Amid the uproar, a voice exclaimed, "Tina's husband?! Ulaza, you've lost your chance!"
This comment drew the first light laughter from the guests.
"I thought you had died while being pursued by Grumentum..." Ulaza said bitterly. "So, I already have a wife."
"At that time, none of us could be sure we'd live to see today!" Bagul's words resonated with the guests, and he continued, "So tonight, let's not talk about anything else—just drink! Let's celebrate being alive today!"
"Right!" Ksema exclaimed, holding a two-handled amphora filled with wine.
After taking a sip, he declared loudly, "This is great wine! I've never had such good wine before! Tonight, I'm going to finish off all of Bagul's wine!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Bagul secretly thanked Ksema for helping to ease the tension.
Raising his cup, he shouted, "Let's give thanks to the Ruler Asinu for his protection!"
