by Tamryn Tamer
“What is it?” Iris eyed the drink nervously. “Jasmine seemed to think it was really strong.”
“Try it,” Frost said. “I want to see if you like it.”
“If you don’t I will,” Zinnia said while staring eagerly at the drink.
“No! It’s mine!” Iris said while grabbing the glass. She cautiously took a sip and smiled. “This is really good!”
“I thought you’d like it,” Frost said as he began mixing other drinks.
Nivara didn’t have the same ingredients that existed in his own world but there were plenty that were close enough. Syrup was syrup regardless of the world and citrus was citrus.
Since Pluma didn’t have stronger alcohol he was normally stuck with wine in the village but Goldsail had actual liquor, although it wasn’t great quality. He would have killed for a quality whiskey or vodka but it clearly wasn’t going to happen. Fortunately, that was the exact reason that cocktails existed. You take cheap shitty alcohol and turn it into something delicious. Deal with the hangover in the morning.
Frost checked his abilities and noticed various drink recipes popping up under cooking as his experience in cooking gradually increased. With every drink he made, he was earning points and mastering recipes making it even more fun. He stifled a laugh as he made a make-shift whiskey sour using the god-awful brown liquor and slid it over to Madam Gardenia.
“Hm,” Madam Gardenia smiled as she sipped the drink. “It’s nice. Although I think I’m going to stick to my wine.”
After a couple minutes a curious Florenne bartender came over to the table. The grey-eared bunny woman peaked over his shoulder as he mixed a cocktail using the brown liquor along with some syrups and herbs, sipping it to check the flavor as he mixed.
“My lord, might I ask what you are doing?” the bartender asked while staring at the table.
“I’m making some cocktails,” Frost said. “Oh, maybe you have your own that you make. I didn’t even think to ask since none of the taverns I’ve been to have had them so far.”
“Normally customers just order their drinks,” the woman said. “But you look like an alchemist at work.”
“Alchemist,” Frost said as he quickly sorted through his abilities. He checked cooking but never thought to check alchemy. Sure enough, with every cocktail he mixed his points in alchemy increased. He suddenly realized why Hestia was such a good baker. There was likely a crossover between the crafting abilities. “I suppose it is a sort of alchemy.”
“A delicious sort of alchemy,” Jasmine said while downing one of the combinations of sugars, syrups, and whiskey. “That stuff tasted awful before but now it’s delicious.”
“It really is,” Erena said as she drank pseudo whiskey-sour he’d mixed for Madam Gardenia. “You are full of surprises Lord Sebastian.”
“I see,” the woman said with a nervous grin. “Would you mind if I watched you my lord?”
“I’m fine with it,” Frost said, he paused and smiled at the bunny-eared woman. “But keep in mind these can get very dangerous.”
“Dangerous?” the woman asked. “how so?”
“You’ll see before the end of the night,” Frost chuckled as he watched Jasmine gulp down one of the cocktails. “Hopefully those appetizers get here soon.”
“And you need to keep yourself under control,” Madam Gardenia said while glaring at the bottles of alcohol. “It’s fine to have fun but you have an important meeting tomorrow.”
“Right,” Frost said. “What time?”
“Not until the afternoon but it’ll take us about an hour to get there and I’m sure you’ll want to bathe and get ready,” she said. “And it’s important for you to make a good impression since they didn’t even want to take the meeting.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Frost asked.
“I was never really a valued member of my company,” Madam Gardenia said while sipping her wine. “Kina are typically tolerated for our business savvy and the luck we bring but tolerated is not the same as liked. The new master of the company is also being pressured to eliminate all demihuman members and since he was only recently appointed, he needs to keep the members happy. I’m not entirely sure where he stands. He didn’t rescind my membership but he did significantly increase my yearly dues as if to drive me out that way.”
“I see,” Frost said. “So, you’re saying that you don’t anticipate this meeting will go well then?”
“I feel that since you’re my associate they’ll attempt to deny you membership,” Madam Gardenia said. “They didn’t even want to take the meeting. I was forced to mention that you have connections with Zira’s royal family to secure it. I’m sorry about that.”
“Ha,” Frost laughed. “Okay, I suppose you had to say what you had to say to get the meeting. I’ll just have to work with it. But we should probably prepare for what’ll happen if I don’t get the agreement.”
“Have you considered other companies?” Erena asked. “You don’t have to join the Black Crown. You only need to join a company with approval for international trade. If you had enough rel you could even purchase one.”
“I’m not about to buy a company just so I can…” Frost paused as he thought about the prophet. “We need to focus on our primary objective. If I’m able to get a permit that allows me to trade with Nir that’s a bonus.”
“Well, in the event things fall through, there are least a dozen companies that would be willing to take you in,” Erena said.
“Are you trying to suggest the Swiftwing Company?” Madam Gardenia asked while glaring at the white-tailed Kina.
“No,” Erena said. “I mean, I was trying to get in their good graces but obviously that didn’t work out. I’m just pointing out that there are smaller ones that still do trade with Zira such as the Raging Boar or Emerald Star. I even heard that several Kina that were removed from their old companies found homes there.”
“It’s an idea,” Madam Gardenia sighed. “But it’d be difficult to set up those meetings and get approval before his permit expires.”
“It’ll all depend on what Mitty finds out,” Frost said. “If she finds what we’re looking for then we can always find another way to acquire it before we leave.”
“I suppose that’s also a plan,” Madam Gardenia said.
“Make me another,” Jasmine said while sliding her glass in front of Frost. The beautiful orange-haired Myrran’s eyes glowed like she was prowling for prey.
“Let’s wait until some food is in you first,” Frost said while smiling at the woman. “Once you’ve had a bit to eat, I’ll be happy to feed you as many drinks as you want.”
It wasn’t long before the food was delivered and the group started to devour everything in sight. The appetizers were better than the food he’d eaten at the high-end restaurants in Blackwater. As he tried food from different plates, he realized that the reason for the quality difference was the spices.
Frost began scanning the different foods, committing anything he didn’t recognize to memory for later usage. If he could grow some of those spices, he could make a fortune. More importantly, he could massively increase the quality of food in his village.
“So good,” Zinnia said as she devoured a rack of ribs, dipping the meat in a variety of spicy sauces. “Heral…Lord Sebastian we definitely need to get these recipes!”
“She’s right,” Jasmine said, washing down a mouthful of fish with a cocktail. “All of the recipes!”
“I’m making a note,” Frost said. “I have an idea of what we need to match the quality.”
“You’re so smart,” Iris said, smiling at him adoringly. “We can always count on our master for anything!”
“He really is the best master!” Zinnia said, raising her glass. “To master!”
“To master!” the other two said as they guzzled down their drinks.
“These three are certainly energetic,” Madam Gardenia said as she nibbled on her food.
“Very,” Erena nodded in agre
ement while doing the same.
Frost tried not to laugh as he stared at the two Kina. Their behavior was remarkably similar at times and he wondered what an entire village of them was like. He definitely wanted to return to Goldsail at some point and explore those Kina-controlled islands.
“Maybe cocktails were a bad idea,” Frost chuckled as he watched the beastwomen devour their drinks. “I’m getting a bit worried about those three.”
After a while of eating, drinking, and joking his worries were confirmed as Jasmine and the others tried to drag him out onto the dancefloor. Unfortunately, having finished over half a bottle of liquor on his own, he no longer had the inhibitions necessary to resist the beautiful women.
It was definitely a spectacle as the other demihumans in the restaurant watched Frost alternate between women as the bards alternated between songs. Whether they played slow melodies or fast upbeat music, the women continually wanted to dance.
Frost would grab Jasmine and perform a few quick steps before swapping to Iris. The gorgeous bunny-eared woman wrapped one of her long legs around his as she leaned back, her chest nearly popping out of her dress as he dipped her. The moment that Frost released Iris, Zinnia was in front of him begging to be twirled for the tenth time.
After several songs Frost found himself glancing at Madam Gardenia and Erena. The two women appeared to be getting along surprisingly well as they conversed and based on their expressions, they were scheming.
Madam Gardenia’s beautiful crimson tails swayed back and forth like the pendulum of a clock while Erena’s elegant white tails undulated like waves in the ocean, drawing his attention. The women eventually rose from their seats, smiling as they stared at him.
Madam Gardenia stopped a waitress and whispered something in the woman’s ear while handing her a few rel. The woman nodded and scurried off as Madam Gardenia and Erena came to join him on the dance floor.
“May we cut in?” Madam Gardenia asked with an impish smile.
“You’re not going to let go of him once you have your claws on him you greedy fox,” Jasmine said while latching onto Frost’s arm.
“Jasmine,” Madam Gardenia smirked as she ran her hand down the orange-haired Myrran’s shoulder. She slowly slid her hand downward, running it along Jasmine’s back before eventually finding her athletic ass. “I’m flattered that such a young firm Myrran would be so intimidated by my beauty.”
“I’m not intimidated,” Jasmine said as her face turned red with embarrassment. “But Hera…”
“Lord Sebastian,” Madam Gardenia corrected.
“Lord Sebastian spoils you and it’s our turn to be spoiled!” Jasmine said bitterly.
“Greedy fox,” Iris pouted while grabbing Frost’s arm. “We’re the ones that moved to live by him! You still live in Blackwater and you get more attention!”
“Yeah,” Zinnia said while hugging Frost.
“You’re right,” Erena said, gracefully stepping toward them. She glanced up at Frost and smiled as she pressed her hand against his chest, sliding it upward and grabbing his shoulder. “We are very, very, greedy foxes. But you girls are much greedier, aren’t you? You had him all day but you won’t even allow us a few dances?”
“What do you think you’re doing Periwinkle?” Jasmine asked while glaring at the white-haired Kina. “Lord Sebastian belongs to Madam Gardenia.”
“It’s just a few dances,” Erena said playfully. “You have nothing to worry about kitten. We’ll return him in one piece.”
“Just a few dances,” Madam Gardenia said, while gently pushing Jasmine aside. “Nothing to worry about. We were just talking and thought it might be fun to show Lord Sebastian some of our dances.”
“You’re trying to seduce him,” Jasmine said accusingly. “I’ve seen how Kina dance!”
“It’s fine,” Madam Gardenia said. “Just take a break.”
“I could use another drink,” Zinnia said while looking at the table.
“Oh!” Iris glanced at a cart of cakes being rolled out from the kitchen. “Can we order dessert? Can we? Can we?”
“Whatever you want,” Frost said while giving the white-haired Florenne’s ass a playful smack. “We’re supposed to be having a fun night out.”
“Yay!” Iris said.
“Well I’m going to order the most expensive dessert they have!” Jasmine said spitefully. “So be ready for it!”
“No problem,” Frost chuckled as the three returned to the table and quickly grabbed their drinks.
“My lord,” Erena said, presenting her hand to him. He gently pulled it up and kissed it as she offered a polite half-curtsey. The ivory Kina flashed an impish smile as she stared up at him.
Madam Gardenia suddenly clapped her hands three times and the music stopped. A second later a new song full of powerful notes, steady rhythm, and abrupt pauses began. It wasn’t quite a tango but it was similar. It was rougher, more passionate, but with a similar feel.
“My darling,” Madam Gardenia said while presenting her own hand. Frost kissed it and almost immediately Madam Gardenia and Erena began circling him.
The two women twirled and walked around him, brushing their fluffy tails against him as they circled him like hunters going in for the kill.
Madam Gardenia walked toward him and slid her hands up and down his body before pushing him away. The beautiful scarlet-haired fox seductively walked toward him while pushing him backward, as if chiding him. She made several quick movements of her head while doing complex footwork then turned, swatting his face with her tails before she gracefully danced away.
Erena swiftly twirled around him, brushing her tails against him as she spun. The petite white fox-woman pressed her body against his as she twisted and turned around him. Once she was satisfied that she got his attention, she turned around, swatting him in the face with her tails as she seductively walked away.
Madam Gardenia passed Erena as she walked back toward him and grabbed his collar, sniffing it as if she were smelling the scent of another woman on her cheating husband. She playfully gripped his waist and pulled him close as she continued her brisk footwork.
The beautiful scarlet fox-woman leaned in for a kiss and as Frost leaned in after her, she playfully spun around, swatting him again with her fluffy tails.
He wasn’t sure if it was the two women’s arrogance of their playfulness but he suddenly wanted to beat them at their own game.
“You’re not the only one that can tease you know,” Frost said as he grabbed Madam Gardenia’s hand and pulled her back to him, catching her completely off guard.
He aggressively pulled her close and slid his free hand down her side, wrapping it behind her back as he gripped her other hand. She instinctively placed her available hand behind Frost’s neck and her face turned a crimson that nearly matched her tails as Frost smirked.
“D-darling?” Madam Gardenia said nervously.
“You tricky fox,” Frost growled as he leaned in close and twisted her around so both her back and her furry tails were pressed against him. The hand he previously slid down began its ascension up the front of her body as he whispered in her ear. “I’ll happily play your games.” Frost playfully pushed Madam Gardenia away and grabbed Erena as the room of demihumans looked on in disbelief.
He slid his hands up and down Erena as if he owned her while guiding the white-tailed fox around the room. He focused on the petite fox’s piercing sapphire eyes as he led her through a simple tango, his hands moving wherever they wanted as they danced. The Kina was unable to resist as she followed him wherever he led her.
As the music came to a crescendo, he turned his eyes back to Madam Gardenia. The crimson-haired Kina was standing paralyzed several feet from the two but suddenly awakened as their eyes met. Her gorgeous emerald eyes filled with a jealous rage as she rhythmically stomped toward them and grabbed his arm.
Did you think I would let you escape so easily?” Madam Gardenia asked as she grabbed his face in her hand, forcing him to st
are at her.
“Escape?” Frost chuckled as he allowed Madam Gardenia to pull him away from Erena. “Escape implies that I’m your prisoner.” Frost gripped Madam Gardenia and with a slide of his hand commanded her to step backward and stretch her leg as she gradually lowered herself to the floor and held the position. “You’re the one that can’t escape.”
“Goddess…” Madam Gardenia whispered as Frost quickly pulled her up and grabbed her leg, slowly sliding his hand up her skirt, exposing her beautiful thigh as he gripped it and walked backward, dragging her with him.
Frost gripped her hand and pushed her back and the scarlet-tailed Kina found herself practically floating as he swung her around. Frost pulled her back up, spun her and performed the move again, reminding her that she was his puppet before pushing her aside and grabbing Erena.
“This is too much,” Erena moaned as he slid his hands into position on her body. “She said that we were going to have fun with you…” she panted as Frost pulled her close and placed his hand on her back, sliding it down toward her ass. “Lord…”
“You’re not having fun with me?” Frost teased as he leaned in close. “Do you want to stop?”
“No,” Erena whispered as Frost turned her away from him. The hand that was previously on her back was suddenly on her stomach and moving slowly upwards as the two stared at the jealous crimson-tailed Kina in front of them. “I don’t want to stop…”
“Good,” Frost said as he slid his hand to avoid her breasts, continuing until he reached her chin. Frost turned her head to the side and forced her to dance around Madam Gardenia, finishing with a spin and a dip right in front of the twin-tailed Kina. “Because you two started it. You should stay to the end.”
Frost lifted Erena up as he felt Madam Gardenia’s hands on his back. She turned him and aggressively placed her hand on his shoulder while lifting her thigh into one of his hands. He suddenly felt Erena’s hand on his chin, forcing it to the side as if demanding he turn to look at her as well. The beautiful snowy-furred fox-woman twirled around him so she was at his side and similarly pressed her leg against him. Both of their tails swirled around him like coiling snakes as they fought to take him.