The orange-red sunset spilled into the room like dye, staining everything within sight red.

The black tea on the dining table bubbled and steamed under the effect of a heating sigil.

The shadow of the sofa was cast on the white wallpaper, level with the horizon.

Hermi lay on the rug at the door, its tail swaying slowly behind it.

Another peaceful dusk.

It was as if nothing had happened today.

Felyn wiped his hands on his apron and brought the prepared Kawulisle grilled fish to the dining table.

Daiyi was currently lying on the sofa, curled up. Her hair lay somewhat messily on her rosy cheeks.

Her red lips were slightly parted, and the rise and fall of her chest had a vitality that was ready to burst forth.

She had already shed the long dress she wore during the day and changed into the sleeveless nightgown she usually wore at home.

Felyn walked to her side, squatted down with his hands on his knees, and carefully studied Daiyi's face.

The sunset spread softly across her face, outlining her exquisite and perfect features.

Perhaps sensing Felyn's approach, her brows furrowed slightly, then her long eyelashes slowly fluttered open, curling up into the air.

Her eyes were like gems embedded in the sunset, reflecting a brilliant dark green.

Felyn forgot to move, and he also forgot that Daiyi had already woken up. He just maintained his half-squatting posture, looking at Daiyi's face.

Like a tourist in an art museum, holding his breath as he looked at a masterpiece that was enough to shake one's soul.

If it were any other time, Daiyi would most likely have said, "Staring at me for so long, have you finally lost control? I hope your reason can overcome your desire, and you don't pounce on me."

But not today.

She just lay quietly on her side on the sofa, watching Felyn gaze at her face.

Felyn was the first to react. He coughed twice, realizing he had been a bit out of line just now.

"You're too beautiful, so I couldn't help but look a few more times," Felyn activated his automatic defense mechanism, explaining what had just happened.

"Do you like it then?" Daiyi's voice was very soft.

"I do. Who wouldn't?"

Felyn watched as Daiyi on the sofa propped herself up with her elbows, and a thought suddenly came to his mind: if he were to hold Daiyi tightly, her body would surely be very soft.

"Are you thinking bad things about me?"

No subtle expression of Felyn's could escape Daiyi's eyes.

But at this moment, there was no trace of blame or teasing in Daiyi's tone.

"Let's eat. I made Kawulisle grilled fish."

On the light green tablecloth was a Kawulisle grilled fish and two plates of seasonal vegetables, as well as Felyn's homemade pickles.

One green and one blue set of tableware were placed on opposite sides of the table. In the past, Felyn and Daiyi always sat facing each other.

Daiyi came to the side of the dining table, her hand resting on the back of the chair, her gaze falling on the seat next to Felyn's.

"What's wrong?"

Daiyi didn't immediately respond to Felyn's words, seeming to be struggling internally.

Fortunately, neither of them was a particularly coy person, so Daiyi didn't hesitate for too long.

"I want to sit next to you today," she said.

"Okay." Felyn didn't ask why.

For the first time, the blue and white tableware were placed side by side.

Daiyi smelled very fragrant, not the strong scent of perfume. It reminded Felyn of the scent released by a forest as the first snow melts.

The clinking of tableware sounded; dinner time was quiet.

Felyn actually didn't like to talk while eating, and neither did Daiyi. This was a very comfortable mode of getting along for the two of them.

Smelling the youthful scent coming from the beautiful girl beside him was very suitable for thinking about problems while eating.

Today's events made Felyn realize that Daiyi's identity was far higher than he had imagined.

After meeting Daiyi's father, Felyn had thought Daiyi was the daughter of some high-ranking member of a church, or a royal.

But today, the person on the other end of Bernice's communication sigil had said, "We have already communicated with Sivishus, just go directly."

Sivishus, that was the Demon King.

Even among the churches, only the three most powerful ones could accomplish such a thing.

The three major churches were Samsara, Order, and Truth.

These three churches could almost decide the fate of all humanity, and could Daiyi be a believer of one of them?

If Daiyi were just an ordinary believer, Felyn believed the church would not go to the Demon King for her sake.

In that case, Daiyi could only be a high priestess of one of these three churches, or even the daughter of an elder.

Regardless, Daiyi was a thoroughly major figure.

It wasn't that Felyn felt a sense of distance because of Daiyi's noble status.

Whether it was nobility, royalty, or the church, Felyn didn't care.

He just felt that the problems such a Daiyi encountered were probably not simple family conflicts and psychological issues, but important internal matters of the church.

Could he really help with such matters?

This feeling of powerlessness... was really a bit unpleasant.

It seemed his contract service work would not be getting a five-star rating.

Felyn blew his bangs. When he wanted to drink tea, he found his cup was already empty.

As he reached out his hand, Daiyi, who was also deep in thought beside him, happened to reach for the teapot as well.

Just like in a youth romance novel, the moment Felyn's hand touched the teapot, he felt a cool sensation on the back of his hand in the next second.

Daiyi's hand was resting on top of his.

Perhaps because it was too quiet around them, Felyn could feel her heartbeat through her fingertips.

A heartbeat was just a regular beat from the heart; it was just a simple physiological phenomenon.

But for some reason, Felyn seemed to be able to feel the young girl's thoughts being transmitted through the sound of her heartbeat.

He stole a glance at Daiyi's side profile. She still had that rational expression, even her breathing frequency hadn't changed.

But the temperature of her fingertips grew higher and higher, and warmth spread from her palm.

Was he just overthinking it?

Daiyi had fallen in love with him, could such a thing happen?

In Felyn's impression, Daiyi had always seemed to be the person who always remained rational, who never cared about anything in the world.

She was most likely the person closest to a god in the human world. Would such a person also fall in love with him?

"About today... thank you."

Daiyi's fingertips still lingered on the back of Felyn's hand, like a snowflake that refused to melt.

"Actually, I didn't do much. Bernice's contribution was much greater than mine."

"At that time, neither you nor Bernice were sure if the magical beast would still be in the room, right? You knew there was danger, but you still came."

Felyn felt Daiyi's thumb gently rubbing the web of his hand and smiled faintly.

"Because you are my client. During the contract service period, I will not allow my client to be harmed."

Daiyi pulled her hand back. Felyn noticed that her palm had turned pink.

The corners of her mouth were pressed into a tight line, and a rosy blush spread from the tips of her ears to her collarbones.

"You came to save me today, so..."

Daiyi looked up at him, her dark green pupils swaying with an emotion Felyn had never seen before.

"Thank you, my dear."

(End of Chapter)