'Cocktail Potion' by Transworld Transfer Bartenders

"Huh?"

I thought I had a pitiful voice myself.

In such sentiments and backs, the dialogue of Neune is visibly repeated in my head.

"How long are you going to be here?"

Duh, I couldn't say anything. I didn't know what that meant. I couldn't see what Neune was trying to guess about me.

That's when I laugh like an occupational disease. When they say things they don't understand, they move to have a place without solidifying it. At least a little, I try to solve the stiff atmosphere.

Noine shook her head quietly at me like that.

"You shouldn't. I didn't have enough words."

"Oh, uh, so what does that mean?

Consciously move the facial expressions that are likely to harden if distracted.

Like you care about me like that, Neune got a calm look.

"It doesn't make any deep sense. Just a pure question."

"... doubtful"

A constant silence while waiting for Neune's words. In the kitchen you can hear the hustle and bustle of the Vermut family.

That's what Neune and I hear from afar, like outsiders.

"This house is a cozy place. Reminds me of when I lived with Talia. No, maybe we're having more fun than that."

"... then"

"But I'm leaving here one day. I have a purpose, because I can't live here forever."

Shortly after he said it was fun, Neune laughed heartily lonely.

Noine's purpose is to protect the inside of the elves she originally lived in. He didn't have the strength to defend himself, so he left the house in search of it.

And the 'gun' as one of those answers is nearing completion. If it's done, she'll take that power and go back inside.

That meant she was close when she left this house.

"Of course, that's my circumstance. Nevertheless, I want to ask you the same question"

I swallowed my spit. I was in shape.

I knew what Noine would ask me.

"What are you doing here"

Open your mouth.

"It's a cocktail..."

"Is spreading the cocktail a good idea?"

"─ Eh."

I couldn't snort.

Noine continued to patronize me so that I could take care of the problem.

"It will certainly be true that you want to spread the cocktail. But why? Is that the real heart?"

I know. Logic has already been put together.

I want one or more people to know about cocktails. I want you to have fun. Shh, falsehood does not exist in that pure thought. That's why I'm spreading cocktails to this country.

Then you can smile and return to Neune's words. You can spit it out to more people and just want them to enjoy the cocktail. That's all.

"It's good. If that's what you really think."

Noine urges me to discern my monologue like that.

Words that were all the way down my throat, pulled me in.

"... you just think about people. Put your own mind aside and prioritize people's smiles. I guess that's your creed as a bartender, and I respect that."

"... it"

"But I'm not impressed with wearing that mask to your heart as a person"

Really, Neune seemed to be able to read my mind.

And she says it's "pre-construction" with my earlier logic on "bartender's mask."

"The people in this house, they like you. So if you're worried, if you can't find the answer, you'll be watching over you."

"... is it annoying that I'm here forever?"

"No. Rather the other way around. If I can, I think I want you to stay forever. The Vermutts, the employees of the store, and the people who worked with you in this city. 'Cause, guys, I think I like you."

When they say it face to face, it's a little hard to snort. But if you convert that 'like' to 'wanted', you can be convinced.

Yeah, that's my responsibility, too. In this city, with a stronghold called Easy's, and I'm moving as a cocktail central figure.

For the city, I'm here.

So, here I am.

"Why don't you stop staring at people's complexions"

Again, Neune waits easily for the conclusion that he is about to consolidate.

"Please wait. You don't have to tell me until then, I have a responsibility in this city."

"That's what you were pushed to do as a bartender."

"Still, it will be adults who live up to that expectation"

I don't want to be irresponsible. I want to live up to expectations if I can.

That's my answer to starting a shop with Sui. I decided to support her dream next door.

But Neune frowned sadly.

"The others won't say it, so I'll just say it. You have the freedom to leave this city."

Noine's strong words hit me in the cheek.

Until now, that choice that didn't even rise to consciousness slapped me in the head with a gut.

"... I am"

"I don't know what you talked about with Sui or anyone else. But if you're serious about spreading your cocktail, you won't even stay in one place. Isn't this city enough already? Is there anything more you want in this city?"

I set up a store, spread from scratch, was recognized at a review meeting, and the results came out.

More disciples, more liqueurs, and the store went around without me.

Much remains to be done now, but it is also a matter of time.

The massive production of carbonated beverages will soon be over, as will the convenience of cocktails to those who wish.

When that happens, I...

"What do you think? Are you willing to leave this city for your purpose"

On the last question I was asked, I found out about my pre-construction brittleness.

I don't want to leave, not because I thought so.

Because I didn't know.

When that happened, I didn't know where to go.

As a pre construction or as a sincere matter, I couldn't decide the path I should take.

Vaguely, I'm just worried about what I should do to keep making more cocktails.

Should I leave or stay? There was no guiding principle in me to choose that answer.

"... I don't know"

How easy it is to list the big names.

When I got rid of it, a void with nothing really left was filling my chest.

That was something I talked to Mr. Oyaji about when I first came to this world.

My goal will soon be reached. And what will I do then?

The reality I sent ahead then is now approaching. But I still don't see the answer then.

Neune had been giving me such a pitiful grin the whole time.

"... then let's change the question. Do you like cocktails?"

"Huh? Yes."

It was an abrupt question, but I could honestly return the answer to you.

To me like that, Neune said, "You're a cocktail idiot," and then I went on.

"Now, let's call it a good time."

"... eh?

"Excuse me. I said something great. I'm not you, so I can't possibly even figure out your answer. I just wanted you to be irresponsible and aware of the choices you made earlier."

Her words broke off there.

But I felt I saw her true intentions in the silence that lay ahead.

Soon she'll leave here. So while I was there, I thought I'd talk to you about this.

That's brutal kindness. For my sake, I dared to give you the choice to torment me. I praised you for not having to think about it.

Close to me, and as the most natural person to say that. No, well, it's an elf.

"Excuse me. When I get older, I get stuck with the sermon smell"

"No, it's nice to meet you, sorry"

We both apologized to each other.

What was there was never an exchange that would deny each other. And yet we're heartbroken. The world is irrational.

Once again in my ears, the hustle and bustle of the Vermut family is returning far away. Neune also chose the tightening words while paying attention to his voice.

"To my mind, you must not live without a cocktail. That's who I am."

"Is that a compliment?

"I'm not complimenting you. Still, I say we should remember when we get lost"

Somehow, but I know. I can't turn away from it.

When I nodded back vigorously, Neune looked at me a little worried, then blushed.

"That's all."

And she also went towards the everyday appearance created by the Vermut family.

I grabbed my fist and stopped at the spot as I dropped him off.