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Chapter 22: Drinking is Harmful to Health… So Is Overconfidence
"Give it to him, I don't need a menu."
After smoothing the hem of her crimson high-waisted bodycon dress and settling elegantly by the restaurant window, the red-haired woman—whose radiance rivaled the lingering evening glow—waved off the server’s proffered menu. With practiced ease, she rattled off her order without hesitation.
"Start with a dozen bottles of Bass Pale Ale to whet the appetite. Decant a bottle of Château Margaux red to cleanse the palate of the beer's maltiness. Then bring one bottle each of Bowmore, Talisker, and Glenfiddich’s affordable classics. Finally, when we’re sufficiently warmed up, serve a Macallan Sherry Cask to finish, and add a bottle of Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum to go."
She paused thoughtfully before concluding, "That’ll do for now. Oh, and put the bill under Leon Lion's name. Send it to the Anomaly Cleansing Bureau under the Police Department—they can settle it on payday."
"..."
Watching the red-haired woman finalize not just the drink list but also the tab in less than five seconds, Leon—who still held his own menu—felt a sinking sensation in his gut. He forced a smile as he ventured hesitantly,
"Chief, aren’t these all drinks? Shouldn’t we order some food too?"
"Oh, don’t worry about me. You eat; I’ll just drink," she replied breezily.
"..."
Nothing but alcohol? Are you planning to drink yourself into oblivion here?
Flipping open the beverage section of the menu, Leon located the items she had ordered. His scalp prickled at the sight of no fewer than five or six bold, dark labels indicating “strong spirits.” According to the Kingdom’s Commerce Ministry’s liquor classification standards, any drink over 30% alcohol content was labeled as strong liquor. These weren’t just marked as such—they bore *dark* labels, signifying an alcohol content starting at 40%.
What... What the hell was I thinking inviting her out for drinks?!
Glancing at the prices—which weren’t exorbitant but certainly not cheap either—Leon felt a pang of regret gnawing at him. After much deliberation, he reluctantly kept his order modest. He settled on a shepherd’s pie layered with lamb, mashed potatoes, and lettuce, along with a post-meal serving of braised beef with seasonal vegetables to take home for his two younger siblings. Then, bracing himself, he prepared to witness his chief’s performance.
...
"Mmm~ How nostalgic~"
With a speed that left Leon baffled, Olivia polished off half a dozen pints of pale ale with both elegance and abandon. Amidst the murmurs of other diners, she flicked her fiery hair behind her ear, leaned forward unselfconsciously, and took a delicate sniff from the decanter. A rosy blush bloomed across her cheeks.
"Raspberries, toasted bread, rich coffee notes, and just a hint of truffle aroma~ It’s been ages since I’ve had such a refined wine~"
"..."
Is she serious?
Taken aback by her blissful expression, Leon discreetly sniffed the air but detected only faint fruity scents—nothing resembling bread or coffee. Doubtfully furrowing his brow, he wondered if she was pulling his leg.
Where’s the bread and coffee… Is she lying?
"Not convinced?"
Catching Leon’s skeptical look, the red-haired woman poured him half a glass of deep red wine and offered it with a playful smile.
"Care to try?"
"Uh..."
Detecting a sharp whiff of alcohol, non-drinker Leon instinctively frowned, ready to decline. But then he remembered how much this wine cost—and that he’d already paid for it. Against his better judgment, he accepted the glass and followed her instructions: a large gulp, swirling the liquid around his tongue, and swallowing after a moment.
"Well?" Amused, the red-haired woman rested her chin on her hand, observing Leon’s flushed face as he winced from the sourness.
"For someone new to wine, sweeter varieties might suit you better. This dry type is quite robust and stimulating—it may be a bit early for you... Heh, little guy, do you still want more?"
Taking slow breaths to alleviate the uncomfortable acidity tingling his teeth, Leon’s eyes unexpectedly lit up.
"Yes! And give me another glass of something else!"
His sudden enthusiasm wasn’t due to appreciating the nuances of alcohol nor being teased like a younger sibling. Instead...
[First taste of a "craft" level fine wine successfully activated the Black Iron Badge "Novice of the Wine Realm"]
[Novice of the Wine Realm: No need to persuade me—I know indulgence will harm my life. Yet what makes my long, tedious existence unbearable is precisely its monotony.]
[Equipping Effect: For a period after consuming alcoholic beverages, fear, timidity, panic, and other negative emotions have reduced effects on you.]
[Upgrade Path: Tasting ten "craft" level or higher fine wines will automatically upgrade this badge to Bronze Badge "Connoisseur of the Wine Realm." Current progress: 1/10]
[Hidden Attribute (No need to equip): Your alcohol tolerance has significantly increased.]
...
Who would’ve thought you had such talent for drinking...
Seeing Leon’s shining eyes and obvious excitement, Olivia—who initially intended only to tease him—found herself invigorated. She poured him a generous measure of high-proof whisky, tapping the golden liquid through the glass as she explained cheerfully,
"This single malt whisky has aged over ten years in barrels. Its scent resembles cinnamon and vanilla. Though potent, it’s surprisingly smooth upon closer tasting. Try it like this... If your tongue is sensitive enough, you should detect flavors reminiscent of dried fruits and oak maturation... Well~"
Before she could finish, Leon eagerly downed the entire glass, only to choke violently, tears streaming down his reddened face. Olivia shook her head, chuckling softly.
"You drank too fast. That glass was over four times stronger than the last one. Burnt your throat, didn’t it? You... Hmm? Want another?"
"Yes!"
Blinking away tears, Leon regained composure. Eyeing the "Novice of the Wine Realm" badge and its hidden attributes boosting his tolerance, he confidently nodded.
"I think my tolerance isn’t bad. Maybe not as good as yours, but close enough... Just one glass per type, though."
Oh? Close enough, you say?
As if Pandora’s box had been opened, Leon’s words sparked a gleam in Olivia’s eye. Originally planning a light session, she now summoned the waiter with renewed vigor.
"Let’s drink until we drop tonight~ Don’t worry, the rest is on me—I won’t touch your salary~"
When six servers huffed and puffed carrying the next round, Olivia stood, pouring drinks with a radiant smile. This image became the last thing Leon remembered from the night...
...
"Mmm... Why’s the sun back up already?"
Clutching his throbbing head, disoriented and ravenous, Leon woke on his small bed at home. Staring at the sunset bizarrely climbing above the horizon outside, his eyes widened in shock.
We started drinking just as the sun set! Did I sleep through an entire day?!
Summoning his badge panel with trembling hands, Leon froze at the sight of the dazzling golden badge occupying the slot: [Martyr of the Wine Realm]. His lips quivered uncontrollably.
Black Iron – Bronze – Silver – Gold... GOLD?!
Jumping three badge tiers in one night?! How much did I drink?!
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