Reijou Wa Mattari Wo Goshomou Vol 1 Chapter 2

Chapter 2 Café Mattari

1 The opening of the café

I wake up with a refres.h.i.+ng feeling, bathed in the morning sunlight . Getting up from my single bed, I slowly stretched my body . After tidying up the bed sheet, I continue on to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth . Leaving the bathroom, I take another good look at my new room . Other from the bed, there is also a brown table and a green sofa by the window . As I open up the window to allow incoming air, I took a deep breath .

I then opened the closet and took out a dress . Up until now, the dresses I wore were always florid with lots of ornaments, but from now on they will be simple without ornaments and less skirt volume, which makes it very convenient to move in . The design was alike to a corset around the waist but was not squeezing me tightly which felt a bit out of place . I then wrapped a string around my waist and lightly tied it . While looking at myself at the mirror attached to the closet, I combed my hair .

Hair of silverish blue with a tinge of waviness . I combed my hair to the side and tied it in a braid with a ribbon attached hairband and left it through one of my shoulder .

“… . Welcome” Practicing a welcome greeting, I put up a smile . Great, I can make use of the n.o.ble’s smile I learned .

Today is the greatly awaited opening day of the café .

The knowledge I learned as the daughter of the Gavizera House will definitely be of use from now on .

Although this city is located quite a distance from the capital, it is lively . The café is located some distance away from the streets full of other shops and housings . So to notify customers of the opening, I provided samples of coffee and sandwiches which will be served in the café .

I wonder if customers will come by . .

My café is can be reached by going down the stairs towards the first floor .

The counter is set nearby the center, with four single counter seats . 2 set of tables are arranged by each side of the shop . The furniture used are all made of wood which provides a tranquil atmosphere .

“Alright then, I guess it’s time for some light cleaning”

As I clap a few times, I pour magic towards my palm . As I do so, a green cl.u.s.ter of light flows down the floor, and the light draws up a magic circle .

Slowly from within the circle of light, a cute voice of “Fuwawawa~” can be heard which belongs to small sized fairies .

They are called Roto, the fairies of lotus flowers .

2 heads tall, their head looks like the bud of a lotus flower . Light green in color with peridot eyes, a plumpy figure with a pair of hands and legs which looks as if it was stretched out from the body . They are alike to the so called ‘mascot characters’ which was present in my past life, and are very adorable .

Contracted to me, they are fairies who live in the Spirit’s Forest . In return for aiding me, I return their help by fulfilling their requests . Thus is the condition of signing a magic contract with a spirit .

While holding down my skirt, I squatted down and asked of them ‘Please help me with cleaning’ .

The Rotos saluted an ‘Ayee!’ with their small hands and scattered away with a ‘Waaa~’ and started cleaning the shop from one edge to the other .

I enter the kitchen behind the counter and put on a white ap.r.o.n . The kitchen is fairly wide with an oven attached .

Today’s breakfast menu is hot cakes, which I concurrently make with the mixed berries jam which will be used in the tarts served for today’s menu . The fruits used are obtained with the help of the fairies gathering them . Not only are the ones they pick delicious, it does not cost anything and helps out a lot . The coffee beans used in the café are also obtained by asking the aid of other fairies to gather . The coffee beans obtained are then roasted with the help of magic . I also plan to make some time soon to carefully improve it .

*tug tug*

Feeling my skirt being pulled, I looked towards the floor . There, a Roto stood . It seems the cleaning team has enough pair of hands, so this one wanted to help me out . With both my hands, I brought the Roto and put it down at the works.p.a.ce .

Well then, let’s begin .

We begin by reducing the mixed berries to a sauce, while taking a taste test . Yup, it’s deliciously sweet and sour . As I request the Roto to help in the taste test, its small mouth opened up to lick the sauce with its tongue . It immediately quiver in response and held down its cheek with both its hands, moments later it held out its right hand . Looking closer, I could see a small thumb standing up, looks like it’s perfect .

As I giggle, I took out the tart made yesterday and filled it with the berry sauce . After putting the perfected tarts into the refrigerator, next up would be to make the hot cakes .

As I finish cooking a few slices of the thick batter, the Rotos garnished them with the leftover mixed berries we just made . I took out the yogurt from the refrigerator and put it out in front of the Rotos .

“Can you add some yogurt in as well?”

They then did their best to carry the spoon with a ‘Heavey ho, heavey ho’ .

As I bring out the portion for the fairies who worked hard to the counter, we ate the hot cakes together . Since the Rotos are small in size, they had their fill with just one portion of the hot cake with the mixed berry sauce . Their full bellies were rounder compared to before, which was very cute .

There are still some leftover hot cakes, I wished for the other spirits in the forest to indulge in them as well .

As I pack up the hot cakes and hand them over to the Rotos, we said our farewells for the time being .

The Rotos waved their small hands and dived down the circle of light and left for home .

Letting out a breath of relief and some time, I enjoyed the aftertaste of the meal . Usually, I would be on my way for cla.s.ses but I’m no longer a student .

After cleaning up after breakfast, I started to work on the chocolate cake . For starters, having these two desserts served in the café would do . (as in the hotcakes and chocolate cake)

Adding in new items in the menu will depend on taking into consideration of the customer’s demands, or changing the menu daily is also a great idea .

After the completion of the chocolate cake, now it’s time to prepare the ingredients for the sandwiches . Efficiently, but at the speed of my own pace, I finish the preparations for the café’s opening while humming a song .

“Alright, I think this should do it…”

While making a round around the café to make sure I did not miss anything .

The sandgla.s.s left at the counter table caught my sight, I then nonchalantly approached to flip it . While happily looking at the sands falling downward, I realized that I have not brought out the signboard . I quickly went to open the café’s door, went down a few small steps down to the porch and made sure it was clean, then took out the open signboard .

The café’s name is Mattari .

Cafe Mattari .

Looking up the building of two stories, I felt a bit proud of myself .

“Uhm, are you open?”

It seems the first memorable customer has arrived . I came back to my senses and quickly faced towards the customer, the lady in front of my eyes let out a grin .

“Yes! Welcome”

A few weeks after-

Fortunately, Café Mattari flourished well .

Looks like the coffee and sandwich for promotion purposes did great . The results were magnificent but… honestly, I am somewhat troubled .

“Rhonychan! Another cup of coffee!”
“Yes, coming”

“Rhonychan, the cake today is delicious as always . Another slice please”

“Yes, coming in a second”

“Excuse me, 2 cups of coffee mocha please”

“Yes, certainly . ”

… . It was so busy that I felt overwhelmed, but even so, I responded without breaking my smile .

This was unexpected . I did not think that a café would be such a harsh workplace . Wasn’t it supposed to be like, customers coming in and out in turns and there will be plenty of time to pat the cat? Or when there are leftover cakes and sandwiches and I would recommend the customers for some take out? Even though I have well prepared the takeout boxes . . On the contrary, there were rarely leftover cakes and sandwiches these days . Additionally, I was too busy to even recommend takeouts .

The customers kept flowing that there was no time to even pat a cat . To begin with, there is no cats in the shop .

In conclusion, there was not even a pinch of time to relax!

“Thank you for waiting”

Bringing out second helpings of coffee and cakes, as well as the 2 cups of coffee mocha to the table, one of the customers sitting by the counter called out to me .

“Speaking of which, Rhonychan . When are you coming to my shop?”

“Ah, that . . err, maybe not any soon . As you can see, the shop is very busy… I’m sorry . ”

The customer who called me out manages a restaurant, but I gently rejected his offer .

“Whaa, even though I thought to give Rhonychan some services (as in freebies) if you came”

…I told you, how can I go amidst this busyness . While swallowing down those words within me and putting up a n.o.ble’s smile, I went to correspond to another order .

“Come by my accessory shop, I’ll give you discounts . Oh and, another coffee”

“My apologies but I currently have no plans to buy accessories for the time . Please hold on for another cup of coffee . ”

“Heey, Rhonysan . I said I’ll guide you around the town right? When do you want to go? And can I have another sandwich?”

“Thank you for your kind offer but, as I have said before, I’m currently too busy… And it would be difficult to find some time to go with you… Please wait a while for your sandwich, I’ll get to it right away . ”

“Rhonytenchou**, a cup of latte! And also, can I order a date with you?”

“Fufu, sorry but a date is not on the menu . Latte, I will get to brewing it now,”

…All of you, how would you like for me to directly serve hot water on you guys?

Thus that was how I thought to myself, about how troublesome dealing with the male customers was, and I was at the peak of my exhaustion .

I fairly realized how charming I am this life, but up until now due to being engaged (with Schneider), other males had mostly no chance to come near me .

But even so…

Honestly, being popular which I never was, is troubling for me . Should I have to use disguise magic at work? Incidentally, most of the customers are male . Surrounding the counter seats, and there are even customers holding a cup on one hand and standing around the counter here and there . While the male customers on the table seats would lean forward to approach me . Even though there are female customers, the amount of male customers are overwhelming .

Well, this may be due to the uniqueness of a young lady working up a café . And I want to believe that this situation will clear up soon .

Going back to the kitchen, I start to prepare the coffee, sandwich and a cup of latte . Aah, the dishes are piling up as well… I will need to clean the dirty cups after bringing out the orders .

While planning out the order of things I need to carry out, a voice calling me can be heard from the shop .

“Rhonychan~~!!”

“Yess, I’ll be right there!”

…It was so busy that I felt my eyes twirling .

If this goes on, it will be a repet.i.tion of my previous life . The reason I opened up a café is to lay back and relax! If this continues, I will soon or later die of exhaustion! I have to think of a counterplan soon before I fall sick!

-This will end after a while, I can rest well after bearing with this for a while longer . Thinking back, the previous me had always thought of so and continued working . But time did not resolve anything .

Hoping for ‘someday’ is useless… If I do not change it now, all will be back to life of bearing with everything again . But even so, I do not know what to do specifically .

Pasting a warning on ‘No Smooth Talking in the Shop’? Or warning them directly about it? But by chance I word it wrong to them, it might hurt their feelings and in turn they will stop coming to the shop where the shop will incur losses . This is a hard problem . As I continue agonizing in my thoughts, I return back to the shop with a tray full of the orders before .

“Sorry to keep . . you wait . . ing . . ?”

The shop which was filled with customers just a while ago, but now empty without any traces of them . Unfinished and untouched foods and cups left on the table . My eyes opened wide and my gaze was set on the entrance door .

He was not a human .

His head was like a jackal’s, his big straight ears stretched with a sharp outline . With green fur and beautiful almond shaped dark green eyes . Although the head is of an animals, he was standing with two feet . With a small body stature and his height is somewhat bit taller than I am .

Clad in a military-like black uniform with frayed sleeves, a white s.h.i.+rt within with a black necktie and brown pants as well as knee-high boots .

After observing his figure for a while, I finally come to a conclusion .

-That he is a demi-human . (Half beast half human)

As I recall a cla.s.s I attended in the Academy, the demi-humans, beings which I learned its existence of from the textbook . Since birth, they have the ability to transform . A beast form, a half beast form having features of each beast and a human’s who walks on two feet, and is able to transform into a human form as well . The demis are extraordinarily stronger, quick-witted and their bodies are blade-resistant . I have also heard that they are able to rip apart humans with ease .

My first time seeing such a being . My gaze unable to turn away, the demi’s fluffy tail swayed . A green colored fluffy tail . I instinctively stared hard on it .

… . A fluffy tail… How much I would like to touch it .

Amidst my desire, I come back to my senses . It is rude to daze off . I then put up a smile .

“Welcome”

The jackal-like demi silently looked towards me .

2 Reading with the Demi

“Let me bring you to your seat right away . Is the counter seat fine with you?”

While asking the demi with large ears, I put down the tray by the counter . Nevertheless, I wonder where all of the customers just now went to . Though since the cost of their bills are properly left at the counter, it seems they went away willingly . But how weird is it for all of them to do the same thing .

Bewildered, I then felt a gaze upon me from a corner of the counter seats . Facing up, I could see the demi staring at me .

… Speaking of which, there was no reply when I asked if the counter seat is fine with him . Could it be that he could not comprehend the language? But based on the textbooks, the demis are able to comprehend our (humans) language… Whilst waiting with a smile on my face, the jackal-like demi then raised his left hand .

A fluffy and round-shaped beast’s hand . His hand with sharp black claws then pointed towards the latte on the tray .

“That, what is that?”

The voice of a young lad that was definitely owned by the demi in front of my eyes .

“This, latte you mean…”

“Then, I’ll have that . I do not need to be seated . ” Looks like the demi requested for the latte .

“Well then, I will brew a new cup of latte” whilst saying so, the demi shook his head to the sides .

“That one is fine”

Somewhat surprised, I served the latte with its saucer . He then silently took the cup .

…Aaw, I wasn’t able to touch his fluffy hand… What a waste .

“Hey, why don’t you confirm the payments? Though I doubt there was anyone who dine and dashed . ” The demi, slurping down the latte while standing, said to me .

Taking up his offer, I decided to confirm the payments and clean up .

“Then, if you would excuse me”

While confirming the payments left by the table seats, I also cleaned up the tableware . Even while doing so, I was much too curious about the demi . Within my sight, his tail swaying gently . My eyes could not help but chase after its movement . The demi, slurping down the latte while observing every corner of the shop, and then slowly he took ahold of the sandgla.s.s by the counter . Silently looking at it, he then flipped it and returned it back to where it was placed .

The s.h.i.+ning jewel-like green sands falling down brightly, but the demi paid no attention to it and reached towards an untouched sandwich . After confirming its smell, he then chomped down the sandwich .

“Uhm, should I make a new one for you?”

“This is fine”

If said so, then it can’t be helped… I continued cleaning up while looking from the edge of my sight towards the demi who was chewing down the sandwich .

Finally at a point of finis.h.i.+ng most of the work, the demi then called out to me .

“Looks like this place is as the rumors are . And are you the tenchou* here?”

“Yes I am”

As the rumors goes… I wonder what was that about? While in wonders, I nodded in response .

“Are you handling the business alone?”

“Yes, my name is Rhonya . ”

“At such a young age . What about your family?”

“… I live away from them . I decided to be independent and went away from them . ”

Somehow, it felt like an interrogation . Of course I kept the fact that I am the daughter of the n.o.ble house of Gavizera . The only ones who knows of my whereabouts are my grandfather and Ramo, even my friends from the Academy, Henzel and the other, was not informed of the location of the café . Though I did tell them that I am happy now as my wish is fulfilled and to not worry about me .

This place is located quite a distance from the capital, but there is no knowing where the rumors will spread to . Hence there is no harm in being extra careful . Even when asked about these kinds of questions from the customers and the townspeople, I would just answer vaguely .

Giving out a smile and saying that ‘it’s a secret’ would mostly solve the problem . Everyone would be considerate of how I have my reasons and not inquire further .

“…Hmmm?” The almond shaped eyes narrowed, as if still curious . But like everyone else, he did not inquire any further .

After tilting his head and twitching his ears, he once again looked around the shop . I once again turn my attention towards his tail . The long and voluminous tail looks very pleasing to the touch . It is definitely very fluffy fluff .

… . But . . it would be rude to touch it right . .

Though it would be awkward to ask if it’s possible to touch it .

But, I would want to pat it instead of a cat, and his ears looks soft as well . .

Aaah, how I really wish to touch them .

Whilst thinking of such, the demi turned towards me .

“Hey, can I have another latte for takeout . ”

“Oh, yes . Understood . ” My body reflexively quivered .

As the demi had ordered, I then head towards the kitchen . Pouring the latte into a takeout cup, I came to a realization .

That’s right, maybe I could touch his hand when handing over the cup… . Then naturally, I can be able to touch his fluffy hands .

“Thank you for waiting”

I then handed over the cup towards the demi standing in front of the counter with both my hands . The moment he held out his hand to receive the cup, I could feel a gentle sensation of touching his fur .

A silent loud cheer raised within me . It was much fluffier than my expectations .

How I wish to fluff it with both my hands . I want to rub my face in it .

Whilst desperately hiding my excitement, I retain a smile .

No can do, Rhonya . Even if you are not a n.o.ble’s daughter any longer, it is indecent to embrace one of the opposite s.e.x .

Then, something came flying in front of my eyes with a clinking sound which can be heard, I fl.u.s.tered to try to receive it . Looking upon it on my hand, I realized it was a gold coin . The demi had flicked the coin with his finger . The demi then turned away and is leaving the shop . I called out in panic .

“Excuse me, your change…”

A gold coin is equivalent to around 10,000 yen back in my world . A silver coin is around 1,000 yen and a copper around 100 yen .

A cup of latte costs 3 copper coin, while sandwiches costs 5 coppers . I should definitely return back the change, but…

“Tip” The demi turned around and said so .

“And reimburs.e.m.e.nt for causing your customers to run away . I’ll be back”

After informing so, he opened the door and left the shop while I could only stare at his swaying, in a daze . A while after he had went out of the shop—

“…I await your next visit . . ” Though I had said it much too late .

And is it really alright to receive so much for tip .

Putting away the s.h.i.+ning gold coin into my ap.r.o.n’s pocket, I went out .

The vast street was silent, and a moving carriage can be seen afar . The yellow soiled color street without pavement blew up gusts of sands . Buildings, s.p.a.ced between each which lined up . A peaceful city which was entirely different from the capital . This city is located at the southeastern edge of the capital, Domskhasa .

So to speak according to grandfather, this city which is located nearby the country’s border and the neighboring country is the safest city of all .

Looking down the streets filled with gentle suns.h.i.+ne, I search for the figure of the demi’s back . But no matter how hard I try to search, I could not find .

I then return back into the shop and casually cleaned up . The next awaited customer did not visit at all . As I wonder on how unusual this is, I took the chance to have my lunch . Then brewing a cup of thick latte to drink, and took a breather .

It was my first time being able to relax as so ever since the opening of the shop .

A gentle ray of suns.h.i.+ne came in from the window, which made me felt a peace of mind and disbelief of how busy I recently was .

Looks like there’s no traces of any customers coming in .

That’s right, I should take up this chance to read a book .

Up till now, I was unable to read books which I personally am interested in . All I read were always books popular among the n.o.bles . Even when I have possession of a few books which I was interested in, there was no time to read them .

Popular topics would definitely come up during parties and tea ceremonies among n.o.bles . As a daughter of the Gavizera house, I am obliged have knowledge of these topics, lest I my family will be looked down upon due their daughter’s insufficient education . Hence why, I relentlessly read these popular books . Among them, most were novels which were far off from my taste, but now I can indulge myself with my favorite types of books .

Since it’s such a rare chance, I would love to take the time to slowly read the novels of this world . I then went up to the second floor, took the unfinished novel, return back to the first floor and brewed a cup of latte .

Sitting down by the counter, I opened the book and quickly immersed myself in it .

A short story about a certain young girl going on adventures, and the portrayal was to my taste .

Immersed, I keep on flipping the pages… Finished the whole book in one go, I then raised my face to realize that the sky had turned dark . Fl.u.s.tered, I checked the time and it was 8 in the evening . It was closing time .

“Please help me with cleaning up”, I called the Rotos to help out with the cleaning . It was evident that my eyes were exhausted when I put pressure on my glabella (the area between your left and right eyebrow where you frown), then I felt a tug on my skirt .

Looking down towards the floor, the Rotos looking upwards looked very worried about me but I smiled back with a ‘I’m fine’ . But they continued tugging on my skirt with an ‘Aye!’ and dragged me towards the stairs . As if trying to tell me that it’s fine to just rest .

“I’m not that tired today”, so please be at ease or so I wanted to convey, but the Rotos were fussing with an ‘Aan!’ while shaking their head to the sides .

…I’m sure it’s because they are worried about me who continuously had an exhausted face these days . Though it’s true that handling the shop by myself is hard, but thanks to the help of the Rotos before opening and after closure helped me a lot .

Speaking of, most of the spirits does not appear before humans . The Rotos too are among them and are shy creatures .

Touched by the kindness of these small sprits, I let out a gentle smile .

“…Thank you, then I will take up your offer . Please take care of the rest . ”

I bowed and lowered my head, the Rotos then replied altogether with a salute with their small hand . They then scattered to continue the cleaning with a cheer of ‘Waa‘ . After thanking them once again, I headed up to the second floor, towards the bath .

Today was a wonderful day . Although the morning was hectic but I was able to meet with a demi customer, and I am able to spend the afternoon relaxing . Humming a song whilst in the bath, I then realized something .

…Thinking it back properly, isn’t the shop in a pinch if it goes on? If the customers doesn’t come back tomorrow, wouldn’t it turn into a graveyard* soon? What should I do…

I spent the night with worries on my mind .

The next day, my worries turned out to be in vain . As soon as the shop opened, the regulars all came along . Feeling relieved after seeing the usual busyness, I craved for the time I spent yesterday . Nevertheless, seeing the customers enjoy the coffee and cakes makes me glad .

As I continue serving with a smile, I continue on my work throughout the morning .

The male customers surrounding the counters seat are as nosy as ever, but they had always held back hence it was not as much as a burden .

Cling clang . The sound of the shop’s doorbell sounding . I set up the bell this morning during preparations to alert me of the come-and-go of customers after what happened with the demi customer yesterday who came in with me not noticing .

“You there! How long do you intend to keep slouching around for!?” The bustling voice belonged to the baker’s wife . She came and approached her husband who was sitting by the counter seat .

The husband was drawn aback, his ear pulled by his wife and dragged away from his seat .

“Just because Rhonychan is cute doesn’t mean that’s an excuse for you to linger around here for centuries! It’s troubling the other customers, and you have your own work to do!”

“It hurts, you know”

Whilst scolding her husband, the wife faced towards me with an apologetic expression .

“Sorry that my husband troubled you”

“Not at all . I am very glad that he comes by every day . How about a cup of coffee as well, Oku-san**?”

“Ah, then I’ll take upon your offer”

While I was brewing the cup of coffee, the baker’s wife scolded the other male customers in the shop “Do your own work too!” .

“I’m on break”, a weak reply can be heard from somewhere, which made me laughed a bit .

“Thank you as always, Rhonychan”

“Not at all, I’m ever more thankful . ”

Finished with his coffee, the baker couple went back together . I sent them off while waving my hand .

They are the ones who supply the bread used in the sandwiches of Café Mattari . The baker delivers the bread over in the morning and takes a break by drinking a cup of coffee here . The wife then comes by to drag him back with a ‘You’re late’, and they return back together .

All in all, they are very close with each other . Thinking back on this pleasant matter brought a smile on my face whilst I clean the counter seat, when a man who runs an accessory shop called out to me .

“Speaking of, Rhonychan . Sorry for yesterday? Since I went away and all without saying anything . ” The accessory owner apologized .

Thinking back, I didn’t hear out the reason why they abruptly exited the shop yesterday . I then reaffirmed by asking, then—

“Since the demi came”

“If his mood worsen, who knows what he’ll do”

“Speaking of . . Rhonysan . They might have their eyes on you . It’ll be wise to swiftly buy a Beast Ward Charm*** . ”

“I have one installed in my shop to deny their entry . ”

-The reason was none other than the jackal-like demi who came by .

A Beast Ward Charm is as its name goes, a charm which wards off beasts away from the area . Looks like it also affects demi as well, which I didn’t know .

Nevertheless, they really are disliked .

Rumors say they are able to wholly rip a human so it was not unreasonable… but the demi yesterday was not as fearful as said . Deep in thoughts, a customer then called out to me .

“Heeeeey, Rhonychan? Are you listening?”

It seems he was talking to me about something while I was in thoughts . Fl.u.s.tered, I apologized, when the customer replied in a bitter smile .

“Anyways, please be careful towards the Demi Mercenary Squad . ”

“Demi . . Mercenary Squad?”

Puzzled, another customer explained to me about them .

Some distance from Domskhasa, the furthest city, is the country’s border . Further beyond is the large continent of a barbaric country, whose people come to invade with purposes of pillaging . I learned of this as well during my academy days, but I didn’t know of the existence of a mercenary squad of demis .

“The mercenaries employed by the fief lord are very reliable . Thanks to them, the security in the town is excellent however…”

“The mercenaries… They are barbaric… Especially the Demi squad . ”

“That’s right, they are even worse . ”

A demi mercenary squad, which means there is more than one demi .

… . A mofumofu mercenary squad… Just thinking of it makes my cheeks go woobly .

The demi yesterday looked like a jackal which makes me wonder what the other Demis looks like . Silently, my heart filled with excitement .

On the other hand, the customers had a stern expression in their faces .

“Them… they go wild as if they own the place . ”

“Truly a disaster . ”

“Hence they are mostly banned from other F&B shops . Rhonychan too, wouldn’t it be better to buy a ward and ban them away too before you are harmed?”

“That’s right! It would be a grave matter if Rhonychan gets hurt”

Bewildered by their words, I tilted my head .

How can I ban them away from the shop when they have not done any harm? In addition, the demi yesterday did no such thing such as going berserk and even payed a gold coin . And he even said he would come back again, and I would love to provide better services for him next time .

The male customers looked towards me with a worried expression when I vaguely ignored their advices, and invited me out to buy the ward together .

“I will do it”

“No, I will”

With the word fight starting, I started to feel troubled .

When I was wondering what should I do to this matter,

Cling Clang

The sound of the doorbell notifying me of an incoming customer resonated .

__

*Graveyard: the shop will be so silent that there’s literally n.o.body there .

**Oku-san: a more polite way to call someone’s wife, especially when you do not know them well/not know their name . Basically Mrs in j.a.panese .

***Beast Ward Charm: as explained on the next sentence . It’s a charm to ward away beasts from the place .

Demi Mercenary Squad will be shortened to DemiMercSquad for easiness

The furthest city, Domskhasa boasts of the existence of the strongest Demi Mercenary Squad . The Demis who hold the ability to transform from birth, beast form walking on two feet, half beast half human form, and a human form . Due to their overwhelming strength, they are feared by the people . Just a glimpse of the black uniform which symbolizes their status as a mercenary squad, the people of Domskhasa will abruptly run away .

“Boss, we are going to that certain shop today right?”

Sena, the green haired demi, said so while walking . Amidst his hair are sharp pointy jackal ears, and a tail of the same color swaying around at his back . In his half beast form, he looks up to the person walking beside him, s.h.i.+ze, and once again asked .

“You know, the shop I talked to you about yesterday . Do you still remember?”

s.h.i.+ze, who is one head taller than Sena, in his half beast form with a full back black hair and lion ears amidst his hair . s.h.i.+ze continued walking without any sign of answering the question, which Sena did not mind and continued talking .

“The latte I brought back, isn’t it delicious? The café is run by a lady all alone, and that lady is as the rumor goes, a beauty who seems to be here with her own reasons . Even if her shop is able to open by someone’s sponsor, or even if she has some rich person backing her up financially, sooner or later she will definitely be targeted . A young lady running a business alone is definitely a prey too delicious for the robbers to miss . ”

In this furthest city, many with bad intentions from the neighboring country smuggle in .

No matter how much a suburb this city is, opening up a shop requires quite a lot of money . Even if the money was all used up to set up the shop, there are people who thinks about how a young beautiful lady can make up as much money as needed .

“Since we are already banned from the shops in this city, why don’t we dine in the café for some time?”

“……”

s.h.i.+ze then slowly turned towards Sena who made an opinion .

“… . I want meat” s.h.i.+ze said, in a low groan .

“There won’t be steak, since it’s a café, it’ll be filled with only cakes” Sena replied calmly .

The hungry s.h.i.+ze could only shrug his shoulders, but replied with a “…Where is it?”

Looks like he still has the will to go to the said rumored café . As Sena guided the way towards the café, he can hear noises from behind .

“Heeey, let’s go to Cedric city? And I get hit on lots over thereee . ”

The one who approached while saying that was none other than Ryuse in his half beast form with pure white snow-like hair and cheetah ears .

“Ain’t that just you! What’s nice getting hit on by women?!” Snapping on Ryuse was none other than the half beast form Chise . His twitching wolf ears can be seen from amidst his blue hair .

“That means I’m popular . Jealous? Lame” Ryuse, laughing out while holding back his stomach .

Cedric is the neighboring city some distance away of Domskhasa . A city more lively and flourished compared to Domskhasa, where many goes to . Reaching there, the handsome Ryuse would definitely be called out to by the women, but most of them are from further cities and would not know of his ident.i.ty . Once known that he is a member of the Demi Mercenary Squad (*will henceforth shorten to DemiMercSquad) and a Demi at that, they would abruptly run away . Hence why Ryuse will stay in his human form when in Cedric City .

“We’re going to the rumored café today . ” Ignoring the fuss made among Ryuse and Chise, Sena said so .

“Aah, that new shop? With good coffee? And a beauty doing the business right? What, you done scouting there? Ain’t it popular? Won’t it be packed?” A bunch of questions from Ryuse, but Sena plainly answered .

“I went in my beast form”

“Buhahahahahaha! That, the customers ran away right!” Not Ryuse, but it was Chise who burst into a huge laughter .

If they went in their human form while hiding their ears and tail, their ident.i.ties as demis would not be exposed . But once their ears and tail are exposed, people will recognize them as a ‘fearful monster’ . Not to mention when they are in their full beast form, walking on two feet, which looks far more horrendous . Nevertheless, there is none in Domshkasa who knows not of them, and no matter what form they are in, they will still be despised .

“Leaving that aside, what’s the shop called?” Chise asked, while Sena went in thoughts .

“The café? Nonbiri*… Wait, that’s not right . ” (Nonbiri = leisure/carefree)

“Ahh, that . . Mattari . The café is called Mattari . ” The one who answered the name of the rumored café was Ryuse . With a big grin on his face, he asked Sena .

“Is she a beauty? Like what the rumors went?”

“Like the rumors went”

“Ain’t she gonna cry seeing demis?”

“…She did get a little surprised . ”

“Knew it . Then we gotta hide our ears and tail then . . Arrgh, what a pain~” Ryuse, while slightly showing his irritation by swinging his tail .

“…But she wasn’t that scared . ” Or so Sena whispered, but it was not heard by Ryuse .

“Well, all’s good if the food ain’t bad . Now that it’s decided, let’s hurry up . It’s just a matter of time before the Ward gets installed, no?” Chise, continuing after Ryuse .

“I’m starved here, there’s steak right?”

“No it doesn’t”

“… . How am I gonna calm this stomach down?” Groaned Chise while patting his stomach .

“I just hope we could relax there like the café’s name… Until we get banned from going” And so Ryuse’s whisper, carried away by the wind . **

—After walking some distance, the demis finally reached the designated café .

In front of the neat looking café, a signboard depicting it is open stood .

With s.h.i.+ze leading the front, they entered the shop .

Within the shop was a crowd of customers, but the moment they saw the presence of the demis, each and every one of them turned pale and quickly get ready to leave . Leaving their payments on the table, they swiftly exited the shop without b.u.mping into the demis and ran away .

And so, only one person is left .

The owner of Café Mattari .

She who stood in the middle of the counter was a splendid beauty indeed . Silky platinum hair, braided and hanging through one shoulder . A calm blue dress with a white ap.r.o.n, a simple one it was but it complemented her well .

The lady, her blue eyes opened wide and stiff . But gradually, a smile on her face .

“Welcome”

That was, a whole hearted smile welcoming them .

__

**carried away by the wind: the literal TL was ‘his whispers swallowed by the blue sky . ’ but that would feel weird in english terms i think o_o, so i went with this instead