SWNOVELXO Chapter 152 - Divine Cat Mii-chan Agrees with the Royal Court Head Chef
152 Divine Cat Mii-chan Agrees with the Royal Court Head Chef
Nia-san is guiding me. I remember the place, but if I wandered the royal palace alone, I’d probably be arrested as a suspicious person.
When I requested a meeting with Director Patrick at the reception desk of the pharmaceutical institution, I was led to his office.
“What’s the matter? Did you find the materials I requested?”
His tone was somewhat condescending, but I don’t dislike it. It suits him.
“If I said I found them, would I get a reward?”
“Hmm. Very well. If your results are satisfactory, I’ll prepare something appropriate.”
I gladly accepted his words!
With a sly smile, I placed the bag containing the materials on Director Patrick’s desk. His secretary, Hilde, took them out and began arranging them on the table.
“I… I can’t believe this…”
“They all appear to be genuine, Director.”
“There aren’t many, but these are all the materials you requested.”
“I never thought you’d actually find them…”
“Do you realize how precious these materials are, Nero-san?”
Hilde, who barely showed any emotion last time, spoke to me excitedly this time.
“Not at all.”
“Most of these items haven’t been recorded as harvested in the last fifty years. I’ve never even heard of them appearing on the black market. Many were thought to be extinct.”
Whoa, hold up! They were asking for something that rare?! I don’t think I’m in the wrong for wanting to call that out.
“Just so you know, their population is small. We’re currently trying to restore their habitats to increase their numbers, but it will take time. That said, small amounts can still be collected.”
“So, what would you like as a reward?”
“I’d like books about plants—books that cover cultivation, propagation, habitats, effects, anything really. In fact, I’d be happy with any books.”
“Very well. I was thinking of replacing some of my older books anyway. Take them. They’re still perfectly readable, though they may be a bit worn.”
“These books would usually go to the city library or be handled by specialist bookstores. They might have some minor damage or stains, but they’re all valuable.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
“And I can buy these materials from you, right?”
“Of course.”
The payment for the materials would be prepared by the time I returned, and the books would be sorted and ready for me to pick up later.
After returning to the terrace, I found the women chatting more comfortably than before. This time, I headed to the royal palace kitchen with Mii-chan.
“I brought some souvenirs and rare seasonings.”
“Mii~”
“Show me.”
I placed jars of miso and soy sauce in front of Gilbert, the royal court head chef. He peeked inside, sniffed the contents, took a small spoonful, and tasted it.
“Soybeans, right? This one’s similar to fish sauce.”
Oh, they have fish sauce here? I didn’t know that.
“Both are made from soybeans. There are various ways to use them.”
I borrowed a corner of the kitchen, filleted the fish I brought into three pieces, and used the bones to make a broth with miso. One fillet was coated with miso and grilled, while the other was simply grilled and served with soy sauce for the head chef to taste. I also served a small bowl of miso soup to Mii-chan, who was being held by Nia-san.
“Oh, a soup with a remarkably rich flavor.”
“Mii~”
The head chef also tasted the grilled fish.
“The miso-coated one enhances the fish’s flavor, adding depth. The soy sauce highlights the natural taste of the fish.”
I filleted another fish and served it as sashimi with a side of soy sauce. The head chef, as if knowing exactly what to do, dipped the sashimi lightly into the soy sauce before eating it.
“Unlike fish sauce, there’s no overpowering taste. It lets the natural flavor of the ingredients shine. This is an excellent seasoning that works for cooking or simply as a topping.”
As expected of the royal court head chef—he gets it.
“How much do you have? I’ll buy it at any price.”
“Mii?”
At any price, huh? Well, let’s say… about 9,000 ret for a jar, considering the price I sold it for in Wilhelm and the transportation costs.
“Mii.”
I explained that I couldn’t produce large quantities yet, and handed over ten jars each of miso and soy sauce.
“These are fantastic. These seasonings should be shared with the world.”
“Mii.”
The head chef agrees, and it seems Mii-chan does too. I’ll ask the village head to ramp up production. If he’s worried, we can sign a contract where the Divine Cat Trading Company buys everything, and we’ll cover the production costs.
“Mii.”
With Mii-chan content after enjoying her miso soup, we returned to the terrace, which was now bustling with activity. At the center of it, people were gushing over their own cats, showing off how adorable they were. Maids circled the table, squealing and cheering.
Sigh, I guess I need to step in and set things straight. Taking Mii-chan from Nia-san, I pushed through the crowd of maids and sat at the table, placing Mii-chan in the center.
“Let me tell you, Mii-chan’s cuteness is on a whole different level!”
“Mii…”
Mii-chan, don’t be shy. Just sit there proudly. After all, I’m only speaking the truth.
“Nero-kun’s level of cat-parent pride is on another level too…”
It wasn’t just the maids nodding in agreement—Pamill and Yuri were also in on it. This feels unfair.
Since it was noon, the queen invited everyone to lunch. The head chef prepared the fish I had brought as the main dish.
There was also a hearty miso soup, which was delicious. The main course was thin slices of white fish, served shabu-shabu style with miso sauce. As expected, the royal court head chef’s skills were superb.
Mii-chan seemed to enjoy her miso soup as well.
“Mii~”