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「Please forgive me for the sudden call.」
「I don’t mind. To begin with, it was simply an invitation for tea; there’s no need for apologies.」
「That’s… right…」

On the other side of the table lined with a tea set and snacks, Princess Leshimiiya answered with an awkward smile. I don’t intend to comment on it, so I took my cup of black tea to my lips. As the nation’s princess, she probably wanted to know how Cielmer has been doing at the academy so far.

As for what led to this, since tomorrow is our first holiday, Princess Leshimiiya took the opportunity to invite us for tea. We were already contemplating whether we should play with the spirits on the roof today, so with no reason to refuse, we came.
Since I’m going to be playing with the spirits after this anyway—which was the pretext Ciel used—I’m the one currently active. Because the princess generally treats me as one of higher status, interacting with her isn’t exhausting, but there’s no telling what her servants’ opinions are, so I can’t help but feel for her complicated position. If it were Ciel, she probably wouldn’t be bothered by trivial things like that.

In any case, since it seems like the princess is having difficulty initiating the conversation, I’ll start with a random topic. The cookies they prepared to pair with the tea should be a decent launching point. It is pretty delicious, as one would expect from a tea snack of royalty. It’s far more delicious than any department store cookies in my old world—I’ve never tasted fancy cookies, so I can’t use it for comparison—and even in this world, I’ve only tasted snacks of around this level at our manor in Central.

「This cookie is delicious; where does this come from?」
「These were sourced from my mother’s personal purveyor. I’m delighted to hear that you enjoy it.」
「As expected of one personally recognized by the queen. I’d love to buy from them sometime.」
「Would you like me to provide you an introduction?」
「I likely wouldn’t be able to purchase anything if I go alone, so please do so if the opportunity arises.」

*We* could probably buy a whole store’s worth of it, but *Ailneige’s* budget can only afford these as a once-a-year treat at best. I don’t know if she understands the exact nuance of my words, but Princess Leshimiiya most likely knows that I, a student who can afford living in the highest dorm floor a regular student can avail, am not saying the truth at all.
As if to prove my point, Princess Leshimiyiia giggled before answering, 「Alright. I look forward to that day arriving.」

「Were the snacks from our previous meetings also purchased from that purveyor?」
「That’s right. While we do have several favorites, we’ve been partial to that particular shop recently.」
「Is it currently trending in Ausente?」
「If I have to admit; I’m hoping to make it a fad in the near future.」
「I see. Forgive my embarrassing lack of research. My manners and etiquette are also different from that of Ausente’s, so if you notice me behaving unsightly, please be frank with me about it.」
「I’m not going to nitpick on trivial errors in private, you know. Besides, your conduct and gestures are always enchantingly beautiful, Miss Ailneige.」
「I feel honored to hear that, but I still have a long way to go.」

No matter how you cut it, Ciel’s conduct and gestures are much more beautiful. I know it’s just polite niceties, but if *my* movements are enchanting, then Ciel’s would be hypnotic, wouldn’t they? Her movements, filled with intent from her body to her fingertips, will likely look more impressive the more knowledgeable the viewer is.
Just as I reached for my teacup, Ciel called out to me.

『Is it time for talking practice?』
『So you’ve noticed… We might be invited to tea parties in the future, so I was thinking that it would be best if we’re equipped to safely handle it.』
『That sounds bothersome.』
『I feel the same way.』

Nonetheless, we already had a party as soon as the academy opened, so there’s nothing to lose in practicing. Still, it’d be nice if I only had to talk to Ciel forever—let’s stop with that thought.
Now then, it should be about time to broach the main subject, and it seems like the princess has managed to pull herself together.

「Incidentally, Miss Ailneige, how has the academy been?」
『So, how has it been?』
『Hard to say. There are boring times, but there have also been a lot of fun and stimulating things so far… I suppose? I want to chat with Munyechka more, at least. Also, watching Palra and Belltina is… interesting?… I guess? For some reason, I don’t really get tired of them.』
『That’s great to hear.』

For me, it’s like I’m attending school with Ciel, which makes me feel a bit of happy nostalgia. Or so I wanted to respond, but since I’ve been quiet in front of the princess for a short while, I gave up on that.
Still, so that is Ciel’s opinion of the two girls? I hope this progress continues and they eventually become friends, but this does make me feel a bit lonely; it’s complicated to describe. That aside, I’m more curious about how Ciel couldn’t properly define her relationship with Palra and Belltina. Is it because she’s never been with children close to her age for a long time?—Anyway, I want Ciel to feel more of these positive emotions in the future. Etching that in my mind, I respond to the princess’ question with Ciel’s answer in consideration.