As Hazuki approached the table, a cheerful merchant beastkin with sparkling eyes and an overly wide grin sprang forward.
"Oh, hello, Mr. Customer~!"
He said in a sing-song voice, already pouring a tiny glass of wine.
Hazuki immediately froze.
A cold sweat ran down his back.
"Ah... I have a bad feeling about this..." he muttered under his breath, slowing his steps.
Floating casually beside him, Ridan grinned like a devil about to set fire to a library.
"Just taste it," Ridan suggested smoothly.
"Nod politely. Complain it's not good. Then leave casually."
Hazuki's eye twitched.
"That sounds like a bad idea."
"Relax. Happens all the time. Besides, it's free."
Ridan winked, spinning a lazy circle in the air.
The beastkin merchant shoved the small glass into Hazuki's hand.
"Please, please, try! Only the finest local brew!"
Hazuki stared at the glass suspiciously.
The wine inside was a suspicious neon purple color, and it even seemed to bubble slightly.
