NOVEL WEB chapter 94 - Divine Cat Mii-chan Gives Back to the Cozy Inn
94 Divine Cat Mii-chan Gives Back to the Cozy Inn
Mii-chan is helping out at the cozy inn, “Ikoi no Yado Kizuki,” as a way to show appreciation. Mii-chan, Sera, and Lu-kun are handling customer interactions, getting lots of affection from the guests, while Perro assists with serving. It’s a small way to repay the kindness they’ve received.
“Meow~”
I’m busy preparing lunch, frying up some chicken and potato fries, cooking rice, and making fried rice for customers to sample. I also recommended omelets to the female guests, and the response has been great.
I also made honey pudding for dessert. It’s a simple recipe: strain the eggs, add water and honey, and steam. I served it exclusively to those who ordered the omelet, and they were very pleased.
“This is a new dish. Is it okay to serve it here?”
“Feel free to serve it and spread the word. The pudding tastes even better with milk.”
But sourcing large quantities of milk and eggs seems challenging. Since lunchtime is winding down, I’m also cooking adzuki beans. Mii-chan is anxiously watching the pot. Even with all the supplies from the court chef, does she think we still need more?
With lunchtime over, we all sit down for a late meal: omelets, fried chicken, potato fries, and pudding. I prepared extra because Dogga and his son seemed interested.
As we enjoy the meal together in the dining area, the conversation flows:
“This meat has garlic oil in it.”
“This is rice, Dad.”
“This pudding is so delicious!”
“Sorry for always troubling you, Nero.”
“Don’t worry about it. The goal is to spread this recipe to the world so that people can enjoy it without needing to make it themselves. Besides, I’m teaching it elsewhere too.”
“The pudding is so tasty! Why haven’t you made it before?”
“Mii!”
“Woof!”
“Because it’s a dessert. It’s a hassle to make in large quantities.”
“Then make a lot of it. I could eat as many as you make!”
“Mii!”
“Woof!”
“And that’s why I don’t make it. How many do you plan to eat? Plus, there’s no easy way to get a large amount of eggs. It’s not something I can just make anywhere, so it’s a no.”
“Just have them make it at the palace. Rane and Luka will be happy… snuffle.”
“Yes, Perro, try not to mention unnecessary things.”
Since rice is available in Quarto, I decided to make pilaf-style rice in large quantities… heh heh heh.
As an apology, I gave them some fish instead.
“Wow, Dad. I’ve never seen fresh sea fish like this before.”
“It’s fresh. You can even eat it raw, this is something!”
I had tried something like carpaccio at the palace, but it seems Dogga-san also enjoys it raw.
“I’m from Hildenburg, so I’ve had raw fish before, but lightly roasted or marinated.”
Even though it’s raw, it’s not like sashimi; it’s usually lightly grilled or marinated. If only I had Japonica rice, sushi would be great. Oh, and there’s no soy sauce…
After lunch, I taught Dogga-san how to make simple dishes like white sauce and meat sauce.
With the sweet red bean paste ready, I let everyone try it. I mentioned that spreading it on bread for breakfast or using it in sandwiches is especially popular with women. It has a proven track record. Was Mii-chan satisfied?
“Mii!”
While waiting for the pilaf to finish cooking, I went to check on Sumire and told her we would be leaving early tomorrow morning. I also asked her to take care of the people who had helped us to Quinto, and she agreed with a resigned sigh. Thanks, Sumire.
Perro, Sera, and Lu-kun were still with Sumire, so Mii-chan and I returned to the kitchen.
The pilaf turned out great, and even though they had just eaten lunch, Dogga-san and his son ate it enthusiastically. It seems they liked it.
I put the remaining pilaf on plates and had Mii-chan store a considerable amount. I also asked Dogga-san to cook some dishes, so food should be fine for the time being.
With time to spare before dinner, I went with Mii-chan to a general store and bought a larger bucket. I selected a laundry bucket big enough for me to sit in, hoping to enjoy a hot bath even while camping. I also picked up two barrels for storing water.
When we returned to the inn, I saw Pamir-san looking like she was about to cry while carrying a huge load. What happened?
“I can’t reduce this load any further!”
She had a large backpack, four trunk cases, and two more bags slung over her shoulders. How did she manage to carry all this? Mii-chan could help by storing it in her carrier bag.
“Mii!”
“Eh? Was Nero-kun a storage-type?…”
“That’s a secret. Is this all of your luggage?”
“Yes, I’ve also cleared out my room.”
“Cleared out your room? What were you going to do if you couldn’t move all this luggage?”
“I was planning to ask the guild to transport it to the capital via the northern route. It would be expensive, though.”
“What about today?”
“I’ve already spoken to Anna-san and secured a room, so there’s no need to worry. I wanted to enjoy the last of the meals here. Don’t worry, we’re leaving early tomorrow. I haven’t forgotten.”
“Delicious~”
Pamir-san was very pleased with the much-anticipated meal.
I spent the evening in the kitchen, continuously frying up karaage and potato fries. Perro, just like at lunch, was diligently carrying plates back and forth, but it seemed he’d learned to snag a bite from the plates he delivered. Guests, noticing this, became intrigued and ordered more, creating a bit of a self-fulfilling cycle. If Perro isn’t doing this intentionally, then he’s a natural at it.
In contrast, Sera and Lu-kun were enjoying attention from the guests without lifting a finger, especially from the ladies. Mii-chan, though she wasn’t eating, was charming the guests with her cuteness—truly an example of unconditional affection.
The tavern was still lively, but it was time for us to head back. Sera and Lu-kun seemed full, so I took Perro and our dinners back to our room.
Perro, who seemed to have eaten quite a bit, finished his meal quickly and collapsed onto the bed. I decided to head to the bath.
At the reception, I ordered a full-course meal and headed to the usual attendant for a wash. I mentioned our plan to move our base to the capital.
“Moving to the capital, huh? I would have liked to go there when I was younger. With my current situation, I’m not sure if I’ll make it in my lifetime. You’re young, so go after what you want with all your might. You can regret things when you’re older.”
Wise words from someone with experience. I thanked the attendant and said my goodbyes. It was a bit of a sentimental moment…
Back in the room, everyone begged for snacks, and after giving in, I bathed each of them in turn, including brushing their teeth. It was quite an intense day.
“Mii~”