"I truly never expected to run into you again. It's as delightful a surprise as when you suddenly appeared at White River Valley Vineyard at the beginning of last winter."
Spider Hotel was very small, and its interior was quite crude. The poor lighting meant oil lamps were lit even during the day. The wooden walls had an especially aged, antiquated feel. Inside the entrance, four tables stood in the narrow room. Going forward led to the 2nd Floor, while a door to the front right opened into the 1st Floor "hall," where seven or eight tables stood, along with the counter.
As Mr. Bernhardt spoke, he sat down with Shade at a table against the wall. Shade noticed that two men playing Rhodes Cards at a nearby table were both wearing Police Department uniforms, and understood why no one was guarding this morgue.
"I'm delighted as well. You went to Weilun Dai'er City to recuperate last winter, so I thought I would have to wait until the autumn grape harvest to see you again in Huntington. Oh, I received your Year-End Festival card and gift. Thank you very much."
"The estate steward also sent me your Year-End Festival gift. It was quite good as well."
The waiter brought them their ale, and the friends who had not seen each other for so long had much to discuss.
"Speaking of the grape harvest, this year will be very difficult."
At the mention of this topic, the Viscount, whose family owned a winery, shook his head in distress. Shade knew he was referring to the weather.
"There's nothing to be done about it. I imagine White River Valley Vineyard is in the same situation. A few days ago, Her Highness even wrote to tell me that I probably won't be drinking