Chapter Forty-Six: Nightfall Bar

Skunk. Or perhaps "ermine" would be a more fitting term. If one were to taste it, "scented marten" might be even closer to reality. Maud’s sudden mention of the white ermine desperately fleeing the scene was not out of curiosity for its flavor; rather, he saw its value.

How much could it fetch?

This question lingered in his mind, and his gaze upon the white ermine deepened. He happened to be short on money to acquire a fine blade.

Yes, when the time comes, he would name that blade "White Ermine," so its sacrifice would not be in vain.

When Maud asked whether skunk could be eaten, Wolf Rat was not interested in the least. His hesitation was simply an attempt to place himself in Maud’s shoes and consider the question as he might.

“It’s edible!”

After two seconds of deliberation, Wolf Rat gave a confident answer. He didn’t care whether it was truly edible; he could see Maud wanted to try it, and that was reason enough. This was the third secret to making friends—empathy!

Maud smiled at his reply, “Bring it along, then.”

“No problem. I happen to have a good chef with me. If he takes charge, even skunk meat could be turned into a feast for you.”

Wolf Rat nodded, glancing at Maud as well. Their eyes met for a moment. Maud maintained his smile, while Wolf Rat’s confusion grew.

Not far off, the white ermine was still desperately crawling away.

“What’s going on? Why are we just standing here staring at each other instead of catching the skunk? Did I say something wrong?” Wolf Rat was baffled, then suddenly uneasy.

Unable to figure it out, he could only stand there, mystified, keeping Maud company.

Suddenly, Wolf Rat noticed Maud looking at his bloodied hands.

“Hm? Is he concerned about my wounds? Looks like those friendship secrets really do work—when you empathize, the other will care for you in return. Give and take, that’s what friends are.”

Wolf Rat’s thoughts stirred, and he felt a surge of gratitude, as if his efforts had finally been reciprocated.

But gradually, something felt off.

Could it be...

Wolf Rat looked at Maud’s smiling face and ventured, “Shall I fetch it for you?”

“That wouldn’t be right,” Maud replied, glancing at the blood and dust on the white ermine’s fur.

Wolf Rat relaxed; it seemed things weren’t as he’d feared.

Then Maud continued, “But since you’ve offered, I’ll leave it to you.”

“……”

Wolf Rat fell silent, fighting the urge to press his bloody hands against Maud’s face.

Ten minutes later.

The two men and a white ermine arrived at the entrance of Tatam’s “Nightfall” bar.

“So this is the place,” Maud remarked, surveying the surroundings.

It was here, just last night, that he hunted three pirates—and first met Wolf Rat, who was sorely in need of a friend. At the time, his focus was solely on his prey, with no room to spare for the bar nestled in the alley.

Maud’s gaze shifted to the distinctive skull lantern beside the bar’s entrance. Something in its glow stirred old memories.

He recalled his days in the Hunter’s World, where collecting information often meant frequenting the underbelly’s haunts. Most often, these were deeply hidden bars.

They never saw daylight, nor admitted ordinary folk. Their atmosphere and décor brimmed with bizarre style, and skull lanterns were a common ornament.

This bar, “Nightfall,” reminded him of those places—a touch of familiarity.

“Let’s go in,” Wolf Rat said, pushing open the door and leading Maud inside.

Through a brief entryway, the first thing to catch the eye was a circular bar bathed in soft red light.

Behind the bar, Tatam was polishing a glass as usual. Hearing the commotion, he glanced toward the entrance.

Upon seeing Maud, a barely perceptible glint crossed Tatam’s eyes. He remembered the dangerous sword-wielding woman from the previous night.

He withdrew his gaze, lowered his head, and continued polishing the glass with focus.

Maud sized up the broad-browed, large-eyed Tatam, then turned to the empty seats in the bar.

Like Saul’s Weapon Shop, business here was bleak.

But unlike Saul’s place, the bar was meticulously decorated. The lighting, ambience, and seating arrangement all bore the mark of the owner’s thoughtful touch.

Still, the pirates of Mad Hat Town preferred lively taverns over refined bars like this—no wonder business was poor.

Wolf Rat moved to the bar, setting the listless white ermine atop it.

“This is Tatam, the owner, and my friend. Don’t let his rugged looks fool you—he’s skilled in cooking, mixing drinks, everything. Give him the skunk meat, and he’ll prepare it to your satisfaction.”

Wolf Rat introduced Tatam to Maud, praising his culinary skills.

The white ermine, tossed onto the bar, trembled in despair.

“He’s Usopp, a friend I just made,” Wolf Rat said to Tatam, motioning for Maud to come over.

Maud approached the bar and greeted Tatam, “Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Tatam looked at Maud in silence, nodded in acknowledgment.

Wolf Rat watched Maud’s reaction and explained, “Tatam’s personality is just like that, don’t take it to heart.”

“No worries,” Maud replied, unconcerned.

“That’s good,” Wolf Rat smiled, then gently patted the lifeless white ermine. “Tatam, Usopp wants to try skunk meat—can you prepare it?”

Tatam glanced at the white ermine and shook his head, refusing the request.

“I’ll pay extra. Three times the usual rate?”

“……”

Tatam shook his head again.

Wolf Rat persisted, raising his bloodied right hand. “Five times!”

“……”

Seeing Wolf Rat’s insistence, Tatam explained, “It’s not edible.”

“Huh? Not edible? Isn’t it similar to rabbit meat?”

“……”

Tatam said no more.

Wolf Rat was disappointed.

Maud, meanwhile, was surprised by Tatam. Despite his rugged appearance, his voice was as melodious as a young maiden.

The striking contrast reminded Maud of a friend he’d met in the Hunter’s World—Melody.

Both Tatam and Wolf Rat noticed Maud’s reaction.

The former remained expressionless.

The latter relaxed, seeing Maud was merely surprised by Tatam’s voice, without the slightest hint of ridicule.

“Usopp, looks like skunk meat is off the menu,” Wolf Rat said regretfully.

Maud had never intended to eat the white ermine in the first place, so he didn’t explain, but went along, “That’s a pity.”

Wolf Rat picked up the white ermine and tossed it onto a nearby seat. “Tatam, make Usopp a house cocktail. I’ll go take care of my wounds.”

“Alright,” Tatam replied, and began mixing drinks.

Wolf Rat turned to Maud, “Usopp, take a seat.”

“Mm,” Maud nodded.

Wolf Rat headed for the stairs leading to the second floor.

At the bar, Maud watched Tatam’s bartending technique. “Your voice is beautiful. It reminds me of someone I once knew.”

Tatam’s hands paused in surprise; he glanced at Maud, but said nothing and resumed his work.

Maud smiled, turning to admire the setting, so different from the Battle Axe Tavern. “This place… is really nice.”

“Thank you,” Tatam replied, gently sliding the finished drink toward Maud.

Maud turned back, but had no intention of drinking.

“Tatam, do you sell information here?”

“……”

Tatam grew serious at the question.

He didn’t answer directly, instead asking, “Are you a pirate?”