Chapter 106

“Hey, is it okay to set up a teleportation or warp device for personal purposes?”

Glim’s mood seemed to have brightened as I casually threw him the question.

“Generally, it’s not allowed, but if the Royal Palace gives permission, it might not be impossible.”

That was sound reasoning.

But what I wanted wasn’t sound reasoning.

“So, could this get me that approval?”

And with that, I picked up a cocktail.

Amusingly, since receiving a noble title for inventing “Meolone,” I wondered if even a cocktail could somehow carve out a path.

“To persuade royalty should come first, right? No matter what, convincing someone who can move the law comes first. By any means necessary.”

As Glim said this, his eyes were fixed on the cocktail.

Would this become a decent breakthrough?

“Could a cocktail really do the persuading?”

“Well, we won’t know until we try…”

Glim’s words trailed off.

He closed his eyes thoughtfully for a moment.

“I believe there’s quite a high probability of success. Creating something new where nothing similar existed before has always been highly valued.”

“Wouldn’t an explanation for why I need the device also be necessary?”

“That’s always about the same kind of stuff, isn’t it? Quick travel, trade, tourism… There are plenty of reasons you could list. Are you planning to use it for other purposes?”

“No, the reasons you mentioned fit perfectly.”

Hearing that, it was easy to realize that Glim had handled requests like this more than once.

Of course, right? It wouldn’t just be me thinking this way.

“The problem will always be construction costs and difficulty, won’t it? If Baron Minho can fully handle it, there shouldn’t be any issues.”

“In that case, I’ll present this cocktail, along with its recipe.”

“I’ll personally deliver it to Princess Evangelin.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Not at all. In exchange, would you consider accepting the request for installing the device?”

“Yes, that’s more than enough.”

“Let’s go with that then.”

The conversation flowed smoothly, and I smiled.

Securing the rights to install a teleportation device through just a cocktail.

While they say it might not work, I trust Glim’s abilities.

All I need to do now is prepare the materials for the device, finish it early, and wait.

If it doesn’t happen, I’ll just visit the palace myself to persuade them.

I’ve prepared for that scenario already.

This smooth resolution through a cocktail feels like pure happiness.

Evangelin’s expression brightened as she realized the value of her efforts from the back-and-forth discussion.

Her youthful charm filling her face made me feel good.

“Is the supply for the transaction sufficient?”

“Of course. I’ve prepared everything in advance.”

“Good. Let’s finalize the deal then.”

Melone, Kingsberry, and various farm produce.

After handing over the agreed-upon quantities to the royal family, I received gold.

Every time a deal concludes, it feels great.

Who wouldn’t feel good with millions of gold flowing into their hands?

Glim left with a short farewell, and I simply awaited his return with good news.

“Did the deal go well?”

“Thanks to you.”

“Then let’s have a cocktail!”

With a wink, Anne tempted me.

Maybe I shouldn’t fall for it.

But since we’d just sealed a good deal with cocktails, having one symbolically felt alright.

“What would you like to drink?”

“Mojoito!”

Mojoito does taste good.

It was still mid-afternoon, but isn’t leisurely spending time one of the perks of being a freelancer?

Sharing drinks with someone you love is itself a big source of happiness.

A little drinking wouldn’t harm my body.

This was the moment when my robustness came in handy.

“I’ll make it right away.”

Evangelin plucked mint leaves while holding a muddler.

“I’ll make something to eat too.”

I couldn’t just stand by watching, so while Evangelin prepared the cocktails, I made food to go with it.

Light nuts, fruits, and simple canapés.

I quickly put together some light snacks to keep our mouths busy and placed them on the table.

Anne’s eyes sparkled.

Just as the snacks were ready, Evangelin’s mojito arrived.

“Cheers!”

“Cheers.”

“Chaaan.”

The glasses clinked clearly, making a refreshing sound.

Bringing the glass filled with fizz to my lips, I swallowed.

Mojito, familiar to me, was often enjoyed as a cocktail, but for newcomers, it was eye-opening.

Meaning, it tasted delicious.

“Hmm…”

Anne melted into the chair.

Evangelin’s slightly flushed gaze turned toward me.

“When did you start liking us?”

“Huh?”

“Evangelin and I talked about it, but I haven’t heard your story yet.”

When exactly…

Hmm…

Feelings developed naturally as we spent time together.

But further development happened due to overlapping circumstances beyond my control.

“When we met, and as time went on?”

“You kept liking us more?”

“Yeah.”

“Hehe.”

Telling the truth, it wasn’t entirely accurate, but for these kinds of questions, hearing a pleasant answer is usually best.

No matter what, something nice over the truth.

And it worked—Anne’s expression bloomed beautifully.

Her slightly red cheeks against her pale skin stood out.

“One more round!”

She drank rather fast.

“Should I prepare something else?”

“Anything’s fine!”

“I’ll make Peach Crush.”

A cocktail with peach and cranberry juice.

Since both ingredients were farm products, their taste and value surpassed the usual.

Pinkish, shimmering liquid.

A bit red but mesmerizingly beautiful drink filled the glass.

Droplets trickling down the cold glass.

Placing my hand on the cool glass and sipping it,

“Wow!”

That reaction made me, as the maker, feel most accomplished.

When someone reacts strongly saying it’s delicious, it makes it enjoyable.

“Can I have one too?”

“Of course.”

I made one for Evangelin too.

Same Peach Crush.

Her reaction was quiet but deeply resonant.

More, please.

Prepare it for me.

Short but heartfelt requests that the maker could feel.

Regardless, both appreciated my cocktails equally.

We shared a happy moment together.

“It’s delicious.”

“Don’t drink too much. You’ll get drunk.”

“Isn’t it okay to get drunk here?”

Saying that, Anne slowly moved closer to me.

Her sleepy eyes.

Deliberately brushing her hair behind her ear and exhaling softly—she looked adorable.

Was she trying to seduce me?

Or just acting out of drunkenness?

She smiled faintly at that precarious line.

“Isn’t that what I think too?”

“Huh?”

“Because I’m next to Minho…”

This statement carried more impact.

Evangelin tends to express her sincere feelings deeply.

Even when she jokes, she often genuinely conveys something.

Therefore, when I sense her deep feelings for me,

I feel a slight awkwardness.

“Shall I make another round?”

Swallowing the rising embarrassment,

My casual response was a change of subject.

“Sure~”

“Junbuck. It’s centered around Meolone.”

“Mm-hmm~”

What’s the point of explaining thoroughly when Anne only tilts her head and smiles?

The cocktail-drinking pace slowed gradually.

Though sweet and beverage-like, it was still alcohol.

Watching her gulp it down like a cute baby was amusing.

Drunk people’s characteristic behavior.

Anne closed her eyes and exhaled unnecessarily.

Her breath mixed with a sweet alcoholic aroma reached my nose.

“I’m not drunk!”

“You didn’t even ask.”

“Give me something else tasty!”

“If you drink more, you’ll definitely get drunk.”

“I’m not drunk!”

“I’m not drunk either.”

Hmm.

Drinking together needs reconsideration.

Perhaps due to the relaxed atmosphere of a stable place,

they drank cocktails like sweet beverages without restraint.

First-time cocktail drinkers often do this,

but endings like these rarely turn out well.

“Hug me.”

They say people become honest when drunk.

That must be Anne’s honest desire.

I gently hugged her warm body.

Her giggles softly echoed in my ears.

“Let’s lie down and rest?”

“Kyaa!”

Lifting Anne up, I laid her on the bed.

Kissing her forehead briefly, I turned my gaze to Evangelin.

Wobbling unsteadily.

Even though she tried to stay upright, typical drunk behavior was evident.

“Are you drunk?”

“I’m fine…!”

Here too, pride kicked in.

Her stubbornness was oddly cute.

“Ah.”

“…!”

Without a word, Evangelin leaned into me.

Her arms wrapped around my neck. A sweet scent brushed past my nose.

Similarly placing her on the bed, I tried to step away, but Evangelin’s grip on my neck didn’t loosen.

“Please stay with me….”

An awkward posture.

Trying to extricate my neck made Evangelin look like she might cry.

Anne, meanwhile, had closed her eyes and was snoring softly.

Falling asleep after drinking is better for me.

Giving in to Evangelin’s whining, I lay down on the bed.

Her unwavering gaze met mine.

The serene silence created by facing each other.

Evangelin’s soft laughter sounded unusually loud.

Was it because my senses were heightened?

“I love you.”

Suddenly.

Without warning, those words hit me.

Was I still vulnerable to such lines?

Evangelin remained unchanged after saying it.

Her flushed cheeks were merely from intoxication.

“I do too.”

Then,

Evangelin quietly kissed me.

Soft, moist,

and refreshingly flavored lips.

It tasted like cocktails.

The aftertaste was slightly bitter and clean.

She nibbled on my upper lip, and her eyes didn’t leave mine.

Her gentle persistence stirred something within me.

“This is a secret from Anne. She gets jealous easily….”

“Just give her one too.”

“Aww. Please focus on me now…”

Does drinking make you act like this?

Evangelin’s childlike whining stopped my breath.

While talking, her lips fell again, slowly touching mine.

Warm, moist.

Peach fragrance lingered.

Evangelin’s head tilted back gradually.

Would she remember this drunk state tomorrow?

I was curious how she’d react then.

Finding this moment cute and lovely means

my affection for Evangelin is strong, doesn’t it?

Evangelin quietly falling asleep and breathing evenly wasn’t long in coming.

Since both were asleep, I carefully slipped out of the bed.

Although I wanted to stay and enjoy the happy moment,

we could do that tonight.

There were still things to do today.

Ignoring the heart’s command to rest, I stepped outside.

The autumn wind was cool.

It should feel refreshing,

but it carried an unusually bittersweet taste.

As if reflecting my reluctance to leave.

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