"King's luck is enormous. The world itself bends backward for him." Grayfia never expected something like that. She thought that it was a one-off incident and disregarded King because there wasn't a need to think about it further.
But, upon looking at things from the angle Adam provided, it was indeed true. As a normal human, there wasn't a way for him to accumulate that many feats on his own. His luck helped him in every way possible. That was how a normal human got touted as the Strongest Hero on Earth over people with actual superpowers.
'He is the ultimate bluff.' Grayfia's eyes widened when she realized the reason she was so quick to drop him from the radar too.
"Yes, that ability of his affected you. Making you drop your guard and not consider him a threat. Breaking away from causality isn't easy. He uses it subconsciously when his life is in danger. And in a snap, it is all dealt with in the best way possible." Adam's explanation left her astounded. Such ability, she thought only he was capable of it but to think she found another person.
'He is still nothing compared to Master. But still, I'll need to keep my eye on him so that he doesn't get in Master's way. That is what I can do to make up for my failure.' Determination burned in her red eyes, but then she felt his hand on her shoulder.
"Grayfia," His deep voice shook her out of the thoughts as she looked up. He stood close enough that she could smell his cologne, however, she couldn't focus too much on it because of what he said next.
"Fighting or keeping an eye out for danger, Those aren't something you need to worry about. I won't let any danger come enough for you to notice them. You don't need to worry about anything outside of your duties as a maid that you enjoy…. Truthfully, knowing that you are by my side does a lot for me than you would think. So, don't think that you will ever fail or disappoint me." Adam had become used to being alone. He lived alone for years in the world he was sent to and it became a part of him.
Of course, he had the company now when he went to meet the people he loved, but when he returned to the shop it felt emptier every time. And he couldn't wait to go meet others again. It was the reason he could never stay in the shop unless it was for a contract and moved from world to world.
That was why when Grayfia offered to come with him, even though surprised, Adam felt happy about it. In a sense, he expected that situation so he accepted the old man's deal in advance. Thinking he could use it if the chance came. And it did. Grayfia signed a contract to live in the shop with him. She knew the consequences of that decision and still agreed to it.
"So, don't put yourself down again, alright?" That was why he wanted her to enjoy her time like he did. Worrying about something that lay beyond her control would be useless. He'd take care of them like she took care of things for him.
"…Yes, Master." Her head lowered understanding that.
'It is very embarrassing when you later realize how foolish you were to worry about something that doesn't matter. I guess she is feeling that right now.' Adam had gone through that multiple times himself. The best thing to do around this time was to leave the person alone so they could sort their thoughts out.
"I'll handle the two outside. So, take your time." He exited the area with swift movements leaving her in the silence.
Only after when the door closed shut Grayfia dared to look up. Her fair face had turned crimson as her heart pounded in her ears so loud that it felt like it might burst.
"To say such things… So unfair…" Her whispered protests reached no one as she tried to calm down by washing her face with cold water. She wanted to freeze her face because of how it burned, but she didn't think that would help.
Even then, she couldn't go back to face him for another hour.
'Knowing that you are by my side does a lot for me than you would think… you are by my side does a lot for me than you would think… you are by my side… by my side…' She couldn't stop the smile that broke onto her ice-cold face when these words repeated in her ears.
He valued her presence, although she tried to belittle her role and say she couldn't do anything to help. She did help him without knowing, not in the way she wanted but she did. As he said, she was too occupied with things she shouldn't care about. But, he still praised her, and there wasn't anything better she could ask for.
'I'll be sure to not make the same mistake twice. I have to do my best for Master. To be someone that he can turn to… That's my goal.' With a rock-solid resolve, Grayfia walked out of the room. And the first person she saw was him.
"You came just in time. It's lunchtime." Adam already prepared the food at the table in advance.
"…Thanks." She blamed herself for taking too long and still being unable to face him without a blush. But since it already happened, Grayfia thought of eating the food to smooth things over.
She watched him while eating from her plate at a much slower pace than usual. The way he twirled the fork and lifted it, the small bites he took, and his refined way of eating contrasted the rough looks. Thanks to how attentive she was, Grayfia noticed that King stared in their direction. Adam sat near the window so she could see that guy looking at her.
'No, he is looking at the pasta.' Noticing his gaze she sheltered her plate like a bear. She wouldn't let anyone have it. After all, Adam made it and only chances like this helped her learn about cooking then reading books. Because she could taste the final product and get so many insights.
Almost like an epiphany. Whenever she ate something he cooked, she learned a ton of things about the particular dish. So, she wouldn't share this with anyone.
But, to King, this looked like a threatening glare. He was but a human so if someone as strong as her glared at him, he'd freeze up in an instant. Thankfully, Grayfia knew of it and didn't glare at him in seriousness or he would've died.
'S-S-S-Scary…' King's will to come here again was decreasing by the second. All he thought was that the sauce of the pasta looked real good. As a result, he almost got turned into a popsicle.
Isamu noticed this and his eyes narrowed. He looked around before focusing back on King as slow thumps reached his ears, it was a steady yet vigorous heartbeat. His eyes widened, it wasn't loud, but quiet enough for only him to hear.
'The King's engine?! Are there enemies nearby?'