The story of the struggle in another world of the divine cat Mii-chan and the cat supplies summoner

198: Divine Cat Mii-chan Considers the Future Strategy of the Divine Cat Commerce

Mii-chan decides to continue selling dumplings and ice pops, but will also develop products for the cold season.

She plans to sell miso and soy sauce, mentioning that the production facilities are already being expanded.

To ensure a stable supply of the popular but limited quantity of distilled spirits, a distillery will be built in a certain location.

Mii-chan also intends to develop and sell new products, of course without revealing that she will be utilizing the knowledge of myself and the Munakata siblings.

Furthermore, she will facilitate trade between the royal capital of the Lumiere Kingdom, Beruna, and the ducal capital of Hildenburg, Wilhelm, via Brocken Mountain.

That’s roughly the main points. Katia and Lucas have serious expressions on their faces. Understandably so.

“Are we going to do all of this at once?”

“We’ll start with what we can manage sequentially.”

“Even combining your assets and the Divine Cat Commerce’s assets, we won’t have enough operating funds…”

“Actually, there are people willing to lend to the Divine Cat Commerce. What I’m about to show you is what I’ve received from those who are providing the loan. Please keep it confidential.”

I ask Mii-chan, who is lounging on a cushion shaped like a gold coin, to pull out the large bag filled with rough gemstones from Reiou and a big bag of gold coins, showing them to the two.

“‘……’”

Both freeze upon seeing the contents. Mii-chan and Kai are happily rolling around with the beautiful rough gemstones.

“I think a small country could buy this…”

“But it’s too much trouble, so I’ll pass.”

“There are only a limited number of people who would provide such a loan…”

“It’s not related to any country. It’s good to create favors, but creating debts isn’t wise. Other than for my personal affairs, it comes from someone who won’t interfere in the management of the Divine Cat Commerce.”

“…Understood. I trust you, Nero.”

“That brings us to the matter of personnel. We need to increase the number of people in the Commerce. Do you have any thoughts?”

“We’ll just be transporting locally produced miso and soy sauce. For the distilled spirits, we’ll also employ locals. I have a few ideas for product development and creation, so I’ll handle that. What I’d like your help with is finding someone for the administrative side of the Commerce and a dedicated craftsman.”

I have someone in mind, that person, yes, that one. They should be able to create even slightly unusual items. Being a dwarf, they might be enticed by the prospect of distilled spirits.

“Understood. Let’s gather trustworthy people. It would be better to bind the craftsmen with a contract from the Commercial Guild. I’ll look into that as well. One question: I’ve heard that the method for making distilled spirits is a closely guarded secret. Do you know how to do it, Nero?”

“I know a basic method and the tools needed. The finer details will likely require some trial and error.”

“Then we need to consider the merchant caravan. Should we request the Hunter Guild’s assistance or prepare it ourselves?”

“I have some thoughts on that, so it’s not a problem. We’ll need to create accommodations for the guards in the vacant land as well.”

“Isn’t it possible to use this residence? There are still rooms available.”

“They’re a bit peculiar, so I plan to let them do as they please.”

A bit… no, quite eccentric, I think?

I begin writing down these discussions and detailing the finer points. For now, I’ll be taking action on my end while Katia takes care of her responsibilities. She knows more about the Commercial Guild than I do, so I’ll leave that to her.

I don’t intend to expand the Divine Cat Commerce too much, but I do want to elevate its status somewhat. I want the name of the Divine Cat Commerce to be recognized by the people. Representative?

“Mii—”

After finishing my discussion with Katia, I head to the living room, holding Mii-chan and Kai. Despite my insistence on not overdoing it, the Munakata siblings look worn out…

“Glennhart was relentless…”

“Rosalinde is a demon…”

“Well then, let’s change and have lunch…”

I mentioned going to the palace, right? It seems better to get new clothes on the way.

When I ask Jin and the others if they’re going to the palace, they say they’ll go after the Chancellor returns, so they’re not going today.

After lunch, I hand Kai over to Yuri, who is heading to the guild. It seems Kai will be reinstated as the guild’s mascot starting today. Good luck!

“Mii—”

After finishing lunch, I start preparing Sumire. The Munakata siblings say they can ride horses, so they’re having Ben prepare the horses for them. It seems the soldiers from Rotaringia have taken care of the horses until now, so they’ve never saddled or cared for them. They’ve been spoiled… At my place, we do it ourselves, so they should learn.

We set off with Mii-chan, Lu-kun, and Ral-kun on board. It seems that Perro and the others will be practicing mock battles with Jin and the others in the afternoon. Lady Reine will probably be lonely…

I buy clothes for the two at the same shop where I previously bought some for myself. For now, I pick up a nice outfit to wear to the palace. I decide to leave my current clothes there, promising to return later.

When we arrive at the palace gates, they let us through without any checks, and for some reason, Mii-chan looks quite smug. The Munakata siblings seem nervous, unusually silent and without their usual banter.

When Nia and the stablemaster arrive, Sumire starts barking at the other two horses, leading them along confidently… Familiar territory, it seems.

Nia greets us with her usual stern expression.

“We have been waiting for you. The Queen is expecting you.”

Mii-chan responds, as if it’s obvious.

“Mii—”

As for the Munakata siblings…

“‘……’”

Well then, shall we go?

“Mii—”