Chapter 170 - Divine Cat Mii-chan, I Want to Hire the Yan Family
170 Divine Cat Mii-chan, I Want to Hire the Yan Family
I have Ilze, Yan, and Kaya sit down, and ask Lala to prepare some tea.
Kaya is completely captivated by Mii-chan. When I let her hold Mii-chan, she cuddles her lovingly, rubbing her cheek against Mii-chan’s.
“Mii~”
“I’m so sorry to trouble you like this. I was planning to visit you in the afternoon, but I didn’t expect you to come to me instead.”
“When I heard from my son that Nero-san had something important to discuss, I thought it would be proper for us to come. Please, don’t worry.”
Ilze seems to be a very serious person.
“So, what is it that you wanted to discuss with us?”
There’s a hint of worry on Ilze’s face.
“I heard from Yan that you’re looking for work.”
“Yes, it’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but due to my poor health, we’ve incurred some debts. We’ve been managing day by day with the money Yan brings home, but since my health has improved, I’m eager to start working so we can repay the debts faster.”
“That’s where I come in. Consider this a stroke of fate. I’m willing to take care of your debts, and in return, I’d like you to work for me. I’ll even provide you with a place to live.”
“Mii~”
Ilze looks at me with suspicion, which is only natural. Even though I’m a friend of her son, there’s no reason for me to go this far for them.
“Rest assured, I’m not going to ask you to do anything strange. To be clear, it’s not Ilze-san that I need, but Kaya-chan’s water skill. So, I’d like to hire both of you as a team.”
Kaya, still holding Mii-chan, looks up with a confused expression as if to say, “Me?”
“Her water skill? I’m not sure how much help we can offer beyond cleaning and doing laundry…”
That’s the typical response. So, I decide to give a demonstration. I ask for a glass of water, which I then boil, and after that, freeze, all in front of their eyes.
“I also have water skills. With practice, Kaya-chan will be able to do what you just saw.”
Yan, Ilze, and Kaya are stunned, their eyes wide in disbelief.
Next, I prepare some fruit juice, freeze it, and turn it into frozen treats, adding honey to make ice pops. I offer them to the family.
“Delicious…”
“Isn’t it? I believe these would sell well, even in the royal capital of Beruna.”
“I’d like Kaya-chan to make these, and Ilze-san to sell them. Of course, we’ll have other items to sell too. How about it?”
“Where would we sell them?”
“I’m aiming for the central square. I was thinking of setting up a stall there.”
“It is delicious, but will it really sell?”
“In the Grand Duchy of Hildenburg’s capital, Wilhelm, people line up to buy these. It may take some time, but I believe they’ll sell here as well.”
“Mii~”
“You mentioned providing us with a place to live, but what about our wages…?”
That’s a valid concern.
“Since you’ll be transporting the stall and materials every day, it’ll be more convenient if you live nearby. As you can see, we have many unused rooms in this large house. The first-floor rooms are already used by my other workers, but there’s space for you as well. As for wages, I’m thinking of a fixed salary, but I’m open to commission-based pay if you prefer. We’ll deduct the debt repayments from your wages. How does 200,000 Ret per month sound, including room and board? Of course, if sales increase, so will your salary.”
“Mii~”
“Is… is this for real?”
“Does it sound too good to be true?”
“No, it’s just… the terms are so favorable…”
“It’s entirely up to you, Ilze-san. Take your time and think it over. You can give me your decision later.”
“Thank you. I’ll discuss this with my family and get back to you.”
With that, Ilze and her family left, and I gave them some Mii-chan cookies as a parting gift.
“Mii~”
Around noon, Perro, Sera, and Lu came downstairs.
“Yawn~ That was a good nap, nya.”
“Rest is important.”
“Nya.”
Looks like they woke up because they’re hungry—typical behavior for my food-obsessed companions.
“Pudding, nya!”
“Nya!”
Perro and Sera have sharp eyes—they spotted the pudding I made for tomorrow’s tea party.
This time, I made a more luxurious baked pudding with milk.
“One per person, okay?”
“Nya! So stingy, nya!”
“Nya!”
Say what you want, but I can’t stockpile eggs and milk. The ingredients for this batch were bought by Lala and Yana after running around. You’d better savor it.
Everyone is eating with blissful smiles. Lala and Yana also seem satisfied, feeling their effort was worth it.
Yuri and Kai also look happy. Lu, however, doesn’t seem to have a sweet tooth, so he gave his portion to Perro and Sera.
Meanwhile, Mii-chan is happily licking red bean paste.
“Mii!”
I’ll chill the rest of the pudding and have Katia wrap it up before we leave tomorrow.
The clothes are ready, the gifts are prepared—now all that’s left is to go.
Mii-chan, are you ready too?
“Mii~”