SWNOVELXO Chapter 174 - The Divine Cat, Mii-chan, holds her head in frustration at Nero's cluelessness.
174 The Divine Cat, Mii-chan, holds her head in frustration at Nero’s cluelessness.
Returning to where Jin and the others were:
“Did you finish your conversation?”
“Yes.”
“What kind of talk was it?”
“We were reminiscing about the past, with someone from my homeland.”
“I see…”
He doesn’t believe me, huh? Well, it can’t be helped. I can’t really talk about that.
Letty-san will be visiting my place another day. I left five bottles of Mii-chan’s mineral water along with some pudding, miso, and soy sauce for Ayane-san. I also told her I’d bring more when it runs out. I hope she can live as comfortably as possible, even if only for a while.
“Mii~”
That’s also Mii-chan’s wish.
As I stepped out the front door to leave, my intuition skill triggered an alert. I quickly hid behind Jin.
“What’s wro… whoa!”
Jin deflected an incoming arrow with his short sword. That’s definitely not something a normal person could do.
“Nero! You used me as a shield!”
“Well, I didn’t think you’d die.”
“Y-you little… But I did notice. Still, I didn’t expect them to attack.”
“They’re coming.”
Oh, look at that—a whole crowd coming our way.
“Do you have any idea who you’re attacking? This is the guest of the Noble Thieves Guild!”
Mistleticia-san called out, but there was no response. A few members of the Noble Thieves Guild came out as well, but we were still outnumbered.
“Bold, doing this in broad daylight.”
Rosalinde-san spoke with a laid-back tone while shooting arrows, taking down attackers one by one. Jin and Glenhardt were also cutting through the enemies with fearsome strength.
The archer on the roof of the other building was getting in the way. With Mii-chan on my shoulder, I pulled out my rifle and aimed while standing. It’d be harder to miss from this distance. The guy fell from the roof, looking completely bewildered.
In just a few minutes, the battle was over.
“Wow, as expected from the Five Thunder Warriors.”
“Nero, that rifle of yours is something else.”
“My efforts feel like they were overshadowed…”
“I understand now why you didn’t hold back.”
“Leave the cleanup to us. I can’t believe they attacked so brazenly… Looks like we’ll be siding with the king no matter what now.”
They sent us back home directly by carriage.
“Nero… you really are making a lot of money, huh…”
“Money is meant to circulate, isn’t it? Living day-to-day is easier and more fun, right?”
“I… I admit defeat…”
Back home, I gathered everyone in the living room. I’d talk to Yuri-san later.
I briefly explained the noble rebellion, reminding everyone to keep quiet about it. Almost everyone in the house is on the king’s side in one way or another. While Lou-san and Yuri-san are neutral, living here makes it hard to maintain that stance.
Even though I doubt they’d target anyone other than me, it’s better to be cautious.
“When going out, please be careful. Don’t go out alone. If possible, take Perro or Sera with you.”
“I’ll help too.”
“Thank you, Lou-san. Also, we’ll take turns picking up Yuri-san when she returns.”
“Mii~”
“Also, there’s one more thing I need to mention—there will be a new resident moving in. I’ve hired someone from the Divine Cat Trading Company for security, so please get along with them. Prepare a room, please.”
“Mii~”
“Understood.”
I really hope this situation gets resolved soon. I can’t even sleep soundly.
Later that night, Leticia—or Letty—arrived with a bag in hand, leaving everyone momentarily stunned.
“S-she’s the one?”
“Wow, she’s a tough-looking lady…”
“Meow…”
Lou and Lar were excited to have a new playmate—or rather, a new housemate. They clung to Letty’s legs, not letting go, leaving her visibly confused.
“Boy. Do something about this…”
“Just play with them. They’ll get used to you eventually.”
Sera went to pick up Yuri-san. After they returned, I introduced Letty and explained the current situation.
“This demon woman is the one guarding the Divine Cat Trading Company?”
That’s pretty harsh for Yuri-san. I wonder if there’s some history between elves and demons?
“We elves have fought with demons in the north for ages. Even at your request, Nero, I can’t just warm up to her.”
I see… I read in a book that after the demon lord’s fall, the northern elves were the ones holding off the invasion. Maybe Yuri-san is from that northern tribe. Speaking of which, I recently learned that elves in this world aren’t immortal. They only live a bit longer than humans. Lo… Yuri-san, please don’t glare at me like that, you’re ruining your beautiful face…
“Mii…”
“Relax. I have no interest in elves. I have pledged my loyalty to the boy. I have no intention of going against his wishes… Though, I might annoy him a little. Heh heh.”
“W-what do you mean, pledged your loyalty!?”
Oh no… an explosive comment already? By annoying, does she mean me?
“I-I, too, am ready to pledge my loyalty to Nero! Don’t think you’ve won just because of that!”
“Oh? You think you can handle those kinds of things? You, a noble elven lady?”
“Of course I can!”
I don’t know what’s going on, but they seem to be getting along. I feel a little relieved. It’s getting late, though, so let’s head to bed, Mii-chan.
Hmm? What’s up, Mii-chan? Are you holding your head with your paws and twisting around like you’re inventing a new dance?
“Mii…”