"I understand. I also need some strength to protect the important people in my life right now," Wise said, deciding to go along with it.
[Yes, it's best that you've come to terms with it, Host.]
Wise continued preparing breakfast in the kitchen. Not long after, Belle, who had woken up, came downstairs with some difficulty.
Her movements were light, her steps so small it seemed taking even slightly larger ones would hurt.
"Belle? Why are you down here? You should be resting today."
Wise, who was about to bring breakfast upstairs, set down what he was holding when he saw Belle and went to support her.
She leaned into Wise's embrace, her face bright with a happy smile.
"It's fine, I'm not very tired right now. It's just still a little painful," Belle said.
"Alright, then come eat something first. If you don't get proper nutrition, your body won't be able to handle it."
"Mm-hm."
Belle nodded, her eyes still on Wise. Just as she was about to walk into the first-floor room with Wise's support, he picked her up by the waist.
He effortlessly carried her to the sofa. It was then Belle realized again that Wise was not only handsome but also a man who could easily solo a High-level Ethereal and possessed remarkable stamina.
Belle settled onto the sofa, eating and watching TV alongside Wise. It was such an ordinary scene, but today, she yearned to make it a little different.
While eating, Belle suddenly freed one hand and placed it on Wise's lower abdomen. Even through his clothing, she could feel the firm definition of his abs.
"Belle, focus on eating."
"Oh, yes, yes, I understand."
Noting Wise's slightly altered tone and his gaze that seemed to want to 'devour' her, Belle immediately thought of something both frightening and shy.
She no longer dared to provoke Wise, withdrawing her small hand and concentrating on her meal. The atmosphere had shifted subtly between them.
However, Wise glanced at Belle next to him, hesitated for a moment, and finally, unable to resist, asked, "Belle, yesterday when you suggested we didn't use protection, what exactly were you thinking?"
Hearing this, Belle stopped eating. She swallowed the food in her mouth, then glanced at Wise with a guilty conscience.
"Well, I know it was reckless, but I had considered the consequences, and I knew what would happen if I really got pregnant... but don't worry, I'll take medicine later, and if I really get pregnant, we can certainly find a way to deal with it."
Belle's voice became less confident towards the end, growing weaker and weaker, but Wise heard everything clearly.
He immediately let out an angry shout, interrupting what Belle was about to say next.
"What stupid things are you talking about?!"
"Eh, heh~"
As Belle said this, she playfully leaned in and kissed Wise. He almost instinctively pushed her down onto the sofa.
"Uh, wait, wait a minute, no, I can't do it today!"
Belle was startled. Although she didn't want to refuse Wise, the pain in her body hadn't completely faded. Wise simply gave her a few kisses and lightly touched her breast for a moment before letting go.
"Alright."
Sadly, there was nothing he could do, and he heard a phew of relief coming from her. But just then, Wise's phone suddenly rang. He picked it up, and Belle also curiously leaned over.
The message was from Anby, which was unexpected yet reasonable given their recent interactions.
Anby's message was an invitation for Wise to go out and have fun together. Though not explicitly stated, it was definitely an invitation for a date.
Seeing this, Wise immediately thought of Belle, whose body was still a bit uncomfortable. He immediately wanted to reply and refuse, but before he could finish typing, Belle stopped him with her hand.
"Hm? Belle, what's wrong?" Wise asked.
He initially thought that his reply to Anby's message had made Belle jealous, but it clearly wasn't the case because he knew Belle isn't that petty.
The truth is often more unpredictable, and Belle's next words left Wise slightly stunned.
"Brother, if you want to go, you can go. It's okay. Anby is a very good girl, and I don't want you to disappoint her."
Belle's words truly surprised Wise. He hadn't expected her to be so understanding.
"Belle? Are you serious?"
Wise had already planned to decline Anby's invitation, but instead, Belle wanted him to go on a date with Anby.
'Does Belle have some special kink?'
Wise didn't dare to dwell on it, and Belle, seeing Wise's strange expression, immediately guessed that she had been misunderstood.
She immediately blushed and scolded him with a hint of annoyance.
"Brother, what are you thinking?!"
"Nothing, nothing…" Wise said, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.
"Forget it. It's useless to talk to you. Give me your phone. I'll reply to the message."
Hearing Belle's words, Wise obediently handed her his phone. Belle then replied to Anby's message right in front of Wise.
The content was roughly that because Belle was feeling unwell and couldn't go out, she wanted to invite Anby over and cook her something delicious. A clever excuse to bring Anby closer.
After sending the message, Belle immediately returned the phone to Wise.
As for her motivation?
In Belle's mind, she had arrived late and never had the intention or courage to be with Wise.
Anby was already a step ahead, bravely taking his first kiss in his memory. She was an innocent and pure good girl. As a friend, Belle didn't want to hurt her, yet she still used improper means to secure Wise first time.
Now she had to face the consequences of her actions.