The tea shop that Aria-san and I visited wasn’t one that sold tea leaves, but rather a store that sold cups and other tea-related items.
It’s not a store that I’m familiar with, but when we entered the store, I found a shelf lined with teaspoons, giving the place quite a unique atmosphere.
[I have never been to this store before. They sure have a lot of things here.]
[Right. The tea leaves itself is indeed important, but just like other food and drinks, the taste of tea isn’t necessarily determined solely by the ingredients and brewing methods. The taste we perceive can also change depending on where we eat, the situation, the tableware, and other factors. Therefore, I personally think that there are cups and other items for tea that are tailored to the occasion and the person you are serving it to.]
[You really are quite particular about tea. I guess you pay attention to such things because you’re a maid?][Yes, the authority of nobles is especially strong in Archlesia Empire, so there are many nobles who are particular about the style of their tea. There are multiple types and historical backgrounds in the firing methods of ceramics, cups included, such as Old Empire-style and New Empire-style. Therefore, maids are required to have a lot of knowledge.]
Aria-san calmly explains while gazing at the teaspoons and other items…… With half of her gaze hidden behind her bangs, her eyes aren’t visible, but I feel like she was looking at them sharply.
She mentioned being detail-oriented and also expressed confidence in her tea-making skills, so Aria-san’s knowledge of tea must be quite impressive.
[……Though I say that, that’s only relevant in necessary situations. In private settings, I believe it’s fine to enjoy tea in any form as long as the tea’s good. Drinking tea from a mug is perfectly acceptable…… I suppose you could say it just varies depending on the time and occasion? While etiquette and manners are important, as long as such things are practiced when necessary, there shouldn’t be any issues doing that.]
[I see. By the way, what about you, Aria-san?]
[Me? I drink cocoa in a mug at home. I use a mug I bought from some street vendor, not a famous porcelain mug or anything like that.]
[Ahaha, I see, Aria-san is the type to clearly separate work and private life huh.][Right. In my case, when I’m wearing my maid uniform, I consider myself to be working, so I strive to maintain a sense of perfection befitting that appearance…… In private though, I tend to relax quite a bit. Yes, even now, I’m not actually looking at tea utensils needed for work, I’m just thinking about wanting some cute-designed teaspoons for home use and browsing through them.]
Seeing Aria-san with a mischievous smile on her lips, I couldn’t help chuckling as well. It seems like the only reason she looked so serious was because she was wondering which design would be cute.
It seems like Aria-san has a relatively mischievous personality. Well, people with her personality are the type that I personally quite like and find easy to talk to.
[……I wonder if I should buy something too.]
[I think that would be nice. Having just one item that is your favorite can make tea time something to look forward to.]
[Indeed, when you buy something new, it does make you want to use it as soon as possible.]
[Yes, that’s exactly right. If it’s for the use of men like Kaito-sama, I think the suitable designs around here would be good.]
[Heehhh…… These designs do look pretty cool. Looking at it again, it’s surprising how many different designs there are for teaspoons. I haven’t paid attention to them when I use them, so I’m a little surprised.]
[Learning something new and broadening your knowledge is great. Kaito-sama’s world has now become a little wider, hasn’t it?]
Learning something new and having your world become a little wider…… Those are good words. In fact, if I hadn’t met Aria-san and just went to a tea shop like this, I would never have thought about the design of the teaspoons I use.
[It’s certainly exciting to feel one’s world expanding a little bit. I’m grateful to Aria-san for giving me the opportunity to do so.]
[Oya? Fufufu, I also gained one more insight. It seems like Kaito-sama is very good at making advances on me.]
[Huh?]
[It may not seem like it, but I’m a simple person, and what you just said made my heart skip a beat. Fufu, I’m grateful to fate that you and I met by chance.]
When she said that with a smile, Aria-san’s hair swayed to the side a bit and seeing her gentle red eyes for a moment, I also felt my heart slightly skipping a beat.
Without further mentioning the topic, Aria-san started cheerfully looking at the teaspoon, recommending various spoons to me. Soon enough, I too forgot about our earlier conversation and enjoyed our time shopping.
<Afterword>
Makina : [Serious-senpai, here you go.]
Serious-senpai : [……What is this? Chocolate?]
Makina : [This is from the chocolate Serious-senpai had turned into before, and I molded it and made it taste good. The shape is just as good as the ones from high-end stores, isn’t it?]
Serious-senpai : [U- Unnn…… I’m concerned about the ingredients, but I think it looks good…… So why are you bringing this out?]
Makina : [It’s almost April 1st, right? You should at least bring a souvenir……]
Serious-senpai : [You want me to give this to Kaito!? Your ideas are lunacy!!! Oh wait, you are an insane god……]
