#563 The Elves’ Tea Ceremony-ism

My name is Elfelf Elfriede El-Dupont Eltoerus Elcator Elza Elze...you know the rest.

I am the Elf Monarch, the greatest elf who presides over the largest elven settlement and home to the one-and-only Yggdrasil.

...I know there’s another Yggdrasil tree that was recently grown, but that does not change the fact that I am the greatest of all elves!

Show some respect to the highest of the higher race of elves!

“Ugh, you’re as annoying as ever...”

Oh?

If it isn’t Elelelelcy.

L4C for short.

“Don’t shorten it, stupid.”

Whatever.

Even though we are both High Elves, I am allowed to have twenty Els engraved on my name, and you only have four. That alone is enough to show the difference in our ranks.

Normally, you and I wouldn’t even be allowed to exchange words in person like this.

It is my mercy that has given you this opportunity!

“Or perhaps you don’t know when enough is enough. No one even remembers your full name correctly.”

Huh? They should!

It’s the name of the sacred Elf Monarch!

“But more importantly, don’t you find it odd that both of us are summoned? I wonder what’s her plan...?”

Oh, right!

We were personally invited by the one and only master artisan, Master Aileron!

As such, we used our elven magic to come to the farm where she lives!

At the moment, we are at the foot of the farm’s own version of Yggdrasil.

High Elves like me and L4C can only function in huge forests or within areas with Yggdrasil-grade pure mana.

“I wonder what Master Aileron prepared, inviting us like this? Maybe I’ll receive one of her new works to take home...!”

“Sorry to disturb you amidst your fantasies, but Master Aileron is from my village. Naturally, she will favor me, the village chief!”

You’re one to talk for someone who only has four Els in your name!

“Even if she were to give you a gift, surely, mine would be more luxurious! Isn’t that right, Elzariel?”

“Certainly.”

Huh?

I noticed that there was another elf behind L4C.

Her toned body tells me she must be a warrior elf, having battled plenty of times outside the forest.

“Let me introduce you. This is Elzariel, a talented elf working on an afforestation project in our village.”

“A pleasure to meet you.”

“Not only that, but she’s also Master Aileron’s sister figure! I trust you can discern which of us has a closer relationship with the Master now, huh?” 

Whaaaaaat?!

Curse you all! All you do is play the connections card! Even if we have no direct relationship, I will show you I have more respect for the Master!

“Oh, you’re really asking for it now, are you?”

“You bet I am!”

To Master Aileron, who invited us!

* * *

“Thank you for coming, everyone.”

Ohh, Master Aileron!

We are ever honored to be graced by your presence!

“Likewise, I am honored that you graciously accepted my invitation, even though you might say it is the height of disrespect for me to summon two High Elves. Everything is ready, so please follow me this way...”

I see.

Then, we shall accept your welcome!

“Master Aileron, I have brought Elzariel with me today. I thought you might like to see your sister.”

“Tsk... Ah, pardon me. I appreciate your concern.”

Did she click her tongue?

Are these two really close?

N-No matter... Moreover, Master Aileron is dressed differently today.

What’s with her constricting outfit?

“It seems you noticed my attire. As expected of the Elf Monarch.”  

But of course! It’s only natural for the Elf Monarch.

“This is wafuku, and I had Batemy make it for me in a hurry. I was told this is the most appropriate attire to wear at a tea ceremony.”

Tea ceremony?

“You may dress as you normally would, as this is your first time. Allow me to show you to the tearoom.”

Tearoom???

Anyway, we followed Master Aileron.

Yggdrasil’s mana-purifying effect is so extensive that it is no problem to be some distance away from it.

I wonder what Master Aileron wants to show us.

I was expecting a new piece or something...

“We have arrived.”

We arrived in front of a small, wooden, and rather shabby building with mud walls...

“This is the tearoom built with the help of the orcs. Please, come in.”

When I went inside, I found it to be just as small.

The flooring is comfortable, however, as is the ‘tatami’ flooring in the other houses on the farm.

“Lord Saint’s ideas inspired all this. This tearoom, the elegant wafuku, all these were prepared to highlight the tea ceremony’s star—the bowl.”

“Ohhhh!”

Is this what I think it is?

It isssssss! It’s Master Aileron’s new workkkkkk!!!

Is this a bowl? A cup?

This ceramic bowl, large enough to hold a lot of water, is dyed jet-black...!

A jet-black bowl!

The color black reminds us of black iron, which is not that desirable for us elves.

However, this clay bowl gives me a strange and even nostalgic feeling...

“I received a glint of inspiration from Lord Saint and created this bowl to the best of my ability. It is a bowl for drinking tea.”

Tea?

What exactly is Master Aileron up to?

But everything she does is filled with such fantastic novelty that it makes my heart throb with excitement!

“Still, a vessel must be filled with the right kind of liquid. Now is the time to pour Lord Saint’s drink of the finest kind, tea!”

I cannot follow what Master Aileron is saying!

She pours something into the bowl...

What is that green powder?

She pours hot water next...and whisks it?!

“It’s done. This is the matcha that we enjoy at the tea ceremony. Please, have a taste.”

She offers us the green liquid that fills the black cup...

Moreover, it was foaming because it had been stirred so much!

I would’ve been tempted to refuse even to take a sip of this bizarre drink, for it might be poison, but...

It is beautiful!

The contrast between the shiny black bowl and the bright green liquid is not only eye-catching, but it also urges me to drink it more and more till I...

...I take a sip.

It’s delicious!

It’s not just hot water, it has a bitter taste that rids you of drowsiness yet is still mild on the palate. What a flavorful drink!

“This is tea.”

“Tea?!”

“Lord Saint will pass down this wonder drink far and wide. But to hold the water, there must be a vessel. In other words, the popularity of tea and the true value of my pottery are inseparable. I want to take advantage of this opportunity to spread tea worldwide.”

What an ambition!

With such a delicious tea, it’s only natural that the container used to serve it will also cause a boom!

“I would like to call this form of tea ceremony Chadou—one that appreciates both tea and its container—and make it world-known. In doing so, I’d like to ask for your cooperation.”

Of course we will!

You have the elves’ full support to spread the way of tea to the world!

“I will cooperate with you too! This tea ceremony is the new pride of the elves!”

L4C also agrees!

The scattered elves will unite and thrive together under Chadou!

“Hey.”

“Yes? ...Gah!”

What?!

She...She hit Master Aileron!

What is she doing?! Isn’t that Elzariel that’s accompanying L4C?!

“You’ve gone weak. An elf’s true worth lies in the art of war. We are terror incarnate with our bow and arrow that kills all those who invade the forest.”

“Sis Elzariel?!”

“I will not tolerate such cheap art. I’m going to train you from the ground up!”

Waitttttttttttttt!

Wait! Master Aileron possesses exceptional skill! She is the elves’ treasure!

So don’t hit her! Stop! L4C and I have already decided to cooperate, so do as you’re told! Listen to us High Elves!

...Phew, L4C and I managed to stop her, but...

The concept of a simple and refined aesthetic sense in art may not have penetrated martial-oriented elves such as her yet.