In the Sanctuary of the God Realm, Shallow Vernal, the God of the World, and Kuromueina, the Underworld King, sat across from one another, sipping black tea.
The two held these tea parties often, but today, something was slightly different. Kuromueina tilted her head curiously, her eyes drifting toward the scenery before she spoke.
"……Shiro, what are those things growing over there?"
"Those are Black Tea Trees."
"……Not tea plants, but Black Tea Trees?"
"Yes. They are trees from which black tea leaves can be harvested directly. They grow already perfectly dried."
"U-Ugh. There are so many things I could say about that, but I’ll let it slide for now…… Why Black Tea Trees?"
When she inquired about the mysterious plants in the Sanctuary, she was told they were trees that bore dried black tea leaves. It was an absurd plant, to be sure, but Shallow Vernal was more than capable of creating such impossible flora, and her penchant for eccentric behavior was nothing new.
However, as for why she had created them…… Kuromueina was certain it involved Kaito. In fact, whenever Shallow Vernal took an unexpected action, Kaito was usually the catalyst. Given that Kaito had just launched a new brand of black tea, there was every reason to suspect a connection.
"This is practice. I intend to gift a Black Tea Tree to Kaito-san, so I am making various adjustments as I create them."
"Ah, I see. Like with the Glorious Tea…… Since Kaito-kun started his own tea brand, you wanted to get involved too. Well, it’s good that you’re actually practicing instead of just doing something sudden for once. Are you testing flavors and things like that?"
"Yes. Since you are here, I would like to hear your opinion as well, Kuro. Would you mind tasting some?"
"Sure, I don't mind. I’m interested to see what kind of tea you’ve made, Shiro."
It was an established fact that Shallow Vernal had significantly impacted the world with her bizarre actions many times in the past. This time, however, she hadn't caused any chaos yet. Furthermore, since she was seeking Kuromueina’s input at this stage, Kuro felt that if she guided her properly, they might reach a sensible result.
With that thought in mind, Kuromueina readily agreed to the tasting. Before long, a cup was placed before her.
"Here you go."
"Wait, it’s blue!? Why on earth is it blue!? And it’s not even a pale blue; it’s so dark it’s practically opaque…… It’s actually a little unsettling to look at."
The tea Shallow Vernal served was a deep, vivid blue, looking as though blue paint had been poured directly into the cup. A closer look confirmed it was indeed a liquid, but the color was so dense that, at first glance, one might have mistaken it for cream.
"I felt that some form of individuality was required."
"Why did you have to seek that individuality in the color, of all things? I mean, the taste is just normal black tea, but the appearance is awful. Listen, Shiro. Just because you make something quirky doesn't mean it's good. You have to consider the balance. Otherwise, it’s just a strange thing made for the sake of being eccentric."
"…………"
"……Um, Shiro? What’s with that look? I feel like your expression is more…… nuanced than usual."
When Kuromueina spoke to admonish her, Shallow Vernal stared back with an indescribable, subtle gaze. For Shallow Vernal, whose expression rarely shifted, it was a rare look of non-verbal criticism directed at her companion.
"……No, your argument is sound, and I believe you are correct. By the way, Kuro, what do you think of this?"
"……Ah, no…… that’s…… um……"
What Shallow Vernal produced was a Baby Castella. Specifically, it was the Wasabi-filled Baby Castella that Kuromueina had given to Shallow Vernal in the past as a borderline prank.
Once that was presented, Kuromueina understood exactly what that critical look meant, and her face twisted into an expression of extreme awkwardness.
"Come to think of it, are you aware, Kuro? Apparently, there exists an entity who creates eccentric things without any regard for balance, all in the name of the Pursuit of the Possibilities of Baby Castella."
"……Ugh."
Indeed, Shallow Vernal’s silent rebuke was clear: "Your logic is sound, but you are hardly the one to preach." Realizing she had far too many skeletons in her own closet, Kuromueina began to break out in a cold sweat.
"……Y-Yeah! Well, I think the idea of challenging yourself with new concepts is great! But, you know, if it’s a gift for Kaito-kun, maybe something a bit more traditional would be better…… I-I’ll help you, so let’s think of something together!"
"Very well. I shall refrain from running toward eccentricity like a certain someone and stick to an orthodox style."
"Fuguuu……"
The tea party that day was a rare event in their long history, for Shallow Vernal remained overwhelmingly superior from start to finish.
Serious-senpai: "So, she actually realized she was making eccentric things, at least on some level……"
???: "In the moment, her excitement probably just gets the better of her. Since Kuro-san’s sense of taste is actually normal, she likely regrets her outbursts of 'creativity' once she calms down."