Chapter 201

Bright flames glowed on the tai chi round table, and a heavy, pitch-black Kansai iron kettle hung over a charcoal stove. The upper half of the iron kettle resembled a round egg, covered in countless blunt spikes, while the lower half was carved with a red-masked Tengu. The Tengu's straight, long nose served as the spout, and the glowing orange firelight splashed beneath its wings, making it look as though the Tengu were spreading its wings to fly against the brilliant sun. A gentle breeze brushed past from the distant Tokyo Bay, carrying a warm and humid breath. The water in the kettle bubbled upward in contention, and boiling white mist drifted in all directions, filling the entire great hall with the fragrance of fresh tea.