The Cultural Festival at the Academy came to an end this year, and after days of revelry, the school returned to its usual calm.
Night had fallen, and the Royal City grew quieter as lights in households went out one by one.
But inside the Palace, in Field’s room, the lights still shone.
That’s right.
Though the Cultural Festival was over, the story of the three of them had just begun.
Liyakade, as the newly crowned Festival Flower and the most beautiful and powerful presence in the Academy, had also received the Fourfold Element Amulet from the Grade Director.
How could Field not celebrate for Liyakade?
Field suggested that the three of them take this chance to have a pajama party in the Palace.
Alice wholeheartedly agreed with Field’s idea.
Liyakade, newly crowned as the Festival Flower and in high spirits, saw the enthusiasm of the other two and also accepted.
This was why all three of them were in Field’s bedroom now.
Field’s bedroom was much larger than the Academy dorms.
Not only was the space more expansive, but the furniture and facilities were much more luxurious, and there was even an open-air balcony with a beautiful view.
After all, this was the Palace.
Even if the Academy was a Noble Academy, it couldn’t possibly compare.
“This is the second time I’ve been in Field’s bedroom.
The last time was during the Midterm Examination.
I remember I was knocked out by a Dark Treant and brought here by Field.”
Liyakade looked around at the furniture and layout.
Nothing had changed since the last time.
The big soft bed could still fit three or four people.
“Yeah.”
Field also recalled that incident.
The image of Liyakade risking her own safety to cover their retreat still lingered in Field’s mind.
That was the first time she and Liyakade had worked together using Elemental Power.
“Speaking of which, when I left last time, those Soldiers outside acted like they’d lost their minds, chasing me and calling me an Assassin.”
Liyakade remembered the unpleasant memory from last time.
“You…”
Field held her forehead helplessly.
“I heard others mention it later too.
Who told you not to change your clothes?
Wearing that tattered, bloodstained school uniform, anyone would think you’d just killed someone.”
“Oh, so that’s why?”
“You… you just realized it…
It would’ve been better to stay the night.
I could have someone get you a new uniform.”
Honestly, Field regretted not having Liyakade stay that night, but it didn’t matter now since Liyakade was here today.
Since it was a pajama party, all three had already changed into their pajamas.
Alice wore light yellow pajamas and pants, with a small bunny face printed on the chest of her top.
It looked plain, but also pure and cute.
Field wore a silky blue camisole nightdress.
It looked cool and refreshing, with smooth shoulders and collarbone exposed, a softly curved chest, and long, shapely legs revealed in the air.
It was strangely sexy.
“Alice is so cute.”
Field looked at Alice’s simple appearance and smiled.
“Princess Field, your figure is amazing…”
Alice offered a bit of praise, then immediately complained.
“Why do you always wear this kind of thing, Princess Field?! Miss Liakade, don’t stare!”
“Eh! Wh-who’s staring? I wasn’t!”
Liyakade quickly turned her head to hide her gaze.
At that moment, Liyakade was wearing a light brown, soft pajama robe.
The loose fit made her small figure look even smaller, and there was a hood with bear ears hanging on the back.
She looked just like a teddy bear plushie.
This pajama was also one that Field had bought with Liyakade last time.
“You were totally staring, Miss Liakade, you pervert!”
“Hey, hey! I’m not a pervert!”
After two months together, Alice still used honorifics when addressing the other two, but she was far less formal than at first and often bickered with them like this.
“Cough, cough…”
Realizing Liyakade had been sneaking glances, Field’s face turned slightly red.
“It’s… it’s fine, if it’s Liyakade… I don’t mind you looking a bit more…”
“I already said I wasn’t looking!”
Even though she’d been exposed, Liyakade shook her head stubbornly.
“Pfft, all right, all right.”
Field couldn’t help but laugh at Liyakade’s expression.
She walked to a cabinet and took out something she’d prepared earlier.
“Since we finally gathered in the Palace today, want to have a drink?”
“What’s this?”
Liyakade looked at the glass bottle Field held in both hands.
Inside was deep red brew, sealed with a wooden cork.
“Wine?”
“Yes.
You’re not allowed to drink this in the Academy.”
Field nodded.
Since the Academy was a place for study, drinking in the dorms was forbidden.
But this was the Palace, and today, they could drink as much as they liked.
“This is Royal Vintage.
You can’t get it anywhere else.”
This was crafted by the Royal Brewmaster exclusively for the Palace.
Normally, it was only served at royal banquets, but as a princess, Field could easily bring it out for a gathering with friends.
“That amazing?
Come to think of it, I haven’t had a drink in ages.
I’ll try it today.”
Hearing Field’s words, Liyakade felt a bit tempted too.
In Liyakade’s memories, the last time she drank was before she came to this world, drinking alone at home.
She had to admit that alcohol truly does ease a thousand sorrows.
Especially that slightly tipsy feeling that helps you forget your troubles for a while without causing a headache.
However, before crossing over, Liyakade mostly drank beer and soju.
She hadn’t had wine or red wine, so she was curious about how royal brews in another world compared to those in hers.
“Wine…?”
Alice looked uneasy.
“I’ve never drunk this before…
I’m not very good with alcohol.”
That made sense.
Alice was an ordinary commoner, and an honest girl at that.
She’d never been to a tavern or drunk before, so she was naturally a bit awkward.
“It’s fine. It’s just like a drink. Just have a little.”
Liyakade patted Alice’s shoulder.
There’s a first time for everything.
Besides, Liyakade remembered that in the original story, Alice also drank at Field’s banquet.
“Okay.”
Alice looked at Liyakade and nodded.
After hearing Liyakade’s words, she was no longer embarrassed.
There’s always a first time.
She had to be brave and try.
If she couldn’t even drink for the first time, what if she couldn’t do other ‘firsts’ with Liyakade either?
Besides, there were only the three of them here, with no outsiders.
Even if she couldn’t handle it, so what?
No one would see.
Since Liyakade said to just drink as you liked, Alice had nothing to worry about.
Once Alice agreed, Field brought out three wine glasses and personally poured drinks for all three.
She also brought over some nuts and fruits.
These snacks had been prepared by the servants when they first arrived.
Field didn’t want the servants interrupting them during their drinks—not even for tea or water.
“For Liyakade, cheers!!!”
“Cheers!!!”
The crisp sound of clinking glasses echoed in Field’s bedroom.
Alice imitated Liyakade and Field, gently touching her glass to theirs.
The deep red wine swirled in the cup.
Liyakade took a small sip after the toast.
The fresh fruity aroma slowly spread in Liyakade’s mouth.
It wasn’t bitter, but slightly sweet and tangy, with a lingering aftertaste and subtle changes.
“So delicious…”
Liyakade couldn’t help but praise.
No wonder it was Royal Vintage.
She’d imagined it might be tart or bitter, but when it entered her mouth, all she tasted was a refreshing, not overpowering sweetness and waves of fruity aroma.
It was many times better than the beer or soju she’d drunk before crossing over.
“Miss Liakade is right. The taste is a little strange, but it’s really good.”
Alice followed Liyakade and Field’s example and sipped.
Even though it was her first time drinking, she quickly adapted to the taste, which proved how much better Royal Vintage was than the rough brews outside.
“Hmph, I wouldn’t lie to you.”
After taking a sip, Field set her glass down.
Hearing their praise, she couldn’t help but feel a little smug.
“By the way, Liyakade, I still haven’t settled the score with you for being sneaky during today’s fight!”
Setting her glass down, Field suddenly changed the subject, winking mischievously at Liyakade and leaning closer.
Field hadn’t forgotten Liyakade’s unsportsmanlike behavior.
She herself had a chance to become Festival Flower and confess to Liyakade.
“Exactly, I got mad about that too.”
Alice echoed next to her.
“Miss Liakade, celebrating your victory is one thing, but that’s a different matter!”
“Uh… Ahaha, wh-what sneaky behavior?
Field, Alice, what are you talking about?”
Liyakade scratched her white little head, feigning confusion.
But Field wasn’t buying it.
“Don’t think you can get away with being cute!”
Emboldened by the wine, Field grinned wickedly and pounced on Liyakade, reaching out with sinful hands.
“You said you weren’t wearing it, right?
Let me check!”