[ HAHAHA, and look where it got him a few days later. but they probably don't know that for now, so they may as well enjoy the calm before the storm while it lasts. ]

I like a man with big, lofty ambitions. Even if said ambitions seem impossible right from the onset. There's no peace without a war, as the say.

[ but honestly, it is rather naive thinking that a single man can actually unite all three factions without much hairpulling and vitriol. and even then, where will the enma fit in that equation?

it doesn't take a genius to add everything up. all this is adding to ryouma's stress, and all shylock can do is provide some reprieve at the very least. in any case, he beams at the compliment. ]

Centuries of innate skill went into that drink. But thank you, Ryouma.

[ the mention of sake, though. shylock had had his suspicions since seeing the calling card, but just to make sure: ]

With your penchant for sake, does that mean you're from the Tosa region as well?