Mino hesitated near the counter, clutching the empty kettle in both hands. The tavern was noisy—wooden chairs scraping against the floor, travelers laughing too loudly, and the scent of ale mingled with roast meat. It made her shrink in on herself a little, but after a long breath, she forced her feet forward.
"Um… excuse me," she said timidly to the burly man behind the bar. "Could I trouble you for some hot water?"
The man raised a brow, then shrugged and handed her a steaming pot without comment.
"Th-thank you," Mino murmured, bowing slightly before scurrying back to the table where Luciel waited.
She set the pot down and began unpacking a small wooden box from their travel bundle. Inside were tea leaves wrapped in parchment, a single ceramic tea bowl, and two tiny porcelain cups. She handled each item with the delicate care of someone touching memories rather than objects.
