Bar Bennett - Sub-Episodes

[yumemory]

Index:

Impressions of the Spot (1)
Impressions of the Spot (2)
Impressions of the Spot (3)
Break Time (1)
Break Time (2)
Memories from the Spot (1)
Memories from the Spot (2)
Memories from the Spot (3)
Impressions of Shylock (1)
Impressions of Shylock (2)
Impressions of Shylock (3)
Impressions of Shylock (4)
Impressions of Shylock (5)
Spot-related Story (1)
Spot-related Story (2)
About the Western Country
About < The Great Calamity >
Token of Union
People at the Spot
Wizards at the Spot
Danger at the Spot
Shylock's Reputation
Spot's Specialty
Discovery at the Spot
Excellent Negotiation Trick

 

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Impressions of the Spot (1) ↑

Chloe: Shylock’s bar is so like him. It’s sophisticated and nice.

Akira: I get you. At first I felt awkward, but as soon as I sat down, I gradually felt comfortable…

Chloe: Ahaha, right! There are so many wizards that I’ve never met here, so it’s a new experience for me.

Chloe: The wizards from the West would talk about many things. And there seems to be wizards from other countries too!

Chloe: If this bar was close to the manor, I’d come here every week for a chat!

Akira: You’re excellent at holding conversations, after all. When you were still travelling with Rustica, did you not visit bars like this?

Chloe: Mm… We did, but when you travel with Rustica, your choice will either be restaurants or tea rooms most of the time.

Chloe: Humans’ bars in the West are kinda rowdy, and a lot of trouble happens there…

Chloe: But if it’s Shylock’s bar then there shouldn’t be any problem, and the atmosphere is really nice and calm.

Chloe: Whether a bar fits me or not is another thing… But this is certainly a bar I want to frequent.

 

Impressions of the Spot (2) ↑

Nero: So this is Bar Bennett. Expected no less from the number one destination in the West.

Nero: The interior is well-kept, nothing seems out of order. You can tell he's really attached to this place.

Akira: You have your own eatery in the East, right? Were you not particular about the interior or ornaments?

Nero: Well, I kinda was, but not to this extent…

Nero: 'Cause in the East I pretend to be a human, so I can’t stay in one place for too long. If they see me not aging after many years, my cover will be blown for sure.

Nero: Eastern people don’t care much about strangers, but they’re sensitive to those that are different from them. And...

Akira: And?

Nero: It got me thinking, like what if, by any chance, I also develop this kind of attachment to a place, and then end up losing it?

Nero: Kinda curious about what Shylock thinks. The Western guys are pretty carefree, so things like this probably don't cross their minds.

 

Impressions of the Spot (3) ↑

Akira: Shylock's bar is really nice. What do you think, Shino?

Shino: It's cramped.

Shino: A liquor bar is always cramped. The plates' are small, and it's so dim despite the blazing sun outside.

Akira: I see... But don't you think it has a nice atmosphere?

Shino: Well, the lighting adds to the drowsiness. The atmosphere is nice enough to make you sleepy.

Shino: Shylock talks calmly and gently, so I thought his bar would be just like that, and maybe a little bigger.

Akira: Ahaha, truly, it's comfortable to talk to Shylock.

Shino: Right? But if I were to make my own place, I'd build a castle.

Shino: The more space the better. The bigger it is the better.

Shino: Shylock should've made his bar as big as Granvelle Castle.

 

Break Time (1) ↑

Shylock: Master Sage, please have this. It is a non-alcoholic cocktail of the tipsy waves and thunderclouds.

Akira: Thank you very much. …….

Shylock: Is something the matter?

Akira: Ah, I’m just a little nervous coming to a bar all alone.

Shylock: Oh, I recall you saying a similar thing back in the manor. What could be your concern?

 

Option 1:

Akira: I feel out of place.

Shylock: Everyone is right where they belong, whoever they may be.

Shylock: If you come to hold this place dear, and make efforts for this place to become fond of you, then that is all that matters.

 

Option 2:

Akira: I worry that I might not keep my manners.

Shylock: There is no manner to break for a person so proper.

Shylock: So long as you treat me, the owner of this bar, and the people who love this place with benign means, then no harm will be done.

 

Akira: I'm relieved to hear you say that, Shylock. I feel daunted being alone in such a sophisticated place.

Shylock: Surely, one may refine their way to indulge in their solitary time as they age.

Shylock: This bar is a place one could choose to do that, all while enjoying a fine drink.

Shylock: A place to lose yourself in the wave of intoxication; whether it is joy, sorrow, or reminiscence.

Shylock: And in case you have forgotten, this is my bar. By all means, be my guest and unwind to your heart's content.

 

Break Time (2) ↑

Murr: I'm hooome!

Akira: I suppose coming to Shylock's bar feels like coming back home to you, Murr.

Murr: Yeah! And this is my couch!

Akira: That's yours?

Shylock: After his soul shattered, Murr loves to sprawl everywhere he wants.

Shylock: Unfortunately, I cannot find it in me to excuse such an unsightly manner in my bar...

Shylock: So I prepared this couch specially for him. Its design shall make up the view.

Akira: You're so thorough...

Murr: This feels gooood!

Shylock: I hope for none other than your satisfaction.

Akira: Whoa, you're right. Murr's only lying down, yet it looks listlessly cool.

Murr: Hehehe, purr purr...

Akira: (Suddenly the bar feels like a cat café...)

 

Memories from the Spot (1) ↑

Akira: Shylock, you have a really nice bar. I wonder if you pay special attention to the interior and clutter?

Shylock: To be precise, there is not a single thing here that I do not pay special attention to.

Shylock: To name one, the glass you have in your hand is one that I ordered from a cut glass artisan in the West.

Akira: You’re right, it’s really beautiful with the delicate patterns ornamenting it. This must’ve been a real challenge to make.

Shylock: I do not doubt that. It was quite the challenge for me as well. He was a man of old age, and was in declining health. He rejected my request as he had already retired.

Shylock: Regardless of the fact that he was a human, I was enamored by his works, so I was quite insistent on having them in my bar.

Shylock: After countless attempts of bargain, he finally yielded.

Shylock: I lived with him for two years to take care of his health while he worked. Along the way, he created 20 more glasses of the same kind.

Akira: ...That’s amazing. I can’t believe you spent years just to get your hands on these glasses…

Shylock: Oh, is that something so unusual? I would have guessed that humans would spend days just to attain something they desire.

Shylock: Comparing our lifespans, I presume there is not much of a difference between the years I spent and the days humans spent.

Shylock: ‘Your skill and work shall be adored past your lifetime.’ The works of people who have that in mind are brimming with passion that captivates others’ hearts.

 

Memories from the Spot (2) ↑

Akira: Murr was also one of your patrons, right, Shylock? What kind of drink did he like to have?

Shylock: Murr is a man of many whims. His cocktail of choice would differ each and every day. I suppose most of them were the kind that has a sharp taste. 

Shylock: A troublesome patron, that man… He would come and ask me to guess what he would like to have each time he dropped by.

Akira: Ahaha. And would you get it right?

Shylock: I learned to, eventually.

Murr: Shylock! I want another glass!

Murr: Ah, Master Sage is here! D’you know what I’m gonna order next? Make a guess!

Shylock: See? Master Sage, do choose one from this selection, if you will.

 

Option 1: The lunar corona cocktail

Murr: Good choice! A cocktail where the moon is grandly adorned. This is the one I would have when I want to celebrate something!

 

Option 2: The early-riser cat cocktail

Murr: This cocktail is a signal to ‘quit gazing on the moon and have some sleep’.

Murr: Shylock would give me this at the end of the day!

 

Option 3: The star illumination cocktail

Murr: This is a cocktail that shows myself in the eyes of the moon. The taste makes me want to light up fireworks, to tell the moon that I’m right here!

 

Murr: All of a sudden I want to drink this. I’ll have this one, Shylock!

Shylock: Coming up. How strange, your preference has not changed even after your soul shattered to pieces.

Murr: Yup! Cheers to unchanging friends and preferences!

 

Memories from the Spot (3) ↑

Murr: Master Sage, do you like Shylock?

Akira: Huh? Of course, I like him…

Murr: I remember a wizard who liked Shylock. It was a long time ago. He usually sat there on your seat, and wooed him!

Akira: Shylock? Wooed? ...Uh, is this love gossip!?

Murr: And on my seat, there would sit a witch who liked Shylock, too.

Murr: They’d always sit side by side, and talk to Shylock one after another! ‘You’re my one and only in this world. Marry me!’ they said!

Akira: That’s a pretty exciting story. So Shylock is really popular…

Murr: When Shylock wasn't around, they talked about him. They spoke fondly of him, and even made fun of each other's pick-up lines.

Murr: And that’s how they got together.

Akira: Huh.

Murr: I think they just clicked 'cause they like the same person!

Murr: Shylock gave them his blessings just naturally. Makes me think how crazy the people in this country are.

Akira: You think so, too, Murr? It’s hard to keep up with how fast it’s developing.

Murr: They named their child 'Shylock.' The child was a human, but I visited him a few times before.

Akira: Wow, they even named their child after him. Is the child anything like Shylock?

Murr: No way! Only Shylock is like Shylock!

 

Impressions of Shylock (1) ↑

Akira: Murr, you’ve known Shylock for a long time, haven’t you? What do you think about him?

Murr: Oh, that’s a question worth studying! I’ve argued about it with Shylock so many times now!

Murr: I tried to come up with a number of answers, I can’t put all of them in a single sentence! But in more ways than one, he’s someone connected to me!

Akira: Connected…

Murr: I’ve no doubt he likes me, though! But at the same time, I know he despises me. I’m a troublemaker, after all!

Murr: He probably holds an interest in me as a person, or maybe just my intellect. Or both? Is that a desire? But whose desire?

Murr: Whaddaya think, Master Sage?

Akira: U-Uhm…

Murr: I want to study everything that piques my interests! I want to cut it open, and see it from various angles. I want to dissect, observe, ponder, and question it.

Murr: Shylock doesn’t seem to be one to do all that. But I’m sure he wants something from me. That’s why we’re still together even after so long.

Murr: I want to know how he expresses his demands and observations. We’ve been together for hundreds of years, but I still have no idea!

Murr: And having no idea excites me! That’s why talking to Shylock thrills me and makes my heart race!

Akira: I kinda get that you like him…

Murr: Ahaha, Master Sage, polite as always!

 

Impressions of Shylock (2) ↑

Akira: Chloe, what do you think of Shylock?

Chloe: He’s really mature and calm, but he’s also stylish and cool! Don’t you agree?

Chloe: Shylock is a born and bred Western wizard. He does things his own way, and I like how he’s a little quirky. You know, the way he hangs out with Murr when he’s such a refined person himself.

Chloe: Also how he sometimes acts a little childishly. He’s so cute when he does!

Akira: Really? I never thought I’d hear Shylock get described as childish.

Chloe: Only sometimes, though. I was working on outfits for everyone a while back, and Shylock came to visit my room.

Chloe: He looked at the clothes I was working on, and gave me some tips. And then…

Chloe: ‘I’d like to have this one and only accessory. Please put it on my outfit, and mine alone,’ he said…

Akira and Chloe: Aww cute~!

Akira: I didn’t know he could be so cute!

Chloe: I know right! Who could say no to that!?

Chloe: Among everyone in the manor, Shylock is one of the most particular about appearances, and always takes good care of his own.

Chloe: I’m really happy that such a person wears the clothes I make, and even compliments them!

 

Impressions of Shylock (3) ↑

Akira: Rustica, what do you think about Shylock, as his fellow Western sage’s wizard?

Rustica: Being chosen by the moon came as a surprise to me, but having an experienced wizard like him as our mentor is really reassuring.

Rustica: While I am deeply familiar with ways to relax during the day, he is deeply familiar with ways to relax during the night.

Rustica: I excel in being served, while he excels in serving others.

Rustica: Perhaps that is why we can spend a long time being content in each other's company.

Akira: Right. Both of you match so well, and whenever you are together, the atmosphere just becomes so classy.

Rustica: Fufu, thank you very much.

Rustica: But I have to admit that sometimes we feel as if something is missing. I suppose because we go along too well.

Akira: Too well… You mean there's no thrill and trouble?

Rustica: Yes. I think it's the Western quality that we have in ourselves.

Rustica: Every time it happens, we count to three, and do something weird.

Akira: You go along that well, I see. What do you mean by "something weird"?

Rustica: Such as turning a little frog into a lady, and placing bets on who would be the first to initiate a conversation with her.

Rustica: There are other things, of course… But that is about all I can share with you, Master Sage.

 

Impressions of Shylock (4) ↑

Akira: Cain, you knew Shylock after being chosen as one of the sage's wizards, right?

Cain: Yep. It's refreshing to talk to him. I've never met anyone like him in my hometown or in the knights’ order.

Cain: He's kind, and he spoils us lots, but he'll scold us if we behave too sloppily. But, hey, it's not that bad to have someone who cares for you.

Akira: I can see it. Makes you know how it feels to be cherished.

Cain: Ahaha, that's true.

Cain: When we first met, I knew this guy is the popular type.

Akira: Aren't you popular too, Cain?

Cain: Well, yeah, but with him you can’t help but be fascinated by his experience… In fact, it's pretty easy for me to like him.

Cain: Seeing how he is, doesn't being a bartender invite a lot of… you know, scandals?

Snow: Hohoho. Anyone who thinks that Shylock can be theirs shows how inexperienced they are in life.

White: Swayed by neither the northern wind nor the blazing sun makes him the perfect figure to be the Western wizards' instructor.

Akira: Whoa, I didn't see you there, Snow, White. You seem to like these kinds of love gossip, don't you?

Snow and White: Indeed. No matter how many centuries pass by, we like staying young at heart, after all.

 

Impressions of Shylock (5) ↑

Akira: Figaro, have you known Shylock even before the two of you became the sage’s wizards?

Figaro: Yeah, we were nothing more than a bartender and his customer, though.

Figaro: If you think of Sir White as someone close to me, then that’s what Murr is to Shylock, right? So maybe we’re connected by fate, or something like that.

Figaro: When you live more than a thousand years it’s pretty common to discover connections with others. Our relationship is something along that line.

Akira: I see… What do you think about Shylock?

Figaro: Shylock, huh… To me he’s like delicious wine itself, to put it simply.

Figaro: I feel good whenever I nimbly navigate conversations with him, like, aren’t I cool? I’m sure you know what I mean.

Akira: Kind of… But so far I feel like I can only talk to him about light topics…

Figaro: Is that so? You should try diving deeper, then. Even if you overstep, he won’t stay mad for long if it’s you. 

Figaro: In my case, he’s often angry with me ‘cause I always go too far. It’s a shame when that happens, but ensuring that he’s in a good mood is like trying to get the attention of a peacock, don’t you think?

Figaro: But I like that. I like saying ‘Come on, don’t sulk~’ to someone.

Akira: In other words, you like to appear imprudent…?

Figaro: You can put it that way. Maybe because I feel really generous when I’m not relying on my power?

Figaro: I think I’m pretty cool knowing that I can treat Shylock like a little kitten, the same Shylock that everyone thinks is the epitome of an adult.

Figaro: That’s why I like talking to him.

 

Spot-Related Story (1) ↑

Shylock: Long time ago, the Bennetts owned a land with a field of high quality grapes.

Akira: High quality grapes? Were they used for wine?

Shylock: Correct. The field no longer exists as of now. However, we have leftovers from the excellent wine we made from them.

Shylock: Originally, there is a limit to how long you can let a wine age. For that reason, we incorporated magic and were able to let it age to hundreds of years.

Akira: Amazing, I can see how they became valuable. Who would drink those, and on what occasion?

Shylock: Back when the Bennett family were still standing, we would send them as gifts to the royalty and aristocrats.

Shylock: Now that I have my own bar, I offer them to people I deem worthy of such wine. Namely, a courteous patron who came by, or an old friend in reunion.

Shylock: Most recently, I offered that wine to Oz, as a sign of our blossoming relationship. He seemed to enjoy it.

Akira: Oz? That’s surprising…

Shylock: I think the same. I am pleased to have such an unexpected person take delight in the wine.

Shylock: There are not many bottles left of Bennett's wine. Once drunk, there will be no more.

Shylock: Which is precisely why I look forward to who I will drink it with, on what occasion, and with what kind of feelings.

 

Spot-Related Story (2) ↑

Akira: The entertainment district in the Town of Nectar is a really beautiful place. I understand why people would call it a place for resort.

Shylock: My, it is an honor to have you praise our land. Although, it used to be a place even more marvelous than how it currently is.

Akira: Is that so?

Shylock: Yes. From the window, you could feast your eyes in the excellent view of the white sandy beach, all the way to the pristine sea.

Shylock: With time, more buildings came to obstruct the panorama. The ocean is just as polluted as the atmosphere. You would understand once you look closer.

Shylock: Unfortunately, all the lights in the city would also blind you from the view when the night falls.

Akira: I see… The night view also looks pretty, so I didn’t realize…

Shylock: I have reckoned such a future since Murr’s invention of magical science. The man in question was, of course, not without this very knowledge.

Shylock: Times and times, I have tried to dissuade him. Despite my efforts, he went to satisfy his curiosity over the ocean that I so love.

Akira: ...Do you hate Murr for that?

Shylock: He did not consider my plea, and for that I do feel resentment towards him even as we speak.

Shylock: But Murr was never a sensible gentleman who would stop his pursuit at his dear friend’s request.

Shylock: I wish for him to remain as he is.That is another request of mine.

Shylock: And that is why things are rather complicated.

 

About the Western Country ↑

Akira: I heard you’ve lived here for a pretty long time, Shylock. What do you think about the Western country?

Shylock: I have lived through all the comings and goings, so I have to say I both adore and loathe this country.

Akira: You loathe it...?

Shylock: Yes. I have to confess that I am rather attached, that I would sometimes find myself absurdly longing for how it used to be.

 

Option 1: How do you like the past?

Shylock: The Western country has always been full of optimistic people who seek pleasure wherever they go. Still, people knew how to practice moderation back then.

Shylock: Those who possess wealth, those without wealth… All of them were unprejudiced, cheerful, and laid-back to some degree.

Shylock: As with studies and art, we loved to take our time and put effort in various matters.

Akira: Somehow I understand why you like troublesome things.

Shylock: Heheh, I am guilty as charged.

Shylock: Nowadays, all this country seeks is instantaneous pleasure. It has lost its way to true delight.

Shylock: ...Nevertheless, I must admit that I long for the traces of the past that I once loved.

 

Option 2: How do you like the present?

Shylock: The Western country was no different than any other country. Wizards were feared here as well.

Shylock: Fearing unknown power is inherent in everyone. Even so, it felt slightly excessive.

Shylock: Master Sage, you of all people know the best. Even when we possess such strange power, we also hurt, we also rejoice.

Akira: Yes, scary wizards may exist, but that's just how it is with humans, too…

Shylock: It is just as you say.

Shylock: Unlike you, the people in the West chose the ease of magical science over putting time and effort in understanding us.

Shylock: They convinced themselves that magic itself is not something to fear, and began to warm up to wizards.

Shylock: While it lacks elegance, they are moving towards a better direction by starting to accept the unknown.

 

About <The Great Calamity> ↑

Akira: Shylock, what was your bar like when < The Great Calamity > attacked?

Shylock: It was rather lively. Wizards would come and gather, spending the night in vigor.

Shylock: We never saw how the Sage’s wizards actually fought, but our imagination was enough to fuel our enthusiasm.

Akira: Was it to cheer on the Sage’s wizards? In my world, people would also gather in bars to cheer on their favorite sport team’s matches!

Shylock: I see. I suppose the influence of someone’s passion will ignite our hearts, no matter where we come from.

Shylock: The wizards would always get worked up every time < The Great Calamity > comes close.

Shylock: Though from humans’ perspectives, I suppose it is not a night of good conduct.

Akira: I-I see.

Akira: (Not sure if I want to ask any further….)

Shylock: Well, that’s how it was before I was chosen as one of the Sage’s wizards. I am making it a regular day off as of now.

Akira: Oh, but won’t your patrons be disappointed?

Shylock: I cannot say they don’t. They showered me with demands to just let the bar open for everyone to gather.

Shylock: Even so, I know better than anyone what would happen if I do that. So I make sure to kindly refuse everytime.

 

Token of Union ↑

Shylock: Enjoy your drink, Lord Figaro.

Figaro: Oh, this brings back memories. Master Sage, did you know? This drink is the Town of Nectar’s token of union.

Akira: Token of union? What’s the story behind it?

Figaro: When Oz and I were still on our world conquest, we came here to do some investigation. It’s a nice port town, the trading center for many humans.

Figaro: Then I went to the rumored bar where wizards would hang out. I told the bar owner about our quest, to which he answered:

Figaro: ’Humans, as of late, have been extremely fond of getting on my nerves. You came at the right time; do give them a lesson or two.’

Figaro: ’However, by the time you raze this town to the ground, the Western wizards would surely be frowning upon your sense of aesthetic.’

Akira: Owner…. Are you talking about Shylock?

Figaro: Correct. At first, I thought, ‘What in the world is he talking about?’

Figaro: But then I drank the wine he served, and… I realized what he meant.

Figaro: Western wizards value aesthetics more than the power that comes with authority. Whenever I drink here, I feel as if I’ve become a wizard with a high sense of aesthetics.

Figaro: So I aborted my initial plan and decided not to burn down such an enjoyable place.

 

People at the Spot ↑

Akira: What is the Town of Nectar like to humans?

Murr: It’s a little far from the capital, but the nobles take vacations here! Mm, I'd say it's mostly the privileged ones?

Murr: Must be why the regulations have become stricter these days! I can see wizards being denied entry in the future.

Akira: Wizards? Why? Do they think wizards would cause safety concerns?

Murr: Can't blame them! Wizards would fool and threaten people when they see the opportunity to!

Akira: Really…? Is it not just a false accusation?

Murr: ….

Murr: Nope!

Akira: Oh, so you do fool people….

Murr: Just like humans, wizards also come here whenever they want to take a breather…

Murr: But when our eyes catch sight of a prey, we can't just let them go!

Murr: We're Western wizards, after all! It's in our blood!

 

Wizards at the Spot ↑

Shylock: This is a cocktail for those who long for the sea. It was an order made by an old patron.

Akira: Wow, the sparkling blue color is so beautiful! What was that patron like?

Shylock: He was a wizard enamored by the panorama of the sea. He marveled at it from the top of the hill everyday.

Shylock: He loved it so, that he said he wanted to be a part of the view itself. 

Shylock: Unfortunately, he turned to stone in his endeavor.

Akira: Y-You mean he drowned?

Shylock: Most probably. In a more positive light, this could be exactly what he had wanted.

Shylock: For a long time, his mana stones sitting on the seafloor have been the pride of the Western wizards.

Shylock: Alas, the humans must’ve found them while in the process of reclaiming the beach.

Akira: I see…

Shylock: Once, he asked if I could think of him whenever I looked at the sea. Even now, sometimes the sea would actually bring back memories of him.

Shylock: And I would make this cocktail, and pour it into the sea.

Shylock: Perhaps deep inside, I'd rather remember him as a part of the view that was once beautiful, and not as a fuel to the magical science.

 

Danger at the Spot ↑

Akira: There are so many wizards visiting your bar, Shylock.

Akira: Have you ever met the wizards at the manor here in your bar before?

Shylock: Among the wizards you know, there were Lords Snow and White, Lord Figaro, Chiletta and Mithra.

Akira: They’re mostly Northern wizards… Were you not afraid?

Shylock: Fufu, there is nothing to worry about. If they plan to take my bar, their attitude will tell.

Shylock: When someone enters a bar with their body inclined, it is clear that they are looking for a good time.

Shylock: Besides, the stronger of a wizard they are, the lesser they see worth in destroying a bar such as this one.

Akira: I see… You do have a point.

Shylock: If I have to say, Western wizards with unpolished magical power, or humans who came astray were more of a trouble.

Shylock: The Northern wizards wouldn't be one I'd call courteous, but they are all nice patrons.

 

Shylock's Reputation ↑

Akira: So you’ve been drinking here, Chloe. Is he someone you’ve met before?

Chloe: No, we just met. He’s a regular in Shylock’s bar! He said that everyone likes Shylock so much,

Wizard Patron: That applies to everyone who comes to the Bar Bennett. All western wizards generally love something beautiful and high class.

Wizard Patron: Everyone wants Shylock to look at them and have him say ‘How wonderful.’ His taste in things is refined, after all.

Akira: I get that feeling very well. When Shylock compliments you, you kinda feel proud.

Chloe: But Shylock is kind, so he’ll say that to everyone. That’s precisely why everyone wants to deeply impress him all the more.

Akira: Indeed, he seems to be one to like surprises.

 

Option 1: How about giving him presents?

Wizard Patron: Aah, that’s just what newcomers would do. Though I’m sure everyone would do that at first. All of us want to gift him something.

Chloe: Oh, can’t we give him presents? I’d be happy if I received one, I’m sure Shylock would too.

Wizard Patron: Do you think it’s appropriate to give him presents when you don’t even know what he likes or dislikes? That’s not much different from pushing your own interests to him.

Akira: Giving a present suddenly became really difficult….

 

Option 2: How about telling him an interesting story?

Wizard Patron: Shylock would love that above all.

Wizard Patron: But it’s not that easy to find a gracefully chaotic story to tell him, like one he would like.

Akira: You’re right….

Chloe: Maybe that’s why he stayed friends with Murr for so long.

 

Wizard Patron: I came to understand that the best way to enjoy Shylock's bar is to not get closer to him, but to simply admire him from afar while enjoying a nice drink.

Chloe: Heheh, Shylock is so popular. I feel kind of proud with the fact that I live together with him in the magic manor!

 

Spot Specialty ↑

Akira: Huh, Rustica...? You look a little different. Are you wearing makeup?

Rustica: No, I am not.... Ah, it must be because of this cocktail I'm having.

Rustica smiled, picked the inverted triangular cocktail glass with his long fingers, and gently shook the red liquor.

Rustica: It is a rougeberry cocktail. The rouge berries, when eaten, will leave your lips stained with the color of the fruit.

Rustica: The red rougeberry is indigenous to the Western country. I suppose the effect does not easily go away even when they're in the form of a liqueur.

Rustica: Master Sage, you can have some if you wish. Shall we ask Shylock to concoct another glass for you?

Akira: Ah, no, thank you. I was just surprised, you looked so different having colors on your lips....

Rustica: Is that so? ...In what way?

Akira: Um....

As he tenderly watched me scrambling for an answer, Rustica took a sip from his glass. Somehow, his stained lips look plump.

I realized I've been staring too long, and averted my gaze. I faintly heard a soft, coy chuckle under his breath. This feeling seems familiar.

Akira: ...Somehow, I feel like I'm talking to Shylock.

Rustica: Haha, looking at where we are right now, I shall take that as a compliment.

Rustica: Let us toast, Master Sage. May I also get the honor of talking to the Shylock-like you.

 

Discovery at the Spot ↑

Akira: Lennox, you’ve also visited Shylock’s bar in the past? That’s unexpected.

Lennox: It’s an old story... It was during the time when I was still looking for a certain someone.

Shylock: He then told me his story. I remember advising him that that person might be in hiding if he was nowhere to be found, even after looking in every nook and cranny.

Shylock: On top of all that, he appeared to be brooding over something. So I asked him to stop by to enjoy a glass of drink or two.

Shylock: This town has a nice view, and good alcohol. I offered for him to spend some time and rest before resuming his journey.

Akira: What did Lennox say?

Lennox: I...

Lennox: ...I declined. I said I couldn't treat myself with delicacies when someone precious to me is hurting.

Shylock: I remember. Your honest and straightforward answer delighted me so.

Lennox: So that’s why you treated me kindly. Shylock then told me this:

Lennox: ‘I do not think your weary heart can offer any relief to that person you are hoping to comfort….’

Shylock: Heheh, I remember that as well. Although it never occurred to me that I will meet you again as a Southern wizard.

Lennox: Me too. Let’s toast...

Shylock and Lennox: ...To all reunions.

 

Excellent Negotiation Trick ↑

Akira: Oz and Rustica? How rare, did the two of you come here for a drink?

Oz: Indeed.

Rustica: We ran into each other in the manor’s bar, but it was closed since Shylock was tending to his own bar here.

Rustica: I didn’t want to miss the valuable and intriguing chance of being with Sir Oz…

Rustica: So I asked him to bring me here.

Rustica: I didn’t expect it would get better than that, and yet, I am further blessed with your presence, Master Sage.

Akira: And to think that Oz would agree… That’s surprising.

Oz: I did not. He pestered me.

Akira: Amazing… How did you make him say yes?

Rustica: I proposed that he should bring me with him while the sun is up, since Sir Oz temporarily loses his magic at nightfall.

Akira: Aren’t you supposed to be the one asking the favor…?

Oz: His innocent way of asking a favor as if it was a wondrous idea reminded me of Arthur when he was little. I couldn’t decline…

Akira: I see.

Rustica: Thank you very much for your kindness, Sir Oz. In exchange, I shall treat you to a wine of my choice.

Akira: (It’s funny how even the greatest of Sage’s wizards are unable to escape the Western wizards’ whims….)

 

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