I DO NOT OWN THIS WORK, ASUMA RISAI (the author) DOES.
PS. Nobody owns Shiori either.
For any re-posts or re-uploads, please credit this blog!
And now, on to the real stuff.
Previously on The Royal Fiance...... http://blacksoulz.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-royal-fiance-white-prince-chapter-1.html
Shiori felt
as if his lips were still numb.
An
extravagant luxurious-looking chandelier, gold sequins in intricate patterns
adorning the walls, an age-old desk. These exuded an air of high social
standing, as if being the physical representation of the royal family's
prestige.
Shiori was
being pressured regarding work by the secretary in his office. Even though it
was just the day right after the wedding ceremony, Shiori continued to complete
his daily work for the royal family's business.
The wedding
ceremony.
The place
where Shiori tasted humiliation that he never did before.
The touch
and rough aftertaste of the grape wine lingered at the tip of Shiori's tongue,
twined its way around Shiori's lower body, and slowly ignited that insidious
fire within his body......
"Your
majesty, are you feeling alright? Did the wedding ceremony take a toll on your
body?"
Upon the
secretary's attempt to get Shiori's attention, Shiori snapped out of his
reverie.
As long as
that man is forgotten, all will be well.
It was not
as if Shiori would meet that man again.
Although
Shiori appeared to be detached and unconcerned on the outside, he spared no
effort when attending to his work. That was the reason why when the secretary
noticed Shiori being lost in his thoughts, he could not help but be extremely
worried and asked out of concern for Shiori.
"I am
fine. Is there anything else you would like to report?" Shiori urged his
secretary in a calm tone. Seeing that Shiori had returned to his normal
collected self, the secretary felt relieved. The secretary's expression,
however, was still slightly tense when he replied Shiori.
"There
is. Recently, there have been numerous reports regarding aged but of poor
quality champagnes that are labelled 'Vintage' being distributed and circulated
in the market."
"Champagnes
of poor quality?"
After
listening to the secretary's report, Shiori lifted his head from the documents.
"Yes.
Generally speaking, only champagnes that state and ensure that the year of
harvest of the grapes, the usage of top-quality grapes and the maturation
period of at least three years are given the title of 'Vintage'. However, as of
late, this 'Vintage' label had been found on champagnes of poor quality in the
market - the grapes used to make the wine are sub-standard, even the
champagne's maturation period does not meet the standard."
"What
did you just say?" The expression in Shiori's eyes suddenly became stern.
This matter simply cannot be taken lightly. Not only that, this matter could
possibly damage the country's reputation.
"Are
you implying that some unaged liquor that do not even deserve to be called
champagne are actually hiding under the guise of 'aged liquor' and are being
sold as such on the market?"
"Affirmative."
"That
being the case, these inferior quality liquors surely do not follow the proper
methods for brewing and fermentation. This should be the handiwork of a
scoundrel out to make a handsome profit by lowering his production costs as
much as possible."
In general,
only ingredients from chosen and reputed areas can be used to make such
champagnes. However, in Ecuratol, long before the enforcement of the AOC law (a set of indicators regarding the origin, quality an style of wine), there exists a set of unique standards that have been
known globally. This set of standards stipulate ways for the fermentation
process in a very detailed manner. Only grape wines that meet such stringent
standards can be crowned as 'Vintage'.
In Ecuratol,
grape wines of the lowest quality are those that only require 15 months to
mature, and those that are 'Non-Vintage' (wines without a date on the label).
Following that, wines that have matured for at least three years are considered
as 'Vintage' wines (Wines labelled with the harvest year of the grapes which
were used to make the wine). And at the top of it all, the wine of the highest
quality was labelled as the 'Royal Vintage'.
"Amongst
the substandard wines that had the 'Vintage' labels, some of them had the
'Royal Vintage' labels pasted on them." The secretary continued, sounding
as if he had been seized by fear.
"......",
Shiori could not help but let out a gasp.
That very
act of wrongfully labeling the champagnes was to blemish Shiori's reputation.
Champagnes
that are allowed to be labelled as 'Royal Vintage' not only required the use of
grapes that have been harvested from vineyards that that have been proven to be
of high quality, it also required Shiori's approval.
Only
champagnes that have been tasted and approved by Shiori can then be crowned as
'Royal Vintage'.
Champagnes
that are labelled as 'Royal Vintage' in the market are few and far between -
its exceptionally good and distinctive character and flavour made people
compare such champagnes to Shiori - a flower that is hard to reach; almost
unattainable, and it has been very well-received by critics and fans alike.
While it has
been mentioned that dateless 'Non-Vintage' champagnes are the lowest quality
out of all the champagnes, such judgement is only limited within Ecuratol.
In reality,
champagnes that use a combination of grapes that have been harvested during the
years with bad harvest (due to unfavourable weather circumstances, few grapes
grow and hence, can be harvested) and grapes that are harvested on years that
are known to have produced good quality grapes are actually much more
distinctive flavour-wise, despite being 'Non-Vintage'.
Regardless
of the time it was sold, a 'Non-Vintage' champagne that promises a distinctive
and pleasing flavour - the person who can make such a blend is Shiori, as he is
someone who has an exceptionally good
sense of taste. Due to Shiori's assurance regarding the quality,
Ecuratol's grape wines were able to become world-renowned and receive the trust
of everyone.
The
country's entire wine industry is sustained and backed by this very prestige
and recognition of their wines.
As it was
wine that had been created by Shiori himself, as it was wint that had been
approved by Shiori himself, it was definitely good to savour...... but the poor
tasting wines have betrayed this trust that people have towards Shiori's seal
of approval.
"What
leads are there?"
"The
subordinates are currently checking, however, as of now, they are unable to
find out the reason for such bad quality wines to be labelled as 'Vintage' and
'Royal Vintage'. ", the secretary replied with a reluctant expression.
"Continue
the investigation.", ordered Shiori. Since the investigation was already
well underway, before the truth of the matter is uncovered, the only thing
Shiori could do was to wait.
"This
matter aside, I will have to select the champagne that will be distributed and
sold for use in the banquet organised by the Japanese diplomat, am I
correct"
Even though
Shiori was unwilling, he had a pile of work waiting for him
"Yes,
the dealer would like to purchase champagne of the greatest quality for this
event. This large-scale banquet will be a grand occasion at which ambassadors
from several different countries and continents will gather. As such, the
Japanese dealer who will be overseeing this banquet mentioned that the costs
would not be an issue. Instead, he stressed that using wine which the people
trust is of the utmost importance and concern."
"I am
well aware of that fact even if he did not mention it."
The
ambassadors have likely been posted to countless of countries before, and at
the country of their posting, ate the best cuisine that the country has to
offer.
As the
distributor has chosen to use Ecuratol's champagne, its aim was likely to raise
its reputation. Furthermore, the dealer specifically designated for 'Royal
Vintage' champagnes to be used at the large-scale banquet. The sum of money needed to import such a large
amount of 'Royal Vintages' would be considerably large.
This very
intention showed that the amount of value the dealer places in Ecuratol's
champagne.
Wines that
are able to meet the conditions and hence be labelled as a 'Royal Vintage' were
too little, too few.
Everyone in
the world wanted to get their hands on such rare champagnes.
However, if
one were to search and purchase all of such champagnes' existing stock......
"After
you are done selecting the champagne, we will need to paste the labels on the
bottles. In the evening, the chosen champagnes will be shipped out. The dealer
expressed his wish for the champagnes to be air flown into Japan in order for
them to arrive on time for tomorrow's banquet."
"This
matter is very rushed."
"Such
urgency indicates that the banquet is of utmost importance. Also, this year is
the year which the ban on Japan is lifted. Thus, this action will also be used
to create a topic of interest at the banquet."
"So the
champagne will simply be something for the attendees to chatter about?"
The dealer
was very shrewd. If the atmosphere amongst the attendees was lively, warm and
intimate, they would naturally have a good impression of the banquet. The
dealer had even accurately calculated the sort if impression that the attendees
would have of the banquet after it ends.
"The
champagnes from several different dealers have been prepared in the next room
for your tasting."
"Understood.
I will head over immediately."
Next part: http://blacksoulz.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-royal-fiance-white-prince-chapter-1.html
Next part: http://blacksoulz.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-royal-fiance-white-prince-chapter-1.html
Page 24 - page 30 of the novel. Enjoy! ^^
Felt like I have learnt much more about wine and all after translating these few pages. The importance of Shiori is often overlooked and I feel that it's parts like these that really build on the fact that Shiori is dedicated and is actually someone who should be more appreciated ;w;
While the smex scenes will still take awhile to come, these scenes really provide insight on Shiori's character! So I hope you will like them :3
I WANT TO GO TO ONE OK ROCK'S CONCERT UGHHHHHH THEY ARE COMING TO SG
Mood: Wide awake despite it being 1.07am
Felt like I have learnt much more about wine and all after translating these few pages. The importance of Shiori is often overlooked and I feel that it's parts like these that really build on the fact that Shiori is dedicated and is actually someone who should be more appreciated ;w;
While the smex scenes will still take awhile to come, these scenes really provide insight on Shiori's character! So I hope you will like them :3
I WANT TO GO TO ONE OK ROCK'S CONCERT UGHHHHHH THEY ARE COMING TO SG
Mood: Wide awake despite it being 1.07am
Note: This is just a one person thing, so there's no proof readers or grammar checks and the like. Pardon any errors! Do feel free to point out any mistakes you spot.
