The specialty tea utensils shop Aria-san and I visited focused less on the leaves themselves and more on the accouterments of tea service, particularly the cups and saucers.
It was the sort of place I didn't have much reason to visit normally, but the moment I stepped inside, I felt a distinct, refined atmosphere. Shelves upon shelves were lined with an impressive variety of teaspoons.
"This is the first time I've ever been in a shop like this. I had no idea there were so many options."
"Quite so. Much like the tea itself, the flavor of a meal or drink isn't determined solely by the ingredients or the preparation. The setting, the occasion, and even the dishes used can alter how we perceive the taste. Personally, I believe it's important to choose a cup that suits the moment, the place, and the individual being served."
"That sounds like a serious commitment to the craft. I suppose as a maid, you have to pay attention to those details even when you're off the clock?"
"Yes. The Arclesia Empire is a nation where the nobility wields immense influence, and many are quite particular about the etiquette of tea service. There are various styles and historical contexts for ceramics—the Old Imperial and New Imperial styles, for instance. A maid is expected to possess a vast wealth of knowledge regarding such things."
Aria-san explained this calmly as she looked over the teaspoons. Although I couldn't see her eyes behind the bangs that covered half her face, I had the sense her gaze was incredibly sharp.
She had mentioned being a stickler for details and having total confidence in her tea, so her knowledge on the subject was likely extraordinary.
"...That said, those standards are strictly for professional settings. In my private life, I believe any vessel is fine as long as the drink tastes good. I see no problem with drinking tea from a mug. It all depends on the time and the place. Formality and manners are vital, of course, but as long as one can perform them when required, there is no need to be bound by them constantly."
"I see. Out of curiosity, what do you usually use, Aria-san?"
"When I'm at home, I drink cocoa from a mug. It’s just something I picked up at a street stall because I liked the design; it's not fine china or anything of the sort."
"Ahaha, I see. You’re the type who keeps a clear line between your work and your private life."
"Indeed. When I am wearing my maid uniform, I am on duty, and I strive to remain a portrait of perfection. In my private time, however, I am quite relaxed. Truly, I am not here looking for professional supplies today. I simply thought I might like a teaspoon with a cute design for my own home."
Aria-san wore a mischievous smile, and I couldn't help but let out a dry laugh. It seemed her "serious gaze" from moments ago had merely been her agonizing over which design was the cutest.
She had a playful side to her. Personally, I found her easy to talk to—she was exactly the kind of person I enjoyed spending time with.
"...Maybe I'll buy something as well."
"I think that would be a lovely idea. Having even a single favorite tool can make tea time something to look forward to."
"That's true. Whenever I buy something new, I always want to try it out immediately."
"Exactly. Since you are a man, Kaito-sama, perhaps a design like this would be appropriate?"
"Oh, some of these are actually pretty cool. Honestly, looking at them like this, I'm amazed at how many variations there are for something as simple as a teaspoon. I never really thought about it before."
"It is a wonderful thing to broaden one's perspective by learning new things. In this moment, your world has grown just a little bit larger, Kaito-sama."
Learning something new and watching the world expand... She had a way with words. If I hadn't met her and come to this shop today, I never would have spent time considering the design of a teaspoon.
"You're right. Seeing the world open up like this is exciting. I'm grateful I ran into you, Aria-san. You were the catalyst for this."
"Oh? Hehe, it seems my own perspective has broadened today as well. You appear to be quite the smooth talker, Kaito-sama."
"Huh?"
"I am simpler than I look, you see. That remark just now made my heart skip a beat. Hehe, I, too, am grateful for the fate that allowed our paths to cross."
Aria-san laughed, and as she did, her hair shifted, revealing her gentle crimson eyes for a fleeting second. My own heart skipped a beat in return.
She didn't pursue the topic any further, returning her attention to the teaspoons with a cheerful air. She recommended several more to me, and I soon set aside my embarrassment to enjoy the rest of our shopping trip.
Machina: "Serious-senpai, here, this is for you."
Serious-senpai: "...What's this? Chocolate?"
Machina: "I took the chocolate you turned into during your last 'chocolateization,' refined the flavor, and molded it. It looks like it came from a high-end boutique, doesn't it?"
Serious-senpai: "Well, yeah... I'm a bit concerned about the raw materials, but the presentation is nice. Why are you giving this to me?"
Machina: "It's almost April 1st. I have to bring a gift..."
Serious-senpai: "You're planning to give this to Kaito?! Your ideas are insane!! Wait, you are a Mad God, after all..."