Hatsumi
...So I was quite troubled by that. I never expected such an opinion to come from Nikako either.

Lilja
But you didn't dislike it, did you? It's written on your face.

Hatsumi
Oh my, did I apply my makeup wrong? Next time I'll choose something a bit more suited to the stage.

Lilja
Not really... every color suits you...

Hatsumi
Even though we're finally alone together, you're cheating on me with the menu instead of looking at me.

Lilja
No. I was just reading the cocktail menu.

Hatsumi
Oh? I thought you wouldn't become a drinking companion for the sake of beauty.

Lilja
Apparently moderate amounts of alcohol are good for beauty too.

Hatsumi
That's news to me. I'm grateful for that theory.

Lilja
Someday I want to share drinks with you... so I'm thinking about which would be good. Alcohol is deeper than I imagined. There seem to be more varieties than hot springs.

Hatsumi
So that's why you were unsure. Presumptuous as it may be, as one who knows the taste of alcohol, I have some knowledge.

Lilja
Then, for example, what about this Martini?

Hatsumi
It's a cocktail made with gin as the base, mixed with vermouth. It's sometimes called the "King of Cocktails."

Hatsumi
The rich saltiness of the olive garnish is washed away by the dry Martini. Don't you think it's a fitting cocktail for occasions like this?

Lilja
I don't dislike how it's drunk. But I don't know the taste.

Lilja
...Ah, I've heard of this one called Gimlet. Ramo was frustrated that she couldn't drink it in Japan.

Hatsumi
That's the famous prop from "The Long Goodbye." It's made with gin and lime juice. But those who come from other countries must find the alcohol restrictions unfortunate.

Lilja
I don't see many people who enjoy it as much as you do though.

Lilja
Ramo said she used to drink beer when she was in Germany. That makes me a little envious.

Hatsumi
Then for Lilja's debut, how about a cocktail using aquavit? It's a famous drink from your homeland, right?

Lilja
You're knowledgeable. I wonder who taught you.

Hatsumi
Who knows. I've forgotten.

Lilja
...But I want to try a drink that represents myself. Hey, what kind of drink do you think suits me?

Hatsumi
Let's see... ...Red. Pure, unadulterated red wine.

Lilja
Not a cocktail?

Hatsumi
Right. I wanted to express purely your beauty alone. It's not about the wine color image, but deep crimson suits you well.

Lilja
That's surprising... but I somehow understand your image of a beautiful me. Though I don't think it's an exceptionally beautiful image.

Lilja
If you say red is beautiful, then try to woo me. If the beauty of wine you describe moves my heart, I'll consider it.

Hatsumi
I see. Even if I lecture about wine trivia, it won't reach Lilja's heart. Then I'll change my approach.

Hatsumi
The deep crimson wine that suits you... is Bordeaux.

Lilja
If it's wine, there are many production areas in Europe too. Why is Bordeaux good?

Hatsumi
Bordeaux is called the Port of the Moon.

Lilja
Does that mean it's wine made on the moon?

Hatsumi
Who knows. I've never been to either the moon or Bordeaux, but if you drink it there, you might understand its origin.

Hatsumi
I wonder how delicious and beautiful red wine tasted at the Port of the Moon would be.

Lilja
I see... Just as you say, it might be beautiful.

Hatsumi
Looks like I've won you over.

Lilja
That's still uncertain. I won't know until I try Bordeaux at the Port of the Moon.

Lilja
...Will you take me there someday? To the Port of the Moon. And let me play among the stars.

Hatsumi
Yes, of course. I'll take your hand and whisk you away to paradise.

Lilja
Sorry, but I'll shine in the galaxy.

Hatsumi
Heh, how steadfast. Well, it wouldn't be interesting if you fell easily.

Edit

Pub: 10 Oct 2025 14:23 UTC

Edit: 02 Nov 2025 19:27 UTC

Views: 9