The café Catherine had recommended was indeed not far from the Academy, tucked away deep in a quiet alley outside its east gate.
The interior was small but exquisitely furnished.
Several impressionist landscape paintings hung on the walls, and warm yellow light spilled from vintage brass chandeliers, casting dappled light and shadows across the dark brown wooden floor.
A languid, elegant atmosphere filled the space, a stark contrast to the bustling street outside.
Greg sat by the window, taking in his surroundings, and couldn't help nodding in approval.
He had to admit that Catherine had excellent taste. An understated, tasteful place like this was far more comfortable than those lavish aristocratic salons.
"Here are your coffees. Enjoy."
A waitress in a white shirt and black apron brought over two steaming cups of coffee, gently setting them down before the pair.
But after putting the cups down, she didn't leave right away. Instead, she lingered, unable to resist stealing a few more looks at Greg.
Only when her colleague gave a quiet cough from the counter did she snap out of her daze, lower her head in a fluster, and hurry away.
Greg picked up his coffee, took a small sip, then teased Catherine across the table:
"The café you recommended has a lovely atmosphere, but the waitress's professionalism seems to leave a little to be desired."
Catherine elegantly raised her cup, took a sip, and said calmly:
"That's perfectly normal. Everyone admires beautiful things, after all. You can't expect everyone to turn a blind eye to your looks, can you? Even I think you're exceptionally handsome."
Greg first grumbled inwardly, No kidding. This face cost me a luck stat of minus ten. How could it not be handsome?
Only then did he say:
"You're right. Everyone does admire beautiful things.