Reincarnated into Two Bodies

Chapter 164: A New Year

The door to the pub opened with a loud creak, and once we stepped through, I realized the room was crowded, matching the rowdy noise I heard when we were outside. It was packed to the brim with men and women of various ages drinking, playing card games, et cetera. Between all the shouting, cheering, delirious singing, and all of that mess… The cacophony of sounds was starting to grate on my ears. It wasn’t to the point where I couldn’t handle it; it more so annoyed me than anything.

Despite the crowd, several seats by the counter were empty. Could that be reserved for us? I didn’t have to wonder for long as Mom and Dad walked over and sat there without even uttering a word. Fray and I followed suit.

Aunt Diane was still arranging the bottles on her shelves when we sat down. She widened her eyes as soon as she turned and saw our faces. “Oh, you guys are here already?” she said while cleaning several glasses. “Sorry for the loud noise, didn’t expect this many guests…”

“Don’t worry about it, Diane!” Mom said, waving her hand. “The louder, the merrier!”

“My, my, it had been a long time since I saw you dropping by, Fray,” Aunt Diane eyed Fray with a gentle smile. “Finally decided to try out some drinks?”

Fray scrunched her face. “N-No thanks.”

“Aww, that’s a shame.” She turned her gaze towards me this time. “And who do we have here? Long time no see, Feyt! Gotta say, Ricent’s been missing you lately.”

“I-Is that so?”

I was glad he didn’t forget me.

“Why yes, ever since he heard from your mother that you’re dropping by at New Year’s, he couldn’t contain himself. He bought so many games to play with you.”

I blinked, caught off guard. I didn’t think he would anticipate my arrival that much. 

“If you’d like, you’re free to go upstairs. He’s cleaning the windows right about now, but tell him I’m letting him rest for the day.”

“Really? Then I’ll do just that!” 

The less I stayed in this rowdy room, the better.

“Go on up, Feyt!” Mom said. “We’ll be here.”

I nodded. “Thanks, Mom!”

I dropped out of my seat and headed towards the stairs. Behind me, I heard their conversation. 

“Now, Diane, give me the usual! I want to share some with Fray!” Mom said with giddiness.

“What?! I already said I won’t drink that stuff!”

“Come on, Fray! Loosen up!” Father continued. “I thought you liked trying out new things?”effa suddenly leaned forward again, cheeks flushed red. “You’ve been helpin’ us all this time! So don’t you dare turn this away, got it?!”

Diane laughed despite herself, a weak, disbelieving sound that melted into something softer. She pressed a hand over her mouth. “You two really…” She shook her head, voice cracking. “You… really mean this?”

Rayn nodded.

“Yeps!!” Teffa raised her mug in triumph, nearly spilling it over the counter.

“And don’t mind me, either,” Fray said, wiping her mouth from the milk. “I already told them I don’t want any scrolls.”

Rayn turned to Diane once more. “So, the three of us have agreed. I’m sure Feyt up there will too. How about it?”

The silence stretched. Diane’s shoulders lifted as she drew in a long breath, and when it left her lips, it was almost a whimpering sigh. “…Fine,” she said at last. “The least I can do is offer free drinks for you guys...”

“Yay, free drinks!!” Teffa whooped, throwing her mug into the air like a victory cry.

Rayn nodded. “I’ll give you the gold next morning, I’ll put in some extra for the appraisal too. Do let us know if Ricent got any good Talents, though, kay?”

“Of course,” Diane nodded. “Thank you… truly.”

—

“Another win!!” Ricent yelled, clearly not hearing what I was hearing.

I couldn’t tell him what I just heard, in case Aunt Diane was setting it up as a surprise. I could only put on a bright smile as we reset the board once again.

I truly hoped he had a good Talent, perhaps even a Magical Talent. Despite how rare it was, I was hoping so badly. As my only friend on this side of my life, I wanted the best for him. Having a friend like him in the academy with me would also be the best-case scenario.

Though, I made sure to not keep my hopes too high-up, as I wouldn’t know the results until much later.

For now, I decided to just enjoy this game of checkers as the new year unfurled its curtains.