Nolan and Ryuuten walked toward a special room for tea.
The room wasn't particularly large—just enough to accommodate four people.
It was similar to the room where Mikazura was, but it looked more luxurious.
Inside, there was a small table, two cushions, and a tea set consisting of a teapot and two green cups.
Nolan sat on the right side, while Ryuuten sat opposite him. Neither of them spoke. Ryuuten began brewing tea in the teapot.
His movements were slow and calm, like the gentle flow of a stream.
When he finished, Ryuuten poured the tea into the two cups in front of him.
He handed one cup to Nolan and kept the other for himself.
"Drink," he said.
Nolan nodded, took the cup, and sipped it slowly.
A bitter yet faintly sweet taste touched his tongue. His eyes widened slightly as the tea left a unique aftertaste.
"What kind of tea is this?" Nolan asked curiously.
Since arriving in Hinode, he had grown to love tea. Before that, he had preferred coffee.
