Two days had passed since the Harmonic Symphony, and the day of the tea party hosted by Lilliwood-san had finally arrived. Since I was the only one attending this time, I set out for the venue alone.
Lilliwood-san’s castle was the designated location, and since I had already registered a teleportation point right in front of the entrance, getting there was effortless.
I packed the black tea Illness-san had brewed—using Nebula’s special leaves—into a pot and stowed it in my Magic Box. I’d asked her to prepare a generous amount just in case. For souvenirs, I brought along eight tins of tea leaves, ensuring I had enough for Lilliwood-san and all Seven Princesses. I also made sure to pack plenty of chocolates.
After a final check of my supplies, I teleported to the castle about thirty minutes before the scheduled start time.
Upon arrival, I found one of the World King’s subordinates acting as a receptionist. I presented my invitation, and they informed me that a guide would be arriving shortly. I didn't have to wait long.
"I've been waiting for you! I've been waiting! I’ve really, really been looking forward to today, you know!"
"Hello, Jutia-san... Are you the one guiding me?"
"Hello, Kaito! That’s right, that’s right! I just couldn’t wait any longer, so the moment I heard you’d arrived, I came running!"
My guide turned out to be Jutia-san. She seemed genuinely excited about the tea I’d promised to bring; it was written all over her face.
"Well, feel free to set the bar as high as you like. Nebula’s tea leaves really are incredible."
"I’m so excited! I’m so excited! Truly, I can’t wait for us to start! Oh, right, sorry, sorry! I have to actually show you inside first. Come on, let’s go!"
"Ah, right."
Since Nebula’s tea leaves were truly spectacular, I was certain they would clear whatever high expectations she had. Honestly, it wasn't as if I was the one who was impressive, but it was still hard to suppress the urge to brag about how amazing Nebula was.
Lost in these thoughts, I followed Jutia-san into the castle.
"Where is the tea party being held?"
"Well, you see, we have a massive terrace specifically for this party! It’s right in the center of the castle, in the courtyard. It’s only opened up for this event, you know!"
"Heh, I see... I’ve been to Lilliwood-san’s castle several times, but I never knew it had a courtyard. It sounds like a special place."
"Well, even so, it’s a space designed for a tea party, so it’s just a wide, simple terrace without too much clutter."
As I suspected, the tea party was a significant event, complete with its own dedicated venue. Nodding at Jutia-san’s explanation, we walked for a while before passing through a set of massive doors. Beyond them lay a space with a wonderful atmosphere.
Though it was incredibly vast, the terrace had a simple, tranquil design. Looking up, I could see the World Tree towering above. Sunlight—far brighter than mere dappled light—bathed the venue in a warm glow.
The wooden floors and tables added to the inviting ambiance. Just as Rosmiel-san had told me, a great many tables were arranged at regular intervals, each pre-set with tea sets and sweets.
"...I see. So the idea is to move freely between the tables while chatting."
"That’s right, that’s right! Socializing is the main goal. Basically, there’s no need for formal greetings to Lilliwood-sama or the Seven Princesses, myself included. The whole point is to just enjoy the tea and the conversation!"
That was a relief. If everyone had to give formal greetings to every high-ranking figure, the process would have taken an eternity.
There were already quite a few guests present, but the venue was so spacious that it didn't feel crowded at all. It lacked the stiff, oppressive formality of the royal palace parties I’d attended in the past; instead, the air was calm and heartwarming. It looked like it was going to be genuine fun.
"If possible, I’d really like it if you came to my table first, Kaito. What do you think?"
"It was a promise, after all. Of course, I intend to visit you first... Or rather, given how this works, it’s probably easiest if I just start at your table from the beginning."
"True, true! That would be much faster! Well then, I’ll lead the way!"
"Yes, please. Come to think of it, I heard the Seven Princesses sometimes group together. Is there anyone else at your table, Jutia-san?"
"Erial and Tiltania are there! Both of them have been dying to meet you, Kaito!"
I see, so Jutia-san is particularly close with Erial-san and Til-san. Rosmiel-san would undoubtedly be with Camellia-san. I wondered about Lilie-san and Blossom-san. Perhaps those two were together as well?
Come to think of it, when I visited Blossom-san's venue, she mentioned that Lilie-san had told her to keep her voice down, so they might be on good terms.
Wrapped in these thoughts and filled with anticipation, I took in the cheerful atmosphere of the venue as we walked, a smile naturally spreading across my face.
Serious-senpai: "...Harmonic Symphony Middle Part II went up to 5, and the Latter Part went up to 6... Honestly, could we have just skipped the 'Middle Part II' and called it the 'Latter Part'?"
???: "As if the Author writes while actually calculating the chapter count... They just divide things into Beginning, Middle, and End based on pure feeling."