Chapter 156 - The Drunk Lady

From the marble floor, grass sprouted, leaves opened, and flower buds bloomed one by one. While she blinked a few times, the inside of the narrow garden house became a wide field full of little flowers. The area was permeated by a sweet floral scent. The wind that one could never feel indoors whistled by her skin, shaking the flowers.

“Huh? What?” Lexina said as she staggered and slid down the bench. She felt the soft texture of grass touching her bare feet and legs. Butterflies flew around slowly.

Azriel smiled and explained, “It’s illusionary magic. Is this enough?”

“Are you telling me this is magic?” Lexina asked.

“Yes,” Azriel answered.

“That’s a lie,” Lexina said.

“It’s not a lie. Look.” Azriel withdrew her magic. The illusion of flowers turned into light, crumbled, and scattered. The rest of the light dust faintly lingered and vanished.

Lexina hazily looked at them. Her flushed face turned even redder. “What? This can’t be!”

“What can’t be?” Azriel asked.

“I’ve never seen this kind of magic. It’s fantastical. It’s so wonderful. Then, I have to admit defeat. How old are you?” Lexina asked.

“I’m 19,” Azriel answered.

“We are the same age! My word, but you can use such magic? You are an incredible person, aren’t you? Such a great wizard must be more valuable than my rank. Oh, no, I wasn’t trying to say this…” Lexina blabbered and became tearful. “…No, not this. I can’t admit that. I hate you, but you’re still amazing, no! I don’t want to praise you! I don’t want to… but… you’re amazing… You are a great wizard after all…”

“Uh… thank you for the compliment—”

“It’s not a compliment! It’s not! This won’t do. Take off your mask!” Lexina yelled.

“M-my mask?” Azriel asked.

“I need to see your face. Right now,” Lexina said.

If Azriel was going to join the investigation, it was natural to show her face.

‘Magic check and face check. Well, they’re certainly necessary, but she seems to be drunk… Hmm… Maybe she works better while under the influence.’

At last, Azriel put down her mask, crouching down before Lexina who was plopped down on the floor. The lady’s navy eyes widened right under Azriel’s nose. “Goodness. Oh my. What’s this? Whoa. Wow.”

“Is this good, now?” Azriel asked.

“What are you? If you are such a great wizard at that age, don’t you think you should be a little plain, untidy, wearing glasses for bad eyesight, or something? It’s too much! It’s cheating! The world is unfair!” Lexina, who lost her temper, looked Azriel up and down. “…By the way, where did you order that dress? Also, your necklace, earrings, and bracelet are all custom-made from Florin Workshop in San Triae, aren’t they? I like that place. I noticed it at a glance. I am Lady Madriol… Even I only have one set because their prices are so expensive. Ugh, I would’ve laughed at you, but I can’t do that because you look so good…”

Azriel could not tell if she was criticizing or admiring her. She looked down at Lexina and sat down next to her. Then, with a frown, Lexina looked at Azriel and wriggled away from her, still sitting down. She only stopped after she was far enough to have one person between them.

“Don’t sit next to me like you’re my friend. I said I hate you,” Lexina said sharply and pouted. She looked elegant and pure, but acting this way made her seem like a little child.

Even though she said that she hated Azriel to her face, Azriel did not feel bad. Rather, laughter was bubbling up inside Azriel. Being careful not to let her laughter slip out, Azriel asked, “Why do you hate me?”

“You danced!” Lexina yelled.

“What dance?” Azriel asked.

“You danced with His Majesty! Did you think I didn’t know because it was a masquerade? I know everything! I really, really wanted that…” Lexina pointed at the mayflower around Azriel’s ear.

“Did you want to have this? The mayflower decoration?” Azriel asked.