Chapter 2

(Ugh, I’m pretty drunk…)

Today, I ended up drinking more than usual. Maybe I was stressed. But, after getting hyped up with Alc over some silly talk, my mood improved significantly. Alc, who was sitting next to me, was completely wasted and half-drunk, rowing an imaginary boat.

"Hey, Alc, don’t fall asleep. It’s time to go home."

"Huh? Back off. I’m Alc, remember? I can drink a lot, bring me more alcohol!"

Alc and I often drink together, but it’s rare for him to get this drunk. I had no choice but to ignore his words and pay the bill from my own pocket. And just then—there he was.

"Hey, I’ve come here because I received information that someone here cut off the horn of an Abyss. Who is it?"

It was the head of the Magic Bureau’s Dangerous Creatures Division, Baron Algrand. I immediately thought it was bad with my drunk mind. The Abyss, a dangerous creature ranked SSS. If you’re a regular, you’d know that Alc’s tall tales are just that. But today, my luck was bad. Someone had sold that information. Naturally, if it’s found to be a lie, there will be some form of punishment.

"Hey, Alc, let’s run."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"Damn, Mallet, sorry, let us out the back—"

"Don’t move!! The two of you with black and blonde hair, are you the ones?"

I was about to carry Alc out through the back door when we were spotted. Shit, what do we do? My head was fuzzy, and my vision was blurry. In the moment of hesitation, Algrand was already in front of us.

"Hey, what are your names—? Wait, I recognize you with black hair. You’re the court mage Jade, right? Tch, for a court mage to get drunk in such a cheap bar, it’s clear you lack class."

Algrand peered at my face and figured out who I was. As a court mage from a commoner background, I’m somewhat well-known. But, being scolded for drinking in a bar is a bit much. The real issue is—

"So, the one I’m carrying, hey, answer me. Did you cut off the horn of the Abyss?"

"Y-Yes, I did it."

"Hey, idiot, stop—"

"Hmm, I see. We’ll get the details at the Magic Bureau. Hey, take this guy away."

Thinking it was bad, I instinctively pushed away the hand of the Magic Bureau officer who was about to take Alc.

"Hey, what do you think you’re doing? Surely, you wouldn’t obstruct me, a member of the Magic Bureau?"

"…Baron Algrand, this man is clearly drunk and can’t answer properly. Besides, it’s impossible for a day laborer to defeat an SSS-ranked Abyss. I believe this information is false—"

"Shut up. It’s our job to determine that. We always work to protect the citizens from dangerous creatures. Even if we know it’s false, we have to verify it. It’s a headache. I wish these fools understood our efforts a bit more."

Algrand looked down at Alc with a cold gaze. It seems he already knew the information about the Abyss was false. This was a show of force. To demonstrate what happens when false information is spread and to identify who could be sacrificed—Alc. If left alone, Alc would likely be executed.

"Huh… Alc, you better become a real hero someday and save me? Until then, you owe me one."

"Huh? I’m a real hero, right?"

What a carefree guy. Even though he might die tomorrow or the day after. I almost dropped my friend from my shoulder but thought better of it. Glaring at Algrand, I extended my hand forward.

"…What are you doing? This isn’t a joke."

"Sorry, but this is my friend. I can’t let him be killed. You know what happens when I get serious, right?"

Algrand was silent for a moment. That’s right, even in the Magic Bureau, magical abilities vary. Court mages are the top-tier, the best of the best. Algrand, who joined the Magic Bureau using his baron status, is worlds apart from me.

"Is that your answer?"

"Yeah, I don’t regret it."

After this exchange, Algrand pondered for a moment. Then, he stroked his chin and smiled.

"…Alright. The information about the Abyss was false! This information was provided by the court mage, Jade! Jade, you will be punished accordingly. As for the hero next to you, make sure he doesn’t say anything foolish in the future. You two, get out."

With that, Algrand and his men turned and left. The last look he gave me, as if I were trash, I won’t forget.

"Mallet, I’m sorry for involving you in this."

"No, I’m fine, but Jade, you—"

"Yeah, I’m fine. I won’t die. But, I’ll definitely lose my job, ha ha. I was already disliked by the nobles as a commoner. They probably thought it was better to fire me than to execute Alc."

I said this with a self-deprecating tone. Mallet looked at me worriedly but couldn’t find the words. In this capital, even a child knows what happens when a commoner confronts a noble. There’s no changing it.

"Alright, Alc, let’s go home."

"Sure thing."

I readjusted the drunk Alc on my shoulder and left the bar. Mallet accompanied us to the entrance and saw us off with a worried look. I thanked her.

"Thanks, Mallet. The food here is really delicious, and it’s a great place to be. Take care."

"Jade… come back! I’m on your side!"

"Ha ha, thanks. I’ll come back for the food someday."

I had a feeling it wouldn’t happen, but I wished it would. Turning to Mallet, I started walking. I noticed Alc drooling carelessly on my shoulder, so I pinched his cheek quite hard. He cried out in pain, but it was a small price to pay for his life. And so, I carried Alc back to my rented home.