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Chapter 25: So You Like Catgirls Too?

Amidst the cheers from merchants, customers, and the lion-hearted citizens, Charlotte proudly claimed victory, standing tall and soaking in the praise of the crowd.

Meanwhile, her two companions were huddled in a corner.

One was a trembling mess, totally exhausted, with fur charred black and panting like he just ran out of a horror movie.

The other was pale-faced, covering his mouth and leaning against the first, unable to stand for a long while.

After being ridden by a lioness at full speed, and with fire claws slapping and pulling him around, the agile leopard that was Roy had also suffered quite a bit.

Sure, Charlotte looked elegant riding a griffin on their dates, but when it came to off-road antics, she was as wild as a furious female driver from Roy’s former life!

Though Roy was fairly fast himself, being on someone else’s back, bouncing up and down while taking in the scenery, made him rediscover the nauseating joys of motion sickness.

Damn it, if I’d known better, I wouldn’t have suggested a team match. Ugh…

However, the real unlucky one was someone else.

Finally recovering a bit, Roy sneaked a glance over to the other side.

There stood Lord Anbo, along with his attendant and the giant sea snake, all charred black and grief-stricken as they were dragged back by a sorrowful-looking faction from the South Sea.

“You better remember this, you damned lion-hearted savage! Don’t think you can get away with this…”

“Just practice more, if you can’t handle the loss, don’t play. You can’t even beat a girl; that’s the level of men from the South Sea.”

Charlotte used her sharp-tongue skills learned from Nia and the others to roast Anbo so well that he had nothing to say back, resulting in laughter throughout the crowd.

The leopard’s stellar performance also showcased the quality of the lion-hearted beasts and sparked a rush to buy them. However, due to Charlotte’s fierce fire punch, no one dared to participate in the two-person off-road race, further solidifying their stereotypes about the Lionheart Kingdom.

As they left the crowd, just as Charlotte was about to return in high spirits, she suddenly grew bashful, revealing rare uncertainty.

“Um, was I a bit too… barbaric?”

Roy thought back to Anbo’s curses and chuckled, “Why worry about the barking of a useless mutt?”

“But, thinking it over, it really wasn’t very ladylike.”

Only after the event did Charlotte start to reflect.

Even in the Lionheart Kingdom’s most traditional off-road race, which encouraged collisions, you couldn’t just throw punches at others, right?!

Though that guy was indeed asking for it.

“Lady-like or not, I prefer you just the way you are, not those prim and proper types.”

“Roy…”

Charlotte’s expression brightened again; she clearly wanted to smile but bit her lip, awkwardly turning her head away.

“By the way, you arranged this off-road race too, didn’t you?”

“You figured it out, huh.”

“Of course! I don’t remember there being any leopards in our faction. Plus, there were also players you set up… it was actually pretty fun once in a while.”

Noticing that the girl had unconsciously moved closer, Roy smiled gently and casually put his arm around her shoulder.

“As long as you like it.”

“Mm.”

This time, Charlotte didn’t put on an act and obediently nodded.

“But next time, find someone a bit tougher, alright? That guy from the South Sea didn’t cut it.”

Roy sighed in exasperation.

That guy wasn’t even an actor!

After taking a beating, to be criticized for not being impressive, I wonder how that Lord Anbo would feel if he heard that?

After that, Roy took Charlotte back to the Academy City’s shopping street, had a simple lunch, and then headed to a café to enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

Charlotte had a preference for high-end and stylish tea parties, but for this special rendezvous, how could Roy possibly stick to the usual spots?

As a princess, Charlotte had seen luxury beyond compare, right?

Expensive carriages and jewels could only win her momentary delight, but to celebrate a birthday beyond perfection, he needed to truly cater to her tastes.

Upon entering the café, just as Roy had anticipated, the girl twitched as if struck by an invisible force, her previously fierce demeanor melting away to a softness even gentler than clouds, her heart seemingly melting as well.

All around, countless adorable cats frolicked between tables and chairs, painting a picture of cuteness.

That’s right, this was no ordinary café; it was a cat café!

First, he took her on a ride with a fierce beast, and now he brought her this soft and cute little cuties, what a contrast!

It turned out his plan was a resounding success.

Charlotte’s eyes flitted from cat to cat, her whole being exuding happiness, practically floating in joy.

Only after they sat down did she reluctantly pull her gaze away.

“So, these cats are…”

“A new feature of the café! You sip tea while petting cats—what could be better? Today is its trial opening, and it looks pretty good so far.”

This café wasn’t owned by the Lionheart faction; Roy chose this place specifically to give Charlotte a surprise.

Compared to the cost of a jeweled bracelet, the café’s expenses were nothing.

Clearly, his recreation of his past business experience was spot on; the place was bustling with couples coming to enjoy themselves.

Of course, as the behind-the-scenes boss, he naturally secured the best spot for himself.

“Excuse me, have you decided what to order yet?”

As soon as Charlotte looked up, her expression subtly changed.

The pallid white-haired catgirl maid—wasn’t that the one Roy raised?!

Not only her, but upon a closer look, all the service staff here were catgirls!

Charlotte held the menu and murmured with a different intent, “Seems like the boss here not only loves cats but also really likes catgirls, huh?”

Roy’s hand holding the cup trembled slightly.

“Well, you have to consider economic benefits. Besides cats, you need to add other appealing elements to attract customers.” He paused for effect before earnestly explaining, “Just like girls love cats, boys love catgirls too. Having both means maximizing the market!”

Charlotte shot him a sidelong glance, “Oh, so you like catgirls too?”

Falling silent, Roy tactically sipped his tea.

Damn it, catgirls are wonderful beings liked by both men and women—why can’t you all understand that we’re just appreciating their beauty?!

Fortunately, he wasn’t alone in facing such inquiries, as he noticed other men growing awkward at their partners’ questioning, which surprisingly provided him some comfort.

At that moment, he felt a camaraderie with all those men standing by him against the storm!

The probing resumed, this time a hint of impatience creeping in, “So, do you really like them?”

“Well, it’s like some guys prefer short skirts, some prefer long skirts, or different hair lengths and body shapes; ‘catgirl’ is just a matter of external preference…”

“Who asked you about that?”

As his foot was stomped by a small boot, Roy could only cover his face and weakly reply, “I do like them.”

“Ahem, no man in this world dislikes catgirls! It’s just a common aesthetic preference!”

“Oh.” Charlotte replied lightly, her face showing no sign of joy or anger.