The story of the struggle in another world of the divine cat Mii-chan and the cat supplies summoner

139 Divine Cat Mii-chan, Now the Esteemed Representative of the Divine Cat Trading Company

I borrowed the inn’s garden from the manager to make mochi.

While the glutinous rice was being steamed in the kitchen, we prepared for the mochi pounding.

“What are we doing, mii?”

“We’re making mochi.”

“Mochi, mii?”

“Yes, mochi. I’m sure Perro will love it.”

“Really, mii! I’m excited, mii!”

We set up a table in the garden, preparing potato starch, sweet bean paste, roasted soybean flour, and soy sauce mixed with brown sugar. We also prepared the mallet, mortar, and water. I explained how to do the mochi pounding to Alex and asked him to take charge of that part. I decided to handle the mochi flipping. I’ve only seen it done at my grandma’s house when I was little, but I think I can manage.

I also made sure to tell Alex not to go too hard…

The head chef personally brought out the freshly steamed rice, clearly very interested. I showed how to knead the rice with the mallet first. It was starting to look like mochi.

Alright, time to begin. I asked Alex to go slowly, and he started pounding. Honestly, it was a bit scary. The mallet was coming down right in front of me as I flipped the mochi, occasionally wetting my hands with water. I could see the grainy rice gradually turning into glossy mochi.

Once I told Alex we were done, we placed the mochi on the table dusted with potato starch, tearing it into small pieces and arranging them on plates. For Mii-chan, Sera, Lu-kun, and Ral-kun, I made even smaller pieces and put them on their plates.

We handed plates with mochi to the head chef, manager, the two maids, Alex, Claudia, and Perro.

“Please eat with whatever toppings you like.”

I put sweet bean paste on Mii-chan and the others’ mochi. Though it seemed a bit tough for them to eat, with more of a mushy-chewing sound than a chomping one, they seemed to be enjoying it.

“So, this is human food…”

“It’s… delicious…”

“Nero, this is so tasty, mii! It’s different from ‘kunyu-kunyu’—it’s more like ‘mochyu-mochyu,’ but still, I can eat as much as I want, mii. Perro wants to pound the mochi too, mii!”

The head chef and the others were also surprised by the flavor and texture, finishing it off in no time. Mii-chan left more than half of her mochi behind, eating just the sweet bean paste… Perro happily ate the leftover mochi.

As we were doing this, the second batch of glutinous rice was ready, so we started pounding again. This time, I had Claudia try flipping the mochi. Their movements were too fast for me to follow… and the mochi was done in no time.

Since we were making a bit of a scene outside, some of the other guests came out to watch. We decided to share with them as well, especially since the kids who had played with Perro a few days ago were among them.

For the third batch, Claudia flipped the mochi again, while various people took turns pounding it, enjoying themselves. Perro, of course, went wild swinging the mallet around, making me nervous.

Everyone was so full by the end that we had more than half the mochi left. The head chef prepared a box to store the leftovers, and we coated the mochi with extra potato starch before packing it away. By tomorrow, it should have hardened, which will be interesting to see.

The mochi was a hit—I’m confident it would do well in this world. Now, I just have to figure out how to spread it. There’s a lot to think about.

I stopped by the kitchen and sold ten bottles each of soy sauce and miso to the head chef. Each bottle cost 8,000 reto. I could’ve priced them lower, but since I can’t produce large quantities yet, this price will hold until it becomes more widespread. Once mass production is possible, the price will naturally go down.

When I returned to my room, Ral-kun was playing with everyone, having fully bonded with them. Since he looks like a dog, he fits right in next to Lu-kun… I think?

“Gao?”

“Kyu~?”

The “kyu~” sound doesn’t seem very dog-like. Oh well, it’s good they all get along.

“Do you two have a place to stay tonight?”

“No, not yet.”

“Then, why don’t you stay here for a bit? There are empty rooms.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, but you’ll have to share a room.”

“That’s no problem.”

Since the royal palace is covering this place, I doubt the grand duke will complain, especially with all the gifts I’ve sent.

After having some tea, I decided to visit the Commercial Guild. What about the rest of you? Mii-chan is definitely coming with me since she’s the representative of the Divine Cat Trading Company, after all.

“Mii~”

“Perro and the others are going to play outside, mii.”

They had promised to play with the kids from earlier. I asked them to introduce Ral-kun to Sumire as well.

“Got it, mii.”

“Mii.”

“Gao.”

“Kyu~”

I handed a few Mii-chan cookies to Perro. Share them with everyone, alright? I’ll leave things to you.

The main buildings of Wilhelm are all along the main street leading to the royal palace. Most of the guilds are clustered in the central district where the roads intersect, with the Hunter, Commercial, Craftsman, and Pharmacist Guilds each occupying a corner of the intersection.

“What can we help you with today?”

“I’m here to pay taxes and look for a building for a branch of my trading company.”

“In that case, could you please present your guild certificate and the contract for the taxes?”

I handed over the guild certificate and the sales contract with the head chef to the receptionist. I also showed the contract with the grand duke, which exempts us from taxes but contributes to the reputation of the Divine Cat Trading Company. Building trust is vital for merchants, after all.

Upon seeing the contract, the receptionist’s eyes widened in shock, and they quickly ran off to the back. Again… How many times do I have to go through this? It’s exhausting.

“Mii~”

Ah, as expected from the esteemed representative of the Divine Cat Trading Company. Mii-chan, your expression is all business now. Let me give you a black pearl necklace to match your serious look. It suits you well—so dignified.

“Mii~!”

An older man came out from the back, wiping sweat from his forehead.

“Welcome, Divine Cat Trading Company. We’ve prepared a room for you, please follow me.”

Well, Mii-chan, shall we?

“Mii~”