159 Curled-Up Ca (1/2)

The high-spirited Seiji sought out Mai and asked to borrow the ‘Spirit Image’ once more.

But he was rejected.

”It’s almost lunchtime, so whatever you want to do should wait until after lunch, unless you want to skip it,” Mai informed him calmly.

He hit a red traffic light, so he could only put on the brakes.

”You’re about to cook lunch? Would you like my assistance?” Seiji volunteered of his own volition.

”There's no need for that, but thanks for the offer.”

The professional maid seemed to be exuding an aura which said: ‘For Milady’s lunch, people lacking experience will only get in my way.’

”Oh...”

'Ok then, I knew that it would turn out like this.'

Seiji turned around and was about to leave, but Mai stopped him.

”Your story’s not bad at all. I give it 7.5 points out of 10.” Mai smiled. ”Tell me when it gets published—I’ll go buy the magazine it’s in.”

”Thanks for purchasing it!” 7.5 seemed like an awkward number to Seiji, but, to him, any rating above 7 out of 10 was acceptable.

Mai’s inner feelings were in turmoil as she watched an obviously joyous Seiji leave.

Her true evaluation of Seiji’s story had been 9 points!

But if she told him the truth, she was afraid that he would become haughty. It... it definitely wasn’t because she was embarrassed at the fact that she was enchanted with his writing skills!

Okay, the maid was being a tsundere now.

Seiji went to the main hall and was about to pour some tea for himself when he saw a cute creature.

It was Rana Kirin.

The cat-eared loli... whoops, the petite middle-school girl was taking a nap on the sofa with her eyes closed. Her expression was soft and peaceful, and the two large cat ears on her head were trembling slightly.

'So cute!' Seiji couldn’t help but stare at her.

Then she shook herself and curled up into a near-perfect circle.

This was... the legendary cat-curled-up-into-a-ball scenario!

Seiji was deeply moved by this scene. Without a trace of hesitation, he took out his cell phone and captured a picture of the precious scene.

*Click click...* The sound of the camera shutter echoed through the room.

Rana’s ears quivered upon hearing this sound, and she slowly opened her eyes, searching for the source of the disturbance.

”Er...” Seiji froze solid as their eyes met. ”Did I wake you up? I’m so sorry!”

He immediately put away his cell phone.

Rana blinked her beautiful heterochromia eyes and began pouting slightly.

It seemed that she was a little angry.

”I’m sorry—you were too cute, so I couldn’t help myself...” Seiji scratched his face awkwardly.

Rana’s mouth seemed to relax slightly, but she was still glaring at him.

She then reached out with one of her paws—er, hands—and slapped the sofa beside her.

While he was confused, he finally realized what she meant when she patted the sofa beside her two more times.

”You want me to sit there?”

Rana's tiny lips curled.

It seemed that he was correct. Seiji walked over and sat down on the indicated spot.

Rana relaxed her body and placed her head on Seiji’s thigh. Next, she grabbed one of his hands and placed it on her own head.

Did she want him to pat her on the head?

A helpless Seiji began patting Rana's head.

Pat~ Pat pat~~

”Meow...” Rana purred in pure comfort.

So cute!

Seiji took a huge blow from the high-tech cannon of cuteness.

If he had been a cat-ear lover, perhaps he would have fainted on the spot!

Speaking of cat ears... could he... touch her cat ears?

Once he had this thought, it became difficult to suppress the urge.

The curiosity within Seiji had been fully unleashed.

'It would be fine to touch them for only a moment, right?'

Hey everyone, these are authentic cat ears!

These cat ears aren’t mere accessories, nor are they virtual reality holograms!

They’re real, moving, warm cat ears that come from Rana merging with a cat spirit!!

As a gentleman, how could Seiji possibly let this chance slip past?

'Okay, I'll do it!'

All he had to do was feel them gently...

Seiji slowly moved his hands, and just as he was about to touch...