…She was doing something weird that day as well.

“Rufus left—!?”

“Yes, I truly apologize for doing something utterly selfish.”

Despite how peculiar it was, she still apologized and reported that she aided her brother’s escape. She also didn’t leave anything out. …I wish she’d at least make an excuse. Why was she being so utterly honest about her thoughts and actions at a time like this!?

“…Why didn’t you talk to us even once?”

“Wouldn’t you have just reject the idea?”

“…That’s—”

In spite of the situation, her father, who had a round and shiny head, didn’t get angry.

After all, they also had an issue with her recluse brother.

Afterwards, they discussed the issue of an heir.

Since their eldest daughter was already engaged to the crown prince, she was out of the question. Usually, one would adopt a child from the branch family to replace Rufus.

As they were about to reach a conclusion, Lelouche showed a dubious yet prideful smile.

“Why don’t you sire a new existence that you can love in Rufus’ stead?”

What the heck are you sayiiiiiiing—!?

—To your parents. You, a teenage girl. What are you proposing!?

In fact, her parents were also flustered. Her mother was taken aback, her mouth agape, ‘Oh, dear…’ Her father was no better. His soul seemed about to leave his body.

Hey, hey, wait, it’s too early for you to die.

Then, her mother chided—no, gently denied the idea.

“B, but, we’re already old… my husband, what do you think?”

“That’s right… recently, my legs have been weakening…”

However, Lelouche only dismissed their sensible excuses with a clap of her hands.

“Then, how about training!? Recently, I’ve begun training myself! After all, it’s good to sweat!”

“But…”

Lelouche, hold on…?

Stop with that cute face. You know what they are referring to. Or rather, what we’re assuming is different from you…

Still, judging from the flow of the conversation, “Let’s try to get rid of your loneliness by picking up new hobbies!” seemed to be what she was proposing.

In the first place, her parents were ignorant of their impending downfall…

Right now, I can’t give her any advice…

“I’ll also look for medicines that are good for nourishment. May I order them next time?”

“W, why do you insist on pursuing this matter…?”

“Shouldn’t it be obvious!? Let’s do our best together! If we work together, I’m sure we’ll succeed!”

““T-together?!””

Aah, being a god sure is shitty.

I couldn’t help her. I wished I could make flashier and awesome miracles happen… If I could, I’d have done something about her fate in the first place.

The truth is, I feel hopeless…

“…Is it no good?”

…When Lelouche tried to persuade her parents with puppy eyes, I stopped thinking.

Cute…

***

“You’re a truly sinful person, do you know that?”

“Oh, my, is this about His Highness?”

“No, it’s about your cruelty in general.”

“Well, I’m a villainess, aren’t I?”

I wanted to tell her off for her unintended implications… But as expected, I didn’t have the guts for it.

Is that why I’m so soft…?

I wondered if she had notice and was reflecting on herself, but she asked something ridiculous.

“Was god also a god in his previous life?”

“What do you mean?”

“I wonder if since it’s god, he’d be popular.”

“…Popular?”

I was reminded of the past.

Over the millennia, my memories had frayed at the seams, but there were some things I’d never forget.

The first time I met [her]. Due to her unorthodox hair color, she was ostracized by those around her. Even so, she bravely stood up for herself. When I saw her gallantness, I, who was poor and lived on the spur of the moment, was struck by lightning.

I want to be like her.

I wanted to stand beside her.

I wanted to protect her.

Over time, I grew to think that. Thus, I focused on improving myself so that she’d take interest in me. Thus, I became what someone would say a lady-killer.

…But if I say that, won’t I leave a bad impression?

I’ll just make use of my experiences from that time and give her an answer.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have much memory of being favored by the opposite sex. It isn’t something I prefer to talk about. …I, don’t recall having a comfortable life. Unlike what most think, my previous life was nothing remarkable.”

“…I see, I’m sorry for my uncouth question.”

“No, you don’t have to apologize, what I’m saying is—”

—Wait a second.

Why do I care so much about how [Lelouche] might perceive me?

…Do I? I tried not to mind it that much, but was I actually being self-conscious?

…Why? Even though this girl and [her] are different? Even if their soul is the same, she’s a different person entirely, someone who has her own life… Certainly, Lelouche somewhat resembles her in both appearance and vibe, but…

“I see, so that’s how it is… but, for real?”

Aah, I see, I really like you.

Ugh, I don’t want to admit this. I mean, she’s such a weirdo. She doesn’t show me any respect, she does a lot of unfathomable things, such as asking for her parents to make a new heir… But she didn’t realize the implication, so I think that innocence of hers is kind of cute…

While I was absorbed in my own thoughts, she smiled at me.

“Fufu…”

“What’s the matter? Why did you suddenly laugh?”

“…So, at times like this, you refrain from reading one’s mind.”

“Didn’t you tell me not to?”

That’s right, when it comes to the girl I like, I’d refrain from doing anything that she dislikes. Such is my principle.

When I casually answered, she smiled beautifully at me.

“…I just thought that I’d do my best tomorrow.”

“I think that as it is, you’re doing fine.”

“I beg to differ.”

The [you] from the past wouldn’t smile so enchantingly…

…Nevertheless, I apparently still liked [you].

---

***T/N: I wish I can re-experience this story all over again.

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