Chapter 164: Good Afternoon

I have to admit, Red really is remarkable in every way.

As the protagonist carrying his mission, his talent and potential for growth are so great that others can only gaze up at him in awe.

As a companion entrusted with life and death, his willingness to act as bait for the sake of his teammates, tearing open a path through the rampaging monsters with courage and resolve, earns him the deepest respect.

But when it comes to being a lover… he falls a bit short.

Maybe it’s because he was influenced by Liz from a young age?

The difference in their positions at the start, followed by constant denial and criticism, was like an invisible chisel, whittling his sense of self-worth thinner and more fragile with each cut.

When faced with girls, especially those of higher status, he gives off an inexplicable sense of self-doubt.

No matter how many self-sacrificing things he’s done, he instinctively chooses to avoid facing them.

If I really were Litt, I’d probably be so frustrated right now.

Thankfully, I’m not.

But the role I have to play is that of the white moonlight who heals Red’s heart.

So, at this moment, my main thought is how to correct the way Red thinks.

“I actually think I’m pretty confident.”

Red, still unaware, rubbed his chin.

“But when I look at those girls, it’s clear their eyes are all on Mason and the others.”

Sigh.

Litt let out a muffled sigh, with a hint of ‘hating iron for not becoming steel’.

She didn’t waste more words arguing; some beliefs are too deeply rooted, and words can never match the shock of a simple “action”.

She silently reached out her chopsticks and carefully picked up a golden, crispy, sauce-covered pork cutlet from her own bowl.

Her slender arm reached across the table, delivering the pork cutlet right to Red’s mouth.

At this moment, the girl’s fair cheeks were tinged with a soft, sunrise blush, but her eyes were incredibly bright and steadfast as they met Red’s slightly stunned gaze.

“If you really think what you just said isn’t a problem,” her voice was quiet, but her attitude was firm, “then… eat this piece of pork cutlet.”

Red was caught off guard by Litt’s sudden change.

“This…”

He wanted to refuse, but faced with Litt’s unwavering stare, he hesitated for a while and finally chose to eat the piece of pork cutlet in front of him.

Even though it was identical to the pork cutlet in his own bowl, it tasted so much sweeter and more delicious.

After the little feeding play was over, Litt retracted her chopsticks, lowered her head, and ate her meal in silence, seeming a bit embarrassed by her own actions.

After a brief, silent moment between them, Litt spoke up again.

“How did it taste…?”

“Delicious.”

Red nodded.

Litt’s cooking really was top-notch; it even tasted better than the dishes he made himself.

He couldn’t help but wonder how Letia, who taught him how to cook, would compare to her.

But then again, asking that lazy fish to cook was probably out of the question.

“But just now, Litt, you…”

Before Red could finish, Litt cut him off in a small voice.

“If you really weren’t popular, Red, then why would I do something like this?”

Saying this, she slowly lifted her head.

Her face was full of blush, but her eyes were earnest.

“Red, you should be more confident. Actually, you are very popular. Otherwise… when we first met, I wouldn’t have…”

Litt’s voice grew softer and softer, until Red could barely hear what she was saying at all, only seeing her lips move.

Even straining his ears, he couldn’t catch it.

“Wouldn’t have what?”

“It’s nothing!”

Litt refused to say any more, leaving Red even more confused.

After finishing their meal, the two didn’t part ways, but simply sat quietly together on the bench, not saying a word.

This silence didn’t feel awkward at all; in fact, it was quite comfortable.

Red stole a glance at Litt’s profile.

To be honest, he’d forgotten when exactly he’d gotten so used to Litt’s gentle care.

This girl was even willing to put aside her work at the White Church, letting the Wasted Automaton act as her stand-in to handle her duties, just so she could stay by his side.

Red wasn’t stupid or dense.

How could he not see that Litt actually had feelings for him?

But… he just couldn’t take that crucial step, especially after learning how important Litt’s position was within the White Church.

Winning the hand of a princess—such a beautiful story—was, in reality, nothing more than a fantasy.

Still, continuing to enjoy someone’s kindness like this without taking the initiative to return it… wasn’t that a bit too immoral?

With that thought, Red spoke.

“Litt, is there anything you want?”

He might not be able to return her feelings, but perhaps returning some kindness was the only thing he could do.

“Something I want?”

Litt pondered for a while, then finally shook her head.

“Can’t think of anything I really want.”

After all, I’m basically a salted fish.

What do salted fish have to pursue?

So if I really have to answer, I want money.

But since I’m playing the role of the angelic Litt, there’s no way I can give such a shallow answer.

“But if it’s something from you, Red, I’ll like it no matter what.”

This was the most appropriate answer for my role.

But this answer only gave Red a headache.

As a man—especially one who’s taken care of women before—the most troublesome answer was “anything’s fine”.

Even if he knew Litt was sincere, anyone would still worry that their gift wasn’t what the other truly wanted.

“But why are you asking, Red?”

“It’s nothing, I just feel a bit bad always being taken care of by you.”

Red sighed, but upon hearing this, Litt couldn’t help but laugh.

“Well, since you put it that way… I do have something I want.”

“Please, tell me.”

Hearing this, Red immediately perked up.

At times like this, no matter what Litt wanted, he had to get it for her.

“Just like this… I don’t want to move,” she said softly, pointing to the tabletop, “and then put your hand here.”

“Oh… okay.”

Red was a bit lost, not seeing what this had to do with “something you want”, but seeing the earnest look in her eyes, he followed her instructions.

And just as his hand landed on the table, Litt suddenly leaned over, resting her head on his lap, a mischievous smile on her face.

“Mmm~”

She let out a satisfied little hum, adjusted her head for a more comfortable position, and then spoke lazily.

“Good afternoon~”