LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 228 - the Divine Cat Mii-chan Hosts a Matchmaking Event
228 the Divine Cat Mii-chan Hosts a Matchmaking Event
At 3 p.m., I handed out water candy to everyone as a snack. I made it myself. When I gave some to Perro and taught him how to knead it, he became completely absorbed in the task. I get it; it’s oddly satisfying.
“Ohhh, it’s turned silver, meow! Perro has made silver! I’m rich, meow!”
Well, it kind of looks silver, I suppose.
“So sweet, meow~. It’s melting, meow~. I’m in heaven, meow~.”
“Mii.”
“Meow.”
“Woof.”
“Squee.”
“Meow.”
I’m glad they’re all enjoying it. As for the others, Yan-kun and Kaya-chan are still kneading their candy. Jin-san passed since he doesn’t like sweets. The rest are eating happily. Even Kai is licking from Mii-chan’s dish. Mii-chan doesn’t seem to mind sharing, unlike with her beloved red bean paste.
As we managed to get through the second day of the festival, we distributed food to the children in the slums. When I heard there was a sick child, I handed some mineral water to Letty-san and asked her to bring it to them. I hope it helps them recover, even just a little.
On the final day of the festival, something unexpected happened. I hadn’t noticed, but apparently, the king returned to Beruna during the day. As part of the opening ceremony, there was yet another victory declaration over the rebel forces. The townspeople didn’t seem too interested, though.
Meanwhile, a representative from the Commercial Guild’s Divine Cat Association approached me when the ale stall quieted down. I wonder what this is about?
“We’ve had an overwhelming number of requests from customers wanting to adopt a cat…”
It seems people have fallen in love with the cats in the fluffy space and want to take them home. The stray cats people usually see around town don’t let anyone touch them, and if you try, they’ll hiss at you. The cats we brought to the festival don’t act like that, which is why people want to adopt them.
I decided to talk to the cats and see what they thought. I asked Perro to translate, and surprisingly, the cats agreed. However, there was a condition—they wanted to choose their owners themselves. Seriously?
Thus, an impromptu matchmaking event with the cats was held on the main stage. Perro, who can speak with them, was the host. I hope this goes well.
“Everyone, are you ready, meow?”
“Ooooh!”
“Do you want a kitty, meow?”
“Ooooh!”
“Will you take good care of them, meow?”
“Ooooh!”
“Then let the cat matchmaking begin, meow!”
The crowd erupted in excitement.
“First up, this majestic cat, meow!”
A long-haired, fluffy Persian-like cat strutted onto the stage.
“Now, let those brave enough to challenge this feline step forward, meow!”
Five participants came onto the stage—one child, three young women, and one man. Each took their turn during the appeal time, trying their best to impress the cat. When it was the child’s turn at the end, all they said was:
“I love you!”
The crowd burst into laughter.
“Now, kitty, please make your judgment, meow!”
The cat ran straight to the child and began rubbing against them. Well, that’s no surprise. The other participants seemed to accept the outcome too. Since people are allowed to try again, there’s always another chance.
The matchmaking continued for the remaining nine cats, and one by one, they found their new owners. In the end, three children, five women, and two men were chosen. I later heard that one elderly couple, who were also among the new owners, adopted two cats. According to Perro, who heard it from the “cat mayor,” those two cats became a couple as well, and their kittens were eventually adopted by the neighborhood families.
Thus, the festival came to a close, having been a huge success. It was incredibly busy, but fun.
“Mii~”
The day after the festival ended, I gave everyone the day off. For the first time in a while, I did nothing and slept in.
The next day, I took Chris-san and the others to Wilhelm, while Mii-chan and I went to the Commercial Guild. Our usual contact found us and quickly pulled us into a private room.
“We’ve been waiting for you! Where have you been?”
Uh, I did tell you we were hosting a festival in Beruna, right?
“We’ve already distributed dividends to everyone except the Divine Cat Association.”
I was handed a piece of paper and a bag of money. The paper detailed the breakdown, including taxes and receipts. It was clear that much more money had moved than I had expected. Not only was there more than enough profit, but it was a substantial amount.
“Not only have taxes been paid, but the Commercial Guild has profited as well, and even its stocks have risen. It’s all thanks to the ideas brought by the Divine Cat Association. We are truly grateful.”
“When people have fun and move around, so do goods and money. That’s the basics of business.”
“Indeed. But what’s even more remarkable is how you share these profits with everyone instead of monopolizing them. The guild master has instructed us to give priority and flexibility to any future requests from the Divine Cat Association.”
“Thank you. I’ll let you know if I need anything.”
We continued chatting, and they wouldn’t let me leave. They kept asking when the next event would be or if I had any other ideas…
Back at the branch office, I checked Claudia-san’s ledger. We’re doing incredibly well. I’ll have to thank everyone. I wonder what I should do? As I was pondering that and heading home, Lucas came rushing over to me.
“We’ve received an official summons from the royal palace.”
It wasn’t from the queen this time but the king himself. The letter said to be at the royal palace tomorrow afternoon, dressed formally, of course. What could this be about?
“Mii?”