Vyn "Food for Thought"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 1. Vyn is not yet in a relationship with the MC.

Vyn and the MC take a break from their rail tour in Bergandi to visit the world-famous Ferro Winery, which is owned by an old friend of Vyn's. The owner, Raphael, greets the pair and tells them that rooms have been prepared for them, then he suggests they rest or visit the vineyard, pointing out that Vyn has been there enough times to not require a tour guide. Vyn asks whether the greenhouse is ready, explaining to the MC that they'll get to pick their own grapes and make wine with the off-season tourist attraction unique to Ferro.

While touring the winery's Autumn Greenhouse, Vyn explains the care that goes into the grapes grown there, countering the commonly held notion that natural conditions produce the highest quality grapes. He points out how the staff can simulate and control for factors like wind, rain, and soil conditions. He feeds the MC a grape, and she agrees they're delicious despite her impression that wine grapes are not supposed to be good to eat. Later, Vyn shows her a romantic tradition unique to Ferro Winery: a dedicated greenhouse where couples who visit can plant a grapevine together and later receive wine brewed from their own grapes. Vyn asks to plant a vine with the MC, and she agrees.

With the materials prepared well ahead of their arrival and the MC flustered at the implication that Vyn had planned in advance to ask her to plant a vine in the couples' greenhouse, Vyn and the MC graft their seedling. Afterward, the two have dinner, and Raphael asks Vyn to taste some wines he plans to debut at a tasting conference soon because of Vyn's picky palate. Vyn successfully identifies all of the wines he's presented and gives Raphael's newest wine a 98/100. Raphael notes that Vyn has never given perfect marks, calling him one of the strictest wine critics he's ever met; Vyn responds that the last points are about fickle mood and a missing "something." Vyn refuses to even taste the final wine, its scent alone earning the unexplained comment that it's still just as unpleasant as it was before.

That night, the MC is unable to fall asleep, so she goes for a walk in the greenhouse, hoping to check on the vine she planted with Vyn. After finding it, she looks at other vines, finding a robust vine nearby with the tag "Eirik Haspran & Reina Richter 2003." Soon after, she hears Raphael and Vyn talking about Vyn's father; Raphael passes along the message that Vyn's father loves him and wants him to return home. The MC tries to sneak away but is discovered. Raphael excuses himself, and Vyn finally explains his family history: how his mother and father fell in love at first sight, how she left his father due to his weakness in fighting the Church of Svart when it demanded her conversion, how his father fell into alcoholism after her departure, and how Vyn eventually left his old life behind when the Church tried to prevent his study of psychology. Saddened by Vyn's story, the MC asks him to stay with her when he tries to send her back to sleep. Vyn suggests they try some wine together so they can select the best grapes for their own custom bottle.

Back in the shared lounge of their rooms, the two drink wine and discuss their fears: the MC's fear that her carelessness had upset him, and Vyn's fear that she would dislike him because of his family. They also discuss why they both believe they don't need to avoid the mistakes Vyn's parents made, like drinking or planting a vine together. As the conversation goes on, Vyn begins to behave drunkenly and touches the MC's face, and she panics at the seductive atmosphere and asks him to lie down. When she sees he's feeling happy again and tries to send him to bed, he pleads with her to stay with him on the sofa instead, worrying aloud that she'll leave him alone if he's too resilient against sorrow.

The next morning, Vyn and the MC have breakfast and prepare to make their custom bottle of wine. Vyn insists that he wants to make a perfect wine for the MC, but the MC reassures him that it's okay if it's not perfect, because they can always come back and try again. While considering her response, Vyn thinks back to earlier that morning, while the MC was sleeping, when Raphael pointed out that Vyn couldn't have really been drunk the previous night; in Vyn's thoughts, he compares his actions to the artificial conditions of the greenhouse cultivation. The MC realizes that the wine Vyn refused to taste the previous day was made from his parents' grapevine and points out that if their own wine is bad, they can just mix it with soda. The two decide their custom wine will be Raphael's new 98/100-scored wine, mixed with soda; Vyn gives the mix full marks.

Illustrations

A Man KnowsA man knows all too well his own joys and sorrows.

Captivating TouchAs Vyn spoke, his long slender finger moved slowly across your skin... across the side of your face before pressing lightly on your lips.

Video Call

Video Call		Vyn: Food for Thought (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Vyn: It is I. Sorry, it was kind of noisy around here. I did not hear the phone ring. Is something the matter?

Vyn: My glasses? I accidentally dropped them because the bookstore was too crowded. They broke, and I did not have a spare pair with me.

Vyn: Yes, I am unable to see very well, so I am planning to take a taxi home.

Vyn: My outing plan was indeed affected... I was going to ask if you were free to come out.

Vyn: You are coming over? Well, that is just fantastic.

Vyn: But, it is not anything special. It is just that... I am thinking about growing some fruits in my garden, so I was wondering if you had any advice.

Vyn: I see, so these are the fruits you like. I will try to grow some of them then.

Vyn: What kind of fruits do I like?

Vyn: Hmm... I did not have any preference before, but grapes seem like a decent option now.

Vyn: Speaking of which, are you willing to come over to my place and grow some grapes?

Vyn: No particular reason, I just want to do something with you together.

Vyn: Also, you will have to come over frequently to check on them.

Vyn: And then, when they bloom and bear fruits, we can celebrate with some drinks.

Vyn: Seems like you are as excited as I am.

Vyn: Good, I will send you the location. Take your time. There is no rush.

Story Locations

Barosk
Bergandi Suburbs

Vyn's Residence

Barosk
Ferro Winery

Barosk
Autumn Greenhouse

Barosk
Spring Greenhouse

Barosk
Cafeteria

Barosk
Spring Greenhouse

Barosk
Guest Room Lounge

Story Characters

Vyn Richter

Vyn Richter

Raphael Schröter

Manager

Footman