Kays Translations

Chapter 16: Closing the Distance

"Lloyd-sama, I'm ready!"

"Alright, let's go."

A few days after staying at Lilina's house, we confirmed that she had fully recovered, and we set out to find the elixir. Her mother had also asked me to take care of her, so this was a critical moment. While I may not have the protagonist's special abilities, Lloyd still possesses the skills of a C-rank adventurer. 

Moreover, I have the 'Steal' ability to take skills from people and monsters. Even without being the protagonist, I should be able to protect Lilina.

"First, I need to understand your capabilities. Do you have any experience fighting monsters, Lilina?"

"Combat experience? I learned a bit from my late father and went hunting a few times."

"I see. That's significant."

Just as I had expected from the anime. I nodded at Lilina's response. 

Fighting monsters is essentially fighting living beings, and there's always resistance to killing for the first time. The only reason I could casually kill monsters was that Lloyd's body had retained the techniques and mindset for battling monsters.

If Lilina had no experience fighting monsters, I'd have to start training her. But fortunately, it seems that's not necessary. She's likely faced more monsters than I have.

"Lloyd-sama, do you think I can be of help?"

"Of course. I'm counting on you."

"Hehe."

Lilina smiled brightly at my words. 

...I noticed how much her expressions had softened. After spending a few days at her house, we had grown significantly closer. While she still used my title and formal language, her demeanor and tone were much more relaxed compared to when we first met.

I felt like she had really taken a liking to me. Watching her silver ears perk up happily reminded me of a dog I used to have. 

...They look so soft.

As I thought that, my hand naturally moved to Lilina's head. I gently petted her, just as I used to pet my dog. 

Wow, it feels amazing.

"Mm."

"Huh? Oh, s-sorry!"

Realizing the sound she made, I understood that I had crossed a line. Naturally petting a girl's head isn't something one typically does. I quickly pulled my hand back, flustered.

"Oh..."

When I withdrew my hand, Lilina made a disappointed sound. 

Wait, disappointed?

Normally, no girl would be happy about having her head patted by the villain of an anime. I understood that, but Lilina was looking at me with a longing gaze. It didn't seem like my imagination—what could this mean?

As I tilted my head in confusion, Lilina clenched her fists as if making up her mind.

"Um, Lloyd-sama. For us beastkin, we never dislike having our heads patted by someone we've opened our hearts to."

"Is that so?"

"Yes! That's right!"

Lilina leaned forward slightly as she spoke, seemingly full of determination. 

...Is she asking me to pat her head?

As I slowly reached out my hand towards Lilina's head, she watched my hand intently, her ears twitching cutely. When I finally started patting her head, Lilina's expression softened in satisfaction.

"Hehe."

She let out a small laugh and wagged her tail happily.

...Isn't this too cute?

"～～♪"

Or rather, isn't she getting too attached?

I continued to gently pat Lilina's head, enjoying the wonderful feeling of her soft hair while pondering these thoughts.

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