Chapter 1603 - Nebula's New Creation ④

Prompted by Jutia-san’s keen interest in Nebula’s new tea leaves, I quickly took out the tea leaves dedicated to Royal Milk Tea and explained.

[I see, I see…… It’s specially made for royal milk tea. Interesting, interesting. I’m interested to see how it tastes like. Can I try brewing it right away?]

[Ah, yes. It’s alright…… Here though?]

I could sense that Jutia-san wanted to try the tea leaves right away, but even though we were in an open area, we were still in the middle of a forest. When I asked her that with such a thought in mind, Jutia-san grinned.

[That ain’t it, that ain’t it. I have all the tools and other stuff in hand, and I’m going to make it at my house. Also, also. I’d like to invite you, Kaito, but are you free?]

[Yes, I don’t have any urgent plans.]

[It’s decided then. Well then, well then, I’ll teleport us towards there…… I’ll touch you a bit, okay?]

I was invited by Jutia-san to her home, and just like that, Jutia-san, looking quite excited, lightly put her hand on my shoulder. Thereupon, the scenery changed in an instant and I found myself in a wooden room.

In the atmospheric room with stylish walls, the walls were lined with a variety of pots and cans filled with tea leaves, creating a tea-lover’s dream room. There were also numerous teapots and cups, adding to the overall tea-themed ambiance.

It was somewhat like a combination of a dining room and kitchen…… Looking around, I can see what seemed to be a forest outside the window, so I guess I’m in some forest somewhere…… most likely in the center of Great Forest in Yggfresis? Garden of Myriad Flowers, where Rosemary-san lives, is also in the center of the Great Forest……

[It’s amazing. Not just tea, you also had this many cups……]

[Tea, you see, while what you put directly into your mouth such as the tea leaves, its taste depends on the tools such as cups and pots. That’s why, that’s why, I also have a collection of cups and pots other than the ones shown here.]

[Heehhh…… I see, you sure are very particular about your tea leaves…… Ahh, that’s right.]

[Unnn?]

The fact that she’s fussy about not only the tea leaves but also the cups and pots gives me the impression that she’s a genuine tea lover. No, she actually seems to be interacting with Ein-san, so I guess her obsession with tea really is different.

At that moment, I suddenly remembered the pots and cups I once sold at Archlesia Empire’s Founding Festival. Even after I sold my stuff over there, Nebula and Illness-san usually make ceramics, so I have more on hand than just the ones Amel-san and I sold.

Well, for some reason, they continued labeling them with my brand mark even after the Founding Festival had ended, so I suppose Nebula and Illness-san’s products would continue having that brand mark.

[These teacups and pots are also made by Nebula and Illness-san…… so if Jutia-san wants, you can have these.]

[These are…… Is it alright? Is it alright? From what I see, these have a very good quality, you know? With the quality of these things, I will properly pay for them.]

[No, don’t worry about it. I have a good number of those, and I know that the tea-loving Jutia-san will take good care of them.]

[Thanks. Well then, well then, I’ll take you up for your word then. Unnn, unnn. It has good thickness, and since we’re at it, I’ll brew a pot of royal milk tea with it. Kaito, sit there and wait for me.]

[Ah, yes. I’m in your care.]

Jutia-san seemed to like the cups and pots I gave her, and after smiling happily, she asked me to sit down while she went into the kitchen area of the room.

And with very experienced movements, she started preparing to brew tea.

[I’ve got good tea leaves, so I think I’ll use good milk as well. I wonder if Kaito prefers it on the sweeter side or the lighter side?]

[Hmmm, sweet ones, I guess? I like sweet flavors quite a bit……]

[I see, I see, I like sweet flavors too. Having the same tastes as you makes me happy~~ It makes me happy~~]

With a cheerful and fun demeanor, the tea was skillfully prepared, and a little while later, a delicious-looking royal milk tea was placed in front of me.

[Thanks for waiting, thanks for waiting. Come on, here you go.]

[Thank you…… Unnn. It really is delicious.]

The royal milk tea, which was sweeter than the one I had at home, combined with the warm atmosphere of Jutia-san’s house, was truly heartwarming and delicious.

Sitting in the seat across from me, Jutia-san took a sip of royal milk tea and had a surprised expression on her face.

[……Oh my, amazing, this is amazing! Unlike when made with regular tea leaves, its harmony with milk is on a completely different level! How nice, how nice, this is excellent. There’s so much potential for further experimentation with this too…… K- Kaito…… If it’s possible, ummm……]

[Ah, yes. I thought you might ask me something like that, so I’ve brought a can of these tea leaves, and according to Nebula, if you want, she’s willing to periodically provide it just like the tea leaves from before.]

[Thanks! I’m so happy, I’m so happy. Seriously, I’m glad that I met Kaito…… Ahh, sorry, sorry. This could sound like I’m just being materialistic…… but, but, regardless of the tea leaves and all that, it’s true that I’m happy to have met Kaito.]

[Ahaha, thank you. Hearing you say that makes me happy.]

Jutia-san’s bashful smile, combined with her petite physique, made her look cute, and how should I say this…… Along with the taste of the royal milk tea, it makes me feel warm and cozy.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [Jutia is, well, in any case…… The problem is what’s after. I wonder how that maid will react……]