Chapter 66: Tears of the Ice Snow [2]
Elaine, who can't drink at all. Even if she receives such a precious prize, it would be meaningless...
"Alcohol is not alcohol if you don't think of it as alcohol, Elaine!"
"Yeah, alcohol is originally not alcohol! Alcohol is originally water! Why? Because it has more moisture?"
The two guys were spouting nonsense enthusiastically. That's not the appearance of a friend. It's the very image of a multi-level marketer who has to scam to make money. I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Ah... Yeah, that's right."
Elaine, too, seemed flustered by her friends' behavior, blinking her eyes several times with shaky pupils. Really, what's the point of doing that to someone who will work hard anyway, regardless of the prize?
I shook my head.
'Well, I shouldn't worry about that now.'
This team has already given up... Huh? I widened my eyes as I noticed something.
Riviera, who had been maintaining an indifferent attitude until now. Her reaction was different from before. Her eyes couldn't leave the Tears of the Ice Snow.
Even if it's the Tears of the Ice Snow, it wouldn't be something a named boss like 'the witch of calamity' would covet, right?
Her eyes couldn't leave the Tears of the Ice Snow. Even if it's the Tears of the Ice Snow, it wouldn't be something a named boss like 'the witch of calamity' would covet, right?
A natural curiosity.
Wait a minute, that reaction is... It was like a cat that saw a fish.
Then I remembered. The Tears of the Ice Snow is also famous for its unique taste that makes you feel a deep chill to the bone and a profound coolness.
・・・・・・ In the end, she just wants to drink delicious alcohol? Seeing her, who looks like a frail girl but seems desperate to drink alcohol, was absurd.
'No, that's not it.'
My brain was working fast.
This was an opportunity. An unexpected jackpot opportunity. I quickly approached Riviera and said in a low voice, "They say the taste is to die for."
There was no answer, but I could feel her flinch openly. I couldn't help but smile inwardly. This was almost as good as done.
"Ah, I want to try it, but I don't have the ability to get it, no ability. Is there anyone with the ability to do it?"
"Um. Um. Um."
Riviera was groaning with strange moans. I barely held back the laughter that was about to burst out. I felt it anew. Before possessing this body, I thought she was a named boss without blood or tears, but this girl is just four-dimensional.
I can.
Riviera, who had been pondering, raised her hand slightly. I responded immediately.
"Oh, right. You were here? But you didn't want to solve the problem, did you?"
Of course. She had infiltrated with a purpose, so she wouldn't want to do anything conspicuous. She wanted to drink the Tears of the Ice Snow but didn't want to move, a paradoxical state.
"I admit that."
Surprisingly, she readily admitted it.
While doing so, her attitude towards me was unusual. She seemed to have something to say but hesitated to speak out. But then, realizing there was no time, she finally murmured softly.
"You solve it."
"Me? How?"
"I'll teach you. I will…"
'Through telepathy.'
The last words were clearly heard, but Riviera's lips did not move. Is this the famous telepathy magic?
I responded without panic.
"That's an interesting offer. But I'm not exactly eager to accept it...."
Riviera's eyes narrowed.
'You said you wanted to try it,'
'Yeah, I did say that, but it's not like I'm dying to try it....'
It was a payback from earlier. A naive girl.
Ah. Correction. Not naive, but a scary girl.
Seeing the brief flash of madness in her expression, I quickly corrected myself. Wow, that was really good.
The moment I decided to just agree, her next words were.
'Please, please, please.'
She didn't ask thrice, but the word 'please' echoed in my ears three times.
The problem was the soulless tone. It seemed to be her last bit of pride. Well, that's fine. That's okay. Preserving someone's last pride is basic manners.
"If you insist that much, well, alright. I'll do it."
I nodded. Riviera's eyes sparkled. She seemed quite pleased. I'm also happy. I smirked.
"The competition will start soon, so both teams come forward."
Professor Karen's voice signaled the start. Various elements shone in different colors as they danced in the air. The beautiful equations that the movement of these elements signified.
Equations.
Huh? Equations, right?
Anyway, to put it simply, this is it. I don't know what's what, so I should just shut up and stay still.
Ah, sorry. I can't just stay still.
I pretended to discuss the problem with my teammates while looking at it. Sunny was already a statue. His brain seemed to have stopped due to a problem beyond his comprehension.
Anyway, he was just an extra, so it didn't matter.
"An element is an element. An element is an element... An element is an element... An element is an element... "
Of course, there was someone on the other side whose brain had gone haywire.
"Uh, sorry, I'm done. Please, take care of the rest."
Thud.
What are you, a dying heroine?
That side is hopeless too.
"Yeah, sure."
Only Elaine was solving the problem alone. Is this a group evaluation?
Yes. Even incompetent humans can enjoy the benefits if they just socialize well.
Nothing's different here or in reality.
Professor Karen seemed to have anticipated that as well, looking unconcerned. Her gaze, which naturally fell on Elaine, now turned to me.
An interested look.
Please don't look at me with such a burdensome gaze.
She solved the third problem. Even though I was the one who actually gave the answer,
'Well, that's fine.'
I sent a relaxed smile to Professor Karen. She returned a smile that was unfathomable. The smile of a mature woman.
'Strong.'
I looked away. I might be tempted without realizing it.
Now was the time to be cool.
...But anyway, it's not like I'm the one solving it.
"Alright, time's up."
Finally, the fateful time to determine the owner of the Tears of the Ice Snow had arrived.