The Drops of God Episode 2: Episode 2

The episode opens in a dimly lit cellar, where Mishima rages over a shattered bottle of Henri Jayer. He issues an impossible ultimatum: Shizuku Kanzaki and Miyabi Shinohara have three hours to find an exact replacement, or Miyabi faces ruin. Shizuku, initially stunned, takes Miyabi's hand, pulling her into the frantic Ginza streets, the broken glass a stark reminder of the mission's severity. It is a desperate beginning, emphasizing the fragile nature of both objects and careers.

Shizuku and Miyabi scour a specialty wine bar, tasting various bottles. Shizuku experiences a vivid, almost hallucinatory vision of a sunlit field, but senses the wines lack the specific 'soul' he seeks. The bartender explains the Henri Jayer's extreme rarity, offering a slim lead to the winemaker's nephew and, more promisingly, to an eccentric Ginza expert known only as 'Robert.' Facing a ticking clock, Shizuku makes the risky choice to pursue Robert, seeing him as their only hope. This highlights Shizuku's unusual, almost mystical connection to wine.

They locate Robert in a humble hut, an unassuming figure who is initially dismissive. Shizuku's poetic descriptions of wine, however, pique the old man's interest, revealing a sharp mind behind the gruff exterior. Robert then leads them to a patch of dirt behind his dwelling, instructing Shizuku to dig. From this 'natural cellar,' utilizing the earth's stable environment, Shizuku unearths the coveted Henri Jayer bottle. Robert, acknowledging Shizuku's potential, gifts them the wine, and they race back to the restaurant.

Back at the opulent restaurant, Mishima greets his distinguished guest, Madame Guilmar, with Issei Toomine observing silently nearby. Shizuku and Miyabi burst in at the very last moment, disheveled but successful, clutching the replacement wine. Mishima's astonishment is palpable, and the frantic urgency of their mission gives way to the anticipation of the evening's main event. Issei's watchful presence casts a shadow of unspoken competition over the scene.

As the rare wine is poured, a flashback to France reveals a younger Issei and Anne (Madame Guilmar) sharing a romantic, carefree moment, solidified by cotton candy. In the present, Anne reflects on her time in Japan as a 'jewel,' hinting at a deeper sadness. Mishima mentions her past engagement, adding layers to her narrative. Issei then provides a masterful, technical description of the wine, which profoundly impacts Mishima, triggering a vision of Anne amidst strawberries and roses. This vision reveals the unspoken love and regret Anne harbored, a truth communicated not by words, but by the wine itself.

The conversation shifts to the legendary Henri Jayer wine, discussing how its unique legacy came from his nephew. They speak of 'God's Drop' and the 'Twelve Apostles' from Yutaka Kanzaki's will. Shizuku begins to understand the broader narrative he has stumbled into, connecting this dinner to his own inheritance quest. The discussion reveals the intellectual depth and mythology surrounding wine in this world, contrasting with the raw emotion just witnessed.

As Anne prepares to leave, Shizuku's intuition leads him to follow her. He stops her taxi, sensing an unaddressed issue. He confronts her, revealing he noticed the wine was 'corked,' a flaw she, a renowned expert, overlooked. Anne tearfully confesses to a medical condition that threatens her sense of taste, potentially destroying her ability to appreciate wine. Issei, approaching, admits he also missed the flaw, highlighting Shizuku's exceptional, natural palate. This revelation humanizes both rivals and adds a tragic layer to the pursuit of wine.

Back at the bar, Shizuku and Miyabi reflect on Anne's tragic predicament. Shizuku realizes that wine holds the power to preserve memories and emotions, acting as a safeguard against loss and the passage of time. This epiphany solidifies his resolve to find the 'Twelve Apostles' and understand his father's final message. Miyabi observes his transformation, seeing him evolve from a reluctant participant to a man driven by purpose and passion.

The grand hall of the Kanzaki estate becomes the setting for the official inheritance competition. Shizuku and Issei stand opposite each other, facing a mystery bottle shrouded in white. Robert, the eccentric expert, is revealed as the judge, invited by the lawyer Kiryu. Robert declares that they must seek the 'heart' of the wine, not just its technical characteristics. The air crackles with competitive tension as the two rivals prepare to present their vastly different approaches to wine.

Issei begins, offering a flawless, technical description of the wine, comparing its characteristics to Jean-François Millet's painting 'The Angelus.' His vision is one of solemn, earthy tones, representing the connection between nature and human endeavor. Robert is visibly impressed. Then, Shizuku takes his turn, delivering an intensely personal and emotional description, rooted in a poignant memory of his late mother in a sun-drenched vineyard. He connects the wine's complex notes to a 'final farewell,' moving everyone in the room, including Issei, with its raw honesty.

Robert delivers his judgment, acknowledging the deep emotional resonance of Shizuku's vision, yet ultimately awarding the first round to Issei for his more comprehensive, universal description of the wine's terroir. Shizuku accepts the loss peacefully, finding personal satisfaction in his own discovery within the wine. As he and Miyabi depart the estate, Shizuku feels a renewed connection to his father and the journey ahead. Issei watches them, left to reflect on the burgeoning talent of his unexpected rival.