Chapter: 92
When the brain is awake but the body sleeps, we sometimes call it sleep paralysis. So perhaps this experience of staying up all night cuddling with Pink-Balrez is a form of sleep paralysis as well.
I couldn’t fall asleep due to personal reasons. My heart was racing too fast, so all sense of drowsiness vanished. The challenge was how to keep myself entertained during those roughly eight empty hours.
I could have spent half a day simply observing Pink-Balrez’s female form, but that would likely have me bidding farewell to my reason, so I refrained. Each time Pink-Balrez squirmed, my thoughts would wander, and I’d fail to come up with the next session plan.
Fortunately, I had an activity at my disposal that would let me zone out in this situation.
It seemed that the Succubus race had an innate ability to absorb magical power through skin contact. Being this close, I could feel my magic gradually being siphoned off, bit by bit.
Pink-Balrez probably wasn’t trying to absorb magic intentionally. It would be embarrassing considering she’d be leeching off her friend’s magic while trying to maintain her pride. A Succubus with such high self-esteem wouldn’t make that choice.
It felt more like an unconscious action due to her racial traits…
Isn’t it easy to lose track of time as you pop bubble wrap, one by one? Similarly, I took pleasure in this mini-game of defending against Pink-Balrez’s magic absorption. It was perfect for thoughtless concentration.
After enduring a long night, around dawn, Pink-Balrez slowly opened her eyes. Her pupils were sharp, indicating she wasn’t in a sleep-talking state. Concluding that she was finally awake, I made a daring escape from the covers.
Roll roll roll.
I fell from the bed and rolled three times on the floor before standing up. I was free!
Pink-Balrez rubbed her eyes, picked up her glasses from the bedside, looked down at her body, and calmly said, “You didn’t wear any?”
“W-what nonsense is this first thing in the morning?!”
My composure faltered for a moment.
No, I mustn’t lose face. Both Pink-Balrez and I were extremely aggressive types. The moment one finds themselves on the defensive, we’d ride that wave and deal damage until death.
I had to parry. If I didn’t…
“Hmm.”
Pink-Balrez chuckled mischievously and lifted the blanket with one arm, making room for me to come in. The moisture from the shirt slightly outlined her skin, and the warm air swirled inside the blanket.
In contrast to the bright sunlight pouring in through the window, casting light on the bedroom, the inside of the blanket was shaded, subtly accentuating the curves of Pink-Balrez’s body.
And then she calmly said this.
“If you want, you could come in again.”
“…”
“This time, I won’t tease.”
That was a critical hit.
…I lost!
Without hesitation, I initiated an escape. I flung the door open and tumbled down the hallway. I spun myself in circles in an attempt to erase that scene from my mind, but no matter how much I rolled… it remained etched in my memory like a brand.
Just wait, Pink-Balrez. Although I have experienced this humiliating defeat today… tomorrow is another day. I vowed never to fall so helplessly again.
Then, I ran into Yuna, the Tower Master, who shouted loudly.
“…Why are you running around in your underwear?!”
“Ah.”
Only then did I realize my situation—that I had dashed out of the room in a state of undress… and I had to return to my bedroom immediately.
===============================================================
It’s so infuriating.
That slightly raised corner of her mouth, appearing expressionless, is utterly annoying. If only I could rewind time, I would simply sleep while hugging the Tower Master.
Of course, she wouldn’t have gotten any sleep either, but at least she wouldn’t mock me for an entire day. If anything, I would have done the teasing.
“Crazy, that insane wizard?”
“……”
In the pause, I could definitely hear an invisible ‘haha’. Considering Pink-Balrez’s characteristic deadpan concept, her earlier line was not far from “crazy hahahaha wizard!”
So annoying. Even if I’m a defeated general, is it truly appropriate to insult me this way? The world is indeed a cruel and heartless place.
I covered my face with both hands and declared my second surrender of the season.
“Pink-Balrez, please don’t talk to me today…”
“Sorry, but royal orders take precedence over a friend’s request. The Second Prince sent a message.”
“Then let’s hear it. What is it?”
“He said that we’ve achieved significant results in the academy, and he would like you to come up to the Imperial Capital, Crownhall, to show your face.”
The royal prince is offering me a reward for attaining 120% in my duties! I hope it’s substantial research funds. I’ve been eager to create a vaccine to tackle that virus.
If I had enough money, I’d consider outsourcing or hiring researchers. While fulfilling my duties as a professor, I’d also need to engage in TRPG, so naturally, my research time would have to be reduced.
If only I could… recruit graduate students. What if, using the powers of ‘professor’, I could summon some unpaid labor? That way, I could supplement my dwindling research time.
“However, as a special note… you’re requested to wear protection made of stuffed cotton.”
“?”
I couldn’t understand the Second Prince’s intentions. Why would he ask me to wear protective gear? Was he planning to take me somewhere intimate like an SM café, or simply out on the frontline?
There’s no way the prince is thinking of hitting me! After all, I’ve done such a great job!
“Anyway, got it.”
“I’ll finally get to sightsee Crownhall.”
“Wait, you’re going too?”
“Of course! My job is to assist the crazy wizard… so I have to follow my friend.”
Wink. Pink-Balrez’s expressionless wink pierced right through me.
My heart fluttered wildly. What is this feeling…? A warmth spread through my whole body, causing my limbs to tremble, and all my muscles went tense.
This… is a feeling I haven’t experienced in a long time… anger!
I reached for the transformation switch. It’s war time. Next day, we’d see whose power, mine in TS mode or hers, comes out on top. I was no longer afraid of anything—
Just as I was reading her mind, Pink-Balrez swiftly turned the handle. Ignoring me would indeed be an interesting topic.
“Oh, crazy wizard, did you know there’s a fabulous place in Crownhall?”
“What kind of place?”
“A pub where the beer tastes bad and the owner is rude.”
Is that really a good recommendation?
“The owner’s daughter serves the beer. She’s a lively beauty with freckles. But her working skirt is quite…”
“…How short is it?”
“Almost like this much.”
“Let’s go right now.”
There’s no doubt, friends are great. Sharing information and enjoying each other’s company is truly beautiful. I promised to grab a beer at the pub while strolling side by side with Pink-Balrez.
===============================================================
I sat the small and precious Purple Tower Master on my lap, brushing her hair while having a cozy chat. This was it. I missed the snug size that fits perfectly in your arms and the warm body temperature. It was adorable when she’d get surprised and go “Eek!” if I held her tightly.
Of course, I was ready to let go if she seemed uncomfortable. I would keep an eye on the magical effects floating around her. If anything like skulls, restraints, or swords appeared, it meant she wasn’t keen on it.
Don’t worry about the shameful parts that make the atmosphere awkward. I could chase away all those dirty thoughts with level one of my lust suppression.
“So, I’m going to grab a drink with Pink-Balrez. Surely, you, Tower Master, wouldn’t mind that, would you?”
“Ah, no! I want to go too! I can drink, I can!”
“I wasn’t talking about you. I meant the waitress’s skirt… judging by your bravado, you probably can’t handle your liquor.”
“…Actually, I’ve never had any.”
The Tower Master muttered, and I was taken aback. She’d never even tasted alcohol before? Was she exceptionally health-conscious concerning her diet? No, but still. Doesn’t everyone at least try it once?
“Never at all?”
“…Yeah.”
“That’s surprising. Most people have at least tried it once considering how long they’ve lived.”
“Yeah…?”
The Tower Master’s body tensed up. Oh no, that was a misstep. Age is a sensitive topic.
“Oh, I’m sorry! It’s rude to talk about a lady’s age…”
“Wait, wait, wait! How old do you think I am…?!”
The Tower Master began flailing around vigorously. This was a tricky question. How old do I think she looks? Obviously, she looks around sixteen or seventeen, but her actual age was a mystery.
After all, she’s the Tower Master of a whole tower. Being a master of illusion magic, she could easily alter her appearance. So guessing her age based just on her looks was silly. The estimates should be based on her physical abilities.
Considering the Tower Master’s athletic prowess…
“Forties?”
“…Hey!!”
The Tower Master turned around on her knee and faced me, mercilessly throwing Yuna punches with both hands. Did I get it wrong? If she’s angry, she must be younger?
“I-I’m the same age as you…!”
“…Then fifties?”
“Excluding my past life—!!”
Now she was on the verge of tears. I hugged the Tower Master and gently patted her head while deep in thought. Wait a second, then…
I’ve spent a decade in the tower, heading towards my twenties. It wouldn’t make sense for her to claim we’re around the same age.
Back when I entered the tower, the Tower Master looked nearly the same as she does now. So naturally, it seemed reasonable that a sorceress in her forties maintained her youth with her mystical powers.
But what if it was the other way around…?
What if she used illusion magic to cover up her true age, purposely showing an older figure to conceal her actual young age?
If the Tower Master wasn’t a reverse aging girl but a real young girl, then it would explain her severe social awkwardness, loneliness, and some silly aspects in front of others. Originally shy, but possessing little social experience and being quite young.
Then, in that case…?
Memories of my past misdeeds flashed through my mind.
Taking the grant and ordering, “Just get me food, Tower Master!”
Talking about underwear for three hours in front of her.
And, without a care, falling asleep after letting her handle everything as I casually said, “I trust you, Tower Master.”
“……”
“U-uh? Why do you suddenly look like that…? D-do you like older people? If so, I can pretend to be in my forties or something…”
The Tower Master’s eyes were brimming with tears as she gently stroked my cheek. Even now, she was prioritizing my feelings.
Thinking about how I’ve put this kind girl through hardship until now made my conscience hurt immensely. I’ve been such a terrible person…
That was a critical blow.
I quietly pulled the Tower Master into a hug and poured my sincere feelings out.
“…I’ll make you happy from now on.”
“Eek…?!”
“I’ll make sure you don’t have to lift a finger anymore…!!”
“W-what does that mean, what does that mean?!”
I began to pamper the purple Tower Master Yuna. Right now, all I could think about was showing her all kinds of fun things so she could enjoy her youth.
I began planning a tourist trip to the Imperial Capital with the Tower Master. Walking in parks and visiting high-end restaurants together. The previously dazed Tower Master began to cheerfully lay out the plans as well.
She suggested horseback riding or walking along the famous dating paths, and I accepted. It seemed like it would be enjoyable.
“This is… a date…?”
“Wait, what?”
“Ah, nothing…!”
Thus, preparations for the journey to Crownhall were smoothly underway.
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