Chapter 62: Chapter 62 – The Brewer’s Skills

Astrid patiently awaited her turn. She had watched everyone’s faces turn to pleasure. Once or twice, she could chalk it up to someone's preference, but when it was literally everybody that universally savoured it as if it was honeyed nectar, she needed to try it for herself.

It was finally her turn. Charlotte had said that it can only be poured one at a time as the barrel needed time to rest before each pour. Astrid didn’t really understand, but she doubted the woman would lie to her. Charlotte poured the drink for her in a fresh glass. It was smooth and curved. It had an elegance that reminded her of the cups back in the Noble District.

As the liquid hit the bottom of the glass, golden flecks spiraled within the clear liquid. Usually, most drinks had particles within, but not this one. It was as clear as a divine lake, not a spec of impurity was to be found.

Astrid grabbed the cup. Everyone gazed at her, giving her a knowing look as she placed the glass to her lips and tipped the ale into her mouth. She frowned. Not because it tasted bad, or good, but it was the lack of taste. It just reminded her of the filtered water she was used to.

What is everyone getting so excited about? Astrid thought rather dejectedly. Maybe she didn’t have the taste buds for it? Maybe altering the matter within her body at the auction had somehow demolished her sense of taste? Now she was panicking.

Oh goddess, no taste? I’d rather die. No longer will I be able to taste my mother's heavenly pastries. Or the pastries of the baker, Garret. Not the pastries, anything but the pastries. Astrid sniffled back her tears and finally swallowed the tasteless drink. A sudden intense heat clung to the walls of her throat like a furnace, then all at once, a sweet cooling honey replaced the searing heat as it fell all the way down her throat and into her stomach.

However, it didn’t end there. As it rested at the bottom of her stomach, the cooling sensation travelled back up and sent an intense buzz into her mind that forced a smile onto her face. She sat up straight and gazed at the drink.

---