Seeing the tavern empty except for Anya, Mia spoke in a low voice.
Like the rumble of thunder before a storm.
"G-good morning, meow! Mama Mia!"
Anya was so frightened that she hurriedly stood at attention and gave a less-than-proper salute, her voice trembling.
"Where is everyone else?"
Mia looked around the empty kitchen.
Her gaze swept over the uncut potatoes, the unwashed plates, and the dough that had yet to rise.
"I won't even mention Syr and Ryuu."
"But those two, Chloe and Lunoire."
"Have they both decided to skip work today too?"
With that.
Mia's face instantly darkened.
Her murderous eyes settled on Anya.
She abruptly wrung out the soaking-wet rag in her hands.
"Th-they..."
Hearing the sturdy rag creak in Mama Mia's hands as though it were someone's neck.
Anya felt as if she had been scared to tears.
How was she supposed to know?!
She had only gone to sleep, then gotten up to work the morning shift. How had the world changed?
Suddenly, she was the only cat left in the entire tavern.
Wasn't this just screwing a cat over?!
"M-meow doesn't know, meow!"
Anya clutched her head and let out a mournful cry.
"Could Chloe and Lunoire have run away, meow?!"
"Run away?"
"If they dare."
"They'll be in for it if I find them."
With that.
Mia slammed her fist straight down onto the chopping board beside her.
A fist print appeared in the thick oak chopping board.
Anya was so frightened that she stood trembling on the spot.
Then.
Mia lowered her head, looking at Anya, who was still standing there.
"Speaking of which."
"What are you still standing here for?"
"Since they aren't here."
"All the work this morning."
"Is yours to do alone!"
"Huh?"
"Huh-?!!!!!!"
At those words, Anya's scream