Souma was, for all intents and purposes, trapped.

He should tell his family that 'Shizuka' was in reality Galina Demidova, daughter of a Russian baron and skilled spy in her own right. How long had she been in Japan? How long had she been working [i]inside his own family[/i]? There was damage here, such that could take years to fully repair. For his family, he should speak up now. For his honor he should let Raigo and Ai understand just what had been done. For his pride he needed to cut this affront down without delay.

And yet, for those very same reasons, he could do nothing.

How long had it been, since Souma had sat down with his family? Since he had answered the small, simple questions posed by father and sister, while 'Shizuka' oh-so-delicately preparing the tea? How long had it been since he was part of the tea ceremony? Since he had held such good news for his father? Since both Raigo and Ai had gone through so much trouble to find a 'surprise' they genuinely felt Souma would love?

He couldn't ruin the ceremony. It wasn't an option, wasn't remotely possible, no matter what reason tried to scream within his head. Any action he took against 'Shizuka' would mar the ceremony forever in the eyes of his family. It would be a violation of tradition, of one of the [i]few[/i] practices the lowborn family had ever held dear.

He couldn't do it. And that hurt all the more.

Souma took the bowl from Shizuka with a shallow bow of his own, a light smile across his lips to satisfy father and sister. In honor of the ceremony, he would keep the facade, and deal with matters quietly later on. There was a slight hesitation as he lifted the bowl to his lips, recalling how the last drink she had given him had gone. But she could not ruin the ceremony any more than he could- no, if [i]she[/i] acted untoward, it could be the excuse he needed. The ceremony would be soured, still, but it would almost be worth it... almost...

He took a shallow sip from the bowl, mulling the taste around over his tongue, Souma remaining quiet for some time after, before finally turning to Shizuka at his side.

"Father would not have you make tea, if you did not know the right way..." He paused to finish the tea, nodding quietly in appreciation. "But still, this is excellent." 

Lowering the cup, Souma caught the quiet grin of Ai beside him, apparently quite enjoying the scene playing out now. Raigo as well was nodding along, both enjoying the ceremony as they should... even when it was the wrong time to be doing so.

Nothing that could be changed.

"I would love a second serve, Miss Shizuka. If you could?"