Shan Chui, the Melancholy Cat (Part 3)

The inside of the shop was far more impressive than Tanimaki had expected.

Swords and axes larger than Tanimaki himself lined the walls, with an impressive variety on display. There were weapons for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike, and the displays were arranged to catch every customer's eye.

"Have a seat."

Shan Chui gloomily pointed at a table inside the shop.

Once everyone was seated, he served them tea. He might have been depressed, but he was still a considerate host.

"Now then... make me laugh."

Shan Chui said without the slightest hint of a smile.

"Then I'll go first, meow!"

Tanimaki stepped forward.

Debiru watched nervously.

"I tried to make a belt out of watches... but it was a waist of time, meow!"

No one laughed—not even Shan Chui.

"What do you call cheese that isn't yours? Nacho cheese, meow!"

Still no reaction.

"I used to be a baker... but I couldn't make enough dough, meow!"

The room somehow grew even colder.

Tanimaki kept firing off one terrible pun after another, but each one only made the atmosphere more painfully awkward.

"My turn! I'll show you a joke worthy of Nyarvard University."

Mayutan declared confidently.

"I wear a T-shirt even in December! Know why?"

Everyone waited.

"Because I live in the Southern Hemisphere!"

Silence filled the shop once again.

"Debiru, what was supposed to be funny about Mayutan's joke, meow?" Tanimaki asked.

Debiru remained silent.

Mayutan might have been brilliant, but comedy clearly wasn't his strong suit.

"I know!"

Ruritel suddenly rushed over and tickled Shan Chui's side.

He didn't react.

"My turn! I'll make a funny face!"

Debiru pulled the funniest face he could manage.

Unfortunately, someone who already looked intimidating only became even more intimidating.

Shan Chui looked even more depressed.

No matter what they tried, Shan Chui simply wouldn't laugh.

Just when they had completely run out of ideas, he silently held out a steamed Japanese sweet potato.

Hoping it might at least change the mood, everyone gratefully accepted it.