SWNOVELXO Chapter 167 - Divine Cat Mii-chan is in a dream.
167 Divine Cat Mii-chan is in a dream.
It’s been ten days since Yuri arrived. It’s really fun to have so many people around. When I lived in Japan, I lived with my parents, who were on the verge of divorce, so we hardly ever talked.
Now, I’m having fun conversations with Ru, Yuri, Lucas, and the others. Of course, Mii-chan and the gang, too.
“Mii~”
These past few days, I’ve been going back and forth to Wilhelm. The Divine Cat Shop is showing steady sales. Thanks to the hard work of the carpenters, the front side of the shop is almost finished, and the shop’s reputation is steadily growing. Once the front is complete, I plan to shift from selling at a stall to selling directly from the shop. I’ve already discussed this with Alex and Claudia.
I also visited the village where they make miso and soy sauce and requested them to increase production. Although they were initially hesitant, I managed to secure their agreement by offering to cover half the construction costs for a new production facility through the Divine Cat Trading Company, along with a contract where we will buy all the extra production.
I had to use a bit of the money entrusted to me by King Retsu, but it couldn’t be helped. I consulted with Katia, and she processed it as a loan in the accounting books.
The horses that Sumire brought in are gradually getting better, and Ben Grandpa has started training the ones in good health.
One night, while I was asleep, Sera, Lu-kun, and Lar-kun suddenly started growling.
“It seems like someone’s here. Perro can’t pinpoint them, but they must be quite skilled.”
When I opened the window, Sera leaped out, followed by Perro, who quickly geared up. I prepared my rifle and checked the surroundings from the window.
“Who’s there?!”
Perro aimed the tip of his beloved sword, Kotetsu, into the darkness. Sera was also in a combat stance. Ru, alerted by the commotion, rushed outside with his sword, while Yuri stood at the window, bow at the ready.
“We are messengers. We mean no harm…”
A few figures dressed in black emerged from the shadows.
“You know whose house this is, don’t you?!”
Ru, usually calm, questioned the intruders with rare anger in his voice.
“We’ve been entrusted with a letter for Lord Nero from our leader…”
“Hmph, wash your face and come back in the daytime!”
“We have our own circumstances that make daytime difficult. Besides, we’ve been strictly ordered to hand it over directly.”
I guess I have no choice but to go down. Mii-chan still seems to be dreaming. Lu-kun, Lar-kun, keep sleeping with Mii-chan.
“Grr.”
“Kyuu~”
After changing clothes, I went downstairs, where Lara, Yana, Ben Grandpa, Lucas, and Katia were standing with tense expressions, holding brooms.
“I’m sorry, but could you please prepare some tea? Lara, Yana, Ben Grandpa, you can rest.”
“But…”
“…Understood. We’ll take our leave.”
Reluctantly, the three of them returned to their rooms.
Outside, the standoff was still ongoing.
“Let’s hear what they have to say. Please come inside.”
“Nero!”
“There’s no point in continuing this standoff. Besides, I’m curious about them.”
“…Fine.”
When we entered the living room, Yuri was already waiting in full armor.
“Yuri, you should rest. You must be tired.”
“Don’t worry about it. This is the least I can do.”
“Where’s Kai?”
“I left him by Mii-chan’s side.”
That’s reassuring. With Lu-kun and Lar-kun there too, everything should be fine.
One of the figures in black entered the house, while the others stayed outside. I directed the messenger to the sofa and sat on the opposite side.
Perro and Ru flanked the messenger, while Yuri stood behind me. Sera, still in her black panther form, waited by my feet. If the messenger made any suspicious moves, they’d be skewered in an instant. Of course, I had my gun ready, too.
“The tea is ready.”
Lucas placed teacups in front of me and the messenger in black.
“Please help yourself.”
“I shall…”
The messenger removed her mask, revealing a young woman, probably in her early twenties. I had already guessed from her voice. Her hair was stark white, and her skin was pale, almost bluish. Her eyes were heterochromatic—one red, one blue. Though she was good-looking, the atmosphere she exuded neutralized any beauty. It wasn’t so much that she disappeared but more that her presence was faint, as if she might vanish if you didn’t pay close attention. It might be due to some special skill, perhaps a concealment skill, as my appraisal didn’t work on her.
“A demon…”
Yuri muttered softly.
Though called demons, they aren’t monsters. They’re one of the human races. They used to have a proper name, but now they’re commonly known as demons. Long ago, they fought against the Demon King and lost, becoming his subordinates and waging war against other humans. That’s why they’re called demons. According to books, they later rebelled, defeated the Demon King, and built their own nation in the north. It’s rare to see them around here since they dislike the heat.
“This tea is delicious.”
“Would you like a refill?”
“Yes, please…”
I’m impressed by her composure despite being surrounded by all of us.
“So, you came to deliver a letter. Couldn’t it have been done during the day?”
“I’m not fond of the heat… I prefer visiting at night. I intended to deliver the letter and leave, but I didn’t expect to be noticed beforehand…”
I see… Or maybe she’s joking? It’s hard to tell from her face or voice.
“So, who is your leader?”
“The Demon King.”