Volume 2 Chapter 80 Indulging In Afternoon Tea After Shopping, We Tasted The Tea Party Experience
Well, we successfully purchased dresses and jackets for our garden tea party.
However, we've been shopping for dresses since 10 a.m., and it's now 3 p.m., so we're probably getting hungry.
"Hey, everyone. Why don't we take a break and enjoy a tea party experience at that store over there?"
I pointed to a place called "Afternoon Tea House."
The menu seems to mainly offer tea and pastries, but they also have pasta, salads, and risotto.
"Well, if we want to keep it cheap, maybe Side Dish would be better."
As I said that, Saikachi-san nodded in agreement.
"Oh, and I'd like to rest my feet and I'm a bit hungry too, so I'm in favor of taking a break at the 'Afternoon Tea House.'
Since we're here, I'd also like to practice for the tea party."
Kokonoe-san chimed in as well.
"Yes, it would be a good opportunity to review the manner and echiketto for afternoon tea."
Kashiyama-san added,
"In light novels about interworldly romance, there are many depictions of tea parties, but the manners and etiquette are often unclear, so this is helpful."
Shibata-san nodded in agreement.
"That's right."
"Alright, it seems we have a plan.
Even though enjoying afternoon tea at a fancy hotel restaurant can cost around 10,000 yen, here it's only around 2,000 yen, so I think we can afford it without too much worry."
As I said that, Saikachi-san chuckled and replied,
"Well, a place that costs 10,000 yen is definitely out of our league."
So, we entered the store.
"Five people, right? We'll take care of your belongings."
The staff member said this, and Kokonoe-san added,
"In this case, it's customary to hand over your belongings. It's smart to bring your woretto and other valuables in a clutch baggu or small shorudaa baggu to your seat."
"I see, thanks for the tip, Kokonoe-san."
We handed over our shopping bags to the staff and sat down at the table we were shown.
"Even at casual paatii, it's not necessary to worry about this, but if it's a more fo-ma-ru setting, it's good manner to follow the hosuto's instructions on where to sit."
"Oh, so there are upper and lower seats in America too."
I asked, and Kokonoe-san replied,
"Yes, there are different styles, such as the Furansu, Amerika, and English style, even when it comes to deciding on seating arrangements."
"It's clear that tea parties are social occasions, huh?"
We all ordered the afternoon tea set.
As our order was brought out, Kokonoe-san explained the various dishes and utensils.
"I think you'll recognize many of these, but I'll explain them all.
First, we have the kappu and souza for enjoying the tea.
The teapot contains the tea to be poured into the kappu.
The creamer is for holding the miruku to be added to the tea.
The sugar pot is for holding the shuga for the tea.
The hot water jug is for diluting the tea as it becomes stronger over time.
The cake stand has three tiers: the bottom tier holds savory dishes like nuts, crackers, and sandwiches; the middle tier holds pastries like scones and financiers; and the top tier holds fruits and sweets.
These days, it's more common to see just two tiers, with the bottom one holding the savory dishes and the top one holding the scones and sweets."
"Hmm, I see."
"Traditionally, it's considered good manaa to eat from the bottom tier up, but these days, people don't seem to be too strict about the o-da."
Hearing this, Saikachi-san chuckled and said,
"I thought the rules would be much more rigid."
Kokonoe-san laughed and replied,
"Well, unless you're in Buritan, Americans don't tend to be too fussy about manner. Apparently, it's considered bad manner to move to a different tier and then back again, or to take food from a tier that others haven't touched yet."
The staff poured tea into our cups, and we all took a sip.
"At an afternoon tea, it's considered good manaa to let the hosuto or staff pour your tea for you.
The teaspoon should be placed at the back of the kappu, and it's considered elegant to lift the kappu without touching the handle, holding it by the rim.
It's also important not to use your other hand to support the kappu.
When adding shuga or miruku, move the spoon quietly without making a sound, being careful not to tap the kappu.
When asking for a refill, it's polite to hand over just the kappu, not the souza.
When drinking tea, it's not proper to lift the souza with the kappu, only the kappu itself should be lifted.
However, when standing, it's acceptable to lift the souza along with the kappu."
"Huh? Suddenly, the difficulty level has increased!"
I said this, and Kokonoe-san laughed and replied,
"It's not that difficult. When it comes to the food on the tea stand, it's considered good manner to transfer the food to your own pureto, cutting it into bite-sized pieces before eating. However, if it's difficult to take the food, it's okay to turn the pureto on the stand to reach it."
"I see."
"Also, even if you've finished the food on your pureto, it's not polite to take food from the next tier without waiting for the others to finish. It's best to time your food choices with those of the people at your teburu."
"I see, Kokonoe-san, you really know your stuff, having experienced prom parties in America."
I said this, and Saikachi-san expressed her admiration.
"You're right, she's amazing."
Kashiyama-san added,
"I was a bit too dismissive of this."
Shibata-san nodded in agreement.
"Yes, I agree."
However, Kokonoe-san said,
"Manners are important, but they exist to ensure the comfort of those around you. It would be counterproductive if we let our focus on manaa ruin the fun of the paatii."
I nodded in agreement.
"That's right, it's important to remember that. Maybe we should come here a few more times before the actual party to practice."
I suggested this, and Saikachi-san nodded in agreement.
"I think that's a good idea."
Kashiyama-san and Shibata-san also nodded.
"Well, first we'll have to see how we do on our final exams. Do any of you think you might need to do remedial work?"
I asked, and Kokonoe-san raised her hand shyly.
"I might be in danger of feiringu."
"Oh, if Kokonoe-san needs to do remedial work, we can all help you study."
So, we'll just have to wait for the exam results now.
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