SWNOVELXO Chapter 173 - Divine Cat Mii-chan Takes on Another Task!?
173 Divine Cat Mii-chan Takes on Another Task!?
Ayane Kanzaki from Japan was born around the same time as me.
Ayane-san isn’t here because she was called by a god or brought by someone else. She falls into the category of what they call a “lost person.”
A “lost person” is someone whose world momentarily connects with this one for some reason, and an unlucky person happens to pass through that spot and ends up in this world. Of course, they pass through the realm of the gods, so their body and soul undergo modifications. However, there seems to be some distortion in the timeline.
It seems Ayane-san initially found herself in a demon country but was taken in by a kind demon and lived with them until she could stand on her own.
Although Ayane-san was unlucky to end up in this world, thanks to the soul modification, she was fortunate enough to acquire the best possible skill, allowing her to live a smooth and easy life. I’m so jealous…
Her skill is called Divine Oracle, which allows her to hear divine revelations at will. Normally, those who dedicate their lives to training for this might only hear it a few times in their life. However, there were times when she didn’t get answers or when gods would ask her for favors.
It’s even more surprising that she was able to unify the scattered outlaw guilds across the land into the current Thieves’ Guild thanks to these divine revelations. A god-approved thief—no kidding. It seems the code of the thieves is incredibly strict, though.
“I hadn’t used my Divine Oracle much recently. Then, out of nowhere, I received a rare revelation from the gods. They told me to gather information because someone from my homeland had been summoned. At the time, I thought it was because there was a chance that person might fall into darkness.”
By the way, Ayane-san, since she has the Divine Oracle skill, won’t fall into darkness herself. I guess that’s obvious, given that she’s connected to the gods.
“And recently, I received another revelation. I was told to find someone who had a divine cat with them and offer them help. They also told me this person was from my homeland and would be negotiating with those who had been summoned. So I started searching, and it didn’t take long to find you. After all, you’re quite famous in this area. Fufufu…”
I poured more mineral water into her cup and handed her some cookies for Mii-chan.
“Delicious… I’m terrible at cooking. Back in school, they used to call me a ‘lethal chef.’ The food in this world has always tasted so bland to me, as someone who grew up in Japan. I asked the gods for help through the Divine Oracle a few times, but they only introduced me to skilled chefs. I’m envious of how well you can cook, Nero…”
“Recently, I found miso and soy sauce. I’ll give you a little.”
“Miso and soy sauce… I didn’t know this world had them.”
I guess even the Divine Oracle isn’t all-powerful. Maybe it has its limits.
“Nero, you might not realize this, but many people are interested in you—for both good and bad reasons. I want to help you out as a fellow countryman, but I don’t have much time left. You’ll need to make your own decisions and live in this world.”
Ayane-san stopped petting Mii-chan and stared directly at me.
“You need to let go of the naive thoughts you had back in Japan. Especially if there’s someone you want to protect, someone you need to defend. This world is harsh. Without strength, you can’t do anything. I’ve experienced many painful moments myself. If I had been stronger back then, I wouldn’t have had to abandon those kids… I could have saved so many lives.”
She resumed petting Mii-chan.
“I don’t want you or the others who have been summoned to regret coming to this world. This world values human connections far more than Japan ever did. There are many kind-hearted, good people here. I hope you interact with them and live a rich life. From there, how you choose to live and what you achieve is entirely up to you. That’s why I don’t want you to have any regrets…”
Although Ayane-san said she had an easy life, it’s easy to imagine that her journey was anything but simple. It’s not easy to become the leader of the Thieves’ Guild.
Ayane-san rang the bell, and soon that demon woman entered the room.
“Did you call for me, Madam?”
“Nero, this is Leticia. She is the one I trust most. Originally, I intended for her to be my daughter Mistrethesia’s right hand, but I’ve changed my mind. I’m giving her to you.”
“Giving her to me… she’s not an object.”
“You don’t like that phrasing, do you, Nero? Don’t lose that feeling. I’ve already forgotten it myself… I’ve heard your companions are quite capable. If you proceed through the right channels, there won’t be any problems. But things are different with those who dwell in the shadows. That’s why you need to keep her by your side.”
“But…”
“Think of it this way. This girl was raised in the Thieves’ Guild from a young age, trained in the arts, and made to swear loyalty as if she were a machine. You’re freeing her… I trust you wouldn’t treat her like a slave, would you?”
“That’s… true, but…”
“Letty, this will be your final order. After this, you will be free. You will act according to your own will. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Madam.”
“Devote yourself entirely to Nero.”
“Wha!?”
“I understand.”
“Wait, wait! What are you talking about!?”
“Please take care of Leticia. Show her the warmth of the sunlight.”
“Mii~”
“The divine familiar is very kind. I feel at ease now.”
“Ugh…”
W-wait a minute, Mii-chan! You’ve got that bad habit of taking on everything again… This is not something you can easily accept!
“Please take care of her, young man.”
“For the last time, I’m eighteen!”
Wait, Ayane-san… are you still breathing? I’d appreciate it if you could check with your Divine Oracle skill. Lately, I’ve been losing confidence in myself…
“Mii…”