章 243: Vol 2 Ch 13 - Feline Fine

While Lucas is preoccupied with longing for feline affection, a four-armed service bot approaches the group.

“Greetings, honored guests. We’ve kept the side room empty for your visit… Unless you’d prefer seats in the open area?” it asks.

‘Er, I guess Alley Cat warned ’em in advance?’

[It’s the courteous thing to do, given their… presence.]

‘Fair…’

Lucas peels his eyes away from the nearest fuzzy friend-to-be as he turns to face Alley Cat, his gaze pausing on the service bot addressing them.

‘Oh, izzat another one of 23’s, uh, siblins?’

[No, it’s a newer model.]

After a flat mental “Oh,” Lucas speaks up. “I’m fine either way. Whichever you prefer, Alley Cat.”

His attention promptly shifts back to the nearest kitty.

[It is several years old, though, so it could have also plausibly attained sapience by now, or at least sentience. Regardless, I imagine Mind Flare knows better than to try to take it away from Alley Cat, even if it’s just a tangential relation.]