Chapter 21: The Selfishness That the Usually Sweet and Modest Heroine Displays is Actually Quite Appealing

[Selfishness]

It refers to acting selfishly or without regard for others, or to describing such behavior.

It is generally used in a negative sense, and people described as selfish by others are usually not well-liked.

While there are a certain number of selfish heroines in romance stories, similar to violent heroines, unless the protagonist is clearly at fault or has a similar strong-willed personality, the protagonist tends to become a pitiable character.

As a result, they may not be accepted by readers and become unpopular, making it a rather difficult attribute to handle.

If both parties are speaking their minds without restraint, that could be a form of communication. However, it's pitiful to watch the protagonist being the only one being manipulated.

However, this kind of risk only arises if the heroine is always selfish and spoiled.

A rare instance of selfishness from a normally reserved girl is actually quite charming.

For example, almost no one would find it unpleasant to see a shy younger sister heroine begging her big brother to play. In fact, most people would probably find it adorable!

The premise that she's usually shy and unable to express her desires to those around her allows the story to show just how much she wants this, and how much she loves the protagonist.

It's a classic tsundere mechanism!

It's not a case of "if pushing doesn't work, try pulling," but rather, "if pulling doesn't work, try pushing."

Just as we're charmed by the occasional vulnerability shown by a usually strong character, it shows that things shouldn't be monotonous.

Thus, even a behavior like selfishness, which is generally considered a flaw, becomes appealing simply because it's different from her usual self.  

Of course, there's the caveat that you should follow the instructions and dosage, but it's only good if you do it occasionally; if it becomes a regular thing, you'll just come across as a really unpleasant person!

Well, as someone who likes sickly heroines, what I want to say is—the scene where a heroine who usually obediently listens to her teachers and parents to avoid causing trouble, acts selfishly because she wants to spend time with the protagonist is the best! And it's even better if the protagonist shows some manliness at that point.

★★★

"Wow! There are so many people, Sakura."

"Chitose-sama. I know you're happy, but it's quite a crowd. If you get too far away, we might get separated, so please keep your excitement in check."

"Sakura, you're such a worrier. I'm already ten years old this year, I'm a proper young lady now."

"Not 'already,' but 'still,' Chitose-sama."

"Hmm! ...Sakura, you're only two or three years older than me."

"I'm a personal attendant, after all."

"I always wonder, is 'personal attendant' really such an amazing word?"

"Is being a personal attendant amazing?"

"Hmm. Personal attendant... what exactly makes a personal attendant amazing...? Well, Sakura is very reliable, so it's certainly amazing. But calling it amazing feels somehow wrong, like I'm planting a wrong idea in Chiharu's mind..."

"?"

It's the height of spring. The Sakura trees are beautiful again this year, but I wonder what kind of sickly heroine life everyone is leading at night? 

I, Chitose-chan, am in great spirits this spring, and here I am on a Sakura viewing date with Sakura-chan and Chiharu-kun!

Yay!

And this time, we're not in our backyard, but a place a little further away that's renowned for its Sakura trees. Since it's the peak of Sakura season, there are food stalls and it feels just like a Sakura festival.

This is a perfect, undeniably great Sakura viewing date.

Chitose-chan is truly a heroine!

By the way, Otou-sama and Onii-sama were quite hesitant about this Sakura viewing date.

Well, it's understandable that they'd be worried about sending a young child on a long trip, especially someone like me.

As someone who proclaims herself a fragile, brave, sickly heroine, Chitose-chan would normally back down a little, but this time she indulged in her whim. 

The reason is that Onii-sama is likely to surpass Chitose-chan not just in the number of times he's gone out with Chiharu-kun, but by a triple score!

Onii-sama, are you... someone who really likes Chiharu-kun?

I understand, you know? Chiharu-kun is super cute. On top of that, he listens intently to even the most trivial stories, accepts sweets with a really nice smile, and even says thank you properly—he's such a good kid!

He also comes running over with a big smile on his face just when you call his name, so of course he's the kind of kid that a lot of people would like.

And on top of that, he actively participates in the training that he, Onii-sama, is putting him through out of goodwill, not even complaining. 

The reason is that Chiharu-kun wants to protect Chitose-chan, so of course I understand why Onii-sama dote on him. 

But, Onii-sama, even so, I think you're going on a little too many dates with him.

If this were a dating sim, Chiharu-kun would be completely on Onii-sama's route by now, because you've been hitting the [Go Out] option so much lately.

Thanks to that, lately, almost everything Chiharu-kun talks about is about going out with you, Onii-sama!

Well, it's a classic trope for the protagonist to tell the sickly heroine what happened outside that day, and if that were all, I'd be really happy as a sickly heroine.

But when most of it is just about going somewhere with Onii-sama, it's lonely.

Chitose-chan is lonely!

And so, this time, Chitose-chan indulged in a rare childish whim.

It's the second time, the first being with Chiharu-kun.

That said, unlike that time, Chitose-chan didn't prostrate herself. With her cheeks puffed out and her eyes slightly teary, she looked up at Otou-sama and Onii-sama, who had come home again, and pleaded that it wasn't fair that Onii-sama got to go out all the time.

By the way, Chitose-chan was super cute at this time.

It was amazing.

It was the cuteness that comes from seeing Chitose-chan, who doesn't usually act selfishly, occasionally, and even though she was just sulking with her cheeks puffed out, she exuded an indescribable loveliness.

It really made me think that contrast is justice.

It really did!

And so, Chitose-chan successfully managed to have a Sakura viewing date with Chiharu-kun.

Well, of course, we were accompanied by a guardian, Sakura-chan. But even so, Okaa-sama let the three of us enjoy the view together for a bit, so this is sure to be included in Chiharu-kun's childhood memory album of Chitose-chan.

Chitose-chan's becoming more and more of a childhood friend heroine every day, I'm honestly amazed at how strong Chitose-chan's heroine qualities are...!

"Sakura, that! What is that?!"

"Chiharu, I understand you're curious, but don't stray too far. You'll get separated."

"Even if I get separated, I'll know where Chitose is."

"That doesn't mean it's okay. You wouldn't want to worry Chitose-sama, would you?"

"Really?"

"....."

"?"

"Oh dear."

Even so, I've grown quite used to seeing these two interacting like a comedy duo.

Sakura is a kind girl, so I wasn't too worried, but I'm glad she accepted Chiharu without any problems.

They're like a nagging older sister and a laid-back younger brother; just watching them is fun these days.

"Now, now, Sakura. It's a Sakura viewing party, so don't be so tense. As Chiharu said, even if we get a little separated, we'll know where each other is, so it'll be fine."

"What if something happens to you while we're separated?"

"It'll be fine. Otou-sama gave me a shikigami for emergencies, and with the two of you here, nothing should happen."

"I appreciate your trust, but..."

"Chitose, I'll protect you!"

"I'm so happy, thank you Chiharu. Sakura too..."

"Chitose-sama?"

"..... No, it's nothing. Well, shall we go? We've come all this way. I've always been interested in the food stalls in places like this. Don't worry! I have money! It's just the allowance Otou-sama and Onii-sama gave me."

"Oh!"

"Since it's something Chitose-sama received, please use it for yourself."

".....Sakura doesn't want to eat with me?"

"H-Huh? N-No, that's not what I meant!?"

"Hehe, just kidding. And Sakura, I'll pay for both of you too. Because it'll definitely taste better if we eat together than if I eat alone. So, will you join us?"

"You know I'm not the kind of person who can refuse after being asked like that..."

"Sakura's given her permission. Chiharu, let's all eat something nice together."

Chiharu and Chitose beamed with smiles, while Sakura watched them with a sigh but a smile of her own.

Hmm, this is a picture of a perfectly formed childhood friends trio.

...Well then, let's do it.

★

Just as Chiharu-kun sensed Chitose-chan, beings with an imbalance of Yin and Yang within their own bodies can sense their counterparts, even if they are far away.

Is it an instinctual need for what one lacks, or is it a characteristic of Yin and Yang energy? I don't know the details, but such things can happen in this world.

If only good kids like Chiharu-kun were drawn to Chitose-chan, there wouldn't be a problem, but the world isn't that simple.

There are unwelcome guests, too.

Like this strange entity standing before me now.

"It was the same strange feeling as the day I first met Chiharu. A feeling like something inside me was being drawn to you. But you and Chiharu are different. Because I didn't feel such a terrifying presence from Chiharu."

"....."

Bad premonitions always seem to come true; that feeling of revulsion I felt while we were having fun together was absolutely correct.

But this thing is truly an Anamoly.

At first glance, it looks like just an armored warrior, clad in full protective gear. But its lifeless eyes, its abnormally developed arms (perhaps due to the influence of Yang energy), and above all, the Yang energy it exuded right now—even more malevolent than Chiharu's—all tell me that this thing is not normal.

This isn't just a matter of extreme imbalance like Chitose-chan or Chiharu-kun; it's a monster that has completely lost the energy of its counterpart, transcending reason.

It no longer possesses reason, merely a phenomenon driven by a desire for its counterpart.

Therefore, it shows no mercy or hesitation, and Onii-sama and Otou-sama said it could cause great damage if it ventured into human settlements.

Yeah, there's no way I could stay in a place like that with those two after sensing the presence of something like that.  

So, this isn't the Sakura festival food stall area we were just in, but a little further away in the mountains where there aren't many people.

This thing has Chitose-chan locked onto, so if Chitose-chan gets away from the crowded area, everyone else will be safe.

Well, Chitose-chan is going to be fighting the monster one-on-one in the mountains, though.

But this is unavoidable.

Certainly, running straight to Otou-sama might be the safest option, but even Otou-sama would find it difficult to fight while protecting those around him.

Other Onmyōji would likely arrive while the fight was going on, so they might not lose, but people might die in the process. With so many people around, that possibility isn't low. There's even a chance that Chiharu-kun and Sakura-chan could get caught up in it.

That's unacceptable.

Death is unacceptable.

Because that would create a burden of guilt for Chitose-chan, the sickly heroine.

I won't deny that there's something appealing about a heroine tormented by the guilt of someone dying because of her.

But that's only in a story.

If Chitose-chan ignores the impending danger, and someone dies as a result, that would be a defeat for Chitose-chan, the sickly heroine.

Then she wouldn't be able to live her life as a sickly heroine (although she's healthy one) from the bottom of her heart.

That's unacceptable!

I want to live my life as a sickly heroine with absolutely no doubts in my heart.

Therefore, I cannot let him go there, for the sake of my future life as a sickly heroine!

For the sake of Chitose-chan and Chiharu-kun's future with many children!

Don't underestimate a heroine's fantasy! 

I will protect my own rom-com and make it a success.

That's what kind of heroine I am!

..... Well, the other half of the reason is that I couldn't pass up the chance to play the role of a brave heroine who puts herself in danger to protect those around her!

Ah, amazing!

Chitose-chan is so cool and cute!

Even in the face of such a monster, she still tightly closes her lips and glares back with strong eyes. The expression she doesn't usually show is also good... so good...!

Chitose-chan is the best after all!!

"As a daughter of the Onjōji family, I cannot involve innocent people!

Come if you dare. Whoever you were in the past, Anomaly-san. I will be your opponent!"

"Guuuu...!"

It's great when a sickly, white-haired, normally gentle girl like this suddenly speaks with a strong tone and shows her pride...

But well, Chitose-chan did ask her Otou-sama and Onii-sama for help through her shikigami.

I wonder if they'll be in time...

Well, as long as she doesn't die, getting injured is also a heroine move, so it's fine!

Alright, Chitose-chan will do her best!!