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Chapter 8 – Unique Taste
It’s quite difficult to recommend the right liquor to someone.
Among luxury items, liquor is influenced by various factors, including personal taste, alcohol tolerance, and regional climate.
Moreover, if Wataru wanted ongoing business rather than a one-time transaction, excessively high purchase costs would also be problematic.
Even if he spent a lot of money on a rare, premium liquor, it would be a significant burden if the customer wanted to drink it regularly.
Furthermore, the items that Wataru had previously relied on for his business were things he could procure on an ongoing basis.
Taking these factors into account and considering the opinions of Mariel, Aire, and Cloche, Wataru decided which liquors to offer.
Visiting various liquor stores was a new experience for him. He learned just how many different types of liquor were available in the world and that the same liquor could taste completely different depending on the brewer.
Ultimately, he decided to offer Etgar four types of alcohol.
“As with the drinking vessels, I’ve prepared several rare varieties of liquor.”
“Hmm, I do enjoy liquor. Not that I’m uninterested in the vessels, but frankly, I’m more eager to see what rare liquors you’ve found.”
“Wataru, might I also be entertained by this?”
“Of course. Shall I start with this one?”
Wataru took a bottle and a can from the bag.
The gleaming silver can bore the name of a major brewery, Yuhi, engraved upon it.
He pointed to the canned beer, pulled the tab, and released a hiss as the carbonation escaped.
He placed the tin cup he had provided earlier on the table and poured vigorously at first to create foam.
Then, he slowly poured again, pushing the foam upward.
The tin cup had extremely high thermal conductivity, instantly chilling to an ice-cold temperature.
“This is beer, made by fermenting barley.”
“It’s not ale? Oh, what incredible foam!”
“I’ve seen many kinds of alcohol, but I’ve never seen one with this much foam.”
“The alcohol content isn’t particularly high. Many people especially enjoy drinking it all at once on hot days.”
Beer is probably the beverage that has benefited the most from the evolution of brewing methods using modern science.
With strict temperature control, sugar content adjustment, and precise carbonation levels, it achieves a level of deliciousness that was previously impossible to attain, regardless of the time and effort invested.
Though it’s an extremely cheap and common drink, people from another world couldn’t enjoy it. This beer was one of the optimal choices.
Plus, it’s low in alcohol and light on the palate.
Therefore, it’s perfect for any drinker to try.
“Hmmm! What a pleasant feeling going down my throat!”
“It just slides down smoothly. And the refreshing sensation of bubbles bursting in the mouth! That cool, crisp mouthfeel! This liquor is far too good for you.”
“Hmph, what nonsense. I like it! I’d never give it to you.”
“I’m delighted to hear you both enjoyed it.”
“Indeed, this was a rare brew, impossible to find not just in my territory but in this entire country.”
Etgar downed his beer in an instant, though he likely had a high alcohol tolerance to begin with.
His face didn’t flush at all, and he remained perfectly composed.
Wataru then produced three different drinks.
The first was mare’s milk wine, the second was absinthe, and the third was daiginjo sake.
As the name suggests, mare’s milk wine is wine fermented from mare’s milk.
Its thick, viscous mouthfeel and tart flavor make it an acquired taste.
Meanwhile, absinthe is an extremely potent liqueur, ranging from 40 to 90 proof.
Originally banned due to its toxicity, versions without the toxic compounds are now sold.
It’s also known as the drink that literary giants like Hemingway would enjoy after finishing their daily work.
Daiginjo sake is considered the pinnacle of Japanese sake. However, the earthy aroma produced during fermentation is an acquired taste, so many prefer the less complex Junmai sake.
“Next is a drink that’s a bit more selective, but those who love it are utterly devoted. I’ve brought it along. Please give it a try.”
“Hmmm, I’ve never seen any of these drinks before either. What about you?”
“I haven’t either. Look! All the vessels are glass. How much money did they spend on this?”
While glass bottles are common for storing liquor, the choice of vessel alone astonished Etgar and Moye.
After tasting the poured liquor, Etgar and Moye, who had been examining the bottles with curiosity, grimaced.
“This is…”
“Quite a distinctive taste, isn’t it? General Etgar, what do you think?”
“None of them seems to suit my palate… If I must choose, this absinthe is perhaps the least offensive.”
“I could drink daiginjo, but this…”
A note of resignation hung in their voices.
Each of these three liquors had a unique scent and mouthfeel. If someone liked one of them, they’d become a devoted fan. If not, it simply wouldn’t suit them. In essence, they were drinks that chose their drinkers.
If they took to them well, a deep connection could be forged going forward.
But if they didn’t like it, the relationship would likely end in failure.
For Wataru, it was a gamble.
He wasn’t much of a drinker himself, so selecting these had been quite a struggle.
(Master, their reactions aren’t very positive.)
(I thought they might like at least one of them.)
(Master, it doesn’t seem like either of them hates them.)
Alongside the scent of displeasure, they’re showing deep interest.
Wataru and the others waited for that moment, watching the two slowly drink, their hearts torn between anxiety and hope.
Would the alchemist be accepted as part of the exchange?
Or would the negotiations break down?
When Etgar placed his cup on the table, he stared intently at Wataru’s face.
Chapter 9 – Results and Next Steps
Four figures emerged from General Etgar’s mansion.
Wataru bowed deeply in farewell, his expression showing disappointment.
He walked back with slumped shoulders and lacked his usual vigor.
“Master, this matter is truly regrettable.”
“Yeah, honestly, I thought it would go a bit more smoothly. I guess the flavors were just too strong after all.”
“I don’t think it was bad. That general is just picky, isn’t he?”
“I agree! He certainly has his preferences, but there’s no doubt they’re all excellent liquors.”
“Haha, true. Though, if you ask me if I like every single one… Well…”
Each slave had their own personal favorite among the distinctive liquors.
Mariel favored daiginjo sake, Aire preferred absinthe, and Cloche adored mare’s milk wine.
Incidentally, Wataru’s recommendation was Sunset Beer.
Etgar recognized the value of each liquor but ultimately refused to approve the release of an alchemist capable of performing such valuable enchantments.
Nobility demands a certain stature for what they wear or consume.
Something that is too expensive is considered extravagant, while something that is too cheap raises questions about its worth.
Apparently, the offered drinks weren’t perceived as masterpieces befitting nobility.
“Sorry, but could you help me find some better drinks?”
“Of course.”
“I’m totally fine with it! Getting to try all kinds of liquor is a perk!”
“I have no issue either.”
The deal hadn’t quite reached success, though.
The liquor vessels earned a solid passing grade, but the liquor itself didn’t satisfy them.
However, the fact that they were willing to continue the deal by offering another chance to provide different liquor meant that it wasn’t a complete failure.
“Still, I think there’s a chance.”
“Is that so? Judging by their reaction, it seemed pretty harsh…”
“Well, you could see it that way.”
To Mariel, who remained unconvinced, Wataru explained his reasoning.
“Not every luxury item hooks you instantly. Coffee is bitter, and cigarettes make you choke. Yet, before you know it, you’re hooked and desperately craving them.”
“So you’re saying the liquor we offered this time is like that?”
“Exactly. Alcohol is well-known for its addictive nature, but mare’s milk wine, absinthe, and daiginjo sake all have flavors that simply can’t be replicated with other drinks.”
He decided to give the sampled liquors as gifts to symbolize their growing closeness.
These weren’t the kind of drinks whose value could be determined after just one taste.
In fact, they were the kind of drinks whose true worth became apparent only after a certain depth of shared experience.
Though he called it a gift, Wataru also considered it a form of negotiation.
〇〇〇
As part of their search for the perfect liquor, Wataru and the others bought several bottles and participated in events where they compared different drinks.
Unlike Wataru, Mariel, Aire, and Cloche were heavy drinkers with refined palates.
Being able to drink delicious liquor as part of their job seemed like a desirable perk to them.
Events were a good way to encounter large quantities of liquor at once.
You might even stumble upon a gem that makes you think, “This could be it!”
Hoping for just that, Wataru and the others attended a tasting event held in Osaka City.
Numerous booths lined the spacious area of an entire rented-out floor of a building.
Beautiful bottles, pamphlets, and tasting cups displayed brand names.
The area was brightly lit, and each booth looked much the same.
Many small- and medium-sized breweries had gathered, bringing over a hundred varieties of sake to the venue.
This event featured only sake, but similar events featuring beer, wine, and more were held regularly.
“Whoa! The smell of sake is incredible!”
“This is paradise! Onee-sama, you can’t wander off like this. It’s unbecoming of a bodyguard.”
“Huh!? My feet just moved on their own. It’s the devil’s doing…”
“Fufufu, you’re still the same, Aire.”
“Ugh… Sorry, Master?”
“Well, I doubt we’ll get attacked here, so you don’t need to be that cautious.”
Besides, a bunch of alcoholic drinks are coming up, so staying on high alert would be impossible anyway.
He rubbed the tiger’s ears, which were invisible unless touched, and Aire let out a little yelp.
The air was thick with the scent of evaporating alcohol. Just breathing in felt like inhaling a sweet fragrance.
Aire and Cloche, whose senses of smell were exceptionally keen, were the ones with faces melting in rapture.
Their noses, far superior to humans’, perhaps dozens of times over, were intoxicated by the exquisite sake crafted with such care and effort.
“Hello. Might I try a sample?”
“Y-yes. Please.”
“Thank you. Oh my, it’s sweet and refreshing, like water—absolutely delicious!”
“I-is that so? I’m glad. H-here’s a pamphlet and some samples for you to take home.”
When Mariel stepped forward gracefully to request a tasting, the salesman at the booth blushed.
Unless Wataru was mistaken, it seemed like a lot of samples were handed out. Was it just his imagination?
Wataru understood that feeling.
Few men could remain calm in front of stunning beauties like Mariel and the others.
Even now, many men were paying more attention to Mariel and the others than to the drinks on display.
Accompanied by such beauties, Wataru didn’t continue sampling actively.
It was obvious that he would get seriously drunk quickly, even if he only took one sip at a time.
“Hey, can I have some too?”
“Might I have a taste as well?”
“W-with pleasure! It’s delicious, you know.”
As the flustered man hurriedly offered a sake cup, his face reddening, Aire and Cloche closed their eyes and tilted their cups.
With a soft gulp, the sake slid down their throats.
Their beautiful chins were exposed, and the men watching swallowed not sake, but their own saliva.
“Don’t tempt them too much…”
“Oh, how unusual. Is Master jealous?”
“Nishishi. Don’t worry; I belong to you, body and soul.”
“Quite right. You really ought to be more confident.”
“…Good grief, let’s move on to the next booth.”
Wataru sighed deliberately, but he was the only one who didn’t notice the smile in his eyes.
With light footsteps, Wataru strolled through the booths.
Several days later, he received a message from Etgar.
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Thanks for the treat. 😊
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Thanks for this (crying blood tears meanwhile…..)
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