Chapter 155.1

Chapter 155.1. New Year’s Preparation

It’s 4 days later, December 30th, and tomorrow is finally New Year’s Eve.

After the Heroic Spirit had been hired by Papa and feeling relieved for now, Mii-chan, wrapped in a fluffy down jacket, was in the backyard.

Pat, pat, pat. Not talking about her chest, by the way.

In preparation for the New Year, I was pounding mochi. Mochi pounding was an event in the previous world where the neighborhood association would gather at the park, and it seems that it hasn’t changed in this world either.

Holding the wooden mallet, pat, pat.

“Here we go!”

“Taah!”

Since the mallet is heavy for Mii-chan, she was pounding the mochi together with Yamiyo-chan. Pat, pat.

Mii-chan cannot strengthen her body without choosing to “fight,” so she relies on Yamiyo-chan. Yamiyo-chan, with a beaming smile, holds Mii-chan’s hand and swings the wooden mallet. No, she’s holding the handle of the mallet.

“I’m glad I can pound mochi with Mii-sama. I was really sad that I couldn’t see you at Christmas.”

The black-haired beauty smiles and laughs and Mii-chan nods and smiles back.

“Thank you for the presents! I’m really happy!”

Yamiyo’s present was also a plushie animal. I could receive as many stuffed animals as I wanted, so I was delighted.

The only hesitation was that the stuffed animal was a deformed, two-dimensional Yamiyo doll. It’s cute, but they made it well, this doll. It was hand-sewn.

By the way, there’s also a two-dimensional Mii-chan doll at Yamiyo’s place. Is it normal for someone my age to make stuffed animals for their friends?

It was a plushie animal, right? Hehe, I received a Tamamo doll! It was a deformed and cute doll. It looked adorable in fox-kin mode!”

Tamamo, sitting next to the mortar, swings her sidetail around and seems happy. Tamamo also received a plushie animal.

I see. The mystery is solved!

“Yamiyo-chan, you got the presents mixed up, didn’t you? You were supposed to give me the doll.”

“I didn’t mix them up.”

“Oh well, you made a mistake again without being embarrassed.”

“I didn’t make a mistake, Mii-sama.”

“Oh, yes…”

Are you embarrassed and don’t want to admit your mistake? Well, it happens. It’s okay. I’ll keep it safe until you’re ready to honestly admit your mistake.

“Soiyaa!!”

“Hoisai!”

With our synchronized combination, the mochi pounding continues. Tamamo swiftly flips the mochi and sprinkles water on it.

The steamed rice, which was initially just plain rice, quickly transforms into proper mochi. It’s quite impressive. Making mochi gives a pleasant feeling.

Takano County is fully engaged in mochi pounding. We lined rows of pestles and mortars, and everyone enjoyed the rhythmic pounding.

“Keep up the good work! We have kinako powder, sweet bean paste, soy sauce, butter, and seaweed.”

Nan-chan sits next to the mortar and cheers on Mii-chan and the others as we pound mochi. She holds a small plate and chopsticks, looking excited and eager.

“Kon kon.”

“Woof woof.”

“Woof woof.”

Beside her, Geri, Kon-chan on his head, and Freki are sitting obediently.

Whether they have forgotten their wild instincts due to puppy transformation, their tails wag vigorously, and their round eyes fixed on us. Is it food? Will you give us some? They seem to be expecting it.

Sorry, I can’t give you mochi, puppies. If I make mochi, you’d probably jump at me asking for some. Aren’t you supposed to be divine beings? You guys look like puppies to me.

“Well, if it’s done. Let me know… Snuggly~”

Sei-chan sat on Guu-chan’s fluffy back, curled up and speaking in a sleepy voice, and even closed her eyes sometimes.

It looks so cozy. I’ll hop on Guu-chan’s back later too.

“We’re both water magic users, right? It’s my first time meeting an elf!”

Sparkling with excitement, blue-haired girl Hoku-chan talks to the person next to her who is pounding mochi.

Once the warm mochi is ready, Nan-chan skillfully places them on plates and carries them to the table, toddling along.

Wiping the faintly sweaty forehead with a towel, Yamiyo turns to the person she hired as a new bodyguard.

“Is that person the newly hired guard, Mii-sama?”

“Yep. Mizuno Nimue-san and Yamate Gamon-san stand in the woods. Yamate Matsu-san, Gamon’s wife, is not here as she’s setting up defensive charms around the mansion. She’s a miko! They’re all incredibly skilled!”

“That samurai look very skilled. There’s no opening in his stance.”

“He had a flaw in his grooming, so Papa scolded him. He was forced to shave off his scruffy beard.”

Gamon strokes his chin, seemingly concerned about its smoothness. Yeah, scruffy beards are a no-go. I thought it might be fine since it’s a novel world, but apparently, it’s still not acceptable.

“That’s Mii-sama’s father, it seems. And the other person, is that?”

Mii-chan’s turns her face towards Nimue, who is pounding mochi with Ranko-san.

“Ah! Why did you pour all the water?”

“Too troublesome. Besides, it’s more efficient to pour it all at once.”

“Don’t you see that the mochi rice has become mushy?”

“Oh? You’re right. Is this how mochi is made?”

“There’s no way that could be true! It has turned into porridge!”

Ranko-san seems to be struggling. Choosing Nimue as her partner for pounding mochi and handling the water has been a mistake.

Nimue wears a maid uniform. She says a bodyguard uniform for her master is a maid uniform. She’s learning maid duties from Ranko-san.

That’s why Ranko-san chose her as her partner for this mochi-pounding session, despite her screaming.

I can pretty much imagine what’s happening inside the mortar.

“That person doesn’t seem like such a skilled bodyguard. I don’t sense the aura of a strong fighter from her.”

Yamiyo glares at Nimue, who is showing a foolish appearance. Yeah, I understand. She doesn’t look like a highly skilled magician.