After a while, Li Wei stirred awake, roused by a cool, damp sensation on his face—as if mist were gently brushing his skin.

“What’s wrong with him?” A childish voice chimed in, accompanied by light, kicking taps against his legs.

“Nothing much. He just fainted.” The voice carried a lazy, coquettish lilt.

“Why did he faint?” Yue Lin gazed at the unconscious man on the ground, a silver “?” popping above her head in confusion.

“He must’ve been too excited. After all, this is Dad’s first solo trip with me.”

Tsukika held her daughter close, chuckling softly. Her crimson eyes flicked down at the man at her feet, brimming with amusement.

Yue Lin immediately pouted. “He’s *not* my dad.” She shot the man a disdainful glance. *He’s excited about something other than going out with me? No wonder he’s not my real father.*

A flicker of doubt crossed her mind.

“But… was it really excitement? Why does his face look so weird?”

“Silly child. That’s the look of happiness.”

“Hmph. Adult happiness looks *ugly*,” Yue Lin huffed, shaking her head. She turned back to her mother, voice tinged with envy. “Mom’s been looking prettier lately.”

“Really?”

“Because she’s been filled with happiness~” Tsukika smiled.

“Why ‘filled’?” Yue Lin tilted her head. “Mom’s just happy ‘cause she gets to bully this guy daily, right?”

“Mm, you could say that too.”

Yue Lin shook her ahoge, feeling even more envious. *I should be bullying him too… so why does he feel like he controls my actions? Is this the scary part of humans?*

Her eyes dropped suddenly. She stared blankly at Tsukika’s fair legs.

“Mom… where are your socks?”

*She was wearing them when we left.*

“Oh? How strange~ Did we meet a wild sock-eating monster? Maybe they got eaten?” Tsukika mused, as if just realizing it.

“Why would such a monster exist?” Yue Lin frowned. *Mom’s socks *are* fragrant… but still!*

“And… are socks even edible?”

“Mm, why *would* such a monster exist?”

“Mom’s lying.” Yue Lin huffed.

“How could Mom lie to Yue Lin?” Tsukika pouted her pink lips. “Why not ask Dad? He’s awake now.”

“The Chosen Hero will clear my name. It’s not like *he* ate them… right?”

Under Yue Lin’s startled gaze, Li Wei could no longer feign sleep. He sat up slowly, met Tsukika’s teasing eyes, rubbed his temple, and said after a pause:

“Clarification: your mom isn’t lying. Such a monster *does* exist.”

“Though its actions… aren’t exactly voluntary.”

He patted his pocket. Just as expected—Tsukika had “secured the evidence” for him. *And threw in a bonus pair.*

Pinching the pair of “ultimate treasure artifacts” inside, Li Wei’s face darkened.

Meeting Tsukika’s amused stare, he had zero grounds to protest.

*Overconfident. Thinking I could handle her.*

True power was the only currency for fair talk. And right now? He was still outmatched.

She could flip the table anytime. Complain about pettiness? She’d just smirk: *“Yep, I can’t take a joke. You try it too—if you dare.”*

“Speaking of food…” Tsukika’s smile sharpened. “Chosen Hero, I’m hungry. Any solutions?”

Her gaze lingered pointedly on his pocket.

*Threat received.*

Li Wei sighed softly. Without removing his clothes, he pulled out a low-grade water-repelling scroll, tore it open, and dove headfirst into the pond.

Moments later, violent ripples churned the serene water.

Tsukika splashed at the edge with Yue Lin, clapping gleefully.

“Look! Our strongest is fighting a fish!”

Unlike her mother’s excitement, Yue Lin watched the struggle with nervous tension.

The battle ended swiftly. Li Wei hauled a giant fish—nearly as tall as a person—onto the shore.

“How will the Chosen Hero cook it?” Tsukika leaned close, eyes twinkling. “Grilled? Pan-fried? Stewed? Stir-fried~? Which one, hmm?”

Li Wei shot the Demon Lord a weary look. “Do you see a kitchen here?”

*This Demon Lord torments me everywhere—public, private, bed or no bed.*

Tsukika tilted her head. “That look… doesn’t seem like you’re cooking fish. More like you want to *stir-fry me*?”

Li Wei: “????”

He quickly looked away, jaw tight. *Does she know what she’s saying in front of our daughter?!*

“Don’t worry. She doesn’t understand.” Tsukika glanced casually at Yue Lin—silver “?” hovering above her head, utterly bewildered—and continued smoothly:

“So… as long as *I’m* prepared, the Chosen Hero can handle anything?”

With a flick of her wrist, crimson light swirled. Pots, pans, and kitchenware materialized in a heap.

Li Wei: “…”

*Did she move the entire Demon King Citadel here?*

Tsukika’s eyes softened with feigned fragility. “Bringing family to seek refuge with the Chosen Hero… one must prepare essentials. After all, we might be abandoned again. This lowly one has a fragile fate—losing your favor means nothing. But the child… mustn’t suffer.”

Her voice was so pitiful, anyone would’ve pointed at Li Wei and called him a heartless cad.

“I *really* appreciate you thinking of everything,” Li Wei gritted out, feeling Yue Lin’s gaze—a quiet mix of bitterness and anger.

“Don’t mention it! Just giving you chances to shine~” Tsukika’s sorrow vanished instantly, replaced by a bright smile. “Need help, Chosen Hero?”

“What *can* you help with?” Li Wei asked flatly.

Tsukika pondered. “…Taste it for you?”

Li Wei stared. “Then go do the *other* thing.”

“What’s that?” She blinked innocently.

“Go cool off somewhere else.”

“Sure thing~”

No anger. *A cook deserves leniency.*

She pulled a tiny stool from the crimson glow, sat beside him, chin resting on her palms like a dependent child, watching Li Wei silently prep the fish with a stern face.

*Last time I saw him move like that… was slaughtering demons at the Demon King Citadel.*

She sighed wistfully. “Last time, you cut down enemies like you were filleting fish. Now… you fillet fish… just like filleting fish.”

Li Wei ignored her. But a faint ripple stirred in his chest.

*Why does this simple act feel… peaceful?*

That selfish longing stirred again.

Across the shore, Yue Lin crossed her arms like a tiny adult, coldly observing the two childish grown-ups.