Chapter 63
‘Dissolve honey in hot water and make it into syrup.’
For cocktails, sugar is more commonly used than honey, since honey doesn’t mix as well.
‘Still, there’s no flavor quite as deep and sweet as honey.’
I filled a shaker with ice, then added the honey syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the gin infused with chamomile, giving it a good shake.
Clank!
‘…5, 6, 7!’
Shaking it for too long would water down the cocktail as the ice melts, so exactly 7 seconds.
Glug.
Using a strainer to catch the ice, I poured the cocktail into a rounded glass that accentuated its elegant curves.
I garnished the deep, honey-golden liquid with vibrant edible flowers to finish.
“Looks like a bee might come buzzing over any moment.”
Sylvie, who had been watching me intently, murmured.
“That’s why this cocktail is named after ‘bees’. The Bee’s Knees, to be precise.”
Bee’s Knees is a literal translation, though it didn’t actually refer to bees’ knees. It’s a slang term from the past that means ‘the best’ or ‘excellent. ‘
“How odd.”
Sylvie flatly responded.
Her reaction was understandable. This idiom was unfamiliar to me, too, so it would sound completely foreign to Sylvie.
‘Come to think of it, the original Bee’s Knees is just made with gin, not gin infused with chamomile.’
In that case…
“Sylvie Unnie, would you like to name this cocktail instead?”
“Sure. How about ‘Dancing with Chamomile and Bees’?”
Sylvie answered without hesitation.
The poetic expression instantly painted a vivid image in my mind.
“As graceful as you, Sylvie Unnie? I love it. This cocktail shall be ‘Dancing with Chamomile and Bees’.”
I placed a fresh, grassy green coaster in front of Sylvie and set the glass on top of it.
As always, Sylvie raised the glass with perfect poise.
‘I should name that elegant movement too.’
Just watching her was inspiring enough to make ideas blossom, filling me with rapture.
“The chamomile aroma is wonderfully intact. I didn’t think it would pair well with the alcohol…”
Sylvie slowly murmured, as if savoring the lingering flavors in her mouth.
“But surprisingly, they complement each other quite well, coexisting without overpowering one another’s distinct characters. Light and refreshing. I like it.”
She closed her eyes slightly, seemingly immersed in the aroma as she finished speaking.
“The scent lingers subtly. It’s as if chamomile has bloomed within me.”
“‘Chamomile blooming within me’—what a lovely way to put it.”
I chuckled softly, having silently listened to Sylvie’s evaluation.
While Johan tended to convey his impressions directly, Sylvie was more abstract.
Rather than describing just the flavor, was she expressing the overall ambiance?
The unique feedback from my customers added to the cocktails I created, making each glass a complete joy for me.
After having another glass, Sylvie gazed wistfully at her empty cup before rising from her seat.
“Check, please.”
“What are you talking about? You still have plenty of credit left from your upfront payment.”
“That was for reserving my spot. I’m leaving it to you, got it?”
“But still…”
“Answer.”
“Yes, Unnie.”
I pocketed the silver coins Sylvie tossed me.
<Notice> You received 300 coins!
<Notice> The reputation of the ‘Milky Way Lounge’ cocktail bar has increased by 30. (Total: 6,730)
“By the way, Sena, can I get it to-go?”
“Sure! What would you like me to prepare?”
“You.”
Sylvie gestured at me with her chin.
“Me?”
“Sena, I’m taking you to-go.”
To-go? Me? Utterly bewildered, I pointed at myself.
Me?
🫧
After closing, I was whisked away by Sylvie before I could even rest—all because of her peculiar “to-go” order for me.
‘What in the world is going on?’
Leaning against the carriage window, I gazed vacantly at the swiftly changing scenery.
It was fine getting into the waiting carriage, but…
“Where are we going?”
Unfamiliar landscapes were unfolding before my eyes.
It didn’t seem to be the city center, more like the outskirts. The buildings that appeared occasionally were becoming fewer and fewer.
Did she have a villa hidden somewhere with good water and fresh air?
“Fufufu. Where indeed?”
Sylvie casually crossed and uncrossed her legs. Her mischievous smile made me uneasy.
“I feel like I’m being kidnapped…”
“You agreed to it, so it’s a legal kidnapping.”
Sylvie took out her compact and lightly touched up her makeup. I glanced sideways at her.
‘That black dress suits her well.’
The sleek black dress with intricate lace detailing hugged her curves. Rather than flashy, it exuded an alluring charm.
As I admired Sylvie, the carriage suddenly came to a stop.
“We’re here. Allow me to escort you, Sena?”
“Yes.”
Taking Sylvie’s outstretched hand, I stepped down from the carriage.
‘This place is…’
When I came out of the carriage, I saw a desolate landscape without a grain of grass around me.
The only sight was a single pointy castle perched precariously at the edge of a jagged cliff.
‘There’s not a soul around.’
As I looked around, Sylvie snapped her fingers.
Suddenly, the horses pulling the carriage and the coachman transformed into plush dolls!
“Gasp! How did you do that to the horses and coachman? Don’t tell me you’ll do that to me too?”
Alarmed, I hid behind the carriage.
Becoming a doll was out of the question. Sure, I wouldn’t need to work, but I also couldn’t drink anymore!
“Oh, come on.”
Sylvie chuckled and approached me. I swiftly scurried away to the opposite side.
This cat-and-mouse chase went on for a while.
Seeing that I kept running away, Sylvie stopped chasing me and explained while standing still.
“Our Sena can’t even take a little teasing. Those are just dolls I control with my magic.”
“…You’re a magician?”
I peeked out cautiously to look at Sylvie.
Come to think of it, she did mention having special powers, didn’t she?
“Something like that. Don’t worry. I won’t turn you into a doll.”
Just as I felt relieved, Sylvie suddenly appeared behind me, ruffling my hair with a wicked grin.
“Actually, you’d make a pretty cute stuffed doll.”
“Hieek!”
I instinctively flinched in fright.
She looked like a real villain just now, sending chills down my spine.
‘But that look… was kind of cool!’
Sylvie’s mischievous side always sparked inspiration in me. I felt like summoning my cocktail kit right then and creating something new.
“So, are we having a cocktail party at this castle?”
“No, we’re holding a fashion show.”
A fashion show?
I thought I was being hired as a one-day bartender, like Johan’s ‘The Bartender of the Duchy’. So I came along lightheartedly….
Though puzzled, I let Silvi lead me into the castle. As we approached the entrance, the doors opened by themselves.
And at the same time…
“!”
Bright lights flew towards me. As the light touched my body, my work uniform transformed into a dress.
“Huh?”
When the light hit my hair, my once simple hairstyle became elaborately styled. Jewel-encrusted accessories adorned my neck and ears as the light grazed them.
The light came straight at my face, so I squeezed my eyes shut, and when I opened them, a large mirror appeared before me.
“Wow! I’ve become pretty!”
My usual appearance seemed different due to the striking eye makeup that gave my eyes an alluring upturned shape.
It was like a hint of Silvi had rubbed off on me.
The sleek black dress that boldly exposed my shoulders exuded sophisticated charm.
“What fabric is this? It doesn’t seem like chiffon.”
“It’s a fabric woven with magic. Not everyone gets one, you know?”
“Woah!”
As I exclaimed in awe, Silvi looked proud as she explained.
“To highlight the sheer, flowing quality of the material, it’s layered several times. I paid special attention to the details.”
“Wow!”
Captivated by the luxurious and glamorous look, I became entranced by my reflection in the mirror.
“Want to take a spin?”
“Yes!”
Following her cue, I lightly twirled around.
The hem of the black skirt flared out, flames licking at the edges as the dress turned crimson.
“This is…”
“How about it? A dress with two alluring sides. Shine a light on it in this state, and it’ll glisten magnificently.”
With a wave of Sylvie’s hand, the mirror disappeared. She took my hand and led me into the castle.
As we entered the hall, the radiant chandelier made the dress sparkle even more dazzlingly, almost blinding me.
Not only was I amazed to be wearing a dress straight out of a movie, but it was such an extravagantly beautiful one too.
Like a broken record, I could only gape in wonder and awe.
“Wow…”
“Want to try on some other dresses?”
“Yes!”
At Sylvie’s snap, lights flew towards me again, changing my dress.
From a white-winged dress that could let me fly, a shimmering aqua dress like flowing water, and even a dress made entirely of flowers.
Relishing the feeling of being a fairy tale princess, I caressed the fabric of each dress.
‘Ah, no, not quite a princess.’
If I were truly a princess, wouldn’t there be maids to bathe me first?
So, in a way… It’s somewhat like a fairytale quality?
🥂
⋆｡‧˚ʚ Translator Note ɞ˚‧｡⋆
The Bee’s Knees is a classic Prohibition-era cocktail known for its simple yet delightful blend of flavors. It consists of gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup, which is made by dissolving honey in warm water. The name “Bee’s Knees” is a slang term from the 1920s meaning “the best” or “the height of excellence,” reflecting the cocktail’s appeal. This drink is typically shaken with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass, often garnished with a lemon twist. The Bee’s Knees is appreciated for its balance of tartness from the lemon, sweetness from the honey, and the botanical notes of the gin, making it a refreshing and sophisticated choice.
🥂
Thank you for reading! ♡
