Gordon walked behind with Barbara. He wore a police commissioner's uniform, while Barbara wore a long bohemian-style dress. When Merkel pushed open the door, a cool breeze lifted her hair and skirt.
"See? I told you air conditioning wasn't all that necessary." Gordon turned to Barbara and said, "Nothing beats a natural sea breeze."
Schiller had, unusually, changed into something suited to summer: a white shirt and a light grayish olive vest. He turned and led Gordon inside. Gordon tugged at his tie knot and said, "I've never seen you wear light-colored clothes before. I almost didn't recognize you."
"This summer truly is too hot, and my manor has no air conditioning. My butler cannot understand that when I say I'm not afraid of heat, I mean I can physically insulate myself from it, not that I'm merely putting on a brave face."
"It's a good look." Gordon sat down beside the dining table and said, "Your usual outfit makes people feel hot just looking at it."
"To ensure I still have friends after summer ends, I'm doing my best to prevent you from making such associations." Schiller sighed and sat at the head of the table.
Gordon laughed happily. "It's obvious you don't like wearing that outfit, but the style really suits you. You look like one of those Old World aristocrats who vacation by the sea."
"That association should also be avoided whenever possible."
Schiller raised his glass to Gordon. Gordon picked up his own glass and looked inside. Instead of the familiar dark red liquor, it was a mixed drink filled with ice.
"The base is gin, with lemon juice and coconut water. It's a very common combination." After speaking, Schiller took a sip, smacked his lips, and turned to Merkel. "Bring me some mint leaves."
Feeling