The shop owner provided us with a small table.

Evangelin swept back her fine silver hair and said, “Now, let’s see a teapot that’s more formal for use in a more dignified setting.”

Before her words even finished, the owner brought two large trays full of various teapots.

Evangelin thanked the owner gracefully, sweeping her hand with elegant movements.
“Teapots are usually made by the hands of potters. There are various types of clay used. The most high-quality one is called Gohoejagi, which uses soil ground with animal bones.”

“Is there anything special about using Gohoejagi?”

“It’s much sturdier compared to regular pottery, especially excellent for maintaining a consistent temperature for tea. As you know, tea is sensitive to temperature.”

“I see.”

Evangelin lifted the coaster of the teacup.

“Actually, the purpose of elaborate teapots is the same. It’s to keep the temperature of the tea as stable as possible. This tea coaster is the same. It’s placed under the teacup to prevent direct contact between the cold table and the teacup.”

“Then, is the lid of this teapot also for temperature maintenance?”

“That’s right. It’s called a tea cozy. It’s a tool that prevents the heat of the tea from dissipating into the air.”

This time, a small tea spoon was held in his hands.

“To be clear, the purpose of this spoon is to measure tea leaves. For black tea, it’s sometimes called a caddy spoon.”

“It wasn’t just for stirring, then.”

“Exactly. A caddy spoon can precisely measure 3g of tea leaves.”

We decided to use the high-quality teapot that the owner specially provided for regular customers.

I, under Evangelin’s gaze, used the caddy spoon to measure tea leaves and brewed black tea.

After tasting my tea, Evangelin nodded approvingly.

“You have quite the skill. Is it delicious?”

“Haha, thankfully. I feel like I’ve finally gotten a sense of the water temperature.”

“The taste of tea is very sensitive to temperature. Well done.”

As we leisurely drank tea, it was time to continue the conversation.

I cautiously brought up the topic of Mrs. Ferner.

“Evangelin, do you happen to know much about Mrs. Ferner?”

“Mrs. Ferner? Hmm, I only know as much as others say.”

Evangelin’s complexion darkened.

Actually, I haven’t had a personal conversation with her. But, judging by the reputation circulating in society, she doesn’t seem like a very good person.”

“Hmm…”

It was as expected. I hoped for something different, but it didn’t seem like I would get that.

“But some say otherwise. They say she became lonely at a very young age and became quite lonely.”

“Is that why she gets close to men because of her loneliness?”

“Well, that’s just a wandering rumor. To know the truth, you’ll have to meet her in person, right?”

Once again, I admired Evangelin’s impartiality.

He was making an effort to maintain an objective attitude even towards Mrs. Ferner, who everyone spoke ill of.

So, I honestly shared my situation and sought advice.

“In fact, I plan to meet Mrs. Ferner soon. Is there anything I should know in advance? Or any good gifts to bring when visiting?”

“Oh, my, you’re planning to do that. Well…”
Evangelin fell into deep thought with a cautious expression.

“They say that someone running a business is quite savvy in calculations. Also, she is quite luxurious. Perhaps it will be challenging to find something Mrs. Ferner would like considering Muselle’s circumstances.”

“Ahaha.”

Even though it might be a fact, he straightforwardly stuck to the facts without any consideration.

“But in my opinion, it seems unnecessary to prepare something else, Muselle.”

“Huh?”

Evangelin chuckled with a sly look.

“You already have the most powerful weapon.”

“…?”

Still not understanding what he meant, I looked at Evangelin in silence, and he shrugged.

“With Muselle’s beauty and eloquence, that should be enough to please Mrs. Ferner. Besides, you don’t even blink an eye at most women. That’s all you need.”

Whether I should laugh or cry, it sounds like a compliment, but why do I want to hide in a mouse hole?

“Well then, shall we end today’s lesson here? Let’s head back now.”

Evangelin stood up with a bright smile.

I, too, had no choice but to stand up and follow him.

“Thank you for today in various ways.”

“Haha, I enjoyed it too.”

And so, we left the teashop.