"Hiss~"

Testing the pool water's temperature with her toes, the Cat Princess found it to be just her favorite, that kind of warmth that makes the skin slightly red but not scalding. She nodded in satisfaction, then walked down the smooth steps into the pool.

Sigh... in this world, there's truly nothing more relaxing than a bath~

Sliding her hips forwards, she submerged most of her lovely body into the petal-filled pool water. The Cat Princess, exhausted from the entire day's work, couldn't help but close her eyes in comfort, humming softly.

Even though she hadn't yet escaped the "Bedtime Story," and the crisis was far from over, she finally returned "home" and had successfully met her mother. Even if she were to die in the end, at least she wouldn't die with regrets.

Besides, judging by Leon's expression, he seemed very confident in overcoming the "Narration of Nonexistence." He's not one to be blindly arrogant, so it feels like he must be quite sure, or at the least, he might be able to get both of them out safely.

Although it's a bit embarrassing to say, after having her mother's guidance and Leon's help, she truly felt relieved. After all the tension and nerve-wracking dealings with the Slaughter King Association, she could finally relax a bit.

Her mother was always so reliable, it was great to be back. As for Leon... what an interesting man.

Thinking about Leon, who seriously demanded she issue an edict making the Cat Temple the state religion of the Witch Kingdom, the Cat Princess couldn't help but chuckle softly. She then lifted her dainty, glistening right foot, using her toes to playfully flip a pale pink rose petal out of the water.

From the perspective of the Slaughter King Association members, repeatedly thwarting nearly successful plans, ruthless and merciless without any scruples, the Food God, who almost wiped out the Earth Shoots, was undoubtedly the most terrifying enemy.

However, once she "switched" her identity from the Black Cat of the Slaughter King Association to the Princess of the Witch Kingdom, this current Aquarius Director of the Clearing Bureau, whose infamous reputation spread from the Realm of the Dead to the Dream Realm, and even Hell had caught wind of him, turned out to be an unusually reliable ally.

No matter how dire the current situation seemed, just seeing his unhurried demeanor would dissipate the oppressive gloom weighing on her heart by half. As long as those jet-black eyes remained calm and thoughtful, things would certainly be resolved.

Well... in any case, if they could successfully get through this crisis, she truly owed him a big thanks.

After the hot water turned her big toe a light pink, she gently curled it, flicking away the wet rose petal. Having spent the entire day haggling with the agitated various associations, the Cat Princess couldn't help but stretch lazily in the pool water.

With her movements, the ten toes, round and adorable like pearls, spread out slightly like a cat's paw opening its pads, creating delicate and elegant ripples in the pool water.

But... what exactly should she give him as thanks?

Floating towards the deeper part of the pool, the Cat Princess stretched her arms, absently stirring the fragrant pool water, pondering over what kind of gift she should present.

Money was the first to be ruled out. Although the Clearing Bureau's salary seemed low, Leon had a Queen for a wife; he could not possibly be lacking in money.

Similarly, titles, power, status, these things meant nothing to him either. What the Princess of the Witch Kingdom could offer, he could easily get from Queen Veronica.

As for the "special" and "extraordinary" parts, like magical items... Leon is a Director of the Clearing Bureau and might even become the next Director-General. He's definitely not lacking in those.

So, what to give? You can't just help someone so much and only express gratitude verbally, right? Even though Leon appeared indifferent, as if lending a helping hand was purely incidental, she should at the very least... wait a second!

At this thought, the Cat Princess blinked, then reached for the poolside handrails, trying to lift her slender calves above the water.

"Splash"

Lustrous water droplets glided over her satin-smooth instep, over the pale blue veins that appeared faintly beneath white porcelain skin, past her arched foot like a crescent moon and delicate ankle, tracing the lines of her leg before lightly and alluringly trickling into the pool.

Did he want his thanks to be... me? 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

After staring at her nearly perfect foot for a while, suddenly feeling as if someone was admiring it alongside her, the Cat Princess quickly pulled her leg back, submerging herself below the nose in the water, feeling slightly better.

After hiding herself away, escaping from those nonexistent eyes, the Cat Princess pouted bubbles in the water and recalled the conversation she overheard between the Shaman Society President and Captain of the Guards during their private meeting.

'I have a hunch that his real target is Princess Catherine!'

'Judging by his past actions and character, I feel like he might indeed be infatuated with Princess Catherine's beauty!'

'If it were just about seeking benefits, he wouldn't need to do these things. It's likely he harbors a particular fetish for princesses!'

These words... could they all be true?

Recalling the confident, almost assured look on the Shaman Society President's face as he made these claims, the Cat Princess couldn't help but feel a flutter of panic.

Though she had tried to probe Leon's true intentions afterward, he didn't show any unusual fetishes, proving these might merely be ungrounded suspicions. However, back then, she was just a "fake" princess, whereas now she had reclaimed her true identity!

Imagining potential scenarios, the Cat Princess found herself a bit at a loss, feeling as if her bath was suddenly less comforting.

If... If Leon really had some specific fetish for princesses and harbored improper intentions towards her, should she firmly reject or reluctantly acc... no! This can't happen! He's a married man!

But... but I owe him so much. Not just my own life, but my mother's too were both saved by him. If I refuse and he insists on pressing his advantage, then should I...

"Your Highness?"

Just when the Cat Princess was hiding in the pool, transforming herself into a fretful little mermaid, bubbling at the surface, a maid's gentle voice suddenly called from outside the bath.

"Your Highness? Are you there?"

"I'm here!"

Hastily emerging from the pool, shaking her wet hair, the Cat Princess sat on the edge of the pool, pulling a towel over her body, and called out loudly:

"What's going on? Is something the matter?"

"Your Highness, Prince Leon is looking for you."

The maid outside spoke cautiously:

"I informed him that you were... unavailable, but he insists it's urgent. Would you like me to continue refusing, or should..."