Orbis Online
214. Advantages of a Dwarf

   "I'm sorry I showed you my bad side."

Nocht apologized to Reus, Ikshan, and Ibane after calming him down. Can be seen his eyes are still moist after shedding large amounts of tears some time ago.

   "No problem, it's good to see someone crying because they're happy."

Reus smiled broadly and felt relieved to see Nocht's face no longer frown, making the Blackmoon Dwarf figure blush in shame. He could not help but be ashamed to remember the man, let alone a Dwarf considered weak if crying.

Nocht then offered all three dinners as thanks for delivering a letter from Aulcrat, not even half-hearted he also offered the three to stay at this store considering the form of Reus, Ikshan, and Ibane is human.

He understood the difficulties of men as they were right in the middle of a conflicted kingdom against the Menschrein Kingdom, a kingdom that embraced human superiority.

   "Thank you for the offer, but we've already gotten paid."

Reus showed a bag of silver coins with some gold coins on Nocht, explaining that this was the payment Aulcrat received in advance.

   "We've also rented a room at the inn for at least another night, so we can only take the offer tomorrow if it still applies."

   "Oh, of course! This offer is valid for you at any time!"

Nocht laughed loudly while patting Reus repeatedly managed to make the young man smile wryly before turning his eyes to Ibane.

   "Except for you, this offer is valid for today only."

   "Hey, why am I different by myself?!"

   "Of course it's because they're both special people, and you just happen to be following along."

Nocht then added that the offer was more than enough considering that Ibane had threatened to destroy his store, if he could he wanted to expel Ibane but felt reluctant because Ibane came with Reus and Ikshan.

Ibane wanted to take various oaths to Nocht but was held in his heart, not intending to prolong the matter. He is also self-conscious considering he is just a stranger who insists on accompanying Reus and Ikshan on this mission, so Ibane doesn't really expect any rewards.

Nocht is actually doing this is not limited to the threat of Ibane alone, he understood that the mission Aulcrat had given to Reus and Ikshan was so secret that Nocht did not want to involve strangers of unknown origin entering his residence.

After talking for a while Nocht again offered dinner to the three. Reus actually still wants to refuse but when the sound of Ikshan's stomach gong resounds, Nocht manages to defeat Reus's determination.

In the end Reus accepted Nocht's offer after realizing his Hunger and Thirst parameters were below 20%.

The supplies of Reus and Ikshan had actually been depleted considering that their journey from Lavore Kingdom to here was not close, moreover they did not manage to find Bailendra Kingdom merchants who were willing to sell supplies to them.

Neither Reus nor Ikshan had any choice but to accept Nocht's offer, while Ibane himself was happy to welcome the dinner offer.

***

The dinner offered by Nocht is not as luxurious as in the palace of Lavore Kingdom, but at least the taste and portions are still more humane than the food in the inn they occupy.

Reus and Ikshan gobbled up the banquet while exchanging words with Nocht, while Ibane herself was slightly different.

   "Food worth it! Food in large quantities! Today is my lucky day!"

Ibane almost spent half the dishes that Nocht provided alone without stopping, occasionally he also shed tears while chewing his food. It made Reus and Ikshan smile awkwardly.

   "Ibane, eat slowly. No one's taking your food."

   "Yes, I don't understand it, but at least swallow your food just talked!"

Reus throws a spoon right on Ibane's forehead in response to an obscure word from the human-shaped Draconian that is so upset at Ibane's behavior, while Ikshan enjoys his dishes in silence trying to ignore the arbitrary attitude of Ibane.

Nocht, who is the owner of the residence and their own host, repeatedly refrained from throwing his dinner knife towards Ibane, though he prepared this banquet for Reus and Ikshan but who seemed to enjoy very much not both.

The banquet was covered by the Nocht stash of liquor which was welcomed by Ibane, but a short time later the first person to sip the alcoholic beverage fell on the dining table first.

Reus raised his eyebrows in astonishment before turning his gaze to Nocht and pointing at Ibane.

   "Hey, what did you put in the glass?"

   "Hmm? I'm just pouring my stash drink."

Nocht looked at Reus full of astonishment, not understanding what the young man was surprised by. Reus frowned at Nocht's reaction, but he had not yet answered Ikshan embracing his shoulder with a complicated look.

   "Hey, Reus! What in the eyes of women I am less attractive as a man?!"

   "uh? Why are you suddenly asking that?"

   "You know Mia left me for the rancid wedge of Gaia's Tree it—hik—and still asks why?! Hick!"

Reus was still confused to see Ikshan's behavior that he had never seen before his gaze fell on the young man's glass that there was no more drop of Nocht's drink left.

Reus then looked at Nocht who was now pouring a bottle of liquor for himself, their sight meeting.

   "Nocht, if you may know what this drink is made of and what the alcohol content is?"

   "Ah, are you curious? This drink is named Arak Sungai Nirvana, one of the best liquors in the entire Plainfest! I don't know what alcohol you're talking about, but this wine is made by my brother who's good at making liquor from the finest cane distillates!"

Nocht added that this drink was a strong practice among Dwarves because the flavor was very satisfying their tongues so it was often used in various parties, especially the Dwarf party of nobles.

Reus' forehead immediately shriveled violently at Nocht's explanation and looked at his large glass of wine doubtfully, he could smell the strong sting of alcohol from the glass.

   'If I don't remember wrongly, in the old literature Dwarves are a race that likes forging and drunken hobbies. If only this drink could satisfy their craving for liquor, how strong would this wine actually be?'

Reus was not a drunkard, but he was no stranger to booze. His uncle offered him liquor quite often during certain events so he could tell the drink before him was the most powerful liquor he had ever encountered.

   "Why? You're not strong on booze?"

Realizing that Reus had not yet sipped a single drop of his drink, Nocht asked after spending a large glass of Nirvana River Arak.

   "Ah, I think this drink is too strong for me, so I'm through."

   "really? It's a pity, though this wine is one of the wisest drinks I've ever tasted."

After saying so Nocht filled his glass with wine then immediately spent in a few gulps and still looked fine.

Reus who saw it all screamed in his heart.

   'These Dwarves aren't playing strong!'