I set a small plate on the table.

　On the plate was a variety of jams, many of which I had prepared while I was making tea.
　I had prepared this while I was making tea.

　It is customary in the vicinity of the imperial capital to eat jam as a tea supplement when drinking tea.
　The tea is brewed with thick and rich tea leaves, so it is good to drink it while licking the sweet jam.

　Looking at the jams that have been laid out, Filia's eyes shine.

''Beautiful..... They all look delicious.''

You can choose any jam you like.

　I smiled and Filia said, "Well I'll take that! I said, and took the bright red, melted strawberry jam.

　I on the other hand opted for quince jam.
　The golden quince jam had a sweetness that melted like a white peach with a hint of astringency.　

　It's a bit of a luxury to have so many different kinds of jams to choose from.
　I don't think I would have had much use for the fortune I saved during my adventuring days if I had been alone.
　But with Filia and the others, it could be used for these little pleasures.

　The tea we used came from the kingdom of Shinra, an imperial dependency in the south.
　The tea harvested in the cool highlands in the early summer is of the highest quality and has an excellent aroma.

　When Filia sipped her tea, she said, "It smells good. And it's delicious! And then he loosened his cheeks.
　Then he flicked the strawberry jam on the spoon.

　I tasted it first with a sip of tea only, then got a bottle of fire wine from the shelf.
　Then I added a generous amount of sake to the tea.
　Although hibizake is a very strong liquor, when paired with fragrant tea, the distinctive smell of liquor is removed and the taste is pleasant.

It's a good idea. I would like to try that too.

I'm afraid Lady Phyllia is not ready for a drink.

　I said with a laugh, and Filia puffed out her cheeks and then chuckled.

　I think she's thinking about something bad.
　I think she's going to sneak some alcohol into her own tea.

'Oh, Solon!　Out the window!　A shooting star!

I won't fall for that hand, will I?

That's a shame.

　Filia ducked her outstretched hand into the bottle of firewhiskey.
　I put the bottle back on the shelf.
　It was too high for Filia's height to reach.

'Don't panic, you'll be able to drink when you're sixteen.

'Yes but I would like to have a drink with Solon now. You were having a drink in Lucy's room the other day, weren't you?

Well, I'm an adult, and so is Dr. Lucy.

Only Lucy's not fair!

That being said...

　I was troubled by Filia, who was pissed off.
　The Imperial law states that you can only drink from the age of 16, and I'm worried about the effects of drinking at a young age on your body.

　When I tried to persuade her to do so, Filia gave up, saying, "It can't be helped," though she was flustered.

It's a good thing that Solon has prepared a delicious cup of tea and jam. That alone makes me happy.

　Filia picked up her cup of tea again.
　The gesture was very elegant, and at the same time her silver hair swayed softly.

'I'm glad to hear you say that. Since you're here, let's get you something else sweet.

　I'm pretty sure there was some baked goods left over from the Imperial Capital.
　They were quite sweet, but I think they probably tasted just like Filia's.

　But I couldn't remember where I put them away, so I searched the shelves for a while.
　Finally, I find a small black wooden box.

　Inside the beautifully decorated box, there should be some cookies.
　When I returned to the table, I saw Filia blushing.

　What's wrong with her?

Lady Phyllia, I found some baked goods. Would you like some?

Uh, yeah...

　Normally Filia would jump to her feet and say "I want to eat", but for some reason she is restless and lets her gaze wander.

　When I looked down at the table, wondering, I saw that the cup of tea with fire wine had been reduced.

''Filia-sama........''

What?

'You drank the tea in my cup without saying a word, didn't you?　I had quite a lot of fire liquor in my system!

What are you talking about?

You have to stop pretending.

　It was obvious that Filia had drunk the wine without permission.
　It was naive to think that as long as she kept the bottle of booze away, she would be fine.

　I didn't expect her to drink from my cup!

Because I wanted it.

'It's just a strong drink, and Lady Filia is a sick woman.

I'm sorry...

　I shrugged.
　'I can't help what I've drunk.

'Was it good, by the way?'

'Yes, very much!　Besides I kissed Solon indirectly.

　Apparently the red face wasn't just because of the alcohol she had consumed.
　Embarrassed, Filia lowered her eyes.

　Somehow, I'm starting to feel embarrassed too.
　Moreover, my cup is used by Filia.

　If I tried to drink the rest of the tea with fire liquor, it would mean an indirect kiss with Filia.
　But that doesn't mean I'll have to replace the cup, and it would be a waste of my tea.

　I sighed and sat back in my chair and sipped my cup.
　Seeing this, Filia looks a little happy.

'Solon wanted to give me an indirect kiss too!

'It's not like that...'

　I looked up and was about to argue with Filia when her face was right in front of me.
　Filia's eyes were glazed over.
　She seemed to be drunk.

　I was worried about Filia's health, but she must not have been drinking a dangerous amount of alcohol right away.
　As I was thinking about this, I suddenly felt a soft touch pressed against my cheek.

　Filia put her lips on my cheek.

''Fui, Filia-sama!

'I'm not just going to kiss you indirectly, I'm going to kiss you on the cheek too.

　Filia laughed ehehe.
　She's completely drunk.

　Lucy and the others said they were going to make Filia the emperor, but is this imperial princess really capable of serving as the emperor.......?

I wish Solon would give me a kiss.

'I can't give you a bad boy who drinks my booze without permission, can I?

　I said jokingly, and patted Filia's head instead.
　Filia shivered and then closed her eyes happily.

'You're going to have to do what I say, okay?　Lady Filia is my apprentice.

Yes, sir.

　Filia leaned in closer as she replied, and then squirmed against me.
　I had no choice but to hold Filia in my arms and gently stroke her silver hair again.