SWNOVELXO Chapter 142 - Divine Cat Mii-chan Acquires the First Store of the Divine Cat Trading Company
142 Divine Cat Mii-chan Acquires the First Store of the Divine Cat Trading Company
I woke up to a rainy morning.
When I mentioned that I was heading to the Commercial Guild, it was decided that everyone, except for Mii-chan, would stay in the room. The dragon crew would also wait inside. Mii-chan, safe in her carrier bag, wouldn’t get wet, so no worries there. I borrowed a raincoat from the inn and walked to the Commercial Guild.
As soon as I entered the Commercial Guild, I was shown to a room, where yesterday’s representative appeared.
“Ah, Divine Cat Trading Company, have you made your decision?”
“Mii~”
As Mii-chan instructed, I informed the representative that we would purchase the two-story building and requested an introduction to contractors for renovation work.
“Understood. I’ll call them right away.”
“No need to rush.”
“Since it’s raining today, there aren’t many jobs. It’s actually perfect timing.”
I see, no work on rainy days. It’s like living by the phrase “cultivate when sunny, read when rainy,” so it can’t be helped.
As I was fluffing Mii-chan, the contractor showed up very quickly.
Using my mapping skill from yesterday’s visit, I had already drawn up a blueprint of the building. I sketched out the renovations.
On the first floor, we’d have a sales area with a counter facing the street for selling goods. There wouldn’t be in-store sales—just at the storefront. We’d also add a kitchen, an office, and storage. The second floor would be entirely residential, so we could stay there. We’d convert half of the outside storage into a stable so that Sumire could rest there.
The representative and the carpenter discussed and then presented the cost: 80 million Ret, which they said was already heavily discounted. Without the money from King Retsu, there’s no way I could afford this. Naturally, I decided on the spot. Is that alright with you, Mii-chan?
“Mii~”
Her nod means “Do as you see fit.” Got it.
The renovation plans would start immediately, with materials arranged as soon as possible. The whole thing should take around two months to complete. Well, that can’t be helped. I had Mii-chan pull out the money from the bag, and several people counted it due to the large amount.
While waiting, I asked the representative to arrange a used mobile food cart for us and to handle the paperwork for cart sales. Apparently, there was a custom-built cart sitting in the guild’s warehouse, as the order had been canceled, so I’d take a look at it later. The carpenter said he could modify it at a low cost to suit our needs, which was a big help.
After reviewing and signing all the paperwork, the property and building officially became part of the Divine Cat Trading Company. I guess we could call it Divine Cat Trading Company Store No. 1.
“Mii~”
Mii-chan gave a big smile and nodded enthusiastically, saying that this marked the start of a new chapter for the Divine Cat Trading Company.
With the contract signed, we headed to the warehouse with the representative and carpenter to see the canceled cart. It was more rustic and sturdier than I had expected. It had a space for a stove, a prep area, shelves for dishes, and even a mini kitchen. But this wasn’t what I had in mind! I wanted something fancier and stylish.
So, I asked them to remodel it. Since I don’t need such a large prep area, I asked them to turn it into storage space and install a double-layered copper box. By packing the lower box with ice, it would serve as a refrigerator. After all, I can make as much ice as I need.
We’d keep the stove for roasting mochi and add some rounded corners to the cart for a more stylish look. Should we paint it ourselves?
“Mii~”
I also ordered two sets of foldable chairs and small tables. The carpenter said he’d finish everything in two days. Since we’d be painting it ourselves, I asked them to provide the paint and tools.
Next, it was time to gather supplies. We’d go for ready-made cups, but I’d need to commission the sticks for the ice candy. When I asked the representative about it, they introduced me to a craftsman who specialized in making skewers for grilled foods. Let’s go visit them next.
After thanking the representative and carpenter, we left the Commercial Guild.
As we walked through the rain, Mii-chan left her carrier bag and snuggled into my clothes, peeking out with a towel wrapped around her head to stay dry. We were heading to a large general store in Wilhelm. Even in this rain, the city was bustling with activity. Horse-drawn carts, hunters, shoppers—no wonder it’s the capital.
“Mii~”
We arrived at the store and began browsing. Wooden cups and plates were cheap but too plain. Since we’re aiming for a fancy shop, we need colored tableware. Porcelain would look better than pottery, but it’s pricey.
Mochi would look nice on pottery, but it might be too rustic. Frozen treats would look best in glass, but that’s even more expensive—definitely not suitable for a food cart.
In the end, I bought pottery plates, porcelain cups, a set of long spoons, and a large garbage bin. Next, we headed to the skewer craftsman’s place.
I ordered a large number of 15cm wooden sticks and 20cm bamboo-like skewers, signing a contract for regular orders.
I also asked the craftsman about places that sell flags or noren (traditional shop curtains), but apparently, such things don’t exist in this world. We’ll have to make them ourselves. The craftsman offered to make the frame for us, so I drew up the design and measurements and placed the order.
Next stop, a fabric shop. Shopping isn’t easy, is it?
“Mii~”