Fiore realized his immaturity, completely outmaneuvered by a nine-year-old girl. He’d faced so much, believing he could handle the world calmly. Yet before her, he felt like an immature child.

Lilithia strolled slowly down the road. "I don’t know what that weird organization wants," she mused, "but this plot’s probably some heretical god’s scheme to gather faith or sacrifices." She glanced back at Fiore. "Your earlier expression—you knew what that thing was, right?"

Fiore nodded. "I do know." He hesitated. "But telling you would put you in danger."

"What danger?" Lilithia pressed, seemingly oblivious. "Not telling me is riskier. You think I’d investigate out of curiosity? Or act strangely during similar encounters and get noticed? No, Fiore." She poked his waist—she’d meant to punch his shoulder twice, but her height got in the way. "Knowing more protects you. Tragedies stem from misunderstandings or lack of ability. Ultimately, it’s insufficient information." She paused suddenly. "But if you won’t tell me, that’s fine." Lilithia smiled gently. "Sharing painful memories hurts anyone. I won’t force you."

"..."

"I trust you, Fiore." Facing his silence, she declared, "I trust your judgment. Aside from that impulse, I know you’ll do right. We’ve found them; they don’t know us. They’re exposed; we’re hidden. We hold the advantage. I believe you’ll handle it." She planted her hands on her hips, head high. "So—you’ll pay a different price for hiding things from me!"

Her extortionist grin was oddly cute. Fiore, whose mood had darkened, couldn’t help but laugh. Being with Lilithia always eased him. He crouched and pinched her cheeks.

"Jerk! Let go! Release me! Do you hear me? Hands off a girl! You’ll get arrested!"

Fiore grinned, unusually relaxed. "Sorry, Lilithia. You’re just too cute. I couldn’t resist."

"!" Lilithia broke free, rubbing her cheeks, her exaggerated horror like seeing a demon. "Fiore! Just you wait! When I’m your age, don’t blame me for taking advantage of your old, weak body!"

When you’re my age, I’ll only be thirty! Are you serious? You said you never lie, right?

"Wait! Fiore, your expression is scary!"

"Huh? I was just thinking—if someone plans to bully me at thirty, I’d better solve that problem first."

"Jerk! So you’re the real villain?!"

Bickering and laughing, they strolled until reaching a mansion.

"Here?"

"Though I thought I’d shaken her off, I’m walking right back," Fiore mused. "What do you think of Mephas?" He asked seriously.

Lilithia rolled her eyes. "You’ve already decided, haven’t you? We’re at her door. I don’t know your history, but your refusal wasn’t dislike, right? Honestly, Mephas is beautiful—with curves men love!"

"Her personality’s too strong. I worried following her might change me into someone I’m not." Fiore looked at Lilithia earnestly. "But now I’m sure she can’t change me."

"Oh ho~! So confident?"

"Because I met you, Lilithia. I’ve never seen a girl like you. Your existence assures me—as long as I remember you, as long as you’re here, she won’t change me."

Lilithia’s cheeks flushed. She covered her face. "Don’t say such embarrassing things out of nowhere! Seriously, you..."

"Next, Lilithia, there’s a library nearby. Wait there. I’ll bring your father."

Lilithia frowned. "You don’t want to take me?"

"Yeah." Fiore said matter-of-factly. "You’re so cute, smart, and unique. That woman’s possessiveness would make her collect you. I don’t want that!"

"Will I be turned into a doll?"

"No."

"Then..."

"I don’t want others targeting you." Fiore’s face reddened slightly—he was embarrassed too.

Lilithia paused, then gave a smile he couldn’t read. "You’re surprisingly possessive..." She turned away, skipping back the way they came. Waving one hand behind her, she called, "I’ll wait for good news~"

"Wait for me."

Fiore stepped into the mansion.

...

Lilithia rested her head on a book. This was a chance to study, but that jerk Fiore had said those things... Damn, does this character instinctively try to win over beautiful girls? Shamelessly labeling herself one, she recalled his words and felt her face heat up. Is this body really female? Seeing a handsome man like Fiore almost made her weak-kneed. The protagonist’s charm was terrifying.

Calm down, Lilithia. Even if you end up in a harem, you’re only nine. Besides, with a protagonist like Fiore, many girls surround him. As a blacksmith’s daughter, you’d rank at best third or fourth heroine! No—from what I know, five or six girls already orbit him. In this story, the final boss might join his harem too. The ending? Defeating the boss, who then loses power and becomes a normal girl by his side.

Be strong, Lilithia! She slapped her cheeks, forcing focus on the forging book. Earlier, she’d made Fiore promise swordsmanship lessons. His skills were undeniable. So she needed forging knowledge. Characters like her would help forge the weapon to defeat the final boss. She didn’t want to fail him. After all, Fiore was unexpectedly nice...

Crap! Lilithia slumped on the table. She realized she was too excited. Though just an ordinary person, back on Earth, she’d been half an otaku. This classic plot was—irresistible! Having the protagonist beside her was thrilling.

Logically, she should’ve gone with Fiore. But in typical stories, if she went, she’d get captured due to accidents, used to threaten him, he’d rescue her but get hurt, and she’d fall for him... What’s the point? Fiore would get hurt. Being a burden was stupid. Lilithia knew that. She wouldn’t harm a friend for a classic adventure.

Yes, a friend. Lilithia accepted Fiore as one. She felt no connection to this world; as a transmigrator, she didn’t empathize with its people. But Fiore—though he acted like a typical protagonist, something she’d seen countless times—when he lifted her from the crowd and flew into the sky, Lilithia thought: "He really is a hero." Warm like the sun, yet not scorching. A sun that draws moths to it. Lilithia accepted him. He was different.

She didn’t plan to be his harem member. Even if the original timeline made her one, such a role could never be the main wife. She wouldn’t join the girls’ rivalry. In their brief time, she sensed Fiore’s loneliness. He needed a friend—someone to share serious and silly talks, joke without restraint, pour out hearts, and listen. Someone genuine. Lilithia decided to be that friend.