Love and Other Crimes

This Exotic Drink Called Coffee

"What a scent!"

"Strong and special, isn't it Your Majesty?"

Henry smiled to the valet.

"What did you call it?"

"Coffee, Your Majesty."

Henry had always been eager on trying new things. It was one of the things they had in common with Brigitte. And they both loved this new thing called "coffee".

Malgravia was a rather cold country of the North. And so was Redland. So, this exotic plant that bore coffee beans didn't flourish in the two countries. Henry had recently developed relations with a warm country of the South called Calsabwe. He had sent them, as a gift of appreciation and culture understanding, some fine jewelry made of pure gold and a variety of the wholesome berries of Malgravia. The new allies in the South had sent him some impressive gemstones and these special beans: the coffee beans.

Both Henry and Brigitte loved the drink made of these beans. It was bitter, but also tasty in a special way. Brigitte loved her husband's idea even more. "As we're now allies, we should soon visit this place! I've heard it's amazing!" Brigitte was already dreaming of their walks in the mythical, exotic lands of the South.

Edith and Edward were truly happy for their brother's latest success. Of course, they snubbed Brigitte's contribution through her ideas to this success. Henry openly praised his wife for not only being devoted to him, but the kingdom as well. "Yeah, right! She's now trying to prove she's indispensable to the kingdom!" They didn't dare say that before Henry. Maxwell however heard them and tried to prove them they were wrong; in vain.

Both Edward and Edith hated that coffee. It was a real struggle for them whenever they were trying to drink a few sips, when Henry was present. They couldn't accept having less in common with their brother than that invader!

One day the two siblings were alone, they were looking at this new drink in their cups. Edith screwed up her face.

"How can they drink that thing? It's disgusting! Look at it! It's black as pitch!"

Edward was about to say something, agreeing with his sister, but his eyes suddenly sparkled.

"It's not disgusting, Edith! It's perfect!"

"Are you drunk or something?"

Edward jerked up from his chair and took a careful look all around. He then pulled his chair closer to his sister.

"This thing is perfect because it is black as pitch, like you said!"

Edith still seemed a little puzzled. She was trying to see her brother's point. Edward went on.

"What are we looking for? We found the place and the time. We found the poison. They only thing we can't find is..."

"A dark, non-transparent liquid to pour it in!"

"Well... This thing over here looks good enough to me!"

The two of them looked at each other, smiling and shining with excitement for this unexpected idea. They raised their cups.

"To the innovative and blessed South!"