SWNOVELXO Chapter 118 - Divine Cat Mii-chan, Mee-chan Safe is completely trustworthy and safe.
118 Divine Cat Mii-chan, Mee-chan Safe is completely trustworthy and safe.
The map was put away, and the tea party resumed.
Jin-san’s eyes went vacant again.
Lady Lene also returned to the tea party, cozying up to the king. Mii-chan was being petted by Willibald-san. Sera was being attended to by the queen, while Perro was cared for by Nia-san as they enjoyed some sweets. What surprised me was the chancellor placing Lu-kun on his lap and petting him. Lu-kun yawned while being petted, making me think that maybe he’s the biggest deal among our group.
“So, what kind of reward would be good for Nero?”
“Let’s grant him a title and some land.”
“Honestly, I think that’s the best idea, but Nero refuses. It’s a bit troubling.”
“Refusing a title? Nero is quite an unusual fellow.”
I don’t want to become a noble. I don’t think it suits a timid person like me.
“Is there something you want?”
“Something I want?”
Peace, love, and time to live lazily…
“Mii…”
Mii-chan, that’s an important point. We’re aiming for a slow life, remember?
“Mii~”
I’m glad you understand. A slow life, huh…
“I suppose a house. I plan to operate out of the royal capital.”
“What kind of house would you like?”
“The house doesn’t need to be large, but I’d like a garden big enough that Sumire doesn’t feel stressed.”
“Adelbert.”
“Hmm. There’s an area in the west district where development was halted. It’s mostly forest and wasteland, so it shouldn’t be an issue.”
“We can build the house ourselves. Julius?”
“Very well. However, since you declined the title, at least fulfill your duties as Anneliese’s friend.”
“Are you serious?”
“If you’re a friend, it’ll be easier to ask you for favors.”
“Hehe… Looking forward to working with you, Nero, Mii-chan. And of course, Perro, Sera, and Lu-kun too.”
“Mii~”
“Leave it to meow!”
“Meow!”
“Growl!”
I’m feeling like I’ve dug myself into a hole here…
It’s getting late, so let’s head back.
“Oh, you should stay the night.”
“Jin-san looks like he might collapse, so I think it’s better not to. We also have people waiting for us.”
“Oh my, has spring come for you, Nero?”
“Mii~”
“She’s very beautiful and kind, meow.”
“Meow.”
“Growl.”
“Oh dear, you’ll have to introduce us next time. Promise?”
Sigh… Let’s go home.
On the way out, Nia-san handed me some money and a new promissory note. The money was for the investigation expenses incurred this time. There were about 200 gold coins. When I tried to return it, she insisted I keep it, saying it was a legitimate expense. In that case, I’ll gladly accept it. It’s not like I have too much money, after all.
On the way back to the inn, Jin-san kept muttering:
“This is a dream… It’s just a dream…”
I wonder if he made it back okay?
I put Sumire in the stable and prepared her food. She seemed quite pleased, having been pampered at the palace and given a meal, so she was in a good mood the entire time. That’s great.
Before returning to the room, I called out to Yuri-san.
“Nero, you’re back.”
“Yes, it’s a bit early, but how about dinner?”
We headed to the dining room for a meal, but Perro and Sera surprisingly didn’t have much of an appetite.
“This is terrible, meow… I ate too many sweets and now I can’t eat dinner, meow… Such a blunder, meow.”
“Meow…”
How much did you guys eat? Lu-kun is eating just fine. Mii-chan had a lot of red bean paste but is still eating her meal. I guess sweets are a separate thing… In the end, both Perro and Sera managed to eat everything. What terrifying appetites.
Mii-chan looks like she’s saying, “Red bean paste counts as sweets!”
“Mii~”
Mii-chan, this isn’t the time to be proud.
“Mii…”
After dinner, Yuri-san returned the list to me. It was detailed with clear numbers, showing her meticulous nature.
“Nero, do you have all the items on this list?”
“I do.”
“The Alchemist Guild will be overjoyed. There are so many rare materials.”
It seems the materials for high-grade potions are included. The total value is around 10 million Leto. Although the Commercial Guild will take 15% as tax, I’ll still have 8 million Leto left.
This really shows how much the traveling merchants were ripping us off. Unforgivable. But now I can buy a lot of daily necessities and bring them to Pato-san.
“Mii~”
After dinner, we all went to the public bathhouse. Although everyone can enter the bath in the royal capital, it does cost money for each of us. The lady at the front desk in Quinto was really nice.
Yuri-san said she’d take Mii-chan and Sera to the women’s bath and wash them, so I went to the men’s bath with Perro and Lu-kun.
I really want a bath in the new house. I’ll make sure to ask for it.
By the way, Perro, did the queen ask you to find a cat?
“Yes, meow. A white kitten and a black kitten, meow. I’m going to start looking tomorrow, but I guess the first step is to find the district chief, meow.”
Two kittens, huh. I guess one is for the queen and the other for the king.
The next morning, after breakfast, Yuri-san went to the Hunter Guild, Perro went to search for cats, and we headed to the Commercial Guild. I asked the inn staff to take care of Sumire and apologized to her in advance, since it was going to be a busy day.
“What can I help you with today?”
“I’m here to join the Commercial Guild.”
“Do you have anything to prove your identity?”
“Will this do?”
I handed over my Hunter’s license with Zest Guildmaster’s handwritten signature. The receptionist took it to the back to confirm. If that didn’t work, I’d show them the promissory note from the palace.
Instead of the previous female staff member, a male staff member returned.
“Your identity has been verified. The signature of the Hunter Guildmaster was confirmed as authentic. Now, please fill out the business details and the name of your trading company.”
Should I just put down “traveling merchant” for the business details? As for the name… maybe “Divine Cat Trading Company”?
“Mii~”
I handed the paper to the male staff member.
“The registration fee is 100,000 Leto. Will you be taking the orientation today?”
“Yes, please.”
I paid the registration fee and moved to the room for the orientation. I spread out a blanket in the corner of the room and asked everyone to stay put while I attended the session.
The orientation lasted until just before noon.
They explained everything from taxes to commercial transactions, and even about tax evasion. It was exhausting.
Apparently, the Commercial Guild also offers banking services, but since I have the absolutely trustworthy Mii-chan safe, I don’t think I’ll ever need to use them.
Mii-chan has a face that says, “Leave it to me!” So I’ll rely on her.
“Mii~”