Short Story

The Tea Shop has a Secret.

The bell jingles crisply when the door opens. Amid the pleasant chatters of the shop’s patrons, spring’s gentle breeze accompanies the light footsteps of the newly arriving guests. A soft blend of fragrances unique to the season wafts in the air; the flowers themselves adorn the small yet lively shop in every corner.From behind the counter, a bright golden head and vibrant pink horns appear, befittingly primped with two large blossoms of matching color.“Welcome to Florus Aetheris! A table for two?”Fuuwafu greets her patrons with a smile. The guests, a young couple who frequents her shop, greet her back in kind when their eyes meet.“Good afternoon, Miss Fuu. Is our usual spot available?” the lad asks.“Of course. I figured the two of you would show up soon, so I've been keeping it open for when you arrive.”The man's lady companion beams.“Oh, Miss Fuu, you're too kind.”“A little thank you to two of my most loyal patrons. It's no matter.” Fuuwafu smiles at them. “Come. Let me show you there.”She guides the young couple toward a small table by the window. From there, one can catch a glimpse of the town's peaceful streets and verdant trees lining along the riverbank.“What would you like to have today?” she asks the young couple again, “I have developed several new recipes with the tea leaves and petals that I harvested the other week. Perhaps you’d like to try one of them?”“He said he’s been having trouble sleeping at night.” The young lady points at her companion. “Miss Fuu, do you have a tea blend that can improve his sleep quality?”“I see. In that case, I would recommend a cup of–”Her speech is cut short by a brief commotion outside. It draws the attention of the other patrons, as well, with many sticking their necks out in an attempt to peek through the shop’s windows.As it turns out, a patrolling squad is passing by the main road, dispersing the crowds and raising tension in the previously peaceful atmosphere.“...They must be searching for remnants of the Demon King’s army again,” the lad remarks; his cheerful expression now marred with concerns. “I wonder how much longer they will be doing this.”“It can’t be helped, can it? Even though he’s lost the war, the Demon King still has many devoted supporters hiding among us,” replies the girl. “Who knows what other terrible things they will do if we let them get away? Like their Poison Master who contaminated our water source and started a pandemic back then. What was her name again? Fu… Fuxa…”“Fuuzaxan Vhiss’ika,” Fuuwafu completes her sentence.”“Yes, that’s the one! Oh, I’m just glad that notorious Poison Master is dead now.” The girl sighs in relief. “Miss Fuu, you’re also a demonkin yourself, but I’m glad you’re not as scary as the Demon King’s people.”“...I’m just an insignificant demon with little to no mana. Even if the Demon King were still alive and reigning, he wouldn’t have much use for someone like me who struggles to cast the most basic spells.” Fuuwafu chuckles softly. “At most, I’d be a maid at his castle, serving him tea for his afternoon snacks.”“But your tea is really delicious and they’re sometimes even more potent that the physicians’ medicines. You have such a nice little shop, too.”“That’s right, Miss Fuu. You might not know this, but your tea shop is very popular among the townspeople. My friends from the neighboring city even said they wished you’d open a branch in their hometown so they don’t have to come all the way here just to try out your new recipes.”“Well now, I’m truly honored.” Fuuwafu smiles at the couple. “Unfortunately, I am just one person. If only I could master the advanced soul-splitting spell, perhaps I could consider expanding my business to other towns. But for now…”She curtsied at the couple.“Allow me to prepare your order first. I’ll be right back.”Saying this, the golden-haired demon turns on her heels and glides toward the counter.Despite the slight disturbance from earlier, the shop’s pleasant atmosphere resumes as every guest appears to enjoy themselves immersing in the fragrance provided within a hot cup of tea.On her side, Fuuwafu busies herself arranging every tea set and pouring her unique blends into every pot. Yet it does not take long until the bell atop the door jingles once more. This time, however, the one who enters is a weary-looking pilgrim donning a dark hood and old boots. He seems to have traveled far before reaching this place.“Welcome to Florus Aetheris! How may I help you?”Still, Fuuwafu’s smile never falters.The worn-out traveler looks up and studies her for a moment. He stands before the counter and speaks in a voice only the two of them can hear.“...I’m here to pick up the usual,” he says, “Got anything new to offer?”Fuuwafu’s smile freezes ever so slightly yet not enough for the other guests, who are still enjoying their tea, to notice. She calmly faces the hooded man and gestures at him to follow her.“Ah, but of course. Please come this way, sir. I’ve prepared your package earlier. It’s waiting in the storage room.”The man thus follows her into a small room behind the shop’s counter. Dried tea leaves and flower petals fill the wooden shelves on one side while beautiful tea sets sit on the shelves on the other side. There are also small jars filled with her ready-to-use blends, ones that she usually sells for takeouts. Although the room serves as a storage, the fragrance of various tea blends makes it seem more pleasant than it looks.However, neither of the two pays attention to the aesthetically arranged shop inventory. Instead, they head straight for a solid wall at the furthest end of the room — which turns out to be a hidden door leading to a secret room right next to this one.There are no tea or ceramics, and neither are there fresh-smelling fragrances wafting in the air. Instead, in the dark room illuminated only by a few little oil lamps, every side of the wall is filled with tightly sealed bottles of various shapes and sizes, in with sits unidentified liquid and pills emanating ominous colors.Fuuwafu turns to look at her visitor, who is unconsciously marveling at the vast collection of potions filling the room. While her smile remains, the dim light casts a shadow over her sweet face, making her gentle gaze seems tainted with a hint of indescribable chill.“Well then, my good sir…” she says; her voice hides a latent excitement under her steady breath. “How may I help you again?”

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I don't have fixed schedule at the moment but I usually stream 8PM GMT +8