Chapter 722 - The Selfish White Who Smiles on the Silver Screen, Part Six
—It's not like I had any complaints about being lectured.
Since I was undeniably the one who cut the grand declaration and started the fight, I was actually glad to have provoked some kind of emotional response, even if it was just exasperation.
However,
"I'm returning those words right back at you. Don't get it twisted, senpai."
There was one point I couldn't just let slide as 'exactly right.'
Look, okay? It's fine. Over the past six months, I've come to understand and recognize that my way of being is one that's bound to be misinterpreted. So, I accept that being mistaken and misunderstood is unavoidable and my own fault.
That is precisely why,
"Not a trapped princess? —Hah, that's just fine by me."
Every time it happens, I have to correct it with my own mouth.
"I'm no prince charming coming to the rescue, either."
I am not a person with a heart that deserves unconditional praise.
"Putting aside all the stuff I've built up, at my core, I'm just an ordinary person. My goal was simply to start the game, which means I was satisfied right from the starting line. I'm just a carefree guy."
"…How is someone like you ordinary?"
"I'm not talking about abilities, I'm talking about mentality."
Payback for being cut off earlier. I talked over the voice that was tinged with irritation, yet was itself annoyingly quiet and flat.
"I won't deny there were various circumstances involved, but in the end, I started because I wanted to have fun. I started the game because it looked fun, and I'm laughing my heart out because it's the most fun I've ever had. My foundation is nothing more than that of a modern guy you could find anywhere, you hear?"
"…"
"I said the same thing straight to the face of that so-called 'lonely, trapped princess,' you know."
Seriously, I wish people would stop putting me on such a pedestal.
Because I am—
"—like hell I care about someone else's complicated problems. I'm being 'me' for my own sake."
Listen up and be amazed, watch and laugh, at a selfishness that would make even my master turn pale.
"You said it yourself a while back, didn't you? That it's 'boring.'"
"…"
"And you just said it again. That the 'current situation is fine.'"
"…"
"Even if you don't say anything, your face screams 'bored.' And saying 'the current situation is fine' is just compromising. Let's at least aim for 'the current situation is great.'"
"…"
"Don't you dare compromise in a world of dreams. It's a colossal waste. You do have complaints and dissatisfactions, right? Then don't just be satisfied with airing them out, let's do something to break through."
"…, …"
"And before you fire back with a complaint, let me state the main premise."
In fact, you're free to be appalled and laugh.
I am by no means a 'good person,' nor am I an 'overly nice guy,' nor do I possess a 'self-sacrificing spirit that prioritizes others.'
And I'm certainly not a 'prince' who can swoop in and save someone's heart.
"Even I wouldn't invite someone to play who doesn't look like they're having fun. I won't invite someone who doesn't seem to want to play in the first place, so keep that in mind."
Someone who looks interesting… or someone who seems like we'd get along—
"I choose who I pick a fight—who I invite to play—with my own two eyes. And when I'm lucky enough to meet someone like that… —if they're not having fun, then I can't have fun."
—I am nothing more than an eighteen-year-old kid in his prime, eagerly inviting people to a game.
That's who I am. And that's why.
"…So, with that said, I think we're a good match, don't you, senpai?"
"……………"
Now, once more, I'll ask again.
"Don't you think we could get along surprisingly well?"
Our directions may differ, but we're both self-centered people who stick to our own paths.
That's precisely why we can establish a relationship with no need for real consideration. I extend my hand to [Screen], who has, from our first meeting until now, continued to declare through her own attitude that she 'likes' that stance.
And so, as expected,
"…………………………………Are you done talking?"
"Yeah."
She, or he, slapped my hand away with an indifferent air.
"I see. —Then, I'll fucking kill you."
An answer, a response, that was completely and utterly expected.
"[Vollin-Rafted (Conductor of the Finale Leading to Ruin)]—!!"
It was likely something deeper than the role-play persona.
Perhaps it was the result of igniting the frustration that had been accumulating until now. Along with a vicious smile that seemed to seep from her very core… —she lit her crown and screamed.
She's not won over yet. Just royally pissed off at her supremely cheeky junior. In other words, it's a 'You've got some nerve, you bastard' kind of thing.