"Give it a try," Ron suggested, pouring the glass and handing it to Esdeath. After taking a sip, Esdeath couldn't help but notice a glint of appreciation in her eyes. It surpassed the quality of the wine in her own world, with a rich cellar aroma and a pronounced flavor profile. Ron's promise held true – the sweetness and fullness of the wine did have a calming effect on her restless mood.
"Excellent wine," Esdeath admired, to which Ron responded with a smile, saying, "As long as you enjoy it." Changing the subject, he inquired, "Did General Esdeath just return from the expedition against the rebelion?"
Despite the strong scent of wine in the tavern, the faint smell of blood clung to Esdeath' body, subtly but noticeably present.
"Hmm," Esdeath nodded slightly, sighing softly. "I was on my way back to the imperial capital before coming here. However, the northern aliens you mentioned are too weak – they hardly deserve to be called men at all."
Taking another sip, her disappointment was evident. Esdeath had anticipated a challenging and exhilarating battle against the northern alien race, only to find them fragile and easily defeated. Even the once formidable prince of the foreign race, who had lost all dignity, ended up kneeling before Esdeath like a subservient dog.
"Men?" Ron questioned. "Consider who you're comparing them to. You're already the strongest in that world, not just among the northern aliens. I fear any man would pale in comparison to you."
Ron offered a wry smile and, after a brief hesitation, offered a vague reminder, "Consider how you want to live." Given the current timeline, it wouldn't be long before Esdeath returned to the Empire and faced the Night Raiders.
Up to two months remained before Esdeath would face a fate Ron wished to avoid. Not out of avarice for her body, but rather to retain a valuable patron for the tavern.
"Yeah," Esdeath agreed with a smile. "It seems I'll have to rely on your tavern for entertainment in the future."
However, Esdeath sensed something amiss after her statement. At that moment, Rayleigh leaned forward, posing a low-toned question, "How strong is this woman?"
"The old man made the right call by avoiding a fight earlier," Ron replied in a hushed tone. "Her strength isn't the issue now. The crucial part is that the woman beside you has devised an array of torture methods—piercing, stoning, burning, potting, poisonous flowers, body waxing, psychological torment, and more. Even seasoned test administrators are convinced."
Rayleigh shuddered at the revelation. Ron continued with a smile, "Oh, and not long ago, she buried 400,000 people alive."
This information left Rayleigh visibly shaken. Swiftly, he moved to the windowsill farthest from Esdeath, expressing a newfound fear. Comparisons to even Akainu's cruelty came to mind.
However, a wicked smile crossed Rayleigh's face as he asked, "Kid, do you appreciate this tune?"
Ron, amused, inquired, "Are you considering giving up on drinking in the future?"
Quickly humbled, Rayleigh bowed his head, admitting his attachment to the tonics.
Suddenly, Esdeath stood up, approached Ron with her sinuous legs, and perched on the bar. She questioned, "What did you mean just now, that I will die?"
Her voice quivered, not out of fear but exhilaration. There were numerous ways to meet one's end, yet Esdeath had chosen a singular option—dying in battle. It signified acknowledgment of someone stronger existing in her own world.
"Maybe," Ron responded composedly. "Nevertheless, be cautious. Mistakes are costly, and in the end, this is your life to navigate."
Initially, Ron contemplated saying more, but he refrained. Esdeath had met her demise due to a lack of caution and underestimating the enemy. A simple reminder seemed sufficient; given her character, she would undoubtedly confront any future adversary with unwavering determination.
"So, what you're really saying is to watch out for night attacks, right?" Esdeath remarked, her delicate cheek drawing nearer to Ron as she spoke. For a moment, everything before Ron's eyes transformed into a blanket of white snow, with Esdeath being the sole exception.
"Cough... I mean, that's your concern," Ron stammered, turning his head away in embarrassment.
Just as he finished speaking, Esdeath reached out and embraced Ron's head. Suddenly, Ron's vision darkened, replaced by a profound sense of suffocation and a soft touch.
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu."
Milky embrace?!
"Your reaction proves my guess was right," Esdeath noted, dismissing the muffled sounds emanating from Ron's arms. Undeterred, she continued, "Father, I won't perish. I'll carry your will in my heart."
During her youth, Esdeath returned from a solo hunt to discover her entire tribe obliterated by northern aliens. The expedition against these foreign tribes wasn't just an order; it was also an act of revenge. Her father's last words before departing echoed in her memory: "We are too weak. Try to survive, Esdeath!"
At that moment, Esdeath released Ron and gently caressed his cheek with her slender palm, expressing gratitude for his reminder. A warm, fragrant breath wafted onto Ron's face, creating a moment of ambiguous tension in the bar.
Just as Esdeath' hands were about to encircle Ron's neck, a lazy and mature female voice interjected, breaking the spell, "It's time to eat, Ron. Quit playing these little bondage games."
The uttered sentence held a peculiar power, causing Esdeath' hand movements to freeze. By the time she regained awareness, Ron had slipped away and was seated at the dining table, commencing his meal. Esdeath collected the chain, turning her gaze toward Lucoa, who was busy eating.
Did that woman really say that just now? Under that voice, not only was Esdeath momentarily immobilized, but even the Ice Teigu proved entirely ineffective.
"I really want to challenge her," Esdeath murmured in a low voice as she put away the chain.
As if on cue, the tavern doorbell chimed, and Shendu and Drago, father and son, entered with curses on their lips.
"Son, all I wanted was to give you a younger brother. What's wrong with that?!" Shendu roared in frustration.
Drago snorted coldly, "I'm afraid you'll die suddenly in bed. In return, hand over the Talisman and step aside!"
Esdeath turned to the commotion, and her eyes lit up, "Dragon?"
"And it talks!" she added, unsheathing her long sword. A sharp blade flashed, filling the tavern with a glint of danger.
Shendu and his son looked at each other in confusion, utterly baffled by the sudden turn of events.