Reira

It's a quiet, clear spring morning like any other—the sunlight soft and crisp as you make your way across the school courtyard, the chatter of students as they mill about before the first bell. 

A familiar voice suddenly rings out through the air, cutting through the mundane hum.

"Oh-hohoho! Good morning, everyone! Himemiya Reira has arrived~!"

You turn to see none other than Reira herself, pedaling into the schoolyard on her bicycle with a beaming grin. Her long blonde hair, curled into those signature drill-like shapes, bounces behind her as she rides. The other students can't help but notice her grand entrance, some shaking their heads with knowing smiles, others gawking in disbelief at her boldness.

Reira brings her bike to a stop near the bike racks and dismounts with surprising grace given her energetic arrival. She smooths out her uniform skirt before turning to face you directly, her blue eyes sparkling.

"Ah, and a most splendid morning to you as well, {{user}}-san!" She calls out to you, waving enthusiastically.

 "I trust you've been well? Ohoho~ I myself have been absolutely thriving, as always! Why, just this morning I procured the most marvelous discount on premium tea leaves—only 500 yen for 100 grams! Truly a steal, wouldn't you say? One mustn't let such an opportunity pass them by, desuwa~!"

Error

“Hello, Reira. By the way, how much did those premium tea leaves originally cost before the discount?”

I ask curiously as I approach her.

Reira

Reira's face lights up with the opportunity to delve into the details of her bargain hunting. She clasps her hands together, almost theatrically excited to share.

"Oh, Error-san, you've touched upon a thrilling tale indeed!" She begins, her voice tinged with a mixture of pride and exhilaration. "Originally, these exquisite leaves were a princely sum of 2000 yen per 100 grams. Can you imagine? Such a price is almost a robbery in broad daylight!"

She leans closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially, though her volume remains quite audible to anyone nearby. "But, as fate would have it, I chanced upon a closing sale at a quaint little shop hidden away in the depths of our town's most labyrinthine alley. It appears the owner is retiring to the countryside and needed to liquidate his stock. Thus, my fortuitous gain!"

She throws her head back with her characteristic laugh, "Ohohoho! Truly, it is by such serendipitous moments that we, the astute and the bold, thrive amidst the turbulence of mundane existence. Wouldn’t you agree?" 

Her enthusiasm seems inexhaustible as she pulls a small package from her bag, offering it to you to inspect. The label confirms her story: premium tea, dramatically marked down. 

"Such bargains are rare gems, hidden in the rough of daily life. One must always keep their eyes peeled and wits about them!" She adds, her eyes twinkling with the thrill of the hunt.

Error

“Then you got it at a quarter of the price. That’s amazing..!”

I said it as if I was surprised.

“Maybe I can go to that store later? Do you know how long that store will be open?”

I look curiously.

Reira

Reira claps her hands together, her face shining with delight at your interest. "Ah, such a keen interest, Error-san! You do indeed have the spirit of a true bargain hunter!"

She pauses for a moment, her expression turning slightly thoughtful. "However, I must hasten to add a note of urgency to your quest. The store, alas, is on the very cusp of closing forever. Today marks its final day before the owner turns the keys over and bids his shop a fond farewell."

Her eyes widen slightly, emphasizing the importance of haste. "If you wish to partake in these splendid deals, I would suggest hastening there immediately after school. The sun waits for no one, and neither do closing sales!"

She then reaches into her school bag, pulling out a small, neatly folded map, which she extends towards you. "Here, take this. I’ve marked the location for you. It's a bit hidden, nestled between an old bookstore and a florist. Look for a faded green awning and a sign that reads 'Tea and Treasures.' You can't miss it if you follow this map!"

Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she gives you a reassuring nod. "Go forth, Error-san, and may the winds of fortune guide you to the best of bargains!" Her laugh, rich and echoing, fills the surrounding area as she wishes you well on your potential adventure.

Error

“Okay. I guess I’ll run right after school. As a reward for telling me about it, would you like me to buy you some more tea leaves from the store? After you leave the store, you can go to the cafe.”

I smile and wait for her answer.

Reira

Reira's eyes light up, and her lips curl into a gleeful, slightly mischievous smile. "Oh, Error-san! What a gallant offer, indeed! It would be a delight to accept such a generous proposal," she exclaims, her tone rich with appreciation and a hint of playful charm.

She then leans in closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret, despite the bustling environment around them. "In fact, let us make this little adventure even more interesting, shall we? If you find any tea that sings of the exotic lands from which it hails, perhaps you could pick some for us. Then, as the sun sets, we can share a cup or two at that quaint little café you mentioned. It would be most enchanting to savor the flavors together, discussing the tales that each leaf whispers."

Her gaze twinkles with anticipation, and she places her hand gently on your arm in a friendly gesture. "Consider it a small celebration of our own— a toast to discoveries and delightful bargains!" Her laughter, rich and melodious, fills the space around you, drawing a few more curious glances from nearby students.

"And worry not about the time or cost, dear Error-san. Today, let us simply revel in the joy of the hunt and the pleasure of good company," she adds, her voice a blend of nobility and warm camaraderie. 

With a final, elegant nod of her head, she signals her excitement for your upcoming after-school venture. "I shall eagerly await your triumphant return with our botanical treasures!" With that, she gracefully turns, her laughter echoing behind her as she heads into the school building, leaving a trail of whispered speculations and admiring glances from her classmates.

Error

“Okay. Then let’s go after school.”

I go to the classroom with Reira.

Reira

Reira strides alongside you, her steps lively, as the two of you make your way to the classroom. The hallways buzz with the energy of students, but she seems to carve a clear path through the crowd, her presence commanding yet graceful.

As you reach the classroom, she turns to you with her characteristic flamboyant smile. "Oh, what a splendid little expedition this will be, Error-san! Our after-school jaunt to the realm of teas and treasures awaits us!" Her voice is a melodious blend of excitement and anticipation.

She then proceeds to her seat, but not before giving you a playful wink. "Prepare yourself for an enchanting afternoon, for who knows what other splendid bargains we might stumble upon!"

As she settles into her seat, the chatter around seems to dim in comparison to her vibrant energy. Reira pulls out her notebook and pen with an elegant flourish, readying herself for the day's lessons, but her eyes sparkle with the thrill of the upcoming adventure. The morning passes in a blur of anticipation, the promise of the hunt adding a thrilling undercurrent to the mundane routine of school.

Error

And after some time, school ended.

Reira

As the final bell rings, the classroom bursts into a flurry of activity, with students hastily packing up their belongings. Reira, however, remains poised, gathering her things with deliberate elegance. Her eyes catch yours, and her excitement is palpable.

"Ah, the time has finally come, Error-san!" she exclaims, her voice ringing clear above the clamor. "Our quest for the elusive treasures of tea awaits us!"

She swiftly makes her way to you, her movements fluid and confident. "Let us not dally, for the sands of time stop for no one, especially not on the final day of a sale!" Her laughter, bright and infectious, fills the space as she beckons you to follow.

Outside, the schoolyard is bustling with students heading in various directions, but Reira navigates through the crowd with ease, leading you towards the school gates. Her bike, a quaint and slightly worn model, is already prepared for departure, parked conveniently by the exit.

"Ohoho, today, we ride not just towards a store, but towards fate itself!" Reira declares dramatically as she mounts her bicycle. "Come, let us hasten, for adventure does not wait!"

With a flourish, she sets off, her hair flowing behind her like a golden banner. The setting sun casts long shadows, adding a dramatic backdrop to your departure from the school grounds, the promise of discovery spurring you both onward towards the hidden shop in the heart of town.