Urged on by Jutia-san, who was showing an incredible amount of interest in Nebula’s latest creation, I pulled out the specialized Royal Milk Tea leaves and began my explanation.
"I see, I see... so they're specifically for Royal Milk Tea! How fascinating, how fascinating! I’m dying to know what it tastes like, ze-i. Do you mind if I brew some right now?"
"Oh, sure. That's fine, but... here?"
I could tell she wanted to try them immediately, but we were standing in a clearing in the middle of a forest. Jutia-san just flashed a bright smile at my question.
"No, no! I’ve got my tools and everything at home, so I’ll brew them there, ze-i. And since you're here, Kaito, I'd love to invite you over. Do you have the time?"
"Sure, I don't have any urgent plans, so I'm free."
"It's a deal, then! Well then, well then, I'll move us with teleportation magic... Pardon me for a second."
After she extended an invitation to her home, Jutia-san reached out and lightly touched my arm with an eager look. In an instant, the scenery shifted. When my vision cleared, I was standing inside a cozy wooden room.
The space had the feel of a stylish cabin. Rows of jars and tins filled with black tea leaves lined the walls, alongside an impressive collection of teapots and cups.
It looked something like a kitchen-dining area. Peering through the windows at the surrounding woods, I realized I was likely in the Central Great Forest of Yugfressia. Rosmiel-san’s Garden of Myriad Flowers was located in the same forest...
"This is amazing. Not just the tea, but the sheer number of cups and everything..."
"When it comes to black tea, the things you put directly in your mouth like the leaves are important, but the flavor changes drastically depending on the tools you use, like the pots and cups, ze-i. That’s why I collect all sorts of different sets, ze-i!"
"Heh, I see. You really are a connoisseur... Oh, that reminds me."
"Hmm?"
The way she spoke about her obsession with the fine details made it clear she was a true enthusiast. She apparently had regular exchanges with Ein-san, so her level of commitment to the craft was on an entirely different level.
That’s when I suddenly remembered the pots and cups we had sold at the Arclesia Empire Founding Anniversary Festival. Nebula and Illness-san had continued making pottery since then, so I had some spare sets on hand.
For some reason, they had continued to use that specific brand mark even after the festival ended. It seemed they intended to use that logo for any ceramic items they produced together.
"These were also made by Nebula and Illness-san... I have a spare tea set here, so if you'd like it, Jutia-san, please take it."
"Are you sure? These look like they’re of incredibly high quality, ze-i. I really ought to pay you for these."
"No, please don't worry about it. I have plenty of them, and since you love tea so much, I'm sure you'll put them to good use."
"Thank you! Well then, well then, I’ll take you up on your kind offer, ze-i! Yes, yes... the thickness is perfect. I’ll use these to brew the Royal Milk Tea right away, ze-i! Kaito, have a seat and wait for a moment."
"Ah, sure. Thank you."
She seemed genuinely pleased with the gift. After flashing me a happy smile, Jutia-san showed me to a chair and disappeared into the kitchen area.
She began the preparations with incredibly practiced movements.
"Since we have such wonderful leaves, I should use high-quality milk as well. Kaito, do you prefer yours sweet or light?"
"Hmm, sweet, please. I have quite the sweet tooth."
"I see, I see! I like sweet tea too. I’m so happy our tastes match—I’m so happy!"
While acting cheerful and energetic, she worked with impressive efficiency. A short while later, a delicious-looking cup of Royal Milk Tea was placed in front of me.
"Thanks for waiting, thanks for waiting. Here, go ahead."
"Thank you... Yeah, this is definitely delicious."
The Royal Milk Tea was prepared even sweeter than the version I’d had at home. Combined with the warm, cozy atmosphere of Jutia-san’s house, it was a truly heartwarming experience.
Sitting across from me, Jutia-san took a sip of her own tea and her eyes widened in surprise.
"...This is—amazing, amazing! The way it blends with the milk is completely different from normal tea leaves! How wonderful, how wonderful, this is the best, ze-i! I feel like I could spend ages researching this... Ka-Kaito... if it’s possible... um..."
"Oh, yes. I figured you might want more, so I brought a whole tin for you. Nebula said that if you’re interested, she can provide them to you regularly, just like the previous variety."
"Thank you! I’m so happy, I’m so happy! I’m really glad I met you, Kaito, ze-i... Oh, wait, sorry, sorry. That makes it sound like I’m only happy because of what you give me... But regardless of the tea, it’s the truth that I’m grateful we met."
"Ahaha, thank you. It makes me happy to hear you say that."
As Jutia-san gave a bashful laugh, her small stature made her look incredibly cute. Between her company and the flavor of the milk tea, I found myself feeling deeply relaxed and content.
Serious-senpai: "Well, Jutia is fine and all... but the real question is what comes next. I wonder exactly how that maid is going to react..."