Cedric let out a humorless laugh, and his lips twisted into a faint, empty smile as he watched Aika take out a bottle of alcohol from the inventory, along with two glasses.
After arranging the glasses on the stone floor between them, she filled them both halfway.
Then, she took out a much stronger spirit and poured a generous splash into each. After that, she raised a glass and handed it over to him.
Cedric took it and stared at the swirling liquid for a long, silent moment. He then lifted his arm and clinked it with Aika, who was waiting patiently for him, after which he downed half the strong mixture.
He winced because this one was quite strong, stronger than all the drinks he had consumed earlier. After licking his lips and smacking his tongue, he looked up and muttered in a gentle voice, "You lied when you said you love gambling. Why do you pretend to love it?"
"I don't…" Aika began defensively, but Cedric cut her off.
