azul ashengrotto [ birthday suit ] ssr

[mandytl]

 

Birthday Suit 1

“Happy Birthday” - Azul Ashengrotto

Location: Octavinelle Dorm - Birthday Party Venue

NRC Newspaper - Birthday Interviews - Azul Issue

> Happy Birthday.

Azul: Why, if it isn’t you. Thank you for taking the time to come here in person.

“How’s the party coming along?”

Azul: I'm having quite time thanks to you all. The lively atmosphere reminds me of the birthday parties my family would throw.

“Does that mean tons of people got together for them?”

Azul: Indeed. My family runs their own ristorante, you see.

We used to close up shop every year for my birthday and celebrate with all the staff.

There were lavish decorations, wonderful music... and at the heart of it all, the largest table available piled high with all my favorite foods.

“Eat some of this, eat some of that”... 

Thinking about it now, I wish I could protest about how excessive the whole affair was, but… 

In my childish innocence, I was thrilled, of course.

“What’s your family like? Tell me about them.”

Azul: My mother owns our ristorante. It was originally a little dining establishment she launched on her own, but...

For as long as I can remember, it has been the most famous fully-staffed resort in the Coral Sea.

Something you could only achieve by being talented not only in cooking but as a manager, I imagine. 

She's taken a keen interest in Mostro Lounge, as it happens. A bit of friendly competition between parent and child is wonderful, don't you agree?

As for my stepfather… My mother remarried, so he and I share no relation.

He’s an attorney. They met during her divorce mediation process.

One can truly never know what the future holds, it seems. 

While generally a very kind and honest man, he doesn’t muck about when it comes to his job!

He would frequently instruct me on basic legal knowledge and contracts, all the while maintaining a good relationship with my mother. He’s a stepfather I can respect. 

And finally, my grandmother. Though my entire family happens to be made up of mages, her magic, in particular, is especially potent.

She uses it to solve our neighbor’s problems. 

Yes… She’s a merciful, compassionate soul—much like myself. 

Though our personalities vary, we each possess amazing talents—truly a family to be proud of.

Birthday Suit 2

“Happy Birthday” - Azul Ashengrotto

Location: Octavinelle Dorm - Birthday Party Venue

“Is there anything you’re particularly focused on when it comes to the Mostro Lounge?”

Azul: Hmm. There are several, but… if I have to choose, it’d be the tableware. 

A dish’s quality lies not only with its taste but also with its appearance.

Pitiful vessels will undermine the charm of any dish no matter how delectable. 

This is why most of the tableware we use in Mostro Lounge is high-quality.

… Thinking back, every day was a challenge when we were preparing to open. 

We gathered information from famous restaurants, had support staff research various brands, and then carefully examined sample pieces over and over...

Well. We’ve acquired a splendid array of tableware thanks to all that hard work.

“Wow. And I didn’t even notice all these details.”

Azul: Fufu… That’s quite all right. You wouldn’t be able to raise even our teacups so casually if you knew their worth.

You don’t need to know the value of each and every piece.

Paying attention to detail like that is what gives the lounge its luxurious atmosphere.

However… There are times when Floyd handles our carefully-selected wares only to shatter them.

I’ve warned him how many times…? Honestly. He’s so difficult.

“Sounds like a tough time in more ways than one.”

Azul: Well, I do find moments to step away when I can.

“You mean to… take a break?”

Azul: I read in my room.

I dim the lights to relax and read the autobiographies of businessmen I’ve borrowed from the library and some such. 

That, along with my favorite baubles and trinkets I’ve collected and keep in my room...

I feel at peace whenever I glance their way. It makes for excellent respite. 

Birthday Suit 3

“Happy Birthday” - Azul Ashengrotto

Location: Octavinelle Dorm - Birthday Party Venue

“Do you have any hobbies?” 

Azul: Coin collecting. It’s actually an old hobby of mine.

“How’d you get started?” 

Azul: When did I start… ah, yes. I remember now. It all started when I happened to pick up a coin close to a sunken ship as a child.

I’d thought it nothing but a plain, ordinary piece of currency from the surface at first…

But after doing some research, I came to realize it was a commemorative coin from a far-off kingdom, originally issued in a set of 100 pieces.

One coin was typically worth 100 madol. 

But when treated as a collector’s item, they could be traded for 500,000 madol! 

Thus I started to collect them once I became aware of their rarity.

Don't you find it interesting how the value of these engraved coins depends on their history or what they were cast in?

“For sure. How many do you have in your collection?”

Azul: Around 200 pieces. I frame the ones I’m especially fond of and use them as decoration.

Incidentally, I highly recommend this hobby if you’re building your assets. The value of these coins are insusceptible to fluctuations in the economy.

”Do you have any others?"

Azul: Let’s see… Board games, I suppose.

I decided to intrude on the Board Game Club back when I’d gone to observe club activities, just after my enrollment.

That’s where Idia-san… with Ortho-san at his side, introduced me to a game where you simulate business transactions.

I decided to join, thinking all the while, “I’ll be able to develop my business skills this way!”.

Our activities consisted of playing a variety of games...

Through the games, I was able to hone the resolve necessary to wager it all. 

But most importantly, forcing your opponent to submit in a battle of wits is so very enjoyable. Fufufu...

“You’ve got a lot of different hobbies, huh.”

Azul: There’s no telling what might lead to a business venture.

It’s better to experience everything life has to offer.

“Thanks for sharing all these stories with us. Once again, happy birthday.”