Chapter 700: Drinking with Illness-san (1/2)

When I suggested that we drink wine together, Illness-san curiously tilted her head.

[……Errr, this wine was bought with Illness-san's money, and I don't feel comfortable drinking it alone…… so if Illness-san is alright with it……]

Hearing the supplementing words I said, Illness-san didn't say anything for a moment before her peculiar smile appeared on her lips.

[……Kuhihi, Well theeeen, I'd take you up on your offeeeeeer and join with youuuuu.]

[Ahh, yes.]

Accepting my offer more readily than I expected, Illness-san quickly prepares another wine glass.

And then, with a somewhat elegant movement, she sat down next to me on the sofa.

[Excuse me.]

[Ah, y- yes.]

……I had completely forgotten about it. The sofa in my room isn't really that small that only one person can sit on it, but it's perfectly arranged for one person…… and there isn't any seat in front of me.

So, if I asked her to sit with me, she would inevitably have to sit next to me. Arehh? I'm getting strangely nervous.

[Well theeeeen, let's driiiiiink.]

Next to the slightly shaken me, Illness-san poured some wine into her wine glass without seeming to be particularly bothered by my reaction, before she slightly held out her glass towards me.

I could tell that she was asking for a toast, so I held out my wine glass and lightly clinked my wine glass with hers.

After the quiet toast, I enjoyed the wine with Illness-san…… but I still felt uncomfortable.

Illness-san has a petite body of about 120cm…… which would be around as tall as an elementary or junior highschooler, but her gestures are very mature and elegant.

(T/N: 3'11”)

The way she sipped her wine, the way she ate her snacks, the way she chewed with her hand covering her mouth so naturally, the way she made each of her gestures looked so graceful.

Putting aside her height, she looks really mature, and how should I say this…… I'm feeling this mysterious sex appeal drifting from her.

[Kaito-samaaa? Is something the matteeeeer?]

[Ahh, n- no, how should I say this…… I was just thinking that it's amazing how Illness-san drank so elegantly.]

[Kuhihi, is that sooooo? I am stiiiiiill a maid of a noble after aaaaaaaall. I've got the whooooooole etiquette dooooooooown pat. I'm just glaaaad if you don't find me unsiiiiightly.]

Noticing my gaze, Illness-san looks back at me. From her slightly swaying hair, I can smell a pleasant scent wafting through the air.

Her elegant posture and behavior filled with composure, her gentle tone…… Sitting with her like this makes me very conscious of the fact that she's an adult lady.

How should I explain this…… In an attempt to change this somewhat itchy atmosphere, I took a sip of my wine and brought out a topic.

[……Do you usually drink a lot, Illness-san?]

[No~~ I don't have thaaaat much opportunity to driiiiiink. I just drink when I'm inviteeeeed.]

[……I see.]

Arehh? The conversation isn't going well. It's not that the atmosphere makes it difficult to talk, but because of my nervousness, I can't expand the conversation well.

[……Errr…… I- Illness-san, what do you usually spend your salary on?]

……Wait, what the heck am I asking about!? No, this situation really started because Illness-san bought a bottle of wine with her salary, but it would be tactless and rude to talk about money.

It was a gaffe that came out of my mouth, but Illness-san didn't seem to be particularly offended as she replied.

[Let's seeee, I gueeeeeeess just the things that I need for private liiiiiife. I don't have any hobbies in particulaaaaaaar, so I rarely buy luxury iteeeeeems.]

[Hmmm. How should I say this…… It feels like Illness-san doesn't feel greed at all, don't you think?]

[I wonder about that?]

To be honest, it was hard to say that we were having a good conversation, but Illness-san seemed to be enjoying her time, as I could see a soft smile on her lips.

The emotions transmitted through my Sympathy Magic were also calmness…… and strangely, a somewhat warm and soothing feeling.

Unnn, how should I say this…… I was rather nervous when we just started drinking…… but there's something nice about this peaceful and soothing atmosphere.