A lady cleared her throat to get their attention. They quickly recollected themselves. Both of them felt a bit embarrassed and slightly irritated by the sudden interruption.
The woman, however, apologized repeatedly and handed them two glasses of wine.
Ragna was about to refuse, but Arin realized she was no ordinary waitress. He accepted both glasses and let her go.
Ragna gave Arin a curious look. The glasses were plain, filled with deep red wine.
Arin drank the first glass in a single gulp. Nothing happened.
When he emptied the second glass, he felt something in his mouth. He discreetly removed it—it was a translucent piece of paper with something written in red ink.
It was a clever way to pass a message, and Arin had a good idea who it was from.
As instructed, he casually dropped one glass into the bushes below the balcony. That would serve as a signal—confirming that he had accepted the proposal made in the secret message.
