
Author Note
This will be the last chapter I upload for this novel.
I'm not dropping it.
Since this is a spin-off story from my other novel. I want to continue the main story and reach a certain point where at least you guys can make a connections between the two.
It will takes time. But as long as I am alive, I will make it happens.
Because I myself personally, want to see all my novels completes.
********
As I step inside, the air greets me with a comforting blend of freshly brewed tea and the faint, earthy aroma of incense. The transition from the fantasy-like exterior of the shop to the interior is striking. The inside exudes a tranquil and traditional charm that feels like stepping into another world.
A long hallway stretches out before me, ending at a staircase. Paper lanterns hang gently from the ceiling, casting a soft, warm glow that bathes the hallway in a serene ambiance. The floor beneath me is covered in tatami mats, their faint, grassy scent mingling seamlessly with the incense in the air. I instinctively remove my shoes before stepping onto the tatami, the texture soft yet firm underfoot.
To my right, a counter catches my attention. Behind it, shelves are lined with an array of finely crafted teapots, delicate porcelain cups, and wooden trays, each piece embodying the art of the tea ceremony. A small bonsai tree rests on the counter, its meticulously shaped branches reflecting the current season, offering a subtle nod to the passage of time. The counter area is visible from the window outside, inviting curiosity and adding to the shop’s charm.
To my left is a wall adorned with a stunning mural of a cherry blossom tree in full bloom. The artwork is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant pink petals of spring with incredible detail. As I walk along the wall, the mural transitions seamlessly through the seasons. The blossoms give way to the lush greenery of summer, followed by the warm, fiery hues of autumn as the leaves turn red and gold. Finally, the painting transforms into a serene winter scene, where the tree stands bare, its branches delicately dusted with snow. The mural’s progression tells a quiet story of time’s passage and the transient beauty of life, evoking a sense of calm introspection.
Beyond the counter, the hallway leads to a spacious room. Low wooden tables are arranged neatly, each accompanied by small cushions for seating. The setting is minimalist yet inviting, designed for comfort and intimacy. In the next room, the arrangement is similar but more open, with fewer tables, creating a sense of space and quietude.
At the very end of the hallway, near the staircase, is a large wooden table surrounded by soft cushions. The table is designed with a recessed space beneath it, allowing guests to comfortably rest their feet while seated on the tatami mats. This area feels central, almost ceremonial, as if it’s the heart of the shop.
The decorations throughout the shop are deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics. Scrolls with elegant calligraphy hang on the walls, delicate ikebana flower arrangements sit on small pedestals, and intricate wood carvings accentuate the room’s corners. Every detail seems thoughtfully placed, creating a harmonious balance between function and beauty.
The shop is a haven of tranquility, a place where time seems to slow down. It’s more than just a tea shop; it feels like a sanctuary where one can pause, breathe, and appreciate the art of living in the moment.
As we climb the stairs, the atmosphere becomes quieter, the muffled sounds of the tea shop below fading into a serene stillness. We pass the second floor without stopping, heading straight to the third. At the top of the stairs, there’s only one room. Hanging on the door is a wooden sign, with something written in katakana. Though I can’t quite decipher it, I suspect it’s her name.
“This is my room—please, do make yourself at ease,” Kikuri says, her voice calm and inviting.
She slides the door open with a soft shhhk, revealing the room inside.
For a moment, I expect to see a traditional Japanese room: tatami mats, sliding shoji doors, maybe a small altar or scroll hanging on the wall. That’s what I’m hoping for, at least. But instead, the sight that greets me makes me freeze.
Why does this room feel so familiar?
It takes me a second to realize—because I’ve already seen it before!
This is another pink-themed girl’s room, almost identical to the one I appeared in earlier. The walls are a gentle pastel pink, the floor covered in an equally fluffy pink carpet. Plushies line a shelf in the corner, and soft pillows are scattered across the room.
The only differences are the paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling, casting a warm glow, and a couple of brightly colored kimonos displayed on the wall like artwork. Their intricate patterns shimmer in the light, adding a touch of elegance to the otherwise overwhelmingly girly atmosphere. In the center of the room is a small, round white wooden table, with a tea set neatly arranged on top.
“Pray, do take a seat,” Kikuri says, gesturing toward the table.
I hesitantly sit down, the soft carpet beneath me cushioning my knees. It’s ridiculously plush—almost too comfortable. I shift slightly, finding a position that feels both relaxed and respectful.
As I settle in, Kikuri kneels gracefully across from me, her movements fluid and deliberate, like she’s performing an intricate dance. She picks up the teapot from the tea set on the table, her delicate fingers handling it with practiced care.
The porcelain gleams softly under the warm light of the lanterns as she tilts the pot. A stream of golden tea flows smoothly into a small, finely crafted cup. The gentle sound of tea pouring fills the quiet room, blending with the soft crackle of a faint breeze rustling the paper lanterns above.
Once she finishes pouring, she sets the teapot down gently, the soft clink barely audible. She slides the cup toward me, her serene red eyes meeting mine.
“Here,” she says with a smile, her voice as soothing as the aroma of the tea.
“Please, enjoy.”
I stare at the cup for a moment, taking in the delicate patterns etched into the porcelain. The steam rising from the tea carries a comforting warmth, the scent a perfect balance of floral and earthy tones.
“Thank you,” I say, my voice quieter than I intended.
As I lift the cup to my lips, the warmth seeps into my fingers. The first sip is smooth, the flavor rich yet gentle, and it seems to wash away the lingering tension in my chest.
Kikuri watches me with a soft expression, her hands folded neatly on her lap.
“Does it suit your taste?”
“It’s… perfect. Even though it’s bitter, I don’t know why I don’t hate it,” I reply, surprised by how honest the words feel.
The bitterness of the tea is strangely soothing, as though it’s meant to calm not just the body but also the mind.
Kikuri’s smile softens further, and without a word, she reaches to her side and pulls out a small package wrapped delicately in green leaves and tied with black knotted straw. I blink in surprise. Where did she even pull that from?
The aroma wafting from the package is enchanting—a mix of soft sweetness and a refreshing herbal scent. Just smelling it makes me realize how much I’ve been craving something sweet.
“Do give this a try,” she says, her tone gentle yet inviting.
"This delicacy is exclusive to my shop. I craft only ten each month, and it is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea."
“Thanks,” I say, taking the package from her.
It’s small, fitting comfortably in my palm, the size slightly smaller than I’d expected. The texture of the leaf wrapping is smooth and cool, adding to the anticipation. But I feel something hard inside it. As I bring it closer, the enticing scent grows stronger, making me swallow involuntarily.
As I untie the straw and carefully peel back the leaf wrapping, an enchanting sweet scent bursts forth, filling the room and instantly refreshing my senses. The fragrance is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced—delicate yet profound, as if it’s reaching into my very soul. I can’t describe it well, but the feeling is undeniable. It’s as if I’m being healed, my worries momentarily melting away.
Inside, I see something that takes my breath away. A black camellia flower, its petals seemingly crafted from the night itself, rests within a smooth wooden frame. The flower isn’t just black; it radiates a soft, ethereal glow, shimmering like the star-studded night sky.
“It is known as Black Camellia Mochi,” Kikuri says, her voice calm yet filled with pride.
Wait—this is mochi?!
Carefully, I reach out to pick it up. It sticks gently to the wooden frame, but when I lift it, it detaches effortlessly, leaving no trace behind. The texture is soft, almost cloud-like, and sticky in just the right way. Yet, miraculously, the stickiness doesn’t transfer to my fingers.
The closer it gets to my mouth, the more intense the scent becomes. The incredible sweetness is alluring, almost hypnotic. I can’t resist any longer. Finally, I take a small, tentative bite.
"..."
I freeze.
.
.
.
What in the heavens is this?!
A rush of emotions overwhelms me as the mochi melts in my mouth. The texture is sublime—soft and chewy in perfect balance. The flavor is an exquisite harmony of subtle sweetness, floral undertones, and a faint earthiness that grounds it all. Each bite feels like tasting a piece of the cosmos, a melody of sensations that defies words.
Before I know it, tears well up in my eyes.
“Sob...”
The tears fall freely as I sit there, overcome by the sheer perfection of it all.
The texture.
The fragrance.
The taste.
It’s beyond perfect—beyond anything I thought food could ever be. I never imagined something like this could exist in any world.
Kikuri watches me with a satisfied smile, her red eyes glinting with amusement.
“I see it pleases your palate,” she says softly, as if she already knew this would be my reaction.
“I… I don’t even have words,” I finally manage to say, my voice trembling.
“This is… this is heaven.”
Kikuri chuckles gently, pouring herself a cup of tea as she sits across from me.
"I am delighted it has brought you joy. Do not forget to savor your tea as well." Kikuri reminds me with a soft, knowing smile.
Obediently, I lift the cup to my lips and take another sip.
Wait.
The taste—it's completely different this time.
A gentle warmth spreads through me as the tea’s flavors unfurl on my tongue. It’s not just the bitterness I noticed before; there’s now a subtle sweetness, like a hidden layer revealing itself. The richness is soothing, while a faint floral undertone lingers, refreshing me in a way I can’t explain.
I feel... lighter.
It’s as if the tea is washing away every trace of fatigue, filling me with a sense of renewal. For a brief moment, I feel like I’ve been reborn—like this very day marks the start of something entirely new.
I let out a contented sigh, placing the cup back on the table. “This is... amazing. How is it even possible for the tea to taste so different now?”
Kikuri smiles, a glimmer of amusement in her red eyes.
"The Black Camellia Mochi possesses such a quality. It is not merely a snack but a complement to tea, enriching its flavors and awakening the senses."
I glance down at the teacup, cradling it in my hands.
“Thank you,” I say, the words carrying more weight than I expect.
“For the tea?” she asks, tilting her head slightly.
“For everything,” I reply. “The mochi, the tea, this moment... it’s all so perfect. I didn’t even know I needed this.”
Kikuri’s smile deepens, but there’s something wistful in her gaze.
*
As I enjoy the tea, its warmth settling into me like a calming embrace, I decide to break the silence.
“So, can you tell me more about this town?”
She takes a sip of her tea, her gaze focused on the cup as she seems to contemplate something. After a moment, she looks up at me.
"Did Celestia herself bid you come here?"
Her tone is calm, yet there’s an undeniable weight to her words.
I pause mid-sip, startled. “Celestia?”
Her piercing gaze locks onto mine, searching.
“Is she a girl with white-pinkish hair and golden eyes?” I ask hesitantly, thinking back to the radiant figure who sent me off earlier.
Kikuri setting the teapot down with a soft clink. Her eyes narrow slightly, as though piecing something together.
"Yesterday, Celestia made an announcement. She conveyed that, in a few days, Wanderers would arrive to assess our city—ensuring all is in proper order. Should they find any discrepancies, they will report them to the Creators, who will then take the necessary steps to rectify the matters."
“Wanderers?” I echo, my curiosity piqued. Her words are kinda hard to process, but I catch the hard line. And Creators? Are they some kind of gods?
She folds her hands neatly in her lap, her calm demeanor unwavering.
"That is why the streets remain empty. Yesterday, everyone devoted their efforts to cleaning and repairing all that they could. Now, they have confined themselves indoors, lest they undo their work or cause any inadvertent damage."
It finally makes sense why the city seemed so deserted. But something about her story raises even more questions.
“For us,” Kikuri continues, her voice steady and composed,
"This is a moment of great significance. Should the Wanderers approve of the city, the Creators may open the borders ahead of schedule. We have waited five long years, striving for this very opportunity."
Her red eyes seem to soften ever so slightly, showing a deep affection for this place.
“Who exactly are these Wanderers?” I ask, the unease in my chest growing.
She tilts her head slightly, studying me as though weighing her answer.
"I do not know much about them, only that they hail from beyond our world, and their arrival marks the dawn of a new beginning for us."
I lower my gaze, lost in thought. Could I be one of these Wanderers? If so, why don’t I know anything about these Creators she keeps mentioning?
“Were you born here?” I ask, shifting the focus away from myself.
“No,” she replies, her voice steady but tinged with something deeper—nostalgia, perhaps?
"I have traveled here from a distant kingdom, a journey that would take years even on horseback."
“Years?” I blurt out, startled.
She smiles faintly, though her calm expression remains unchanged.
Wait. That's not it. Isn't she mentioned about opening border just a while ago?
"How long you've been here?"
"I believe it was around five years ago."
That's weird... Isn't she said they've been waiting for the day where the border is open for five years?
"So, since when the border of this city is closed? And why it needs the creators to open them back?"
"It has been closed for—"
Suddenly, there’s the sound of someone running from downstairs. Moments later, a loud BAM echoes through the room.
The sliding door slams open with such force that I feel the entire room shake.
“HOW DARE YOU STEAL MY HUSBAND FROM ME, YOU PRINCESS WANNA-BE?!”
Oh no. Not her again. I thought this place was safe from her.
"My, how uncouth you are, intruding upon someone’s space in such a manner." Kikuri says with a calm and graceful voice, covering her mouth with the hem of her kimono.
"I am presently enjoying a delightful tea time with my husband."
“YOUR HUSBAND?!” The florist girl and I exclaim in unison, completely stunned by Kikuri’s bold statement.
Oh no, not her too.
“What—”
Before I can question her intentions, she immediately cuts me off.
"Those teas and snacks are among my finest creations, each one valued at a hundred million replicas." Kikuri says with a graceful smile, her red eyes sparkling as she looks at me.
“A HUNDRED MILLION?! EACH?!” the florist girl yells, her voice reaching a high pitch as she reacts to the outrageous price.
I don’t know the currency in this place, but a hundred million sounds like an absurdly large amount.
“Last time I heard, it was only ten million!!”
Wait… Did I just get scammed? No. That doesn't matter now. I think I know where this is going.
"Naturally, as my husband, he need not pay a thing. I shall allow him to enjoy my tea and snacks to his heart's content, without charge."
Even though Kikuri covers her mouth with the hemp of her kimono, I can clearly see the devious smile in her red eyes. But, The temptation of free snacks every day is undeniably alluring.
No, no, no. I can’t do that. I’d feel like I’m just using her for food.
But still, I thought she was a reasonable person.
“I won’t let you do that!”
The florist girl suddenly jumps onto me and wraps her arms around my left one. She quickly forces my palm open.
“Tch!”
Kikuri, with an annoyed expression, grabs my right hand and forces it open as well.
Everything is happening so fast, I can hardly process it all.
Then, suddenly, a barrage of notifications pops up in front of my face.
[CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR MARRIAGE]
[CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR MARRIAGE]
[You and Clara are now married]
[You and Kikuri are now married]
[CONGRATULATIONS!!!]
[CONGRATULATIONS!!!]
[You obtained a Heavenly-class item : Slyphsong Ring]
[You obtained a Helldecay-class item : Devious Soul of Gragma Ring]
[You are now able to invite Fairy Queen Clara into your party]
[You are now able to invite Demon Princess Kikuri into your party]
[You have 99+ new achievements]
What in the world is happening right now?!
********
I'm throwing all my pride for this one.
I'm about to ask for donations here. Feel free to leave the rest unread. Thanks for reading my novel! I hope you enjoy it!
If you read everything, Thank you very much!
If you click on the link, Thank you very much!!
If you decide to donate, Thank you very much!!! I will do my best!
I can't offer anything right now. But in any case I am able to survive this situations. In the future, I will remember every single person that helping me. And if I become successful, I will make sure that I will repay your kindness in any way I can.
Thank you.