After bringing Monica-san on board, I headed home and placed orders for farming tools and fertilizers online. These days, next-day delivery is the norm, but in this case, it looks like there will be some extra waiting time. It appears that the delivery will be completed by the end of the week, so I intend to go back to the village in the other world next week. "Well, recruiting Monica went smoothly, huh?" I sipped the coffee Ruri had brewed as I finished placing my orders. "Excellent job. That was a fine way to resonate with someone who's been smoldering inside." "Indeed..., meow." I simply repeated the very words from Kirigaya-san that made me happy, nothing more... "Monica mentioned something about a specialty product, right?" "Yes, I believe products from our world would be preferable." "We should avoid machinery and crafts, and like Ruri suggested before, agricultural products seem best, meow. If we say they were cultivated in the forest, that should suffice, meow." Absolutely. And as Monica said, it's impractical to sell agricultural tools and then be commanded by a king to produce weapons with that same technology. The thought doesn't appeal to me. Agricultural products it is, then." "With that special fertilizer, we've got more choices... Fruit trees might be a good option too." I was initially leaning towards fast-growing vegetables, but with that special fertilizer, it's certainly feasible to grow trees that would normally take years. "It might appear more natural, considering it's a forest setting." "I'm thinking apples would be a good choice, meow." Hmm? "Why apples?" "There are no apples over in that world, so they will become popular for their rarity and flavor. Also, I'm really into them, meow." Going by your own tastes, huh... Well, I don't hate them, so it's all good." I decide to research apple cultivation online. "Ah, they're actually selling saplings..." We're in an era where you can buy even this online... "You shouldl start by buying a couple of saplings to experiment with, meow. If it works out, we can think about starting an apple orchard, meow. That sounds good, meow." I'm feeling the cat’s subtle presence..." "Then, I'll go ahead and order them... They're supposed to arrive tomorrow. That's impressive..." "Awesome, awesome, meow. Just change the leftover fertilizer into super fertilizer and give it a shot, meow." Super fertilizer... "I get it, sheesh." Once my plans were in place, I made up my mind to spend the rest of the day reading my Grandpa's book." The next day, which is Monday, would normally find me waking up with a lifeless stare. But, ohh how surprising. Today, I'm so chipper I can practically see the sparkle in my eyes. Having finished breakfast, I'm sipping coffee with a touch of grace. Ruri is intently watching a celebrity scandal on a morning show, while Miriam is cozily curled up on my lap." "I'm reminded of the first day of summer vacation during my school days. The feeling was really... hmm?" While I'm enjoying my coffee, my smartphone's ringtone goes off. I pick up the smartphone and look at the screen, Kirigaya-san's name is displayed. "Kirigaya-san? What could it be?" It seemed early for a call, but realizing it's regular work hours, I press the call button."

"Hello?" "Is this Yamada-san?" "Yes. Good morning, Kirigaya-san." I return the greeting cheerfully. "Good morning. Was this a good time to call you?" "Of course. What's the matter?" "Starting today, Yamada-san, you're officially part of our team, and I'd like to extend a warm welcome to you." I see... So, I'm part of the Timer Association from now on. But, upon joining, I can't help but be concerned about that naming convention." "Thank you for calling. I'll try my best without pushing myself too hard." "That's the right mindset. Some people tend to overdo it at the start, but I feel reassured with you, Yamada-san." I'm not that young anymore, after all. "I have a young child after all." "That's good to hear. Also, when you have time, could you visit the association? I have something for you and there are matters regarding the future that we need to discuss." Go over there... I've visited several times for explanations even after being questioned. "Understood. I happen to have some free time right now, so I'll come by shortly." "Is that so? We'll be expecting you." I end the call and set my smartphone down on the kotatsu table." "Ruri, I'm going to swing by the association for a bit." "Understood." Ruri glances my way and nods before immediately returning her attention to the infidelity apology press conference on TV. Is it really that fascinating? "Miriam, want to come along?" "I'll come with, meow." "Got it. I'll go get changed." I gently move Miriam off my lap, stand up, and head to my room to put on a suit. When I come back into the living room, I scoop up Miriam. "Ruri, could you take care of the apple saplings that should be arriving?" "Understood. Have a good trip." Leaving Ruri to look after the house, Miriam and I step out and make our way to the train. "The train, hmm..." Miriam seems displeased. "It shouldn't be too crowded around this time." "Really? That's great to hear, meow. But now that you're going to be wealthy, I think you could consider buying a car, meow. That car at Kirigaya's the other day was something else, meow." It truly was something else. And I found out later that it was a personal vehicle. "I do have a license, but I hardly ever drive, just used the company car for work occasionally. Well, maybe buying a car isn't such a bad idea. You know, I'm quite into fishing, but without a car, it's a challenge to go." It's quite a trip." "It's better that way, meow. I definitely don't want to see you get caught for molestation." It's frightening that I can't outright say "I won't get caught". I always made sure to be extra cautious during commutes. Naturally, I'm speaking of being wrongfully accused. Upon reaching the station, we got on the train and set off for the Timer Association's headquarters."