Sieg-san’s eyes welled with emotion, and seeing this, Jutia-san gave her a bright, flower-like smile and beckoned her closer.
"Come here for a second, won't you?"
"Eh? You want me to come closer?"
"Yeah, yeah, perfect, perfect! Just the right distance! But, sorry, sorry, could you crouch down a bit? A tiny thing like me can't reach you otherwise, see?"
"Reach? Um, yes."
While tilting her head in confusion at Jutia-san's request, Sieg-san obediently lowered her posture. Jutia-san reached out, placed a hand on Sieg-san's head, and spoke while gently stroking her hair.
"...It must have been hard. It must have been so hard. Being different from everyone else is a painful thing, isn't it? But you've worked so hard. You've really done your best. You're a very strong girl."
"G-gh... Jutia-sama..."
"Good girl, good girl. You love nature so much. That's why it was so painful, right? But it's okay now. It's okay. You're properly loved by nature. I'll guarantee it!"
It went without saying, but being an outlier is a lonely, difficult experience. Sieg-san must have grappled with so many doubts over the years. Even though she was born into the Elf Race, a people who lived in harmony with nature, she must have spent years feeling like nature itself had rejected her.
That was why having a "stamp of approval" from Jutia-san—an existence practically divine to the elves—was so profoundly moving. Tears streamed uncontrollably down Sieg-san's face.
As I watched them, Jutia-san’s hand began to glow with a soft, ethereal light that seemed to sink into Sieg-san’s body.
"...Someone who loves nature as much as you—and is loved so much in return—is bound to have a talent for Spirit Magic. If you ever find yourself back in Rigforresia, go and visit the forest of the Spirit Tree. I’m sure, I’m sure the spirits there will answer your call."
"...Yes. Thank you so much."
I had a feeling that the light from a moment ago had bestowed some kind of catalyst for Spirit Magic upon Sieg-san. It was surely a gift from the Great Spirit to Sieg-san as a reward for all her hard work.
After watching them for a while, I saw Sieg-san wipe her tears and stand up with a smile to thank Jutia-san. Judging that the conversation had reached a natural conclusion, the rest of us approached the pair.
As I stood beside Sieg-san, she gently grasped my hand, so I squeezed it back as I spoke to Jutia-san.
"Jutia-san, thank you for everything."
"It's fine, it's fine, don't worry about it. I'm just super happy to have met such a promising High Elf!"
"I'm glad to hear that... By the way, Jutia-san, did you come here to buy Glorious Tea?"
"That's right, that's right. I happen to love Black Tea, you see. It's a rare opportunity, so I came to buy some."
Remembering my own shopping trip to the previous store, I had decided to ask, and learning that Jutia-san was a fan of Black Tea was a significant piece of information.
I was truly happy that Sieg-san's worries had been resolved, and as her lover, I also wanted to give Jutia-san some kind of thank-you gift. However, our previous exchange in the God Realm had ended with just a handshake, and I hadn't known what would actually make her happy.
But if she liked Black Tea, I had to make use of that information. It might be a good idea to go shopping with Sieg-san to find some. Sieg-san is knowledgeable about tea, so we'd likely find something much better than if I went looking on my own.
...Oh, that reminds me. Didn't Nebula say she was going to cultivate tea behind our house? She seemed quite confident about it, so if it turns out well, it might be a good idea to share some of it with Jutia-san.
"Oops, sorry, sorry! I'd love to talk more, but I'll be taking my leave now. Since I have some time, I'm planning to drop by the forest of the Spirit Tree today."
"Understood. Thank you again for everything."
"Jutia-sama, thank you truly so much."
"It's fine, it's fine, don't worry about it. It was very fun getting to talk with you all!"
When Sieg-san and I thanked her together, Jutia-san gave a thumbs up with a dazzling smile and walked away with a wave.
She was a bright, incredibly kind person with a radiant smile. My first impression of her hadn't been wrong—she really was a wonderful person.
Serious-senpai: "...The tea-loving Seven Princesses... Expressing gratitude... Tea leaves made by the Absolute One... A Massive Flag has been established."
???: "Isn't that just business as usual?"
Serious-senpai: "...True."