CH 3

Chapter 3: Mofumofu  MercSqud

Cling Clang. The sound of the doorbell informing the incoming new customers.

The whole atmosphere within the shop changed in an instant. Tall looking men standing by the door, one with a jet black slick back hair with sharp eyes, looking towards their direction. Behind him are 3 other males. The customers in their seats suddenly turned pale and stiffen in place. Before long, they took out their purses and left their payments on the table and stood up.

“See you again” “Thank you for the meal”, they greeted and started exiting the shop while making sure they do not bump into the 4 males.

I was dumbfounded by how swift that happened. As if there was a fire disaster and I am the only one left standing still, and I hesitated if I too should follow suit to evacuate. But in front of me are new customers,

“Welcome”, I greeted with a smile.

Looking closer, they are wearing a familiar looking black uniform.

The first one to make a move was the man with the jet black hair. His hair was slicked back, his eyes are sharp almond shaped amber colored. With heavy steps, he headed towards the table seat by the wall and sat on the sofa.

Following after him is a smaller body built man with green hair and almond shaped green eyes. His gaze was somewhat familiar. If he had ever visited the shop, I would have remembered him but nothing came to mind. Perhaps I saw him somewhere on the streets. The green haired man then headed towards where the black haired was and sat in the seat in front of him.

“She’s really a beauty!”

A weirdly cold voice brought my attention towards the shop’s entrance, which probably belonged to the white haired lad with beautiful silky straight hair which shone, reflecting light. His eyebrows are of the same color and has blue almond-shaped eyes.

It seems he was praising me, but the tone of his voice seemed uninterested. He too walked into the shop and headed to the table seat beside the other 2 sat on.

“hmppph” a similar uninterested tone like the white haired came from the blue haired lad. His height is almost the same as the black haired, with a similar hairstyle which was combed backwards. His slightly raised eyes were blue colored. He then moved to seat in front of the white haired lad.

The table seats in the shop are all 4 seated. Having 4 people taking up 2 whole table was troubling, but since there is no other customer, it’s fine then.

“Let me clean up the table now”

Taking away the plates on top of the table, I realized the black haired man’s gaze focused on the cake.

A half eaten fondant chocolat with raspberry sauce, a type of mini sized cake.

Normally I would serve larger sized slices of cakes but since the shop opened, but a repeat female customer was concerned with the portion since ‘I might get fat eating so much’. Hence, she requested to have a smaller sized cake instead. Since the other female customers started to order it as well, I decided to include it in the menu.

‘….Ain’t the place smell too sweet? And.. a tinge smell of plants?” The white haired man, sniffing while moving his nose around, when the blue haired man answered “….Ain’t this from the flowers?”

Although there is a small garden outside, the inner shop is not decorated by any plants. What went through my mind was the Rotos, fairies of the lotus flower. Focusing myself on the scent, I could slightly smell the scent of lotuses. Since they helped me out this morning, maybe their scent lingered. But what made my realized this is due to the contract that I have with the Rotos. I highly doubt that any normal human would be able to discern it.

Looking back at the familiar uniforms these men are wearing, and the fact that the customers swiftly ran away, these men are probably…

“Steak”

I came back from my thoughts after hearing the word spoken.

It seems like it was ordered by the black haired man, his voice was certainly low toned.

“Boss, I did mention that there is no steak here”, said the green haired man sitting in front of him.

Listening to his voice, I am certain now.

“Uhm, please excuse me but… Are you the Demi who came by yesterday?”

“That’s.. me, yes”

“I knew it” I felt relieved knowing that I was not wrong.

“I remembered that gaze, and your voice was the same, so I thought maybe…”

I see now, that even though they change between their beast and human forms, there are still similar traits that does not change. Muttering so in admiration, the green haired man opened his eyes even wider.

“…Ah, my apologies… Since I have never talked to a Demi before, if by any way I have offended you, please do forgive me”, I bowed down my head since his expression was filled with confusion. Then he replied with a “…I don’t mind” while avoiding his gaze.

“Buhahaha! Sena, you got busted”, the white haired man laughed.

It seems the green haired man is called Sena.

Continuing to clean up the table, I then tried asking a question.

“Since everyone here is wearing the same uniform, am I right to deduce that you are all from the DemiMercSquad?” I believed my deduction to be correct. But what a shame that they are in human form now. No fluffiness today… Big disappointment…

There was no responses to my question. Sena and the others moved their gaze towards the black haired man. As if waiting for permission to speak, it seems the black haired man is the leader of the group, and they even called him Boss.

I too moved my gaze towards him. But the words that came out of the black haired man’s mouth was a single phrase of “I wanna eat meat…”

“Uhm… My apologies but, there is no steak in the menu. However, I can provide a meat sandwich instead. The selections of meat include raw ham, pastrami beef, bacon and sausage…”

Bowing my head and explained as so, I took out the menu. Instantly, the Boss replied with ‘pastrami’.

“I will have pastrami too, and could you do add more meat for everyone’s portion?” I nodded towards Sena-san’s request and answered with a ‘yes’.

“Then, pastrami for me too”

“I’ll have bacon”

“Then the order will be 3 pastramis and a bacon right.”

Boss-san, Sena-san and the white haired will have pastrami, while the blue haired will have bacon. With extra meat for everyone. After taking their orders, Sena-san continued.

“As for the drinks, Boss will have black coffee and a latte for me. Please bring them over with the food. Ryuse, how about you?”

“Hmm.. What should I get~ Latte looks good, but I don’t really like milk~” Looks like the white haired man is called Ryuse-san.

“Shall I make a latte with less milk for you?” As I ask so, he subtly replied with “Then, I’ll have that”

“Chise?”

“Then, orange juice is fine with me. What kinds do you have?”

“We have freshly squeezed orange juice”

“Then, orange it is” The blue haired man is Chise-san, and his beverage will be orange juice, then.

“Ah, nee-chan. No veggies for me” And so Chise-san added.

……Nee-chan. It was a first that someone called me as so. If heard by the ladies in the Academy, they will have definitely turn red in anger and shouted “What a rude person!” loudly.

“At least have some vegetables during lunch”, Sena-san in a cold voice, while Chise-san made a frown.

“Haaah?” But after clicking his tongue, he softly added with “No choices then”, so it seems he will be eating the vegetables.

Sena-san may be in a higher position that Chise-san.

“3 Pastramis and a bacon, and the drinks will be a cup of black coffee, a latte, a latte with less milk and an orange juice then. Will that be all of the order?” Confirming the order, Sena-san nodded.

“Yep”

“Understood. Please hold on for a moment”

I then brought the tray full of used utensils and headed to the kitchen. Then left the dirty plates on the sink and start to prepare the ordered beverages. After taking them out to the customers, I then proceed to make the sandwiches.

Washing the lettuce, then cutting it into bigger slices, as well as cutting the onions and tomatoes. Thinly cutting the pastrami into slices, and frying the bacon on the pan.

After properly wringing out the excess water from the vegetables, I then cut them and place them on the bread, and finally added the meat in.

Since they are Demis, it is inevitable that they love meat.

“Thank you for waiting”

“Thank you for waiting”

__

Moving from the kitchen to the floor**, there were ears on the Demis’ head, and even tails. It’s probably their half beast form. Feeling my heart getting excited from the sudden appearance of the fluffiness, but I still feign a calm composure.

The moment I placed the plates filled with the sandwiches, Boss instantly gobbled it. How hungry must he have been.

Chise-san too, directly took the plate from the tray and gobbled on it. Hunger rules over everything.

“This’ good like the rumors are, onee-chan” Ryuse drinking the latte, smiled and said so.

Though I am glad that he praised me, but the way he’s calling me onee-chan caught me off pace somehow, but even so, I lightly bowed my head and said “thank you” regardless.

Ryuse-san then asked me a question with an uninterested tone. “Your first time seeing a Demi, right? You sure you know about Demis?” Ryuse-san looking upwards towards me, narrowed his light blue eyes. As I felt a sharp gaze from him, I nodded with a smile on my face.

“From birth, a race who has the ability to transform… Am I right?”

“Well, I’m not talking about that..”

“…? Uhm, isn’t Demis a race who can transform between human, half beast and beastial form?”

“Like I said, I’m not talking about that..”

Was I probably wrong to deduce them of so? With my head tilted, the irritated Ryuse-san then explained with a loud voice.

“Don’t you know that we have strength enough to tear apart a human like you? Huh? Nee-chan!”

“Aah, yes. I know of that. Hence why everyone here is called the strongest DemiMercSquad right.”

The instant I answered so, everyone turned stiff hard at that moment.

….Hmm??

“…onee-chan, that.. don’t tell me you’re an natural airhead?”

“…oh my, what should I do.. I have never been told so..” As I hesitated in answering Ryuse-san’s question.

Am I a natural airhead? I’m not sure of myself.

**mofumofu footnote at the bottom of post

“Ain’t she probably just not having any common sense? She’s not alright for sure, that is.” While gobbling down his sandwich, Chise-san said so while pointing his thumb out to me.

“Haah, can’t help it then… hey onee-chan.” After letting out a sigh, Ryuse-san stood up and approached his face to mine. Looking closer, it really is a beautiful face indeed. His pure white hair and light blue eyes has a divinely charming beauty to it, and his narrowed eyes and the way he smiles with the edges of his lips pointing up makes one think of him like a cat.

Ryuse-san’s unexpected loud voice brought me back to my senses.

“We are the strongest DemiMercSquad as the rumors go, and hired by the fief lord to maintain the security of this city. That includes protecting a weak young lady like you, which is also our job”

In contrast to his tone, his light blue eyes seemed cold. I then stared deeply into his eyes.

“Even inside the city, there are bad people waiting for their chances, you know. That’s why we lots will protect you. In return, you have to reward us accordingly, alright? Paying later is fine too”

Aah, I see. So that’s the reason why Sena-san who came by yesterday looked as if he’s investigating something.

Worried for a young lady like me who started a shop alone, they came all the way here. Even if they are hated by the villagers in some ways, but they really don’t look like bad people themselves. Additionally, their sense of justice is strong.

Assenting to it, I then started talking.

“Thank you for worrying about me. But I am able to protect myself so please do not worry about it.”

At the academy enrolled by noble sons and daughters, I had always persisted in keeping my position as the first rank among the ladies. I too can use magic to protect myself, and that is also why Grandfather allowed me to live by myself.

“Please do relax in this shop, since this is Café Mattari.” (this is a pun)

I hope that they will come here to relax and not due to work.

Conveying so, Ryuse-san was bewildered.

“…..Hah?” Looking even closer, it seems Sena-san and Chise-san too was dumbfounded. Even Boss stopped moving his hand while gobbling down his food looked towards me.

I see! It’s because they aren’t aware that I’m able to use magic, hence why they aren’t convinced and thinks that I’m an ignorant little girl.

“…Oi…” Boss-san with a low tone.

“Coffee, seconds”

“Yes, right away”

“Sandwich, one more”

“Understood”

Another serving of coffee and sandwich ordered. I then cleaned up the plate and headed back to the kitchen to work on the pastrami sandwich. Afterwards, as I headed back to Boss-san, Ryuse-san was stuffing his cheeks with the sandwich.

….Don’t tell me, they came here to be employed? But I do not have the leeway to employ the MercSquad, and to begin with, it’s unnecessary.

But if so, will they stop coming here…

But if they are here, the other customers are the ones not coming. But in contrast to that, I’m able to relax.

Then I won’t be having my relaxing time anymore? As I think of so in disappointment, I bowed my head towards the demis.

“Enjoy your time”

Clearing up the other tables and heading back to the kitchen, I have my lunch with whatever is left.

Afterwards, as I secretly look towards the floor, the four of them looked like they were enjoying the drinks. I then silently went up to the second floor, taking a book in my hand and headed back to the kitchen. Then sat down on a chair and flipped open the page of the book.

Accompanying my reading is the fondant chocolate that the female customer left untouched. Since it will be a waste to throw, I ate in small mouthfuls with the fork, enjoying the smooth texture with a tinge of sweetness and sourness from the raspberry sauce.

Yup, it’s delicious.

Speaking of which, Boss-san was curious about it just now. And it compliments well with coffee, I should try recommending it to him.

“Why are reading a book in hiding?”

My body flinched in surprise from the sudden question. Lifting up my face, Sena-san was leaning his body over through the counter.

“M-my apologies. B-but to do so while the customers are looking is.. I believe it’s rude to do so..”

“….Humm, not that we would mind though”

Hearing his reply, I patted my chest in relief. But I should stop reading while there are customers present. As I promised so to myself, Sena-san said something unexpected.

“I feel bad but, I’ll be borrowing the place for a short nap. I’ll include a tip for that”

“eh?… a-alright, it’s fine but..”

Today will probably end up like yesterday with no more customers coming in. Since there will be no other customers, there is no reason for me to refuse.

“…That, it’s fine for you to read” Sena-san glanced towards the book in my hand and headed back to his seat.

Ah, I forgot to recommend the desserts.

Leaving the book on top of the kitchen’s workspace, I slowly headed to the floor.

Then, the next moment, I spontaneously turned stiff.

Fluffs.

Fluffs of the DemiMercSquad, just right there.

At the seat where Boss-san was at, a figure of a black lion with a splendid mane was there, sitting deep in the sofa.

At the seat where Sena-san was at, a green colored jackal. His ears pointing straight up, laid loosely on top of the table.

Moving my gaze to the neighboring table, the figure of a big pure white cat can be seen in my sight. This is probably Ryuse-san. Although it has no patterns, the perfectly shaped circular cat ears and long tail depicts him alike a cheetah. Opposite of him is a blue wolf, snoring. This one’s definitely Chise-san. His ruffled tail protruding from the sofa, and it looks like his sleeping posture is not that good.

… Nevertheless.

Fluffy DemiMercSquad!! I-i I want to touch!!

It reflexively made me shiver. And to prevent myself from screaming out loud, I suppressed my mouth.

A-a lion!

Large and gallant, and a dignified black color. And that splendid mane, is it fine if I bury my face in it? Is it fine to hug it?

And the jackal-san from yesterday! aka Sena-san, his twitching ears are very lovely. Aah, how I wish to pet that fluffy tail of his.

The white cheetah, Ryuse-san, as if avoiding the rays of the sunlight, covered his face with his circular hands (err.. paws?). Those paws… I wonder if I may squish them.

The blue wolf Chise-san… His sharp fangs can be seen from within his huge mouth. And his wild-looking ruffled tail, if possible, I would like to carefully brush it.

Aaah, and here I thought I would be unable to see the Fluffy DemiMercSquad.

Do they change back to their beast form when sleeping?

Thank you so very much. And certainly, please do let me fluff them!

….Nono, calm down Rhonya.

They are customers here, and they are definitely not stray cats who came here baited by food. Even if they are asleep, it is not polite to touch them.

You can’t. Restrain yourself, me! You.. can’t pet pet and fluff fluff the customers!

As I restrain myself, and fearfully approach closer, I started cleaning up the utensils.

At that moment, *glance.

The Fluff DemiMercSquad opened their eyes altogether and glared towards me.

Even if they were fluffy, but what I felt from them were intense fear as how they appear as beasts.

“….I, am here to.. take away the done plates”, whispering so with a small voice, Boss-san then closed his amber eyes.

Sena-san moved his utensils towards me with his fluffy hands. He then twisted his body as if wanting to rub his face, and closed his eyes.

What is that cute behavior?

Feeling anguished, my hands trembled. I was somehow able to avoid disturbing their sleep and clean up the table. As I continue to the next table, Ryuse-san’s white tail was swaying back and forth with his eyes still closed. But as if asking to play, his tail continues swaying around.

I was unbearably bothered by it.

As I perceive the swaying tail within my sight, I held out towards an empty cup when..

“Grrrrr”

Chise-san opened his eyes and glared at me and growled. But gradually soon after, he dozed off and closed his eyes and started snoring ‘Kukaa~’ (that’s the sfx of a snoring bubble)

Feeling relieved and taking away the utensils, I felt something touching my feet. As I shuddered in surprise and looked downward, it was Ryuse-san’s tail.

Ryuse-san lifted up his face and looked towards me in a daze. Then he rubbed his face with his circular shaped cat hands and instantly faced the other way. And as if accompanying his action, even his tail moved to the opposite direction.

….I can’t see his tail this way.. I would’ve hoped to view that swaying tail.. Huhuhu.

After I finished clearing up the utensils, I continued observing the sleeping fluffy DemiMercSquad from the counter.

The sunlight felt strong and seemed harsh to sleep with. And it was too bright for a sunbath.

I wanted to lift down the window sheets but if I approach too closely, it would disturb their sleep again.

And so I stood up from the counter and decided to close the sheets from where I am.

Taking out a ring from my apron’s pocket, I put it on my right hand’s middle finger.

This ring is a magic accessory powered with telekinesis.

Magic is not usable by everyone. Only with ample of magic power, as well as those who have properly learned to use them will be able to utilize it. But with the help of these kinds of magic tools, anyone is able to easily harness magic. Speaking of such, this ring is called the Aurora Ring, a handmade by me.

The golden ring with motives of leaves, buries 2 stones. A lapis lazuli and another magical stone made by hardening my magic powers. The 2 stones looks like a flower.

What do I have to hide here. During busy times in the shop, I used the power of this ring. When flooded with orders, I secretly used it in the kitchen.

While imagining the action of closing the window sheets, I slowly swing down my right hand. Gradually, the window sheets roll down silently without a sound, and blocked the sunlight.

After finishing rolling down the 2 window sheets, I realized Boss-san who had lifted his face up. He looked towards the sheets, and turned his amber eyes towards me. His eyes were looking at the ring on my right hand.

…If there was any magic tool of this kind sold in a shop, it would have been at a very valuable price. To add, in this countryside city far away from the capital, it would be very hard to obtain it. It probably brought his suspicion.

The color which seems to shallow out all other colors, the jet black lion. Strength which embodied his amber eyes looked very gentle. Not a gaze towards its prey, nor a gaze filled with intimidation looking towards me.

Gradually, he closed his eyes again and went back to his sleep once again.

As I take a silent breath, I headed towards the kitchen and brought the book left there towards the counter…. But the fluffiness was bothering me very much so.

Although the townspeople all seems to hate them very much, I doubt that they are bad people.

A mercenary squad fighting off smugglers from the neighboring country, different from the knights serving in the castle, it is inevitable that they are viewed as bad natured.

And the rumors saying how they go around shops acting as if they own the place, it must have been done for a reason.

‘- We are hired by the fief lord to maintain the security of this city. That includes protecting a weak young lady like you, which is also our job”. I recalled back what Ryuse-san said.

Looks like they wanted to keep my shop secured from the beginning. And while they also spoke as so to the people of the other shops and asked for a reward in return… It was inevitable it would bring up a misunderstanding. Not to mention when the people are afraid of the demis as it is.

…. They are somehow similar to me.

The Gavizera house which is also known as the ‘Ruler of the Capital’s Southeaster’. As the daughter of such a family, its image lingers around me wherever I go. Adding in how I am engaged to the son of the king’s brother, most of the students in the academy either fear and avoid me, or they would try to catch my favor. Those people only see my outer appearance, and not me as who I am. Be as it may, I too did not actively concern myself with others, so that may make it even. After getting out from the Academy and from the Gavizera house, I started life anew. Amidst living here, I loathe the idea of repeating how I previously did.

The Demis who I interacted here now are definitely not bad people. There would be no reason to ban them from coming here…. Although my profits may drop a little, but I would not refuse them. As I slowly stood up and headed to the kitchen, I made sure to not make noises and made a cup of latte. Bringing it to my mouth, the mild sweetness and warmth spread through my mouth and I felt relieved.

Taking the latte on one hand and heading back to the counter to sit down, I carefreely flipped the sandglass. While taking my time relaxing and reading, I narrowed my eyes.

__

After an hour so so, Sena-san woke up. Tilting his head in wonder how the window sheets were rolled down, he then woke Ryuse-san and the other up.

The mofumofu DemiMercSquad who opened wide their huge mouths and yawned with their ferocious appearance, but cute could be a word to describe them now.

“Would you like to drink something?” As i asked of so, a still sleepy looking Sena-san replied.

“Then, juice for everyone”

Orange juice for each of them. Returning back to the kitchen to prepare them, and bringing them out to the floor afterwards on the tray. Leaving the juices on the table, they swiftly took the juices to their hands and chugged it down.

….Aaa, I would have wanted to directly hand them the cups hoping I could feel some of their fur.

“Puhaaa!! ….Then let’s get goin. Hopefully someone good enough to put up a fight comes out tonight.”

“They’all trashes anyways” Chise-san and Ryuse-san stood up and exited the shop.

I wonder if they are going to do their jobs until late at night. Would they be fine with just an hour of nap? As i think of such, a black mofumofu appeared before the tip of my nose. A paw of a black lion’s– also Boss-san’s right hand.

Surprised, i lifted my face up. A red colored small pouch hanged down from Boss-san’s claw… which looks like payment for the bill. Holding out my hand, Boss-san dropped the pouch onto my hand. *Sring sring (coin sound).

The weight was heavier than expected, and i checked the contents in a fluster. There was approximately 10 pieces of gold coins inside.

*Clink clank, the doorbell sounded, and I could see the Demis heading out.

“T-that! Please hold on! This payment is too much!”

Before their naptime, Sena-san did say they will include a ‘tip’ but… No matter what, this is too much and I can’t accept it. And, the amount given may be wrong, so i rushed out to chase after them. Opening the door and heading outside, only Boss-san looked back to me. Then-

“It was delicious. We’ll be back”, saying so with his low toned voice, Boss-san walked away. I unknowingly turned dumbfounded.

The lion’s black tail was swaying left and right.

“T-thank you very much! I await your next visit” I greeted so with a louder voice to make sure they could hear me in the distance. Boss-san unexpectedly stood still, and waved back at me.

I waved back at him with a smile.

Sena-san and Ryuse-san too looked back, and continued walking again. But their tails looked happy as how they swayed around. Chise-san wavered, waved his hand towards me and chased then went to chase the other 3 in the front.

I saw the 4 of them off until I could not see their figure any longer, then my gaze turned to the small red pouch. Not only was I able to relax today, but I was able to profit a lot as well.

The rental cost of the shop+house was from my stash of savings during my childhood days, so I do not have to pay rent. The coffee beans and fruits were gathered by requesting the Rotos’ help, hence the cost is zero. And since the only staff is me so I do not have to pay salaries.

To begin with, I did not think of making a profit from the cafe, obtaining a gold coin per day from the sales is enough for me.

But if the Demis continue their patronage from now on… While having a lot of work in the morning, i can relax while looking at the mofumofus in the afternoon. I wonder how many days in a month where I could spend it as so. If so, what a wonderful schedule that would be. But a tip of 10 gold coins is too much, so I’m hoping to decline it…. And it somehow makes me feel guilty.

While thinking of such, I decided to see what happens next and went back in to my shop.

__