Published: August 1, 2025
“—What are you two doing here?”
Startled by the shouted command that shook the deck, the man and woman in traditional Japanese clothing turned around. They were Ms. Kaede, a merchant from Mizuho, and her attendant, Mr. Angelo—known as the ‘Samurai.’ Neither of them flinched at Lord Cyrus’s roar.
“Oh, Mr. Granado, and Ms. Marie too. What a lovely night. What are you doing out here on the deck?”
“I’m the one who should be asking what you’re doing!”
“As you can see, we’re enjoying moon-viewing sake. Care to join us for a cup?”
“No, thank you!”
Lord Cyrus rejected Mr. Angelo’s offer at the top of his lungs. Mr. Angelo looked at him, eyes wide and head tilted in confusion.
“…No need to be so formal, you know? We’re stowaways aboard this ship, grateful to Lord Cyrus for letting us stay. There’s no need to worry—just accept the treat.”
“Who said I was being formal? I didn’t exactly welcome you here either!”
“Then what’s got you so angry? Surely you’re not going to forbid drinking just like gambling, are you?”
“I saw the sailors having a drinking party. If they’re off duty, it should be allowed.”
“…The crew might be fine, but you two? That’s another matter.”
Lord Cyrus’s point was valid. But telling these two that now would be useless… the conversation wouldn’t move forward at all.
I timidly raised my hand.
“Sorry, it’s not that I’m trying to scold you. It’s just… well, we were having a nice moment…”
“Oh, so you two were flirting. Sorry to interrupt.”
Ms. Kaede brought a small ceramic dish to her lips and took a sip. Wait, was that a substitute for a glass? Mr. Angelo held a small bottle of the same color and material. I’d never seen such drinking vessels in Dilz.
“Don’t worry. Once this sake bottle’s empty, we’ll head back to our cabins. The winter sea is cold. It’s nice to see the stars so clearly, though.”
“…Indeed, it is a very beautiful night sky.”
I looked up at the sky and whispered.
I’d been staring down at the ocean surface the whole time, but above me the stars twinkled beautifully. The moon was so bright it lit up the deck of the Baltandels Ship. I’d been so caught up in the voyage that I’d forgotten to look up at the sky right in front of me.
Lord Cyrus also gazed at the night sky, mesmerized for a moment. Then, as if coming to his senses, he cleared his throat.
“If all goes as planned, we’ll dock at Ips tomorrow. Don’t oversleep—head back to your rooms and get some rest.”
“Well, well, is that wise, sir?”
Ms. Kaede grinned mischievously.
“Hurrying us off like that isn’t doing you any favors. You’re missing a rare chance to taste Mizuho’s sake.”
“…Mizuho’s sake?”
“Yes, it’s a rare liquor that’s never circulated beyond Shaina in the West. I’d love to hear what Dilz people honestly think of it. Since we’ll be doing business together, knowing whether we share a taste in alcohol is important.”
“…Well, alcoholic drinks are indispensable for diplomacy.”
Lord Cyrus nodded in agreement.
I don’t know much about business, but I’ve studied the basics of noble society. Alcohol isn’t just a luxury; it’s a mark of refinement. At social gatherings and meetings, drinks are an essential lubricant for communication. Among nobles, some kind of alcohol is always on the table, day or night.
A rare foreign wine would be a perfect conversation starter, directly affecting the chances of closing a deal—an important topic to break the ice.
“This is the finest sake brought from Mizuho when we left. You won’t find it anywhere west of Shaina. If you miss tonight, you won’t get another chance.”
Ms. Kaede’s offer intrigued Lord Cyrus deeply, and he nodded. But then he turned to look at me.
…Is he trying to be considerate of me?
“Don’t worry about me. Please, enjoy your time together.”
I smiled and said this, but he shook his head and took my hand instead.
“Marie, have you ever had alcohol?”