Making friends with someone like Ritsuka would have been the very first thing discarded as useless. ...Which was precisely why he harbored such troubles.
The Hedgehog's Dilemma. The frustrating state of wanting to touch, wanting to get closer, yet hurting the other person the closer you got. Then why bring this up now?
"Well, while talking to you, I just thought I'd like to show off my driving techniques to that lot too. Those guys... their eyes were wide open seeing my brilliant steering! Ah, it was fun! Showing off to ordinary people is about the only thing I can do, after all!"
Gourdolf shouted in a half-desperate tone. It seemed that during his dialogue with her, something in his mindset had shifted.
"This dead-end life of mine... this time, I will break through and succeed in this paradise of yours. This time, I will grab the future with my own hands, and have someone acknowledge me... I just want to be acknowledged...!"
"..."
...He's so similar. He might be my spitting image. It's like looking into an old mirror.
Why! Why! Why?! Why can't I do it right! Why isn't it working!
This can't be happening, this can't be...! I am the head of Animusphere! I'm not Kirishtaria, I'm not a failure! I'm not a figurehead Director!
It's a lie, a lie! This can't...! I'm not in the wrong, I'm not in the wrong! It's the people who can't make use of me who are wrong! It's the world that refuses to acknowledge me that's wrong! It's everything about this current situation where I can't try my hardest that's wrong!
Someone, someone acknowledge me! Tell me I did good, tell me I'm capable! Say something to me!
Why are you looking at me with those eyes?! Why are you standing before me with that attitude?! Are you saying... are you saying that I'M the one in the wrong?!
I hate this... Help me, help me, Lev... I don't want this... If I go on like this...
Living without ever being acknowledged by anyone... I hate it...!
"...Well, your problems are your own, so you have no choice but to forge your own path with your own hands..."
She deliberately pushed him away with harsh words first.
"Cold as ever, aren't you! N-No, I suppose that's natural. Freesia and I are business partners, so going that far would be..."
"However..."
She deliberately paused, building suspense...
"I hold your indomitable spirit in high regard. Even while aware of your own insignificance, you still conduct yourself like yourself, and for that, I offer you my respect."
"...You..."
"Just by not being crushed, you are remarkable. ...Far more than I ever was."
Those were Olga Marie's genuine feelings. Looking out for others, pushing them away, yet facing forward without depending on anyone—Gourdolf was a far stronger human being than she was.
"However, if you're aware of your shortcomings, I suggest you put in the effort. Don't go expecting miracles to happen once you're dead, Mr. Musik."
"I-I know that! Don't underestimate my grit! Once you're ready to invite us, bring us over immediately! Farewell!"
The transmission was unilaterally cut. She leaned back in her chair and let out a long breath.
"...Living without ever being acknowledged by anyone, huh?"
...She knew the cure for this kind of illness. She understood it. It was simple. It didn't require complex magecraft or magical energy.
It was just...
A valiant effort, Marie. A commendable feat. You have made me proud.
Marie! Thanks as always! I have to do my best as a Master too!
Director, thank you so much. I'm truly happy we could become friends!
"...Fufu."
A smile escaped her lips at the voices ringing in her head.
"That's right... Maybe I should ask Mr. Caesar to teach me some words that touch the heart."
If he claimed no one acknowledged him, then it couldn't be helped. She would just have to be the very first person to do so.
The world wasn't that narrow. She would personally shatter the negativity he simply hadn't noticed yet.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of face you'll make, Mr. Musik."
Not over a comms channel, but face-to-face someday—bestowing upon him her appreciation and gratitude.
Looking forward to his reaction... she smiled quietly, all by herself.
"Splendid! A truly magnificent demonstration of fostering dependence, Olga Marie! I'm thrilled! You hold the absolute upper hand!"
"Ah, you were there?"
"I sure was~ My, what a good listener you are. He seemed satisfied, and that's what matters most, isn't it?"
"...That type of person is hampered by their own self-evaluation, preventing them from showing their true potential. Given the chance, he might actually bloom."
"Heh heh heh, precisely! It's a common story for talent to blossom once someone sheds their skin. The only question is whether that works to our advantage or disadvantage. If it's a disadvantage..."
"Then... we dispose of him."
"Whoops, yellow card for you, Olga Marie~"
"Eh?"
"That pause was a wobble—a variable born from empathy and hesitation. Against the right opponent, your inner turmoil would be easily seen through. Answer instantly in those moments. Hesitation and doubt tend to slip out through the mouth. Even if you don't mean it, keeping that cold, ruthless mask on makes things much easier for you, after all."
"...Thank you. I still have a long way to go."
"No, no, it's fine! I quite like the whole 'blatantly evil villain' routine, just as I enjoy the brokenness of someone smiling as they push their best friend off a cliff while shedding tears. Though, I suppose I'd prefer you to become a dashing, gallant villain~"
"Either way, the smile is what matters... right?"
"Spot on. What matters isn't 'what your true feelings are,' but 'making it seem as though your true feelings are a certain way.' Keep that in mind."
"Yes. ...By the way."
"Hmm~?"
"Isn't that going to lose its shape?"
"—Ah!!"
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"