Feysac Empire, Indo Port.
On Sunday morning, Siltana of the Church of Combat's official Demon Hunter squad stared at the menu in an Intis-style restaurant, torn inside.
She was a dyed-in-the-wool drunk. Without strong liquor to help her, even her Spirit Channeling worked noticeably worse during investigations. Yet she had gone nearly a week without tasting any of her little darlings...
And it was all because of the woman sitting across from her, wearing a black veiled hat and an elegant white dress.
The young woman had delicate features and beautiful flame-red hair. She carried herself with such grace that merely sitting there, she looked like a painting.
She was Miss Nashali, the youngest daughter of Duke Graycastle.
Ever since Captain Dunn had assigned her to accompany and protect the young lady on Monday, Siltana had barely left her side. She had had no chance to drink to excess.
Seeing Siltana practically drooling, Nashali covered her mouth and laughed. "Sister Siltana, if you want a drink, order a few bottles of brandy. Someone else will cover the bill anyway."
After several days together, the duke's daughter had grown familiar with the Demon Hunter and spoke to her much more freely.
Siltana was sorely tempted, but she suppressed her craving and closed her eyes for a moment. "Forget it. A little alcohol actually makes me more clearheaded... But if your personal maid sees me drunk, it'll hurt the Demon Hunter squad's reputation..."
When Siltana resisted the temptation, Nashali frowned almost imperceptibly. The expression vanished at once, replaced by her smile.
They then ordered a lavish Intis court-style meal that cost nearly twenty Gold Horns.
While they waited for the food, the duke's daughter took off her veiled hat and, in the course of chatting with Siltana, asked as if on a