#04: Shanghai Teahouse ~ Chinese Tea
– "Nngh..."
Sensing Merry's apprehension to enjoy the drink, Renko took the first sip from her own cup.
– "Mm... It's decent. You know I prefer coffee, so this kind of thing seems very weak in comparison."
– "Weak? How can you say that when the smell is so strong?"
– "Is it really that strong? I think you're extra sensitive."
– "It's a blessing and a curse."
The sensation of taste is more like a combination of several senses. Aside from what touches the tongue, things like the scent of a dish and even the color can affect the perception of its flavor.
– "I'm telling you. The taste of white tea is naturally light, and the dose of the flower they added is extremely faint. It barely tastes like anything to me."
Hesitantly, Merry brought the cup to her lips, holding her breath and closing her eyes as she drank. With all other factors blocked out, she evaluated the experience until her eyes popped open in surprise.
– "Actually, it's not bad at all. I can taste something, but its taste is nowhere near as unpleasant as its smell."
– "What's the final verdict?"
– "I'd give it a six out of ten."
– "Oh? Not good, but quite a high score on the picky Merry's rating system!"
Renko chased down her words with another, bigger gulp.
– "You know, I think I can taste it a bit more clearly now too."
Though smell and sight and other preconceptions are a factor, the general atmosphere in which a food is enjoyed may also contribute to the taste. There is scientific basis to the sentiment that meals taste better when shared with good friends.
The maidens ordered no sweets to accompany the tea, as their continued conversation would be their dessert.