Despite the suddenness of my request, Rosmiel-san had graciously agreed, so I went to visit her home in the Garden of Myriad Flowers to pick up the rose-themed accessory case and offer my thanks.
Since I had already given her teacups crafted by Nebula and Illness-san before, I decided to bring a selection of items focused on small dessert plates this time.
"Welcome, Kaito-kun."
"Hello, Rosmiel-san. I’m truly sorry for the last-minute request."
"No, it's quite alright... Besides, I’m just happy you came to visit, Kaito-kun."
While Rosmiel-san usually froze with a stiff expression in front of strangers, she seemed completely comfortable with me now, greeting me with a gentle smile.
It was a curious thing. When she was tense, her elaborate appearance made her seem sharp and intimidating. But seeing her smile like this, she had the aura of a kind, older sister. It made me realize just how much a person’s expression could change the impression they gave off.
Invited inside, I took a seat where she indicated, and Rosmiel-san placed a beautifully wrapped box on the table.
"Um, since you mentioned it was a gift, I tried my hand at wrapping it. Is it okay?"
"Yes, it’s gorgeous. I’m worried that even the wrapping must have been a lot of work..."
"Oh, not at all. I’m quite fond of crafting small items and carvings, so I can do it fairly quickly."
Now that I thought about it, Rosmiel-san possessed a deep appreciation for the arts. Looking around at the stylish furniture and interior decor, I wondered if she had crafted those herself as well.
"That’s right. I brought this as a token of my gratitude. It’s some pottery made by Nebula and Illness-san, similar to what I gave you before, but mostly plates this time. And this over here is a sample set from the black tea brand I’m launching soon."
"Oh, you really didn't have to... but thank you. I use the teacups you gave me all the time, so I’m very happy to have these. And so, this is the product from your brand? It looks so professional... I believe you said there was an original blend?"
"Yes. It’s inside... Excuse me a moment. These are the original blend tea leaves I developed with the help of Nebula and Illness-san."
"I see... I’ve tried my hand at blending rose tea before, but it’s surprisingly difficult. Well then, since you’re here, why don't I brew a pot of your original blend? Is that alright with you, Kaito-kun?"
"Ah, yes. Please."
"Okay. Just wait a moment, then."
There was something undeniably noble about Rosmiel-san as she stood and prepared to brew the tea. Watching her, I suddenly remembered something and decided to ask.
"Come to think of it, Rosmiel-san, I didn't realize you made and sold products like these."
"Ah, yes. A long time ago, Lia told me it might be a good first step toward overcoming my shyness... so I’ve been selling a few handmade trinkets and accessories since then."
"I see. Interacting with people outside your circle definitely sounds like a good way to work on social anxiety. How has the progress been?"
"...Well. I first started supplying those shops... roughly six thousand years ago."
"I see."
If the current situation was the result of six thousand years of effort, it meant there had likely been no improvement whatsoever.
"The thing is, I only get an order about once a month. And the people sent to collect them... they always change to someone new before I can get comfortable enough to talk. I still haven't been able to speak to any of them properly."
"Ah, that makes sense. If you only see them during order pickups, there’s hardly any time to build a rapport."
"Y-Yes. Truly... Strangers are terrifying. And as you can see, I get so tense that my face hardens, which ends up scaring the other person. When both sides are just trembling in fear, it’s hard to get used to anyone... It’s difficult."
It certainly sounded like a challenge. On one hand, you had Rosmiel-san—whose social anxiety was so extreme that her expression turned rock-solid around strangers, preventing her from ever initiating conversation. On the other hand, you had a business partner who was already terrified of being in the presence of a Six Kings Executive, only to be met with someone who looked perpetually displeased. It was a recipe for mutual intimidation.
I might have forgotten just how hard it was because we had bonded so quickly, but for Rosmiel-san, it could take over a decade just to reach a point where she could speak to someone. It was a massive hurdle.
"...I wish everyone was as easy to talk to as you, Kaito-kun."
Hearing Rosmiel-san say that with a self-deprecating smile, I felt a surge of pride at the trust she placed in me. It was a little embarrassing, but mostly, it made me happy.
Serious-senpai: "Guh... since he technically touched upon the original blend tea, I can't even claim this is a title scam... But Rosmiel’s Heroine Power is as brutal as ever. She’s essentially telling him 'you're special' without even realizing it!"