Bargains and Beasts ( 152 )

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.