Volume Zero - CH 2

Chapter 2: Shizuku and Her First Alcohol Drink

On the night after Ikki’s battle against Shizuya Kirihara, Shizuku is with Alice going out for a drink. Shizuku is nervous because she had never drunk alcohol before and so Alice takes her to a bar that he recommends. Blazers are formally recognized as having come of age at 15 years old, and able to not only drink but also to marry and vote as adults. Shizuku has a hard time choosing while looking at the menu which Alice has expected. Shizuku doesn’t like Alice treating her like a child and argues that she knows some of the drinks. She chooses to order dry martini which surprises Alice and he tells her it’s not a good drink for her first time. Shizuku eventually wants something that’s sweet and so they order a Valencia for her. After their drinks are ready, she and Alice toast to everyone’s first victory in the selection battles. After drinking her drink, Shizuku also notices Alice is drinking a particular whiskey and wants to take a sip. Alice wouldn’t recommend it but Shizuku is only interested in the whiskey because Alice is. Alice suggests that Shizuku takes a whiff first and when she does she becomes shocked from the iodine-like smell. Alice tells Shizuku not to force herself but she eventually drinks some of his drink. The drink was too much for her to the point she has tears in her eyes. Shizuku then says there are many kinds of alcohol and Alice says today is his treat and so Shizuku can have as much fun as she wants. She takes up on his offer and orders dry martini.

An hour later, Shizuku becomes drunk and is telling Alice for the third time about how Ikki saved Shizuku from drowning in a river during winter when they were younger. Alice asks Shizuku how many fingers he’s holding up in his hand but Shizuku answers six. Shizuku is also mixing fantasy and reality as she is about to tell the story of the time Ikki was a Jedi. Alice then wipes off the cream that is on Shizuku’s cheek and Shizuku says Alice is like a big sister that she wants. Alice jokingly asks if Shizuku wants Alice to marry Ikki and become Shizuku’s sister-in-law. Shizuku replies Ikki is off-limits but she also thinks Ikki doesn’t belong to her. During the match between Ikki and Kirihara, Stella acknowledged Ikki in front of everyone which brought him back from his lowest depths. Stella also makes Ikki happy and Shizuku knows she can’t give him the same amount of joy since he only sees her as a relative. She doesn’t know what to do from now on and asks Alice for advice. Alice says the one who loves Ikki the most in this world is Shizuku and a woman who won't spend all her strength to steal Ikki away from Shizuku doesn't deserve to have him. Shizuku’s feelings are no doubt real and she doesn’t have to give that up, so she just has to be more honest with her feelings. Shizuku then thanks Alice and he is envious of her because he can no longer love other people and can only keep up appearances. Shizuku then falls asleep and so Alice leaves the bar carrying her on his back. Shizuku is probably dreaming of Ikki carrying her on his back since she’s muttering him. Alice thinks Ikki is a terrible man and wishes to the stars that Shizuku will be happy.

Chapter 3: Decisive Battle!? Crimson Princess vs Lorelei

Chapter 4: A Maiden's Chivalry