Ron did not chase after him. Rather than argue endlessly with Golden Lion about the liquor, he was more curious about something else: why on earth had that idiot given him liquor?
Suddenly.
A thought flashed through his mind.
Could someone have... spat in that drink?
The moment that thought took hold, Ron felt the hairs on his back stand on end.
Although it would do no actual harm, that kind of psychological blow could practically kill a person on the spot.
"Glug, glug~~~"
Rocks had not thought that much about it. He casually picked up a glass and took a big gulp. Seemingly seeing through Ron's conflicted expression, he said leisurely, "Don't overthink it. Those morons inside probably gave him the idea. As for why, probably so he could goad you into playing games with him once you got drunk."
"..."
The corner of Ron's mouth twitched. For a moment, he did not know whether to call Golden Lion an idiot or marvel at his determination to get revenge.
"Well, well, Annika." Ron turned toward Annika, who was standing beside him with guilt written all over her face. "Getting bold, huh? Ready to stage a rebellion?"
Annika immediately panicked. She had genuinely thought Golden Lion wanted to smooth things over and had specifically asked her to bring over that glass of "water of life" for that reason.
Now that Ron had questioned her like this, she clutched the hem of her clothes with both hands and said nervously, "S-sorry, Lord Ron..."
No sooner had she spoken than a sudden crash rang out from inside the ship.
Bang!
A huge hole was smashed straight through the ship's wall, sending splinters and debris flying.
Immediately afterward, a figure flew out of the hole in a cloud of dust, traced a not