Chapter 75: Not Disliked, Nor Liked

—At this moment, Venti, still in the inner city, was unaware that Cocolia had already issued an order to have him arrested.

He had just returned from Clara and Svarog’s room. After their earlier discussion, the two had agreed to stay in the upper district for a while.
As for what they would do during this time, naturally, it would involve visiting Venti’s “hideout” in the upper district and meeting Serval Landau, who was in charge of developing equipment.

It had to be said that although Serval came across as somewhat reckless, her knowledge and impressive credentials were enough to prove that her so-called “Everwinter Mechanical Workshop” was just a way to satisfy her entrepreneurial interests—a mere joke.
If anyone treated her as just an ordinary mechanic running a shop, the mechanical community of Belobog would likely be thrown into chaos.

Therefore, whether it was Clara, who was determined to stay out of curiosity, or Svarog, who saw Serval as a potential partner, both had sufficient reasons to remain.
And since Venti had successfully convinced them to stay, it was time to report back to the dear Miss Seele.

The second-in-command of Wildfire, who also had a bit of a stalker tendency, was currently staring at him with a suspicious look. After a while, she finally asked,
“That Svarog, who’s always going on about how ‘staying in the lower district is the optimal survival strategy,’ really came all the way up here just for this?”

“Of course it’s true. Would I lie to you?”
Venti nodded as he opened a bottle of wine he’d gotten for free and poured himself a glass.

“Hmph. I used to believe you wouldn’t lie, but now I’m not so sure. After all, I don’t know who it was that had that upper district lady wrapped around their finger.”
Hmm, why does this wine taste a bit sour?
Venti shivered slightly.

Across from him, the purple-haired girl still wore her usual cool yet slightly coy expression. Venti spoke sincerely,
“This is a huge misunderstanding. In such a critical time as this, my heart is filled with anxiety and pain.
Every night when I lie down and close my eyes, it feels like someone is telling me, ‘You can’t rest yet, there’s still so much work to do.’”

“Then why don’t you put down the glass and stop looking so relaxed…”
Seele couldn’t help but tease as she observed Venti, who claimed to be “anxious and pained” but still looked utterly at ease.
“Besides, isn’t your job just singing? With everyone hiding these past few days, who has the leisure to watch performances? You’ve been idle all this time, haven’t you?”

“You can’t say that. The more tense the situation, the more people need music to relax.”
Venti happily downed his glass of rye wine, then took out his lyre and gently plucked the strings.
“After all, everyone has a little singer living in their heart. When they hear a beautiful song, they can’t help but hum along, and in that moment, their hearts must feel light and free, right?”

Seele watched this always somewhat romantic, even naive, bard and let out a soft hum. The conflicted expression on her face eased a little.
“…Hmph. You always have so many reasons. I can’t argue with you. But what do we do next?”

“Wait for the right moment. I’m sure that tyrant won’t just sit back and do nothing about the current situation. Besides—”
Venti’s lips curled into a sly smile.
“Even if she doesn’t plan to make a move, I won’t keep waiting. This time, I’ll choose a spot a little closer and give her a small surprise.”

“Are you planning to have Dvalin—uh, Stormterror—circle directly above Qlipoth Fort?”
“Don’t worry about my feelings. Just call it whatever name feels most natural to you. Although I call it Dvalin, it’s ultimately just a reproduction of my memories of a friend, a fake made to seem real through its own power.”

Venti propped his chin on his hand, touched by Seele’s consideration, and continued,
“Also, I’ll let you in on a little secret. If that guy were really here, he’d probably scold me harshly for not focusing on what’s important.”

“Sounds like a friend, but not quite.”
“Is that so? I consider it a dear friend. Just like you, Seele—you’re both treasures I hold dear—”

“Hey—don’t suddenly say something so sentimental! I’m getting goosebumps!”
Though she said this and rubbed her arms, the warmth in her heart silently told her that she was happy to be acknowledged this way.

However…
If they were just friends, or even close friends, by the norms of the world, people would hope to maintain such an unchanging, virtuous relationship.
But her desire to get closer to Venti—didn’t that seem strange?

Especially with a rival like that, losing to a young lady she looked down on would make her feel more than just frustration.
No, it wasn’t just frustration—it would make her so angry she’d want to punch someone…

Thinking this, she couldn’t help but glance at Venti, who was pouring himself another glass of wine, ready to drink.
Then, she snatched the glass from his hand and downed it in one go.

Under Venti’s surprised gaze, the girl’s face gradually turned flushed.
“Huh? I thought you didn’t like drinking?”

“Who—who said I don’t like it?”
Seele, annoyed that using a glass was too slow, grabbed the bottle and took a big swig, wiping her mouth afterward. Her eyes took on a softer, more alluring look.
“I don’t like it, but I don’t hate it either. It’s just… seeing the boss drink alone and get wasted seems so pitiful.”

“Ah, sometimes kids feel that way when they see their parents drinking too much.”
Venti didn’t mind losing his drink. Instead, he was more curious about Seele’s behavior.
This girl, who always appeared cool and aloof in front of others, had a soft side that matched her exterior. What kind of amusing behavior would she show when drunk?

Meanwhile, Seele, now clutching the bottle, pouted and said nonchalantly,
“Stop acting like you’re older than me. You’re not that much older, yet you always talk like the boss and the others, so full of yourself.”

“That’s what you call life experience. Although I haven’t personally experienced much, having ‘seen the pig run even if I haven’t eaten the pork’ gives me a different perspective.”
Venti reassured her.

“What’s with all this talk about pigs and running? You really love using weird examples. And what’s with that apple thing you always mention? What even is that crispy, sweet fruit?”
“—It’s probably like a dream you don’t want to wake up from. You eat one and want another. Speaking of which, I miss the days of apple cider.”

“Hmph. Always dwelling on the past. Be careful, or you’ll turn into a coward too scared to move forward.”
Seele stuck her tongue out at him.

“You’re right, but at least I’m working toward that goal. I hope to plant the first apple tree on Everwinter Peak next year.”
Venti chuckled as he spoke.
“When the time comes, let’s shovel the first scoop of soil together, okay?”

“You really know how to boss people around—”

“After all, you’re my dearest friend. When it comes to something as meaningful as this, you’re the first person I think of.”
“…You always know how to say the right things to make people happy. Why don’t you act on them once in a while…”
The purple-haired girl muttered softly under her breath.

However, the only response she received was the bard’s indulgent gaze, as if he were looking at a “hopelessly drunk friend.” This made her inexplicably restless, yet she couldn’t bring herself to get angry.
After all, it was her own lack of courage that kept her from speaking up.

But… she was still a girl, wasn’t she? If she always had to be the one to say everything, it would make her feel so insecure.
It was as if she desperately needed his acknowledgment.
Was it because she was afraid of being forgotten?

As the scent of alcohol filled the air and she drifted off to sleep at the table, these thoughts lingered in Seele’s mind.
—As expected, that bard is someone you can’t dislike, but also can’t quite like.

Meanwhile…
At the Everwinter Mechanical Workshop.

Serval Landau looked awkwardly at the Silvermane Guards who had stormed into her shop, quickly surrounding the place, led by a young officer.
“Uh, so… what’s going on? I haven’t broken any laws, have I… probably?”

Gepard let out a deep sigh and held up the arrest warrant in his hand.
“By order of the Supreme Guardian, we are here to arrest Serval Landau, who is suspected of colluding with a wanted criminal. Please surrender peacefully and come with us for questioning—”