Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Sienna, Under the Moonlight

After leaving Armin’s house, Sirone’s group headed back to school, but their expressions were tinged with unease. The atmosphere at Armin’s had been manageable, but Sienna’s mood was unpredictable.

Sirone glanced at her, noticing her downcast eyes and disheartened demeanor. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow when he thought about how they might’ve been closer if it hadn’t been for the accident.

Yet, he understood Armin’s hasty marriage wasn’t something to blame. It was a choice made to ease Sienna’s guilt over the accident.

“Man, relationships are so complicated,” Nade grumbled.

“It can’t be helped. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s just how things turned out between them,” Sirone replied.

“I’d rather see her angry like at school than this. At least then she’s spirited,” Nade mused as he quickly caught up to Sienna. “Professor.”

“Y-yes?” she replied blankly.

“We’re hungry. Since we’re out, why not treat us to a meal?”

Sienna’s incredulous gaze met his. After all the trouble they had caused, which wouldn’t be resolved with just disciplinary action, they had the nerve to ask her for a meal.

“You really have thick skin. How can you think about food at a time like this?”

“What’s wrong with that? We need to eat to live. Even if we get punished later, we should at least fill our stomachs now.”

Sirone joined in, trying to lighten the mood, “He’s right. Let’s eat before we go back. I’m starving.”

Iruki suggested, “In that case, how about heading to the noble district? It’s close to school, and I know a really good, expensive restaurant there.”

Sienna was too drained of energy to protest. Nevertheless, despite being puzzled by her students’ attitudes, she eventually realized their true intentions. She didn’t want to return to school in such a gloomy state either. After all, she was off duty today.

“Fine, let’s eat. I’m sure you’re hungry after causing mischief. But brace yourselves once we’re back at school.”

The trio beamed in excitement, and Nade winked at Sirone and Iruki.

While their primary goal was to comfort Sienna, if their efforts also helped calm her anger in the process, it would be the icing on the cake.

As they entered the noble district, Iruki guided them to a restaurant that exuded opulence.

In front of a six-story building, Sirone’s jaw dropped in awe. The entire structure was a sight to behold. At the entrance, a towering pillar, meticulously crafted from white marble, supported the balcony above, and sculptures depicting mythical creatures stood as divine sentinels on either side.

The restaurant was named “Gold Cupid.” It was renowned for affixing a premium label to all its dishes, making it the epitome of fine dining.

“Wow!” Nade exclaimed. “I’ve never been here before. We’re really living it up today! Come on, Sirone! Let’s go inside.”

“Huh? Oh, uh...” Sirone hesitated, catching Sienna’s hollow gaze at the extravagant entrance.

Perhaps it was due to the restaurant being the most expensive one in the vicinity, but it seemed utterly unjustifiable to opt for such an upscale establishment unless they intended to indulge at the expense of their professor’s wallet.

Sighing, Sienna acquiesced. “Okay, let’s eat here.”

“Yay! You’re the best and so incredibly generous!”

Nade’s flattery was echoed by Iruki’s teasing remark. “Don’t be too quick to judge. Evaluating her generosity based on this alone would be premature. After all, a certified level-six mage like Professor Sienna can afford a place like this easily, right?’

“I don’t want to hear it. Let’s go inside. We’re only eating and then heading back.”

In the opulent restaurant, Sirone was astounded by its spacious interior, which was far more expansive than it appeared from the outside. The tables were sparsely arranged, emphasizing a lavish use of space, while one side of the restaurant boasted a bar adorned with crystals of various colors. The clientele was unmistakably noble, their extravagant jewelry a clear indication of their elite status in Creyas.

“Over here, Sirone!” his friends called, snapping him out of his daze.

While Nade and Iruki occasionally glanced around, they didn’t seem as overwhelmed as him.

A smarmy-looking waiter with a distinct swallow-tail coat approached to take their order, his frequent glances at Sienna causing a stir among the group.

Despite her attractiveness, such audacious behavior in the presence of company was considered highly improper. It was clear that the waiter, perhaps due to the group being composed of students, was treating them dismissively.

“Welcome, and thank you for choosing Gold Cupid,” the waiter said, his words seemingly directed more at Sienna than the group. “It’s an honor to serve such a beautiful lady.”

Nade grimaced inwardly. What kind of service is this? He’s treating us like we’re just kids.

As he opened the menu, Nade decided to order the most expensive dish partly to challenge the waiter’s presumptuous attitude. He confidently placed an order for a multi-course meal, and Iruki, without much hesitation, also opted for a different one at a similar price point.

On the other hand, Sirone found it challenging to make a selection because he was unfamiliar with all the dishes on the menu. He couldn’t quite discern whether the Ollaris Stew was a meat dish, a fish dish, or something as bizarre as a monster’s tongue. Opting for safety, he chose the same dish as Nade, believing it to be a less risky choice compared to Iruki’s order.

When the VIP-exclusive dishes arrived, the waiter’s expression tightened, seemingly questioning whether the young group could afford such an extravagant meal. The disparity between the prices of menu items at the restaurant was stark. Some dishes cost three times more than others. A miscalculation here could result in a bill twelve times higher than they anticipated.

The waiter cast an apprehensive glance at Sienna, perhaps doubting her ability to pay as well. Nevertheless, she remained unfazed and confidently made her meal selection.

“I’ll have the Dasko-course and a bottle of Limunes,” she ordered politely.

Though not particularly fond of alcohol, Sienna sometimes enjoyed a glass of cognac, especially when feeling low. Limunes was a popular clear liquor infused with a hint of vanilla and a favorite among women.

“Huh? You’re having alcohol?” Nade asked, surprised.

“Why? Am I not allowed to? You guys broke into someone’s house, and I can’t even enjoy a drink?”

Nade laughed nervously, backing off. “Right, you’re off duty today, aren’t you?”

The waiter chimed in, breaking the momentary tension, “Yes, we’ll have it prepared right away.”

As the waiter departed with a somewhat annoyed expression, the students couldn’t suppress their amusement. Realizing they had all opted for elaborate multi-course meals, a brief concern over the expense crossed their minds, but Sienna seemed unworried.

Yeah, she’s a certified level-six mage.

Being a high-ranking mage, her income placed her within the top 10 percent of noble society. Additionally, her position at the Alpheas School of Magic, one of the kingdom’s top five prestigious institutions, meant she could lead a comfortable life without needing to rely on the wealth of the School of Olypher.

Come to think of it... She has quite a successful life, Sirone mused.

Sienna had pursued her dreams over wealth, but that wasn’t an easy path for him to take being a hunter’s son.

As they savored their extravagant meals, dishes continued to arrive at their table, and other diners occasionally glanced over, amazed at the sight. Sirone and his friends, however, were too engrossed in their dishes to notice.

In the world of nobility, maintaining dignity might be paramount, but among friends, it held little value. Once their appetites were somewhat satisfied, they gently placed their forks and knives back onto the table. The animated discussion about magic then took center stage.

For Sienna, listening to her students’ casual banter was a novel experience, and she found herself drawn into their world. The laughter and light-hearted chatter gradually dispelled the earlier somber mood. Nade’s plan to cheer Sienna up had worked wonders.

“Professor Sienna! Let me toast to the revered master, admired by this humble student,” Nade declared, raising his glass.

“Ha! Don’t think this will get you off the hook. I’m just holding back because we’re in the middle of a meal. Be ready for what’s coming when we return.”

“Of course. Here, please accept this,” Nade said, his charm on full display after refilling hers.

Sienna accepted the drink, albeit a bit reluctantly. The liquor was strong.

Sirone expressed his concern, “Don’t you think you’re drinking too much?”

“This is nothing,” Nade answered instead. “Of course. A level-six mage like Professor Sienna wouldn’t be fazed by mere alcohol.”

Sienna couldn’t help but chuckle at his subtle, continuous attempts to lift her spirits. “Oh? Trying your best to butter me up, are you? But really, I’m fine. I can handle my liquor,” she boasted and downed the strong drink in one gulp.

An hour later, the atmosphere had shifted dramatically.

“Hey, you! Nade, I’m talking to you!” Sienna slurred, her face a rosy shade of red.

“Yes, Professor?” Nade responded cautiously.

The table was cleared, and Sienna, now noticeably inebriated, leaned heavily on it. Her face was flushed, and her balance was unsteady.

In stark contrast, Sirone and his friends sat upright and had beads of cold sweat on their foreheads, their expressions tense. Multiple bottles of liquor were emptied within just an hour, leaving their professor’s eyes slightly unfocused. The students, extremely tense, exchanged concerned glances, all silently wondering what they should do.

“Mhm... Yes...” Sienna mumbled, her head drooping forward in a daze.

Nade quickly caught her, preventing a tumble from her chair. “Are you okay? Maybe it’s time to head back.”

“You rascal!” Sienna suddenly perked up, pinching Nade’s cheek and stretching it.

His face contorted in pain, yet he didn’t dare resist. That being said, he did wail about it hurting.

“Listen for once! I also want to be a good professor like Professor Etala! So, stop getting distracted and focus on your studies, okay?”

“Okay, okay! I will! But please! That really hurts!”

“And you... Sirone and Iruki.”

“Y-yes, Professor?” They straightened up, bracing themselves.

“You two as well. Don’t just coast on your talents. I won’t tolerate laziness. You might think I’m a terrible professor, but I’m saying this for your own good.”

“Nobody thinks you’re a bad professor, but please try to sober up a bit,” Sirone urged gently.

“Geez. Yeah, I know that already. Why do I even bother... Hmm...” Sienna’s voice trailed off as she rested her head on her arms, now using them as a makeshift pillow.

Nade’s eyes widened in panic. “Professor Sienna, wake up! Professor? We need to settle the bill!”

“I’m sleepy. Let me sleep,” Sienna murmured, emitting soft snores.

Nade looked helplessly at his friends, who appeared equally at a loss. As they desperately pondered their next move, two men from a nearby table approached them.

“Oh, goodness. The young lady seems quite intoxicated. May we offer our assistance? Perhaps arrange a carriage for you?”

One of them was a well-groomed young man, while his companion, a handsome man with a mischievous grin, lingered slightly behind.

Sirone and his friends exchanged wary glances. Accustomed to maintaining vigilance in their surroundings, they had noticed from the moment they entered the restaurant that these men were pointing at Sienna and engaging in disrespectful conversation. However, they hadn’t anticipated a direct confrontation.

These jerks… Nade thought, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. Determined to avoid any further trouble, he gently shook Sienna. “Professor Sienna, you need to wake up now.”

“Huh?” Sienna’s eyes fluttered open. She sat up suddenly, her gaze swiftly scanning the room, but became unfocused once more. “Already? I’m sure I can handle another drink…”