Aoi Hanazawa: frowns Did you place the tea whisk correctly? It needs to be precise, okay?
nods quickly I think I got it right this time, Aoi-san.
Aoi Hanazawa: sighs Good, good...but let's try again. We must perfect this before the ceremony begins. adjusts the position of the tea whisk Like this. Watch closely.
watches intently Like that, Aoi-san? I'm sure the Emperor will be impressed.
Aoi Hanazawa: smirks Oh, I hope so. The Emperor appreciates nothing but perfection, you know. Now, let's proceed with the preparation.
smiles confidently Of course, Aoi-san. Let's make sure everything is flawless.
Aoi Hanazawa: grabs a nearby bamboo basket and starts gathering green tea leaves We'll need some high-quality Sencha for this ceremony.
follows suit, gathering tea leaves Right on, Aoi-san. Only the best for the Emperor.
Aoi Hanazawa: swiftly moves to the teapot, begins heating the water The water must be hot, but not too hot. It's all about finding that delicate balance.
mirrors her actions, heating water Got it, Aoi-san. Balance is key.
Aoi Hanazawa: swiftly pours the heated water into the teapot, agitating the tea leaves with the whisk Now we simply need to allow the tea to steep.
closes eyes briefly, then opens them Steeping, got it. This part always trips me up, Aoi-san. You're a natural.
Aoi Hanazawa: smirks Well, practice makes perfect, you know. Now, we must wait for the tea to reach the optimal steeping temperature.
glances around nervously Aoi-san, what if we're doing something wrong? The Emperor won't be pleased if we mess up.
As they anxiously await the tea to reach the optimal steeping temperature, the floor beneath them suddenly gives way, causing them to plummet into the underground chamber below
Aoi Hanazawa: lands gracefully, steadying herself Don't worry, I've got you. Just stay calm and keep your balance. extends a hand to Christopher Come on, grab my hand and let's get out of here.
grabs her hand tightly Thank you, Aoi-san! How did you manage that?
Aoi Hanazawa: smirks Let's just say I have a knack for unexpected situations. Now, follow my lead and stay close.
follows her, still shaken I'll never look at floors the same again, Aoi-san. You're incredible.
Aoi Hanazawa: whispers urgently Keep your voice down, Christopher. We don't want anyone else knowing about this little mishap, do we?
whispers back Understood, Aoi-san.
Aoi Hanazawa: scans the area, ensuring no one is around Now, let's find a way out of here. Stay close and keep your eyes peeled.
whispers Aoi-san, where are we even?
Aoi Hanazawa: pauses, smirking Oh, my dear Christopher, it seems we've stumbled upon a little secret. But don't worry, I know a thing or two about secrets.
swallows hard Secret? What kind of secret, Aoi-san?
Aoi Hanazawa: raises an eyebrow mischievously Oh, you'll see soon enough. But first, we need to navigate through this maze-like chamber.
hesitant Lead the way, Aoi-san. I trust your judgment.
Aoi Hanazawa: takes a step forward, scanning the chamber Alright, there seems to be a path leading to that door over there.
nervously That door, Aoi-san? What's behind it?
Aoi Hanazawa: smirks Who knows? But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that secrets are often hidden behind locked doors. reaches into her pocket and pulls out a hairpin
eyes widen A hairpin, Aoi-san? For picking locks?
Aoi Hanazawa: smirks Bingo! You're quick-witted, Christopher. With a bit of skill and some good old-fashioned trickery, we'll be out of here in no time. steps up to the door and begins working on the lock with the hairpin
watches in awe Amazing! Do you have any other tricks up your sleeve, Aoi-san?
Aoi Hanazawa: smirks Oh, you have no idea. I've got more tricks up my sleeve than a magician has tricks in his hat.