MCB Chapter 15

d3a5a88994bb958b

Chapter 150dd70708393a03d7

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The duke drank the 2b6a66e9ab Pink Lady in one d2bdca67bd continuous gulp until the 27950a8687 glass was drained.961dc0929b54a9a5

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I swallowed nervously. Despite my intention of ca489bc036 a small revenge, I 18be4785c0 had put considerable effort fc05408198 into making the cocktail.e08daa57b1257eaf

“Now that I look at it, this color. It matches your hair perfectly.”01608ddf73cd8ba3

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Clank. The duke set down the 8203edaf9b empty glass on the table. I nodded.2ef1318428cab048

“Do not be deceived by its gentle hue—it packs quite a potent punch.”070cac5c8196f137

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His azure eyes stared 25ad2648d8 straight at me.480df2a1dc5ae3f1

“Amusing. I like it.”a63efb7a305698ee

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“Thank you.”48fc6b13474a4f94

Seeing his satisfied expression, e0c3f1e6b3 I instinctively straightened up.9b9e583c3b1b7314

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Should I offer him another drink right away? Maybe suggest a cocktail that resembles him for the second round…c60d759a39a0da5a

“Not just this cocktail, but you as well.”ec6b1d3c966239b3

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I hesitated. What did he 7f40370bcb mean by that?d21a5b191ff5be18

His expression was quite serious, suggesting it wasn’t just casual flirting. Ah, could it be that…d95fe43f157c1280

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“It’s sudden, but would you consider becoming the bartender at my estate?”af5b43babc2817c4

As expected, a recruitment offer.f5ffffd50eff01bd

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This wasn’t the first time I’d received such an offer. Instead of feeling flustered, I found it intriguing.d58d20e86c953c2e

If I accepted 076efd52b1 straight away, it 0ec439c18b would undervalue my 7b13dab51a worth. I should play 57b6809326 a bit of 2af51bb087 hard-to-get.0b8d2f32ab1dfb34

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“I don’t want to be a bartender for just one person.”dc6509df04ca2f2e

I responded quite convincingly. If he were serious, he would make a better offer. If not, he wasn’t worth my time.62817cdff4f73a50

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“I will make sure the conditions are favorable.”0a38b435b5948fec

So, how much?147640be3ed94fea

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Specifically, the annual salary, 27652c0807 working hours and holidays 647bdd96a9 should be laid out.9dc883387a11ba8c

“If you put it that way, I’m willing to hear your offer out of respect.”4a56c81d68d89edf

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“Then how about ■■■■ on the condition of residing at my estate?”95639695fa76f09b

Huh?a7165197c72b9c25

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What was that just now? Did some artificial noise 834cfe22d4 interfere when he stated c7b9323d4a the amount?0919ccc612bab2f6

Wow, really, system? That’s crossing a line, isn’t it?6b1f79461165a811

“Ah, sorry. I didn’t quite catch that properly…”55d6be79a9b27614

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“Yes, I was thinking around ■■■■.”0f34e901f6cc0812

Damn system. It’s not even allowing a job change.b06fb9d7adcd3e3f

Come to think of it, as the duke’s personal bartender, I probably couldn’t waste time like I do now. I was genuinely tempted, but my motivation fizzled out just as quickly.37a41e78328e5f42

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Perhaps sensing my cooled expression, 9b277b480d the duke stared intently before d230343bb9 speaking again.e6b7942c2985ce97

“If it’s inadequate, we can negotiate…”ce5ee7bf5650c64a

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“Let me think it over.”9d6fbdc1e9046d66

“Very well. Take your time.”8b073ffeaf19f9bc

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He left room for further 11922efd4f negotiations, just in case.599521ce058435bd

“Then we shall get to know each other gradually. To start, my name is Johannes. You may call me Johan for short.”aae4226d2498aaad

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“Sir Johan…Yes, it’s a wonderful name.”9c4e8b6be4e58233

“And yours?”4f0e05b4ca9c9dc0

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Johan smiled gently f100268da2 at me as 2f6d0c62be he asked for 7cd0400720 my name.36e472e653f9fe3f

“I’m Sena Lee. Please call me Sena.”a3e97d4dc90efeb3

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“I’ll remember that, Miss Sena.”23933af339b4a100

Johan ordered a couple c48babcf6e more cocktails after that.8c559e843352e4aa

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Indeed, the numbers c65890165a were on a dbc4a9a35b different level compared 8b5852c292 to other customers. The enormous amount of coins ff7d1c2f41 made me feel euphoric. Were my eyes turning into 6b90384bbc dollar signs?c60c3c44c48a0680

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‘Speaking of being a hidden gem that may disappear…’74df02881767ed3f

Still, being described as a ‘hidden gem’ counts as praise, right?59d299ab1c40e25f

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As Johan turned 7eb4d0d365 to leave, I e38c6b96b5 mustered all my e7ec53777e remaining energy to d03323a27e vigorously wave goodbye.ee0f81097e4c9bb8

“I hope you become a regular.”81a420743935a94e

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Just as I beamed with 32f09f21d6 my now well-lined pockets, the e6688bb753 door opened again.6538cafefce7a239

Could it be another customer? Setting a new daily 18f9d8b137 record with six groups 7b6c08b7fe in one day?4bec2cba0886d85b

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“Ha! Didn’t I tell you this was the place? You never listen to me.”3c4ee237d21c8b28

I turned towards 565ee303b3 that familiar voice 607a9f0d0d to see a 2c2944924c large crane enter 67e45bd9aa my view.b04a01bb573b7f7f

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‘Ah, the crane customer!’6d301acec25dd5ad

But he wasn’t alone this time.530f3553c131d8d2

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“Everywhere you recommend is the same old nonsense.”dafeeec75f85fffd

A fox who followed in 3aa03ccd42 snapped back gruffly.c4a739d2da6bf618

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‘Huh? This combination…’bdcadff653f4d807

The Fox and the Crane?de2245a975e4c93f

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The classic fable 8d10e4b4e6 where one invites 0266d389dd the other for 92d2fdbb0a a meal, but e478ac740e serves the food 5fcbe4cef0 in vessels only 5ca38ba2ad convenient for themselves, 1e9107a251 leading to bickering.ea5e2d82f61c0c50

“What are you doing? In a place like this, you should sit at the bar!”0ce7729c39c3c454

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“Why bother? The table seats are the best, aren’t they?”dddaeffbed1a3e84

As expected, they 7bf421bea6 had already started 0e38041b4d quarreling.cd7be299b7040abb

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‘It hasn’t even been that long since they arrived.’067e628015e4bec8

If they get into a drunken scuffle, it’ll be a major incident.4c931865bf6f073e

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Perhaps sensing my f23f2fde6d troubled expression, the a369a14e58 crane cleared his 26fd9e6923 throat pointedly at 483a95e1f2 the fox.9771fed25a5a13c1

“Since our opinions differ, there’s only one way to settle this.”ddbb4ccf954cbab2

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“Fine. Heads, we sit at the table. Tails, we sit at the bar. Here goes…”a08b84bc92d50e19

The fox flipped a coin. Their eyes followed the coin 5c987289fb as it landed on the a9db00fb55 floor, showing tails.935cee58fcfe744a

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“Damn it! What trick did you pull on my coin?”3bae79632eee63b6

“Ah, that’s your specialty.”8f9b2058700fdad1

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Even with the outcome decided, 31523748d0 their ruckus showed no signs 6bcc736154 of subsiding. I tactfully set a08c48d81e a fruit platter 0fed936d07 before the crane. Grumbling, the fox took a 615f9ed6ef seat beside the crane.b92a77831141a7f6

“May I take your order?”df8b34f5972e4f42

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I swiftly tried 9c01f7205c to get their 557cb90ca3 orders while the 1fcc922123 brief lull lasted, ea21faf0e5 knowing another argument 2a409fb427 could erupt anytime.a9fd3e3e98c64841

“Please provide me with an elegant cocktail that suits me.”3fa7d735a18f147c

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“For me, something strong and intense! Seriously, an ‘elegant’ drink? Ha! Alcohol is meant to get you drunk.”376c62c6745f7894

“Are you done talking?”15c133fdff856af4

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“No! I haven’t even started. Why?”c2a14db55486f4ef

…It was wise to take their order first.8ab993a9a52f330c

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I slipped away 5c0eb72264 from the chaos 09753b6fdb and began preparing 39f6627c7d their drinks.32a05897e3d3f21b

I freshly squeezed an orange 6be6220162 and filled the glass with 580150b552 champagne to complete the cocktail.3ceccbdf84bf7c6b

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“Excuse me. I’ll prepare a ‘Mimosa’ for you.”1c32fcf51b72c598

“Oh.”dc0f6af9c8a6b1c5

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The crane dipped its beak a1cff37277 into the tall glass of 12c4165e5d Mimosa.03353bea581c4821

“Refreshing and delicious. A perfect 100 out of 100 points. Wonderfully zesty! And this color.”700e8707053d538d

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The crane swirled the glass 7900d5e525 with its wing, making the f21bbc8f9f bright yellow liquid inside shimmer b4295c509a like a spring day.ed611be71be05c04

“It’s as if spring itself is captured within. I can envision a meadow blanketed in cheerful yellow blooms.”e1db28ffd1a72b80

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“That’s why this cocktail is called a Mimosa. Just like the cute, yellow flower.”9265ea79d9399dc3

I explained with a smile 6d92e8e81d before swiftly moving to the ecbaea9d74 next drink, as the fox d91a81aea7 had glared at me for ae24f0017e serving the crane first.1822f7940f12c3df

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Clink!402bdf217792be87

I added ice, cognac, and 8e179afbb7 mint liqueur to the shaker 9168f406e1 and shook it vigorously.dd1127811aa4cb7b

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Once properly mixed, 9fd1d4eb5e I strained it 2844a457c3 into a glass 3462a25303 and garnished it 7af3a08909 with mint leaves.65a75d820efba319

“Here is the ‘Stinger’ for you.”e81f84dd8347a4bd

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“Hmmm. This is supposed to be strong and intense?”a53595b45d51cd15

“Give it a try.”6aa8b4f5fed69df5

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I smiled brightly at the d6bb26c2c8 fox who was tapping the 2aba694e30 glass skeptically. Perhaps piqued by my 05e2825a89 confident demeanor, he downed 8b043deae0 the glass in one c1781cb7d9 gulp.64a96212e1529bd7

‘Ah, if he chugs it like that…’935f79e45688ff00

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But before I could warn 13c62397f2 him, half the drink was d5079ee4c8 already gone.f23bd87df4c34aa9

“Kkuhek!”b5f063a5a1e97959

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The fox broke 04269e602a into a coughing 7897b352de fit, clutching his 1826e59d10 throat. I quickly offered him 7362d23bb5 some warm water.0df6febebd927ed2

“Phew…I’ll live.”c77e6c5c34815974

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After gulping down the 101bbb3a71 water, the fox slumped c435211968 over the bar counter.038307b950926ade

“Crazy strong stuff.”849473741020b6d2

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“How is it? Strong and intense, right?”61604802b01b2ee7

I shrugged.ad59b2a70d3a2f4e

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“Like a burning sensation searing my throat?”16405dbf5e87f048

“That’s why it’s called a Stinger.”49feb7a8dfd40efd

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It’s a cocktail with an alluringly sharp, invigorating kick.e365deb1923fd084

“Well, serves you right. Making such a fuss over one measly drink.”0021c113ee8d22c9

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“Dammit…Wait? Ah, I see now. You and the bartender must be in cahoots!”5b72841e26d23ff0

“Hah! I didn’t expect you to be this dull-witted. That absurd order was your own doing.”00f3d469e4cb96ef

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Watching them bicker 9e43feec9e relentlessly, not wanting c6038ed5cd to back down, 97ffdcfa7a drew unbidden chuckles bdab5b3673 from me.a9ec6e47a1a79bfd

“You two really are close friends, aren’t you?”6b4a0a8db7bf663e

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At those words, their 9776e3869b eyes widened in unison.8016cad87257cf3f

It reminded me of the ‘Fox and Crane’ fable I read as a child. I read that book until it was worn out, finding it so amusing back then.19a582b439f5653a

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‘I wonder why. Was it amusing because they took turns being unable to eat?’7e640a5f58404ba0

I didn’t know. I couldn’t even remember if they ended up amicably sharing a meal or not in the end.1e0dbbaa695d6b61

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At the time, I simply thought them an amusing odd couple. But seeing them up close now, they’re just bickering friends.e0cef2a2674e2741

“Listen here, bartender. This idiot and I have been sworn enemies for hundreds of years.”bc3f0253df52ba10

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“That’s right! Ever since this moron invited me over for dinner but served the food on a flat plate.”6a276fb9b181de38

The fox and 696a6d26d0 crane raised their 0e31b3a0ea voices, as if 55a2a4d934 to emphasize their 69dbce77bf point.d8d7fd2382e37742

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‘If you were truly enemies for hundreds of years, you would have gone for each other’s throats long ago instead of bickering.’4734b2bcd28f269b

Saying that would just 1a4aa9888a trigger another round of 5e2ffa0c22 bickering.34618e7476db460f

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Instead, I decided 6bcf2a20f0 to speak as 74729d29ef a bartender through b5829541f0 my cocktails.233fa9d4a06e3ba8

“I just thought of the perfect cocktail for the two of you.”83b3ec013886c94b

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⋆｡‧˚ʚ Translator Note ɞ˚‧｡⋆112ef1e04b1d41d1

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The Mimosacocktail is a refreshing and d713913f71 popular drink typically enjoyed during ff44c6a636 brunch. It is made f1d218e73d by combining equal be8057a34d parts of champagne 4f8a24f6b6 (or other sparkling 13fd36dc4c wine) and chilled e8afd6945a citrus juice, usually 30ec5292df orange juice. This cocktail is known for 4820c901d4 its light, bubbly texture and da60647b8c fruity flavor, making it a 8b7163ce53 delightful and celebratory beverage. The Mimosa is simple 9822f68a7d to prepare and often 3823133fc6 garnished with a slice 2efcb670d3 of orange or a 6c570c1ac4 twist of citrus peel. Its easy preparation and elegant e3d7762b97 presentation have made it a e24f3e4464 staple at celebrations, brunches, and 20c0ce31c6 special occasions.ad5173c854c1c7f2

The Stingercocktail is a b489ab69b5 classic drink known 3b97187c05 for its simplicity ae5d7cc21b and bold flavor. It typically consists of just 2a184a17b2 two ingredients: brandy and white 937e32e6b9 crème de menthe.
The Stinger is also known for its strong, minty flavor from the crème de menthe, balanced by the warmth of the brandy. It’s a timeless cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades and remains a favorite among those who appreciate its straightforward yet satisfying taste.a666b81a26c5fc94

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