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1 Flirting
It has been some time since I started the café and am already accustomed to the preparation work before the opening time.
The morning that day, the Rotos were helping in cleaning and we ate the French toast with marshmallows that we made together-
Despite it’s not the opening time yet, the doorbell had rang. The Rotos who were siting by the counter table jumped down to the floor in a fluster.
“My apologies but, we’re not open yet-“
Looking to the door, I was shocked. The one who stood there was a refined old man. The old man had silver hair with a tinge of sky blue, and looking closer there were mixed with white hair. Wearing a deep blue trench coat with a silver stripe vest and his wrinkled face looked full of kindness.
“Good morning, Rhonya” The old man with a warm smile, he is my grandfather.
“Grandfather Ronard!”
I was so happy that he came to visit that I embraced him without thinking. Grandfather gently caught me.
“It has been a while. How about having breakfast together? I have some French toast” (Rhonya)
“Why, I’ll partake” (Grandpa- henceforth G-pa)
“Alright!”
Having breakfast together. What a joy.
“Good morning, Rhonya-ojousama”
A voice from behind my grandfather. Sneaking a peek behind my grandfather, there stood Ramo, his guard. Ramo with dark navy hair and eyes was wearing a black tailcoat.
“Good morning, Ramo. Would you like to have some French toast as well?”
“Thank you for the invite, but please do not mind me and enjoy it together with Ronard-sama”
Bowing down his bead, Ramo declined. He was not tense like back when he was tasked to guard me but his sense of duty was as strong as it was. Dully noting his status, he always stood a step behind.
“
 I see”
Even when I had invited him to tea several times, he always declined and we had never shared a table before.
But since it’s such a rare chance, I hope he would drink a cup of coffee.
“Good morning, spirits” Grandfather greeted the Rotos who were hiding behind the counter. Although the Rotos were shocked, they gradually all came out bubbly then bowed down.
I’m sure the shy-natured Rotos will warm up quickly after this.
Heading to the kitchen to make grandfather’s share of toast and returning back to the counter, the Rotos were munching their cheeks full with the French toast. Grandfather pleasantly looked at them.
Serving the plate of French toast, grandfather then smiled kindly.
“How are you faring? Living alone and handling the cafĂ©.”
“It’s going well and very meaningful. The coffee and cakes sell great too”
Whilst eating breakfast, I reported about several things to grandfather. Like the old times, I told him everything that I thought of.
The never changing times even after I stopped being a noble.
While feeling embarrassed, I continued eating the French toast. The light fragrance of the vanilla’s sweetness spread throughout my mouth, a flavor which I really like. The Rotos lightly responded while I continued my stories whilst filling their cheeks full of the small portions of French toast.
After the sweet breakfast, next was coffee time. I served strong fragrant coffee to both grandfather and Ramo. Although Ramo looked hesitant to accept it, he received it in the end.
“
.It’s very delicious. I truly thank you, milady” Sipping the coffee, Ramo politely thanked me. He then looked closer within the cup.
What cued me to brew coffee was Ramo. And that was also the reason why Ramo had to stop being my guard. 
.Altough it was somewhat complicated, how I wish we can peacefully enjoy a cup of coffee together.
Looking back to grandfather, I wanted to talk about the Demis next. About how they showed me how Demis transform, and how fluff they were. But before I could, grandfather spoke up first.
“Have you made new friends?” And so he inquired while elegantly taking a sip of coffee.
“Fri..ends..”
I have met many different people ever since I came here. But to call them friends, none came to mind. Although the townspeople are kind, but if you asked me if they are my friends, I feel that it’s not quite right. Even the customers who visit every day, I don’t think we are close enough to be called friends.
I.. have not made new friends.
Getting into deep thoughts, grandfather finished his cup of coffee and smiled.
“Let me know when you have made new friends the next I come. I’ll be back again”
“Eh
. Are you going already?”
Even though I still have so much more to talk about.
“
To tell the truth, I came to find Robert-kun”
The moment I heard that name, my body shivered, and I felt my blood gushing through.
Grandfather patted my back and told me “It’s fine. I did not tell him where you are.”
Robert is the name of my brother. The eldest son of the Gavizera house, a prideful and resolute person, and very strict with me.
I wonder why that brother of mine is looking for me. Thinking back on everything he had done to me, I doubt that he is worried about me. Dragging me back would not benefit the Gavizera house in any way
 I do not want to know the reason, it somehow frightens me.
“If I stay too long, there is a probability that Robert might sniff you out. So just in case, I’m holding back to visit you” (G-pa)
“A-alright, I understood” (Rhonya)
If it’s my brother, he would be suspicious of grandfather’s absence and chase after him.
Turning pale, grandfather then gently patted my head.
“And
 Schneider-kun too, he came to me, asking for your location”
“Eh? He.. did?” Astounded.
If he did look for grandfather to reason with him about the annulment of the engagement, it would make sense but.. to ask of my location

“
Should I tell him of your location?” Putting his hand on my shoulder, grandfather looked straight into me. Without a need to think of the answer, I quickly shook my head to the sides.
“
Are you sure? You both were so close to each other back then. And that time when you got a cold, he stayed by your side and cared for you even when everyone else did not allow him to
. Are you not giving him another chance?”

How nostalgic. I remembered something like that happened, but the future he chose was not to be with me.
“Schneider had found the one he truly loves. I do not have the right to bind him. I hope for him to be happy with someone who will be with him at all times and support him.” And so I replied while looking straight to grandfather.
“
.I understand then. Please don’t force yourself with your work. Make friends and live happily, Rhonya” Grandfather put up a gentle smile, then kissed me on the cheek. I tightly hugged him back.
Ramo then took out a magic tool, a black cane which activates a teleportation spell.
I then moved some steps away from grandfather.
The moment Ramo swung the cane, a magic circle shone beneath him and grandfather’s feet. A white mist then appeared and covered them. Gradually, the mist dispersed and vanished, and so did the two.
“

”
Returning to my seat by the counter, I sip the leftover coffee. Thinking back on what I talked with grandfather about, my brother’s face came to mind.
Clatter clatter, the sound of the cup shaking due to my hands.
The Rotos turned teary, looking at me worriedly.
“
I’m fine
 He can’t find me..”
Although I was not sure, but I don’t think he will continue looking for me until now. He would think it’s useless to do so and quickly gave up.
“If the time comes, please let me stay at the spirit’s forest alright?” The Rotos responded with a weak smile. They then cuddled close to me. Looks like they are trying to comfort me. Soft like marshmallows, with a slight elasticity and a sweet fragrance, which heals me thoroughly.
“Thank you, everyone
 Alright! Then, let’s finish up the Berryva cake!” as I change my mood and straightened my back. Cheerfully saying so, the Rotos smiled. They all come down the table with a ‘Waaa-‘ altogether.
The cakes for sale today are almost ready before we had breakfast, all that’s left is the Berryva cheesecake. I had requested a favor from the Rotos to gather some Berryvas some time ago, but since I was unsure about the amount needed, I asked them to continue on gathering them for me. After finally gathering enough of it, I added the Berryva cheesecake into the menu today. And I plan to share a whole Berryva cake to the Rotos for all the hard work they did. Together with those for sale, I made a total of 3 whole Berryva cakes.
The Berryvas, red like raspberries. Although it’s in season right now, it’s a fairly high priced fruit in this world and unless one is a wealthy noble, it would be hard to obtain them. So I’m sure the customers would love it. And since the Berryvas are sweeter than strawberries, I intent to mix it with the raspberry sauce which retained their sourness. The Rotos who were taste testing the raspberry sauce stiffened and shivered to its sourness, which made me laugh.
Whilst enjoying working on it, the Berryva cheesecake are successfully completed. A special menu just for today. The other cake for sale today are the fruit tart and fondant chocolat topped with plenty of fruits. Writing the cake menu down on the blackboard, I then displayed it outside the shop.
Before long, the Rotos then returned home, and it suddenly came to mind.
“Friends..” Speaking of friends, what came to mind were Henzel and Lexy, the two who I am closest with at the Academy. Henzel who’s helping out with his family’s merchant business and away from the Academy, and Lexy who is currently overseas. I sent letters to them saying that my dreams came true and to not worry about me, but maybe they still worry about me.
In truth, I would like to let them know once again that I’m living well right now but, thinking about how my brother and Schneider is looking for me, I thought it would be better to not contact them yet. Although it is unthinkable that they will expose my location but one does not know how it may be leaked out
 How I wish we could have a casual talk
 What a convenient tool a hand phone is my previous world

I wonder if I could make friends here just like Henzel and Lexy. Thinking back, I had never personally reached out to make friends
 Friends.. how do you make them? Whilst thinking of such things, Café Mattari is now open.
After a while, the customer who came in was the owner of the accessory shop.
“Good morning, Rhonya-chan”
“My, good morning to you. It has been a while”
After what happened with the Demis, he stopped coming to the cafĂ© and I had thought we won’t be coming back anymore—
“If I don’t drink the coffee Rhonya-chan brews, I’m not energized, so, can I have a cup of coffee please?” and so he said in a somehow embarrassed tone. Happy with his words, I nodded with a smile.
The cakes were more popular today, as the female customers’ eyes lighted up choosing among the cakes. As expected, everyone was happy about how ‘I’m so happy I could easily obtain a Berryva cake to eat’. At the time when the cafĂ© had calmed down, a female customer called out.
“Thank you for the food! It was very delicious!” She was wearing a light pink frill dress with a striped beige pink corset paired with a short pants, which was a very unique coordination.
There is not many females In this world who wears short pants, even I who casually wears them in my previous world had stopped now.
The customer wore a black colored long boots which eludes a fashion of coolness within sweetness. Her long and beautiful Chartreuse (yellow-green) hair tie weaved together with a white ribbon. She, a regular customer, always came with a stylish outfit. I courageously called out back to her.
“Your hair is lovely too today”
“Nn? Thanks-!” She put up a big grin and held the cup of latte to her lips.

 I wonder if she is around the same age as me? Asking her name, she happily laughed with a ‘fufu’.
“My brother did my hair~”
Her brother, did her hair
?
I turned dumbfounded hearing her say so, since my brother never did my hair. Or holding hands together, or playing together, or even have a casual talk with each other.
“
What a skillful and lovely brother you have”
“Yup-! And very kind!” As she boasts about her brother and replied with a cheerful voice. How charming.
“
.Uhm
 If I may know your name—“
“Ah! Does Tenchou-san have any siblings?” My question interrupted, I blinked. Huh, your name

“
Uhm, yes. A brother. But you could say we are not close, I guess”
“Eh-? Really? If I were Tenchou-san’s sister, I would’ve wanna touched your hair~ Tenchou-san always has the same hairstyle right?”

.While not being able to hear her name, the conversation continued on. Although I hoped to ask again, I do not know the timing to.
“I woulda like to see it down~”
“Since it would be a hindrance while I’m working in the kitchen”
“What a waste! Such beautiful hair..” As she said so, she finished the cup of latte. Then took out her wallet and left the exact amount of payment on the table.
“Thank for the food! See you again Tenchou-san!” Leaving her seat, her braided hair swayed and exited the cafĂ© whilst her boots make a heavy sound.

In the end, I could not ask her name..
Changing my mood, I continued my work. After, I tried asking several other female customers but I didn’t succeed in asking their names too.. It’s not going well. While I could not ask their names, I wonder how am I to make friends with them?
Involuntarily leaking out a sigh, the doorbell rang with a cling clang.
___
Involuntarily leaking out a sigh, the doorbell rang with a cling clang.
The time had just turned eleven in the morning.
__
Black striped shirt and a black vest, with a loop tie held together with a round accessory like emerald. A small statured young lad with leaf green hair- it was Sena-san. He was not wearing the symbolic uniform of the MercSquad, and in his right hand is a book.
Many knows that Sena-san is a Demi, even without him wearing the uniform. Hence, the customers in the café swiftly packed up their things and prepare to leave. Stuffing the unfinished cake all into their mouth and placing the payment on their table, they quickly exited the café.
Within moments, only I and Sena-san was left. Looking towards the clock hanged on the wall, Sena-san then shrugged his shoulders.
“Looks like I came too early
 Sorry”
“Welcome. Are you alone?”
“
 I’ll come back later
”
As he turned back, I stopped him in a fluster.
“No, please, have a seat wherever you like” As I said so while clearing up the tables.
Sena-san then chose to sit by the counter seat.
“What about your earnings? Is it fine? Since we’re the only customers you have most of the afternoons.”
“It’s fine. The cakes are faring well and plenty of customers request to take them out together with a drink. Oh, we have Berryva Cheesecake today. Would you like some?” As I ask of so, Sena-san answered after some thinking.
“
.Hmm.. I’ll have it. After you finish cleaning up is fine”
“Very well”
Taking up his offer, I continued cleaning.
“I think the others will come by after 12. I have an off day today.”
“Is that so.. Umm, is everyone’s job.. always until late evening?”
While carrying the utensils to the kitchen, I asked out of curiosity.
“Most of the time, yes. We head towards the border around dusk and patrol nearby. I’m sure you know how the neighboring country is quite barbaric? It gets even more barbaric when the bad guys are planning some crimes. To make sure that they do not come close to Domskhasa and the neighboring cities, we drive them away. And then return after confirming they do not come close to the cities through other routes.”
I spontaneously opened my eyes wide.
“
The four of you in the DemiMercSquad.. are protecting the area from here until the border?”
The city of Domskhasa is situated in the most edge of the country, and is close to the border. But even so, there is quite a distance between, moreover to go on foot will take quite some time.
“We’re enough for it. Since we can move faster than humans and the intruders can’t escape from our eyes or nose.”
“
.You guys are really.. the strongest. You have my respect” As I commend them with all my heart, I then bowed my head down deeply.
Said to be the strongest, the DemiMercSquad. They are the strongest shield of the city of Domskhasa as well as its sword.
“
.It’s uncommon.. Your reaction that is.” As Sena-san rested his chin on his hand, he looked towards me in amusement.
“The customers are not coming anyways? Why don’t you take a sit as well and have a talk with me.”
Told to sit beside him, I became troubled.
Preparing 2 sets of Berryva Cheesecake and latte, I sat on the left of Sena-san.
Sena-san then took a sip of the latte, as well as a mouthful of the Berryva Cheesecake.
“Delicious” as he whispered, he then tilted his head and asked.
“This, is it alright to use such a valuable ingredient?”
I replied, “Fortunately, I was able to procure it cheaply.” And laughed.
The ones who gather the Berryvas were the Rotos. Of course I have rewarded them for it, but it is very easy to reward them so.
I too indulged in the cake. Yup, I can say so myself that it’s delicious. The creamy and rich taste of the cheese complements well with the sweet Berryva and sour raspberry.
Suddenly, the book that was left in the table caught my eye.
“Is that.. a novel?”
“Yes, it is
 Speaking of which, the other day you were reading a very old novel. Do you like that writer?”
I suppose he’s talking about the book I secretly read in the kitchen during the DemiMercSquad’s first visit. That time, Sena-san discovered me doing so.
“I had bought some time ago it but I didn’t have the chance to read it. So I’m not familiar with his other works”
“Ah
 Then, reading is not particularly your hobby?”
Sena-san was somewhat disheartened. I wonder, does he likes to read books?
“Umm, actually, I was not able to freely read books all this time, but I do read plenty of the popular ones
 Hence, with this new livelihood, I’m thinking of reading more books. Although I had only completed 2 until now.”
“
Hmmm” Sena-san looked deep in thoughts, then he spoke up.
“So you read plenty of the popular ones, right? If you let me know some of which you like among them, I can recommend some which may be to your liking”
My eyes opened wide to that suggestion.
What should I do, I’m so happy!
Additionally, if we have the same hobby, we could go further than an owner-customer relationship and become friends. And may be able to talk more casually compared to now, and even read books together
. I have never read a book together with someone else. It somehow feels fresh, and makes me feel uplifted.
“
Uh, uhm.. Sena-san”
“Yes?”
Whilst nervous, I resolved myself to speak out.
“Could you.. be my friend?” My heart beating fast.
On the other hand, Sena-san’s deep green eyes opened wide.
“You, are you sure you know about Demis?”
“
Yes. Although it was my first time seeing the transformation a few days back, I believe I do not have a misconception about them.”
What should I do
 I’m suddenly turning worried. Was it too quick to ask if we could be friends?
Sena-san then narrowed his deep green eyes and said, “We Demis could easily rip apart a human you know”
“What strength”
“
. Did you not imagine being in that state yourself?” I tilted my head to that question
“Are you going to rip me apart?”
“
I’m not ripping you apart”
Then, for the first time, Sena-san smiled. A soft and gentle, kind smile.
His face then turned all green in that moment. As if a breeze of wind blowed in the plains, the jackal’s fur shined.
The first Demi I met. His large ears stretching straight up, and almond shaped deep green colored eyes. His tail was long enough to touch the ground and voluminous.
“Once again, a pleasure to know you. I’m Sena”
“Ah, pleased to meet you too. I’m Rhonya”
__
Does this mean
 I got his consent?
Due to the happiness of so, I fell into a daze. And so, I nonchalantly took ahold of Sena-san’s hand and shakes my hand with his.
Thus, I then realized. The fluffy hand
 There was a paw pad hidden within the green fur.
Paw pad
 Yes, paw pad

The squishy texture made me speechless. Surprised and stiffened, Sena-san’s smoothly distanced from mine.
Aaaaa, the paw pad
.
Whilst feeling reluctant to part. Disheartened and after shrugging my shoulders down, Sena-san’s voluminous tail softly brushed against my waist. It then went up on my lap as it is.
“You can touch it, Rhonya”
To those words, my thought process stopped.
“You want to touch it right? I remembered your gaze from when we first met. Ryuse too said that you were looking at his tail, and even you were curious about Chise’s tail too right?”
So I was busted then

My cheeks flushed.
Sena-san did not looked displeased, in fact, he looked like he’s enjoying it.
But
. If he said so himself that I can fluff it, then I will gratefully touch it!
“T-then
 Pardon me”
With a different nervousness from before, my hand and voice trembled. Carefully and timidly I held out my right hand.
From my fingers, I felt the soft green fur. Resolved, I plunged my hand amidst the tail.
I knew it, it has a very velvety texture. While slowly patting it, I enjoy the texture throughout my hand.
“
What a wonderful fur”
“Thanks”
Whilst paying attention to not drown too much into the pleasure, I continued patting the tail.
Aaa, mofumofu.
Unstoppable once you start to pat it, I continued smoothing through the silky tail.
Soon after, Sena-san asked as if he had given up.
“Can it touch yours too?” Looking towards him, he was staring at my hair.
A touching session. If so, I can freely continue touching his tail. If it’s the braided part of my hair, I do not mind it being touched.
Giving a nod of affirmation, the puffy green furred hand stretched out and touched my braided hair. I continued enjoying the tail. But the next moment, I stiffened in astonishment.
*rub rub

.The green jackal.. was rubbing my right cheek. The soft fur touching my face made me slightly ticklish.
“
Wha- what, are you doing? Sena-san”
“Frolicking”

I see.
Sena-san continued rubbing over my face.
I felt my own face turning hot. He’s just frolicking, frolicking. Whilst I persuaded myself like so, Sena-san is in case of the opposite sex
. And this is kind of embarrassing

“Umm, is this something friends do with each other?”
“Un, we frequently do this” Sena-san plainly answered.
“Humans don’t do this?”
“Well, not particularly
”
“I see.. I didn’t knew.. You hate it?”
“No, please, continue if you want to”
Although there is still the slight feeling of embarrassment, if this is proof of how Demis express their friendship then I would like to accept it.
Skinship with the mofumofu that I yearned for.
How I wish to embrace it, and I even thought of plunging my face into the fluffy hand. Even rubs are most welcome.
Summoning my courage, I rubbed my cheek against Sena-san’s (probably the hand) with my own will.

.Mofumofu
 So soft..
“Do you, commonly frolic around like this?” (Rhonya)
“Sometimes. Chise often badger us to do it. You never know he will eventually badger you to do it someday?”
“
It looks extreme so I would like to decline it”
“It’s extreme, I tell you. So much that it turns annoying. I’ll warn him about it**”
I can somehow imagine it. Since Chise-san’s body is quite large, it can be scary. And his hands look hard, and if you would let me choose, please let me brush him.
Ah, but
 I do want to try frolicking with Shize-san, the black lion. That dignified mane, how I wish to plunge my face into it.
“Does Shize-san.. that.. frolic too?”
“Yeah he does”
“His mane.. that.. Is it fine to touch it?”
“
. You want to frolic with Boss?”
Full of anticipation as I nodded, Sena-san then distanced himself. Then, he tilted his head, and put his hand on his chin and went into thought.
“If it’s the mane, he will get mad. The last time Chise ruffled it, he got thoroughly scolded”
“Eh, is that so
”
But, I guessed so. A mane is a lion’s pride. So then it’s impossible to fluff it.

.What a shock.
Sena-san continued on after I shrugged my shoulders down.
“Un. If you touched it, I’m sure he would bite off your head and get ripped apart”
“H-his anger is that bad!?”
A dream within another dream then***
 It looks impossible to frolic with Shize-san.
Hanging down my head in disappointment, Sena-san’s tail shaked around.
As I realized it and looked upward, Sena-san had a very mischievous smile on his face.
“
.Perharps, you were joking?”
“Pff.. Why don’t you try asking him if you could touch it then? The boss kind of fond you, so maybe he would allow it” His shoulders shaking, Sena-san held back on laughing.
It seems I was played with.
“Then, are you not interested in frolicking with Ryuse?” (Sena)
I tilted my head to Sena-san’s sudden question.
“Ryuse-san? 
Doesn’t he dislike me?”
“Ah, you mean what happened the other day? That’s just him in a bad mood, I think Ryuse is fond of you too. Ryuse doesn’t hate people who accepts the fact when they find out he’s a Demi. Not like the ones who approaches him when he’s in his human form and turns around immediately after knowing he’s a Demi. But even after you knew that we were Demis, you still accepted us as your proper customers. He may look hard to understand, but I think Ryuse wants you to pay more attention to him”

.Which means, there is a chance that I will be able to freely touch Ruse-san’s tail?
A cat who wants your attention, that is too cute!
While agonizing in my heart, Sena-san slightly whispered.
“To us, you are precious
”
“Eh?” As I tried to inquire about his statement, but Sena-san then leaned on my shoulder and closed his eyes. He then repeatedly rubbed his face against my shoulder and let out a deep breath.
“You smell sweet
” While saying so, Sena-san’s nose was sniffing around
“You always have the scent of sweet things and plants
 My favorite scents..”
Sena-san’s cold nose touched the side of my neck, which was ticklish.
“
Rhonya, you touched me the last time right?”
My heart skipped a beat to his words.