Ace's POV
The inn's main hall buzzed with raucous energy, the wooden floorboards vibrating with each burst of laughter. The air hung thick with the mingled scents of roasted meats, spiced alcohol, and the faint metallic tang of spilled ale. I watched Ovelia and Ann from across the room, their heads bent together as they sampled various dishes, their laughter cutting through the general clamor.
Philip held court at a nearby table, his animated gestures sending droplets of rum flying from his glass. His cheeks had taken on a rosy hue, his usually sharp merchant's gaze now slightly unfocused. "The molasses undertones!" he declared to the captivated merchants. "That's what makes this rum superior to Amethyst Kingdom's stock!"
