Chapter 25: A Turbulent Night at Daeshin Shrine

I’m really better now. The treatment was odd, but I’m grateful.

Now, get out.

Just as I was about to approach him out of gratitude, a sudden order to leave was issued. As I grumbled about his behavior, Mikhail suddenly collapsed next to the sofa. With his forehead pressed against the sofa’s armrest and breathing heavily, I rushed to his side.

Hmph… Hurry up and leave.

“Hey, why are you acting like this all of a sudden…?”

“Leave!”

My hand, reaching out to support him, froze in mid-air at the harsh command.

‘What is this, some hysterical outburst akin to a rebellious teenage son in the midst of a storm?’

Contrasting his ashen face, a thin sheen of cold sweat glistened on his forehead. Enduring intermittent spasms, Mikhail gripped the armrest tightly with his trembling hand.

“Damn…”

“Explain what’s wrong. Only then can I understand.”

“I overused my divine power…”

I noticed his pants were soaking wet, the stains glaring even more on his white clothes.

“Ah, I’ll fetch something to clean you up.”

I dashed to what appeared to be the bathroom as clear droplets fell from the floor. Inside the spacious room, I grabbed three towels from a shelf and brought them to him.

Mikhail obediently took the towel from me to cover his wet pants. After I placed one on the floor, he stepped aside and focused on himself.

“Aren’t you thankful?”

“…Not really.”

Though he spoke curtly, I could sense the warmth behind his words.

“Go inside and wash up. I’ll call someone.”

He turned halfway toward the bathroom but still stood frozen in place. Wondering if he had more to say, I waited quietly as Mikhail lowered his head and began to speak.

“Don’t get it twisted. Do you pity me now?”

“…What do you mean…”

“I’ll say it once: I don’t need your pity. I don’t know why you’re putting on this act in front of me, but I…”

“I told you—my grandfather was incontinent. I spent lots of time with him when I was young. Every time his pants got wet, I’d bring him a towel.”

Lost in memories, I managed a small smile.

“And… I never run away, no matter what.”

‘…The Magical Girl.’

Feeling proud for having used a famous line without Mikhail knowing, I gracefully left the room.

That night, I dreamt of Mikhail.

‘Ugh…’

Mikhail collapsed beside the sofa, clutching his chest.

His light blonde hair dishevelled, revealing a deeply furrowed brow. His once handsome features now seemed eroded—not rugged, but as fragile as glass on the verge of shattering.

‘Mikhail!’

Suddenly, someone burst through the door—it was the Female Lead, Elina. She dashed over and supported him as he, head buried in the sofa’s armrest and gasping, was seated onto the sofa.

Despite his ashen face, a light sheen of cold sweat glistened on his forehead. Overcoming sporadic convulsions, Mikhail grabbed Elina’s hand with his trembling fingers.

‘I wish I were cursed or blessed by just one, damn it… Hmph.’

Mikhail gritted his teeth against the heavy pain radiating from his chest. He had been like this since birth, burdened with excessive divine power that strained his heart.

That’s why he had to live isolated in his room since childhood—any strenuous activity, even running, risked his life.

I had always been confined by my family’s expectations when, one day, she swooped in like a butterfly landing on a window. Climbing through the window, she greeted me with a bright smile, “Isn’t the weather wonderful?”

Mikhail never forgot that day. How could he? Even if it meant wandering in the garden until fate led her to him, it was a monumental destiny that changed his life.

‘Elina, you have no idea how your presence turned my dreary, painful life into a burst of radiant happiness.’

Mikhail managed a pained smile. The thought of parting with her was even more unbearable than the searing pain in his chest. His face was as pale as if struck by a fever, yet the large hand clasping Elina’s remained firm.

‘Now, go…’

‘Mikhail.’

‘Are you trying to keep His Majesty waiting? Knowing you, you won’t just sit around…’

Mikhail let go of the hand he had been holding without hesitation. As Elina, concerned, scanned his face, a voice whispered in his ear seemed to wrap around her heart with a sticky intensity.

‘Go on. Why waste time with such a pathetic guy when you could be with the one you truly like…’

‘…Don’t talk like that. I’m here for you, so don’t push me away.’

‘Leave.’

‘Mikhail…’

‘I won’t stand by and watch Daeshin Shrine fall into disarray.’

A lopsided smile appeared on his lips as a faint laugh escaped him. As his smile faded, his pallor was unmistakable.

The moment I read the hopeless despair on his face, I woke from the dream.

“Haa… Haa…”

As dawn broke, the ceiling bathed in a gentle blue glow. Maybe it was the lingering dream, but I felt a strange tightness in my chest.

‘Mikhail, why on earth are you acting up only with me?’

He always restrains himself in front of the Female Lead. Apparently, he thinks he can get away with his harsh words. Irritated, I pulled the blanket up around my neck and drifted back to sleep.

* * *

On a rare day off, I arrived at the meeting spot with the Legendary Otaku. I sat obediently on a bench a little away from the plaza fountain, wondering how long I’d waited. Turning around at the sound of footsteps, I saw a man with deep maroon hair, carefully removing a leaf that had clung to it.

Wearing round-patterned glasses and a checkered shirt, he looked just as he always did.

“Why did you crawl out of that seedy place?”

“To shake off those chasing after me.”

“Ah… I see.”

What’s with the act? I looked at the man with a composed gaze, then stood up. I pulled out a Fan Comic that I had hidden deep within my robe and offered it to him.

“Here, take it.”

“If you don’t give it, how am I supposed to take it?”

I could see the veins bulge on his large hand clenching the Fan Comic, and no matter how hard he tried, it wasn’t easy to let go of his grip. Handing over my treasure to someone else felt unbearably nerve-wracking.

“Just a moment.”

“What is it?”

“Could I… have one hug? Just once?”

He seemed to understand my silent plea, easing his grip for a moment.

Just as I reclaimed the Fan Comic, the man’s arm brushed past my shoulder, leaving a trace of warmth. For a moment, I was confused by the situation, blinking slowly as I felt the unfamiliar weight of an arm wrapped firmly around my back.

“Who said they wanted a hug from you!”

Snapping to attention, I pushed the well-built man away with all my strength.

“Really, you are a strange one! Who really goes in for hugs? You don’t even look that bad—maybe you just have too much experience with women?!”

“…Sorry for the mix-up. But this is the first time I’ve hugged a real woman.”

“So, what now?”

“…You smelled really good.”

“I’m not comfortable with that.”

“…I’m sorry. How can I make it up to you?”

The man looked genuinely apologetic. Standing awkwardly, he peered at me from behind his round glasses, while I crossed my arms and looked at him coyly.

“Hmm, you’re the Legendary Otaku, right?”

“People do call me that, but why do you ask?”

“Then, your collection of figures and merchandise must be impressive.”

“Indeed. If I’m to talk about my treasures, I have a total of 12,032 items…”

“Hand them over.”

“N-no way! I won’t let that happen! I’d rather grovel at your feet until you tell me to get up!”

Seeing him clasp his hands together in a pleading gesture, I couldn’t help but let out a girlish giggle.

“Believe me, I’d love to, but…”

“…?”

“I only collect Fan Comics, you know. May I take a look at your collection?”

“Look?”

I sensed his eyes widen a bit; eventually, he spoke.

“Sorry, but I’m busy today. Can I invite you another time?”

“Do as you please, host.”

“I have to head back within an hour. I’d hate to part on this note—how about we go to that tea shop and chat?”

“Hmm, alright. I’m free today as well.”

I said that while clutching the Fan Comic even tighter with one arm—hoping to spend a little more time together. I wasn’t ready to let go yet.

“It’s my first time inviting a real woman to my place. Of course, my heart beats only for Lilica-chan.”

“Same here. Perhaps because we both have 2D lovers, we actually understand each other pretty well.”

Even as we entered the tea shop, we chattered on. The place was about half full, giving off a relaxed yet lively vibe.

“I’ll have a zesty lemon tea. What will you have, Legendary Otaku?”

“You won’t keep calling me Legendary Otaku forever, right? How about calling me Rahi?”

For a moment, I thought his tone had changed slightly, but I quickly brushed off the thought as his voice resumed.

“I’ll place the order, so just sit tight.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s nothing.”

After I sat on a single-seater sofa, he placed a cushion on his lap and headed straight for the counter.

I stared blankly at his back before shifting my gaze around. Sunlight bathed the surroundings in a white glow. If only there weren’t so many couples around. With a wistful glance, I looked down at the table, and there, Rahi took a seat opposite me.

“It seems like a beautiful day.”

“Exactly, just like when Lord Robes and Lilica met for the second time.”

“Oh, I was thinking the same thing.”