Chapter 263: A Date (Viola’s Edition)
Rest had come to a renewed understanding of his position, but for now, he was enjoying a brief respite in the Royal Capital. The development of the Subnock Plain was no longer something he needed to concern himself with. The eradication of the Corrupted Beasts had been completed, and even the Elder Worm had been defeated. While there were still Monsters lurking about, the nobles and adventurers participating in the pioneering group could handle them without his involvement. In fact, there were more people who hoped that Rest would not have to take center stage any longer. Many harbored jealousy toward Rest, who was rapidly advancing on the path of success. There were even nobles who, without the protection of the Rosemary Marquis House or the backing of the Royal Family, would have actively sought to eliminate him.
In the future, Rest would be tasked with building a town in the territory he had been granted. For the time being, his active role in pioneering new lands had come to an end.
“Well then, shall we go on a date? Just the two of us for the first time in a while!”
Viola declared with enthusiasm. Today was meant to be a day out with just her, which meant it was indeed a date. With the construction of their base looming after the holiday, they intended to make the most of this precious time off. After a discussion among the girls, it had been decided that today would be with Viola, tomorrow with Primula, and the day after with Yuri.
“I’ve gone out with Primula before, but it’s been a while since it was just the two of us. It feels strangely different,” Viola remarked.
“Yeah, it really has been mostly the three of us,” Rest agreed, nodding at her words.
The two walked arm in arm through the streets of the Royal Capital, both dressed in slightly more formal attire. While Rest looked presentable enough, Viola was a rare beauty, drawing the attention of passersby, especially the men, who turned to admire her, their cheeks flushed.
“Are you sure it’s okay for us to go where I want today?”
“Of course,” Rest replied.
Today was all about Viola. He had resolved to respect her wishes regarding their destination.
(After all, it’s three consecutive dates. I can’t come up with three different plans, so this is a relief…)
While he had plans to go out with Primula tomorrow and Yuri the day after, he felt it would be rude to take them to the same place. Creating three separate date plans simultaneously was beyond Rest’s capabilities, given his obliviousness.
“I’ve always wanted to visit this place. This way!”
“Where are we going…?”
Viola led him to a small café. Rest had been to many cafés before, but he wondered what made this one different.
“You’ll see once we go inside,” she said with a mischievous smile, pulling him in.
As they entered, Rest quickly realized the café’s unique concept.
“Nyaa!”
“This is…!”
Inside the café, small creatures greeted them. Cats. The place was filled with cats, and the customers were enjoying their company.
“A cat café…!”
“It just opened recently. I’ve wanted to come here for a while,” Viola exclaimed, her voice bright with excitement. It seemed she was a cat person.
“Surprised, aren’t you? I never expected to find a cat café in another world.”
“Yeah… I really am.”
He never would have imagined that such a place existed in this fantasy realm. Who could have created this café?
(This is clearly an idea from a Japanese person… Could it be another Reincarnator…?)
“I heard this café was established by a certain woman who used to serve Queen Dowager. Apparently, the idea of creating a café filled with cats came from her as well,” Viola explained.
“Queen Dowager… Is it Shoko again…?”
It seemed that this café was yet another product of Shoko Sanada’s influence. Her impact was proving to be more significant than Rest had anticipated.
“Though the Queen Dowager has her share of issues, suggesting a place like this shows she can’t be all bad,” Viola mused.
“Guess you can’t be a bad person if you love cats… Well, I can’t say for sure.”
Regardless, since they were here, they might as well enjoy themselves. Rest had never visited a cat café in his previous life.
“There’s an open spot over there. Let’s sit,” Viola suggested.
“Yeah, good idea.”
Rest and Viola settled down on the carpeted floor. While there were plenty of cats around, they seemed to be napping or watching from a distance, not approaching them.
“They’re not coming over… Should I go pet one?” Rest wondered aloud.
“No, Rest! Cats are naturally cautious creatures!” Viola admonished him in a hushed tone.
“Let’s just sit here and wait for them to get used to us,” she suggested.
“…Alright.”
As they sat and waited as Viola suggested, one of the cats approached them.
“Nyaa.”
“…!”
A white cat hopped onto Rest’s lap, stretching out comfortably and settling down to sleep.
“This is…!”
“You’re lucky! It jumped right onto your lap!” Viola exclaimed.
“Y-Yeah… I guess so…” Rest stammered, swallowing hard.
Though he had little experience with cats, seeing one relax on his lap made him feel a strange sense of affection.
“Funya…”
“How cute… I’m so envious…” Viola sighed.
“Yeah, it really is cute…”
As Rest savored the warmth of the cat, he couldn’t help but reflect.
(I can’t shake the feeling that I’m being treated like a cushion… But what is it about this delightful chaos that I find enjoyable?)
Perhaps being at the mercy of a cat was akin to being at the mercy of a girl. Given how often he found himself swept away by the whims of women, it seemed almost fated that Rest would come to love cats.