I am a hero of the former civilization.

Ryan knew things were going badly, but before he could object, Alicia dragged him forward.

"Come on, come on, you can't slack off at work."

After taking a few steps, Ryan gave up resisting. For some reason, he didn't have the same lecturing attitude towards Alicia as Ruhua, nor the competitive spirit he had towards Mebius.

Even if she's mischievous and playful, she'll give in after a little struggle.

So he followed Aphrodite to another room in the stadium, which used to be an indoor badminton court. It was quite large, and the sports equipment had been moved to the side and replaced with a huge green screen.

Oh, taking the photo first and then adding effects saves time and effort.

Ryan understood immediately. He glanced at the busy staff and took the opportunity to explain to Alicia what a green screen was.

"So you can just add whatever scenery you want to create afterward? That sounds amazing!" The girl's eyes lit up, filled with curiosity about everything unfamiliar in the world.

“That’s true in theory, after all, many famous historical sites have been destroyed, so filming on the original site is not easy.” Ryan’s voice deepened.

“Ryan, I suddenly feel that this is meaningful. Using us as models to preserve the most magnificent scenes of mankind in our memories is a truly wonderful thing.”

Alicia's genuine joy stirred up Ryan's previously somewhat downcast mood as well.

This girl has a really unique perspective. After what she said, it seems like I understand Eden's thoughts.

"This is the shooting content. Take a good look at it and try to pass on the first try." The woman handed over two more booklets.

The printing was exquisite. When Ryan opened it, he saw that it contained renderings and text descriptions. He then entered into research mode and carefully studied each word.

"In the distance are Mount Mahont and the small lake below, and in the foreground are the ruins of St. Fernandez Abbey. Hmm, the composition is quite good, combining the best natural scenery with the ruins of civilization. It is very aesthetically pleasing, and the ruins even have symbolic meaning."

“A couple stood atop the dilapidated stone steps, exchanging rings, with Eden between them, as if witnessing this beautiful and hopeful scene.”

That's interesting. The composition is full of beauty, with hope rising above the ruins, creating a sense of contrast.

Wait, a newbie!?

Ryan immediately looked up, pulling himself away from his art studies, and subconsciously stared at Alicia.

"Isn't this a bit too much? Maybe we should call it quits?"

“But this is work. If we don’t do it, those two would have done it anyway.” Alicia blinked, then smiled like a crescent moon. “Ryan, are you shy or afraid of being seen by Mebius? Don’t worry, it’s a very interesting and meaningful job.”

Ryan scratched his face, unable to utter a thousand complaints. He thought to himself that he had underestimated Alicia; she was always unwavering in her pursuit of what she liked.

"You two hurry up, time is precious."

When the bespectacled woman started urging him again, rambling on about how a pretty vase was unprofessional, he stopped thinking about it, took a deep breath, and raised his left hand.

"Let's go, Ellie."

"Ah."

The two straightened their backs and walked forward under the watchful eyes of the staff. Although there was no music and it wasn't a real church, Ryan and Alicia had a strong sense of ceremony. In addition, their sharp suits and light pink chiffon dresses made the staff start talking.

"What's wrong with these two? They could have just walked over to the middle, taken a picture, and that was it—"

"Does it feel like this is for real?"

Chapter 155 This damn sense of ritual!

Ryan's expression was somewhat complicated. Perhaps it was the inertia of etiquette, or perhaps some kind of impulse, that made him a little more serious.

But these staff members are being way too cooperative.

They stood on either side, their faces filled with admiration and envy, like wedding guests, with flashbulbs going off non-stop—all that was missing was a real church and a march.

Hey, we're taking promotional photos, what's with you guys looking at us like you're giving our blessings?

Ryan looked to the side again. Alicia was looking straight ahead with a smile on her lips. She seemed much quieter than usual, but her eyes showed how serious she was.

She got too into character. Well, Alicia loves happy and joyful scenes the most. Once this damn sense of ritual kicks in, it's no wonder she got into character.

'No, Alicia is her 'true self.' She can't act. This is just one of her favorite scenes deep down. She used to get all girlish-hearted seeing similar scenes in TV dramas, and now that she has the chance to experience it herself, of course she'll give it her all.'

Ryan appeared very composed, like an elegant groom, but his mind was running at full speed uncontrollably, even 'freezing'.

Does this mean that this moment is genuine and not much of an act? But the plan didn't include winning over Alicia.

If we recalculate the statistics, has the probability increased from absolutely impossible to just a tiny chance?

But what should I do? How will things end with Mebius?

The brain is stuck, but the body moves on its own, giving a feeling of being separated from the body and head, which can be considered a skill.

He led Alicia to the wooden platform. There was actually no Matterhorn or monastery at all, just a giant curtain, but for some reason, all of these things became irrelevant.

No scenery, however beautiful, can compare to even a fraction of the beauty of the girl before me; at this moment, she is the world.

Alicia lowered her head, revealing her fair neck, which seemed to be full of girlish shyness. A hint of longing could be seen in her eyes. She raised her slender hand and placed it in Ryan's palm.

It was a perfect creation, or rather, the fairy was born for this moment, because this was one of the most beautiful moments in human life, and also the scene that Alicia cherished the most. How could she not be captivated by it?

Ryan's brain finally stopped working, and for a moment he forgot what he was supposed to do; only one thought remained in his mind:

She should love, she deserves to love, and that final ball will never end; it should become eternal.

She shouldn't have fallen. Whoever takes her life, I will kill them, even if it means the collapse of the Honkai. That's what I said.

His mind was filled with emotion, but unfortunately his right hand was empty as he gently raised the ring, which seemed to float in the air.

popping...

Thunderous applause rang out, bringing the two of them back to their senses. Alicia blinked, quickly withdrew her hand, and turned her head to the side, her long pink hair obscuring her face and making her expression unreadable.

Ryan exhaled a breath of stale air and closed his eyes with some regret.

The atmosphere was perfect. Just like the old saying goes, happiness is the best hallucinogen, which made him lose his mind a little. In the past, he would have just scoffed at it.

But reason eventually returned. Ryan glanced at the staff member with an approving expression, and then at Alicia, who looked a little strange.

In the past, this pink fairy would usually wink mischievously and take the opportunity to tease, but now she was unusually quiet, only stroking the ring finger of her left hand.

Was he still caught up in what had just happened, or...?

"These are truly perfect photos. Every expression is so natural, it's as if I'm witnessing a real wedding."

As Eden's assistant, Aphra naturally possessed high artistic talent. She had already seen the sample footage and couldn't find any fault with it.

I think it would be better to remove 'as if'.

Ryan suddenly had this thought and ignored the woman, glancing at Alicia: "What's wrong with you? Are you too immersed in the role to get out of it?"

"Huh? No, I'm just a little curious. I've discovered a piece of knowledge that I've overlooked before." Alicia turned her head, her face slightly flushed, her eyes fixed on the ceiling.

"What knowledge point? And can you look at me?"

"Oh dear, let's not worry about these trivial matters," Alicia pushed Ryan away and took several steps back herself. "Help me keep Miss Eden occupied. I'm going to the restroom and will be right back."

"Hey." Ryan turned around, only to find that Alicia had already lifted her skirt and run away and disappeared, so he could only raise an eyebrow.

He's definitely up to some bad idea again, and if you want an autograph, why are you making me bother him?

Alicia dashed out of the filming location without even going to the restroom. She leaned against the corridor wall, took a deep breath, and cupped her face in her hands.

Super Ellie didn't perform very well today.

She felt her face getting a little hot. After thinking for a while, she didn't know why she had run out. She just kept recalling the scene from earlier.

What a comfortable feeling! The air is filled with happiness. No wonder everyone says this is the most beautiful moment for a girl.

She loves all of humanity's flaws and strengths, and she especially loves to experience every wonderful moment, but the feeling she just had was the most beautiful of all those moments.

This made Alicia feel very comfortable, even addicted, which also troubled her somewhat.

Because this most abundant love can only belong to one person, which is completely different from her previous ideas, and it also made her realize a blind spot.

Some love is very special, so special that it contradicts most other forms of love. It's like a wedge driven into a heart full of love, yet the feeling she just experienced makes it impossible for her to dislike it.

Alicia has no acting skills; she only follows her heart and acts according to her true self. That's why the natural scene just now made her face flush when she thought about it.

She glanced at her fair left hand, her slender ring finger, and muttered something.

"Honestly, you always like to play with my girlish heart, leaving me completely bewildered."

Ryan held a cup of coffee, looking around. He felt that Alicia was acting a little strange, but he didn't think much of it.

Isn't that just how Ellie is—unconventional and whimsical? Who knows what triggered her this time? But her optimism and enthusiasm remain unchanged.

But that feeling was really strange; I couldn't help but get serious.

Ryan was also savoring the moment, but he quickly shook his head and gave a self-deprecating smile.

He never even considered seducing anyone, let alone Alicia. This girl perfectly embodied the theory of 'nearest yet furthest,' her heart held all of humanity, who could possibly be so magnanimous as to possess her?

But if you can't have it all to yourself, then it's meaningless.

'Those who want to take Alicia are dreaming. It's far more difficult than... well, I'll pin Mebius down and make her call me daddy.'

This is such a hellish difficulty level, how could a science and engineering guy possibly conquer it? And she takes so long to go to the toilet.

Ryan shook his leg and saw the staff members get up one after another, and then he saw a familiar figure.

Eden arrived, dressed in a deep purple gown, with an elegant smile on her face. When she saw Ryan nod slightly, her smile became somewhat teasing.

“Hello, Miss Eden.” Ryan greeted her, knowing he had been exposed, but he didn’t care.

Just tell me whether you were able to help or not.

“I never knew you had such talent, Dr. Ryan.” Eden quietly walked to his side and smoothed his long hair behind his ear. “I saw it all just now. I can only say it’s absolutely perfect. Every single photograph is a work of art.”

Ryan wasn't surprised to be called by his real name; he simply checked the VIP list.

"After working in the workplace for a long time, it's inevitable to develop some acting skills."

"Really? But I feel everything is very natural, so I would be happy to sing a song for you whenever you and Miss Alicia get married."

Even the wedding of a high-ranking official's son wouldn't prompt Eden to perform a song, which clearly shows that Eden was also moved.

"Uh, actually Alicia and I aren't in a romantic relationship." Ryan thought for a moment; he wasn't one to make empty promises and knew his place.

These words immediately froze Eden's smile. He looked at the man in front of him with a strange expression, and after a long while, he tilted his head.

"My judgment couldn't be wrong; that love was genuine."

“Because Alicia is like that to everyone; she’s full of love for everyone.” Ryan shrugged, somewhat amused.

Huh? There are people like that in this world?