kscans

Chapter 722 - The Selfish White Who Smiles on the Silver Screen, Part Six

—It's not that I have a problem with being lectured and all that.

I was definitely the one who made the sharp remark, or rather, picked the fight, so I'm happy that I was able to stir some emotion in her, even if it was just annoyance.

However,

"I'm returning your words right back at you. Don't you get it wrong, Senpai."

There's just one point that I absolutely cannot let slide.

It's not that, you know? It's fine. I've come to understand and realize over this past half-year that I'm the kind of person who would be seen that way anyway. So, I accept that being misunderstood and getting the wrong idea is my own fault.

That's why,

"Not a trapped princess? —Hah, that's perfectly fine."

I have to correct it with my own mouth every single time.

"I'm no rescuing prince either."

I have to make it clear that I'm not a person who possesses a heart that deserves to be praised unconditionally.

"Putting aside all the stuff I've accumulated, at my core, I'm just an ordinary person. My goal was to start the game, which means I was satisfied right from the starting line. An easygoing guy."

"...How is someone like you ordinary?"

"I'm not talking about my abilities, I'm talking about my mentality."

This is payback for being cut off earlier. I paint over her quiet, flat tone—a tone that, in its own way, is just as infuriating—with my own.

"I'm not saying there weren't all sorts of circumstances that led up to it, but in the end, I started because I wanted to have fun. I started the game because it looked fun, and I'm laughing from the bottom of my heart because it's the most fun. At my core, I'm just a modern guy you could find anywhere, that's what I'm saying."

"............"

"I said the same thing to the 'princess trapped in solitude', you know."

I truly wish that everyone, every single person, would stop putting me on such a high pedestal.

Because, you see, I'm—

"I don't give a damn about other people's complicated problems. I'm doing 'me' for me."

Listen and be amazed, watch and laugh, at a selfishness that would make even my master turn pale.

"You said it sometime ago, didn't you? 'Boring'."

"............"

"You said it just now, didn't you? 'This is fine'."

"............"

"Even without words, you have a bored look on your face. And 'this is fine' is a compromise, right? Let's at least aim for 'this is great'."

"............"

"Don't compromise in a world of dreams, it's such a waste. You have complaints and dissatisfaction, right? Then don't just be satisfied with venting, let's try to break through."

"..., ............"

"And let me state the major premise before you complain back."

In fact, you can shiver and laugh if you want.

I'm not a 'well-put-together person,' I'm not a 'nice guy,' I don't have a 'self-sacrificing spirit that prioritizes others,'

And certainly, I'm 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 wouldn't invite someone who doesn't seem to want to play in the first place, so you know."

Someone who looks interesting... or perhaps, someone I think I'd get along with—

"I carefully choose who I pick a fight with. And when I'm lucky enough to meet someone like that...—if they don't have fun, then I can't have fun, can I?"

I'm nothing more than an eighteen-year-old kid in his prime, excitedly inviting people to a game.

And that is why, precisely why.

"............So in that sense, I think we're convenient for each other, what do you think, Senpai?"

"............"

Now, once more, one more time.

"Don't you think we could get along surprisingly well?"

Selfish individuals who stick to their own paths, even if those paths lead in different directions.

That's precisely why a state of truly not having to worry about each other should be possible. I extend my hand to [Screen], who has continued to make it clear through her attitude from our first meeting until now that she 'prefers' that stance.

And so, as I do,

"............................................Are you done talking?"

"Yeah."

She, with a disinterested air, swatted my hand away, and at the same time,

"I see. ————————Then I'll fucking kill you."

...she gave a completely, utterly expected answer and response.

"[Vollend Rafted (The Conductor of the Final Act that Leads to Ruin)]—!!"

Perhaps it was something deeper than her roleplay.

Perhaps the frustration that had been accumulating up to this point was ignited, giving rise to a wicked smile that seeped from her very core... as she lit her crown and let out a scream.