She blinked. "Really?"
Edward immediately said, "Of course. That way, Lilith won't just be the smartest kitty anymore."
"Huh?"
She tilted her head curiously.
"You'll also become the smartest human!"
Lilith's eyes lit up with a smile. "That's right! Miss Lilith is the smartest hooman! The smartest catgirl!"
Audrey immediately looked at Edward. "Catgirl?"
"...It's just a name."
She leaned a little closer and whispered, "Don't think I don't understand. I've heard that lots of nobles make women wear fake cat ears and tails... to play catgirls!"
"...Where do you hear all this? Oh dear, young lady, your thoughts aren't pure~"
Edward leaned toward her ear and said, "Actually, catgirls and the like are nothing compared to dragon girls."
"???"
Audrey froze for a moment, and her ears promptly turned bright red. Her expression remained quite composed, however, as she gave a soft snort. "Mr. Edward, I think you're in urgent need of psychological treatment!"
She made grabbing motions with both hands. "Preferably with electric shocks!"
"Hahahahaha."
Edward laughed.
Just then, Phoenix flew out again.
"Huh? Someone else is looking for me?"
Edward took the letter and opened it, then looked at Audrey. "Klein invited me to his place for dinner."
Audrey was a little puzzled. "Oh, what's wrong with that?"
"In Tingen."
2 Daffodil Street, Tingen City.
It was past seven in the evening. The houses along the street were all lit by dim yellow gas lamps, and the aromas of various meals drifted out of their windows, making passersby returning home late swallow involuntarily.
Carrying some fruit and gifts, Edward held Lilith's hand and brought Audrey along as he knocked on the Moretti Family's door.
A moment later, Melissa pulled the door open from inside, her expression wary. Her eyes were red-rimmed; she had probably been crying