I Was Caught up in a Hero Summoning, but That World Is at Peace (WN)

Chapter 2541 - A Conversation about the Tea Party ~ ~ Jutia ~ ~

Regarding the tea party I decided to host on a whim after being invited to Eris-san’s tea gathering, things worked out one way or another, and we managed to gather around the 10 people I had originally expected.

So I could start properly thinking about the schedule and details, but before that, there were two more people…… among the people I know, two of the biggest tea lovers, Ein-san and Jutia-san, that I figured I should at least invite.

That said, to be honest, I don’t think Ein-san would participate. She has an exceptionally strong dedication to being a maid, to the point that I simply can’t picture her attending a tea party as a guest.

She might be interested if it were in the role of serving, but as someone being invited? I can confidently say that’s practically impossible.

[Hehh, tea from another world…… amazing, amazing! I’m super interested, y’know. But, but, it looks like I won’t get a chance to drink it, what a shame!]

[The taste was kind of like fruit tea, but since it was made from a bouquet of flowers, I’m not even sure if it should really be called tea.]

[Other worlds really are fascinating.]

And so, I first came to ask Jutia-san. Despite the sudden visit, she warmly welcomed me, and we started off with some light conversation while drinking the tea she brewed.

She seemed extremely curious about the otherworld tea Tiana-san had let me try, but that had only been possible because it was just the two of us at the time. In reality, there are probably complications due to contracts with Shiro-san and such. Jutia-san seemed to understand that as well, so while clearly intrigued, she also appeared to accept that she wouldn’t be able to drink it herself.

[……Anyway, changing the subject a bit…… I’m actually thinking of hosting a tea party soon……]

[Fumu fumu.]

I moved on to the main topic and explained the tea party in detail, including the participants. That said, nothing concrete had been decided yet, I only told her that I planned to hold one and who would likely be attending.

After hearing me out, Jutia-san crossed her arms and made a troubled expression.

[Hmmmm…… a tea party hosted by Kaito, there’d probably be special blends, maybe even new ones…… I’m very, very interested, y’know. But, but, but still, no can do…… With that lineup of participants and my status, I can’t very well attend while disregarding Lillywood-sama.]

[Ahh~~ is it something like maintaining balance among the Six Kings’ subordinates?]

[With Kuromueina-sama, Shallow Vernal-sama, Otherworld, the Emperor of the Archlesia Empire, and even the Founder…… in a situation like that, for me, a mere Executive under the World King, to attend while Lillywood-sama, my actual King herself, does not…… even if there’s no issue outwardly, it just doesn’t sit right with me personally. I’m really, really, really interested in the tea that would be served, and I’m struggling so, so, so much with this, but…… I’ll have to pass this time.]

She was clearly extremely interested in both the tea party and the tea itself, but with figures who could be considered the very top of their respective worlds, like Kuro and Shiro-san, gathering there, she didn’t feel comfortable disregarding Lillywood-san.

Even if it’s not an official event, it’s probably a complicated matter from her perspective. She still seemed reluctant, as even after saying she wouldn’t attend, she looked like she was still wavering……

[One option would be to invite Lillywood-san too, but since she doesn’t eat or drink, inviting her to a tea party might actually be rude…… In that case, although the details aren’t set yet, if I end up serving new tea leaves or special blends at the party, I’ll give you some afterward, Jutia-san.]

[Really!? That would make me so, so happy but…… is that okay? Is it really okay? I always end up receiving so many things from Kaito, I feel kind of bad about it, y’know.]

With a smile that seemed to mix joy and a hint of guilt, Jutia-san really was…… well, remarkably decent. Compared to Ein-san, who, upon hearing about new tea leaves, would immediately try to barge in and end up getting scolded by Kuro, the difference in self-control was honestly impressive.

[Please don’t worry about it. You’ve always been very kind to me too, Jutia-san.]

[You think so? You really think so? If you say that, then I’ll gladly accept your offer, y’know.]

[Yes. Well, it’s not certain yet that there’ll be new blends or anything…… but if there are, I’ll make sure to set some aside for you.]

Ein-san would probably be after the same thing anyway, so it might be quicker to start by telling her that even if she doesn’t attend, I’d give her some of the tea leaves used at the party.

While I was thinking that, Jutia-san stood up from her chair and came right next to me. She made a small beckoning gesture…… or rather, a motion as if asking me to lower my posture. When I leaned down slightly…… She suddenly wrapped her arms around my head in an embrace.

A soft forest-like fragrance spread through the air, accompanied by a gentle warmth and the softness of her body. One of her hands rested on my head, stroking it tenderly.

[Thank you, truly, for everything. I really, really like how kind you are. I hope, at least a little, that my gratitude reaches you.]

They say the scent of the forest has a calming effect, and it really did feel that way…… like being in a sunlit woodland, warm and at ease. Though a bit surprised, I let myself sink into that comforting sensation for a while.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [Isn’t she actually pretty proactive!? I mean, she’s got initiative, or rather, her affection for Kaito is so high that she just casually hugs him and clings to him! It really feels like things are about to get super sweet, so I’d honestly like her to tone it down……]