Chapter 17: Kongou’s Tea Party

Tokiwadai Middle School is located within the inner dormitory of the School Garden.

After many twists and turns, Natsume finally reached Kongou's room.

Compared to Kongou's unpleasant temperament, the title of a post-marriage aviation lady is more popular.

Although there are many celebrities and young ladies in Tokiwadai, the reputation of a kongou aviation lady is unique. It's no surprise, given that her family is well-known in the aviation industry.

However, Natsume has no idea about Kongou Aviation Industry. In her impression, it's a company that can build Gundams and has strong technological capabilities.

"It's been a while." Natsume checked the time on her phone, a look of unease crossing her face.

It was already late. She wondered if she should just leave, since the tea party had already started. It didn't matter if Kongou was upset, did it?

"No, no. Even if I'm late, I have to apologize to Kongou-senpai in person. How could I pretend nothing happened when I was invited?" Thinking this, Natsume tidied herself up, straightened the bun on her head, took a deep breath, and prepared to ring the doorbell.

The doorbell is connected to the inside of the room and includes a small communication device. By pressing the doorbell, one can talk to the person inside, with the volume adjusted to an appropriate level for conversation.

Natsume had one of these devices in her room as well, but her dormitory door had been damaged recently, and the line still hadn't been reconnected.

*Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong.* Natsume Enako pressed the doorbell three times in quick succession.

Soon, she heard a commotion from inside.

"Kongou-senpai, it's Natsume Enako, the one you invited." Natsume spoke toward the door, and her voice was clearly transmitted inside through the communication device. The sounds from inside became clearer as well.

It seemed Kongou was in a rush, as Natsume could hear the clatter of furniture falling to the ground.

After waiting for half a minute, the door finally opened in front of her.

"Kongou-senpai, something happened on the way. I'm sorry I'm late." As the door gradually opened, Natsume bowed slightly and spoke.

"Wow~ Wow~ Wow, since you apologized so sincerely, I'll reluctantly forgive you. You came so slowly today. My tea party won't wait for anyone."

Before she could even see her, Natsume heard Kongou's signature laughter. It reached her ears, full of an arrogant tone befitting a lady, mixed with a joy that was beyond words.

Natsume's previous uneasiness disappeared instantly, replaced by a deep sense of amazement. This was truly Kongou's style.

Just as Natsume Enako looked up at the door, her eyes met Kongou's, and she instinctively took a step back, panic crossing her face.

"Snake! Such a big snake!" Natsume's arms trembled slightly as she pointed at the extra-long python wrapped around Kongou's body. Wait, was there a bow tied on its head?

It's not that she was overly scared. After all, Natsume Enako had watched many movies, including Beauty and the Beast. It wasn't uncommon to see characters keeping strange pets. But when she opened the door and saw a huge snake coiled around someone, it was enough to give anyone a shock.

"Little Catherine is a lady. It's very impolite to look at a lady with such eyes." Kongou closed her folding fan with a snap and said, sounding dissatisfied.

"I'm sorry." Natsume replied after a moment. So this snake really was Kongou's pet.

Feeling a little scared, Natsume quickly adjusted her mood and carefully followed Kongou into the dormitory.

Walking into Kongou's room, what caught Natsume's eyes was the luxurious atmosphere. Two shelves were filled with various Western dolls, most of which were dressed as elegant young ladies.

These dolls were dressed in different styles with exquisite hairstyles. They were graceful, and even their poses seemed sophisticated, appearing more ladylike than real people.

Natsume curiously examined the dolls. Even an outsider like her could sense the lifelike elegance and grace they exuded.

It seemed many people had a collecting habit.

Misaka was obsessed with Gekota to the point of madness, and Kuroko seemed to have a special fondness for collecting anything related to Misaka, including but not limited to secretly taken photos. Natsume often thought that Kuroko might use her space movement ability to do something even more incredible.

As for Kongou's habit of collecting Western dolls, Natsume thought it was a perfectly normal hobby.

Even Natsume herself occasionally bought things she didn't need, only to end up storing them under her bed, unsure of what purpose they might eventually serve.

"Please sit down, Natsume-san. I've prepared some snacks. The pastries were specially made by the chef overnight, and the fruits were just picked today. Please don't be shy after marriage." Kongou sat at the round table, still holding her folding fan, which she opened to cover the look of expectation on her face.

"This is the first time I've been invited to a tea party. Please forgive me if I seem impolite," Natsume said honestly, her eyes unconsciously drifting to the python that was slithering around.

The python seemed to notice her gaze and looked back at her, flicking its tongue.

Natsume quickly turned her gaze away and sat across from Kongou.

However, as she glanced around, she became suspicious—she didn't see any other students at the tea party.

Had the tea party already ended? Or was she the only one invited?

"Please have some tea," Kongou said, setting her folding fan aside. Her previously arrogant demeanor seemed to have softened as she poured tea for Natsume.

"Is this black tea?" Natsume asked, eyeing the tea in her cup with curiosity. This was probably her first time drinking black tea.

The black tea in the cup was bright and clear, free of impurities, and it emitted a fragrant aroma.

Taking a sip, a refreshing fragrance flowed from her mouth to her lungs. It was rich and mellow, clear and sweet, yet not at all greasy. Instead, it had a faint sweetness.

"It tastes good." Natsume expressed her approval simply. No number of adjectives could do justice to the word "delicious."

Kongou's face flushed with excitement, as if she felt that her tea ceremony had been recognized.

"Wow, now you know that my tea ceremony is also first-class. No one can drink the black tea brewed by me," she said proudly, casting a pleased glance at Natsume as she sipped the tea.

Natsume felt a bit awkward, but seeing Kongou's expectant eyes, she decided to drink the black tea in her hand without hesitation.

A tea party, of course, wasn't just about drinking tea; it was also about chatting. Natsume was about to start a conversation with Kongou when the large teapot appeared in front of her again.

"It seems you truly appreciate my tea ceremony. Please, don't be shy. I still have plenty of black tea," Kongou said with confidence, her folding fan spread out over her face, revealing a pair of bright, shining eyes.

The teacup was filled with black tea once more. With Kongou's gaze on her, Natsume felt a bit overwhelmed.

While sipping the tea, Natsume suddenly felt a sinking sensation on her back, as though something heavy had climbed onto her.

"Natsume-san, little Catherine seems to like you very much," Kongou remarked with a wide smile, clearly intrigued by why her usually reserved pet, Little Catherine, was acting out of character today.

Natsume's heart skipped a beat.

She could feel a slippery sensation as Little Catherine had already climbed onto Natsume's neck and was lying motionless against her body.

"Is Little Catherine sleeping?" Natsume asked after about two minutes, gathering her courage. She poked Little Catherine's head with her finger. When it didn't react, she grew bolder and began to gently rub the snake's body, almost as if petting a kitten or a puppy.

Hmm? It's surprisingly comfortable, and it doesn't bite.

It was smooth and soft, like touching a ball of jelly, and it felt incredibly soothing.

Little Catherine, sensing Natsume's touch, became even lazier. The snake's head with the bow fell asleep on Natsume's head. From a distance, it looked as though Natsume was wearing a large red butterfly hat.

Although it was unclear whether the two of them chatting over tea could truly be considered a proper tea party, Natsume realized she was beginning to enjoy this simple activity of drinking tea and eating snacks.

After a while, Little Catherine slid off Natsume Enako and started to roam around the room. Meanwhile, Kongou busily began introducing the various Western dolls in the room to Natsume.

Natsume was very interested in these lifelike dolls. The only regret was that they didn't have any circuits or programs installed, so they couldn't make fun movements like video game robots, nor could they sing or dance.

Kongou's tea party began with black tea and ended with discussions about the dolls. Occasionally, Little Catherine would cause a bit of trouble. At least Natsume's first tea party wasn't boring.

Although Kongou appeared a little arrogant, she was very dedicated during the tea party. Natsume could feel the attention and care she put into it.

When Natsume left Kongou's room, it was already nearing the afternoon.

Even though she had missed lunchtime, Natsume wasn't hungry at all. The taste of the cakes and black tea still lingered in her mouth.