Behind the bar, bartender Charles was leisurely wiping glasses.
And standing next to him was another person.
Long red hair, loosely tied back of her head, a dark vest with sleeves rolled up to her elbows, revealing her sleek forearms.
Diluc is the owner of Dawn Winery and also the owner of this tavern.
He doesn't usually make public appearances, but tonight he was.
He looked up when he heard the doorbell ring.
His gaze fell on the five people at the door, and he paused for a moment.
Then, he put down his wine glass.
"It's you guys."
The five people were also taken aback for a moment.
"Mr. Diluc?" Columbina recognized him first and smiled.
"Hmm. "Diluc's voice wasn't loud.
He came out from behind the bar and gestured for him to come forward.
"As mentioned before," he said, "Welcome to the Angel's Share."
"I thought you weren't coming."
Columbina smiled.
"Isn't this it?"
"Since we're here to drink," he said, "Let's not order anything from the menu."
"I'll treat you to something good."
He turned and walked back to the bar, giving Charles a brief instruction.
"The wine cellar, the innermost row."
"Three years ago at Dawn, I needed those bottles of sealing wax."
Charles paused for a moment.
"Those few bottles?... Are you sure?"
"Hmm."
"That's...!"
"Go get it."
"Okay."
After opening the bottle, a rich aroma wafted out, Diluc said:
"This is a vintage from the Dawn Winery from three years ago. Production is limited, and I don't usually open it."
"Tonight, I've finally fulfilled my promise to you."
Columbina took the cup and gently swirled it.
The wine left a thin, slow trail on the glass.
"Then I won't be polite."
Please.
Of the five people, only Bai You hasn't received the wine yet.
She looked at the empty cup in front of her, then at Diluc.
Diluc was looking at her too.
His gaze lingered on her face, which was noticeably redder and more youthful than others'.
"This young lady..."
"She's never drunk alcohol before," Varesa answered for her, "The first time."
"Hmm." Diluc nodded. "Then this bottle isn't suitable for you."
Bai You blinked.
Why?
"The alcohol content is too high," Diluc said. "If you drink this on your first sip, you'll fall asleep immediately."
"What should I drink?"
Diluc thought for a moment.
"Hmm... Windblume," he said.
"I'll make you a drink, less alcohol, more fruit juice."
Okay.
He turned and went back to the bar, where he got some fresh floral liqueur, juice, and a small amount of fruit wine.
With clean and efficient movements, she shook the glass, pouring the light pink liquid into it, and garnished the rim with a small candied flower.
"Yes."
He placed the cup in front of Bai You.
"Drink slowly, no rush."
"Thank you!" Bai You held the cup, her eyes sparkling.
Diluc looked at her happy expression, then glanced at the other four.
"Enjoy yourself tonight."
"Tell me what you'd like to drink."
"Thank you, Mr. Diluc." Columbina raised her glass.
Sandrone also raised his glass.
Diluc simply gave a faint "hmm," turned around, and went back to the bar, but didn't go far.
He picked up another cup and slowly wiped it, as if he were here, or as if he were listening to them talk.
All the drinks were served in front of the five people.
Before them was a bottle of their treasured Dawn, an amber liquid gently swirling in the glass.
Odette ordered a glass of mulled wine, deep red and steaming, with a small slice of lemon stuck in the rim.
The Bai You's "Windblume" is a beautiful light pink, with a tiny candied flower hanging from the rim of the cup.
"Wow..." Bai You held the cup, her eyes lighting up.
"It smells so good."
She took a small sip carefully.
It's sweet.
It has a hint of floral fragrance, and a little bit of... indescribable, warm scent.
"Is it good?" Varesa asked.
"Delicious!" The Bai You's eyes are curved, and it's sweet, like fruit juice.
'... Hmm.'
Varesa looked at her, hesitant to speak.
She wanted to say that this was also wine.
But seeing Bai You's happy expression, she couldn't bear to.
"Drink more if you like."
"Hmm!"
Columbina took a sip of the Dawn bottle first.
As the wine entered her mouth, her eyes widened slightly.
"Good wine."
Diluc, without looking up, continued wiping the glasses at the bar.
"The grapes at the Dawn Winery are drying on a sunny hillside."
"The people who brew the wine also put in a lot of effort."
"Hmm." Columbina laughed, "Good stuff."
At this moment, Varesa raised her glass.
"Come on," she said, "This glass is for saying goodbye."
"Tomorrow, we will part ways."
"But tonight," she smiled, "We're all together."
"Cheers!"
Cheers!
The five cups clinked together.
The crisp sound was gently drowned out by the other sounds in the tavern.
Behind the bar, Diluc stopped wiping the glasses.
He looked at the five figures sitting together, his gaze lingering on them for a moment.
Bai You took a sip, then another.
The Windblume) drink is really delicious.
It's sweet with a floral aroma and not spicy at all.
She drank it sip by sip, and soon the glass was empty.
"Hmm?" She blinked. "Gone?"
"Would you like another one?" Varesa asked with a smile.
"Yes!"
"One more cup, please!"
Behind the bar, Diluc's hand paused for a moment.
He glanced up at Bai You's face, which was already starting to turn red, and then at Varesa.
"Miss," he said, "It's your first time drinking, so please take it slow."
"I'm fine—" Bai You waved her hand, "I'm perfectly fine!"
Diluc looked at her for two seconds, then didn't try to persuade her further, but simply spoke to Charles.
"One more, please."
"Okay."
When the second cup was served, Bai You started drinking it again.
This time, she drank even faster than before.
Varesa watched from the side, initially not paying attention.
until--
She suddenly noticed that Bai You's face was starting to turn red.
It's not just a little bit red.
It started on her cheeks, went all the way to the tips of her ears, and then to the base of her neck, like a ripe apple.
" Little Bai You?"
"Hmm?" Bai You raised her head, her eyes watery, as if veiled in mist.
"Are you... alright?"
"It's nothing." Bai You laughed, a silly laugh. "I'm perfectly fine."
She shook her head.
"It's just... a bit hot."
"And..." She paused, "Why is the ceiling spinning?"
Varesa:...
She reached out and waved her hand in front of Bai You's eyes.
"How many is this?"
"... Two?" Bai You stared at her finger for a long time, "No, it's three."
"..."
Varesa remained silent.
She turned her head and looked at Columbina.
Is she drunk?
Columbina leaned closer to look at Bai You's face, then at her two empty cups.
'... Hmm.'
"Drunk after just two drinks?"
"Although this is very sweet and has a lot of juice," Columbina said, "It is still wine."
"You really haven't taken her out for drinks?"
"No," Varesa said.
"Well..." Columbina looked at Bai You's flushed face and couldn't help but laugh, "She's so cute!"
After a few chapters of separation, the plot will become more novel and interesting. The system will return. These past few dozen chapters have been quite boring, with no exciting parts and many things not well written. The plot involving the two characters later on will be easier to write... hehe.
This book has quite a few flaws, and I didn't expect so many people to give it so many five stars and send gifts to show their support. I'm truly touched. Thank you all for the gifts during this time; thank you so much for your support! つ♡⊂