Drinking gatherings had two sides.
That was because their benefits and losses were clear. They were social occasions influenced not only by one’s alcohol tolerance, but also by numerous factors such as the gathering’s atmosphere. They did not always produce positive results.
What, then, if the person drinking across from you led the finest intelligence organization in the Empire?
This was certainly not a gathering held merely to deepen a friendship. No spears or swords were being used, but could it not fairly be regarded as a form of battle? In such a situation, the advantages and disadvantages of drinking were obvious.
The advantage was that it made secrets easier to hear.
The disadvantage was that it made secrets easier to divulge.
Naturally, I wanted to make the greatest possible use of the former.
That was the purpose of this gathering in the first place.
I sat here today as a creditor. I had fulfilled the condition, so it was time to receive my rightful share.
“What do you mean? ‘Flame Shadow’ is the long-cherished desire of every member of House Findleston…… Nothing could be better than Senior Neris being…