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Chapter 15 – First Time Toast
The finalized magic contract became effective after signing it with blooded ink, Captain Dick and Vice-Captain Marlowe who represented the Black Iron Transport Corps initiated the contract as well. It has been decided that the potion delivery would occur at this room in two days.
As Mariela and Sieg prepared to head towards the first-floor dining room, Captain Dick tried to follow. Vice-Captain Marlowe prevented him from doing so as he asked, “Why are you trying to leave with them? We shouldn’t be leaving at the same time.”
Mariela sensed ‘a talk’ coming up and quickly exited the room with Sieg.
It was finally dinner time. Mariela wondered what would be on today’s menu.
Although the sun had just set and it was a little early for dinner, the cafeteria was still crowded like yesterday. Guests milled about but this time the members of the Black Iron Transport Corps were nowhere to be found.
Ms. Amber showed up and guided Mariela and Seig to the counter. Perhaps it was due to the night still being young, but she was wearing a stole over her red dress that accentuated her cleavage.
Today’s menu included a meat stew that used the meat of a cow-like demon and meat dumplings with vegetables covered in a demi-glace. When Mariela asked what kind of meat it was, Amber replied with a simple, “Ufufu.”
What kind of meat was that?
Mariela was concerned.
She ordered a serving of beef stew and meat dumplings for herself and Sieg.
Mariela figured she’d take the risk with the mystery meat dumplings.
“What would you like, Sieg? You can order whatever you want.”
He thought about it before ordering another serving of meat dumplings. How daring.
“Onii-chan, I mean, Mr. Sieg. I’m glad you’ve gotten better. Oh? Don’t you want to celebrate your good health~.”
Ms. Amber offered Sieg a drink while linking arms with him. When two arms were linked, two meat dumplings (her chest) were raised and her strap is likely to be displaced.  Oh my God! If the strap falls off, it’ll be even more attention-grabbing! Amber was doing a good job trying to seduce Sieg.
“No, it’s fine”
Sieg turned away from Amber’s temptation before glancing at Mariela.
(Oh~? Can Sieg really endure Amber’s attack?)
“Umm, Sieg, what about a single drink? I’d like to make a toast with you.”
Although his injuries had healed, Sieg’s physical strength was not great. However, Mariela didn’t think a single glass would be a problem and she thought a drink could help lighten the mood.
“Mariela-sama, I’m a slave. I should not even be allowed to sit at this table. Please, don’t make me do anything else
”
Sieg, seemingly troubled, interrupted.
By the way, Sieg did not speak smoothly. Mariela thought it was because he had not talked for a long time.
(I want to do something 
)
When Mariela bought Sieg, she, at first, just wanted to get information about the 200 years during which she had slept. However, she now realized she had gained a friend. She didn’t want to be his master; she wasn’t that type of person and it made her feel uneasy.
(He’s still under the slave contract, so it may be impossible for us to become true friends.)
Mariela gradually befriended the others, she thought it would be nice to get along even if only a little. So, the toast sounded like a good starting point. Mariela put her hand on Sieg’s shoulder and asked Amber to get the liquor for the toast.
“This will be our first time toasting. What’s good to toast with?”
Amber took some bottles from the other side of the counter.
(Yeah. I have no clue what those are.)
Mariela’s master drank frequently but she had never even tasted the alcohol.
“Which one looks good, Sieg?”
She realized this was a dumb question after she had asked it.
(Whoops. I can’t expect him to know which is better. He became a criminal slave after being a debt slave. I don’t think he ever had enough money to afford expensive liquor.)
“Mariela-sama, have you ever drunk alcohol before?”
However, when Sieg replied, his face was as calm as a lake.
“Eh? Umm
I have never drunk alcohol before
”
“Well, I recommend [Felis] or [Mellow Moskart], they are sweet and easy to drink,” Sieg said.
“Which do you like, Sieg?”
When asked, Sieg had a troubled face and answered, “[Felis] sounds good, I guess.”
“Hiiee! Nii-san, you really know best! I think I might start crying!” Amber tried to lighten the mood.
Mariela discovered a new side, Sieg. She just wanted to get along with everyone, but somehow ended up seeing Sieg’s cool side.
Then, she ordered a bottle of [Felis]; Ms. Amber opened the bottle and poured a glass.
It was a light peachy drink with bountiful bubbles.
“What are you guys toasting to? Let’s join too, Marlowe!!!”
Captain Dick joined, forcefully pulling Vice-Captain Marlowe to the table. With a bitter smile, Vice-Captain Marlowe received a glass.
The three of them raised their glasses and turned towards Mariela.
“This is to celebrate Sieg’s recovery, and for all of us meeting!”
Three people yelled, “Cheers!” after Mariela’s words and they all brought their glasses together.
Her first time drinking alcohol was sweet and easy, going down smoothly with a hint of wild strawberries.  After the toast, food was immediately brought out. It seemed to be a gift from the master; the dishes kept coming.
Sieg glanced at his glass before sipping, and slowly swished it in his mouth, indulging in the exquisite flavor. He didn’t swallow, rolling the liquid with his tongue. He relished the taste. Even though he had eaten plenty last night and this morning, he still reached for a fork with his right and began eating away at one of the meals set before him.
“Delicious
.”
Sieg murmured silently to himself. Sieg, who was still unaware of what meat was in his food, ate gratefully. Mariela thought about how interesting Sieg seemed. It was probably due to the alcohol that her heartbeat quickened and her face felt flushed.
(I’m sure it’s nothing
)
“This meat dumpling, what kind of meat is in it? Does it taste good?”
Mariela started to have doubts on her mind. This must be due to the alcohol. Her teacher once said that alcohol makes people honest.
Captain Dick said, “That stole suits you well,” and had his hand pinched by Amber when he tried to remove her stole. Is he acting this way due to the alcohol? No, it’s probably due to Amber’s seductiveness.
“Ah, what’s this!? Are you guys partying?! That’s unfair! I was stuck cleaning the wagon this entire time!”
Lynx had arrived.
Lynx gazed over the feast of beef stew, meat dumplings and vegetable demi-sauce It seemed like the food was saying, “Black, you’re black
.”
That’s probably just their imagination.
Ulrike who had been cleaning together (with Lynx), as well as Donnino and Franz who had repaired the armored carriages all, wore smiling faces.
“Uwaa, do you ever get full?”
Just like yesterday, Lynx ordered both meals.
The meat dumpling, a delicious combination of beef and orc meat, had delicious juices pouring out.
Sieg had quickly finished his meal, so Mariela offered him her remaining cattle-demon stew.
The stew’s meat was simmered so that it deliciously melted in one’s mouth without leaving an odor, but what was a cattle-demon? This might as well have been mystery meat.
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The party was a lot of fun.
She vaguely remembered Captain Dick tightly wrapped in Amber’s stole while Vice-Captain Marlowe was having a pleasant conversation with the inn’s master. Lynx and Ulrike were bickering while eating their food, and Donnino and Franz discussed armored carriages. Mariela will remember the sight of Sieg looking at her with a bright smile for years to come.
Later, Mariela did not remember when she returned to the room; the night was blurry.
However, because she had taken off her tunic and pants and had properly slept in bed, well, Mariela guessed that it had all been okay!
(My head hurts
)
Mariela woke up early.
While she was crafting a lower detoxification potion, Sieg awoke.
“Did I wake you up? Do you want some detoxification potion? It’s not designed to treat hangovers, but it will be somewhat effective.”
“No, I didn’t drink much.”
Sieg seemed to be OK. It was good that they had bought so many medicinal herbs. Mariela did not expect to find such usages for her large stock of herbs. She made the potion and drank it. The detoxification potion worked well, and the headache disappeared as if dissolved by the potion, but now Mariela wanted to use the toilet.
“I’m going to the bathroom.”
Mariela threw on her tunic and trousers in a hurry before rushing to the bathroom.
After finishing up, she went back up the stairs to return to her room. As she walked down the corridor, she saw the door to Captain Dick’s room quietly open and Amber step out into the hall.
Ms. Amber gazed back, probably at Captain Dick who was most likely still asleep in the room. Amber smiled gently. The faint light shining in through the small window was barely enough for Mariela to see Amber’s face, but it looked full of regret. Amber only stood there for a few seconds, but it felt as if time had stopped completely. Mariela could feel a slight pain as her chest tightened up.
In order to not wake Captain Dick, Amber quietly closed the door before noticing Mariela.
Smiling, she whispered, “It’s a little early for this. You should try to sleep a little longer,” and went down the stairs.
(Wh-
what’s that supposed to mean
.)
Mariela felt a mysterious thrill travel through her body at that train of thought.
By the time Mariela returned to their room, Sieg had gotten up. Mariela changed clothes and the duo made their beds.
“It’s a little early for this. You should try to sleep a little longer,” Mariela repeated the words that Ms. Amber had told her.
“I’m already wide awake,” Sieg responded with a broad smile.
Anyway, Mariela wanted a bath to refresh herself. Sieg said that yesterday he had bathed and slept properly.
“I’ll grab us some drinks,” Sieg said and left. A gentleman?
She nearly fell out of her seat while taking her bath.
If it’s not too much trouble, Mariela wondered if she could borrow a shovel and axe, since she wanted to go out to collect herbs today.
She didn’t want to keep Sieg waiting, so she washed quickly.
When she exited her bath, Sieg was in the hallway, politely not waiting in the room.
(After tomorrow’s transaction, it may be better to rent separate rooms with the money we receive. Better yet, we could find someplace else to live.)
They discussed the day’s schedule while she drank the tea that Sieg had brought her. The master hasn’t woken up. Mariela had heard that breakfast and lunch would be kept in a lunchbox on the counter. It seemed that there were a shovel and axe near the back door that she could borrow without asking. If that’s the case, they could leave as soon as the shops open.
Sieg brought out the bag he had prepared yesterday, containing some borrowed ingredients from the junk boxes. Some other items added to the bag were rock salt, mana stones, tobacco, hemp sacks wrapped in herbs, a few towels and the wooden cups from their room. Mariela’s pouch contained some money and a few miscellaneous items from the junk box. She had everything she’d need in case she had to make some emergency potions.
The sky brightened. Mariela grabbed a boxed lunch and left with the shovel and axe.
Today, she would collect the materials for potion bottles.