Re-employment life with unsociable untalkative magician

CHAPTER 47 - SIDE STORY: DRINKING SESSION

After epilogue story

As Lucille was returning from buying groceries and new towels in town, she heard someone calling out to her.

"Lucille!"

It was Lilia.

"It's been a while."

"Indeed!"

The two rarely run into each other in town. Perhaps the last time they saw each other was when Lucille went to greet her with the news of her dismissal.

Lilia looked lovely today as always. She's probably older than Lucille and looks more mature than her, but her gestures and aura are undeniably cute.

Lilia puffed her cheeks slightly and nudged Lucille.

"Lucille, why don't you come to the shop sometime? Bring Sensei with you too."

Lucille blinked rapidly.

("Sensei and Lilia's shop.")

Lilia's shop is a bar. Which means, it's a place to drink alcohol.

Lucille pondered going to the shop with Sensei.

=======

The blue sky seemed even clearer and brighter.

"If you don't mind, Sensei, would you like to go out tonight?"

While sinking a piece of bread into the gratin stew for lunch, Sensei turned his gaze towards Lucille. After munching on the soaked piece for a while, he replied in a tone that seemed completely disinterested,

"Where to?"

Lucille couldn't let herself be discouraged just because his reaction seemed lukewarm. She started,

"It's Lilia's shop," and explained further.

"I'd like to visit her place once because she helped me a lot during the stalking incident and when I was turned into a cat..."

Although Lilia still didn't know about her being turned into a cat and begging for food, Lucille had always felt the need to express her gratitude for saving her life. Personally, it seemed like a good opportunity.

Sensei nodded silently. Lucille interpreted this as permission.

"Thank you so much."

As Lucille's cheeks relaxed with happiness, Sensei started speaking again while dipping bread,

"Can you handle alcohol?"

"...Just a little."

When Lucille answered with a half-smile, Sensei nodded in understanding.

"Most people who say that end up drinking more than just a little..."

"......"

"Ugh."

Lucille couldn't say anything in response, feeling guilty since it hit too close to home.

==========

As the night fell and the stars twinkled above, Lucille opened the door to Lilia's shop with Sensei. The doorbell tinkled, announcing their arrival to those inside.

Lilia, who was behind the counter, brightened up as she saw them.

"Kyaa!" You really came! Please, come in!!"

There were five seats at the counter. Thinking that Sensei might not like having people on both sides, Lucille offered him the seat at the end. However, Sensei shook his head and declined, saying,