13
Gavin rode his motorcycle to a club, the one Faker had sent him the coordinates for.
It was 10 PM, yet the place was buzzing with youngsters partying, the music booming even outside.
‘Clubs these days, still blasting music this late.’ Gavin shook his head as he entered, only to be blocked by two bouncers.
“First time here, sir?”
“Yes.”
“Did someone recommend this place to you?”
“Yes, a friend of mine.
He’s inside.”
“Got it.
But we need to conduct a body check before you enter.
Hope you understand.”
“I understand.” Gavin raised his arms for the search, a routine check for weapons like knives or guns.
Despite Tear’s strict regulations on weapons, those with underworld connections still managed to obtain them.
The club’s security measures indicated it wasn’t just any party spot.
Once cleared, Gavin was allowed inside where the thumping dance music and lively crowd could make anyone’s insides dance.
Youthful patrons were either showing off their dance moves or clustering around, sipping drinks.
It was a place Gavin wasn’t really used to.
“Buddy!” Faker’s voice soon drew Gavin’s attention to a corner table surrounded by glowing, flushed women, transforming the usually somber president into a playboy.
With a sigh, Gavin approached and sat opposite Faker.
“Nelson!
Order more, we’re treating my friend tonight,” Faker told his secretary, who promptly arranged for additional drinks.
“Same old habits, hah?”
“Of course.” Faker then leaned in to kiss one of the women, causing her to squeal in surprise—a bold move not even Nelson, serving three years as his secretary, could believe.
‘The boss, once unwavering in his pursuit of a woman with a child, ignoring all others, where has that man gone?’ Nelson doubted internally, still convinced his boss was courting the Coford family’s young lady.
Faker’s rapid change was startling.
Faker had altered since venturing into the magical world.
From a dignified gentleman to a lively playboy, though obligated to act as Kariette’s shield, he portrayed interest only in the Coford family’s young lady.
But now her partner was back.
Why should Faker continue to play the watchdog role?
Let him take care of his woman himself.
Faker gulped down a bottle of whiskey in one go, causing the girls around him to exclaim in amazement, fueling the young president’s fervor.
He signaled Nelson to bring another bottle.
Gavin, observing his companion and swirling his own glass, remarked.
“Buddy, want another bottle?”
“I’m no longer impressed with the liquor here,” Gavin replied vaguely, implying that the human world’s liquor was no different from water to him.
Faker, swallowing hard, looked at his friend with hopeful eyes and asked.
“Friend, did you bring any liquor from there?”
“I did bring some.”
“Friend!
Since Eris was born, I’ve never missed bringing gifts to Kariette at least six times a month.
Whenever someone eyed Kariette lustfully at parties, I was there to teach them a lesson.
Whenever Eris was kidnapped, I—”
“Enough.
Maintain your decorum in front of your subordinate.
Look at your secretary’s face; it’s as if he’s questioning [Is this really my boss?]” Gavin pointed at Nelson.
Faker turned to his secretary, who coughed awkwardly, avoiding his boss’s gaze yet seemingly agreeing internally.
Since when was his boss the type to collect favors from the others?
Was the boss possessed by a ghost today?
Why had he changed so much?
‘Should I take my boss to chant at the temple now?’
“Friend, have a drink.”
“Ugh, it’s annoying,” Gavin stood up and pretended to fetch something from his bike, though he could easily conjure a drink right there using his magical abilities.
Reaching his motorcycle, Gavin shook his head in exasperation.
For exquisite liquor, his friend showed no shame, leaving Gavin speechless.
Though he mentioned bringing magical liquor, the quantity was minimal.
‘I brought only ten bottles; never thought I’d use the first so quickly.’ Using his key, Gavin unlocked his bike’s compartment and cast a spell to access an alternate dimension.
He retrieved a 300 ml bottle of beautiful amber liquid.
It was [mead] or perhaps better called honey wine, made from fermenting honey and water with fruits and spices, easily crafted but uniquely made from 100% magical world ingredients.
A single sip was divine.
Returning to the club with the mead, Gavin was stopped for a second security check and denied entry.
“Sir, our club does not allow outside beverages.”
Gavin arched an eyebrow in response.
‘Indeed, that’s true.
But why didn’t Faker warn us?’ Gavin turned back to his motorcycle and then entered the club again.
This time, he kept the mead in an alternate dimension.
Once inside the club successfully, he discreetly took it out, unseen by others.
As long as the two brawny bouncers outside didn’t suspect anything, there should be no problem.
Returning to the table, Gavin found not only Faker but another man deeply engaged in conversation with him.
As Gavin approached, Faker waved him over and introduced him.
“Mr.
Gabild.
This man, Gavin, is both a friend and a benefactor of mine, a true companion in times of need.
Here’s Mr.
Gabild, a friend of mine.”
“Ah, a pleasure to meet you, Mr.
Gavin,” Gabild stood up, greeted Gavin politely, and extended his hand.
Gavin, not one to refuse camaraderie, responded with a warm smile and shook hands.
“Pleased to meet you too, Mr.
Gabild.”
“Mr.
Faker, now that your friend is here, I should probably take my leave.”
“Wait a moment, Mr.
Gabild.
I’m about to share something excellent.
You’re a friend of mine, and I intend to share this great thing with my friends as well.”
“Oh, something excellent, is it?” Gabild became curious about what Faker referred to as ‘something great.’
“My dear friend,” Faker turned to Gavin with a smile.
Gavin, weary, pulled out the 300-milliliter bottle of mead, capturing Gabild’s attention instantly, especially Faker, who recognized it!
He had tasted it once before, and it had made him smack his lips.
“I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me!”
“Faker, I advise against opening it here.”
“Open it right here!
I want to introduce everyone to the fact that you are my friend.”
With a sigh, Gavin resigned himself and opened the bottle.
The aromatic and enticing scent of the mead spread through the air, momentarily pausing everyone’s thoughts as they turned to locate the source of the aroma.
“Ah, this is it, the good stuff,” Faker grinned broadly, inhaling the mead’s scent deeply.
Gabild, too, was captivated along with everyone else.
‘Such a delightful aroma,’ thought Gabild, impressed.
People glanced over at Faker’s table.
Knowing he couldn’t escape becoming the center of attention, Gavin slowly poured the mead into glasses with ice, including for Gabild, since Faker had hinted at it earlier.
Faker and Gabild lifted their glasses to examine the mead, and after taking a close whiff, they realized its outstanding quality.
They both drank, feeling a mild bitterness spread through their throats, hearts pounding and warmth flooding.
“Excellent!!!” Gabild exclaimed, overwhelmed by the irresistible allure of the mead.
He closed his eyes, savoring the moment, tears welling up at the corners.
The surrounding people exclaimed that this was crazy!
A nearly fifty-year-old man crying over a sip of mead?
“Mr.
Gavin!
I need another bottle of this mead, please sell it to me!
Price is no object,” Gabild turned to Gavin with a predatory look, as if he had found a large piece of meat and couldn’t resist seizing his prey.
“I’m sorry, Mr.
Gabild, but I only have a few bottles of this fine liquor left,” Gavin replied politely.
“Mr.
Gavin, please reconsider.
Or at least tell me where you got it from.”
“Mr.
Gabild,” Faker, who was savoring his mead, looked at Gabild with a disapproving gaze.
He couldn’t believe Gabild was being so impolite to his friend.
Although he understood since Gabild was also a renowned drinker, asking outright for the source was a bit too crude.
“I’m truly sorry.
I brewed this liquor myself.”
“Really!?
When will you make it again?
Please let me know.
I’d like to pre-order a bottle or, better yet, a case.”
“That won’t be possible now, and probably not for another year.
The ingredients for my liquor are quite special and very rare.
Sometimes, I can’t even find them all.”
“That’s alright!
Just remember me in the future when you brew again.
Ah, let me introduce myself once more.
I’m Gabild Jop, the manager of the Star Tower Auction House.
You can contact me directly anytime.” Gabild handed over his business card, which Gavin took without choice.
But Gavin was interested in Gabil’s work.
“What services does the Star Tower Auction House offer?”
“We represent auction consignors.
Anyone who wants to auction off their items can contact us to handle everything.
All our clients need to do is wait to collect their money.
We ensure the confidentiality of all our clients.
Mostly, we auction valuable antiques like musical instruments, paintings, vases, and of course, wine.”
“You auction wine too?”
“Yes!
We offer wine tastings before auctions start.
It’s our policy.
Not just wine, but also rare sauces and herbs, though the process is a bit more complicated than with antiques.”
“Interesting,” Gavin pocketed the card.
“Ah…
Mr.
Gavin, may I have another glass?
I must rush off to attend to my duties soon.” Gabild shook his head regretfully.
“That’s up to my friend here since he owns this bottle of mead,” Gavin deflected to Faker, who just shrugged.
“Mr.
Gabild, you owe me now.”
“Absolutely.
I’ll remember this favor for the wonderful thing you’ve shared with me,” Gabild thanked Faker, savoring his last glass of mead, trying to capture the splendid sensation for as long as possible before leaving.
People around were now curious about the mead Gavin brought.
“Who was that guy?”
“He’s Gabild, a serious drinker.”
“Wow, even a serious drinker reacted like that?
That liquor must be incredible.”
“Do they have such fantastic liquor here?”
“Ask Mr.
Faker.
Maybe it’s a secret club menu.”
Everyone knew the club didn’t allow outside drinks unless paid off to look the other way.
Yet, Gavin and Faker weren’t hiding anything, making no one suspect it was Gavin’s external liquor but possibly a secret order from the club.
“Friend, we should get going,”
“Alright, ladies, I’ll visit again,” Faker smiled at the women he was with and then walked out with Gavin, knowing the club would soon inquire about the mead.
“Shall we continue elsewhere?” Gavin asked.
“Let’s drink at my place until dawn.”
“Can’t.
I need to make breakfast for Eris tomorrow.”
“Heh, got a kid and forgot your friends.”
“Where’s your place?
I’ll drive.”
“No need.
Ride with me.”
“But I brought my motorcycle.”
“Nelson,” Faker turned to his secretary, sensing his unease.
“Drive Gavin’s motorcycle to my house.”
‘Boss!
I may be your secretary, but that doesn’t mean I have to serve you in everything.’
Nelson didn’t speak and just took the keys from Gavin, his shoulders slumped as he walked away.
Who made him a subordinate, after all?
Even if the boss ordered him to clean the toilets, he would have to do it.
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