NOVEL NEXT WORLD chapter 37 - Divine Cat, Mii-chan, will accompany me on the labyrinth exploration.
37 Divine Cat, Mii-chan, will accompany me on the labyrinth exploration.
Eva-san looks puzzled.
“The labyrinth is a very dangerous place. Are you really planning to take Mii-chan to such a perilous location?”
The guild staff members also seem to be complaining.
“Please be quiet. What do you know about Mii-chan and me? Mii-chan and I are inseparable; we’re a unique bond in this world. There’s no scenario where one of us lives and the other dies.”
“Mii…”
Well, Mii-chan is immortal, but if I die, who will prepare Mii-chan’s meals?
Mii-chan is licking my face. Don’t worry, I’m not going to die.
The surroundings fall silent. I didn’t think I raised my voice, but maybe they’re surprised?
“Indeed… It seems I said unnecessary things without knowing about Nero-kun. I apologize. However, please remember this: I can only promise to do my best regarding safety.”
“I’m not satisfied with that, but I understand. It’s a situation where I have no choice but to rely on you.”
“Understood. Mii-chan’s participation is approved.”
“Mii!”
After that, I discussed what needed to be prepared and returned to my usual duties.
The next day, I visited Sumire and then went to the bazaar. The morning was bustling with people and there was a rich variety of ingredients available. I was there to buy tomatoes. Yes, I’m going to make some makeshift ketchup. Since we have rice, I must make a popular dish for kids: omurice.
So, I bought the ingredients and headed to the guild tavern’s kitchen.
“What are you planning to do?”
“I’m going to make something good, so remember this.”
“O-Okay.”
First, I cook the rice, and while that’s happening, I make the makeshift ketchup. Then I prepare the chicken rice and wrap it in a thin omelet. And it’s done. I also draw “LOVE” with the ketchup. It’s a love injection.
“Why wrap it in an omelet?”
“So that the contents aren’t visible. It’s more fun when you only find out what’s inside when you eat it.”
“Is that so?”
“What does it say?”
“It says ‘love’ in my country’s language.”
“Oh, ‘love’～♡”
“Mii.”
“Does it have any meaning?”
“I was expressing plenty of affection.”
“…I see.”
Sykes-san and the waitress share the affection-filled omurice. It’s delicious and has a nostalgic taste.
“This is bound to be popular too, Master.”
“Yeah, this is really good.”
“This ketchup can be used in various dishes, so it’s quite convenient.”
“But was it really okay to reveal this? Isn’t it a secret recipe?”
“Both the garlic oil and this ketchup are things I’ve shared with the innkeeper in Quarto, so there’s no problem. If it spreads, it means more people get to enjoy delicious food. I’ll teach you how to make mayo next time.”
“I don’t know what mayo is, but I’ll count on you.”
In exchange for teaching, I got some pilaf. I turned it into rice balls and stored them in Mii-chan’s bag. Since Eva-san told me to prepare my own rations, and I haven’t used much of what I prepared in Quarto, Mii-chan’s bag is filled with a lot of food.
With the departure time approaching, I start preparing. It’s not much, really. The problem is what to do about Sumire. With the labyrinth exploration, I won’t be able to take her for her daily walks. Her condition has improved, but if she’s confined to the stables, she might get depressed… It seems like taking her along is a good idea.
“Hey, Sumire. Which do you prefer: staying cooped up here or going out with some conditions?”
“Mii?”
Sumire is rubbing against me and Mii-chan. It looks like she prefers going out.
“Alright, I’ll take you with me. But remember to listen to what I say.”
She shivers and nods in agreement. Let’s go together then.
When we arrive in front of the Hunter Guild, a crowd has already gathered.
Eva-san gives a brief overview, and we begin preparations for departure. There are about two hundred people in total.
The task there involves fortifying the labyrinth entrance with barricades. This includes workers and protective hunters. A few guild staff members will also accompany us.
“You must be Nero-kun. I’m Mylar Hunt, the leader of the Azure Dragon Roar. Just call me Mylar. I’ll be entering the labyrinth with you. Nice to meet you.”
A lizardman addresses me. I remember him—he’s one of the dragonkin with the strength of two hundred goblins.
“I’m Nero. This is Mii-chan. This one is Sumire.”
“What’s this skinny… wait, is that a battle horse!”
The members of the Azure Dragon Roar party are also surprised.
“Yes, she’s currently undergoing treatment for an illness, but she’s already much better.”
“So, is she okay?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, battle horses are famous for their temperamental nature.”
“Sumire is a calm horse. As long as you don’t do anything strange, she won’t attack people randomly. Right, Sumire?”
Sumire gives a little shiver, as if to say, “How rude, I’m not that barbaric.”
“Ah, I see. Then I’m relieved.”
Since they don’t seem to fully trust it, I place Mii-chan on Sumire’s back.
Eva-san approaches me before departure.
“Nero-kun, are you taking that one too?”
“I need to gradually acclimate her to this kind of environment, so I thought a little exercise would be good.”
“Well, since she’s a battle horse, I suppose it should be fine, but do be careful. And keep an eye on Mii-chan too.”
“Yes, we’ll be on our way.”
“Mii.”