High Tea Jinks/Nina: Eye Spy


Nina	Oh no, oh no... How could I lose something so important? It's gotta be around here somewhere... Let me retrace my steps... I was here when I began thinking about how I've always favored the bow and arrow... But then here, I began thinking that perhaps a lance and shield was the better combination... So if I became lost in thought here... and my distraction caused me to drop it, then it must be... Oh! `【Summoner】`! I found you at a good time. Have you, um...seen anything that might look as though...it had been dropped? Well, it's a book... A thin book. The contents of which are not— Wait—that's it! The book you're holding right now! Give it here! Right now! Hurry, hand it over! Ha! Haha! Oh, um... Ahem... Did you... Did you happen to look inside? H-hey, don't look at me like I'm some deviant! What does that look even mean, huh?! Well, if you did happen to peek inside, I forbid you from discussing its contents with anyone! If anyone hears about what's in there, it will be the end of me. And of you! Hmph!


Nina	Um... Mind if we chat for a moment, `【Summoner】`? I'm...sorry about last time... You found something very important to me, and I didn't even thank you. Well, you may think it's fine, but I've been thinking about it since it happened. I should've said it sooner. You may have already seen what's written in there, but... Well, it's a treasured book I keep. I detail the friendships between certain men that I know. It's pretty much my favorite book... It's OK to be surprised. It isn't a book I'm comfortable telling people about... Huh? You aren't surprised? Wait a minute, could you... Could you be into this stuff, too?! What do you think about— No? You're not? Yeah, makes sense... I guess this isn't the kind of hobby I can share with anybody. I'm sorry... Just forget I said anything! Oh, and please don't tell anyone that I've been hiding in this barrel... I prefer to keep my presence hidden so I can watch these precious moments free of my own influence.


Nina	Huh? I can have any hobby I want? You say I don't have to hide it? Given the specifics of my hobby, I can't expect everyone to be as sympathetic as you... But I really do enjoy stories about the blossoming relationship between two manly men. Because they're men, I can imagine it as a truly pure relationship. My imagination can really take flight! After all this time, I don't think I'd be able to change what I like...but I don't want it to bother anyone else. And so, I just enjoy my little fantasy world all by myself. Wait, what am I saying?! I've never talked to anyone about this. It's because it's you. I don't feel any sort of barrier between us, as I would with anyone else... Why do you suppose I can let my guard down around you? Huh?! You want to tell Commander Anna about this?! Wait, hold on a minute! Where'd that come from?! You...think she'd understand? She is a pretty accepting person, but no way it would be that easy. Well, judging by the serious look on your face, you must know what you're talking about. If it will allow my imagination to fly even higher...I'll leave it in your hands. I had better be worth the risk!


Nina	Hey, there you are! I just received a message from Commander Anna! Apparently she knows of this event where people who...share my interests discuss their books. She found a whole group of people just like me, using her connections. And all this time I thought I was alone in this hobby... It turns out there are actually quite a lot of people who get excited about the same relationships that I do. Of course, it's not just the writers of these spectacular tales that show up to the event...but the readers too. Which means not everyone who attends may fully understand, but still, it means I'm not alone. And just knowing that feels good. I can keep my hobby, and I can let my imagination soar higher than ever! You gave me just the push I needed. Thank you, `【Summoner】`. Once we're done here, I'll need to rush to make it to the event... Hehe, the world suddenly seems so bright! The camaraderie between two men... It fills me with such joy, and I'm not embarrassed to admit it!