episode_0067

“I’m sorry. I was supposed to quietly take Tyler away, but I ended up causing a scene. How should I make up for this unfortunate incident…”

“Just apologizing is more than enough. And please don’t worry too much. These kinds of disturbances are quite common when working at a bar.”

The orc, who had concealed his appearance with the man, soon returned to the cocktail bar alone, his expression not looking too good. It seemed like things hadn’t ended well.

However, as if nothing had happened, he awkwardly smiled and asked for forgiveness. I reassured him it was fine and clapped my hands.

…Indeed, these kinds of incidents are quite common.

How many people cause a ruckus in bars while drunk?

To handle the situation like that and come back to apologize, one must be a guest worthy of building a reputation through exaggerated gestures, right?

But that’s not the point, anyway.

Observing the recent situation, it seemed the orc valued his diet greatly.

Though I suggested he could leave now since he had been drinking, he insisted on staying.

Was he from a similar profession as me?

After promising to compensate, he sat down and started browsing the menu.

“Hmm… I’ve only tried soju and beer before, so I’m not sure what would suit my taste. Do you have any recommendations for a summer drink? If so, I’ll go with that.”

“…Could you wait a moment?”

In mid-June, during the heat of summer, the orc wanted a drink suitable for the season.

Considering his request, I pondered over a few options.

Should I recommend a Mojito with its refreshing and subtly sweet taste?

Or perhaps a Moscow Mule with its unique spicy ginger flavor that divides opinions?

While Mojito would have been the usual choice, considering his strict dietary habits, it seemed like Moscow Mule would suit him better.

“…Given your strict dietary habits, you might prefer a healthier taste.”

For some reason, Moscow Mule seemed more fitting for him than Mojito, so I decided on the cocktail and began making it.

.

Named after the copper mug adorned with a horse drawing used to serve it, earning it the nickname ‘Moscow Mule.’

The preparation method is quite simple.

First, place half a lime in the copper mug and squeeze out the juice using a muddler.

Add 1 ounce of vodka, crushed ice, fill with ginger beer until the mug is full, lightly stir with a spoon, garnish with lime and mint, and it’s ready.

I handed the completed cocktail to the orc with a stainless steel straw.

“Here’s your Moscow Mule, enjoy it before it loses its chill.”

“The aroma is quite nice. So, where…”

He carefully placed the straw aside and lifted the copper mug with his large hand like a lid off a pot.

As he sipped the cocktail, his face twisted slightly, perhaps due to the spiciness of the ginger, and he placed the mug back on the table.

“The taste is more unique than I expected. It’s sweet and refreshing, a bit spicy… and there’s a hint of copper flavor.”

“If it doesn’t suit your palate, shall I get you something else? The ginger beer gives it a spicy kick, so if you prefer, I can make you a Mojito without the spiciness.”

“Ah, it’s fine. I quite like this taste. Ah… Indeed, drinking something so refreshing under the air conditioner makes me feel a bit cooler in this heat.”

Whether his throat was dry or not, Orc gulped down the Mosco Mule vigorously as if it were cool water.

Then, with a fierce expression on his face, he opened his mouth with a satisfied smile.

“By the way, you seem to have many questions on your mind since earlier. Feel free to ask if you wish. As long as they’re not impolite questions, I will answer them sincerely.”

“Is it still okay?”

“You can ask me anything.”

…In that case, without further ado.

I began to ask him the questions that came to my mind one by one.

“Just how intense… no, how hard did you have to work out to undergo such a drastic transformation in just a month? It looks like you’ve lost over 15kg at least…”

It’s possible, but weight loss beyond a certain point is impossible without putting in considerable effort.

I asked cautiously, but unfortunately, Orc evaded the question with an awkward smile.

“I’m sorry. That’s a trade secret of our gym. I’ll let you know when you sign up for personal training later.”

“Haha, I’ll pass on that offer. Just waking up in the evening to go to work and coming back in the morning is challenging enough.”

“Well, switching day and night can be detrimental to your health…”

“Vampires are nocturnal creatures, so it’s fine.”

How far is this crazy Orc going to push me into hell?

As Orc put on a sales smile and bluntly rejected my refusal, he looked disappointed with a sullen expression.

“…I can offer you a great deal.”

“I am happiest right now. I’ll graciously accept your words.”

After lightly declining, I immediately threw the next question to cut off Orc’s lingering feelings.

“So, how about you, as a guest?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean living. Are you happy with life after turning into an Orc? Most of the transformed individuals I’ve met so far have either complained of discomfort or expressed dissatisfaction.”

They managed somehow, but most of them went through unhappy moments.

Even I, despite receiving help from Jaehyuk, didn’t have an easy time, did I?

What kind of experiences has the Orc in front of me been through? It could be a sensitive question, so I cautiously asked, and Orc responded with a gentle smile, starting to answer.

“If you’re asking if I’m happy… I have never been sad once since the species transformation happened. I really liked this rough and tough body.”

“Why is that?”

“As you can see, I am a fitness trainer. Even before becoming a trainer, I was someone who challenged limits. Um, how should I explain this…”

“I get the gist. After becoming an Orc, you overcame physical limitations, right?”

“That’s right! The amount of weight I could lift increased dramatically after becoming an Orc. Haha, challenging the limits of my human self, breaking them easily, how disappointing and exhilarating it was.”

Orc shivered as he briefly immersed himself in contemplation, then scratched his cheek and looked embarrassed.

“Of course, there are some downsides. Due to my rugged appearance, first impressions are never good wherever I go. But well, my appearance was rough even in my human days…”

“I see.”

“Hehe, still, compared to other species, this level of drawback isn’t much. And the biggest advantage is that it offsets all the negatives, doesn’t it?”

“…What’s that?”

Tilting his head curiously, the orc chuckled playfully and lightly tapped around his thigh.

“I’ll… skip the words.”

“…Ah.”

Even after offsetting all the shortcomings, there’s still a lingering advantage.

…At least when it comes to men.

Nodding in understanding, he emptied the contents of the copper cup into his mouth and rose slowly from his seat.

“That was a satisfying drink. Thanks to you, I think I can stretch out and sleep comfortably tonight.”

“I’m glad you’re satisfied. I was a bit worried since people’s tastes vary quite a bit with cocktails.”

“Haha, if that were the case, it would be needless worry. Unless it’s really bad, Orc here eats everything just fine.”

After settling the bill for three cocktails without the man having to pay, before leaving the bar.

The orc extended his business card to me, making a cautious offer once more.

“Just consider it an experience, come by whenever you have time. I’ll let you stay for free for a day.”

“Thank you for the offer, but… I’ll just think about it for now. I’m not quite free yet.”

Politely declining with a suitable excuse, the orc left the cocktail bar with a disappointed look on his face.

As I tidied up the spot where he had been and placed his business card in my wallet, Jaehyuk approached me looking like he might collapse at any moment.

“Are you going?”

“What?”

“To the gym. Didn’t Orc just give you his business card?”

I thought I hadn’t heard him as I was attending to another customer, but somehow I heard it again like a ghost.

After a brief moment of contemplation, I shook my head decisively in denial.

“I don’t plan on going. Honestly, I doubt I’d feel any stimulation working out there.”

A vampire’s strength could easily toss aside a ton-weighted road roller.

The equipment in a gym for humans wouldn’t stand a chance against such vampire strength, would it?

There’s a limit to high repetition with low weight; what’s the point of repeating when you can’t even feel the stimulation?

Shaking my head, I suddenly noticed Jaehyuk’s pale and dejected face.

…I may not need it, but he seems to really need it.

The way healthy blood flows from a healthy body.

With the hope that Jaehyuk becoming healthier would mean tastier blood, I took out the business card Orc had given me from my wallet and handed it to him.

“I’ve had a change of heart.”

“What?”

“Well, since we don’t have much to do staying home on holidays, why not go to the gym together, grab something tasty on the way back. How about it, sound good?”

Did he think it was a decent plan?

The guy, who had a blank expression for a moment, nodded in agreement to my proposal.

“…Sure.”

He seems oddly excited; maybe because it’s almost time to leave work?

Watching Jaehyuk’s lighter steps heading towards the sink, I chuckled softly and then turned my attention back to tidying up the spot where the Orc customer had been.