"... puppy"
It was the sweetness of the fruit that fell down his throat, and the spiciness of the alcohol that remained.
When I entrust myself to a feeling I haven't had in a long time, I feel my consciousness float.
Aware that I am in a good mood, I speak to the person sitting face to face.
"... hang out with alcohol, what a rare thing to say, Aoba?
"Yeah, well... I was just wondering if you'd like to see the fruit liquor made. Or because only Mr. Fernote seems to be able to drink it outside of me."
"I think Richelle's fine because she's a dark elf... but to the extent that she can have fruit liquor, that means she's staying here"
Surely today, was it just about thirty days?
I think it's a long stay, but I'm going to forget to stick around because I have a lot to do.
"Well, that's about as good as this. It's a prep period."
"I'm not going to swallow on the battlefield."
"By the way, this is easy to swallow. No tannins."
"It's not wine. The fruit is soaked with sugar and alcohol."
"Hmm......"
It's the first type of alcohol I've swallowed. Did she even devise it?
She's a forest queen named Sherwood, and she's going to get territory in exchange for ending this war.
It's gratifying to have someone with a clear interest. Because unless that interest shakes, there will be no betrayal.
More importantly, Aoba seems to know Algiers. Then you can trust me.
When I take another sip, I realize that it is an alcoholic beverage that is easy to drink but more intoxicating. It's not enough to swallow enough to call you a drunk, so let's keep it that much.
"Still, I can't believe we even have a hobby."
"These things are necessary for people to be like people. There are no humans in my woods... because there are many things with a heart and they are not so different from people"
"... yes"
Aoba's words echo Rin, meaning they are unshakeable.
I guess there's a reason she's so clear that she can take anything as hard as she can. Until I tried to dig that back, I didn't think.
That's what I mean if you ask me, but you don't tell me.
"Thanks to our mentors, we have a soothing atmosphere, but not everyone"
"That... would be no choice. Because some people have lost their homes and loved ones."
"Yeah, that's why I wanted to make alcohol, fruit, medicine, flowers so that I could remember how fun it was to be alone."
Shaking the glass, Aoba drinks up the booze in one breath.
"... Yep. It tastes good."
"You can swallow..."
"I mean, the circulatory function is too strong for Arlaune to get drunk. So I invited Mr. Fernote to see how strong the alcohol was."
... That's what I'm saying.
Convinced of the reason, look at the liquid left in the glass. Is it the color of the fruit or is it ruby red?
"Yamamomo, did you know that?
"I haven't heard much about it."
"Really? I'm an improved breed."
"Aha. You don't know that."
"No, I was wondering if there was already one in this world"
These tight spots make me think I look somewhat like Algiers.
Even with relatives, I'd be convinced, because I'm an Arlaune and a vampire, and I wouldn't have that.
"... Empire Hey"
I've been hearing a lot about names I miss lately.
When I was a knight, I was the one who collided many times. But I think the empire today is a lot more troublesome than it used to be.
To an iron ship flying in the sky, Hound Squad. And powerful artifacts in which artificial spirits dwell.
It is honestly surprising that all of them were brought about by one technician.
"Do you still remember?
"Right. Just a little bit, but it looks worse than it was in the Chivalry."
"... the house of Jiuyin is dangerous."
"You know what? I've never heard of it."
"... well, just a little bit. Rumor has it."
Has a name you've never heard of in your knighthood made you famous while you were hiding?
I was going to have the newspapers read indispensably, but still, if you leave the line, the latest information is something you won't get.
"Hmm... well, if it's about that airship, maybe five ships can crash."
"Now I hear words that I don't want to overhear..."
"'Cause no matter how you look at it, it was slow to move, and armed for interception was cannon, and magical features would just hide their existence, wouldn't they? Here's the thing from below, if you do it with Zdon in materialization."
"Zdon..."
Did I say something strange? At least I don't think it's as much trouble as breaking a mountain or wearing an obsidian.
I drink up the rest of the booze as I lean my neck against Aoba, who looks subtle. Now that the addition has been poured out immediately, let's not leave it open for a detour.
"... What will Aoba do when this battle is over?
"That's the death flag."
"Fluffy...?
"Oh, no. It's nothing. As the queen of Sherwood, would you take Mr. Alger to triumph?"
"What, are you willing to take Algiers!?
"Yeah, well... that's what I originally promised."
It was my first ear, so I was surprised.
"Mr. Alger has already tried a lot. And then in my woods, I want you to live a relaxing time."
"... you care a lot about that kid"
"That's already, long time ago"
The words spoken were so clear as to say even before birth that they were.
"What is Mr. Fernote going to do?
"I, uh..."
"It's my personal view, but I think if we get the war right, we'll be able to take charge as saviors."
"... ah"
Sure, I feel like I would if I were Your Majesty.
If I stay in the empire and stop the war, my name will be known. Then His Majesty will be glad to pull me back into the kingdom.
It's not that I don't like being a palace servant again, but it's also true that I don't want to stand out too much. Why, because I also enjoyed living in hiding.
"Could that face be what you just noticed?
"... Ugh, what do I do"
"Pfft. Do you want to come to my woods and disappear?
"Or I'll think about it..."
Aoba smiled pleasantly when she saw this one as she began to sweat cold enough to wake up drunk.
"... hehe"
"Hey, what is it? Make it look fun."
"No. He said he didn't think of anything other than winning."
"Of course."
I can't believe I thought about when I lost, that's all I'm running away from.
Because of the strong will to win, I can think about what lies ahead. When you win and survive, it's because you think strongly.
"Win exactly, end it... we're all going home, Aoba"
"Yeah. Sure. Then we'll swallow alcohol too."
"Huh. That's good, that"
Another thing of fun, it's increased.
I didn't think I didn't like it and I drank up the fruit liquor.