I hadn't noticed before, but tucked inside the booklet was an adventurer card. It seems to also serve as a registration card for Mizumochi.

A bit more explanation would have been appreciated.

I nearly threw the booklet in the trash, thinking it unnecessary since I don't plan to be an adventurer. But I decided to take it home... maybe I'll mention it to the receptionist if I see her again.

"Now, off to the home center. We need to buy a home for Mizumochi, and then it's off to the supermarket for groceries."

Even inside the backpack, I can feel Mizumochi's happiness. Is this what it means to have a connection? It makes me miss my parents' home.

I haven't been able to visit them recently due to the epidemic. Remembering the joy of conversing with others, I hope for a brighter future. With dungeons discovered and everyone's spirits lifted, I wish for both health and the economy to improve...

"So, what would be a good home for Mizumochi?"

At the home center, I peek inside the backpack to find Mizumochi wrapped in a towel, sleeping adorably. I'm tempted to just use this backpack as its home.

I looked at fish tanks and fluffy beds for cats and dogs, but none seemed to appeal to Mizumochi. Then, my eyes landed on a cardboard box. Mizumochi was in a box when I found it, and I remembered my family's cat back home loved boxes too.

Trying out a small cardboard box, Mizumochi immediately left the backpack to enter it.

"Oh? You like this? Alright, let's buy this and head home."

I purchased the box and, feeling cheerful, hopped onto my Super Cub.

Next, the supermarket. I decided to splurge today since I'm not sure what Mizumochi likes. Vegetables, meat, fish, fermented food, canned goods, bread, and frozen food - I bought a variety. It's been a while since my fridge was this full.

Back home, I placed the cardboard box in a corner, recalling that Mizumochi likes tight spaces. I put Mizumochi inside, along with the towel.

"How do you like your new bed, Mizumochi?"

Mizumochi vibrates, clearly pleased.

"Hehe, you seem to like it. I bought plenty of food today, so let's have a hot pot. I rarely have the chance to cook one living alone, but I actually love hot pots."

I brought both ponzu and sesame sauce, ready to indulge. I wonder which Mizumochi prefers?

I'm a ponzu person, especially for meat, but sometimes I like sesame sauce on vegetables. I also enjoy a bit of spice.

"Today, I bought some hot pot stock."

I cut up vegetables and fish, tossed them into the pot with the stock, and voilà.

The large pot filled with ingredients... Ah, the aroma is wonderful.

Bowls of ponzu and sesame sauce are ready, along with some spice for variety.

"Mizumochi, the hot pot is ready."

As Mizumochi comes over, I offer it some vegetables. Are they too hot? Mizumochi seems to dissolve them easily. I hope it's not upset if I touch it during the meal. Just a little...

I reached out and touched Mizumochi.

Hot! Mizumochi is warm. I'm sorry. I'll cool the food down before giving it to you.

"Here's some water, Mizumochi. Please drink."

Mizumochi seems satisfied. It must have been hot, but it enjoyed the meal. That's good.

I continued to feed Mizumochi cooled vegetables and fish, and our shared hot pot quickly disappeared.

"Sigh, a hot pot after so long is the best."

Mizumochi quivers with joy, and it warms my heart.

"Right. I didn't have time yesterday, but let's bathe together today."

Feeling uplifted with a beer in hand, I prepared the bath for us.

I decided against using soap on Mizumochi, just rinsing it with the shower. In the bath, Mizumochi floated about. Perhaps the water was too hot? It ended up drinking all the bathwater.

"Wow, Mizumochi, you've gotten quite big."

Mizumochi, now as large as a cushion that could spoil anyone, had grown considerably, just like those I've seen on the news.

"Mizumochi, would you sleep with me tonight?"

It trembles, seemingly happy with the idea. After drying off from the bath and wiping down Mizumochi, we climbed into bed together.

Though I dread going back to work tomorrow, having Mizumochi makes me feel like I can face it.

Every time I turned in bed, Mizumochi's elastic body comfortably bounced back, giving me a surprisingly good night's sleep.