Another World Fluffy Cafe

Chapter 12: The Leader of the Forest Cat Pack

“Myafoo…”

Having eaten three rabbit cookies as a snack, the Forest Cat seemed satisfied and snuggled up against Taichi’s leg.

It seemed that it had taken a liking to him even before the taming process.

(Perhaps this is thanks to my job?)

Thanks to his profession as someone loved by fluffy creatures, he appeared to have a natural affinity for them.

While he was known as a Tamer to others, he figured that anyone would be envious if they heard about his unique connection.

(But can I really tame it?)

He felt a bit guilty, as if he were taking advantage of its weakness, but since he had come to tame it, it didn’t matter if he did it now or later.

Moreover, seeing it enjoy his snacks made him grow attached to it… It might be simple-minded, but that was how he felt.

“Alright! Taming!!”

“Mya!”

As Taichi used the skill, the Forest Cat was enveloped in a sparkling light. It was a sign that the taming had succeeded.

The Forest Cat blinked in surprise but soon smiled and let out a cheerful “Nyaa.”

The Taming skill granted by the Cat God allowed him to turn a monster into his familiar. The success rate depended on the skill level.

Relieved that the taming had been successfully completed, Taichi let out a sigh of relief.

(Now I just need to give it a name.)

As he thought about what to name it, he noticed the pink fur beside its behind resembled the shape of a cherry blossom.

“Alright, from today, your name will be Sakura!”

“Nyaun!”

As Taichi named it, light poured down on the Forest Cat—now Sakura.

“Mya~”

Sakura seemed pleased with her name and affectionately rubbed her nose against Taichi’s hand, expressing her fondness.

(Wow, so fluffy… so cute, so cute~~!)

He was completely moved by how different she was from the cats at the cat café.

“Honestly, what a lazy expression you’re making!”

“Luke! I can’t help it if she’s so affectionate… It’s just too moving!”

He picked up Sakura and rubbed his cheek against her adorable little face.

“Nyan.”

“Is that so? You’re happy, huh? I’m also happy to be getting along with Sakura!”

However, he suddenly remembered that Forest Cats were known to act in packs.

That meant Sakura likely had several companions within her group.

“I can’t just take Sakura home by herself. It would be great if I could tame the whole pack…”

He wondered if it would work out.

Just then, the grass where Sakura had come out rustled.

“Who are you?!”

“Eh?!”

Startled by the sudden question, Taichi jumped.

Out from the grass emerged a larger Forest Cat, about 80 cm tall, accompanied by eight others around 40 cm in size.

(Wow, there are so many…)

Wait, that’s not the point.

“So you’re the pack leader, huh?”

He realized that perhaps he had angered them by taming one of their members without permission and naming her.

Could it be they were thinking, “How dare you take our cute friend away!”

He felt it might be best to sincerely apologize.

As that thought crossed his mind, he found himself bowing his head.

“I’m sorry for taming one of your pack members without permission…!!”

“Huh?!”

The Forest Cat leader blinked in surprise at Taichi’s bow.

After a moment’s contemplation, the leader’s expression softened.

“It seems you’ve been tamed by a decent human.”

“Eh…?”

“I’m not angry, really. In fact, I’m grateful that you dealt with that Giant Claw for us.”

The leader coughed lightly and then presented Taichi with a proposal.

“How about we make a deal?”

“A deal…?”

He never imagined that a monster like the Forest Cat would propose a deal to a human.

However, it was also possible they were in a desperate situation that warranted such action.

Taichi swallowed hard and awaited the next words.

“Not many humans would go through the trouble to tame a Forest Cat. You must have some purpose, don’t you?”

“…!!”

(They see right through me!!)

It was true that Taichi had a grand dream of opening a fluffy café with cats!

Being a cat lover, he had come this far for that very purpose.

He wondered if he could hide his intentions from such adorable creatures. It seemed impossible to lie or be mean to such cute cats.

So, he nodded honestly in response to the leader’s question.

“I’m Arima—ah, I mean, Taichi Arima. I came from a town called Reriimu in the neighboring Shurukuku Kingdom.”

“You came all the way from a neighboring country just to tame us?”

“That’s right!”

He then explained that he ran a fluffy café in Reriimu and loved fluffy animals and monsters, including Forest Cats.

He added that he wanted Sakura, whom he had just tamed, to join the café.

“That said, I won’t force her to be friendly or play with customers. I just want her to relax in the café.”

“I see…”

Listening to Taichi, the Forest Cat leader appeared surprised.

According to the leader, they would be free to roam inside a café without enemies around. Moreover, there would be toys and cat towers for playing, and they would even be provided with food and kept clean if they got dirty.

It sounded like a dream come true, where they would be safe and well-fed without any worries.

However, the leader felt uneasy, wondering if such a good deal could really exist.

“…”

After thinking for a while, the leader seemed to recall that Taichi had a familiar.

“…By the way, what species is your familiar?”

The leader might have thought it was some higher form of wolf, but Taichi’s familiar radiated a far greater presence, and his instincts told him it was something much more.

Taichi listened to the leader’s question and looked at Luke.

Although he usually claimed to be a Wolf King, he could say he was a Fenrir without concern since the other party was also a monster.

He was thinking that when Luke opened his mouth on his own.

“I am the noble Fenrir! Taichi is weak, so I’m helping him!”

“Wh-what?! I never expected to encounter a Fenrir…!!”

Once Luke revealed his true identity, the leader froze, his body tensing up. It seemed he was nervous and even trembling slightly.

“Taichi cares for the monsters he tames. I can guarantee that,” Luke added.

“…Yes. Having a Fenrir as a companion is quite impressive.”

The leader took a few shallow breaths, trying to compose himself as he looked back at Taichi.