"Your outlook on the matter is… rather unique. Truly… in your style."
That was Seia's comment after hearing my thoughts on prophecies. I decided to take it as a compliment.
We were sitting in one of the Tea Party's Trinity garden, at a small round table set with tea and pastries. The parasol above us filtered the warm afternoon light, casting a pleasant shade.
From Seia's almost translucent pale skin, I suspected she might be one of the few students in Kivotos with a frail constitution, someone who actually feared sunlight despite the extraordinary physical abilities most others had.
Gently stroking the feathers of a small bird perched on her hand, Seia asked softly, "Sensei, aside from telling me the delightful news that Takanashi Hoshino has been rescued, was there another reason you wished to meet me?"
"Yes," I replied in a low voice. "During the rescue mission, aside from Hifumi, Schale received unexpected support from the Tea Party… specifically, Mika. She personally joined the battle."
Seia blinked, genuinely surprised. "...Mika? She went too?"
"Yes. And she saved me from a massive mechanical serpent that appeared on the battlefield out of nowhere."
Later, when I reviewed the battle, I realized that without Mika's intervention, the Shittim Chest's power supply might have taken a severe hit before reinforcements arrived, and even Serika and Shiroko could have been tied down at the northern front.
Even if the outcome, me being forced into the lab where Hoshino was held, might not have changed, Mika's sudden appearance undeniably shifted the course of the battle.
So aside from repaying the debt I owe her, I also wanted to express my sincere gratitude.
The problem is… Mika is not easy to approach.
Over the past two days, I've tried messaging her a few times. Her replies were curt and distant, you could almost feel her reluctance through the screen. Every attempt to continue the conversation died almost instantly.
"So," I said, "I wanted to ask your advice on how to thank both Nagisa and Mika."
"Oh, so Nagisa is included too," Seia said with a faint smile. "You hadn't mentioned her yet, I thought you'd forgotten about her."
"Well, at least with Nagisa, I know the safest option. Tea leaves make the perfect gift."
Seia giggled softly. "Sensei, that sounds an awful lot like a stereotype."
"Ah…" I scratched my cheek awkwardly. "Would she hate that?"
Seia shook her head gently. "No, your stereotype happens to be completely accurate. If you want to thank Nagisa, tea leaves are indeed the safest choice."
That's our tea-obsessed lady for you.
"However," Seia continued, "instead of everyday blends, she might prefer something elegant and charming, perhaps a finely crafted, vintage-style ornament. Something with both grace and cuteness would definitely catch her eye."
As expected of Seia. Bright, insightful, and as a fellow member of the Tea Party, her advice was spot-on.
It made perfect sense. Refined, composed, her Momotalk status reading "Always graceful and poised, no matter the situation," and aside from the rare occasions she's provoked, embodying the very essence of a "noble young lady," Nagisa would surely adore a gift like that.
I made a note to buy one myself later, perhaps on the day I'd promised to go out with Kaya. With her taste for the finer things, she'd probably enjoy browsing high-end shops anyway.
"As for Mika…"
Seia paused, her tone turning mysterious. "Sensei, I do have a suggestion, though I'm not sure if I should say it."
"Oh? Please, go ahead."
A sly, foxlike smile curved her lips. The girl with golden eyes and the power to glimpse the future looked at me and said softly,
"Then, why don't you ask Mika out on a date?"
For a moment, I wondered if my ears were malfunctioning.
"You didn't mishear me."
Seia enunciated every word slowly and clearly. "Please invite Misono Mika on a date."
"I… think I mentioned Mika's attitude toward me is rather cold?"
"Of course I know that, Sensei. But this is advice from a prophet, you know?"
Could it be… Mika actually...
My heart skipped, my mind flashing to her angelic face. I forced myself to stay calm, though my voice betrayed a touch of excitement. "I see. Then should I ask her to meet in person, or send her a message on Momotalk?"
"Momotalk is fine. In fact, you can send it right now."
Seia's words filled me with confidence. Without hesitation, I pulled out my phone and typed.
Me: Mika, are you free in a few days?
Mika: ?
Instant reply! Just a question mark, but still... she answered right away! There's hope!
Mika: What's this about?
Me: I just wanted to invite you to hang out.
Mika: Just you and me?
Me: Yeah, just the two of us.
Mika: Hahaha~
She laughed! This was going great! It might actually work!
Mika: So, Sensei, are you saying you want to go on a date with me? Me? And an old guy like you? Hahaha~
Mika: Didn't think you had a sense of humor~
Mika: But I'm not really into jokes that went out of style ten years ago.
Mika: So please, don't make those kinds of jokes again.
…Huh?
I looked up from my phone at Seia, who was sipping her tea with obvious delight.
"Rejected already?" she asked, not even pretending to be surprised. Pulling out her own phone, she added cheerfully, "Now, could you please forward me her rejection message? I'd like to keep it as a treasured memory. I'm sure it'll make for delightful conversation in the future~"
Seia! I completely misjudged you! You're a fox who enjoys watching adults embarrass themselves!
Still muttering inwardly, I forwarded her the message thread.
"Don't misunderstand, I didn't deceive you," Seia said after uploading the chat record to what looked like cloud storage. Her voice was calm again as she explained,
"There's no need for you to try so hard. In the future, she'll come to you herself and ask for the gratitude she wants. Until then, letting her opinion of you drop a little will only make things go more smoothly later. And besides…"
Her golden eyes seemed to hold a thousand unspoken thoughts.
"This will be the last time we meet for quite some time, Sensei. I'm glad you came to see me before that destined story unfolds."
"…Seia?"
"Please, don't ask."
Her gaze lowered gently. "One day, you'll know. You'll understand everything. But that time isn't now."
The fox-eared girl raised her teacup, her voice serene.
"So, for now, let's enjoy this... Our quiet, peaceful, and happy afternoon tea for two."
I met her wistful smile in silence, lifted my cup, and nodded.