Chapter 2: Romance Stories are Meant to be Read to Fall in Love with the Protagonist, Not the Heroine

[Protagonist]

They are the main character, the center, the face of the story. There are various types of protagonists depending on the genre of story, and it's not possible to lump them all together with just one word "Protagonist"

However, while I understand that it depends on the person, I want to emphasize this point strongly.

In romance, especially in comedic works like rom-com, the main character... Protagonist-kun...!

They must be someone that readers and viewers would think, "I wouldn't mind being embraced by this guy," or "I could entrust my favorite heroine to this guy!"

★

Since my reincarnation, I've lived a truly fulfilling life as a Sickly Heroine.

Sometimes, even though I'm not dizzy at all, I'll say, "I just felt a little dizzy..." and quickly lean on the wall or desk.

Other times, even though I'm not feeling unwell at all, I'll say, "I don't feel good today..." and stay in bed all day.

And then there was that time when I would murmured,"I hope I can see them again next year..." while looking at the cherry blossoms and fireworks that my father and mother had taken me to see. Even though I was fully intending to see them again next year. 

Of course, at this time, I mustn't forget to say something like, "Chitose is... Chitose will be alright..." with a fleeting smile.

Because that fragility, that of someone who seems like they could disappear at any moment, and the strength within it, is precisely what makes a sickly heroine so appealing.

Incidentally, Chitose-chan successfully completed her Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3) ceremony and is now happily running through life.

Even in this world where mysterious magic and beings exist, it seems children are still prone to death, and there was something similar to Shichi-Go-San from my past life.

My father and mother were overjoyed that their daughter, who they had been told to prepare for death from the moment she was born, had lived safely to the age of seven.

Their joy was so overwhelming that it made me feel guilty about my usual behavior.

Well, even though I feel guilty, I have no intention of stopping anytime soon...

'I'm sorry, Otou-sama, Okaa-sama.

Please forgive Chitose, as Chitose will live longer than you two, not just seven years.'

As I've recalled so far, I've truly enjoyed a very fulfilling life as a sickly heroine (who is actually healthy). While there are times when I'm confused by the differences from my previous life, I think I've become quite accustomed to this world and its culture.

However, thinking about myself as a sickly heroine, I've realized there's one fatal flaw.

What I, a sickly heroine, lack is....

....Someone who will win me over!

Protagonist-kun, like in a manga or game, who will conquer the Sickly Heroine me, Onjōji Chitose.

Of course, I fully understand that the term "Sickly Heroine" doesn't only refer to a woman who is conquered by the protagonist.

However, HOWEVER! 

The term "Sickly Heroine" originally originated primarily from games and manga with romance as their theme, and in this context, "Sickly Heroine" refers to that narrower definition of a heroine.

In other words, to truly be a Sickly Heroine (who is actually healthy), I need a protagonist who will sweep me off my feet!

However, the important thing here is that you shouldn't choose a partner too easily.

In a story where the protagonist tries to win over the heroine, it's a given that the heroine must be attractive. Beyond that, I believe whether the story becomes popular depends on whether the protagonist is attractive.

For example, consider this: even setting aside the appearance of this adorable Chitose-chan.

What if the love interest was a man who, while yelling things like, "Bring me some alcohol already!", resorts to violence and makes the sickly heroine do all the work?

.....

... Honestly, I thought that might be acceptable, but even if it became popular, it certainly wouldn't be the kind of popularity you'd expect from a classic rom-com.

In other words, for Onjōji Chitose to truly become the Sickly Heroine, she needs a likable love interest—someone who's like a protagonist—someone many people would find endearing.

However, unlike the heroine's actions, which can be manipulated by my own, finding this love interest protagonist-kun isn't so easy.

First of all, although I've been praising myself so much up until now, generally speaking, being sickly is a negative trait, not a positive one. You might think I'm crazy, but that's an undeniable fact.

It's not just about having children; the burden of nursing and other caregiving responsibilities over a long period of time is considerable. There are also the costs of medicine and doctor visits. I'm only pretending to be sick, so I won't suddenly collapse, but if someone is genuinely frail, the risk of such problems is much higher than for a healthy person.

In short, walking alongside a sickly heroine is incredibly difficult. Even the kindest person might find it unbearable.

Well, that's precisely why, in my previous life, I admired the protagonists who made sickly heroines happy in dating sim games.

'They were so cool! I wanted to be with them!'

Furthermore, the fact that I'm from Onjōji family makes the situation even more complicated. 

I had somewhat anticipated this, given the grand surname Onjōji and the appearance of my parents, but the Onjōji family seems to be a prominent family of Onmyōdō practitioners.

My parents are kind and incredibly indulgent towards me, so I don't think they'd object to the marriage anytime soon, but this is a matter of family.

While I don't think I fully understand it, given my strong senses from my past life, I do understand that family status and social standing can sometimes be incredibly troublesome.

Well, personally, I think eloping is an option...! But if possible, I'd like to avoid anything that would sadden my parents.

To summarize what we've discussed so far, here's a list of the ideal partner for the sickly heroine, Chitose-chan:

• He must be incredibly kind

• Preferably good-looking

• Strong enough to protect the frail Chitose-chan

• And possess something that my parents would approve of

What would people think of a woman listing all these conditions?

Well, they'd probably think she's a fool and needs to face reality.

Besides, because Chitose-chan is considered physically weak, she's not easily allowed outside and has almost no opportunities to interact with children her own age.

This is a problem that goes beyond mere conditions. Who would have thought such a pitfall awaited Chitose-chan in her seemingly perfect life as a sickly heroine…!

Ah... I wish I could just stumble upon a convenient encounter somewhere. If only I had someone, I could easily manipulate the situation and train— ahem... I mean, educate... the kind of protagonist a sickly heroine desires.

"Chitose, you're over seven now. I've been putting it off because of your health, but I'd like to assign you a personal attendant. What do you think? They're close in age, and I think they'd get along well with you."

"Otou-sama! Are you seriou—....cough... cough...!"

"Chitose!? Someone! Someone get water! Quickly! Please!"

I FOUND IT!!

AN ENCOUNTER!!!

★

"Cough... cough... I'm sorry. For lying down like this..."

"No, please don't worry about it."

"I've been really looking forward to meeting you today. I've been stuck inside the mansion all this time, so I don't have any friends, and I thought this might be the first and the only time I'd ever make one!"

"...A friend... But I'm... I... I'm Chitose-sama's attendant."

"Right... that's true... Well then, could you tell me your name? That should be alright, shouldn't it?"

"Of course. In fact, I apologize for the delay in introducing myself. My name is Hojo Sakura."

NOOOOO!!

This is no encounters at all!!!

.....

I should have expected this.

Of course, if you're going to give a sheltered girl her first attendant, it should be someone of the same sex!

"Nice to meet you... May I call you Sakura?"

"Please call me whatever you like. I am Chitose-sama's attendant."

"Thank you. I look forward to working with you for a long time to come, Sakura."

"...Yes. I look forward to working with you as well, Chitose-sama."

However, this is perfectly acceptable for a sickly heroine!

It's always better to have someone to explain the heroine's physical condition, and wouldn't it be a touching development if that person were a young girl who has been by her side since childhood?

(So this is the girl I'd heard about, the one watched over by death. She can barely even get up...)

Even in bed, Chitose wore a faint, almost childlike smile, a look she'd become adept at, while inwardly pumping her fist in triumph.

She'd tried the "I don't have energy to get up" move to make an impact on their first meeting, and judging by the look in Sakura's eyes, it seemed to have been a great success.

'What a great gaze...!'

There were some unexpected setbacks, but there was also an unexpected bonus:

A best friend character who explained to the the protagonist about the sickly heroine's background. 

A serious-looking girl with straight black hair is a nice touch!

It's great to see a girl like this struggling with her position and feelings—If only she smiled in the end!

'Heh heh... Just you wait!

You, the man who will become the protagonist, which hasn't appeared yet! 

I'll show you what the ultimate sickly heroine is!!!'