Mob MC 155.2

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Chapter 155.2. New Year's Preparation

"Indeed, she's a bit clumsy."

Amidst the perplexed gaze of Yamiyo, Nimue had her hand over the mortar.

"Don't worry. Leave it to this Nimue."

[Water Extraction]

Water flowed from the mochi rice, forming a water sphere that fell onto the grass.

"Amazing! It's water magic! Teach me too!"

"Oh no! It just turned into dry mochi rice!"

"It feels rough. Is this going to become mochi?"

Nimue showed her klutzy side. Ranko started feeling sorry for her.

"But, despite that, she's skilled. She effortlessly defeated the Martini members."

"She seems like a fun person. Doesn't seem to me get bored."

Yamiyo was puzzled, while Tamamo laughed heartily, holding her stomach.

Indeed, she doesn't get bored. And she's competent. She excels at cooking and cleaning. Occasionally, she shows her clumsy side, though.

Moreover, she's one of the Nine Strongest Heroic Spirits. In the competition to become Mii-chan's guard, she displayed overwhelming strength. It's hard to understand why she lost to Gerðr. It might have been due to bad compatibility between water and plants, or there might have been other reasons, I don't know.

"Everyone~ The mochi is ready~ Freshly made and chewy~"

Nan-chan skillfully divided the mochi into smaller portions and cheerfully announced it in her usual relaxed voice.

"Eating freshly made mochi is a privilege reserved for those who made it..."

With a blink, Sei-chan slowly descended from Guu-chan. She's a girl who wakes up just at the right time when she hears it's snack time. You didn't make it, Sei-chan. But that's fine.

We're doing a mochi-pounding event in the cold sky, so the pregnant mama wasn't here. Papa seems to be helping with the preparations for the New Year's gathering as Grandpa Kazemichi. It looks tough.

"I'll have soy sauce and seaweed!"

"I'll have it with Mi-sama."

"Tamamo will have kinako powder~."

Freshly pounded mochi. It's impressive because last year we had vacuum-packed mochi. We wrap the small pieces of mochi with seaweed and dip them in soy sauce, then take a bite.

Mmm, it's warm, soft, and delicious.

"All varieties~."

It seems that Nan-chan is using all the side dishes she prepared. Of course, there's not just one mochi. She eats with gusto. Sei-chan, with sleepy eyes, evenly spreads anko on the mochi. Hoku-chan is still by the side of Nimue and the others.

"It seems there's a machine for pounding mochi. Look, Ranko, let's go buy one now."

"I know! Handmade in the Takano County's tradition!"

Nimue proudly shows Ranko the smartphone she bought the other day. It seems that team won't be able to eat mochi for a while.

"It's delicious, but not for Kon-chan~."

"Oh no, you can't give it to a puppy."

Kon-chan, the little fox, jumps onto Tamamo's shoulder and rubs against her cheek. Geri and Freki sit obediently in front of Yamiyo and wag their tails, pressuring her for mochi.

It's a heartwarming scene, and it warms the heart. I didn't have this kind of thing in my past life. It was all work, work, and there were no heartwarming and enjoyable moments.

"Here you go, Mi-sama. Open wide."

"Open wide."

Yamiyo bites into the mochi offered by Mii-chan. The mochi with kinako powder has a unique sweetness and tastes delicious. Yamiyo's face relaxes as she watches Mii-chan happily munching away.

"Em-chan, open wide."

"Open wide."

Tamamo offers some mochi, and she eats it like a little chick. Cheep cheep.

Tamamo smiles happily and bashfully.

So peaceful~

"Then let's bring mochi for papa and mama!"

We place the mochi on a tray for papa, mama, and Grandpa Kazamichi, and announce it to those around us. We need to have them try the freshly made mochi by Mii-chan.

As I headed towards the mansion, leaving behind the voice bidding them farewell. 

I saw mama enjoying a cup of tea with Matsu-san, who had finished setting up the traps. With a smile, I handed mama handed the mochi. I was delighted to receive her praise, saying it was delicious, so I hopped like a rabbit, making her way to papa.

Walking down the hallway, as I approached the study, I could hear voices speaking.

"The latest noble yearbook with photos... How did you manage to get hold of this?"

"Naturally. It's important, Yoshiku. It's enough to remember the faces of our business partners. Some assume they know me and approach me. Besides, if I see someone unfamiliar at a party. I can immediately notice them."

"That's why nobles are...?"

It was a conversation between papa and Grandpa Kazemichi. Papa's voice sounded exhausted and annoyed.

Mii-chan was about to knock on the door, saying she would provide comfort, but she stopped upon hearing the following conversation.

"Also, be cautious of Washizu Yoshitaka. He displayed strange behavior during the Christmas party the other day."

"You're right. It's strange to show such open rebellion at the party hosted by the head of the family."

"Hmm... There's nothing to gain from drawing negative attention. I heard they sent the New Year invitation's party to some branches of the Takano County."

"Is that so? But I also sent invitations to the New Year's party hosted by the head. There shouldn't be anyone attending."

"That's exactly why it's strange. Increase the number of guards."

"...Understood. We'll consider our response here as well."

"I see... Very well. I look forward to seeing your skills."

It was quite a disturbing conversation. Indeed, as Grandpa Kazemichi said, something was amiss when the prosperity of Takano County was about to begin. 

Frig-oneesan must have grasped something.

"Papa, I brought some mochi!" 

She knocked on the door and called out.

For now, papa must taste the freshly-made mochi.