Chapter 56 - Being Sober is Tough
The group had pretty much finished all the food. They seemed to have finished the ale as well, and were chatting while drinking red wine. A slightly drunk Dwan then approached Gail while staring at him sharply.
"Kiddo, you made me drink something outrageous!"
Huh? Is he angry? I saw he was really enjoying it, though.
"You don't like it?"
"No, it's the opposite. But only you can make that fizzy ale right?"
I think anyone who can use magic could do it, but they probably wouldn't understand if I start talking about nitrogen and carbon dioxide, so I guess he is right.
"I guess so."
"So, what should I drink from now on? Tell me, after knowing that ale, what should I drink!?"
"You should just drink regular ale like usual."
*smack*
Dwan smacked Gail on the head.
"I-If you ferment the ale in a metal, airtight barrel instead of a wooden one, I think it will become fizzy, but since I've never made ale myself, I can't say for sure."
I don't really know how beer is made. I've heard of top fermentation, but I don't even know which is ale and which is lager. Maybe I should look for a brewer.
"Young Master, do you know of any snacks that go well with wine?"
"Dan, are you still going to eat?"
"You know, when I drink wine, I feel like eating a little something."
Hmm, something that would keep him occupied....
Maybe I should just serve that and let him help himself.
"Brick, are you drunk?"
Even if I want to make something, it will be difficult with this toddler body, so I need Brick to be my hands and feet.
"No, I'm fine!"
Brick only had a few drinks, apparently to make sure he didn't forget how to cook today's dishes.
"Okay, let's make one more dish."
The cabin was fairly bright thanks to a magic lamp that Dwan had brought. It was about as bright as if a bare light bulb were on.
"First, mix the flour into the milk...."
The process was almost the same as when he was making the base for the cream stew. He only needed to heat and stir the mixture until it thickened.
"Now, add the grated cheese. Keep stirring so the bottom doesn't burn."
However, a generous amount of cheese was used until it became gooey this time. Gail then told Brick to add white wine little by little for the flavor and to get the desired consistency. Lastly, Gail had him cut some breads, bacon, and other ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
"It's ready now. Let's move this pot to the barbecue grill outside to keep it warm."
"What is this called?"
"It's called cheese fondue. You can dip whatever ingredients you like into it."
"I see...."
"Hey, I brought something that goes well with wine. Put whatever you like on a skewer, grill it over the fire, then dip it into this before eating it. You eat too, Brick."
"Young Master, is this the cheese we bought before?"
"Yeah, it burns easily, so be careful."
"Wow! This is delicious!"
"Try grill the bread until it's crispy before dipping it!"
"Try the combination of potato and bacon. It's really good!"
Everyone started enjoying their respective favorite ingredients.
"I can't believe they're eating cheese fondue after eating all that."
Gail went somewhere after saying that.
It's like when I'm sober and arrive late to a second round of drinking party. It's hard to stay among them. Let's do what I want to do since it looks like I will be staying the night here, after all.
Gail created a ladder to climb up to the roof of the cabin with magic. He then created a bathtub and started filling it with hot water until it was about 80% full.
Magic is really convenient, isn't it?
Gail took off his clothes and got into the bathtub.
*splash*
"That hits the spot...."
Open-air bath is the best. The moonlight also sets the mood.
Gail let out an inarticulate 'ahhh' like and old man as he enjoyed the bath. From below, he could hear familiar laughter, like 'gahaha' and 'kakaka'.
It's turned into just a drinking party, but I'm really glad everyone is having a good time.
"Young Master! Young Master, where are you?"
Hmm? Misha is climbing the stairs. How did she even notice the stairs that weren't there before in this darkness?
"Oh, Young Master is taking a bath alone in a place like this. That's so sneaky~!"
Misha approached Gail while giggling.
Hmm, something seems off about her....
The moment Gail thought so, Misha suddenly started taking off her clothes.
"H-Hey, Misha, don't take your clothes off!"
"I want to take a bath too~!"
Misha got into the bathtub while giggling.
Did she drink alcohol? I don't know if she mistook grape juice for wine or drank it on purpose, but she's definitely drunk.
"When Young Master was a baby, I often bathed you~!"
Yeah, I remember that even if I don't want to.
"You are already an adult, Misha. Don't take off your clothes in front of other people."
"It’s a common sense to take off your clothes when you take a bath~!"
I can't get through to her.
"I liked when Young Master was all smooth, but the feel of this shaved head is irresistible too~!"
Misha hugged Gail from behind in the bath and ruffled his head.
It’s no use. You can't reason with a drunk person. Let's get out of the bath before someone comes.
Gail got out of the bathtub, dry himself with wind magic, then put on his clothes after casting a clean spell on them and Misha's.
I don't want to put on dirty clothes after just taking a bath.
"Misha, let's go back. Here, put your clothes on!"
Misha kept mumbling something and didn't even try to put her clothes on.
Ah, geez! I never thought I’d have to help a girl of this age put on her underwear. The good thing is it's dark in here.
"Now, raise your arms in a cheer."
Gail helped Misha put her clothes on, one by one.
Finally got her dressed. I'm glad no one came. But it’s too dangerous to let her go down the stairs in her current state.
Gail used magic to levitate Misha's body and carried her down the stairs.
Hmm, she's surprisingly heavy. I wonder how much meat she's eaten.
Gail then carried Misha into the hut.
There's no blanket or anything, what should I do? I'm afraid she will catch a cold if I let her sleep on the bare floor.
"Here, please use this. How about let her sleep on the table?"
Dan gave Gail a blanket.
He's surprisingly attentive. I wonder if he saw me and Misha in the bath.
"Thanks. Misha's sleeping now, so I'm going to sleep too. I'll leave the rest to you."
Gail drifted off as Misha ruffled his hair and giggled in her sleep.