Another day passed after the wiretapping incident, and Lucy keenly sensed that Caesar had been off ever since she met Pompey. She ate less, and even Lucy's provocations didn't bother her anymore.
So Lucy asked Belle to talk to Caesar and cheer her up, and Belle readily agreed.
She didn't forget to tease, "It seems Lucy really cares about Caesar after all!"
Lucy was a little embarrassed and retorted tsundere-like.
"Who, who cares about her? I just think the competition is coming up, and she's not in a good state for it. Yes, that's it!"
Belle looked at Lucy with a smile, "Alright, alright, I believe you. How about I take Caesar to New Eridu tomorrow? I need to go back and copy some offline data anyway."
Lucy naturally agreed and promised that she would handle Caesar's side, and they would leave tomorrow morning.
The next day, Belle and Caesar set off early. After all, today's main task was to help Caesar relax and unwind.
After copying the data at the video store, the two rode their bikes to Guangying Plaza.
When it came to watching movies, Belle made a new discovery.
Although Caesar, as the leader of the Children of Calydon, was usually boisterous and very loyal.
She also had a tender and delicate side, like a girl her age—she seemed surprisingly fond of romance movies.
Caesar watched with great intensity, especially during the crucial scenes in the latter half.
Belle could even see her unconsciously clenching her fists, leaning slightly forward, and muttering softly to herself. Her posture suggested she wished she could jump into the screen and be a relationship consultant.
Belle, however, had already seen these movies. Compared to watching the film, observing Caesar's reactions was far more interesting.
She accidentally discovered Caesar's little secret.
However, Belle didn't focus too much attention on Caesar; it wouldn't be good if Caesar became shy from being watched.
Belle opened the group chat and explained the whole situation in detail to the group members, preparing to ask them for ideas to help cheer Caesar up.
"Zero Zone · Belle: 'That's the situation. I'm currently watching a movie with Caesar. Does anyone have any other suggestions?'"
"Honkai: Star Rail: 'So you still don't know why Caesar is feeling a bit down? How can we give advice then?'"
"Honkai: Star Rail: 'Why not just ask directly if there's a problem? Why guess here?'"
"Honkai Stelle Rail · March 7th: 'Oh, you! Don't make things worse. How would you understand a young girl's thoughts?'"
"Honkai: Star Rail: 'Why wouldn't I understand? Clearly, asking directly is the best solution for any problem. I've always used that method.'"
"Honkai Stelle Rail · March 7th: 'I'm ignoring you. Belle, I think you two can go shopping after the movie. Shopping always makes people happy.'"
"Genshin Impact · Paimon: 'Belle, I think Caesar hasn't been eating well lately. Just take Caesar out for a good meal.'"
Watching Paimon's message, she tried hard to suppress her laughter. As expected of her little foodie, she never forgot about food.
"Honkai: Stelle Rail · Dan Heng: 'Since Belle said Caesar's low spirits started after she met Pompey that night, perhaps the root cause is there.'"
"Zero Zone · Belle: 'Can you be more specific? What could be the reason?'"
"Honkai: Stelle Rail · Dan Heng: 'Considering Pompey's seasoned tactics and resource control displayed during the internal traitor incident…'
"Honkai: Stelle Rail · Dan Heng: 'For Caesar, as a leader, to directly confront such a disparity and question whether her own leadership is sufficient to support her ambitions, and to worry about disappointing her followers, is a logical source of pressure.'"
"Zero Zone · Belle: 'While that makes some sense, Caesar has always given me the impression of being very carefree and generous. She shouldn't feel pressure from these things, right?'"
"Honkai: Stelle Rail · Dan Heng: 'Belle, you're right, but Caesar is not that simple either. She's very perceptive to the reactions of those around her, otherwise she wouldn't have suddenly appeared the night you were tracking Caesar.'"
Belle thought carefully about Dan Heng's words and felt they indeed made sense. Perhaps Caesar was acting this way precisely because of pressure.
She was about to ask for more detailed advice on how to cheer Caesar up, but the movie ended, and Caesar had called Belle several times.
"Belle, Belle?" Seeing Belle finally come back to her senses, she asked, "Is this movie really not to your taste?"
Belle, realizing what was happening, quickly waved her hands, "No, no! I was just... just so touched by the sweet ending, I'm still savoring it!"
She had a flash of inspiration, "Oh, right, Sister Caesar! Our store seems to have a few more films of this genre, and they all have good reviews! How about we pick them up on the way back later? We can watch them together next time we're free?"
Caesar's eyes lit up, "Really? That's great! No problem, it's on the way!"
Seeing that she had successfully changed the subject, Belle secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
"Well... I'm a bit thirsty after the movie. I know an amazing tea shop nearby! Shall we go try it?"
On the way, Belle, relying on her experience of having seen the movie, chatted with Caesar about the plot, successfully convincing Caesar that she had indeed been 'immersed in the protagonists' romance' earlier.
Upon successfully arriving at the Licha Tea & Milk shop, Belle specifically sent Caesar away to order a few cups of tea and milk for everyone in the group.
After all, everyone in the group had been very kind to her and her brother. While they couldn't afford to treat everyone to a high-end restaurant, they certainly had enough dinars for a few cups of tea and milk.
"Zero Zone · Belle: 'Thank you all for taking care of my brother and me. Please enjoy the tea and milk; you can pick them up directly from the group warehouse. I won't chat much longer; I still need to accompany Caesar.'"
"Genshin Impact · Paimon: 'Wow! Thank you, Belle! I was just feeling a bit dizzy from soaking in the hot spring.'"
"Honkai Stelle Rail · March 7th: 'Got it! Thank you, Belle! It tastes great. When I have time, I must treat you to Xianzhou's 'Immortal's Happy Tea.' It has Stelle Taro Boba in it—the texture is amazing! Dan Heng can vouch for it!'"
"Honkai Stelle Rail · March 7th: 'This reminds me of when I was practicing sword with Master Yanqing and Master Yunli, secretly having a sweet drink was the most wonderful thing in the world.'"
Everyone in the chat group thanked Belle for the tea and milk.
Belle, meanwhile, walked and chatted with Caesar in Guangying Plaza, constantly trying to organize her thoughts to advise Caesar.
However, since she had never been a leader herself and didn't understand the pressures involved, she didn't want to speak carelessly, lest she make Caesar uncomfortable.
At this moment, something unexpected happened: a fugitive ran from nearby into a dark alley, followed closely by several security officers who were reminding pedestrians to move aside.
Caesar followed without a word. Although Belle was not surprised by this, she couldn't help but worry about her safety and could only think of contacting her later.
Sure enough, after a short while, Belle called Caesar, but before she could say much, Caesar's line went silent. Perhaps her phone broke during the chase.
But knowing Caesar was fine was enough. Belle decided to wait at the parking lot to avoid them getting lost and not finding each other.
After a long while, Caesar finally returned to the parking lot, looking much happier.
Back at the video store, Caesar, for once, dropped her usual carefree facade and opened up to Belle.
It turned out that, just as Dan Heng had analyzed, Caesar indeed had doubts about her own abilities deep down, fearing she wasn't doing well enough…
But fortunately, once those thoughts in her heart were revealed, the answer was already there.
At this point, all that was needed was some words of encouragement, and those bad moods would naturally resolve themselves.
Fortunately, Belle understood this principle, but it seemed she hadn't played any role that day at all.
She felt a bit sorry for Lucy; she had intended to help, but Caesar had gotten better on her own.