EP.147 The Shrimp’s Back in the Whale Fight
The reason I’ve been pretending not to know Dawna’s feelings all this time is none other than this.
There’s no other emotion better at wrecking a group than unrequited love.
In any group you hang out with, if only one couple forms, it’s bound to create squeaky tension in human relationships.
Having seen promising parties crash and burn spectacularly due to petty love dramas countless times, the existence of a comrade who has feelings for me felt quite uncomfortable.
Especially if that person is someone I’ve known since school, an adorable little kid.
A genius girl who breezed through the academy I struggled to get into with all my might, like hopping over a low wall.
Years later, my perception of Dawna remained stuck in that time.
No matter how regressive the ethics of this system may seem compared to where I lived, my moral compass didn’t allow me to view someone who was less than half my height as a woman.
So how could I explain my feelings towards the Saintess? Even with ten mouths, I wouldn’t have the words to say.
Is there a person in this world who wouldn’t be captivated by the enchanting Saintess, who embodies beauty beyond human reason? So I mumble a weak excuse.
Huhuk! Too! Too beautiful…!
The reactions of the onlookers nearby, covering their mouths and sobbing at every move the Saintess makes, only lend a weak support to my flimsy excuse.
People are kneeling, staring blankly at the Saintess. Among them, there are even those who faint from overwhelming emotion.
A legendary singer who supposedly fainted 5,000 people and caused 23 deaths in a single concert suddenly comes to mind.
I had thought it was just an exaggerated rumor.
But watching this absurd scene unfold, I began to think maybe it wasn’t so far-fetched after all.
T-tell me… Lowville…
My consciousness, which had momentarily slipped into escapism, came back at that heartbreaking phrase.
My heart wavered for an instant, but the answer to that question was already decided, so my silence didn’t last long.
I’m sorry. Dawna is an incredibly attractive woman, but I have absolutely no desire to be in a romantic relationship with her.
In a low voice, almost like sharing a secret, I enunciated clearly enough for no one to mishear.
It was a cold attitude that surely deserved to be harshly rebuked by those around me, but my belief was that this kind of rejection should naturally be seen as cold.
Being considerate just to make myself feel better.
That kind of unnecessary ambiguity in rejection is the worst kind of behavior.
Hoo…
The cigarette I finally managed to put out wafted in front of my vision, reflecting my turmoil.
I had thought about the possibility of this moment coming, but that didn’t make my guilt any lighter.
It was a genuine truth that Dawna was an attractive woman.
She had this mad scientist-like quality where she couldn’t help but experiment with any magic that popped into her head, or her arrogant demeanor, always acting superior to others.
While she had her rough edges, she had enough qualities to completely overshadow those flaws.
For one, her appearance was astounding.
Now hidden under heavy dark circles and her characteristic slouch, when she dressed up, Dawna looked even worthy of being called a noble lady from the neighboring country.
This was a fact even acknowledged by Apis, her rival.
Her skin, so pale it felt like you could see through to the other side with a lantern.
Her beautiful black hair, a rare color in this world.
Such traits were talents that matched her extraordinary abilities.
In other words, she was an unrefined gem waiting to be polished.
But that Dawna was attractive and whether I wanted a romantic relationship with her were completely different questions.
Setting aside those aforementioned issues, I had no room in my life to dream of sharing my future with someone right now.
The Saintess. And the Hero.
My only option, sadly, was to flutter around like a vile bat, seeking favor from the heroes who hold the fate of this world.
Dawna…?
Since no appropriate answer seemed forthcoming after a long wait, I cautiously opened my mouth.
I was prepared to take a hit, perhaps even a lightning bolt, but the eerie silence only deepened my anxiety.
…Oh.
At that moment, I was momentarily stunned by an incredibly bewildering spectacle unfolding before me.
Uuuuh…
Dawna, with her eyes tightly shut and hands clasped over her ears, suddenly made a sobbing sound.
Just looking at her small figure huddled in fear like a child on a thunderous day, it was easy to guess she was terrified of something.
Now! Don’t hold back, tell me, Lowville! I-I’m ready already!
No matter how I looked around, she didn’t seem like someone who had finished preparing for anything.
From her manner of speaking, it seemed like she hadn’t heard my rejection from earlier.
Is there anything more entertaining than a person who covers their ears trying to listen to someone else?
I think not.
Uh, Dawna…
K-Kuhum! I-I’m sorry! The crowd’s cheers are making it hard for me to hear your voice! Can you speak louder!?
Um, um…
Ah! I can’t hear! I can’t hear anything! Nothing! I can’t hear a thing!
…
I reached out, trying to divert her gaze toward me, but every time, her strong resistance caused me to fail miserably.
If you don’t have the courage to listen, why even ask a question?
After swallowing the bile that had risen up in my throat, I scratched my head in frustration for a while.
Oh! Who is it?!
A loud voice from outside my sight caused my gaze to turn.
Ha-ha! What a marvelous coincidence! Our congregation’s pride and the only one in this system permitted the position of the Saintess’s Guardian! My eternal comrade! Isn’t that Regis Lowville?!
Uh? S-Senpai?
Ahh! How can I be your senior? Why act so distant! Call me your brother as usual! Your brother! Hahaha!
…
The identity of the unexpected guest who plopped down next to me and even put an arm around me was one of the seniors who had been itching to get at me for ages.
We had crossed paths a few times, but aside from harassing me about my work, we had never had any real interaction, so I honestly didn’t remember their name or even their last name.
What’s up? Why are you sitting there like a dumbass? Did Diroy and Grants say something harsh again? Ha-ha! Don’t worry! I’ll give those guys a good talking to so they can’t bother you anymore! Just say the word!
I couldn’t believe that this person had been waiting for me since the crack of dawn just to hound me over my grievances.
They were always calling me an idiot whenever they got the chance. So why are they suddenly acting friendly now?
Could this be my long-lost brother from childhood?!
Of course, a dramatic turn of events like that was out of the question.
No way…
Hey, did you just hear that? Regis Lowville! He’s here!
What? The Saintess’s Guardian, the one who’s supposedly in a relationship with the Hero?!
No way! He’s really here right now!? Is there anyone who brought paper and a pen?!
As the commotion around us grew, the self-proclaimed brother next to me wore a wicked grin.
It seemed he was planning to use my recently improved reputation to establish his own status.
Back when I was reluctantly thrust into the position of Guardian due to the Saintess’s selection, I had become a target for ridicule, labeled as a parachute.
But once the rumors of my close connection with the Hero spread around the monastery, the direct bullying I faced came to a screeching halt.
I never imagined that such a boon would have suchSide effects.
Ah! Seriously, you’re becoming more impressive every time I see you! Without my brilliant teaching, that would’ve been impossible! Right? Hahaha!
Hahaha.
It would’ve been simple to get rid of this loud totem right here, but given the prying eyes and the sensitive nature of the Blessing Ceremony, I merely offered a mechanical laugh in response.
Haha! All our fellow classmates are saying so! Who knew my little brother would be friends with the Hero! But I’ll let you in on a little secret… I knew my brother was going to be a big deal! That’s why I pushed you harder, to not let it get to your head… Of course, it was tough for me, but I drank my tears for your growth!
Uh, yeah…
Just as this self-proclaimed brother was embarking on a long-winded rant…
Chill.
A shiver ran down my spine, and avoiding my brother’s chatter, my eyes were fixed on the Blessing Ceremony, where a shocking sight unfolded.
Like a scene from a horror movie, both the Hero and the Saintess turned their heads in an unnaturally synchronized motion, looking straight at me.
From this distance, I could clearly perceive the color and intensity of the feeling jabbing at my skin.
It was a killing intent. A clear death wish.
Oh no! Why is it so cold here! Ha-ha! It’s gotten chilly all of a sudden!
Brother, run!
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.