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.