On the path outside the city, Natsuki Subaru and Carlisle walked side by side, heading for the giant's stash of stolen goods.
Carlisle glanced sideways, noticing that a faint blush still lingered on the girl's cheeks, refusing to fade.
Her lips moved slightly, occasionally muttering something in a voice so soft it was almost inaudible, yet it carried a constant mix of panic and shyness.
Somewhat concerned by her state, Carlisle gently patted the girl's shoulder, "That..."
However, before he could finish, Natsuki Subaru reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, leaping to the side abruptly, waving her hands frantically, and her voice suddenly rose: "That! I wasn't thinking anything strange!"
Her reaction was so intense that Carlisle paused, a flicker of surprise and confusion in his clear blue eyes.
Seeing his expression, Natsuki Subaru immediately realized she had said the wrong thing.
The blush on her cheeks deepened instantly, as if seared by flames.
Her rationality completely collapsed at that moment, and she felt all her strength drain away.
She squatted down in self-despair, covering her face with her hands, wailing in her heart.
'Wuwu... It's over, He's going to think I'm a weirdo, isn't he?'
'It's his fault, Who told him to suddenly say such things and strike such a handsome pose... probably...'
'No! No! Natsuki Subaru, how can you fall for him so easily, Calm down!'
'He's a Knight, he might be this gentle with everyone... But, his gaze just now, it was so serious... Ahhh! What am I thinking!'
Her mind was in a chaotic mess, thoughts scattered like leaves caught in a strong wind, and she continued to ponder in her heart.
'Why do I become so strange every time I see him... I've lived two lives, yet I'm acting like a little girl who's never been in love... though I really haven't been... No! I must pull myself together, can't go on like this!'
However, despite her desperate attempts to convince herself, the heat on her cheeks showed no signs of diminishing.
A faint wisp of steam rose from the top of her head again, and she was as red and hot as if she had been boiled.
Carlisle stood beside her, watching her flustered appearance, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.
He sighed softly and whispered, "That... are you alright?"
Hearing his voice, Natsuki Subaru's body stiffened slightly, then she buried her head even lower, weakly saying, "N-nothing... I'm just... a little tired..."
Carlisle looked at her self-deprecating manner, a hint of amusement and teasing in his tone: "Then take a rest.
But, what exactly was that'strange thing' you mentioned just now?"
Natsuki Subaru's face instantly turned crimson, and the'steam' above her head seemed to thicken.
She suddenly looked up, waving her hands frantically: "N-nothing! Really nothing, Don't ask anymore!"
Carlisle looked at her flustered appearance, the amusement in his eyes deepening.
He nodded gently, "Alright, I won't ask, However if you need any help, please tell me anytime."
After resting for a moment, the two continued on their journey.
The afterglow of the setting sun gradually faded, and a faint twilight appeared in the sky.
A gentle breeze swept by, bringing a touch of coolness.
Carlisle walked ahead, his pristine Knight's uniform standing out against the twilight, like a solid barrier, keeping all dangers at bay.
To accommodate the girl's feelings, Carlisle did not initiate conversation again, only occasionally glancing back to ensure her safety.
His silence was like a gentle consideration, yet it also made the atmosphere a bit subtle.
Natsuki Subaru followed behind him, her gaze occasionally falling on his back, a complex expression flashing in her eyes.
Her lips were slightly pursed, as if she wanted to say something, but didn't know how to begin.
"Why isn't he talking anymore... Is it because my reaction just now was too strange?" Natsuki Subaru muttered to herself, unconsciously twisting the corner of her clothes with her fingers.
There was a hint of disappointment in her gaze, like a small animal that had been neglected, longing for a little attention, yet afraid to approach actively.
Carlisle continued to walk silently ahead.
If any passersby saw this pair, they would surely assume Carlisle was a personal Knight guarding a noble young lady.
He didn't notice that the girl behind him was watching him with a slightly disappointed gaze, an indescribable sourness rising in her heart.
The girl lowered her head, her steps gradually slowing, as if trying to close the distance between them, yet afraid to break the silence.
This strange atmosphere did not last long.
Carlisle suddenly stopped, turned to face Natsuki Subaru, and said gently, "Come here for a moment."
The girl tilted her head in confusion, a flicker of bewilderment in her golden eyes, but she still obediently walked forward.
However, Carlisle's next action instantly froze her in place, even the disappointment and sourness from before vanishing at that moment.
Carlisle slowly raised his hand, his index finger gently touching the girl's forehead, and whispered.
"May the spirit of magic shelter you."
As his words fell, a faint glow suddenly appeared around Carlisle, a light as soft as dawn, yet carrying an undeniable majesty.
Natsuki Subaru stared blankly at the scene before her, her golden eyes filled with shock and disbelief.
Her heartbeat suddenly quickened, her cheeks slightly flushed, as if the light had warmed her entire body.
Her mind was a blank, only Carlisle's deep voice and the warmth from his Fingertips remained.
"W-what is this?" she murmured softly, her voice trembling slightly with surprise.
Carlisle withdrew his finger, the light gradually dissipated, and he explained softly, "This is protective magic, While it can't withstand overly powerful attacks, it can at least make you a bit safer."
Natsuki Subaru's cheeks grew even redder, her fingers unconsciously intertwining: "Th-thank you... Carlisle."
Carlisle smiled slightly, a hint of indulgence in his gaze, "No need to thank me. This is just something within my capabilities."
The disappointment in the girl's heart had long been replaced by warmth and shock.
She secretly stole a glance at Carlisle, finding his profile exceptionally gentle in the twilight.
Her heartbeat quickened again, and a thought involuntarily surfaced in her mind: "This person... I think I've really fallen for him..."
Carlisle then turned around, his gaze calmly fixed ahead.
Only then did Natsuki Subaru notice that they were already standing in front of a slightly dilapidated house.
"This is it," Carlisle said, a hint of anticipation and caution in his tone, "The stash of stolen goods, I hope our efforts will be rewarded here."
...
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