A Wonderful Aspect of Autumn: Action (22)

Thanks to Jigoro and Genzou, we were allowed into the spectator section, so for now, we decided to enjoy the viewing area until Genzou's match began. Since the tournament had divisions based on level, his match was still a long way off.

The refrigerator installed beside the table could provide an endless variety of drinks, while the chandelier's brightness could be freely adjusted with the knobs on the wall. Near the wall stood a small ensemble of dolls, and turning the wind-up key protruding from the conductor doll's back made them begin playing a gentle tune. It was an effect similar to a live orchestral performance. Iris watched them while wondering whether she could make something like it herself.

"Hmm, we can't swipe any of these items, huh?"

"You're the type to take hotel amenities home, aren't you?"

"Huh? Of course I am. It'd be a waste not to."

"How miserly..."

Shitake walked around the room, trying to collect every furnishing item she could get her hands on, but apparently that was impossible here. Toji sighed as she said so, but Shitake did not care in the slightest. Was she invincible or something?

Leaving Shitake aside, the rest of my companions prepared drinks according to their individual tastes. Iris chose apple wine, Eiji beer, Toji red wine, Mikero mead, and Nenashi shochu. Their tastes were remarkably varied.

Ruby and the other minors chose soft drinks such as cola, orange juice, and lemon squash. I told them there was no need to worry since this was a game, but they replied that they did not know what alcohol tasted like and did not want any. This old man was a little sad.

I was the only one among them who couldn't eat a thing, but I poured whiskey into a glass so I could enjoy the atmosphere. Hmm, it had a nice aroma. Since these were high-quality products, apparently the alcohol my companions were drinking had a genuine taste as well. I wanted to drink some myself...