[Shylock gets one of Matoba's trademark mischievous, brimming smiles as his tea is slid across the counter to him. Sincerity is always in doubt between them, and has a lot more to do with the circumstances around their conversation than the topic itself.]

[It is, of course, no mystery why Matoba would choose the slower hours- less youkai. Having already been scolded once, he has no intentions of getting hounded into any other scuffles with youkai that would rather not be in his presence, because if that were to happen, they would not leave Hemlock unscathed.]

[And that would just be a shame- if he could not enjoy Shylock's service anymore.]

I'm enjoying a non-alcoholic right now, aren't I? [He protests, with a delicate sip at his tea. The floral scent fills his nostrils; it reminded him of the feel of Shylock's aura.] Oh? Did you like it? We Sutoku had quite a lot of business relationships riding on that event, so we ensured that we would be seen properly by both our investors and our rivals. You know, Shylock-san, I am quite used to doing business with individuals of that ilk. [The wealthy, the influential- the Matoba ensured that they kept good relations with both.]

But I did have a few drinks that night. [He meets Shylock's eyes.] There was some sweet punch, with a bit of mint... It was summery and refreshing. I'll have it again, sometime.