The alcohol had settled in nicely, and the delicious food was thoroughly enjoyed.
It felt like the party was in full swing.
Claire and Racine were, as usual, caught by Veronica. Lil was chatting happily with Dita.
Dita hardly spoke, but Lil seemed able to communicate with her through mere gestures alone. That’s amazing.
As for me…
“This is still just between us, but Abel, Claire, and Racine are expected to be awarded the Aegis Medal,” Ashe told me, coming up beside me.
The pleasant scent wafting from her was even more intoxicating, infused with feminine pheromones.
I couldn’t help but feel my heart pounding.
“The Aegis Medal…?”
Dazed, I half-heartedly processed Ashe’s words.
“It’s an honor awarded within the Royal Knight Order to those who have demonstrated remarkable achievements. Those who receive it are, in name and in fact, the core fighting force of the Knight Order.”
Ashe smiled.
“Roger-san also highly praised your actions in Rashka City and wrote about it in his report to the Queen. He said, ‘I believe the way you three fought this time is worthy of the Aegis Medal.'”
Roger-san, that’s the old knight from the interview, right?
I didn’t realize he thought so highly of me.
I felt a strange tickling sensation on my back, a feeling of embarrassment.
“I agree. Claire, who defeated an Imperial mage; Racine, who temporarily sealed an SS-class monster. And most of all—Abel, who defeated that SS-class monster with a single spell—”
Ashe stared at me.
“We have high expectations for you. We want you to perform to your fullest in the upcoming war against the Empire.”
“Always so serious. Can’t you talk about work even at a drinking party?” Veronica approached, her breath reeking of alcohol.
She was completely drunk.
“Hmph.”
Veronica glanced at me and snorted.
It seems she still dislikes me.
“Veronica just isn’t good at being honest. She gets defensive around men and acts tough, but she actually evaluates you, you know.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t evaluate anyone,” Veronica retorted, pouting with displeasure.
“Don’t get cocky just because you defeated an SS-class monster. The Empire’s power is nothing to scoff at. That country is world-leading in magic. They’re constantly developing magic-driven weapons for the impending invasion.”
“Magic-driven weapons…?”
“Magic bombs with the power to blow away an entire country. Defensive magic-driven armor that blocks all magical attacks. Enhanced soldiers with incredible magical power… well, most of it is probably just rumors, but still.” Veronica scowled, annoyed at having to talk to a “man.”
“Well, anyway, you’re going to be late again today, Ashe. Are you alright?” Veronica turned to Ashe.
“My husband is always out and about gallivanting, so this shouldn’t cause too much trouble.”
“Husband…?”
I found myself staring at Ashe, surprised.
She was married?
Well, she’s beautiful, so it’s not surprising…
Ashe was married.
Hmm, why is that?
My chest feels… uneasy. Am I… shocked?
“You winners. Just being able to get married is good enough… *grumble grumble*.” Veronica downed her drink.
“…She’s bothered by the fact that she’s unmarried,” Ashe whispered to me.
Her shoulder-length hair and sweet exhale tickled my ear, making me jump.
And she was so close.
Knowing she was married made my heart pound even harder.
“It’s the fault of those men with poor taste who don’t recognize my worth… *gurgle gurgle*.”
Veronica drank again, alone this time.
She was clearly drinking to drown her sorrows.
After that, the feast ended, and we left the establishment.
It was already late at night.
The moon shone brightly in the heavens.
Unlike Earth’s moon, this world’s moon had a unique, slightly reddish hue.
“I haven’t had enough yet. Claire, Racine, let’s go for another round,” Veronica declared, dragging Claire and Racine along with her.
It was almost like a kidnapping.
Then, Lil and Dita also departed, leaving only Ashe and me.
“Phew. I guess I had a bit too much to drink at the party after so long.” Ashe’s legs wobbled slightly.
She seemed to have underestimated her alcohol tolerance.
“Are you alright, Ashe-san?”
“Yes, I’m fine… Kyaa!?”
Her legs faltered further, and Ashe leaned into me.
“Whoa.”
I instinctively caught her.
Her soft breasts pressed against my forearms and chest. Ashe let out a light sigh, not moving away.
She seemed to be more affected by the alcohol than I thought.
“…I’m sorry.”
After a moment, Ashe slowly pulled away, her voice laced with a sigh.
“You’re not in a condition to be walking alone. Um… I’ll escort you.”
It was the first time I’d used the phrase “I’ll escort you” to a woman.
I adjusted my grip, supporting her by the side.
Her shoulder-length silver hair brushed against my cheek.
Come to think of it, we were incredibly close.
Ashe’s breath, mixed with the scent of alcohol, carried a sweet, floral aroma.
If Claire and Racine were buds on the verge of blooming, she was a fully bloomed flower. She was several years older than me, and married.
She really felt like a mature woman. Even her scent gave me that impression.
Oh no, my heart is pounding even more.
“What’s wrong, Abel-kun? You’ve gone quiet,” Ashe asked, looking at me.
Her almond-shaped eyes were glazed and surprisingly alluring.
“…Nothing.”
I quickly averted my gaze and walked with Ashe.
After about twenty minutes of walking, we arrived at Ashe’s residence.
A luxurious mansion stood at the center of a vast garden.
It was a fitting home for the commander of the Royal Knight Order.
“Hey, through the back entrance… please,” Ashe whispered in my ear.
“I can’t let the servants see me in this drunken state. Could you escort me a bit further—”
Following her lead, I went around to the back of the mansion. As she’d instructed, there was a small gate.
“Is this where I should open it?”
As I reached for the gate, Ashe stopped me.
“There’s a barrier set up. If you touch it carelessly, you’ll get hurt.”
“A barrier…?”
Now that she mentioned it, the surface of the gate was faintly glowing green.
Magical energy seemed to be spread out like a shield.
So, it was a security measure to prevent intruders.
“Unlock.”
As Ashe cast her spell, the gate clicked open.
“It leads straight to my room from here. Sorry to trouble you. Could you take me there?”
I guided Ashe into her private room.
Contrary to the opulent exterior of the mansion, the room’s interior was simple, even plain.
There was only a bed in the center and a small cabinet against the wall.
“Phew, I’m so stiff…” Ashe said, sinking onto the edge of the bed.
She then slumped back onto the bed.
“Are you alright, Ashe-san?” I asked, concerned.
She looked like she could handle her liquor, but perhaps she couldn’t.
“My chest feels… tight,” Ashe sighed.
My gaze instinctively fell to her chest.
The gentle rise of her bust, pressing against her knight uniform.
It wasn’t an overt display of cleavage, but the shape was undeniably alluring.
“Could you loosen my uniform… and help me undress… Phew, ugh…”
Undress me?
I gasped and looked back at Ashe.
