Although Klee's movements appeared very stealthy, for Arkz, every blade of grass and every tree in the forest could serve as his eyes, so Klee's whereabouts were completely exposed.
However, Klee still deserved some praise. Her set of hide-and-seek tricks, combined with her inherent good luck, made it very easy for her to fool clumsy monsters and ill-intentioned adults.
"This little Klee is so practiced at this; you can tell she's used these moves many times."
"Could it be that she practiced this by playing hide-and-seek with Acting in Charge Jean and the Knights of Favonius knights?"
"She truly is a mischievous little cutie."
Arkz's lips curved into a smile, and he started a bonfire in the clearing in front of the bush where Klee was hiding.
Light a fire!
Grill Fish!
With his skills, Arkz was certain he could make little Klee willingly come out.
What is this called? This is like Grand Duke Lu using grilled Fish as bait—Klee is hooked!
Skillfully and quickly processing the grilled Fish that Klee had blasted half-cooked, Arkz skewered it and placed it over the fire to roast thoroughly.
The grilled Fish Klee had blasted earlier, although the surface was cooked, the meat inside was still somewhat raw. Moreover, when she blasted the Fish, she hadn't cleaned it; the scales and innards hadn't been scraped off, and most importantly, no seasoning had been added.
Yet, Klee had eaten it with such relish.
This little one truly has never tasted real, delicious grilled Fish!
Sizzle!
"Brush on the barbecue sauce."
"Sprinkle on the chili powder."
"And a bit of chopped green onion and cilantro."
A rich and captivating aroma diffused into the air. The fragrance seemed to gain sentience, transforming into a large hand that spread out from the grilled Fish, exploring left and right in search of its target.
Suddenly, the white, fragrant hand discovered Klee, who was hiding in the grass, secretly observing the scene.
At that moment, Klee was staring at the grilled Fish in Arkz's hand, unable to stop swallowing her saliva, her golden ahoge bobbing continuously.
"So fragrant!"
"Klee wants grilled Fish!"
The white mist-like hand, having found its target, pushed aside the grass and gently lifted Klee up. Klee, closing her eyes and enjoying the scent of the grilled Fish, didn't notice anything unusual.
Lured by the rich aroma, Klee flew out from the grass.
Watching Klee approach, drooling with her eyes full of the fragrant grilled Fish, Arkz's lips curved into a slight arc.
"Grilled Fish! Delicious grilled Fish!"
"What should I do! This is such a big piece of grilled Fish, I can't possibly eat it all by myself!"
"Is there any kind-hearted, cute little friend wearing a red hat and with Dodoco who can help me share this delicious grilled Fish?"
Hearing Arkz say this, Klee immediately raised her hand excitedly, jumping and shouting loudly:
"Here! Klee is very willing to help!"
"Klee has a red hat and Dodoco!"
"Acting in Charge Jean told Klee that wasting food is a bad thing, so let Klee help handsome big brother share this grilled Fish!"
"Okay, okay? ~"
"Klee begs you ~"
Little Klee wiggled her body, acting coquettishly, her eyes full of anticipation. Her adorable appearance could practically melt someone's heart.
"Of course, you can!!!"
Arkz immediately took out a plate from his bag space, cut off pieces of the grilled Fish, carefully picked out the tiny bones, and arranged them on the plate.
For every piece of grilled Fish on the plate, Arkz meticulously selected the most delicious and tender parts, ensuring Klee would leave a deep impression after eating it.
Slurp!
Klee looked at the grilled Fish on the clean white plate emitting a captivating charred aroma. She couldn't help but suck in her breath. The crispy, charred skin of the grilled Fish contrasted sharply with the tender white meat inside. The color contrast formed by the green chopped green onions and the red chili powder made it even more irresistible.
"(╯▽╰ ) So fragrant~~"
"Klee wants grilled Fish!"
"But... Acting in Charge Jean told Klee not to eat food from strangers."
A smile appeared on Arkz's face, his tone as gentle as a bad uncle tricking a little loli.
"You can't eat things from strangers?"
"Then let's be friends, Big Brother and Klee. Then we won't be strangers anymore, right?"
Klee's eyes immediately lit up.
"That's right! How didn't Klee think of that!"
"Big Brother is amazing!"
"I am Klee, the Spark Knight of the Knights of Favonius. This is my friend Dodoco. My mother is Alice. Acting in Charge Jean is..."
Klee began to introduce herself in detail, recounting everything from her beloved Dodoco to the Crab she hated eating most, telling Arkz every little detail.
Arkz listened very patiently, showing no intention of interrupting Klee.
"Klee is done talking. It's Big Brother's turn."
"My name is Arkz. I live over at Springvale Farm near Springvale. Klee can come find me to play anytime."
Arkz gently patted Klee's head and gave a simple introduction of himself.
"Wow! Big Brother Arkz!"
"Klee has heard Acting in Charge Jean mention Big Brother Arkz before!"
"Big Brother Arkz really isn't a bad person!"
Hearing this, Arkz instantly became interested and asked curiously, "Oh? What did Acting in Charge Jean say about Big Brother Arkz?"
Klee blinked her bright, watery eyes and cheered, "Acting in Charge Jean said Big Brother Arkz is Mondstadt's great hero!"
"That tasteless potion was made by Big Brother Arkz. He's just as amazing as Big Brother Albedo!"
Hearing Klee say this, Arkz couldn't help but feel a sense of gratification. He had deliberated for a long time over the decision to sell the potion of pure water at a low price. Now it seemed his efforts hadn't been wasted on the blind; at least Acting in Charge Jean recognized his favor.
Arkz pushed the grilled Fish on his plate toward Klee. The grilled Fish he had just taken off the rack still carried the residual heat from the fire and was a bit too hot to eat. In contrast, the plate of grilled Fish in front of Klee had cooled down slightly from the breeze during their conversation, making it perfectly ready to eat.
A slightly hot piece would be too scalding, while a slightly cold piece would make the seasoning flavor too intense. This was the optimal moment to savor the grilled Fish.
"Klee, hurry up and eat. It won't taste as good if it gets cold."
"Thank you, Big Brother Arkz."
Klee took the grilled Fish, thanked Arkz first, and then picked up her knife and fork to take a big bite of the delicious grilled Fish.
The charred, crispy skin and the tender, delicious flesh—every bite was supreme enjoyment.
Klee kept putting pieces of grilled Fish into her mouth without slowing down at all. In no time, the Fish on the plate was gone.
"Big Brother Arkz, can Klee have another serving!"
"Big Brother Arkz's grilled Fish is too delicious! Klee wants more!"
Arkz smiled faintly, picked up another piece of grilled Fish that had already been placed on a plate to cool down on the side, and put it on Klee's plate.
He stood by watching Klee eat the grilled Fish, occasionally turning and heating the Fish on the fire rack, ensuring the grilled Fish was neither too hot nor too cold, always maintaining the most delicious temperature.
"Another serving!"
"Another serving!"
"Can Klee have one more serving?!!"
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