The Cat and Dog's Request

Duke Inuarashi nodded. "The problem's been resolved."

Compared to Duke Inuarashi's composure, Nekomamushi was far more warm and hospitable. His eyes crinkled into slits as he filled a cup with specially brewed monkey wine and pushed it to the edge of the table in Buggy's direction. "Buggy, this old cat is treating you to a drink!"

Buggy sat down on a stump chair and raised the cup to his lips. The spicy yet sweet monkey wine slid down his throat and into his stomach, its fragrance spreading through his mouth—rich and mellow, fresh and fragrant, carrying the scents of all kinds of fruit.

"Good... urp!"

Buggy had barely gotten out a single word when the alcohol that had pooled in his stomach surged upward, forcing out a loud belch.

"..."

Everyone around him immediately turned to look, and the atmosphere became awkward for no apparent reason.

"Haha—"

The surrounding Minks burst into laughter, clapping and dancing about.

"Mm... this wine really does taste excellent..." Buggy said without changing expression.

"The kick comes up after it hits your stomach—it's twice as strong as when it first touches your lips. Even those of us who drink it all year round can barely handle it, so there's no need to feel embarrassed, Buggy!" Nekomamushi said, clutching his belly as he laughed.

Buggy's mouth twitched. "You're obviously making fun of me..."

"Buggy, don't mind him. That crazy cat has never been serious about anything." Duke Inuarashi was also trying hard not to laugh.

Buggy's face darkened. "You're hardly qualified to say that!"

After they traded drinks and jokes for a while, Mikuru waved at them from the distance. Nekomamushi raised a paw in response, and Mikuru happily resumed chatting with her Mink friends beside her.

Nekomamushi chuckled. "Buggy, there's one more thing. Since little