The simultaneous launch of the Nifty black tea brand across three nations was a resounding success. The brand’s reputation had been steadily building through the ceramics sold in limited quantities at the Arclesia Empire Founding Anniversary Festival and the crafted sugar available only through exclusive channels. By the time the boutiques officially opened, the brand had already become a focal point of intense interest within the social circle.
Furthermore, because famous tea connoisseurs like Ein and Jutia had personally recommended the brand to their circles, Nifty’s popularity reached the point where almost every noble and maid was familiar with the name.
Until then, products had only been available in small batches through select trading companies, and because they nearly always sold out on the day of delivery, many people had been unable to get their hands on them.
With Nifty finally opening its own storefronts in three countries at once, reservations naturally became subject to a high-stakes lottery. Simply being able to step inside the store on opening day was considered a stroke of immense good fortune.
Inside the cafe of the Sinfonia Kingdom boutique, Kuromueina and Ein sat facing each other at a private table.
"……Hmm, this is quite impressive. Every table is outfitted with recognition inhibition and soundproofing magic, making it impossible to tell who is at the neighboring tables or overhear their conversations. It makes it very easy to discuss private matters…… This shop is clearly tailored for the nobility, so I imagine they put a great deal of thought into these details."
"Indeed. Moreover, the interior furnishings are all of the absolute highest quality…… We were fortunate to win the lottery this time. I failed the drawings for both the Arclesia Empire and the Hydra Kingdom stores, unfortunately……"
"Actually, Ein, couldn't you have just asked Kaito-kun to buy the products directly?"
"Yes, but I heard the cafe offers an exclusive menu, and I was curious to see what it entailed……"
"I see. Well, I was interested in the cafe myself, so I'm glad you invited me along."
Ein had applied for the cafe reservation lottery for the simultaneous opening, and since she had secured a cafe admission ticket for the first day of the Sinfonia Kingdom branch, she had brought Kuromueina along.
"The cafe is strictly by reservation lottery for the first month after opening, and I hear it's already completely booked. Even regular reservations after that have a waitlist of several months…… Given the anticipation, it looks like it will be difficult to get a seat here for at least half a year."
"I agree. Personally, I would have liked to see the Arclesia Empire and Hydra Kingdom locations as well, but I think I shall wait until things have settled down a bit more before attempting that."
"That’s a good idea. Well, there’s no real need to rush——————eh?"
"Chrome-sama?"
Kuromueina, who had been listening with a gentle smile, opened the menu in her hands and immediately froze, her eyes wide with shock.
"……'Decoration Baby Castella ~Sinfonia Kingdom Style~'…… it says…… N-No way……"
"Baby castella? It is certainly unusual to see baby castella on the menu of a high-end establishment like this."
"M-My research was insufficient…… I never expected a menu like this to exist…… Just as you said, Ein, because this is an ultra-high-end store, I unconsciously ruled out the possibility!? If this is 'Sinfonia Kingdom Style,' then Arclesia and Hydra must have different versions…… No, before that……"
"Um, Chrome-sama?"
"Ah, s-sorry. I got a little ahead of myself…… Shall we order?"
Kuromueina had been staring at the menu as if possessed, but at Ein’s voice, she snapped back to her senses and touched the magic tool on the table to summon a staff member.
"Have you decided on your order?"
"……Regarding this baby castella dish…… would it be possible to order, say, one hundred plates?"
"I am terribly sorry. Currently, in order to allow as many guests as possible to enjoy our selection, we have implemented ordering restrictions. We limit each guest to five items total, and duplicate orders of the same dish are not permitted. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding."
"Oh, I see…… Well, I suppose it can't be helped. In that case, I'll have the baby castella and……"
Naturally, Kuromueina felt the urge to order a mountain of baby castella, but she had no intention of ignoring the shop's rules or causing a scene. She obediently yielded and placed an order for the castella, a few other sweets, and a pot of black tea.
"Hmm, I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of baby castella they serve."
"……"
"Ein? Is something the matter?"
"Ah, no…… That staff member just now. Though that maid’s movements were perfectly refined, her Maidric Aura was incredibly faint…… Her presence felt almost like a newborn, which I found quite mysterious. Her skill is far too high for a novice…… Perhaps she is a natural-born maid?"
"…………Who knows?"
Kuromueina tilted her head with an unreadable expression, finding it difficult to offer a proper response to Ein’s serious contemplation—mostly because her mind was still preoccupied with the excitement of the upcoming baby castella.
Serious-senpai: "……As I thought, like master, like servant……"