The Cowardly Filder Choice (Part 2)

"Do you have any other useful items or medicines for travelers?" said Mayutan.

"U-um... let me see..."

The shopkeeper didn't seem very comfortable dealing with customers.

Just then, a beautiful calico cat walked into the shop.

"W-welcome..."

The greeting was so quiet it was probably only about one-tenth as loud as Tanimaki's voice.

"Hello, Mr. Filder."

Apparently, the female cat and the shopkeeper already knew each other.

And yes, the shopkeeper really was Filder Choice.

"So you're Filder Choice? You're so unreliable I figured you were just an assistant, meow."

Tanimaki had a remarkable talent for saying hurtful things without realizing it.

"I-I'm sorry..."

Filder apologized, even though there was nothing for him to apologize for.

The calico cat began browsing the shelves and picked up a bottle of Silver Vine Lotion.

Filder watched her with dreamy eyes.

"That Filder guy is sweet on her, meow," said Tanimaki.

"'Sweet on'?" asked Debiru, turning to Mayutan.

"Let's see..." said Mayutan as he opened an Old Expressions Dictionary. "According to this, it means 'to be in love with someone.'"

The expressions Tanimaki used were so outdated that they had become the sort of words you needed an old expressions dictionary to understand.

After listening to Filder's careful explanation, the calico cat purchased one of the items.

"See you tomorrow, Mr. Filder," said the polite calico cat.

"C-Cecil... See you tomorrow."

Apparently, the calico cat's name was Cecil. Filder only smiled when he was talking to her.

Walking with the elegance of a fashion model, Cecil gracefully left the shop.

"Filder, do you like that cat... Cecil, was it?" Tanimaki asked bluntly.

"Y-Yes," Filder admitted.

"Then quit dragging your paws and ask her out already, meow. Watching you is driving me crazy."

Delicacy was not one of Tanimaki's strengths.

"I... I don't have the courage."

Filder looked away as he spoke.