NOVEL WEB chapter 91 - The Divine Cat Mii-chan Returns to Quarto
91: The Divine Cat Mii-chan Returns to Quarto
It’s been a while since we’ve been in Quarto, Mii-chan. The Guild Master brought us to a place called “Grand Fill,” which seems to be a hidden gem. The restaurant is quite cozy, with only four tables inside.
“This is the place owned by Sykes’ master. The food here is excellent. Eat as much as you like.”
“So, you must be Mr. Nero. I’ve heard about you from Sykes. I’ve also received some seasoning recipes from him, and I must say, they are exceptional. More than that, I was deeply moved by your generosity in sharing these recipes without asking for anything in return. I may not be the best, but please enjoy your meal today.”
The chef, an elderly man, is extremely polite. Given that Sykes trained under him, I can’t help but wonder how Sykes ended up the way he did.
But, let’s set that aside and enjoy the meal. It’s puzzling that the Guild Master remains unfazed even though Sera has reverted to her original form. Meanwhile, Mii-chan is, as usual, enjoying her cat food on the table. Perro is eating voraciously, as always, and Lu-kun seems content to receive some scraps from Sera now and then.
The food is undeniably delicious. The seasoning I taught Sykes is used subtly, just enough to enhance the delicate flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them. The chef’s skill is truly remarkable.
Even though we’re in the middle of our meal, I thought it would be a good opportunity to ask the Guild Master some questions, especially since he’s here.
“What do you think about the current situation regarding skills, Guild Master?”
“What do you mean?”
“Why aren’t there any books that research or explain how to use skills?”
“Skills are powers granted by the gods. How they are used depends on the individual.”
“But wouldn’t it save many lives if you taught other hunters how to use their earth skills as effectively as you do? Especially given the current circumstances?”
“……”
“I possess the Air Skill. As you know, it’s often considered a useless skill, but I don’t see it that way. In fact, it’s an incredibly useful skill. With some assistance from others, I was able to take down a Goblin Leader in a single strike.”
“I’ve heard about that. Sounds like a tall tale.”
“I’m willing to share how I did it.”
“Are you serious? That would mean revealing your hand.”
“But, do you plan to fight on the front lines in the upcoming war? Can your body handle it?”
“……”
“This is something the guild should research and teach to hunters. What happens if something happens to you? No one else might be able to use these skills.”
“……”
“The Hunter Guild’s mission is to protect all people from monsters, right?”
“…That’s correct.”
“Imagine if there had been ten people with the same power as you during the last great war—how many lives could have been saved?”
“……What do you expect me to do?”
“You already know what needs to be done, don’t you?”
“I can’t make it happen right away.”
“Then you should hurry, don’t you think? The war might be closer than you realize.”
I froze the water in the glass in front of the Guild Master, causing him to widen his eyes in surprise as he stared at the now frozen glass.
“Nero, give me some shaved ice, mii!”
I supercooled the water in Perro’s glass, then tapped it, causing the water to freeze instantly in front of the Guild Master’s eyes.
“Is that the power of a skill…?”
“It’s the Water Skill. It may not be directly useful in battle, but it’s a valuable skill nonetheless. This, too, is often considered a ‘useless’ skill by most people.”
“So, it’s all about how you use it…”
“After the meeting in six days, if there are any interested, I’ll teach the techniques of the Air Skill. Could you gather the hunters with that skill?”
“Understood. I’ll take care of it.”
After that, we enjoyed the rest of the meal with light conversation. Both Perro and Sera seemed satisfied, and we thanked the Guild Master and Sykes’ mentor before parting ways.
Now, before bed, how about we all head to the communal bath? I wonder if they’ll let us in.
The usual older lady was at the reception desk.
“Oh, if it isn’t Mii-chan! You’re back, I see. And it looks like you’ve gained some new friends, huh?”
“Can we go in?”
“Well, I might have to charge you for that little kitty over there.”
“I’m not a kitty, mii! I’m Perro, mii!”
I paid for both mine and Perro’s entry, along with a bath attendant. The lady at the reception seemed very pleased, getting licked by Mii-chan, Sera, and Lu-kun. We received our wooden bath tags and headed into the bath. Ah, there’s nothing quite like a good soak.
After enjoying a leisurely time in the bath, we got out, and as expected, the women’s side of the bath was lively. Mii-chan was being held by the reception lady, while Sera and Lu-kun were being petted by the female customers.
I felt a bit reluctant to interrupt since they were being treated so well, but I had to gather everyone since we were leaving early tomorrow. I thanked the reception lady and returned to the inn.
The next morning, we departed before dawn. With Sumire’s current speed, we might be able to reach Quarto or at least make it to a village before nightfall.
Even at this early hour, the area near the gate was bustling with wagons and hunters. They must be heading to the White Labyrinth.
As we exited the gate, Sumire picked up speed, overtaking several wagons. The weather was cloudy, and it looked like it could start raining at any moment. We passed many wagons on the road, likely transporting materials, craftsmen, and hunters to fortify the White Labyrinth, which would soon be guarded by the Third Knight Order.
This will be the frontline in the fight against the goblins. If they break through, the villages between Quinto and Quarto could be destroyed. We need to hold the line there at all costs.
It started raining along the way, but it was as if something surrounded Sumire, keeping the rain from touching us. It must be the benefit of the Gale Skill. Sumire is amazing. We took a short break in a sheltered spot, but we managed to reach Quarto before nightfall.
It’s been a while since we were last in Quarto.
“Mii~”