An after-rain with a rainbow - Episode 2

"I see. It's no surprise that your motions are so smooth. They're optimized all the way down to your fingertips, as if they were engraved into you."

Author: Kanata Haruka

Characters: Souma, Izumi, Shu

Season: Winter

Souma: …Hmm Delicious.

I was thirsty, so I brewed myself a cup of green tea, but this time I feel I’ve brewed something quite exceptional.

It's unfortunate that there was no one to serve it to, but that's expected. This time, I'll enjoy my tea alone.

(Hmm...? I was considering making another pot of tea, but it looks like I'm running low on tea leaves.)

(It should be time for the next “Kaori” activity soon. It might be a good idea to order it along with the tea leaves for the “sa~kuru”.)

Izumi: Oh, there you are. And you've even gone out of your way to have tea prepared for us. Could you please make us some of that tea?

Souma: Hm? It’s Sena-dono and Itsuki-dono. It's rare to see both of them together. Were they working together in some way?

Shu: Actually, while it’s true Sena and I returned here for work, the occasions are different. We simply happened to meet each other on the way back by surprise.

Souma: I see. Thank you both for your hard work. Now, let me make you a cup of tea ♪

Izumi: Well done, well done ♪ I'd like to praise you for your positive attitude towards your seniors. But if I were to complain, why should have served me tea without me having to ask.

Shu: That's absurd of you, Sena. Do refrain from bullying your juniors.

Nonetheless, Kanzaki's work is quite sophisticated. Do you have any previous experience with tea ceremonies?

Souma: Hmmm. tea ceremony art, flower arrangement arts, martial arts—I have experience in anything that ends with the word “michi/arts”!

Shu: I see. It's no surprise that your motions are so smooth. They're optimized all the way down to your fingertips, as if they were engraved into you.

…Hm. This green tea is also delicious. The flavor and aroma are as complex as the black tea I prepare. It's wonderful.

Izumi: You’re essentially just saying it’s not as delicious as your tea. Can't you just say it's good without adding anything else…?

Shu: I don’t want you to tell me that, Sena.

Izumi: I'm a firm believer in saying that good food tastes good.

Every time I return to Japan, I'll ask Kanzaki to brew me a cup of tea from now on. Is that okay, Kanzaki?

Souma: Haha. I'm glad you liked it. However, I am also an active member of Akatsuki.

It may be difficult to make some each time Sena-dono returns.

Izumi: That's a shame. Well, it's natural for idols to prioritize their work.

It's all right, I'll forgive you. But it's true that I enjoyed the tea you made, so please prepare some more if you get the chance.

Souma: Umu, I'm honored to hear you say that. Actually, I am also happy to be able to treat you two to tea.

After all, tea is only worth brewing when you have someone to talk to. Even if you go to great lengths to create a delicious cup of tea, alone it brings nothing more than self-satisfaction.

Izumi: …Now that we’ve taken a breather, I'd like to get straight to the point, okay?

Souma: Hmm, straight to the point? Come to think of it, when I came here, you two did appear to be looking for me.

Shu: Actually, we have a problem and were looking for someone who is familiar with Japanese culture.

Souma: I see. You would like to buy a souvenir of Japanese culture for your friends in “Furansu”, who are interested in Japanese culture, yes?

Shu: That's generally correct. However, since I have already brought some of the most remarkable objects as souvenirs, the bar has grown high.

Souma: I can’t be certain what he has already brought as a souvenir, so I’d have to ask Itsuki-dono directly for his judgment…

In fact, I just noticed that the Kanzaki family's stock of tea leaves was getting short, so I intended to go out and get some for later.

I think I can show you around our shopping district with that errand. How’s that?

Izumi: By "Kanzaki family," you mean your household, right? That's fine, it sounds like an old family that respects tradition. That’s the image/idea that I get from looking at you.

Souma: Indeed, it is. It's an old family, and the house has a rich history with our family lineage dating back to the distant past!

If you're interested, let me tell you about it now ♪ Let's start with the origin of this katana —

Shu: Non! It's not that I'm not interested in the background and history of traditional houses, but I don't want to waste time with what seems to be a needlessly long story.

But I'd like to ask you to show us around the shopping district. I'm sure our Parisian friends will be overjoyed to discover something in the favor of an ancient family.

Souma: I understand. I will see what I can find that will suit Itsuki-dono’s interest.

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Translated by: @art_herolic
Proofread by: @mika_enstars

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Pub: 23 Oct 2023 08:10 UTC
Edit: 30 Oct 2023 13:12 UTC
Views: 744