SWNOVELXO Chapter 126 - The Divine Cat, Mii-chan, Creates a Big Favor for the Queen
126 The Divine Cat, Mii-chan, Creates a Big Favor for the Queen
Mii-chan paced back and forth across the table, from one edge to the other, occasionally staring intently at my face. How many times had she done this?
Finally, Mii-chan sat squarely in the middle of the table and let out a small “mii” as if to say, “It can’t be helped,” before hopping over to Lene-sama and licking her face, and then doing the same to Luca.
Mii-chan, in her own way, seemed to understand that it wasn’t just Lene-sama who would be sad, but Luca too. Mii-chan is so kind.
“It seems it’s all good now.”
“Nero-kun, are you really okay with this?”
“Mii-chan has agreed, so yes.”
“Thank you, Mii-sama, Nero-sama. I, Nia, will repay this favor for the rest of my life.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, Nia-san, but I must decline.”
“Am I really of no help to you…?”
“If you leave with us, the Queen and Lene-sama will be heartbroken. That would defeat the purpose.”
“Nero-sama… th-thank you so much…”
“Nero-kun, you’re too much of a gentleman! I’ll just have to settle for this ring.”
Elena-san, why are you deciding on your own to settle for the ring? I demand an explanation.
“But Nero-kun, how can I possibly repay you? You might not realize it, but this favor is worth enough to buy a small country…”
Well, I don’t want a title, but being a king sounds good, right? Just kidding. Being a king seems like such a hassle.
No, I’ll consider it as a favor.
“A big favor… I understand. I’ll owe you one.”
After that, we discussed the antiques and jewels Nia-san had chosen to buy.
Nia-san mentioned she was shocked by what she saw among the items. While none were quite national treasures, some could certainly be used as diplomatic gifts between nations, and those were placed on a separate table.
The Queen stated that she wanted to purchase all of them. When I suggested she didn’t have to buy them all, Nia-san earnestly pleaded, “Please, sell them to me!”
Alright, alright, I’ll sell them! Honestly, I have no idea about their value, so I’ll leave it to you.
The maids were also selecting various jewels with Nia-san’s guidance. Discounts available—only for today’s special sale!
Payment was scheduled for a later date. The money wouldn’t come from the Queen’s personal funds but from the national treasury, so it required some paperwork. Of course, this would be through the Divine Cat Trading Company.
As we were leaving, I was told that someone would visit our inn the next morning to inspect the land in the capital that was offered to me. I was also instructed to discuss the construction of a house with that person. I’m looking forward to it.
“Mii~”
I realized I had forgotten to tell the Queen something, so I made sure to mention that Rea and Noah had siblings, and that they were the offspring of a family associated with the northern and southern ward chiefs who oversee the cats in the capital. These siblings were also going to be taken in by a Hunter Guild employee.
“So Rea-chan and Noah-chan come from a distinguished family. If they have siblings, you must bring them along next time. And their owners too.”
Well, I’m not sure about being distinguished, but they are well-bred. Although they’re a bit mischievous.
The next morning, after breakfast, I was tending to Sumire when someone from the inn informed me that an official from the royal palace had arrived to see me. I went out to meet the person as expected.
Since the location was on the outskirts of the western district, I rode Sumire to get there.
We arrived at a site that was originally intended for residential development but was abandoned due to the lack of nearby commercial areas and poor transportation access. It was explained to me that the project was halted because few people wanted to live there. However, water and sewage lines were partially installed, so there shouldn’t be any issues.
It’s more accurate to describe it as a forest and a meadow…
The official mentioned that they planned to clear part of the forest in the middle to build the house. The forest is quite spacious, so after clearing it, there should be enough space for Sumire to roam freely. Although it’s a bit far from the city center, the west gate is right nearby. It’s quiet and seems nice. What do you all think?
“Mii~”
“It’ll be home once we settle in, nya.”
“Nya.”
“Ruff.”
Sumire gave a snort as if to say, “It’s alright.” No problems then.
After I informed the official that there were no issues, I was asked to sign some documents. It was the land transfer paperwork.
Next, we discussed the house itself. The one thing I absolutely insisted on was a bath. It’s a must; it’s too far from any public baths otherwise. Also, a stable for Sumire with a space where she can move around freely. Lastly, I requested a small garden.
I told them that the house doesn’t need to be large. As long as there’s a bath, a kitchen, and a room big enough to fit three beds, that’ll be plenty. It’s enough for this group to live comfortably.
After finishing the conversation with the official, since we were near the gate, I decided to let Sumire roam freely outside until lunchtime. I laid out a sheet on the grass and relaxed. Sera and Sumire ran off together. I was petting Mii-chan and Lu-kun, but Lu-kun kept looking at me expectantly, wagging his tail. Ah, he wants to play fetch…
Well, alright, I’ll throw the special cloth ball for you. Lu-kun eagerly barked and went off to fetch the ball, returning with it in his mouth. We repeated this a few times until Perro, in his cat form, joined in. Maybe his hunting instincts kicked in when he saw the ball. Mii-chan looked on in disbelief.
“This time, I’ll get it, Perro-nya!”
“Ruff!”
“Mii…”
I’m starting to get tired now. I think my throwing skill has improved; I can throw a curveball pretty well, but I’m not sure when that will come in handy.
Since Sumire and Sera came back, let’s have lunch.
“Mii~”