So this is the tea ceremony venue… I expected it to be quiet, but it appears that there are quite a few people here.
This is a countrywide tea ceremony PR campaign, so there are lots of iemoto gathered here. There are plenty of reporters, journalists, and other sorts of publicity staff as well.
Kiyosumi-san is going to be telling everyone about the splendor of the tea ceremony today. As for us, we're in charge of composing the music for the campaign.
Um, Tsuzuki-san?!
What's the matter?
It's nothing, just... please, don't disappear on me while I'm trying to talk to you.
I just heard an interesting sound and wanted to investigate further, is all. Don't fret. I remember it just fine.
As composers, we should try to express the merits of matcha in our own way.
People have been complimenting my manners. I'm surprised... Kiyosumi-san must have taught me well.
How have you been holding up, Tsuzuki-san?
It's fascinating... I feel as if I'm part of the tea ceremony myself.
... Part of the tea ceremony?
Yes. As I drink tea and savor the moment here, I feel as if I'm playing an instrument in the grand, magnificent concerto of the tea ceremony.
Of course you'd say that... Oh, look, people from the news. You'd like to interview us?
A question for me, hm?
That's right. I haven't done a lot of composition lately. No, I don't particularly have plans for anything new, at least not in the foreseeable future.
Things are different now. My priority is devoting myself to Altessimo with Rei-san.
I understand now. My family's circumstances must be the reason for the guests' hesitance. I apologize most profusely for dragging you two into my personal disputes.
I must devise a way to turn this around...
Not to worry! I've got just the thing! Pull up a seat, ladies and gentlemen. I'll dazzle you with a tail about tea ceremonies!
Ah, look, a reporter. Great timing. Yoohoo! Why don't you join us for some fun over here, sir?
People have begun to gather! Nekoyanagi-san. Hanamura-san... I owe both of you.
Why don't we brighten up the mood, now? Pay your grandfather no mind.
Tsuzuki-san. Do you mind if I ask you a question about earlier?
You said you haven't written any music recently, but you wrote a song for me to play not too long ago. Why not mention that?
If I even said so much as a word about a new song, they would have expected me to make a formal announcement about it.
I don't think that song is ready to be shown to the world like that. It was incomplete and it lacked soul.
... Soul, huh? That must have been my fault. I'm sorry.
No, no. It's not just your playing that I refer to. The song itself just needs some work, that's all. We can work on that together, poco a poco. But until that's done, we can just keep it between us, alright?
Yes! Certainly! I'm sorry I got distracted. Let's keep enjoying the tea!
It appears Nekoyanagi-san's story has indeed helped inject some life into the atmosphere.
Now's our chance! Boy, why don't we see what Kuro-chan has to say?
Pawsome idea, Madame Butterfly! When it comes to tea ceremonies, nobody knows more than Kuro-kun!
Say, Kuro-kun, I have some napkins tucked into my kimono - they're called kaishi, right? Do teach us how to use them!
After drinking the tea, you should take a napkin off the stack and use it to clean off your mouth. Now, when you take one of these sweets, you should place it on the stack like so.
Ah, the pattern on this tea bowl is just exquisite, isn't it?
Very observant, just as I have come to expect from you, Hanamura-san. Everyone, please take the time to appreciate the pottery as you drink.
I am aware the tea ceremony appears complicated, but... I believe it is an enjoyable experience. I hope I have demonstrated that to you all.
Tsuzuki-san, good morning. It's time for filming to begin.
Rei-san, you sound a touch nervous, but you look like you're hanging in there.
I am. I thought the tea ceremony was a good experience.
It's a very complex tradition and I can't say I understand all of it, but... it was nice learning about the heart, history, and hospitality of those who practice it.
I agree. We got to learn something by experiencing it. I truly felt immersed in the world of the tea ceremony.
I do believe we should channel these experiences into our song.
By the by, Kuro-chan, I saw you talking to your grandfather the other day. Perhaps my concern is misplaced here, but is everything alright?
I appreciate the concern. I am fine. As usual, he knit his brow in disapproval at my actions, but he could not deny that everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves. Still... I hope to one day earn his endorsement.
For that reason, I hope to participate in more similar endeavors.
Fufu, what a nice face you have on. I'm glad you were able to talk.
We're always happy to lend you a paw, Kuro-kun!
Y-yes...! Both of you... Please continue watching over me.