Chapter 27

Thus began my grand work with Asulin.

It was a grand work born from an abrupt idea, but it was something that had to be done sooner or later.

Asulin had clearly shown her recovery through today’s physical training, and there was no longer any excuse to stop her from drinking. Moreover, when she smiled faintly and agreed to drink with me, I couldn’t help but feel proud of my decision. Even though I thought I could control the situation somewhat, I wasn’t overly worried.

I knew that regardless of whether she drank or not, I had to be cautious when she fell asleep after drinking. However, I had a strange confidence that nothing would happen while she was drinking.

A few days ago, I had seen her drink whiskey straight, without diluting it with warm water, and yet, she didn’t get drunk. Instead, she only had a light flush on her face. Her composed appearance left a strong impression on me.

Even though those whiskey bottles were emptied at an incredible speed, she managed to articulate her words clearly and maintain her composure. This made me believe that she wouldn’t suddenly do anything reckless during our grand work.

…Still, just in case, I had prepared some sort of safety measure in my mind.

It wasn’t anything too elaborate. If Asulin started drinking, I would match her pace and reduce the amount she drank appropriately.

And if she insisted on drinking more despite the limits, I would join her in drinking, using it as an excuse. But if things got out of hand, I even considered getting her drunk enough to make her unable to move, but…

Thinking back on how much she could drink a few days ago, I realized that wasn’t feasible.

Recalling how she maintained her great composure after finishing the whiskey on the table without spilling a drop, I decided to handle this grand work carefully to keep Asulin’s mood in check.

There was no reason for Asulin to apologize for being caught holding a bottle of alcohol, and I believed my words would serve as an appropriate restraint.

When I clapped my hands and called the servants to quickly set up appetizers like nuts and chocolate to pair with the liquor on the tray, I thought it was just to give the grand work a proper formality.

No matter how good one’s stomach and intestines were, drinking such strong liquor on an empty stomach would surely affect the next day’s activities.

Anyway, I thought everything was going smoothly until about 20 minutes into the grand work.

After drinking a glass of whiskey poured into a straight glass, I felt a burning sensation in my throat, almost causing me to cough or scream. Unlike me, who struggled to suppress the urge, Asulin commented leisurely:

“Hmm… It seems they aged it in oak barrels. The smoky aroma and the body blend together beautifully.”

Seeing her casually comment on the whiskey in the same straight glass, all I could feel was awe at her tolerance for alcohol.

Though it’s not something to boast about, before coming of age, I had already outdrunk some notorious drinkers in the Central Region just by quantity alone. So, compared to them, Asulin’s capacity seemed even more astonishing.

Even the renowned drinkers in the Central Region prefer to mix their strong liquor with processed water in certain proportions. Yet, Asulin questioned:

“Why do you need water and ice when drinking?”

Just by looking at her confident response, I realized that my initial impression of her when she first started drinking was still valid.

If we judge social status based on drinking, then Asulin, you are the emperor.

Realizing I had been overly impressed, I filled my glass with liquor, intending to drink along with her to prevent her from overdrinking.

The burning sensation in my throat remained, but enduring it allowed me to savor the whiskey. The weight and smokiness combined harmoniously on my tongue, and as time passed, the dried fruit and vanilla flavors mixed into an impressive taste and aroma that filled both my tongue and nose.

The subtle sweetness that lingered on my tongue after each sip suggested the high-quality distillation process this high-proof spirit had undergone. After just two sips, I had experienced its excellence.

“It’s definitely delicious,” I said honestly, evaluating the taste.

“Huhuhu… Even though it’s not made from northern malt, this liquor has its own reason for me to enjoy it,” Asulin replied happily, raising her shoulders proudly.

“Hmm, why do you look so pleased even though you didn’t make it yourself?”

Thanks to Asulin’s clear answers, I understood the reason. Considering the wealth of the Caladborg Dukedom, which is slightly below that of the imperial family, it made sense that they would have distilleries. But…

“Surely, the famous distilleries in the Central Continent aren’t all under the influence of the Caladborg Dukedom, right?”

Unconsciously, I wondered, but Asulin answered promptly:

“We don’t have shares in the distilleries in the south of Winzer or the east of Istana.”

…How does she always know exactly what I’m thinking?

“Huhuhu, you didn’t show it on your face during the battle, but it seems your expressions often reflect your thoughts in everyday life.”

“…Do they really show that much?”

“You should be more careful in public settings.”

“…I’ll remember that.”

I accepted Asulin’s advice without any hesitation, as it didn’t seem insincere.

“Indeed, spirits taste better when shared with someone who appreciates them.”

Seeing Asulin nod approvingly and pour another glass with a contented smile, I couldn’t help but admire her graceful movements as she emptied the glass.

Even though she was a heavy drinker, seeing her drink such potent liquor so effortlessly made me think that if I just watched, I might end up completely intoxicated.

“Ah… It’s delicious.”

Asulin’s expression, as she lightly placed the liquor in her mouth and smiled, showed that the strong flavors of the whiskey didn’t dull her senses.

‘She must be more of a spirit demon than a sword demon.’

Her way of enjoying alcohol was so overwhelming that it was comparable to watching her wield a sword.

‘If I just watch her drink like this, she might end up completely drunk.’

Realizing that she might lose control of herself due to alcohol, I reached for the bottle before she could refill her glass.

“…?”

Only a few drops remained in the bottle after pouring what seemed like two glasses.

Strange, considering how much liquor was in this large bottle, where did the rest go?

Well, it didn’t matter where it went since there was someone else who had been drinking heavily.

Rather than feeling disappointed that she couldn’t drink more noble liquor, I genuinely admired her skillful and effortless drinking.

“…”

Looking at Asulin with pure amazement and reverence, I saw a hint of guilt and confusion cross her face.

Usually, when two people share a rare and exquisite liquor and one person drinks most of it, the other would protest, even if it’s just a little. But I didn’t mind at all.

I admired Asulin’s exceptional tolerance for alcohol purely and sincerely, even though it didn’t belong to me.

Of course, logically, it would have been ideal to end the drinking session and take care of Asulin properly to prepare for the night. But…

“…I guess I drank too much in four days.”

Hearing Asulin apologize softly, her gaze avoiding mine, made me reconsider my plan.

…Compared to her usual ability to read my expressions and respond appropriately, her current hasty admission of guilt seemed awkward and clumsy.

This awkwardness and cuteness disrupted my original plan.

“Can you let me have another bottle after just one glass?”

This crazy thought slipped out of my mouth.

‘Shit…’

Realizing my slip of the tongue, I wanted to slap myself, but…

“…This time, I will gladly yield to you.”

Seeing Asulin’s flushed face as she offered the bottle without hesitation, I decided to accept it as a rare treat.

Although my plans were slightly derailed, Asulin’s willingness to adjust her mood to make me comfortable, even lowering herself, made me believe that this drinking session wouldn’t be dangerous.

In the end, this decision proved to be mostly correct.

After finishing the expensive whiskey from the bottle we shared, Asulin said:

“I hope we can have another drinking session like this again… next week.”

Her expression, free of any signs of intoxication and simply grateful for the companionship, didn’t evoke any danger.

…While her smile had a powerful effect that almost made my heart race, it was manageable as long as I kept my wits about me.

After the servants cleared the table and left, taking away the empty plates and trays, Asulin suggested:

“Now that it’s this late… it’s time to sleep.”

‘This is the critical moment.’

I accepted her suggestion with a nod, preparing myself for the final phase.

Everything was ready.

Asulin’s voice, without any sign of intoxication, softened as she spoke:

“Today… spending time with you like this… was truly wonderful.”

Listening to her express how much she enjoyed today, I replied:

“Even without drinking, we could have had a wonderful time together.”

“…We shouldn’t do this every three days…”

“…”

“…Once a week…”

“…That sounds fine.”

“Huhuhu… Well, let’s look forward to it next week.”

After reaching an agreement to gradually reduce these drinking sessions, Asulin said:

“It seems the alcohol is starting to affect me. I feel sleepy. I’ll go to bed first.”

She lay down on the bed, leaving me with this message. Since she had been sitting at the table earlier, her outfit, which had previously been concealed, now stood out more as it became increasingly delicate.

During the day, it was suitable for outdoor activities, but once night fell and the cold winds of the north swept across the Central Continent, such outfits looked out of place.

However, at this moment, I didn’t have the luxury to dwell on such thoughts.

“Good night.”

With the softest tone possible, I responded to Asulin, who was lying down with her eyes closing.

I waited until her breathing deepened, then gently moved her body slightly towards the edge of the bed, ensuring she wouldn’t accidentally roll towards me when she stirred in her sleep.

“Sleep well…”

Whispering softly to myself, I lay down in a position directly opposite to hers, ready for the night.

Learning from the previous night’s experience, where I had fallen asleep unprotected and woke up to find myself vulnerable, I ensured that there was plenty of space between us.