NOVEL WEB chapter 85 - Divine Cat Mii-chan Dining at the Palace
85 Divine Cat Mii-chan Dining at the Palace
I head to the kitchen with Mii-chan. I’m here to give the head chef a gift of fish.
“What’s this? You’re back?”
“We just arrived this evening and have been reporting to the queen and the Chancellor until now.”
“So, what’s up? Do you need something?”
“No, not at all. I brought a gift.”
“A gift, you say? Show me.”
I lay out not just the fresh fish but also other seafood I obtained on the kitchen counter.
“Hmm. Fresh indeed. It looks like it was just caught… It can be served raw. Hey! Let’s change the menu a bit!”
It seems the head chef is pleased with the gift.
“The problem now is what to do with the rest.”
“Shall we freeze it?”
“But freezing takes time. It would be a waste to let such fresh fish go to waste.”
In this world, there are freezers, but they don’t get very cold, so rapid freezing isn’t an option. That said, I’ve only tried freezing water and fruits before. I decide to give it a try with one fish.
I imagine not just one spot but the entire fish being within the freezing range. It’s been proven that if any part is outside the range, it won’t freeze. Water molecules, freeze! The fish becomes covered in frost and freezes solid.
“It’s frozen… now, how do we thaw it?”
“Well, I haven’t thought that far, so I’ll leave it to you.”
“…”
I decided to try two methods: freezing the fish itself and freezing it in water. I asked the head chef to let me know later about the thawing process and the state of the fish. It’s best to leave these things to the professionals.
As a small favor, I also got some sweet red bean paste for Mii-chan.
“Mii~!”
“I’ll make sure you have a delicious dinner. Make sure to savor it.”
Haha… but I’m not a cook! Still, I’m looking forward to the head chef’s creations.
When I returned to the room where everyone was, it was a fluff party.
The queen was petting Sera, saying how smooth it was with a dreamy look. Elena was giving Lu-kun affectionate kisses. Rane and Luca were all over Perro. The atmosphere was almost overwhelming.
Even so, I managed to sip my tea, and soon a maid came to inform us that dinner was ready.
Honestly, I’m so nervous it feels like my heart might burst.
The room we were taken to was small and a bit of a letdown. I had expected that the king and perhaps other consorts would join us for the meal. I later learned that it’s rare for everyone to dine together unless there’s a special occasion.
“What about His Majesty?”
“He still has official duties, so he asked to go ahead without him.”
“I see. If it’s official duties, there’s nothing to be done. Let’s start.”
“Daddy…”
“Mii~”
Rane seems a bit lonely. Luca is comforting Rane with gentle licks. Well, it’s time for the hungry monster Perro to shine! Let Perro’s stomach brighten up the mood!
I prepared canned cat food and mineral water for Mii-chan as usual, and also set out some canned food and mineral water for Lu-kun and Luca. They’re growing, so it’s important they get nutritious meals and stay hydrated.
Mii-chan, Lu-kun, and Luca are eating happily together.
Now, the problem is the two hungry monsters. The queen, Rane, and Elena are eating their meals with grace. It seems that Perro and Sera each have a dedicated server. The dishes disappear in the blink of an eye. Sera has even returned to her original black leopard form to eat…
Even though the head chef’s dishes are exquisite, savor your food! Don’t waste it.
I made sure that the main dish, the fish, was prioritized for the queen, Rane, and Luca.
“Is this fish a gift from you, Nero?”
“Yes, it’s from the market in Wilhelm.”
“It’s very delicious, and it even has a nostalgic taste. Thank you, Nero.”
“It’s yummy!”
“Mii~”
“So tasty!”
“Meow”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. It was worth bringing back.”
“Mii~”
Mii-chan is also pleased.
Wow, they ate a lot. Perro and Sera had the final say. The queen and Rane were left speechless.
“Nero-kun, are you in any financial trouble?”
It seems I made the queen worry unnecessarily. Haha…
After the meal, we returned to our room for tea time, which was quite elegant. Although, two individuals are somewhat immobile. Mii-chan is happily licking her sweet bean paste, with a beaming smile.
I gave the queen and the others another gift: coral accessories.
“Nero-kun, did you really buy these?”
“Please don’t ask about the price.”
For the queen, I have a red bracelet; for Lady Laine, a red and white fish brooch; and for Nia, a blue teardrop pendant.
“So cute!”
“Will you give one to me too?”
I also showed them the black pearl.
“This black pearl is considered more valuable than white pearls in my homeland, but it seems that’s not the case here.”
“That’s right. Usually, pearls are associated with white, aren’t they? What do you think, Elena?”
“Recently, there are pink ones in addition to white. What are you planning to do with this black pearl?”
“I was thinking of having it made into a necklace for Mii-chan at a jewelry shop somewhere.”
“Mii-chan?”
“In that case, shall I ask a craftsman I know to make it?”
“Nia, that would be very helpful. Please, go ahead.”
Nia began measuring Mii-chan’s neck. Sera looked on with envy, but as a black panther, Sera’s color doesn’t quite match. I’ll buy a ribbon for her next time.
“Meow.”