Secret Flavouring for a Celebration

[South Country—Town of Clouds]

Akira: Shylock? Where are you going?

Shylock: I was on my way to look for some herbs for a new recipe I have in mind. Truth be told, I wish to make a cocktail that would accompany the wedding’s menu, but for that I need something subtle that would give it more depth.

There is so much to prepare for a ceremony here, and they make it a point of honour to celebrate every guests’ contribution, so I thought I could… play my part as one of the attendees as well.

Akira: From the way you worded it, Western weddings must be strikingly different from here.

Shylock: That they are. There once was this ceremony I had been invited to, where the couple asked their guests to dress as dashingly as one was able to, enough to match their extravagance…

Oh, none would have guessed who the bride and the groom were among the attendees. Everyone lost themselves to the celebration with youthful insouciance.

Akira: I’m not surprised, that sounds like something Westerners would do!

Shylock: Undeniably. Since we are attending a wedding in the South, I thought it would be fitting to congratulate the newlyweds in my own way, while following the local traditions and their wishes.

Shylock: As a matter of fact, many young ones will also be among us. I believe a non-alcoholic cocktail will suit the event wonderfully. That way, they, too, will be able to enjoy a tasteful sip of adulthood.

Akira: I’m sure it’s going to be a hit, I can’t wait to drink it!

Shylock: If you are so impatient, why not join me to gather some herbs, Master Sage?

Akira: Um, wouldn’t I be a bother instead? I know nothing about herbs or alcohol, so I wouldn’t bring much to the table…

Shylock: On the contrary, your presence would be a tremendous help. I need a second opinion on the scents my alcohol-free clientele are most drawn to, after all.

With your precious assistance, I am persuaded that we can find an herb that will enrich the cocktail I have in mind.

Akira: In that case, I’d be happy to help!