It had been quite a while since I last visited the Forest of the Spirit Tree—not since the Treasure Tree Festival, in fact. Still, the paths were relatively well-maintained and easy to navigate, as Spirit Mages from the Elf Race passed through frequently and the forest served as the venue for the Harvest Festival.
Shortly after I entered the forest, several small lights flickered into existence around me as the Spirits revealed themselves.
"……!"
"Hello—wait, whoa!?"
They looked familiar; I wondered if they might be the same ones who had helped me during the Harvest Festival. The moment they realized it was me, their expressions brightened with surprise. They swarmed me in an instant, surrounding me from all sides.
They seemed to be having the time of their lives as they patted my head and shoulders. Through my Sympathy Magic, I could feel waves of pure joy welcoming my return.
"I'm happy to see you all, too. Oh, I brought cookies just like I did last time, so please, help yourselves."
While the sight of the cheerful Spirits was heartwarming, there were so many of them that I couldn't see the path ahead. I produced a large basket of cookies from my magic box and set it on the ground, hoping to clear the way.
It worked. About half of the Spirits shifted their attention to the treats, allowing me to see at least a few feet in front of me. I took the opportunity to address one of the Spirits hovering nearby.
"I've come to see Jutia-san. Do you know where she is?"
"……!? ……!"
"Ah, you'll guide me? Thank you."
The Spirit nodded enthusiastically, tapped its tiny chest, and began flitting off ahead of me. I waved goodbye to the others and followed my tiny guide deeper into the woods.
After about ten minutes of walking, we reached a wide, open clearing. A massive tree stood at its center—a Great Tree every bit as majestic as the one in the heart of Rigforessia. The Spirit pointed toward it.
"Is Jutia-san in there?"
"My, my, my, you're here already! Welcome, Kaito! A hearty welcome to you, ze-i!"
"Whoa... Jutia-san?"
"Oops, sorry, sorry! I startled you, didn't I? Just a moment."
I was taken aback by the voice booming from the Great Tree, but it seemed the tree itself was Jutia-san—or at least, where she resided.
As if to confirm my suspicion, the Great Tree before me split down the center as if branching apart, and Jutia-san stepped out from the gap. The divided trunk shifted and writhed, transforming into her Dragon-like Wooden Horns. It was likely the same principle Liliwood-san used to turn her tree form into a staff.
"There, that should do it."
"Hello, Jutia-san."
"Hello, Kaito! I'm so glad you came, so glad indeed! Once again, welcome to my home, my friend, ze-i!"
Jutia-san greeted me with a bright, gentle smile. She radiated her usual warm, comforting atmosphere, the kind that immediately made anyone feel at ease.
"Even so, even so, you really are beloved by the spirits, Kaito. Even the Trees of the Forest of the Spirit Tree are welcoming you with open arms. It's truly wonderful to see someone so loved by nature, ze-i."
"I was happy they welcomed me. It reminded me of the time we harvested the fruit together during the Treasure Tree Festival."
"I heard about that! You won with an All-time Record, didn't you? Yes, yes, you did great, truly great!"
After offering her unstinting praise, Jutia-san tilted her head slightly.
"So, so? You mentioned you had some business with me. What is it? If you're in any trouble, I'd be happy to lend a hand, ze-i."
"Ah, no, it's nothing like that. Jutia-san, do you remember the tea leaves Nebula made?"
"Of course! Those tea leaves are truly wonderful. Experimenting with different combinations is so, so interesting! I enjoy exchanging opinions with Ein-sama and my other Black Tea Companions from time to time."
"I'm glad to hear you're enjoying them. Well, today, Nebula finished a new variety of tea, so—"
"What did you say!?"
"—Whoa!?"
Jutia-san had been chatting happily, but the moment the words left my mouth, she snapped to attention with terrifying speed. She was suddenly airborne, closing the distance in the blink of an eye. She hovered so close to my face that I thought we might actually kiss.
She smelled lovely, like the heart of a forest, but the sheer intensity in her eyes was overwhelming.
"A-A new variety of tea? A new creation from the Producer of Revolutionary Tea Leaves? What kind is it? Tell me, tell me! I simply must know!"
"Wait, Jutia-san!? Please, calm down! I'll explain everything, just give me some space..."
"Oops, sorry, sorry. I just couldn't help myself..."
Good grief. It seemed the impact of the previous tea leaves was even greater than I had imagined if it could make someone like Jutia-san act this desperate. I’ll have to be a bit more careful with my phrasing when I give the rest to Ein-san. If she comes at me with this kind of energy, it’s going to be terrifying.
Serious-senpai: "I’ve been thinking. If it’s become this famous in the Black Tea Community, then it must be the talk of the Maid World as well... I wouldn't be surprised if they're calling them the 'Phantom Tea Leaves' by now."