After chatting with Olivia and Kaori for a while and sampling a few light dishes, I resumed my greeting rounds. Thanks to the ability I had received from Eden, I was able to efficiently track down and greet the Six Kings' executives and Seigi Mitsunaga. The rounds were proceeding much faster than I had anticipated.
My original plan assumed that the party would be nearing its final stages by the time I finished my duties, leaving me with little time to actually enjoy the event myself. However, at this rate, it looked like I would finish with plenty of time to spare.
I decided I would check in with Anima and Caraway later; if they didn't need my help with anything, I might actually be able to relax and participate in the festivities.
One way or another, I had been moving around so busily that my time with each person had been brief. It would be nice to have a more leisurely conversation with my lovers or close friends once the formal work was done.
Regardless, I needed to finish the rounds first. Let’s see, is there anyone else nearby... Ah, there she is. It was Jutia. I had missed her when I went to see Lilliwood earlier because she had stepped away to visit some friends.
"Hello, Jutia. Thank you for coming today."
"Oh! If it isn't Kaito! What a coincidence! Truly a coincidence! I'm just so, so happy to run into you. This is such a lovely party—I'm having a wonderful time. Thank you for inviting me!"
"I'm glad to hear that. It makes me happy too."
When I called out to her, Jutia replied with her signature bright smile. Her behavior seemed normal at first glance, but something felt off. Through my Sympathy Magic, I picked up on a slight restlessness—she seemed a bit anxious, as if she were hesitating over something.
"Jutia, is something on your mind? You seem a little... fidgety."
"Oh! I’m sorry! Is it that obvious? I suppose it would be rude to claim nothing is wrong after you’ve already noticed. To tell you the truth, I heard rumors that a special commemorative blend of black tea is being distributed at this party. Anniversary blends like 'Season Specials' are fairly common, but I couldn't help but wonder if there might be new tea leaves involved. I didn't want to be a bother, so I tried not to ask, but..."
Ah, I see. Word certainly travels fast. It was a perfectly understandable concern given her obsession with tea, and looking at her apologetic face, she clearly hadn't intended to say a word unless I brought it up.
That reminded me... I hadn't been "ambushed" by Ein yet. If Jutia knew about the tea, Ein definitely did. And yet, she hadn't come charging at me.
I had asked her not to come looking for me during the party, but even when I went to greet Kuro, Ein had kept her distance and remained professional. Kuro must have given her strict orders beforehand to stay back and behave like a guest.
"It’s not exactly a brand-new release, but according to what I heard from Nebula, they’ve added a small amount of treasured tea leaves that were withheld from the public for various reasons. Apparently, the flavor is incredible."
"Treasured leaves? Oh, I'm so curious! But if they were withheld, it would be improper of me to ask for them. I'll just have to treasure the gift I receive today."
"I appreciate that. But setting today aside, I am actually planning to release some new tea leaves quite soon."
"Really!?"
"Whoa! Jutia, you're close! Too close!"
Hearing the word "new," Jutia leaned in with such force that it startled me. Her face was suddenly inches from mine—so close I could feel her breath. Combined with the fact that she was a stunning beauty and carried that refreshing, forest-like scent, it made my heart race.
"Ah, sorry, sorry!"
"It's fine. For the tea brand's new line, I'm planning to launch some chocolates meant to pair with tea, similar to the ones I brought to the Harmonic Symphony. I'm also planning to release tea leaves specifically meant for cold-brewing into ice tea, which should be perfect for warmer climates."
"I see, I see! Tea leaves meant for ice tea... Oh, I'm looking forward to that already!"
"Just let me or Anima know if you want some. They aren't ready yet, but I'll bring them over once they are."
"Thank you! I'll make sure to prepare a proper welcome for you in return. You've done so much for me, after all."
Seeing Jutia looking so happy, a smile naturally formed on my face, and we spent a few more minutes enjoying some casual conversation.
Serious-senpai: "Se-Seigi-saaaaan!? This is a tragedy! Even characters like Chapel and Rachel—who most readers have probably forgotten—got their own dialogue, but Seigi gets a digest summary?! Is this injustice permitted?!"
???: "...The time for him to speak has not yet come..."
Serious-senpai: "Don't you dare try to make it a five-year gap! Just let the man speak!!"