The Special Drink

"Anyway, I believe in destiny. I just don't think there is a way to find out what it truly is before the events actually take place," Remien stated.

"Still, I believe that fate is the path that life constantly nudges you toward. Resisting it day after day is very hard. But it's possible," Alika said. The last words sounded firmer than usual. There was a sense of absolute certainty in her voice. "I have one primary goal in life. And that is to change the fate that my life has steered me to for a very long time.

I wish to have the freedom to choose, despite my destiny. I think that the will and ability to defy fate and create your own path in this life is the most important thing that defines a person."

"A worthy enough goal is always hard to reach. Success is difficult to accomplish. And when has life ever not placed obstacles in a person's path? Hardships and misfortunes can be an interesting challenge to test your inner strengths and hone your skills. It can be fun. Of course, it depends on how you look at it," Remien commented. He tapped the table with his finger, the motion careful and gentle. The man shifted in his seat, taking a more comfortable position.

"By the way, your reason is good enough." He nodded in approval. "It certainly beats risking your life for a dream of riches or fame that may never come true. Of course, that's just my opinion.

It seems only fair to tell you my reason for doing what I do, too. I hope you don't mind it being a little down-to-earth, though. It's just the fun of it all! I use every unique opportunity I get to do what I truly want. Because, well… I am too lazy to do what I am supposed to."

Remien chuckled and finished his drink. All Alika could do was nod, squirming in her seat. Really? Was the man so arrogant as to be in such a dangerous business just for fun? If so, she needed to make one more thing clear.

"I'm sorry if my question sounds harsh, but I need to hear your answer," she said. Her voice sounded hoarse and strained. "How can I be sure you won't leave me in the most dangerous moment? What if you suddenly decide that I have exhausted my usefulness in your quest to experience as much fun as you can?"

The mage had an ever-growing feeling that she was discussing striking a deal with dark forces. Alika was even entertaining the possibility of agreeing to it. However, she needed all the details of this "contract" she was about to sign.

"How can you be certain? That's quite simple. You can be sure to fulfill the three conditions I mentioned earlier. One. Don't fall in love with me. Two. Don't deliberately put your life in danger for my sake. Three. Trust me to always have your well-being as our top priority.

As long as you fulfill the terms, you'll be safe. Those are the only cases when I can't save my partner. They are also the exact reasons for the tragedies that occurred," he said. "As for fun, it could be ours, not just mine. The goals of finding fame or artifacts aren't always achieved, but we'll always have our fun."

A playful smile crept across his face. The two were interrupted by another knock on the door. Remien hid the ring in his hand, deactivating the barrier. After receiving permission, the waiter entered the room with a cart full of dishes.

Alika noticed a bottle of wine, a pitcher full of freshly squeezed juice, and her own order. He took great care while performing his duties as he put two full glasses of juice on coasters made from sliced crystals in front of them. The plates came next. All the amazingly delicious scents did wonders for Alika's mind.

And the cocktail looked just like she remembered it. How could she forget those magical sparks millimeters away from the liquid surface? However, the hare stew… Yes, it did, by all means, resemble just that, well cooked and everything. And yet, it glistened with all the colors of the rainbow! Alika was almost afraid to take her first bite. From the corner of her eye, she spotted Remien's smirk. And she felt the urge to wipe it off his face at once.

'To the Underworld with it!' Alika thought. She scooped a good amount of meat up with her fork and quickly stuffed it in her mouth. She so shouldn't have done that! Alika remembered the last time she tried some magically enhanced spicy food. Her mouth burned like fire then!

Here, the sensations were quite similar. The taste was all shades of perfect, just as its color had all the hues of the spectrum. But Alika's taste buds were overloaded. Her bulging eyes and frozen jaw said it all.

No, it was great! But it was so unexpected that it sent Alika into shock. She was most grateful that her companion opposite her was thoughtful enough not to burst out laughing. He moved his gaze to the waiter instead. In the meantime, the waiter prepared a white towel and was about to unscrew the bottle of wine.

"A bottle of 3021 Daemonii Venuminus," the waiter said, presenting the bottle. The label was clearly visible.

Remien observed all these actions in silence, turning the ring in his hand, and nodded.

"Leave it unopened," the adventurer requested, standing up. The waiter complied, leaving it in the cart beside the table in a bucket of ice, and turned to walk over to the door.

"Not so fast. Have you received the order to leave?" Remien asked, the frost in his voice cooling the room.

Alika was too busy handling her taste buds' initial reaction to the stew. That's why she wasn't paying much attention to the dialogue between her companion and the waiter. But the sharp change in Remien's tone distracted her from her food. It even helped her get over her stupor. The hard stare Remien was now giving Alika's glass made the mage shiver.