R e g a l i a ✾

Card Story: Whispered words, sweet and deep.

Episode 1

Akira: Oz, could you help me move that case over there? It's a bit heavy...

Oz: Understood.

The lounge of the "Selfish and Capricious Servants" is being hosted by Shylock.

After a hugely successful business day, we are preparing to return to the Magic Manor.

Akira: Shylock, is this stylish bottle of juice something we should take back to the Manor?

Shylock: No, let's drink it here. Would you like to join me for a break?

Akira: Wow, really? Then I'll gladly accept...

Oz: .……..

Shylock: Lord Oz, please join us if you'd like.

Oz: No, I...

Akira: I won't force you, but I'd be happy if you could drink with us, Oz.

Oz: ...If it's a request from the Sage.

Shylock: Then please, both of you, sit here.

Akira: ...Thinking about it again, "Selfish and Capricious Servants" is quite a theme, isn't it?I I also received a request from a customer, but when it came time to do it, I became flustered...

Shylock: Fufu, I think to the customers, your naivety was also part of your charm. Don’t you think so too, Lord Oz?

Oz: …You did your best. There's no need to worry.

Akira: You two... thank you! If there's another time, I'll do my best!

Shylock: In that case, instead of waiting for another time, how about we have a little role-playing now?

Akira: Huh, now?

Shylock: Yes, I'll play the role of a customer, and you can freely play the role of a "selfish and capricious servant" in your own way.

The special liqueur honey that overflows from your action will surely have a special taste that no one else can create.

A special taste... That is proof that we were able to satisfy the customers who visited this lounge.The magical tool for storing the honey is now empty and sits at the back of the counter.

Akira: (Offering something to Shylock is nerve-wracking, but since it's a good opportunity, let's do it.)

Encouraged by Shylock's words, I quietly turn my gaze to Oz, who’s standing at the counter seat.

Akira: Um, if you'd like, Oz...

Oz: I don't intend to play house.

Akira: Ah, of course, you don't have to be a servant! I just thought it would be nice if I could serve various customers when I had the chance. It's okay if you just stay as you are...

Oz: ...In that case, I will accept.

Shylock: To think that the day would come when I would sit next to Lord Oz as a customer... I'm a little nervous myself.

Oz: There is no need for customers to interact deeply with each other.

Shylock: Fufu, yes, I'll keep that in mind and enjoy myself as well.

Episode 2

Oz: ...

Akira: (I wonder if I can manage this with Oz and Shylock...)

While I nervously wipe the glasses, the door bell rings with a "chime."

Shylock: Hello. Are you open?

Akira: ...! (Shylock is acting like a customer. Then, I should act like a selfish servant...)

Akira: Wha, what are you here for?

Shylock: Haha, what am I here for? To drink some wine, of course. Excuse me, sir, would you mind if I sit next to you?

Oz: .…..

Akira: (He’s talking casually to Oz! It's so refreshing...!)

Shylock: You're a very polite servant. Are you new? And... I don't think I've seen you before either? Perhaps you're a traveler? I'd love to hear some stories.

Akira: (He's putting his hand on Oz's shoulder... He's being quite pushy, I wonder if it's okay?)

Oz: .……

Akira: (Oh... I guess it didn't work...)

Just when I feel Oz's quiet anger and my back turns cold, Shylock smoothly moves closer to Oz and whispers something in his ear.

Shylock: Please forgive my rudeness. It's all part of the act to entertain Master Sage.

Oz: .…… ...There won't be next time.

Shylock: Thank you for your understanding. Now then, little servant. I'll have a red wine. And you, traveler?

Oz: I'll have the same.

Akira: (Oz went along with it? I don't know what happened, but... Okay! Now it’s my turn...!) I'm not in the mood. Both of you, don't give me orders.

After saying those powerful words, both of their gazes turn towards me.

Akira: (Uh oh… I hope I didn't make them feel bad... It's harder than I imagined to be selfish while still entertaining them...)

While frantically searching for my next line, I suddenly meet Shylock's eyes.

Akira: (...How would Shylock handle this?)

I pick up a bottle with a stylish label that is on the counter.

Akira: Instead of wine, I'm in the mood for this juice right now. I think we'll enjoy a different flavor than usual if we drink it together... Will you grant my selfish request?

Shylock: (Oh. This is... Fufufu) Of course, this is your bar after all. What about you, sir?

Oz: Yes. If that's what you wish.

Akira: (Great!)

I finally feel like I'm getting the hang of it. Feeling my tense body relax, I pour juice into the three glasses.

Akira: Then... to this encounter... Cheers!

Shylock & Oz: Cheers.

Episode 3

Thanks to the cheerful customer and the quiet traveler, time passes enjoyably--When the role-playing comes to an end, Shylock returns to the counter, and Oz quietly leaves the lounge.

Akira: That was... It ended up feeling like a drinking party towards the end, didn't it? Oz seemed to be drinking quite a bit too...

Shylock: Because it was Master Sage who was playing the role of the selfish servant that Lord Oz was able to watch over us warmly, I'm sure. I also got carried away and went a little overboard.

Akira: You certainly gave me a bit of a scare when you put your hand on Oz's shoulder...

Shylock: I apologize for making you worry. But I'm glad that I was able to deliver both thrill and pleasure to Master Sage.

Akira: I'm glad it worked out somehow. Actually, I based this performance on Shylock.

Shylock: Oh, really? So that means that from your perspective, I'm... "selfish and laid-back"?

Akira: What!? N-no!! I don’t mean you're selfish, not at all! Shylock is always true to himself no matter who he's with... I felt that he’s very charming to talk to, so I thought it might give me some hints, so...

Shylock: Fufu, I'm just kidding. It's not my intention to make you uncomfortable. It was a very refreshing experience to be able to know how you see me.

Akira: Thanks god... hearing that makes me feel relieved. Speaking of refreshing, I was surprised that you weren't using honorifics, Shylock! Even though I knew it was acting, I was a little nervous...

Shylock: Oh, I'm glad you enjoyed it. However...

Akira: ......?

Shylock: .........

Akira: (Ah.........)

A bewitching smile approaches closely, making my heart jump.Then, as if toying with my heart, Shylock whispers sweetly in my ear.

Shylock: I wanted to see more of your own selfishness, not just imitating mine.

Akira: Sh-Shylock!? This is also part of the act, right!?

Shylock: ......Well, I wonder? I want to taste the honey created because Master Sage’s pleased with my words...

Akira: Huh, honey...?

Shylock: I'm more selfish than you think I am, you know…

Akira: !?!?!?

The last whispered words, sweet and deep, vibrate my eardrums-- Beside me, who was about to get dizzy, I heard the sound of a drop falling with a "plop."

Card Episode: In a natural and comfortable way

Akira: Good evening.

Shylock: Welcome. It's unusual to see you so late at night.

Akira: Actually... I took a nap and now I can't fall back asleep.

Shylock: Fufu, adorable. I was just hoping for someone to talk to myself. If you don't mind, would you keep me company until you get sleepy? Please, have a seat.

Akira: ...It's really different after all.

Shylock: Master Sage?

Akira: Oh, I'm sorry! I was just thinking about how I imitated you a little while back, after we opened a lounge in the Western Country the other day. I ended up acting pretty self-centered, but the real thing is completely different. Even if you're acting as you please, you don't make others feel you’re selfish, and you make them feel comfortable...

Shylock: You're a sinful one. It’s you who makes me feel comfortable.

Akira: Huh?

Shylock: I suddenly want a drink myself. Would you join me?

Akira: Of course!

Shylock: Thank you. I was hoping to put you to sleep as soon as possible, but... please allow me this selfish request.

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