SWNOVELXO Chapter 155 - Divine Cat Mii-chan Finds the Source of Red Bean Paste
155 Divine Cat Mii-chan Finds the Source of Red Bean Paste
As I entered the mansion, I noticed that carpets and curtains, which hadn’t been there the day before, had been installed.
We were guided to the living room located just to the side of the entrance. Apparently, there is a separate reception room for guests.
As I sat on the sofa, Lala and Yana started preparing tea. Sera, Lu-kun, and Lar-kun curled up by the sunny window, basking in the warm light. The mansion is surrounded by a forest, so a fresh breeze carrying the scent of greenery wafted into the room.
Tea was prepared for everyone present, and I invited Lucas and his group to sit with us. They initially said standing was fine, but I insisted, as it would make me feel more at ease.
I took a sip of tea, and while petting Mii-chan, I began the conversation.
First, I talked about the fact that I’m not a noble, that I own the Divine Cat Trading Company, and that I hadn’t expected the house to be this large.
“We have heard these things from the Prime Minister. Is there anything that concerns you?” Lucas asked.
“Well, how much does it cost to maintain this house and land?”
“I’ve heard that our wages are covered by the royal palace, and an annual amount of 24 million reto is provided by the palace for the upkeep of the mansion and land. This also includes the living expenses and meals for us servants. So, the actual cost to you would likely only be your food expenses and any luxury goods.”
“Am I responsible for managing the money?”
“If you leave it to us, my wife and I can handle the financial management. Since you own a trading company, my wife, who comes from a merchant family, could also be of assistance.”
“That would be a great help. I was wondering what to do about administrative matters. And what about meal preparations?”
“My wife, Lala, and Yana will handle the meals.”
The conversation continued along these lines.
Lucas and his wife are in their early thirties, and Lala and Yana are childhood friends. Ben, the older man, used to work for a noble family but was dismissed due to his age.
“Lastly, Sera, Lu-kun, and Lar-kun are technically monsters, but they’re all good kids. As long as you don’t do anything they dislike, feel free to pet and cuddle them. They’ll actually enjoy it. Please don’t hold any prejudices just because they’re called monsters.”
Yana was already petting Perro… but Perro is a fairy.
“Isn’t Perro a ‘Lun’ (a beastman with a real animal face)?”
“Perro is a Cait Sith. Maybe their ancestors are the same, but no… it’s ticklish…”
“Well then, everyone, let’s work well together.”
“Mii~”
“Sorry for asking right away, but could Lucas and Katia stay here for a bit? I’d like to discuss financial management. Oh, and you don’t need to prepare lunch today. I’ll handle it, and of course, I’ll make enough for everyone.”
Perro and the others seemed to head off to the ranch with Sumire and Grandpa Ben.
Lala and Yana were cleaning and preparing the rooms we’d sleep in tonight. When I asked why they were cleaning again after just having done a major cleaning yesterday, they told me daily cleaning is necessary. I started to understand why Nia had said I wouldn’t be able to maintain the mansion.
“So, regarding financial management, how should we proceed?” I asked.
“How much do you currently have in assets, including the trading company’s funds?”
“I have 80 million reto in cash, one branch in the grand duchy’s capital of Wilhelm, and several assets like antiques.”
“Mii~”
I didn’t include the remaining money and jewels entrusted to me by the king. I’ll keep those as hidden assets for emergencies.
“We suggest designating 40 million reto of the cash as the mansion’s assets and managing it with an expected annual return of 20 to 30 percent. Any higher and there would be some risk. How does that sound?”
“That’s fine. Less risk is better.”
“As I mentioned earlier, my wife comes from a merchant family, so she can handle administrative matters for the time being. If your company grows busier, you can hire more staff. We’ll also prepare a room in the mansion for company use. Katia, could you take care of that?”
“Certainly. Could I also see your previous transaction records later? I don’t know much about the Divine Cat Trading Company yet.”
“They’re not organized, but is that okay?”
“If you pass them to me, I’ll organize them.”
I decided to leave it to them. Mii-chan retrieved the relevant documents, and I handed them to Katia, who immediately started looking through them.
“Your business partners are all very impressive… I’ll take care of these.”
The money I gave Lucas was placed in the safe in the office. That office will likely become Lucas’s workspace, as I don’t plan to use it.
For lunch, I decided we should have a small party.
I pulled out dishes from Mii-chan’s bag and lined them up on the dining room table. The bag is filled with a lot of food, so I need to use it up before it piles up.
Everyone gathered, and we toasted with juice. Grandpa Ben and Sera had wine. Since it was a buffet, people took what they wanted onto their plates. Mii-chan, of course, had her canned cat food. Is it good?
“Mii~”
Lala and Yana were serving food to Sera, Lu-kun, and Lar-kun. Katia was taking small bites, her eyes widening with each one.
“Did you make this, Lord Nero?”
“About half of it.”
“Do you have a cooking skill?”
“Nope, the secret to the taste is in the seasonings.”
I had Mii-chan pull out garlic oil, ketchup, mayonnaise, miso, and soy sauce.
“These are seasonings? I’ve never seen anything like them…”
“There’s plenty, so feel free to use them. I’ll also give you the recipes.”
“…”
Katia’s eyes seemed to glaze over. If I hand these over, she’ll be able to make delicious dishes without me needing to cook.
Shall I also ask her to make red bean paste?
“Mii~!”