Li Wei’s silence was deafening.

Tsukika’s silence cut even deeper.

Both wore equally complex expressions.

Even Yue Lin’s ahoge shot straight up from the pungent aroma, her face tight with wariness and fear.

Vivian could never have imagined that before her campaign against the Demon King Citadel even began, the elven ranger in her party would pull such a stunt on the Demon Lord.

While Vivian daydreamed of conquering the citadel, Tiffany had already tried to poison the Demon Lord—to his face.

Oblivious, Tiffany puffed out her chest slightly under Li Wei’s quiet gaze and chirped cheerfully:

“No need to be shy, Mr. Li Wei~”

“You’ve always taken care of us. This is just a little thank-you~”

“Hmph, Vivian doesn’t know how to cherish you… but I do.”

She couldn’t resist taking a subtle dig at Vivian.

Not a flicker of guilt crossed her mind.

After all, she’d used the restaurant owner’s ingredients.

Seeing neither Li Wei nor Tsukika move, Tiffany thought for a moment, then filled two bowls generously with the crimson liquid and set them before them.

The flowing scarlet gleamed like molten lava.

Like the blood-river of hell itself.

Tsukika stared at the vivid red. *Is this retribution for the blood on my hands?*

When Yue Lin—curious yet hesitant—stepped forward, Tiffany wagged a finger.

“This is too intense for kids. You can’t have any.”

Relief washed over Yue Lin—but her lips and ahoge stiffened instantly.

“I’m not a kid anymore!”

*…Oops.*

She wasn’t foolish; she saw the danger.

Luckily, her unreliable yet perceptive dad stepped in:

“Most adults couldn’t handle this.”

“And no one proves they’re grown by eating something like this.”

“Hmph. I wasn’t trying to prove anything. I’ll spare it today,” Yue Lin smoothly took the exit.

Li Wei exhaled. *Good. She didn’t double down.*

At least Tiffany hadn’t served Yue Lin a bowl—*not completely lost yet.*

Glancing at the simmering Demon Lord, Li Wei turned to Tiffany.

“Thank you.”

Then to Tsukika, voice layered with meaning:

“Don’t you have something to say? It’s Tiffany’s kindness.”

“Set a good example for our daughter.”

*You’re furious. But not yet.*

*Using the emperor to command the lords? I can play that too.*

Tsukika: “…?”

*How… considerate.*

*You set me up… and want me to thank you?*

A chillingly sweet smile graced her lips—aimed at Tiffany, but her gaze locked coldly on Li Wei. Through gritted teeth, she whispered:

“I… thank you ever so much.”

Li Wei knew: Tsukika rarely gave such hollow thanks. Rarely felt this wronged.

*Maybe this was the fool’s way of countering the schemer.*

Watching her struggle to hide her grinding teeth, he felt a quiet surge of satisfaction.

These past days of suppression? Fading. Like his returning strength, he was reclaiming their rhythm. Soon—he’d flip the script. *The advantage is mine.*

“Won’t you try it, Mr. Li Wei?” Tiffany beamed, utterly unaware she danced on the edge of doom—or that Li Wei had quietly redirected some of the Demon Lord’s glare her way.

Her heart pounded. *The plan is live!*

The moment she placed the dish down, a… *bold* idea sparked.

No—this was destiny! Her subconscious wisdom shining through!

*Use this. Create the moment.*

She knew the Demon-Slaying Pepper’s terror.

As an elf, beyond her innate flair for flirtation, her bond with nature whispered truths. One glance revealed its nature: a thorny, hostile presence rejecting all since birth.

No dragon could stomach this quantity.

And Tsukika? One bite, and she’d flee to the restroom—or shove the bowl at Li Wei.

*That’s my cue.*

Step in. Shine. Contrast with Tsukika’s cold evasion.

*—I only care about Mr. Li Wei.*

He’d see her sincerity. Then, “recovering” together… alone.

Tiffany knew humans called this “green tea.”

*Perfect.*

“Green tea” sounded cute! Natural!

*Which man resists “green tea” charm?*

Li Wei scooped the spoon, eyeing Tiffany’s sudden “hehe” grin.

*What’s this silly elf scheming now…*

He shrugged. *She’ll mess it up herself.*

He inhaled. The aroma stung—repulsive, yet strangely thrilling.

*Damn it.*

He crushed the memory of recent oppression and ate.

To others: a gut-churning bomb. A one-way trip to misery.

To Li Wei? Mild.

Pain aside, it barely compared to *that time the Demon Lord slipped*.

A familiar burn rolled across his tongue—then the dish’s true flavor bloomed. A reward for the brave.

“Actually… not bad,” he admitted plainly.

Tiffany turned to Tsukika.

“Won’t you try it, Miss Tsukika?”

Tsukika wore Yue Lin’s signature pout, staring at the fiery bowl.

*If not for hiding my identity… this would be in Tiffany’s stomach already.*

Easy fix: claim discomfort.

Then Tiffany’s voice cut in, sweetly sharp:

“…Afraid, Miss Tsukika?”

“This is the *Ultimate Stir-Fried Undying*.”

Before Li Wei’s stunned eyes, Tiffany deployed her textbook “green tea” act:

“If you’re scared, it’s okay not to eat it~”

“Even though I traded away so many plates for this… no worries!”

*So moved!* *Elders’ wisdom lives!*

Li Wei: “….”

“Afraid?”

*Hehehe… Hahahaha…*

Tsukika saw the provocation—but *who named this dish?!*

Her gentle “I see your dream” gaze vanished. Without hesitation, she scooped a spoonful.

Seconds later, napkin dabbing her lips:

“Thank you. The taste is acceptable. Though I prefer milder flavors, I’ll—”

A hand took her bowl. Poured its contents into his.

“If you don’t like it, don’t force it,” Li Wei said. One taste was enough to enjoy her fluster.

“Kindness should bring joy, not suffering. Tiffany wouldn’t want you uncomfortable.” He turned to the stunned elf. “Sorry, Tiffany. She’s not used to this heat.”

“But it suits me. I’ll finish it.”

No bluff. His enhanced vitality thrummed with the spice—a strange, rhythmic thrill.

“Y-yes! I’m glad you like it, Mr. Li Wei…”

*Wait—this isn’t the script!*

*Shouldn’t I be the one rescuing him?!*

Panic flickered. *Stay calm, Tiffany, you still have a ch—*

Tsukika’s momentary surprise melted into an unreadable gaze. Then—a delicate pink smile bloomed on the Demon Lord’s lips, her youthful face flushed.

“I never knew the Chosen Hero could be so gently thoughtful… You deserve a reward.”

Li Wei opened his mouth—

—and Tsukika leaned past their daughter, pressing a kiss to his lips. Silencing him.

“!!!!!”

Yue Lin’s silver ahoge shot skyward.

Blushing, she covered her eyes with splayed fingers.

*Hmph. Unreliable adult human… kissing Mom right in front of me!*

*So shameless!*

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