It was still afternoon, with a long way to go before bedtime.
Naturally, Sol wasn't going to just wait around. First, he headed next door to the Cunning Hares to give Nekomata a little mental pressure.
Pushing the door open, he saw Anby sitting on the sofa, completely absorbed in a videotape she'd borrowed from Belle.
Meanwhile, Billy had disassembled his dual pistols and laid the parts across the table, carefully polishing them with gun oil.
As he worked, he muttered lewdly, "Heheh, my two little babies, today you're getting something real nice to eat."
Sol shook his head, hawk-like eyes sweeping the room in search of Nekomata.
And there she was—clinging to Nicole's side, acting just like a spoiled little housecat.
"Boss Nicole, you're amazing today." Nekomata's voice was soft, sweet, even carrying a trembling, fawning tone. "Strength and wisdom in perfect balance, beauty and talent combined—you're practically the goddess of fortune herself."
"Ohohoho!" Nicole was already soaring from the praise, lips curled so high they couldn't come back down. "Nekomata, you really do have an eye for truth. But honestly, such well-known facts hardly need repeating!"
Still, though she said that, Nicole's expression encouraged Nekomata to keep going.
Billy was a robot, Anby a quiet one, and Sol a schemer.
Only Nekomata had both the insight and the words to say what Nicole wanted to hear.
Say more, flatter more, keep it coming!
Nekomata's face twitched.
She had already poured out most of her street-learned smooth talk.
But she had sabotaged Sol earlier, and now her only hope of rescue was Nicole. Even if it meant scraping the bottom of the barrel, she had to push out more lines.
"Boss Nicole!" Nekomata looked at her with reverent eyes, voice trembling with sincerity. "Even if the sun were gone forever, you would be the only light left in the world!"
"Mm-hahaha!" Nicole threw her head back, the lightning crest on her forehead crackling as if to show just how dazzling she felt in the moment. "Nekomata, I never expected—you're the one in the Cunning Hares who understands me best!"
Billy glanced up from his pistols, suddenly feeling the sting of generational defeat.
The title of "best flatterer in the Cunning Hares" had officially changed hands.
Leaning against the doorframe, Sol watched Nekomata's performance at his leisure. He was curious how far she would go.
Anby ignored everything, eyes fixed on the movie. Nicole was happy, Sol was angry, and soon enough, Nekomata would be miserable.
At last, Nekomata spotted Sol standing there. Her expression instantly turned panicked. "Boss Nicole, I… I want to sleep with you tonight, so I can listen to your gentle teachings."
The last thing she wanted was to go back to Sol's room these next few nights.
She could still see that look in his eyes earlier, almost saying outright: you're done for.
Better to lay low at Nicole's for a few days before returning to that big, comfortable bed.
Nicole was about to agree, but then thought twice and refused. "No. That, and raises, are the only things I won't allow."
She had misunderstood Sol and Ellen earlier, so tonight she wanted to spend some time whispering sweet nothings with him—full of romance.
"Boss Nicole, you can't just abandon me like this!" Nekomata clung to Nicole's leg, tears glimmering in her eyes. "Please, let me stay just one night. I'm scared over there!"
She had seen it—Sol sitting back on the sofa, smiling faintly at her.
If she went back tonight, wouldn't she end up electrocuted into a cat stick? Or even worse…?
No, no, no! Anything but that!
"Scared?"
Nicole blinked at Nekomata's tearful eyes.
Then, following her gaze, she noticed Sol lounging nearby, and suddenly understood.
Nekomata had tattled on Sol and Ellen earlier—now she was terrified of payback.
Nicole chuckled. Such a timid, cautious little cat.
Sure, Sol liked to make jokes, but he'd never go too far.
"Nekomata, don't be afraid. He won't do anything to you."
Nicole patted her head in comfort.
After all, earlier today, even with her storming in furious, Sol hadn't hesitated to openly acknowledge her identity in front of everyone.
How could such a Sol possibly go overboard with Nekomata?
At worst, he'd make her sweep the floors, or pull a prank.
"You don't understand, Boss Nicole!"
Nekomata looked like she wanted to speak, but seeing Sol's gaze, clamped up.
She'd been on the streets long enough to know Sol's type.
This kind of man—broad-hearted, pleasure-seeking—was exactly the kind to torment a poor, helpless little kitten like her.
In his eyes, Sol was a tiger. And she? Just a delicate little cat.
"Alright. Since you're so scared, I'll guarantee your safety tonight." Nicole's heart softened at her pitiful face.
"Thank you, Boss Nicole! I'll go grab my bedding right now!" Nekomata lit up with joy. "Don't worry, I won't dirty your sheets—I'll just sleep on the floor beside you!"
Perfect. Once she moved in for a night, it'd be easy to drag it out for a few more days.
The real shame was missing out on that massive, comfy side room next door. But survival came first.
"No, no, no—I didn't mean it like that!"
Nicole quickly stopped her.
No way was she letting Nekomata move in. She had plans to play "poker" with Sol tonight—how could she with an audience?
"But… you just promised to keep me safe."
Nekomata froze.
"I did," Nicole admitted, blushing as she leaned close to whisper in her ear. "But that's because Sol will be with me tonight. He won't be going back…"
"Oh. I see."
Nekomata's ears drooped in disappointment.
She had hoped for a safe little den of her own, but instead Nicole was offering herself to the tiger in exchange for Nekomata's peace of mind.
Still, it wasn't all bad.
Nekomata sneaked a glance at Sol from the corner of her eye, her ears burning hot.
If Nicole managed to "tame" him tonight, then maybe Sol's anger would fade—and she'd be much safer.
Sol, leaning on the sofa, let a faint smile tug at his lips.
Heh. Not letting me go home, Nicole? Bold move.
Before, he had been holding back. Tonight, she'd finally witness the true strength of a Stellaron Cultivator.
And that way, she'd learn her own limits—making it easier to build a proper, harmonious harem palace.
As for you, little kitty… don't celebrate too soon.
Tonight, there'll be a fresh cat treat waiting just for you.