Chapter 10

Today was the most unbelievable reality.

Why can you think that way, even when you consider it?

If you care about Kaede, you should want to laugh together by her side. You should wish to hold her hand and weave happiness together, but you don’t choose that path.

Yet this man, thinking of Kaede, thinking and thinking and thinking, has separated the beautiful dream he wishes to see and the future where he can be in that dream.

Why can you think so much? To be able to think so much about someone else… it’s as if you’re showing that this society is the most beautiful form, the truth—

"What are you going to do from now on?"

"Eh…?"

Suddenly, a voice called out to me, pulling me out of my sea of thoughts.

Do you understand what I was thinking? It was as if it was telling me not to think about unnecessary things.

"Are you really going to go back to him, say that the talk is over, that you’ve realized what you’ve done, and that you’ve been entrusted with the responsibility to carry your future? Do you really think he’ll accept that? 'Let's start over for your wonderful future!' …Do you really think he’ll agree to that?"

The problem hasn’t been solved at all. You’ve been confronted with a new reality.

That’s right, the only thing that’s been resolved is my own selfishness; nothing has been resolved for Kaede.

I once declared that I would take on Kaede’s burden, but I hadn’t thought of any way to convince her.

"Even if it’s dependency, your beloved sister says she loves you. How are you going to convince her, given that you’ve lost all trust? I’m eager to see what you’ll do."

He sipped his drink with a grin, as if showing it off.

"Ugh… ugh…"

No matter how much I wracked my brain, I couldn’t come up with any way to convince Kaede. Instead, I could only see a future where things would get worse if I went back and talked to her.

This man seemed to be enjoying himself, using me as his entertainment.

Even Akagami-san was chuckling maliciously.

Finally, I gave up.

"That face… you have an idea, don’t you?"

I had resorted to the method I least wanted to use.

His face, grinning optimistically, nodded as if it were obvious.

"Sure."

"What kind of idea?"

"Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! I’m older and an adult, you know?"

And he put on a superior, malicious sneer.

"I let it slide because we were enemies just now, but if you’re asking for help, there’s a proper way to ask an elder, isn’t there?"

"Ugh!"

He demanded correctness with exaggerated gestures and tone.

As a proper member of society, the line between adult and child. He wasn’t asking for the right response; he just wanted to mock me and make me a laughingstock.

No matter how much of a mess he was inside, he looked the part, so I couldn’t argue. No matter how much I resented it, I had to submit.

"If you have any ideas… please, tell me."

It was as if I had ground a bitter pill and forced it out from the depths of my soul.

"An idea? What kind of idea do you want? Whose happiness do you want to know about? Who do you want to ask, anyway? I did introduce myself yesterday, you know."

"Ugh… ah…!"

My eyes must have been bloodshot.

A sound I had never heard before, like the gates of hell opening, vibrated in my throat.

I was overwhelmed by dark emotions. This must be what it feels like to have murderous intent.

"How… can I… become… happy… please tell me, Tachimachi-san."

Even as I felt like I was going mad, I suppressed all my negative emotions and begged for guidance.

"Know what, you idiot! Why would I think about something as trivial as that!"

"Huh!?"

All I got was a middle finger and a mocking laugh.

Akagami-san also burst into a vulgar laugh.

"Ah, the sight of that red-faced bitch makes the drink taste even better! Another round!"

Tachimachi drained his glass and handed it to Akagami-san.

"Really… you have a bad personality, you know!"

"Don’t worry, I’m aware."

Laughing, Tachimachi affirmed his actions, as if to say, "What else is new?"

"Haha… hahaha…"

Then another laugh broke out, one I couldn’t hold back.

In the bar, there were Tachimachi, Akagami-san, and the person who brought me here.

"Master, can I have a drink too?"

"Of course. Pleasure is something to be shared."

Madoka, who was covering her mouth and laughing.

Even my only ally was laughing at me.

"Why are you laughing too! You said you’d be on my side until the end!"

"It can’t be helped. Your misguided answer is just too funny."

"Misguided?"

I was taken aback by the unexpected comment.

"That’s right. This isn’t a happiness thought out for Kaede. Kaede is just an afterthought in this so-called perfect happiness."

"Ah…"

That’s right. This isn’t the happiness Kaede truly desires.

It’s a self-centered, perfect happiness for Kaede, born from the desire to see a beautiful form and feel happiness.

But to achieve this happiness, Kaede must be convinced.

Not reluctantly, not out of obligation, but from the bottom of her heart. Otherwise, it’s just a beautiful form without substance.

"I knew from the start that you were useless. So, I’ll take ‘responsibility’ and convince her."

An aware, no-good adult wouldn’t have thought this far.

"Kami, bring the usual."

"Of course."

"Indeed."

With a theatrical voice, Tachimachi snapped his fingers. Akagami-san, showing a respectful attitude, came out from behind the counter and handed it to Tachimachi.

It was the red suitcase I had given to Kaede. This man must have packed it and brought it here.

And now, it was here.

It seemed he had always known, or even hoped, that it would come to this.

"How… are you going to convince Kaede?"

I was no longer surprised by how much he had thought about Kaede.

All I wanted to know was how he would convince her.

Kaede’s feelings were her acknowledged dependency. But how much happiness it brings her, I couldn’t understand. Being loved this much isn’t something trivial. That’s why Kaede can’t bear to let go of this happiness. It’s a line she has set, one she can never cross.

Even if that line is crossed, she wouldn’t allow it, even by this man.

"There’s only one thing a no-good adult can do."

After all, Tachimachi had made Kaede happy so many times.

"Say it’s irresponsible and tell her to try her best."

This no-good adult, who has given her happiness until today, will convince her to accept the loss of that happiness for the sake of the happiness he wants to see.