Chapter 43: Looking forward to Yuka’s Tea Party!

Joking aside, Ishikawa Yuka understood that she had to seriously consider how to handle this invitation.

Since time was needed for preparation, she had to start as early as possible to avoid bringing shame upon the Ishikawa family again.

In her opinion, it would be best if she could just follow what she had said and invite her friends over like a normal first-grader, letting everyone see her ordinary self.

But since she had been told that wouldn’t do, she had to find another way.

“What should I do… exactly how should I arrange this?”

Her mother, who had been talking so confidently just a moment ago, was now pacing around anxiously.

It seemed her parents had originally intended to host a formal banquet for the guests.

Now that Yuka had rejected that proposal, they appeared to be at a loss.

“Yuka has been studying etiquette with Toraiwa-sensei, hasn’t she? Why not ask for his advice?”

“Ask Toraiwa-sensei…? You’re right! Let’s do that!”

Yuka wailed inwardly.

‘Please, don’t… that might be more of a hassle than hosting a banquet.’

By comparison, just holding a normal banquet seemed easier.

“Toraiwa-sensei said a tea ceremony would be fine. However…”

“Yuka! A tea ceremony?!”

Her mother acted as if she had heard some world-ending news, staggering back a few steps and leaning against the table for support.

Yuka couldn’t help but criticize her mentally: ‘Isn’t this reaction a bit too much?’

“How could Yuka possibly host a tea ceremony! If it comes to that, we might as well just hold a banquet!”

‘Mmm… just how unreliable am I in Mother’s heart…?’

While reconciling with her mother was a good thing, today she seemed to be witnessing her mother’s true opinion of her one after another.

“Heh… that’s not a bad idea. Yuka and the others are only six years old; why stick so rigidly to formality? Since they are close friends, isn’t this a perfect chance to practice?”

“Dear! This is Yuka we’re talking about! Do you really think she can pull it off?”

Yuka wondered to herself: ‘Why am I being put down by Mother all day today?’

‘Is she venting all the frustration built up over the past month?’

If this were a normal first-grade child, they would have thrown a tantrum by now.

“Yuka will be fine. If you’re worried, you can guide her yourself. Besides, a tea ceremony shouldn’t be decided unilaterally; why not ask her friends what they think first?”

The way her father spoke made it feel like he was just enjoying the show.

Although she was studying under the Toraiwa Style, Yuka’s level was still far from sufficient.

“…I understand. Since Toraiwa-sensei suggested it, he must have his reasons… I will observe Yuka’s performance tomorrow. Until then, you are not allowed to tell your friends. It would be troublesome if you said something and it got settled prematurely.”

“Alright…”

Things were getting strange… and so, Yuka was forced to go home early the next day to perform a tea ceremony in front of her mother.

The day after reconciling with her mother over dinner, Yuka went home early to perform the tea ceremony.

And today, during lunch break…

“Shoko, about the next time you come over to my house to play…”

“Yes, Yuka-sama? Is there a problem? …Ah! Could it be that it’s inconvenient for you?”

The group was resting after lunch, and the moment Yuka brought up the topic, she drew everyone’s attention.

Due to Shoko’s misunderstanding, everyone looked flustered, and some had even pulled out their planners, thinking the date needed to be changed.

“Ah, no, I’m sorry for giving you the wrong idea. The timing is fine… it’s just that my mother and my tea… teacher said since I’m inviting everyone, maybe we should have a tea ceremony. I wanted to ask everyone’s opinion?”

The moment Yuka finished her sentence, Shoko’s expression visibly stiffened for a second.

She saw it clearly; she absolutely froze, and now her expression was still a bit unnatural.

It seemed Shoko was likely not very good at activities like the tea ceremony.

Yuka herself felt she wasn’t up to standard, so she could well understand Shoko’s feelings.

She truly hoped Shoko and the others would take the initiative to refuse.

That way, she wouldn’t have to bear the responsibility, could avoid hosting the ceremony, and it would be much easier to convince her mother.

Some might think: ‘Why not just lie to Mother and say everyone refused?’

But if her mother discovered she hadn’t asked at all, the consequences would be dire.

So the best plan was to go through the motions and let them be the ones to refuse.

“A tea ceremony…”

Yuka peeked and noticed Tachiki also looking away with a strained smile.

That was a clear sign of not wanting to participate in a tea ceremony.

‘Good, good. As long as the faction leader Shoko and the vanguard Tachiki object, this matter is basically dead.’

Furthermore, a tea ceremony required guests to prepare their own kimonos, so it couldn’t be decided by the host alone.

As long as everyone discussed it and reached the conclusion that ‘we can’t do it this time’…

“Oh my! A tea ceremony! That’s wonderful~… Let’s settle on that!”

“Eh…”

Fujiwara Keiko’s unexpected response caused Shoko and Tachiki to let out gasps that were entirely unbecoming of young ladies.

Yuka decided to pretend she didn’t hear them.

The problem was Keiko; for some reason, only she was exceptionally enthusiastic.

This was bad…

“Yuka-sama… just to confirm, you are talking about the kind of tea ceremony with a tea-making performance, not a ‘tea party’ where we drink black tea and chat, right?”

Shoko hurriedly checked, likely hoping Keiko had misunderstood so she could correct her.

“Yes, it’s the kind of tea ceremony Shoko mentioned. What does everyone think?”

While Yuka confirmed this, she stole a glance at Keiko.

“That’s great. Let’s have a tea ceremony. It’s the perfect chance to show off my new kimono.”

‘It’s over…’

Keiko knew exactly what kind of ceremony it was and still said that…

What about the others?

Shoko was already starting to roll her eyes, as if the word “Doomed” were floating in the background.

Tachiki’s gaze was wandering, her face written all over with “I don’t want to go.”

The other girls took an ambiguous stance, echoing the sentiment with a vibe of “I guess we have no choice if it’s been decided.”

However, looking at them quietly discussing kimonos, perhaps they, like Keiko, had outfits they wanted to show off.

“I’m really looking forward to Yuka’s tea ceremony. Right, Shoko-sama?”

“Y-Yeah… of course…”

“Hahaha…”

Only Keiko was full of excitement, while Shoko was out of her soul and Tachiki could do nothing but smile wryly.

Just what was with this chaotic situation…

Since the tea ceremony was settled according to the Master’s suggestion after all, Yuka felt it was necessary to report back.

“Sensei, it looks like the tea ceremony is actually happening…”

“Is that so. Hmm… Good! From today until the day of the ceremony, Yuka, you will live here for special training! I will definitely discipline you into shape!”

‘No, no, no… are you kidding me?’

‘What is this crazy ninja thinking…’

‘Is it really okay to use words like that toward a child!!!’

“First of all, I cannot live here. And I can’t take leave from school. The participants are all just children with little experience in tea ceremonies; I don’t plan on making it too formal…”

Although her own level was limited, the other parties were only about six years old.

Even though her mother had agreed to the tea ceremony after seeing her performance, since both she and her friends were beginners, there was no need to make it too complicated.

“Even so…”

“Sensei! Haven’t you often taught me that the most important thing in Chado is consideration and care for the other party? Over-emphasizing rules and etiquette to a group of beginners will only increase their burden! We should take the initiative to make it casual this time.”

“Hmm…”

The Master closed his eyes in contemplation.

‘Good, good. Finally, I can’t let you lead me by the nose every time.’

While it was true that there were things she couldn’t do herself, seeing how Shoko and Tachiki also seemed unskilled in the tea ceremony, being too particular about form with such guests would only make things difficult for them.

Of course, this was mainly an excuse; the root cause was still her own inability.

“But still…”

“There are no ‘buts.’ Don’t you always say, Sensei? The Toraiwa Style is not a conservative school that clings to tradition, but one that dares to innovate and keep up with the times. Let’s treat this tea ceremony as an attempt to incorporate a modern style!”

“Hmm…”

Success!

She had specifically used the Master’s usual words to counter him, leaving him unable to object.

It was rare to leave the Master speechless.

If only she could persuade him like this every time…

“In that case, let this old man also experience the tea ceremony Yuka plans to host. I will make my judgment after seeing it.”

‘Eh!? Why…?’

‘I already performed for Mother; why do I have to do it again for Sensei?’

Fine.

The tea ceremony she planned to hold was, to put it bluntly, a casual format like a school club activity.

Saying that might be an insult to serious tea ceremony clubs, but she envisioned a more… relaxed and free atmosphere.

There was a group similar to a tea ceremony club in her school during her past life.

Although she hadn’t joined, she had some knowledge of their activities—everyone gathered casually in the clubroom, chatting while drinking tea and eating snacks.

Although they paid a little attention to etiquette, that was how they spent most of their time.

The reason she knew this was, firstly, she had seen it with her own eyes through a crack in the door when passing by; secondly, she had heard conversations of the club members in the classroom; and finally, she had heard descriptions from people who had experienced it.

In summary, that was how the club at her past school operated.

The tea ceremony she wanted to hold this time was of that feeling—not strictly pursuing every step of the ritual, but everyone proceeding easily and harmoniously.

This would both cover up her lack of etiquette knowledge and perhaps help Shoko and Tachiki, who were likely unskilled.

Although Keiko, who was looking forward to a formal ceremony, might be disappointed, the host’s level was limited and the participants weren’t likely to be great either, so this arrangement was just right.

“Alright, let’s go!”

“Eh!? Right now!?”

The Master stood up and headed toward the tea room in the courtyard.

Did he want her to perform for him immediately?

Her mother hadn’t been angry after seeing this style of tea ceremony, so the Master probably wouldn’t mind either…

Besides, the Master was flexible in his thinking; he should be able to accept this modern, casual school-club format.

It was just that this level really wasn’t worth showing to anyone, and even if she got permission, she would likely be forced into special training again.

There were less than two weeks left until the tea ceremony; she hoped to keep things moderate, but the Master never understood compromise.

Once he decided to train her in the tea ceremony, he would definitely work her to death.

However, since the Master had spoken, she had no right to refuse.

In the end, she had to follow him to the tea room in the courtyard and perform the tea ceremony exactly as she intended to show Shoko and the others.

Finally, the Master approved the plan.

However, the subsequent Toraiwa Style training would be centered around the tea ceremony.

As expected, after the performance, it was pointed out where she was unrefined and what she was doing wrong.

Although the ceremony itself was approved, the Master clearly couldn’t tolerate her terrible technical level.

But Yuka also felt that even if they were close friends, she couldn’t lose too much face; since the Master was willing to teach, perhaps it was a good opportunity.

Her biggest worry now was Keiko…

If she truly expected a formal tea ceremony, she might be disappointed.

She hoped Keiko would like this plan; it would be terrible if she ended up making her angry…

Yuka couldn’t help but sigh, realizing once again that she was truly bad at interpersonal relationships and had no idea how to read people’s minds.

For now, she could only leave it to fate.