.
"With all due respect, please do not discriminate against genders-"
"Shut it. Did I require your opinion?"
"Right, I'll shut it..." I immediately closed my lips because of his glare.
"...And you call my worrying discrimination? So what if you're a boy or a girl? In my eyes, all of my children are equal. And I'm well aware that the reason you wore a man's clothes is for disguise so you could join that dangerous raid. That place isn't for you, Tania! You even colluded with your uncle for a new identity?! What is it that runs in your head to act like this?! You're being more immature than before!"
My breath shortened as I mumbles "Where… Tell me where do I belong? It's not like I'm the one who decides to be here in the first place-" my voice cracks but I try not to make it evident. I close my fist into a ball due to frustration but I calm myself. "I just… did what I know is best for everyone. Not to brag Marquess but if I wasn't there in that raid, who knows when and how many people will go home safely, and you might receive news about the death of your beloved son."
"What is the meaning of that?" The Marquess asks with a glare and frowning face.
"What's the use of telling you when you always cut me off, you never listen to what I'm saying? I know some information about that dungeon and how dangerous it is but if I told you, would you believe me even? You won't, right? You'll lock me up in my room to keep me out. Because it isn't my place, to begin with. I'm aware, that's why I'd rather risk my life to prove my place, so I could say I have somewhere I belong… so I could say I have a purpose in this world, not just as a shell of Lady you want me to be."
"Do not twist my words, Tania. You know full well that isn't what meaning to say. Why can't you understand that I'm just worrying about you? It's not too long ago since you held a sword again, you may be fine for now, but if you fight someone much stronger than you are then you'll-"
'What is he spouting now? As if he's observing me secretly… but why?'
"Since when did you become worried about what I do?" I stare at him with blank eyes, I don't know why but I feel like this body is becoming emotional every time I face the Marquess… Did she harbor too much hatred for him to be like this?
"…what?" A dumbfounded expression was now across his face
Trastius Drell Cavelier, Lvl. 250
Current Status: Shock 50%, Hurt 30%, Confusion 15%, Anger 5%
'Ohh, his status changed. Did I come out too harsh?'
- It's good to know that you know you are rude. He's still your father.
- Shut it, Dearby.
- …haa.
*dingg!*
♤WARNING!♤
Ready your ears. Ready your mind.
Ready your heart. Ready your soul.
Ready yourself as you might be ripped by his words.
Huh?
I immediately look up to Marquess Trastius when I feel the air change around the room. The pressure I get by looking at him intensified and my body couldn't move at all, not because I'm scared… it's because the body itself is scared?
Tania? Is she reacting?
"Hah… You've been doing what you want without regarding the consequences these past few months, Tania. You do know I have eyes on you and Vega every day, so what makes you think I've been neglecting you? Even if you forgot about that fact, won't your maid tell you about it?" The glares he's giving me are really scary as if I am looking at an unsurmountable mountain…
"You thought I would never care about my offsprings…? How did you even get that idea? I was just giving you a chance as you told me you wanted to do what you want before your coming of age, and what? Sneaking? Disobeying me? And endangering your life?"
"…I thought you'd passed the phase of puberty but you've become more immature than Vega. Do you know how hard it is to arrange your engagement to that bastard just because you told me so? And then break it just because of your whim?"
"If you have a problem with me, then just please tell me so I can know how to please you. Not like this. Rebelling isn't always the answer, Tania." Like an angry bear, the Marquess releases his piling complaints and worries, through the sermon. The only thing I could do was to stay still and keep on listening to him. Did the course of the story really change so much?
I know I've been saying this over again, but this never happened, I mean… If his words are true, then it was never mentioned and portrayed in the story… So how would I know? On the other side, why do I feel like my heart is sympathizing with him…
The Marquess closed his eyes to take a deep breath before turning his head away from me.
"…you know what? Sometimes you are hard to comprehend as if you are not the child that I once knew. I'll just pray that someday you accept and forget everything that happened a long time ago and become ready to accept yourself… I'm not sure if you really forgot or were just pretending to have forgotten, or this might be your way of telling yourself that you accept who you are now. But that's just a guess, I won't know if you don't open up and talk to me."
I was speechless. My face has not just become pale of his calm and agonizing voice, but also by what he said. I think my mind went blank for a moment…
Did he know something about 'me'?
Did he mean to say, he knows I replaced his daughter's soul?
But he mentioned 'a long time ago'. What does that mean?
"Go back to your room, you are under probation for a whole month, you cannot get out of your room unless I say so.'' The Marquess' usual cold voice passed my ears, and when I tried to call out for him, he ordered Robert and Commander Treso to take me away.
I want to ask him what he meant by what he said. No! This can't be! I need to hear it now no matter what even if I ended up hurting him! This might be regarding my existence in this novel… There might be a way to retu-
[…Stop! Do not. Even think. Of hurting. Them.]
"…HUH?! W-Who's that?!" I look around like a madman because there's that voice that seems powerful that affected my head, it made my ears ring painfully, and it shook my vision.
"Milady, are you alright?" Robert asked worriedly. But I ignored him to continue to look for the owner of that voice.
"Who are you?! Come out!"
[You cannot. Find me. I won't. Let you. hurt. Them. You will. Regret it.]
Regret? Who is it? Vega can not control her magic yet, while Keaton is too weak to use his magic yet if he is not unconscious.
My body becomes stiff and chills shoot up my spine, as my head tries to erase the only guess I have… T-then…
"T-Tania? …Is that you?"