Chapter 245: Comforting Chris
As the system processed his purchase, the glowing panels flickered one final time before dissolving into motes of light. A snarky voice echoed in Adrian's mind.
"Understood, host. Deducting the Seduction Points. Congratulations on finally spending a significant chunk of your precious hoard. The system is proud of your growth"
Adrian rolled his eyes, his lips twitching into a smirk. "What are you, my mother to be proud of me?. If you're so proud, you should give me a discount next time."
The system responded in its usual cold mechanical voice, its tone dripping with sarcasm. "Mother?Discount? Host should dream while sleeping not while talking."
Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "You know, for a system, you're remarkably snarky. Are you sure you're not some rogue AI enjoying the perks of my suffering?"
The system's voice sharpened, laced with mock superiority. "Suffering? Host, please. If managing your reckless decisions and inflated ego is suffering, then this system deserves a medal for putting up with you."
Adrian smirked, leaning back against the table. "Keep talking like that, I might take it to hurt and maybe I'll find a way to shut you up one day."
"Bold of you to assume you'll ever reach a level where that's possible," the system quipped. "But don't let me discourage you. Dream big, host. Even with pea sized brain of host, dreaming big should be possible."
Adrian opened his mouth to reply, a soft knock at the door interrupted the exchange. Adrian straightened, his demeanor and said, "Come in," he called.
"Adrian," she began quietly, her voice trembling slightly. "I… I wanted to thank you. For everything. For helping my mother, for giving me this chance to grow stronger… I don’t know how I can ever repay you."
Adrian moved closer, his expression warm. "Chris, you don’t owe me anything. Everything I’ve done, I’ve done because I care about you."
Chris lowered her gaze, her hands tightening. "But I’m just a commoner," she murmured. "You’re a noble, surrounded by incredible ladies who are so much more than I could ever be. I’m afraid… I’m afraid I’ll hold you back, I'll embarass you."
Her words hit Adrian like a blade. He reached out, gently lifting her chin so their eyes met.
"Chris, stop. You’re every bit as important to me as anyone else in my life. Your kindness, your strength, your determination—they’re what drew me to you. Not your background. I love the Chris who took on the burden of her family, who worked so hard so that her mother could get better treatment. "
He paused for a while and ruffled her hair continuing," while the way our relationship started was not as romantic, and I might have put pressure on you, but I don't regret anything. I am glad that you are with me now, so don't feel inferior to anyone. I love you equally as all of my other women."
Tears glistened in her eyes, "But I’m not as strong or skilled as the others. I don’t have their confidence…"
"No buts," Adrian interrupted firmly. "Your value isn’t measured by where you come from, but by who you are. And you’re extraordinary, Chris. I love you, not as a commoner, but as the amazing woman you are. Never forget that."
Chris sniffled, her smile growing stronger. "Thank you, Adrian. I’ll do my best to stand by you, no matter what."
Adrian pulled her into a warm embrace. "You already do, Chris. And you always will."
As Adrian held Chris in his arms, she gently pulled back, her cheeks flushed with a delicate pink. Her eyes, still glistening with unshed tears, held a spark of warmth and determination. Before he could ask what was wrong, she leaned forward, placing a soft, fleeting kiss on his cheek.
The unexpected gesture made Adrian's heart skip a beat. He blinked in surprise, but his lips curved into a tender smile as Chris shyly avoided his gaze, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve.
Without a word, she stepped back into his embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist and resting her head on his chest.
Her voice was barely above a whisper as she confessed, "Your embrace… it feels so safe, so warm. It’s like all the worries of the world melt away when I’m here. I wish I could stay like this forever."
Adrian’s heart swelled at her words, and he gently rested his chin atop her head, stroking her hair with one hand while the other encircled her protectively.
His voice was low and soothing as he replied, "Then stay as long as you want, Chris. My arms will always be open for you. Whenever you need comfort, security, or just a reminder of how much you mean to me, I’ll be here. Always."
Her arms tightened slightly around his waist, and she stayed close for a moment longer before reluctantly stepping back. Her cheeks carried a soft pink hue as she glanced up at him with a shy but grateful smile.
Adrian took her hand, his thumb gently brushing against her knuckles. "Come on," he said softly, his voice warm and inviting. "Let’s take a walk. I want to spend some more time together with you."
Chris hesitated for a moment. "But… what about the mana circulating manuals?" she asked, concern flickering in her eyes. "Won’t our walk delay you arranging mana circulating manuals for us?
Adrian chuckled, his confidence radiating as he squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I’ve already acquired them, Chris. Taking a walk with you won’t set me back in the slightest."
Her eyes widened, and a spark of awe lit up her expression. "Already?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration.
"As expected of you, Adrian. You’re truly incredible—capable of so much, and so effortlessly. It’s… it’s like you can do anything." Her gaze practically sparkled as though she were a fangirl, meeting her idol for first time.
Her admiration made Adrian’s chest swell with pride, and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m glad you think that, Chris. But don’t forget—you’re part of why I push myself to be better. Knowing you’re by my side makes me want to aim higher.”