Chapter 5: Drinks

Jerry was looking for the package. The tracker provided was a circle with a point to it, and a number that got smaller as he went towards where it was pointing. Problem is, it’s pointing towards the Royal Palace. He’s been looking for the past 30 minutes since Klein had left.

“Jerry, there you are! I’ve been looking for you!” Jerry heard a voice from behind and quickly put his phone away.

“Klein! Sorry, I was wandering about, admiring the beauty of this place.” Jerry said, making it up on the spot.

“Come, come. I have your drinks. It is waiting for you” Klein said. He looked proud at what he had said. Jerry thought that it was maybe because he had prepared the drinks and was quite proud of them.

Jerry followed Klein to a small opening with seats, a chair, and a roof over them both.

“Please, have a seat. I prepared them for you to try. Please, tell me what you think about them.” Klein said, gesturing to a seat.

Jerry took a seat to find 5 different types of drink played out in front of him.

The first drink was drink was clear, It had nothing in it. Entirely clear.

The second drink was a bit more complicated. It was pink, opaque, and seemed to have ice in it. It also had a lemon slice on the rim of the cup.

The third drink was in a smaller cup. It was filled only a third way up, a transparent brown, and a single ice block in it. It was likely alcohol.

The fourth cup held something unusual. It seemed that there was a jello like substance in there, in a green liquid. So, it was like jello in a green liquid.

The final drink was of red color and seemed fancy. It was held in a cup that resembled a shot glass.

Jerry picked up the first drink, expecting it to be water and he was right. He looked at Klein confused for a moment.

“It’s to pair with the other drinks. In case you do not enjoy them.”

Jerry put down the cup and moved his hand toward the second drink.

“I see” Jerry said.

Jerry took a sip from the second one and was immediately overwhelmed by the bitter taste it had. It was almost like taking a bitter pill. Jerry immediately took large gulps of water from the first drink, trying to drown out the taste of the second.

“Not to your liking?” Klein asked

“Bitter. Way too bitter.” Jerry replied, wiping his chin.

“I see” Klein said as he pulled the second drink away from Jerry.

Jerry looked at the third drink. Fearing the worse, he grabbed it and quickly downed the drink. He was greeted by a welcome taste of alcohol. Just as he had expected. He put the cup down and looked at Klein.

“Was this also not to your liking?” Klein asked.

“No, it’s a nice taste. I would enjoy it again.” Jerry said back.

“I see” Klein said.

Jerry looked at the fourth drink. It looked weird. Because of this, he didn’t know what to expect. He held the fourth drink in his hand, looking at the jello like substance. He took a sip of the green liquid first to be met with a slightly sweet taste that he didn’t mind.

He looked at the jello like substance before drinking it along with the rest of the drink. He chewed on the substance for a bit only to find that it paired with the drink fairly well.

“Did you enjoy it?” Klein asked.

“Very much so.” Jerry said with a slight smile.

Jerry looked at the fifth and final drink.

‘Fuck it’ Jerry said and downed it like he would any other shot. He was met with a very strong urge to puke.

“Ah, Jerry! You were supposed to drink that slowly!” Klein said as he rubbed Jerry’s back.

“Could’ve told me that before, Klein.” Jerry said whilst also trying not to puke.

“My apologies. I’ll tell you next time. Here, have some water.” Klein said, offering Jerry some water.

Jerry drank water and laid back in his chair. As he was drinking, he was met by another voice. A voice he knew too well as it annoyed him a bit.

“That’s where you are!” The voice said. Jerry turned to his right to find Emile.

“We’ve been looking for you all over the palace for you! You’re needed at the feast!” Emile exclaimed.

“For what? Larmen can take care of it.” Jerry responded. After taking the fifth drink, Jerry really couldn’t care anymore.

“Care to explain why you’re here, Jerry?” Emile asked.

“Well, I wanted some fresh air. And to get away from you.” Jerry said sarcastically.

“How rude! I’ll have you know, I am Emile Kerrington the Fourth, the next in line to inherit the Empire!” Emile said.

“Right. Well, I’m Jerry. And I’m very tired right now as you can see.” Jerry said.

Emile sighed.

“That’s cause you’re playing the Empire’s drinking game.”

“I’m sorry?” Jerry looked at Emile with a confused look.

“You’re doing the Empire’s drinking game. It’s usually played by foreigners from other countries to test their might. You take four drinks. The first usually lulling the person into a false sense of security before the other drinks get them.” Emile explained

Jerry looked at Klein who was looking the other way, attempting to not make eye contact with Jerry.

“Anyway, come with me. You are needed at the Feast.” Emile said.

Jerry got up from his seat and followed Emile. At this point, the drop can wait.