Chapter 85.2 - The First Year at the Academy - A Multitude Of Colors (2)
"If it's just you two. It won't be a difficult battle. But if it's just one person, it'll be a good fight."
"You're kidding? A goat?"
"It was twice the size of normal and unusually aggressive. I've never seen one before, but it's probably a Holber species."
"Hol…"
Felix was surprised, wondering if he knew about it.
"Lambert-sama, this goat is a battle maniac."
"What? That's a pretty ominous nickname. Is it famous?"
"It's said to be a dangerous animal in its habitat. If you underestimate it as just a goat, you'll get severe retaliation. And it continues fighting until the very end, not backing down even against an orc."
Lambert groaned at Felix's explanation.
"Is it just a goat?"
With a look of disbelief, Lambert shook his head.
I understand how he feels. But it's still just a goat.
As I recalled the bloodied and rampaging goat, I added.
"Since it's an animal, it can't use magic, and its main method of attack is mostly headbutts. Yet it was a tough opponent. As Felix said, it fought until the very end. We were planning to face goblins for Ted and Jemma's first real battle, but I think it was good that it was this goat."
"I agree with Alter-sama."
Elliott, who had been listening silently, spoke up.
"We could wield our swords because both of you served as our vanguard. I don't think I could have faced it alone. But if you ask which was scarier, it was this goat."
"Elliott too. When you put it that way, it does pique my interest."
Lambert reached for the smoked meat once again.
"It tastes normal after all…"
He seemed unsatisfied and couldn't fully accept it.
Afterward, Ted and Jemma passionately talked about their intense battle with the Holber species, and Lambert and Felix listened with great interest.
Nails and Elliott eventually joined the conversation, discussing tactics.
Meanwhile, Elphimia, Lora, and Lily engaged in a lively discussion about magic and alchemy.
Lily was mostly listening, but it seemed like she was quietly expanding her knowledge, possibly influenced by the old man in the garden, as she exchanged information about materials with Lora.
Friendship is truly beautiful.
While gazing at my friends, I savored a bite of venison pie.
Mmm, delicious.
This was a luxury dish that I had only eaten once before, at the lodging before enrolling. This time, I splurged to celebrate.
Soon, the hungry children caught wind of it and started flocking over.
I shooed them away and divided the food onto suitable plates to prevent them from devouring everything.
I gave the remaining portions to the children who weren't suffering from hunger, the noble ladies, and placed them in front of Dana.
"I…"
"Don't hesitate. It's delicious."
Dana smiled softly and bowed her head.
At the beginning of the celebration, she had turned pale at Ted and Jemma's actions, but now she seemed much calmer, realizing that there was no danger among the nobles here.
I noticed that Dana's glass was almost empty.
If there were no servers around, it was the host's role to attend to the guests.
By the way, I tried pouring for the noble ladies, but they refused.
"It's disgusting, so stop."
I had been quite confident in trying my best to entertain them with all my might, but maybe it wasn't a good idea.
And when I picked up a glass of fruit juice, I suddenly realized something.
Dana looked puzzled as our eyes met.
"I apologize. I should have prepared some alcohol."
"Huh… I'm fine, thank you."
"Yeah, I'm already having some."
For some reason, even Lambert, Felix, and Elliott raised their glasses.
"We brought the honey wine with the basket."
"I have some Elmeri wine."
Wait, are they all drinking alcohol?
I thought it was just fruit juice.
Elmeri wine is made from a fruit called Mele, similar to apples.
It's quite strong, but Elliott has diluted it quite a bit.
The honey wine is also low in alcohol content.
There are no restrictions on children drinking alcohol, and in areas where drinking water is scarce, it's often consumed as a substitute.
I think it's fine, but…
"Let's keep it moderate."
"Understood. Just enjoying it casually."
While saying that, Lambert swirled his glass.
Isn't that the way to enjoy it?
With a sigh, I moved my gaze and nodded to Elliott, who returned the gesture.
Lambert, well, he probably bought the alcohol knowing Dana was here. Nails isn't far behind in terms of quick thinking, but Elliott's got a sharp mind.
Truly the son of a merchant. He pays attention to his surroundings.
Suddenly, I became worried and checked the others, especially Ted and Jemma.
Everyone was drinking the same fruit juice as me. Only the three of us were drinking.
"Elphimia doesn't drink, huh?"
"Of course not. Mages rely on their mental faculties, you know?"
"That's true."
I assumed she was drinking because she was from the Imperial Capital. That's just my prejudice.
Elphimia, pointing at my cup.
"But you're also not drinking."
"There are various reasons. Just looking at it is enough."
"Again various reasons."
With honey wine in hand, Lambert leaned in.
"What do you mean by various reasons? Tell me."
"It's not a big deal, but…"
While keeping the formulation of the Potion of Sharp a secret, I talked about the incident from two years ago.
Before I knew it, everyone was listening attentively.
And when Valerie recovered, and the incident ended, applause and relieved voices filled the air.
Especially Ted and Jemma, who had received training with the Battle Axe of Destruction, were deeply moved.
"That's why I trust you and them."
Elphimia, speaking vaguely, also seemed convinced.
Amidst the lingering cheers, Lambert crossed his arms with a serious expression.
"I've heard of that monster before."
As he spoke, Lambert glanced at Felix.
"Yes, it was a topic of discussion in Keiten as well. It gets resolved quickly, so we didn't think it was such a dangerous opponent."
"Is that so? I've never heard of it in the Imperial Capital."
"It's the first time I'm hearing about it in Selene as well."
Elphimia and Lola exchanged glances at the conversation between the two.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel