Chapter 29 – Wait a Second, Let Me Take a Deep Breath
That night, the knights held a small welcome party for Rick-san in the dining hall.
It wasn’t anything fancy—just like when I first arrived, everyone gathered to share a meal, opened a few bottles of wine, and celebrated together.
Even after dinner, several knights with the next day off stayed behind to keep drinking: Rick-san, Leo-san, Mirko-san, Yoti-san, and a few others.
“Everyone, I brought this if you’d like some.”
I carried over a large plate filled with sliced cheese and nuts.
“Oh! Thanks, Sibel!”
“You’re always so thoughtful.”
“Not at all. You all look like you’re having so much fun.”
“Sibel, won’t you have a drink with us?”
“No, thank you. I’ll pass.”
It seemed most of them were already quite drunk.
Their voices were louder, their laughter freer, and the atmosphere was bright and joyful.
…Honestly, part of me wanted to join in too.
But just watching them was plenty of fun!
“Ehh~? Come on, Sibel! Have a drink! There’s an empty seat right next to me!”
“Yoti-san, you’ve had quite a lot already, haven’t you?”
“Not enough! A true knight must be strong in battle and in drink!”
“Oh my.”
Yoti-san’s cheeks were bright red from alcohol.
Back in the capital, I never got to experience this kind of lively drinking party, so this was fascinating—and delightful.
All these knights around me… It was practically heaven.
“Yoti, stop pestering Sibel.”
“What’s this, Captain? Are you jealous? Be honest—you’re the one who wants to drink with her, right?”
“T-that’s not true!”
Ah… Leo-san and Yoti-san really are close—like brothers teasing each other.
“I’m saying it’s wrong to force a lady to drink if she doesn’t want to.”
“Sibel, do you dislike alcohol?”
“It’s not that I dislike it… I’m just weak to it. I’d hate to cause any trouble for everyone.”
I smiled politely as I answered Yoti-san’s question, trying to sound like a proper lady.
“Really? You’re weak to alcohol? How cute.
I bet drunk Sibel would be adorable, huh, Captain?”
“Yoti, enough. You’re making her uncomfortable.”
“Hehehe…”
I didn’t mind, really.
But if I did drink… I’d probably be the one causing trouble—for them.
Because my true self might come out, and I might start clinging to people…
Would they still think it was “adorable” then?
“Sorry, Sibel. If you keep them company, you’ll never get to sleep tonight. Go ahead and rest early.”
“Thank you. Once I clear away the empty bottles, I’ll do that.”
I nodded gratefully at Leo-san’s kind words and began gathering the bottles scattered across the table.
***
“No way, I’m definitely stronger!”
“No, I am.”
“Fine! Let’s settle this!”
I turned toward the sudden shouting and saw Yoti-san and Rick-san facing each other across the table, elbows planted, hands locked together.
“…?”
Oh! An arm-wrestling match!
Everyone around them began cheering loudly.
“Go! Go!”
“Come on, Yoti! You’re getting pushed back!”
Their sleeves were rolled up, and their forearms were taut with muscle. Veins stood out as they strained, faces tight with effort.
What a sight!
“Argh—damn it!!”
“Looks like I win this round.”
A moment later, Yoti-san’s hand was pressed flat against the table.
Rick-san was the clear winner.
“One more round! That didn’t count—I wasn’t using my full strength!”
“I’ll take you on as many times as you want.”
“All right, rookie, this time I’m serious!”
And with that declaration, Yoti-san’s face turned an even deeper shade of red—
and then, suddenly, he yanked off his shirt.
“!!!?”
“There! Now I can fight at full power!”
W-wait! Hold on a second—no one said anything about taking off clothes!!
I’d always thought Yoti-san was the lean type among the knights,
but oh no—he was plenty muscular, and his body was beautifully toned.
And since he was right in front of me—closer than when I’d accidentally seen Leo-san shirtless before—
my face went up in flames.
“Oh my… Sibel, are you okay?”
“Y-yes…”
Elga-san, who was also there, noticed my confusion and came over.
…But no, I was not okay!!
My heart wasn’t ready! This was far too much—too delicious a sight!!
Wait, let me just—
Take a deep breath first. Then I’ll look again!!
The air was heavy with the smell of alcohol,
and it was making me feel dizzy.
I could barely keep from smiling stupidly—
I had to press my hand over my mouth to hide it.
“Hey, Yoti! What do you think you’re doing? Sibel’s here! Put your shirt back on!”
Leo-san’s exasperated voice reached my ears.
“Ah—sorry, Sibel!”
Yoti-san laughed sheepishly,
and I peeked up at him through my fingers.
“I’m really sorry, Sibel. It’s just… with all men here, when the drinks start flowing, things get a bit rowdy.”
“N-no, it’s perfectly fine!”
But Leo-san sighed again.
No one did anything wrong—it was just a fun, friendly night.
No one was hurt, no harm done… and honestly, I didn’t mind at all.
I just… needed a little warning first!
“Elga, I’ll leave the rest to you. Take Sibel back to her room.”
“Understood.”
“Ah…”
I tried to calm my racing heart with a deep breath,
but before I knew it, Elga-san had taken my hand and was leading me out of the dining hall.
Just one last look…!
When I glanced back—my eyes met Leo-san’s.
“…”
I quickly turned my head forward again.
Oh no… did he think I was trying to sneak another look at Yoti-san’s body?
Ugh… this is what happens when you get greedy, Sibel.
***
“Sorry. I should’ve had you head back sooner.”
“No, it’s fine. But… Elga-san, you’re okay, aren’t you?”
Both Leo-san and Elga-san seemed more worried about me than themselves,
but Elga-san was a young woman too—around twenty, she’d said.
“Oh, I’m fine. I’m used to that kind of thing.
But you’ve only just arrived here, Sibel.
You might run into scenes like that again—the men here can be a little… uninhibited.”
“Wh—really!?”
So this… happens often!?
“Yes, but I’ll remind them to be careful.”
“No!!”
“Eh?”
I blurted that out much louder than I meant to.
“Ah, I mean—please don’t.
I’d feel terrible if they had to hold back because of me.
Everything’s fine the way it is!”
“But—”
“I’ll just be more careful myself!”
“…You really are such a good girl, Sibel.”
“Ehehe… not really… ahahaha…”
Elga-san smiled gently, and her kindness made my chest ache a little.
The Arm-Wrestling Episode.
Yoti: secretly a lean, muscular type.
If you can already imagine what would happen if Sibel ever got drunk,
please tap ☆☆☆☆☆, bookmark, or drop a like to cheer her on! |ω・*)
Next time—it’s from Leo’s point of view!
