Make a big news and criticize it

Although my butt and the floor had an uncomfortably close encounter, judging from Kefeier’s almost shy expression and the updated script prompt [Kefeier believes Euclid’s nonsense], she probably won’t stay hung up on the whole “why can’t I get stronger” issue anymore.

Besides, something else was also quietly pushing her to act.

The next day, at home.

“Young Miss, I think you should head back home soon. This secret base might not be suitable for staying in any longer.”

“What’s wrong, Nilu? Is it because those people wrecked too much of the furniture?”

Maybe it was because I pointed out a solution to her long-held problem yesterday, but when Kefeier showed up today looking relaxed, she even let out a yawn.

Only…

“Uh… ahem!”

That lazy gaze, which didn’t quite suit her “protagonist” role, changed the moment she spotted me. She quickly panicked and started fidgeting, adjusting herself in small, flustered motions.

When I looked up again, she was back to her usual self.

“The damage to the furniture isn’t the main issue… It’s just… too many outsiders came in and out yesterday. I don’t think this place is safe anymore.”

“Miss Nilu is right. In fact, someone’s been watching us since yesterday. Plus… the prophecy says this secret base is no longer suitable.”

I gave a vague prophecy-style warning to bring up what the script said. A perfect move to stay close to Kefeier! But for some reason, her reaction was… weird.

“Huh? Hmph? You seem to enjoy making Nilu happy, don’t you, conman?”

It’s just that we agree on the same point—why are you acting all jealous out of nowhere!?

Kefeier took the milk tea Nilu handed her and sipped it slowly with her head down. Seeing her like that, I knew my precious thigh-protagonist was still hesitating a bit.

“Kefeier, don’t you want to get stronger? Then you need to find your chance. Even without a prophecy, you should know—nothing in this worn-down place is going to help you break through.”

“I know!”

Kefeier looked up and pouted at me in protest.

That’s the face of someone who has no idea what to do. Of course, I can’t say that out loud—you don’t cling to a thigh like that.

“What you need to do now is think: is there any ‘major event’ happening around you? I mean something big, a real headline, big news. Only through those things can you truly get stronger.”

And I’m sure of it—Kefeier must have something like that going on. She’s the protagonist! There’s no way her life’s ever quiet.

“Euclid… you’re not lying to me, are you?”

“Of course not! If I’m lying, you can skin me alive later and I won’t complain!”

Kefeier immediately covered the smile forming at the corner of her lips, then coughed awkwardly to recover her serious tone.

Her expression turned a bit more solemn, but the frustration from yesterday was gone.

“If I go by what you’re saying… then yeah, there is something. Actually, the reason I ran off this time to cool my head was because of that matter.”

“I’m all ears.”

I even ignored the milk tea Miss Nilu gave me. This was a protagonist opening a new story arc—a main quest! As the former villain, if I don’t listen carefully, wouldn’t I just become cannon fodder?

Kefeier quickly grabbed paper and pen and began scribbling furiously.

“What bold calligraphy! As expected from you!”

“Try using your brain when you flatter someone—that’s a map.”

While sketching, she explained, “Euclid, right now the continent is split among many nations. To avoid direct conflict, they’ve left a buffer zone—territory that belongs to no one. Recently, somewhere along the borders of these countries, ruins supposedly left by a goddess were discovered.”

Whoa! A dungeon quest! This has protagonist written all over it!

“Since it’s in neutral land, no one nation can claim it. So at a recent summit, the countries agreed: each nation can send a small team to investigate. In reality, it’s just…”

“First come, first served.”

Kefeier gave me a smirk. “Not bad for a notorious conman. So, not to be selfish, but I thought I could go—so I volunteered. But… my father thought it was too dangerous and refused. That basically meant he’d given up on my potential. That’s what upset me and made me run off.”

She paused, then looked at me. “If I had to name one ‘major event’ that’s happening right now, this would be it. But since I’ve already run away, the family might assign someone else…”

Bang!

I slapped the table and stood up!

“Join the mission!”

Then, realizing I’d startled her, I quickly corrected myself—what kind of villain makes decisions for the protagonist!? I must have a death wish.

“I mean, I think this is a great opportunity.”

“But what if the spots are already filled…”

“Whoever took it, go take it back!”

Whoever tries to steal the protagonist’s plot is asking for death! That dungeon, that event—it’s all clearly meant for Kefeier, the one true lead.

“Please depart immediately, Kefeier. The prophecy has already said—you’re the only one fit for this mission.”

There can only be one true protagonist in this world—and that’s Kefeier!

“Anyone who wants to steal your spot will have to step over my dead body first!”

Is it really called “risking your life” if you’re doing it for the protagonist? Nah—this is just being part of the main cast! How about that, Kefeier? Pretty good thigh-hugging work, right? You should totally keep me safe from now on so I don’t get killed by someone random.

Uh…

“Kefeier?”

“Ah! It’s nothing!”

She quickly looked away from my face in a panic. “I knew you’d say something like that. In that case, let’s get moving—the carriage to pick us up should be arriving soon.”