The Hakgwiyaeng Whirlpool Film Village transformed into a theme park for period drama filming, managed by various clubs of Hakgwiyaeng, can be seen as a testament to the dedication and effort put into tourism by Hakgwiyaeng.

As we rented Yukata and Kimono-style outfits from Hakgwiyaeng, taking pictures and enjoying attractions, time flew by like an arrow. However, the most famous and popular participatory performance, “Princess Waraku,” happened to be not taking place today of all days.

I wondered why this Princess Waraku performance was so popular. The main plot and layout involved participants passing through gates set up by various divisions of Hakgwiyaeng to rescue the captured princess.

Coincidently, the role of the princess was played by Waraku Chise from the Onmyoubu, which holds a status akin to an idol in this place. It was natural to understand why this performance was so beloved.

While we might have missed the main course that mattered most, what we were left with were at least several pages of photos to decorate our album and joyful memories; that alone seemed worthwhile enough to console ourselves.

Honestly, I was more interested in the photos we took than in that performance. Really. Looking at Mika in the picture with flowers in both hands was a different kind of joy compared to being actually standing next to her.

After leaving the Whirlpool Film Village, we headed to the traditional tea house, Baiyadang, directly managed by the Matsuri Management Department, which takes care of the operation and management of Hakgwiyaeng’s various festivals.

“…Fufu, if I had to pick the most popular tea house in Kivotos, it unquestionably has to be Baiyadang. I’ve always wanted to come here at least once. Visiting such a place with you two makes me feel like it’s a dream.”

“Hahaha, then we should also go to the Dao Won Hyang in Sanhaegyeong next time. Yes, the taste and aroma of the tea there were excellent enough to claim the top spot in Kivotos.”

“Oh my, is it okay for you to say that as a member of T-party? You have considerable expertise in tea and pride in it, I believe…”

“Well, T-party doesn’t operate a tea house separately, does it? To be honest, the tea that Nagisa-chan brews is my favorite. Yes, this is an objective evaluation excluding my feelings for Nagisa-chan. I wonder if she would easily succeed in running a café after graduation? She’s good at making desserts and brewing tea… Ah, sorry! I ended up talking too much about Nagisa-chan in front of you two.”

“Hmm? Mika, there’s no need to apologize for that. I can assure you that I don’t experience the slightest jealousy when I see you enjoying and being happy while talking about such things.”

“I might slightly wish that you were having fun while talking about us instead, though. Fufu.”

Seeing Haruna nodding at Noa’s words, I felt that it wasn’t about her not experiencing jealousy; rather, she valued the feelings of liking me much more than any jealousy that might arise from such matters. Should I call this overflowing good fortune in relationships?

Honestly, what surprised me the most was how far Haruna and Nagisa’s relationship had developed, considering how they used to clash. There must be a complex interplay of reasons behind that.

Nagisa had gained a lot of composure due to living with me and the Christmas incident. And Haruna, who used to be someone on the fringes, also underwent changes due to my and Noa’s influence.

When we opened the door to Baiyadang, a chime rang, and someone approached us.

“Greetings, dear customers! How many… uh?”

“…Huh?”

I didn’t precisely remember her full name, but… it was Pina, right? Anyway, the blonde girl who managed the front and security at Baiyadang greeted us before seemingly being taken aback for some reason.

Why…?

“Ahem! I apologize! I mistook you for someone I knew. You three customers, please follow me to your seats right away!”

I didn’t know why she was shocked, but since she hadn’t said anything, I decided to just receive the seat guidance.

The interior of Baiyadang was as bustling as expected. Truly, the most famous tea house in Kivotos. I guessed the lack of a waiting line had something to do with the fact that it wasn’t a major festival period.

After she guided us to our seats, Pina suddenly hurried away for some reason, and I turned my gaze toward the menu.

While I was briefly checking the menu, Shizuko Kawawa, the head of Baiyadang and leader of the Matsuri Management Department, came over to take our orders.

“Welcome to Baiyadang! Meow meow! I, Shizuko, will assist you with your order, dear customers!”

After a short contemplation, I decided to order the Baiyadang specialty green tea parfait, Haruna went for the fruit soda cold tea, a new creation, with daifuku, while Noa ordered the strawberry manju set. Upon confirming our orders, Shizuko cheerfully promised to bring them out quickly before disappearing into the kitchen.

As we waited for our tea and desserts to arrive while chatting a bit, I realized what I had forgotten only after Shizuko brought out the ordered dishes.

“Here are the specialty green tea parfait and fruit soda cold tea, anmitsu, and strawberry yatsuhashi set! Meow meow!”

“…Huh?”

“Wooow——!”

The secret to Baiyadang’s popularity lies in Shizuko’s clumsy act, which she turned into her own brand. Shizuko’s cuteness, who can be considered the idol of Baiyadang, is indeed its greatest weapon.

But Haruna was unaware of this fact.

No, it might even be more dangerous if she found out. This was technically a playful act involving the food that was supposed to be served to customers!

“Um… isn’t this a bit different from what we ordered? I’m pretty sure we ordered daifuku instead of anmitsu, and it should have been the manju set and not the strawberry yatsuhashi set.”

“Eh? Ah, aaah…?! I’m sorry, dear customers! Shizuko made another mistake…! I’ll bring the right ones immediately!”

While Noa was raising a complaint, I observed Haruna’s expression. So far, it didn’t seem to show any discomfort, so that was somewhat relieving.

“Mika, why are you looking at me like that…? Of course, an employee’s mistakes can be somewhat displeasing, but it’s an understandable occurrence. There’s no way I would get angry over something like this.”

“Uh-huh. Is that so?”

Yeah, the real problem is that this was not a mistake but a deliberate act! If only the truth remained undiscovered, it might be a relief that no major incidents occurred…

“Kyyaaa!! Shizuko’s random clumsiness event! So cute…!”

There was a time when I thought that too.

Who is this? Why did they add unnecessary comments in a situation that could have gone smoothly? I admit it’s cute, but the timing is just off…

“Ugh, umm… please don’t tease me like that!”

Haruna and Noa quickly grasped that this wasn’t a special circumstance based on the reactions around us. And after confirming the smirk on Shizuko’s face while pleading not to tease her, Noa let out a strange sound.

Regardless, Shizuko, who took the wrong order back to the kitchen, returned shortly after with our correct order.

…Shizuko would probably be thankful to me for hastily starting a conversation to prevent Haruna from realizing the situation during that short moment. Really.

“Hehe… I’m so sorry for the inconvenience, dear customers! Here are your daifuku and strawberry manju set!”

“…Hmm. Thank you.”

“Yes, please enjoy it! Meow meow!”

Just as Shizuko was about to turn away after placing the menu down, I involuntarily loosened the tension I had been holding on to. Though I would somehow manage, I didn’t want Haruna’s mood to be soured on our trip. It was a good thing she could pass this Baiyadang tactic without knowing.

“Excuse me, staff… I just wanted to ask, is this a kind of show?”

But perhaps it was too early for me to loosen up? With a bright smile, Noa tossed a question at Shizuko.

“Y-yes?!”

“Why are you so surprised? I simply had a small question. Is it necessary to employ a staff member who makes mistakes frequently enough that regular customers refer to it as a ‘random clumsiness event’ in a well-known tea house like Baiyadang?”

“Th-that’s because Shizuko… Uh… I’m sorry, dear customers.”

“Oh my, which part are you apologizing for? You’ve already apologized for messing up the order…”

“It’s just that… Ugh. How did you notice…?!”

The moment Shizuko revealed that it was indeed a show, I quickly held Haruna’s hand tightly. With that, she slightly flinched, confirming that this Baiyadang tactic had clearly ruffled her feathers.

“Um, staff, customers like us who are visiting Baiyadang for the first time may not view this unexpected show in a positive light.”

“…Yes, I know.”

“While I understand that prior notice might decrease its effectiveness, it might be better to exercise caution when planning such shows for new customers.”

“But Shizuko is Baiyadang’s idol…”

“Could I ask what that has to do with this?”

“N-nothing! I’m so sorry…!”

“From which part are you apologizing? As I mentioned, I’ve already received an apology about that mistake, haven’t I?”

“Wuuu…”

Thinking about it, Noa does have a personality where she humbles others with her words while smiling, huh.

After Shizuko had been cornered by Noa and was on the verge of tearing up, I shifted my attention back to Haruna and saw her expression was surprisingly serene. No matter how I looked, she appeared accustomed to this situation.

Somehow, I started to understand a bit why incidents at stores featuring these two had noticeably decreased.

Perhaps, it was simply because Noa handled the verbal jabs in place of Haruna, allowing her to manage her emotions better on her own…?

Indeed, maybe this duo was a match made in heaven. Really.