The lighting was warm, shining amber on the furnishings of the bar…-.
Alfred: “This is quite the collection of fine alcohol. Though the establishment doesn’t appear to be flourishing.”
Martin: “Haha, that’s a bit harsh. But the night is still young.”
Alfred cracked his joke with glass in hand, but Martin laughed it off with a carefree attitude.
This night, Martin has been asked by the bartender of his usual hangout to mind the shop.
For a while, Alfred was the only customer, but at last the door opened…
Fujime: “Good evening. Nice night isn’t it.”
Kagetora: “Are there any free seats?”
Fujime and Kagetora appeared as the bell over the door rang.
Martin: “Have a seat, and welcome.”
At Martin’s encouragement, the two took up stools next to the counter.
Fujime: “I was in the middle of gathering information when I heard a rumor that the Prince of the Land of Brandy was tending a bar.”
Martin: “Well then, this is definitely the place. I’m Martin, Prince of Van Brule. Nice to meet you.”
As Martin introduced himself, the other three princes also introduced themselves.
Alfred: “Heeh, the Land of Literature…- I’ve read countless works by you Prince Fujime.”
Martin: “This has turned into a pretty interesting meeting. Delicious alcohol is the stuff of life. I hope tonight will be fun for everyone.”
The four immediately started speaking openly with each other and the empty glasses piled up.
Fujime: “I see, so Prince Martin, you have plenty of experience with love. That’s very enlightening.”
Martin: “Oh no no, no more please. I’ll get far too embarrassed. Besides, this here is my favorite thing.”
Fujime: “Hoh, your favorite… that’s wonderful. And why is that?”
Kagetora: “…Fujime. You’re inquiring mind is great and all, but leave it at that.”
Alfred: “I’d heard the royalty of the Land of Literature was full of writers… but what do you write Prince Kagetora?”
Kageotra: “Ah, no, I…-“
Kagetora, who writes pictures books under the penname Margaret, actively hides his true nature.
As Kagetora grimaced, at a loss for how to answer, the doorbell announced the arrival of a new customer.
Kagetora: “…”
Guest: “Hck, sorry…! Excuse me!”
In a panic, the customer shut the door and the bar momentarily fell silent.
Kagetora: “…why did that guy apologize?”
Fujime: “Probably because he felt like he was being threatened. Your scowl has an impressive impact Kagetora.”
Kagetora: “Wha…! You said I frightened those kids we passed earlier this afternoon too…”
Fujime unabashedly pointed out the situation and Kagetora’s slumped in his stool.
Alfred: “Don’t pay it any mind. To put it another way, I would say you have a dignified bearing.”
Martin: “That’s right, don’t let it get you down. I know, I’ll pour you some special top-shelf brandy.”
Martin broke the seal on an antique bottle.
The scent of fine alcohol drifted through the bar, and the prince’s evening continued on.
END