Following Hayden’s words, everyone raised their glasses in a toast.

“Rue, when did you first drink alcohol? Was it when you entered the academy? Or at graduation?”

The mother is curious about everything. The father, who had prepared today’s toast early on in anticipation of sharing a drink with their daughter, was also curious.

“Um… around the time of graduation, I tried a sip out of curiosity. But it didn’t taste good. You know, the stuff kids sneak is usually cheap.”

“So when did you start drinking in earnest?”

It’s a very fine and excellent liquor. Hayden, who had taken a sip and marveled, asked.

“I haven’t been drinking for long. Well, even if I do drink, it’s occasional, maybe a glass of wine when the mood strikes?”
“Ever drank until you blacked out?”

Rue looked at Hayden in a flush of embarrassment. He was speaking in a tone that made the question seem trivial.

However, the two had a history of meeting in a shabby bar, drinking until their noses were crooked, and getting into an accident. It had happened less than two weeks ago. Cold sweat began to form on Rue’s back.

‘This guy, seriously…’

“I’m curious about Rue’s drinking habits. Your mom likes to sing. And very passionately at that.”

“Your dad tends to hug anyone and everyone while confessing his love. Despite his size.”

The knightly couple acted cheerfully and openly, even in the presence of His Imperial Majesty.

“Ah, I do remember Dad getting drunk. But he didn’t cling to just anyone; it seemed like he was only annoying Mom?”

“My goodness, you remember?”

“It seemed to have happened once. In reality, occasions when he got drunk were quite rare. I’ve never drank to that extent either.”
People who have experienced a lot naturally become good at lying. Rue spoke shamelessly. What’s the Emperor going to do about it?

“Ah. You don’t?”

Hayden chuckled as if amused.

“Yes, I don’t.”

Her voice didn’t tremble, did it? Rue subtly shifted her gaze and took another sip of her drink. It was a strong, sweet, and aromatic alcohol. Perhaps it felt even sweeter because she was with the people she had perhaps dreamed of. It was perfect for getting pleasantly drunk, which could be problematic.

“Given the circumstances, getting drunk nowadays would be inconvenient.”

At Hayden’s muttering, Milene nodded her head.

“Yes, since we haven’t finished the monster subjugation yet.”

“That’s one thing, but no offense to your guards, I don’t intend to just leave Your Highness peacefully at the Flache estate.”
Rue froze, fixing her gaze on the inside of her glass. Snap out of it. She needed to manage her expression as well. With a perfectly composed face that showed she had no idea what was going on, she slowly lifted her head. When she did, she saw Hayden, who was elegantly leaning against the corner of the fireplace, subtly smiling.

‘That guy, he’s doing this on purpose right now, isn’t he?’

Just as Rue was beginning to get irritated, Hayden smoothly continued speaking.

“In Kaleta, you were a competent knight, so we can’t just leave such a valuable talent in Ferzetta. I believe the guards would agree as well.”

Saying this, he took a sip from his glass. Making eye contact with his gray eyes that hovered over the rounded glass, Rue looked away again. His penetrating gaze was slightly uncomfortable. Or perhaps she was deliberately hiding some memories, who knows.

“Of course, Your Highness. We’re grateful that you see Rue in such a light, but we also have no intention of just keeping her at home.”
Ethan also spoke firmly.

“Right? So, I’m thinking of going to the Mage Tower with Her Highness tomorrow.”

Mage Tower. Yes. It’s the tower of the magicians. I know what it is. Rue nodded and took a sip of her drink.

“I intend for the two of us to move quietly, so I’d appreciate it if you could watch our backs.”

…Huh?