December Double Drop!
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At that moment, Venti, still in the inner city, was blissfully unaware that Cocolia had issued a warrant for his arrest.He'd just come from Clara and Svarog's room, where, after a frank discussion, both had agreed to stay in the upper district a while longer.
Their plan was simple: explore Venti's "hideout" in the upper district and pay a visit to Serval, the equipment engineer.
Though Serval came across as reckless, her knowledge and formidable track record proved her "Neverwinter Workshop" was little more than a front for her hobbies. If anyone in Belobog's machinery circle ever took her as a mere shopkeeper, there would be a bloodbath.
So, whether it was Clara's curiosity keeping her around or Svarog's assessment of Serval as a potential ally, both had sufficient reason to stay.
Having convinced them to remain, Venti naturally needed to report back to his dear companion, Seele.
This second-in-command of Wildfire, with her rather stalkerish tendencies, was watching him suspiciously, finally breaking the silence.
"That guy Svarog, always insisting it's 'optimal' to stay in the lower district, and yet he just came up here for such a flimsy reason?"
"Of course! Would I lie to you?"
Venti nodded earnestly, pouring himself a glass from the free wine bottle.
"Hmph. I used to think you wouldn't lie, but now I'm not so sure. After all, someone was busy charming that upper-district princess not too long ago."
Hmm, why did this wine suddenly taste bitter?
Venti shivered.
Seele's sharp-eyed expression didn't waver as she appraised him, and Venti's tone grew more sincere.
"That's a huge misunderstanding! In a time like this, my heart is full of worry and pain.
Every night, as soon as I close my eyes, it feels like someone's whispering, 'You can't rest yet; there's still so much left to do.'"
"Then maybe put the wine glass down first and stop looking so relaxed…"
Seele eyed his so-called "worried and pained" expression, which looked far too comfortable, and couldn't hold back a scoff.
"Come to think of it, isn't your job just singing? Everyone's lying low these days—who has the time for a show? You've probably had nothing to do but laze around."
"You can't say that! The more tense things get, the more people need music to relax."
Venti drained his rye wine with satisfaction and then reached for his lyre, gently strumming its strings.
"After all, everyone has a little singer in their heart. When they hear a good song, they can't help but hum along. And in those moments, they must feel calm, at ease."
Seele watched him, this poet who always seemed both dreamy and naïve, and let out a light hum. Her expression softened as if some tension had finally eased.
"...Hmph. You always have some fancy answer. I can't argue with you. So, what's our next move?"
"Wait for the right moment. I'm sure that tyrant won't sit back forever. Besides—"
A sly smile crept onto Venti's face.
"Even if she doesn't plan to act, I won't just sit around. This time, I'll move a little closer and give her a small surprise."
"You mean…you're planning to let the Wind—er, Dvalin—circle right over Qlipoth Fort?"
"No need to force yourself; just use whatever name you're most comfortable with. Even though I call him Dvalin, he's merely a replica, a mirage of my memories, crafted by my power."
Resting his chin on his hand, Venti was touched by Seele's thoughtfulness and continued.
"And by the way, here's a little secret: if he were really here, he'd probably be scolding me right now for slacking off."
"Sounds like he's a friend, but not quite."
"Is that so? To me, he's a dear friend—just like you, Seele. Someone precious."
"H-Hey! Don't say things like that out of nowhere; you're making my skin crawl!"
Seele rubbed her arms, though a warmth stirred within her at his words, silently glad to be acknowledged like this.
And yet…
If they were just friends—or close friends—most people would want to keep that bond unchanged forever.
So why did she feel this strange urge to be closer to Venti?
Especially with competition like that, losing to a high-society princess she looked down on would sting unbearably.
No, not just sting—she'd be mad enough to punch something…
With that thought, she glanced at Venti, who was pouring himself another glass, and, in a sudden move, snatched the drink from his hand and downed it.
As Venti watched, surprised, her face flushed a soft red.
"Eh? I thought you didn't like drinking?"
"Who…who said I don't like it?"
Seele, frustrated with the slow pace of drinking from a glass, grabbed the bottle and took a bold swig, wiping her mouth with an air of defiance.
"I don't like it, but I don't hate it either. I just…don't want to see someone drinking alone, like our leader always does."
"Ah, sometimes when kids watch their parents drink, they do feel that way."
Venti didn't mind the lost wine; instead, he looked on with curiosity, watching Seele's unexpectedly lively behavior.
Normally so cool and unapproachable, this purple-haired girl had a softness that matched her looks. He couldn't help but wonder—what kind of entertaining sight would a tipsy Seele make?
For her part, Seele pouted, bottle in hand, feigning indifference.
"Quit patronizing me. You're not even older than me, yet you talk like an old man."
"It's what they call experience. Even if I haven't seen it all firsthand, I've witnessed plenty. When you've 'never eaten pork but watched pigs run,' you gain some perspective."
Venti reassured her with a laugh.
"Pigs running, apples—what's with all these odd comparisons? And what's this apple you mention sometimes? A sweet, crisp fruit?"
"—Think of it like a dream you don't want to wake from. One bite makes you want another. Now that I think about it, I miss the days when I could get apple cider."
"Hmph. Always clinging to the past—you'll turn into a scaredy-cat who can't move forward."
Seele stuck her tongue out at him.
"You're right; I am working toward a goal. Maybe someday, I'll plant the first apple tree on the Everwinter Ridge."
Venti chuckled warmly.
"When that day comes, shall we dig the first spade of earth together?"
"You sure like to give orders—"
"Well, since you're my closest friend, it's only fitting that you join me for something so memorable."
"...You're all talk. Why don't you actually do something once in a while…"
Seele muttered under her breath.
Venti's gaze, as tender as if watching a friend thoroughly sloshed, only flustered her further. She grew inexplicably restless, but couldn't muster any anger.
After all, she was the one who lacked the courage to say anything.
Still… she was a girl. Having to say everything herself just made her feel insecure, like she was constantly seeking his approval.
Was it because she feared being forgotten?
As the alcohol fogged her mind, Seele drifted off to sleep on the table, her last thought lingering.
Indeed, this bard was someone she neither hated… nor could she claim to like.
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Meanwhile…
At the Neverwinter Workshop.
Serval looked on awkwardly as Silvermane Guards swarmed her shop, surrounding her, led by a young officer.
"Uh, excuse me… what's going on? I'm pretty sure I haven't broken any laws… I think?"
Gepard let out a long sigh, holding out a warrant.
"By order of the Supreme Guardian, we are here to arrest Serval Landau for conspiring with a wanted criminal. Please surrender and come with us for questioning."
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Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check! Remember this is a fan translation!
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