Nicole's reassurance allowed Nekomata to finally relax a little, giving her just enough courage to meet Sol's gaze.

But instead of lashing out with bravado, she crept forward cautiously, trying to flatter him.

At this moment, Nekomata fully understood—Nicole could save her once, but not forever. The only way to stay safe in the Cunning Hares was to earn Sol's forgiveness.

"Sol-nii~" Nekomata leaned close against him, her voice sugary and coy. "Forgive this cute little kitty, just this once!"

She raised a finger pitifully as her two fluffy tails swayed behind her, presenting herself in a gentle and obedient pose.

"You're not wrong. How could you ever be wrong?" Sol spread his fingers, extending his hand into the empty air before him, his tone airy. "You're a loyal little kitten, devoted to your master. I couldn't admire you more."

"And if you're this loyal to Nicole, then to me—the one who feeds you mackerel so often—you should be even more loyal."

"…"

A bead of cold sweat trickled down Nekomata's forehead. Still so petty, huh?

And what was with that hand gesture? Was he planning to pet her?

Gritting her teeth, she pressed her head into Sol's open palm.

"Meow, meow, meow!"

Her cat ears rubbed against his hand, her throat producing soft kittenish whimpers.

It was unbearably shameful. She had never debased herself in such a way before.

"Good girl."

Sol ruffled her head, the corners of his lips curling into a smile.

Her fluffy ears were pleasant to the touch. A cat who knows her place is a fine cat indeed.

Given how sensible she was being, he decided not to use Cun Jin Kai Tian Ling on her tonight—and he'd even go lighter with the medicine later.

"Purr-rumble…"

Nekomata played up her cuteness, leaning into his touch.

Even in the middle of it, she knew she must look mortifying right now.

But judging by Sol's reaction, he seemed to have calmed down a great deal.

Just hang on until Nicole steps in tonight. Then I'll be safe for sure. Heh, steady win!

Meanwhile, Nicole, Billy, and Anby stood by watching the harmony between man and cat, each with their own thoughts.

"Never thought I'd see the sharp-tongued Nekomata acting like that," Billy muttered, a little envious.

If only it were his head being patted! He'd heard that saying about an immortal's touch granting eternal life.

If Sol patted his head, maybe he'd take him in as a disciple and pass down the Infinite Ammo Divine Skill!

"Is she doubting my ability?" Nicole pouted slightly, her pride stung. "I already promised her. Why's she still trying to butter up Sol!"

She knew Nekomata was begging to earn his forgiveness, so their closeness didn't bother her much.

They were housemates, practically family. Besides, Nekomata had been her lookout—no way she had real designs on Sol.

But still, begging at a time like this—it felt like an insult to her strength.

If she said she'd keep Sol busy for one night, she would keep him busy for one night.

She'd even researched online. According to the forums, there was no such thing as overworked soil, only exhausted oxen. Given Sol's performance the past two nights, she was certain he wouldn't be her match.

"Sol, it feels like it's been a while since we last watched a movie together."

Having just finished a tape on TV, Anby stared quietly at Sol and Nekomata, a little forlorn.

The burgers kept coming as always, but they hadn't gone to the theater in over a week.

Now with Nekomata around, she didn't feel like his closest friend anymore.

She felt a twinge of sadness, then made up her mind.

The films at Gravity Cinema in Lumina Square were looking good lately. Next time, she would invite Sol herself. He had always invited her—now it was her turn.

…

Time slipped by, afternoon melting into ten o'clock at night.

After dinner and a short round of games, everyone retired to rest.

Seeing Sol head into Nicole's room, Nekomata finally returned to her own with a broad grin.

Nicole really did keep her word. A dependable boss indeed.

Meanwhile, Nicole gazed at Sol with guilt in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I was too rash this morning, and I embarrassed you in front of your friend…"

Her behavior had clearly upset Ellen Joe, who wasn't even her rival in love—just misunderstood.

Looking back, she realized she should have handled things calmly. But in that moment, calm was impossible.

"It's alright, I don't blame you." Sol pulled her close, his voice calm. "It was my fault, for letting you misunderstand."

"Love is the fall of free will. You got angry because you love me."

He could never blame Nicole, because she wasn't wrong.

He was a man with two, three, four, five, six—who knew how many boats in the water. A super scumbag. Of course Nicole had every right to be angry.

Love is the fall of free will. I just can't restrain myself…

"Love is the fall of free will." Nicole's eyes brimmed with tenderness. "I've already fallen, and I can't escape."

They'd only known each other a few weeks, but she had given him everything, completely drowning in love.

That was love—illogical and consuming.

But maybe it was just that Sol's tricks ran too deep. Nicole never even considered it.

"Mm… but really, it's me who can't escape."

From a purely physical standpoint, Sol figured that line suited him better.

"?"

Nicole blinked in confusion.

She didn't get what he meant, but she couldn't figure it out just now.

Three hours later… Sol was dressing in Nicole's room, tugging at his belt.

On the pink bed, Nicole lay limp and boneless.

She stared at him in shock. "How… how can you be this strong!?"

"This is my true strength."

He scooped her up and carried her into the bathroom, carefully washing her.

Every inch of her soft skin was cleaned, leaving her smelling fresh, delicate, and pure.

Only then would she sleep well.

"But you weren't like this before. Before, it was always… perfectly balanced."

Nicole looked at him, puzzled.

Their first two times had always ended evenly matched, giving her confidence she could best him.

But tonight, Sol utterly crushed her.

"Raise your arm."

Sol spoke softly, holding a towel.

"Mm."

Nicole obeyed, lifting her arm for him to wash.

"Before, I was holding back. Tonight, you needed to understand—a king cannot be insulted."

He chuckled, pinching her cheek.

Who do you think you're fighting, mortal?

I'm a Stellaron fiend with dragon's essence, tiger's vigor, and the trait of Unshakable Vajra.

No—I'm the ancestor of the Stellaron itself!

"Huh?"

Nicole froze, then realization dawned.

So, he'd been going easy on her all along. Tonight was the real thing.

And yes—just as he said—a king cannot be insulted.

"Sorry. I didn't understand before, and I gave you reason to feel threatened." Sol smiled indulgently. "Don't worry. From now on, this will be the standard."

"Medicine, please!" Nicole panicked, waving her hands. "Go back to the way it was!"

Sol sighed, muttering, "You really do pick them, idol."

If not for today's events, he wouldn't have changed his strategy at all.

"Uuugh!"

Nicole's eyes welled with tears. She bitterly regretted everything.

Shaking his head, Sol gently dried her body, slipped her into pajamas, and changed the sheets.

"Good night, Nicole."

He kissed her lips softly and started to leave.

"Don't go."

She clutched his hand, pleading.

Not because she couldn't bear to part, but because she remembered the promise she made to Nekomata.

"Want to start round two?"

He sat at the bedside, grinning.

"No!"

She recoiled as if shocked, shaking her head furiously.

"Then, good night."

Sol rose and left her room.

"Nekomata, I'm sorry. I couldn't keep our promise."

"In front of Sol, I can't do anything."

Nicole watched his retreating back, guilt gnawing at her for Nekomata's sake.

But seeing how calm Sol looked as he left—and how he hadn't brought Nekomata up all night—

Now it was already two in the morning. Surely, he wouldn't do anything to her.

With that thought, Nicole felt at ease and drifted into sleep.

In the next room, however, Sol—who definitely wouldn't do anything—was back in his own quarters.

Baal was still awake, holding one of Sol's spare "playboy phones," scrolling through videos with keen interest.

Even an ex-archon wasn't immune to the mind-numbing draw of smartphones.

Seeing Sol come home at such an hour no longer surprised her.

Like a tiny wife, she patted the empty spot beside her. "Come on, sleep."

Sol shook his head. "Someone's missing here tonight."

"Huh?"

Baal blinked at him, suspicion in her eyes.

What was that supposed to mean? Was he about to bring another woman into their little den?

Sol, don't you dare push it too far!

"Tch. Acting like you're the real wife here." Sol chuckled at her expression and pulled a [Super Cat Treat] out of his system's storage. "What's missing… is a little kitty."

The moment the blue-quality treat appeared, a mysterious aroma filled the entire three-bedroom apartment.

Even Sol and Baal felt their spirits lift just from the scent.