Chapter 758: Cat Enthusiast

Iris is located where the temperate oceanic climate and Mediterranean climate intersect; although the temperature here in January is still in the single digits, at the very least it is considered relatively warm compared to the Northern Union and Iron Blood.

Qin Ge looked at Lisailiu beside him and couldn't help smiling, saying, "It's rare to see you wearing this type of clothing."

Lisailiu looked at her slightly casual dress, somewhat puzzled at Qin Ge, and said, "Commander, do you think this outfit is bad? I had Emil help me pick it out; to be honest, I know nothing about this… but since it's Emil, I suppose the choice won't be too terrible…"

Qin Ge smiled and shook his head, saying, "It's not bad; I just think it suits you well, though I've never seen you dress like this before, so I'm a bit surprised."

"It seems the Commander still holds a rather stereotypical impression of me," Lisailiu laughed. "Although I usually appear rather stern and seldom go out, the Iris doctrine does not forbid rest, nor does it forbid smiling."

"I know that; if faith in a religion cannot bring happiness, then that religion cannot last," Qin Ge laughed. "But how to put it… I'm very happy that you can go on a date with me today, and it's a side of you that's very different from your usual self."

"Actually, being able to go on a date with the Commander is also my honor, after all I never imagined that someone like me would one day reap love." Lisailiu said.

"Thank you, Commander, but that's not what I meant," Lisailiu said. "Some have said they hate me for bringing war, others revere me because of my status as Cardinal, and still others despise me as a stubborn believer; so how do you see me, Commander?"

"Me?" Qin Ge chuckled, looking at Lisailiu with eyes full of expectation and a hint of worry, and spoke.

"To me, you are Lisailiu, leader of the Free Iris, my shipgirl, a companion for life. As for being a Cardinal or a believer, those are merely your labels."

"Just as I am holding your hand right now, not those empty labels, what I can feel is the real you that I perceive—true and lovable."

"Lovable? I've never heard anyone say that before; this is the first time I've heard the Commander say it, and I'm a bit curious—I don't know what in my appearance the Commander finds cute." Lisailiu asked.

"What parts are cute?" Qin Ge chuckled. "How to put it… for example, the way you earnestly pray usually, the way you're focused yet stubborn about certain things, and the way you completely lack understanding of everyday common sense—in my eyes, all of those are quite cute."

"Like an angel fallen to the mortal realm, untouched by worldly fire, that clumsy yet endearing cuteness."

"I feel as if, in the Commander's eyes, I'm like a little child…" Lisailiu said.

"Well, of course you're not a little child," Qin Ge shook his head. "It's just a metaphor."

"But suddenly I feel this isn't bad at all; at the very least, when I'm with you, I can set aside my burdens and fully enjoy the happiness bestowed by God." Lisailiu whispered.

"So, is there anywhere you'd like to go today? We've finally come to Iris; this could be considered revisiting old grounds, or perhaps seeking familiar places from memory." Qin Ge said.

"I don't really have any particular place in mind; if possible, we could go check out the church, or visit a cat shop." Lisailiu said.

"A cat shop?" Qin Ge wondered. "So you like cats, Lisailiu? No wonder, ever since those Commander Meows arrived at the fleet, we often see you together."

"Hmm, Commander, don't you think those cats are cute? They're gentle and clingy, and also clean." Lisailiu said seriously.

"Indeed, cats are lovely; many girls like them, but I just find it noteworthy that you, Lisailiu, like cats. Still, since you've decided, let's go to the cat shop—places like the church are too solemn for a first date." Qin Ge said.

"All right." Lisailiu nodded; she also thought using the church as a first date spot was not a good idea.

The two asked a passerby for directions to the cat shop, headed that way, and soon arrived at a pet store.

Here there are kittens and puppies, and Lisailiu couldn't walk after entering the shop. She sat down beside a group of kittens, stroking them, her whole being filled with a sense of contentment.

Although I had guessed Lisailiu's fondness for cats, Qin Ge didn't expect it to reach this extent; when they left the cat shop, Lisailiu's habit of taking three steps and looking back made Qin Ge find it amusing.

"To be honest, keeping cats on the ship isn't a bad choice, after all—I still know the legend of the unsinkable Sam."

Thus, under Lisailiu's expectant gaze, Qin Ge went back into the store, bought a few kittens and some cat food, and brought them out.

"How about this? I saw your gaze lingering on these kittens in the shop, so I picked these and bought them, hoping they'd bring you a bit of joy." Qin Ge smiled, placing the cat carrier before Lisailiu.

"Thank you, Commander; they're really too cute." Lisailiu said, reaching to lift the carrier.

But Qin Ge stopped that motion, saying, "We still have a date ahead; holding them constantly isn't suitable. How about we find a place to rest first, call the fleet personnel to have them come pick these up?"

"All right." Although Lisailiu really wanted to carry the carriers, she agreed that Qin Ge was right.

The two found a nearby café, sipping coffee while waiting for fleet personnel to arrive.

Sure enough, not long after, Emil appeared in the café.

"Heh, Commander and Your Eminence, you two called me over for a date today—feels a bit off," Emil laughed as soon as he walked in.

"Haha, I bought Lisailiu a few kittens, but I definitely can't bring them along on the rest of the outing, so please help me take them back," Qin Ge laughed.

"I see." Emil looked at the few cat carriers beside Lisailiu, smiling, and said, "Leave it to me, Commander; now go accompany Your Eminence properly—she carefully prepared this morning for today's date."

I see. Aimi'er looked at the few cat cages beside Lisailiu, smiling as he said, "Leave it to me, commander. From now on, be sure to accompany the Bishop properly—she went to great lengths to prepare for today's appointment this morning."

"Don't worry."

Don't worry.