Simp?
What… what kind of curse was that supposed to be?
So the next four guests would all be simps too?
Ron couldn't help but laugh helplessly. After all, Tokikake — Tea Dolphin — had confessed to Gion (Vice Admiral Momousagi) ninety-nine times and failed every single one. If that wasn't a simp, then what was?
Still… if these guys ever experienced a proper night at a high-class establishment, maybe they'd stop simping altogether. Simps — men too respectful to touch, too sentimental to let go — doomed to cry alone at night while clutching their loneliness like a precious gem. Their suffering, in a tragic way, was almost poetic.
Perhaps sensing something off, Tokikake's soldier's instincts flared. He turned sharply, meeting Ron's calm gaze — eyes clear, yet tinged with a strange pity. That look made him uncomfortable.
The hell's with that expression?
You realize if I slip up, I could actually kill you?
Before he could speak, two petite girls in maid uniforms stepped forward, blocking his view.
"Sir," said Rem softly, "would you like something to drink?"
Beside her, Ram gestured gracefully toward the bar. "Please, have a seat."
Tokikake's pupils narrowed slightly. Twin maids — both stunning, easily rivaling Gion herself. He glanced around, suddenly wary.
The tavern was spacious and elegantly furnished. The faint aroma of fine liquor hung in the air. Yet… he was the only customer.
Even in Mariejois, he doubted he'd seen a bar this refined. Something wasn't right. Definitely not right.
Behind the counter, Ron nodded in satisfaction. Not bad. One hour of daily training paid off. Should keep it up — though maybe not too much, don't want the engine to wear out or the paint to chip…
He spoke lightly: "Tea Dolphin-san, I think this bottle will please you."
Tokikake looked toward the voice — and blinked. The young tavern keeper who'd been behind him was suddenly standing at the bar, holding a bottle that hadn't been there before.
The label read three bold characters: Erguotou.
As the cap came off, a rich, heady aroma filled the room. Ron poured the clear liquor into a glass — the fragrance spread instantly, enveloping the tavern.
Tokikake froze.
What a scent!
Even Rem and Ram's delicate noses twitched, a faint blush coloring their cheeks.
Tokikake took a seat at the bar, lit another cigarette, and muttered, "Good wine. Not even the Five Elders' cellars smell this divine."
Ron smiled and slid the glass toward him. "You flatter me, Tea Dolphin-san. Please, enjoy."
Still, Ron himself was a little stunned. He'd had Erguotou back in his old world — but this bottle smelled leagues better.
Don't tell me everything I drank before was fake...
Without hesitation, Tokikake raised the glass and downed it.
The moment the liquor touched his throat, his pupils dilated.
Despite its strength, the taste was smooth — a perfect balance of sweet, sour, bitter, and heat, bursting with layered flavor that lingered in the mouth. As a veteran drinker and Rear Admiral candidate, he'd tasted nearly every fine spirit across the seas. None compared. Not even close.
A twinge of regret hit him — how could he ever go back to regular alcohol after this?
He sighed and smiled bitterly. "Good wine. The kind a man remembers for life."
Ron pushed the bottle closer. "Life's a glass of wine — savor it while it lasts. Since you like it, have another."
After all, one glass wouldn't earn him much. To make a profit — and trigger a confession — he needed the man drunk.
Tokikake didn't refuse. "Don't mind if I do."
He poured another, and another. Within ten minutes, half the bottle was gone. His wrinkled face flushed red, eyes glassy and tired.
Lighting another cigarette, he exhaled a thin trail of smoke and murmured, "Barkeep… ever loved a woman?"
Ron shook his head. "Not yet."
Instantly, a chill crept through the tavern — or rather, two. Ron glanced sideways; both Rem and Ram were staring at him with mournful eyes.
Their gazes met briefly before the twins looked down, their reflections shimmering faintly in their teacups.
Ram sighed wistfully as a mature woman passed by the window. "When will we ever grow like that?"
Maybe we're too small, she thought. That's why Master doesn't like us...
Rem smiled gently. "One day, Sister. One day."
Watching them, Tokikake felt a pang of envy. He took another long drink, then raised his cigarette. "Tell me, barkeep — when you finish one cigarette… does the next ever taste the same?"
Ron: "..."
Every word avoids her name, yet every line bleeds her shadow.
Rem and Ram whispered near him. "Master, is he drunk?"
Ron stroked his chin seriously. "From what I've learned watching Animal Planet, this is a side effect of failed courtship."
Tokikake twitched. "???"
I— I'm not— okay, fine, maybe I am… but could you not say it out loud?!
He drained the rest of the bottle, swaying slightly. His words slurred:
"I've loved one woman… for years. From the day I joined the Marines till now, my feelings never changed."
"But… I confessed… over ninety times… every one a failure."
He slumped forward, head heavy on the counter as memories of rejection replayed in his fogged mind.
Even so, his lips kept moving — drunkenly muttering:
"I've loved you for decades... please, marry me..."
Ron sighed softly. "A true simp. But no matter how hard you chase… she'll never love you back."
At that, Tokikake snapped upright, bloodshot eyes glaring. "Bullshit!"
"Momousagi loves me! Every rejection — just a test of my resolve!"
His pupils unfocused as drunken fury took over. A wave of killing intent burst from him, thick with frustration and heartbreak.
Ron sighed again. "So even drunk simps are this sensitive, huh?"
Before he could move, a fist the size of a sandbag was already flying toward his face.
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