Chapter 184 Good Criminals and Bad Police

Nakako, the princess, was unaware and spoke honestly that the tea was picked from the rear tea garden.

Prince Akihito cherished that patch of tea trees dearly during his lifetime. Each year, he carefully sealed and stored the harvested tea leaves, made them into tea cakes, and never served them to guests—only occasionally would he take out a piece or two to brew tea and drink alone.

Upon hearing this, Minamoto Tamako felt a sense of relief, realizing Nakako had no knowledge of it either, suggesting they might have overthought. She followed Nakako to the backyard, where surely enough, there was a tea garden. The branches were dense, appearing somewhat desolate in the rain.

Nakako held an umbrella and led Minamoto Tamako to inspect up close. Tiny tea buds sprouted from the axils of the branches, resembling fungal spots. Minamoto Tamako pinched a little fresh sprout, rubbed it between her fingers, smelled it for a moment, and her eyes lit up.

Yes, this is the scent!