Nico bared his teeth in a grin, speared a chunk of fatty pork, and tossed it into his mouth, chewing with exaggerated delight.
"That settles it, then. I'll see you out."
Kadir stood and helped Tristan down the stairs.
At the entrance, they met Adelina, the young maid who had been waiting faithfully, along with a knightly retainer from the Greymount household. After handing Tristan over to their care, Kadir climbed back up to the second floor of the Silent Goblet.
He pushed the door open. Nico, who had been slurring and bleary-eyed just moments ago, was now sitting upright, pouring wine with steady, elegant hands.
Two glasses sat before him.
"Come. A toast to my good friend," Nico said, his voice crisp. "After years of hiding your light in the Colosseum, your day has finally come."
"Praise the great Giant King. May his glory shine upon us brothers."
