Chapter 1840: Golden Encounter 8
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.]
[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]Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
