"Kyuu..."
"Do you like it, Puck?"
"Kyuu... kyuu..."
Right now, I watch Puck enjoying its new polished bed, which I made from Oserin's mangrove timber, resin, and Blitz Sheep's wool using [Carpentry]. The bed looks exactly like a baby crib with polished frames, nestled right beside the hearth. The soft wool mattress and Earth magic stone at the frame also give the bed soft and soundproof comfort, so Puck can rest undisturbed.
Then, Yomogi and Chantal step out from a portal in the living room, both carrying heavy bags from the morning market in hand.
"We're back, Motegi-chan."
"Errands are done, Motegi-kun!"
"Welcome home, Yomogi, Chantal."
Soon after, Kimberly and Pinna step out from another portal beside it, carrying equally heavy bags in hand.
"We have... returned, Motegi-sama..."
"Produce collection complete, Master."
"Welcome home, Kimberly, Pinna."
They'd all gone out for morning errands... Yomogi and Chantal to Misdaras, while Kimberly and Pinna to Heiligeichen. And let me tell you how it's possible.
You know that I was usually the one who teleported around between countries, hauling groceries and ingredients, as I was the only one who could teleport. However, it was all changed when I accidentally figured out that the teleportation spell could be modified. All I need to do is open a portal towards my desired destination like usual and leave it running, but I altered the spell so only I, as the caster, and those I grant access to, like the girls, can see the portal. That way, even if I leave it open, no stranger can wander through from the other side because it's invisible for them.
So with that, now the girls can go out on their own without me.
Yomogi and Chantal can replace me grabbing fresh meat straight from Misdaras. Kimberly and Pinna can take charge of fruits, vegetables, rice, and bread in Heiligeichen instead of me. Salacia occasionally volunteers to pick up seafood and seaweed from Oserin. And if we ever run out of exotic cuts or desert-grown goods, Manas can walk into Nomah too.
Then, Salacia and Manas enter the living room, welcoming the errand girls. Manas approaches Kimberly and Pinna, examining the bags.
"Verily, thou didst acquire quite the bounty."
"There was... a large... sale… at the market. So we… may have bought… more than... intended..."
"Budget was exceeded. However… the yield and freshness warranted it. The restock value was optimal."
"Mm, very well, ye two."
Meanwhile, Salacia approaches Yomogi and Chantal.
"Welcome home~! So, how is it~?"
Chantal immediately answers.
"Yomogi still didn't wanna buy gloves, so we went with hand wraps instead."
Yomogi shifts awkwardly.
"Umm… is that okay, Salacia?"
After a moment of thinking, Salacia approves, and Yomogi smiles with relief.
"It's okay. If it lessens bruising, you may wear wraps."
"Thanks, Salacia!"
Salacia's been worried about the bruises Yomogi always gets during combat. And despite Yomogi turning down Salacia's idea for gloves and preferring hand wraps instead, somehow it feels more acceptable for me because it makes her look like one of those hot boxing gym girls back on Earth, but sexier.
"Hey, Yomogi. What's for breakfast today?"
She pauses, finger on her lip in thought.
"Hmm… what about waffles, Motegi-chan?"
"Sounds perfect."
Kimberly and Chantal also approve.
"Waffles… would be… lovely…"
"With honey on top, okay?"
Pinna and Manas chime in.
"If honey is the topping of choice, then pairing it with a strong, bitter beverage will balance the sweetness. I suggest coffee. Its acidity and roasted depth will contrast and enhance the dish's flavor profile."
"Well spoken. The beans of Nomah possess boldness unmatched. Such brew wouldst verily cut through the cloying sweetness… and elevate the dish to greatness."
And Salacia murmurs.
"Mmm~… it already sounds delicious~…"
So with that, Yomogi nods and gives a small clap of her hands.
"Okay, I'll make waffles and coffee for all of us!"
As she heads off toward the kitchen, the rest of us settle into the living room. Chantal stretches out her arms lazily, then glances around.
"Motegi-kun, where's Puck?"
I lift a finger and gesture toward the hearth, surprising Kimberly.
"Right there."
"You… made a bed… for Puck, Motegi-sama…?"
"Yup."
The moment I say that, Chantal, Kimberly, Salacia, Pinna, and Manas all rush toward the hearth like magnets drawn to fluff.
"Oohh… it's still morning, but it's already sleeping? Too cute…"
"So… peaceful. Like a… tiny blessing…"
"Look at it~! I just wanna scoop it up and snuggle forever~…"
"The pilus follis displays polyphasic sleep tendencies. Environmental warmth and auditory stillness likely trigger extended rest cycles. Observational result: visual satisfaction for onlookers is remarkably high."
"Who… would dare disturb such a serene creature as this? Verily… its slumber is sacred."
Then, Chantal turns to Manas.
"Hey, Manas... think we could bring Puck into the labyrinth sometime?"
Manas shakes her head.
"Nay. I do not recommend such folly."
"Why not?"
"The pilus follis, when exposed to the anomalous energies that permeate labyrinths… shall absorb them with ease. In doing so, they awaken with boundless energy… and remain sleepless through the night. What followeth is neither peace… nor silence… but chaos most bothersome."
Chantal exhales with a sigh and a small shrug.
"Aww… that's a pity. Guess that means Puck's staying home..."
Minutes later, Yomogi's voice calls gently from the kitchen.
"Breakfast is ready, everyone!"
And we're all heading to the dining room, and then we're welcomed with seven plates of perfectly stacked waffles, each one drizzled in Needle Bees' honey, and seven cups of steaming coffee lined up beside them. We all take our seats and dig in without a word.
Yomogi hums, chewing with delight.
"Mmm... so soft! As expected of me..."
Chantal grins through a mouthful.
"Waffles with honey really are the best!"
Kimberly chews quietly, then brings her cup to her lips and takes a slow sip.
"Simple… but… delightful…"
Salacia nods.
"I love this combination~..."
Pinna swallows, then explains.
"The waffles provide a fast-acting carbohydrate source, with Needle Bees honey amplifying both sweetness and energy. The coffee's bitterness acts as a stabilizer, suppressing oversaturation of the palate and sharpening focus. Overall: a highly satisfactory breakfast composition."
Manas lifts her cup, savoring the aroma before taking a long sip. Her eyes close, and she lets out a deep, pleased sigh.
"Ahhh… nothing surpasseth the brew of Nomah. Verily… such richness doth please a dragon well."
I cut into my own waffle, crisp at the edge but pillowy in the center. I take a bite, then wash it down with the coffee. The brew hits hard, spiced and dark, bold enough to make me wince a little.
"Whew... strong as ever. But still good."
And with that, we all keep eating, enjoying every bite of a simple, perfect breakfast together.
After we finish breakfast and let our full stomachs settle, we're all getting ready to open the store. Once the girls step out from the wardrobe room with their clerk uniforms, the sight hits me like it always does. Stunning and dangerously hot.
Yomogi and Salacia already tease me as Pinna studies my face.
"Ara, you're staring again, Motegi-chan..."
"It's okay to stare this long, darling~. I don't mind at all~..."
"This visual is encountered daily. Master, is there a newly introduced stimulus influencing your attention response today?"
I can only smile at them.
"No. You're all just beautiful and sexy, as always."
And then, a chorus of red flushes spreads across the room.
Kimberly brings a hand to her cheek, blinking slowly.
"M-Motegi-sama… such flattery… so early in the morning…"
Chantal lets out a half-laugh.
"You know your words can melt us like that, don't you, Motegi-kun?"
Manas scoffs softly.
"Thou art a perverted king… shameless as ever."
"Please don't say that."
Honestly, I used to see this every day, but it never stops being amazing. From their colorful hair colors — orange, purple, blonde, olive, blue, and red — to such unique features as ears, tails, tentacles, and antlers. Maybe someday we'll meet someone with wings later, it can be angel or demon. Or someone with white or black hair to complete the spectrum.
But let's just talk about it another day.
"Kyuu..."
A soft, low chirp draws my attention and I step towards the hearth.
"Oh, Puck? You awake already?"
Then suddenly, Puck springs from the bed and launches toward me, landing perfectly on top of my head.
"Kyuu!"
"Whoa! Hahaha! That's a surprise attack!"
"Kyuu! Kyuu!"
I reach up and poke its cheek with my finger, and it chirps again. When I return to the others, all eyes are on my head. I gently poke Puck's cheek as I ask a question at it.
"Well, we're going to open the store today. You wanna come with us?"
"Kyuu!"
I glance at the girls, and they're all beaming as Salacia and Chantal approve the idea.
"That sounds like a great idea, darling~!"
"Yes, Puck can be our lucky charm too, Motegi-kun!"
Kimberly nods softly and Pinna offers a single thumbs-up.
"We… welcome Puck's decision, Motegi-sama…"
"Acceptable, Master."
Yomogi squeals in delight.
"This is going to be Puck's first time at the store! I'm so excited, Motegi-chan!"
Manas tilts her head thoughtfully.
"Hark… the pilus follis are creatures known for their bashfulness… I am curious to behold how this one shall respond amidst a crowd."
I poke Puck's cheek once more.
"You'll behave, right?"
"Kyuu!"
"Well, that sounded like a yes, right?"
"Kyuu!"
Then, I look to the girls again.
"So, shall we open the store?"
"Yes!"
With that, we head downstairs together. I take my usual spot behind the counter, Puck still perched proudly on my head like a fluffy little crown. The girls move to the front and swing open the doors, stepping outside and saying in unison.
"Welcome to the store! Please enjoy your visit!"
**********
Once the customers pour in like a flood, another busy day begins.
At the ever-crowded toiletries section, Pinna is calmly guiding an elderly lady through the use of shampoo.
"First, thoroughly soak your hair with warm water. This allows the shampoo to distribute evenly."
The old woman leans in with interest, watching Pinna circle her own palm closely.
"Next, apply a coin-sized amount. Then, massage gently into the scalp using circular motions. Focus on the roots, not the ends. Let it foam naturally. Once done, rinse thoroughly."
The lady nods thoughtfully.
"Ah… I get it now, young lady. Can I take two bottles, please?"
"Affirmative."
At the kitchenware section, Yomogi is already surrounded by a familiar cluster of eager housewives as she holds up a gleaming waffle iron.
"And this is the newest model. I actually made waffles with this one just this morning!"
"Ohhh, I can smell it already!"
"They looked amazing!"
Yomogi beams.
"If you want them golden and fluffy, just brush on a little butter, pour in your batter, and flip once the steam fades. Super easy!"
And the housewives begin snatching up irons excitedly.
At the woodworks section, Salacia addresses a nobleman eyeing one of the polished tables.
"Would you like… more sea blessing today~...?"
"Y-Yes. Please."
"Just so you know… the price will go up~..."
"That's fine. I don't mind at all. Please."
"Fufufu~... very well~..."
Still holding his gaze, Salacia sits down on the edge of the table for just a moment, then slides off again. A damp imprint, shaped perfectly by her butt, remains on the wood. And the nobleman is enchanted.
"Ohhh!! I'll… take it!"
"Thank you, gentleman~..."
At the ceramics section, Kimberly approaches a nobleman who's admiring a beautifully glazed jar.
"You have selected… an incredible piece, sir…"
Lifting it with care, she adjusts the jar to catch the light.
"This is… the best piece... in our collection..."
"Perfect."
At the rowdy masonry section, Chantal leans against a display of stone slabs, arms crossed as she eyes a bulky mason.
"So, you here to tell me stories about your wife… or are you actually buying a slab? I can't do both, y'know."
"Ah! Ahahaha...! I talk too much, don't I?"
"Not really. Just keeping you entertained."
The whole group erupts in laughter, the atmosphere rowdy but warm.
At the weapons section, a loud clang rings out...
CLANG!
Manas brings down a blade with force, striking a male adventurer's shield and his chosen new shield. He stumbles slightly, blinking in disbelief at the fresh dent left behind. And then...
CLANG!
He repeats the motion on a new shield he chooses, and his reaction remains the same, as it doesn't even leave a scratch.
"I… I can't believe it. My shield actually dented. And this one isn't..."
Manas rests the sword on her shoulder.
"Thou may taketh this fine shield… for a mere two silver coins. And thy battered shield shall be repaired, free of charge."
"I'll take it!"
Meanwhile, Motegi handles payments and change as usual at the counter. But today, the customers' attention is pulled upward toward the fluffy creature perched on his head.
One of them asks, pointing at it.
"Umm… is that a pilus follis, sir?"
Motegi smiles as he lifts a finger and gently pokes the creature's cheek.
"Ah! Yes, this is our new pet. I don't know why it insisted on coming along today."
"Kyuu! Kyuu!"
"That's so cute!"
"So fluffy!"
"Ahaha... thank you. Now, can I take your purchase, miss?"
"Ah, right! Sorry!"
Then, the shop continues to buzz with life, and above it all, the little pilus follis chirps happily as it slowly begins to find its place as the store's mascot.
LUNCH TIME
**********
"Mmm! It's crunchier than before, Motegi-chan!"
"And spicier too. I'm loving this, Motegi-kun!"
"Verily… this is the spiciest, crunchiest creation mine tongue hath ever known, mine king!"
After the customers' flow tapers, all of us are having lunch together, and for today, I make fried chicken... but not the usual kind I've made before. First, I marinate it overnight, longer than usual. And now that I'm growing corn and chilies myself, I can also have cornstarch to give the coating a sharper crunch and chili powder to add heat.
As for the sauce, I mix mayonnaise, Misdaras's sour cream, milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, dill, chives, salt, and pepper.
"Texture assessment: significantly crispier than baseline. Flavor profile: enhanced spice, balanced acidity. Excessive fat content detected… however, since you stated this dish is served only occasionally, I deem it acceptable, Master."
"Thanks, Pinna."
"Kyuu!"
Puck chirps brightly and happily nibbles a boiled egg coated with the same sauce.
Meanwhile, there are two people who look a little suffering...
"It's spicier… than before… but gratefully… the sauce… softens it…"
"Ghh... this is too spicy… but why is it so good too, darling~…?"
Kimberly's eyes close and water, while Salacia fans her lips dramatically.
"You two okay, Kimberly, Salacia?"
They both nod without a word, unwilling to stop eating.
Fun fact: Yomogi, Chantal, and surprisingly our newcomer Manas handle spicy food the best. As for Pinna, she reacts to flavor like she's running diagnostics, so it's hard to classify. Kimberly and Salacia are the weakest when it comes to heat... although Kimberly's gotten better after being around chilies so often, while Salacia is still learning.
I take a bite of my own, savoring the crunchy skin and blooming heat, followed by juicy meat and the cool, tangy sauce.
"Mmm… that's a really big upgrade!"
And just like that, we keep eating our chicken together and reopen the store soon after.