Chapter 169

The Back-Alley Mage’s Return – Chapter 169

Chapter 169. Does Your Liquor Taste Bitter?

Gentle symphonic melodies from an orchestra drifted throughout the grand banquet hall.

“Pardon me, ahem. I happen to be the second-born of Baron Jerimin’s family—”

“On another note, have you checked out the submissions for the Laura Competition this season? Apparently, an immense crowd of rookie artists entered.”

“Have you been told? Just a short while back, One Sword of Lortel—”

Youthful gentlemen and ladies drifted around the hall attempting to network, while aristocrats engaged in lively chatter regarding societal trends, fine arts, and high culture—but there was a sole exception.

Aster alone observed the gathering by himself, completely isolated.

Positioned by the balustrade on the upper level, Aster gazed down toward the lower floor with a lifeless expression, feeling an intense wave of resentment swelling within him.

‘How?’

He couldn’t help but doubt the elegance unfolding before him.

‘The aristocrats I am familiar with behave nothing like this.’

What exactly defined the nobility?

Corrupt, cruel, and wicked entities. Individuals who despise commoners while worshiping high-ranking figures—beings that fundamentally oppress the vulnerable and flatter the powerful.

Then how could this serene atmosphere and these sophisticated dialogues exist?

Just about then, Aster detected a presence coming closer.

“Aster, what are you doing over here by yourself?”

“……Oh, Chenbi.”

Aster whirled around with a momentary flash of hope, only to drop his shoulders immediately as if all his energy had instantly drained away.

It appeared that Chenbi had only recently entered the celebration, given that down on the ground level, Chenbi’s household was currently being escorted by Ransi.

Taking in that sight for a brief second, Aster shifted his eyes back to Chenbi.

“Chenbi, do you find the taste of alcohol to be bitter?”

“We are still academy students.”

“Ah. True.”

Realizing the fact, he remembered their status as students.

Naturally, their youth didn’t completely bar them from tasting wine, yet Chenbi, much like Aster, was hardly the sort of person to violate regulations.

In the meantime, Chenbi cocked his head, puzzled by Aster’s unusually drained demeanor.

The boy had always exhibited odd behavior, but his current state was even more peculiar.

It wasn’t as though he had been behaving rationally a few hours back either… because he certainly hadn’t.

‘Reflecting on it, his conduct was bizarre earlier as well, but this is on another level.’

Aster’s usual eccentricity was something Chenbi typically ignored, yet it currently seemed as though a genuine issue had arisen.

“Aster, is there something weighing heavily on your mind?”

Aster, whose despondent gaze had been fixed on the ground floor, let out a heavy sigh before turning to Chenbi.

“Chenbi, do you have faith in destiny?”

“Destiny? Where is this sudden talk of destiny coming from?”

Hearing this abrupt philosophical question, Chenbi narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

‘Is he going through an adolescent phase?’

A sudden shudder passed through him.

Even under normal circumstances, Aster possessed tendencies that seemed dangerously close to snapping, and if he regressed any further, Chenbi dreaded to think of the consequences.

Should things take that turn, Chenbi resolved to keep his distance for the foreseeable future.

Just as he came to this conclusion, Aster’s voice reached him again.

“Suppose you believe a certain destiny awaits you that simply cannot be avoided.”

Before answering, Chenbi shifted a step to the side to put some space between them. As Aster watched him move with a bewildered expression, Chenbi prompted him to continue.

“Alright? Continue.”

“You desperately wish to escape it. You exert every possible effort, yet it remains entirely inescapable.”

“Uh-huh.”

“In that scenario, what is the right choice?”

“Well.”

Utterly unable to grasp the context of the conversation, Chenbi shifted yet another step sideways.

However, he did not abandon his companion entirely.

While his torso remained fixed, his head cranked around to watch—forming a rather bizarre angle—though his gaze appeared genuinely earnest.

…Consequently, Chenbi took a moment to ponder the scenario Aster described.

An extended period of quiet followed.

Eventually, the two boys found themselves leaning against the balustrade together, peering below. Chenbi finally spoke up to shatter the quiet.

“Whatever the situation may be, if I were in your shoes, I imagine it would be incredibly daunting.”

“Exactly, right?”

“Nonetheless, I doubt I would throw in the towel.”

“You wouldn’t quit? Even when facing an absolute certainty?”

“Yes. Before the event actually unfolds, nothing is completely set in stone, is it? So shouldn’t a person exert every ounce of effort available? Take a look down there, for instance. Observe that hyung.”

“Hyung?”

Could he be referring to that ruffian hyung?

Yet, the individual Chenbi gestured toward wasn’t Paijin—it was a slick-looking young aristocrat.

What was the point of observing that particular nobleman?

“Just observe for a second.”

Gesticulating with his chin toward the aristocrat, Chenbi fell silent. Aster likewise observed the young man without a word.

What exactly was he supposed to be observing?

The young aristocrat remained poised rigidly in a secluded spot of the hall, evaluating the attendees.

Following a brief interval—

“What exactly am I looking—”

“Quiet. He’s making his move.”

Prompted by Chenbi’s intense hushed tone, Aster redirected his attention.

Precisely as indicated, the rigid young noble had commenced walking.

He halted before a gathering of young women, cleared his throat with an “Ahem,” pulled himself up straight, expanded his chest, and began to speak.

“P-pardon the interruption. My name is Sirius, the second son belonging to Baron Jerimin’s lineage. Should your schedule permit, I wonder if—”

It was a courageous effort, after a fashion.

However, the response from the ladies was freezing. Rather, it was downright brutal.

“Giggle! And so—oh my. Heavens. What was that? Who did you claim to be?”

“I am Sirius, the second son representing Baron Jerimin’s family—”

“Indeed, and what of it?”

“If you are available, perhaps—”

“Oh, dear me. Yes, well. What a pity, though. We are currently engaged in a highly critical discussion, so I am afraid we cannot spare a moment.”

The falsehood was entirely transparent.

A mere instant prior, they had been giggling and gossiping joyfully.

Had they truly been having a “critical discussion,” it would imply one of two realities: they were either deeply unstable individuals experiencing drastic mood swings, or heartless maniacs devoid of compassion.

Naturally, the noblewomen were neither unstable nor maniacs.

They were merely delivering a courteous rebuff.

Yet, Sirius of Baron Jerimin’s house refused to yield immediately.

“In that case—might it be a topic I could participate in hearing as well? Though I might not appear so, I possess plenty of concerns—”

“No, that will not be necessary.”

“……Oh. I understand.”

Ultimately, Sirius retreated to his previous position with heavy steps and lowered shoulders.

At that point, Chenbi spoke up again.

“Based on my observations, that marks his third attempt at a table.”

“……The guy is completely unhinged. This is hardly a local social dating mixer. Honestly—even if he tried such tactics at a common mixer, he would be thrown out—”

Prior to Aster concluding his thought—

Out of nowhere, Brando’s assistant butler materialized.

The assistant butler offered a respectful bow toward Sirius and murmured something quietly into his ear.

Immediately following this exchange, Sirius departed from the gathering hall with completely deflated posture.

“Did he just get removed?”

“Yeah… he got removed.”

It was unlikely an outright eviction. Most likely, they politely requested his cooperation and recommended he step outside for a breeze.

Regardless.

“But what was the point of highlighting that hyung?”

Aster questioned Chenbi, looking thoroughly perplexed.

Yet, inexplicably—

Chenbi averted his gaze entirely, staring up toward the upper-left ceiling at a sharp forty-five-degree slant.

“W-well… my intention was to demonstrate how admirable it can be to remain persistent.”

“Huh? What on earth are you talking about?”

Aster skewed his head, listening to Chenbi’s dull, uninflected tone that lacked any emotional cadence. Shortly after, Chenbi snapped back to reality.

“Cough. Clear-throat. That hyung was predestined for denial. Perhaps he was even aware of it himself.”

“……So you simply determined what his destiny was?”

“Regardless, he persevered. Isn’t displaying that sort of attitude what matters most? One requires a minimum of that drive to master destiny, wouldn’t you say? That was my point.”

“……Except he was just thrown out.”

“Which is precisely why I hesitated to bring it up.”

“Pfft.”

Aster let out a sudden chuckle upon witnessing Chenbi’s sheepish expression.

‘True enough. That makes sense.’

All things eventually revert to their proper path? What nonsense. The curse of the wyvern?

Frankly, the whole concept was absurd.

How could a wyvern phantom possibly exist anywhere in reality?

Even assuming its existence, wouldn’t the creature have matured to a parental stage by this time, rather than remaining inside an egg?

By now, Aster was forced to acknowledge the truth.

‘The wyvern’s curse is nonexistent.’

The entire theory was merely a comforting delusion invented to rationalize the strangely grueling reality of his current existence.

Reaching this realization, Aster abruptly straightened his posture with a jolt.

“Fair enough.”

Stepping aside yet again, Chenbi inquired.

“……What is?”

“That phrase. The idea that nothing concludes until the final moment. It’s fair enough.”

“Oh, uh… really?”

Considering the conclusion was an eviction rather than simple rejection, what part of it was supposed to be “fair enough”?

Chenbi deeply desired an explanation, but he suppressed the urge to question further.

‘Right. Fine. Whatever works—as long as his motivation has returned.’

Just as Chenbi’s gaze began to drift, Aster spoke up once more.

“Chenbi, would you mind giving me a push?”

“Absolutely not.”

The refusal triggered instantly like an involuntary muscle spasm.

Whatever the request entailed, his instincts warned him of trouble.

Aster, however, paid no heed to Chenbi’s dismissal—on the contrary, a smirk crossed his face as though he found the situation entertaining.

“Alright, fair enough. Go ahead and have a good time at the party.”

Having said his piece, Aster turned and strode away.

‘Exactly. Things don’t finish until they are truly finished.’

Journeying to Amera felt incorrect.

It wasn’t the righteous path, but rather a corrupted one.

‘The route I choose to tread is the only true righteousness.’

Such was his conviction.

Consequently, right up until Demian—the guest of honor for the celebration—made his appearance…

Aster failed to interact or even exchange a passing glance with a single soul.

Ultimately, Aster threw himself into a chair at an empty table, gripping the edge of the fabric tightly in his fist.

“……Damn it.”

Still, not a soul approached his vicinity.

Honestly, even if an individual did arrive now, it would change nothing. He could not permit himself to spoil another’s natal day celebration merely to ease his own distress—

Right at that moment, familiar voices drifted over.

“Ransi, were you informed?”

“Indeed, I was made aware, Young Master Demian.”

Aster’s eyelids twitched imperceptibly as his gaze shifted toward Demian.

Deviating from his customary look, his locks were impeccably swept back, and his immaculate white celebratory garments complemented his platinum-blonde hair flawlessly.

“Aren’t you planning to greet a companion?”

“Aster-gun will manage perfectly.”

“How so?”

“Because omitting a curse word or two on occasion won’t drastically alter his state.”

Aster observed the pair silently for a second before tentatively speaking up.

“Demian, would you be willing to shove me just once—”

“Absolutely not. Regardless of your reasons, I refuse.”

Faced with Demian’s unyielding rejection, Aster released a heavy breath.

“My friend, why sit here isolated? Let us rejoin Chenbi. Were you aware? Chensla possesses incredible artistic talent. Let’s request an illustration from him.”

At this juncture, realistically…

No alternative options remained.

His sole remaining path was to simply endure the celebration.

The following morning, once the festivities had drawn to a close.

Aster isolated himself inside his personal quarters, abstaining from both sustenance and hydration.

Resting upon the desk was an unfamiliar illustration.

‘……A wyvern.’

Indeed. A wyvern.

A depiction of a wyvern he had acquired by soliciting the help of Chenbi’s younger brother, Chensla.

Though, to be precise, it did not feature an actual adult wyvern.

The object rendered upon the surface of the paper was merely a spherical egg.

Aster carefully pressed the paper featuring the egg illustration into quarters, slid it safely against his chest, and experienced a wave of serenity.

‘Contained within this sheet is the exact wyvern of my thoughts.’

The creature simply remained unhatched for now.

Regardless, setting playful thoughts aside.

“Sigh….”

Aster extended his limbs in a deep stretch and peered through the window pane.

“For what length of time have I practiced the cultivation technique?”

In reality, Aster’s decision to confine himself and fast was not due to the lack of a mature wyvern.

His purpose was to examine his internal spiritual state by utilizing the Breath of Red Flower.

Yet, what prompted this sudden internal examination…?

It stemmed from Henji’s communication spell that had reached him stealthily during the prior evening’s gathering.

I shall reach out to you on the morrow. Arrive when the timing is appropriate.

The surrounding chaos had prevented him from demanding clarification.

Nonetheless, he harbored a strong suspicion.

‘It is highly improbable that the New Thousand Origin Art has been fully structured yet. More likely, it concerns a text regarding core division.’

This prompted his focus on introspection.

Core division.

Even if acquiring the literature would not grant immediate mastery, preparing himself for any potential development remained essential.

Essentially, with the impending expedition to Amera drawing near, this served as a quick internal adjustment.

Setting that matter aside—

“His arrival ought to be imminent.”

Precisely as the thought crossed his mind—

Aster caught sight of Dinner No. 1 positioned just beyond the glass.

Tap, tap.

Dinner No. 1 rapped against the pane, bearing an irritated expression.

Exiting without a single pause, Aster slipped out of the quarters directly through the casement.

‘Are you observing this, wyvern?’

Should you be watching, avert your gaze elsewhere.

Overhead, the sky remained overcast and dim.