Chapter 98 - Tavern (1/2)
Evening that day.
Accompanying an ill-humoured Raphtalia, we entered a bar on the island for a change of mood.
At first Raphtalia had an unhappy expression, but after a few minutes it was replaced with a smile.
The bar was overflowing with vigor and noisy adventurers clamoring over each other.
Some were taking about hunting grounds to raise levels, some were talking about accessories purchased that increase experience gained.
That fraud trader is doing quite well.
By the way, any bar fees for the heroes are paid by the queen.
Such a place truly feels like a different world
Firo:”Ah! This place seems fun!”
Since Firo is a bird. Did she take an interest in the music being played here?
Naofumi:”Go for it. Don't cause any trouble though.”
Firo:”Un!”
Firo runs off with a pitter-patter and starts dancing to the music.
As we sat down on a counter seat, our liquor was provided.
I drank lightly.
Feels like juice.
Raphtalia:”This is alcohol...”
Naofumi:”Well, it should be fine for you Raphtalia, since your body is that of an ȧduŀts.”
Raphtalia:”Okay!”
Somehow, the feeling of Raphtalia putting her mouth gingerly on the cup is one of a child drinking alcohol for the first time.
Raphtalia:”...It's slightly bitter.”
Naofumi:”Yeah, I guess.”
Though for me it still feels like juice and water.
I have never gotten drunk.
Naofumi:”Nothing particularly special...I don't have a hobby of it. I just drink due to social situations.”
Raphtalia:”So that's how it is.”
Naofumi:”There are people in my world who don't drink it at all, it should be the same in this one.”
Ren and Itsuki are minors, but in this different world, they are probably drinking.
Ah... I discover Itsuki participating in a feast outside the bar.
I thought you were a minor.
Oh well, it's a different world after all. There shouldn't be any laws to punish him.
The possibility of Ren drinking is also quite high.
Naofumi:”It might be good to measure how much you can drink.”
Raphtalia puts the cup to her moth and gulps down all the alcohol.
Naofumi:”How are you feeling?”
Raphtalia:”Let's see.”
I recall a banquet in my former world.
There wasn't a sense of girls particularly avoiding alcohol.
Well, Raphtalia has ben accumulating a lot of stress recently, I wonder if this would be good for her.
Since alcohol's original purpose since the primitive ages was to relieve day-to-day fatigue.
She's a patient one after all. I'm quite interested in her real thoughts.
Naofumi:”Hey, don't worry and drink.”
While recommending Raphtalia to drink, the poet's singing could be heard quite clearly.
When I look, Firo's demon form is singing along with the poet's performance.
At firs the poet was surprised, but after hearing Firo's unexpectedly good singing, tension started to heat up.
It's fine is they are enjoying it...
Hm? It seems Motoyasu also notices Firo singing.
Leave it alone. Even you wouldn't pounce on her demon form.
Motoyasu:”Sing in your angel appearance, Firo-chan~!
Firo:”No!”
...Alright. Everything seems fine.
Raphtalia:”Can we please raise our levels with Naofumi-sama today?
After drinking fifteen cups of alcohol, Raphtalia speaks her thoughts to me.
The line of being drunk is crossed ambiguously.
Except for her slightly red cheeks, she appears somewhat sober still.
The alcohol seems considerably strong.
Though it's nice for keeping company, it would be troublesome for the effects to appear tomorrow...
The boss of the bar couldn't hide his surprise at how heavy of a drinker Raphtalia is.
Apparently, the demi-humans aren't especially resistant to alcohol.
However... The grape-like fruits put on the counter are very delicious.
No Name:”And that's game–!”
A guy that lost arm wrestling fell down over here.
Raphtalia:”Hey! We are talking here, please stop disturbing us.”
Raphtalia declares while in a bad mood.
Usually she wouldn't say such things. Is it the effects of alcohol?
Her stress was accumulating quite a lot. The cause may not be just Motoyasu and Ren.
Thinking back, there was almost no rest while peddling, fighting the wave, and living as fugitives.
Venting may be necessary.
No Name:”Ha! Don't complain until you win in an arm-wrestle.”
Raphtalia:”Is that so?...Fine. I'll be your opponent.”
Raphtalia rolls back her arm and declares her participation in the arm-wrestling match.
Well...It should be fine. It would be troublesome if some-one got hurt though.
But...These delicious grapes.
Boss:”Umm...”
The boss of the bar anxiously talks to me.
Naofumi:”Hm?”
Boss:”Is this going to be alright?”
Naofumi:”Well, there shouldn't be a problem.”
Boss:”No, that's not what I mean...”