Regarding the tea party I was hosting—which had all started from a spontaneous idea after being invited to Elis-san’s own gathering—somehow or another, the initial target group of about ten people had come together.
So, I could have started thinking about the actual schedule then and there, but before that, there were two more people I wanted to talk to. Among my acquaintances, Ein-san and Jutia-san were top-class lovers of black tea, so I thought I should reach out to them first.
Though honestly, I didn't think Ein-san would actually participate. She was so profoundly dedicated to being a maid that I couldn't picture her as an invited guest at all.
While she might have been eager to join as part of the waitstaff, I could say with near certainty that it was almost impossible for her to be on the side of those being served.
"Whoa, otherworld black tea... That’s incredible, incredible! I’m super, super interested in that! But, but... it doesn't look like I’ll have a chance to drink it, which makes me so sad!"
"The taste was close to fruit tea, but since it was made from a flower bouquet, I have my doubts about whether it should even be called black tea."
"Otherworlds are so interesting, aren't they?"
And so, I came to check with Jutia-san first. Despite my sudden visit, she welcomed me warmly, and we spent the beginning of our time making light small talk while drinking the black tea she had brewed.
She seemed intensely curious about the otherworld black tea Tiana-san had let me drink, but that had only happened because Tiana-san and I were alone in that moment. In reality, sharing it was likely a difficult matter due to her contract with Shiro-san. Jutia-san understood that as well; even while looking intrigued, she seemed to accept the fact that she wouldn't be able to drink it herself.
"...So, changing the subject... actually, I was thinking of hosting a tea party myself soon..."
"Hmm, hmm."
For now, I moved on to the main topic of the tea party and explained the details, including the guest list. That said, the concrete details hadn't been decided yet; I simply told her that I intended to hold it and shared the details of the participants.
After listening to my story, Jutia-san crossed her arms with a troubled expression.
"Hrmmm. A tea party hosted by Kaito... There’ll be a special commemorative blend black tea, and maybe even new works... I’m very, very, very interested! But, but... I can't... If those are the members participating, then given my position, I can't participate while bypassing Lilliwood-sama."
"Ah, is it because of the balance among the Six Kings' Subordinates?"
"With Kuromueina-sama and Shallow Vernal-sama, the Gods of Otherworlds, the Emperor of the Arclesia Empire, and the Pope... in that situation, if Lilliwood-sama, who is a King, isn't participating, it wouldn't be right for me, a World King's Subordinate Executive, to go alone. Even if there were no social optics to worry about, my own feelings on the matter would be complicated. I'm really, really, really interested in the black tea you'll be serving, and I'm worrying a lot, a lot, a looot about it, but I’ll have to pass this time."
She was extremely interested in the party and the black tea, but she was reluctant to participate over Lilliwood-san’s head when the gathering consisted of beings who represented the absolute pinnacle of their respective worlds, like Kuro and Shiro-san.
Even if it wasn't a formal occasion, it was a complicated matter for Jutia-san’s sensibilities. I could tell she had deep regrets about it, and even now that she had declared her non-participation, she still seemed to be agonizing over the choice.
"I could also invite Lilliwood-san, but since Lilliwood-san doesn't eat or drink, I feel like inviting her to a tea party would actually be disrespectful... In that case, although the details aren't decided yet, if I serve new black tea leaves or a special commemorative blend at the party, I'll give them to you later, Jutia-san."
"Really?! I'm very, very happy about that, but... is it okay? Is it really okay? I'm always receiving so many things from Kaito, I feel bad about it."
Jutia-san, whose expression mixed joy with apologetic feelings, was a truly decent person. When I contrasted her with Ein-san—who would likely try to invade for a taste the moment she heard about new tea leaves and get scolded by Kuro—I couldn't help but admire Jutia-san’s high level of self-restraint.
"Please don't worry about it. You’re always good to me too, Jutia-san."
"Is that so, is that so? If you say so, then I'll take you up on your kind offer!"
"Yes. Well, it hasn't been definitely decided that I'll be putting out a new work... but if I do, I'll make sure to secure some for you, Jutia-san."
Since that was probably what Ein-san would be after as well, I felt like the conversation would go faster if I prefaced it by saying I’d give them the tea leaves as a gift even if they didn't participate.
As I was thinking that, Jutia-san stood up from her chair and came right next to me. She made a light beckoning gesture, signaling for me to lower my head. As I leaned over slightly, Jutia-san suddenly pulled my head into an embrace.
The scent of the forest drifted around me, accompanied by a soft sensation and a slightly elevated body temperature. Jutia-san’s hand rested on my head, gently stroking my hair.
"Really, really, thank you for everything. I love how kind you are. I hope my feelings of gratitude reach you, even if just a little, just a little."
I had heard that the scent of the forest had a relaxation effect, and it was truly a feeling of profound peace. I felt a comfort as if I were standing in a forest bathed in warm sunlight; although I was slightly surprised, I surrendered myself to that pleasant sensation for a while.
Serious-senpai: "This girl is surprisingly proactive, isn't she?! She’s got so much initiative... or rather, her affection level for Kaito is so high that she just hugs and embraces him whenever she feels like it! The air is getting way too sweet for my taste, so I really wish she'd give me a break..."