I Reincarnated as the Villain in an Eroge, But Before I Realized, I Became a Capture Target - CH 31.2

Recap:{Instead of anger and sadness, I wanted joy and peace.

I would rather witness a smile than tears.

“…I see. So you’ve set yourself apart from us after all.”}

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The man’s face twisted. His expression was sad; it was as if he were suffering.

It might have been unbearable for him to be rejected by a person who was also a dark attribute user. Perhaps because it was the only thing he had to hold on to and to protect, the only existence he strove to save.

Which was why he still tried to persuade me, someone who disapproved of and was a hindrance to his revolution, even while he was trying to kill me.

“Well, that’s fine. We’ve already achieved our goal. All that’s left is… just to kill all of the people who have been left behind!” He shouted loudly.

As soon as he said that, the presence of the dark attribute users in the rear all started to move at once.

“Black Needle!”

Before I realized it, I reflexively took out the wand that was returned to me and chanted a spell. Countless black needles rushed towards the dark attribute users to stop them from moving. All movement in the area stopped. I caught sight of the man’s eyes. From behind me, I could feel Luca’s agitation.

My limbs grew cold. My body trembled and I was about to lose consciousness. Miranda’s hand kept me from staggering. She tightly held onto my side.

Miranda, please. Keep supporting me just like that. So that I don’t fall. So those guys will think that I’m still fine.

“I gave you the star fragments. Pull back already. If you don’t, we’re going to have to stab each other.”

“Y-you. Why are you protecting them?! Even though your comrades over there are the kind of trash who would unreasonably kill someone just because they have the dark attribute!?”

“Both you and them. You’re all human. Which is why, to me, you are both existences to protect.”

“… us too?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

My vision grew blurry. Not yet. I couldn’t collapse yet. If I collapsed here, they were going to bury the knights.

More importantly, if Luca loses his rationality, he would end up killing everyone here. For some reason, I was certain of this.

Although the man was perplexed, wondering what I was thinking, he let out a sigh after a short pause.

“I understand. We will retreat out of respect for Zagan-dono this time. But we will never forgive those people that persecuted dark attribute users. — We will definitely destroy this country.”

The tentacles restraining Noel and Camilla disappeared. Bennett and Cindy were also released. The members of the dark organization retreated into the shadows of the trees, their figures disappearing in the darkness. I could feel their presence moving farther away.

With a jerk, my legs gave out. It was useless; I couldn’t move anymore. I couldn’t open my eyes either.

I felt Luca rushing over. He held my body and was probably peering at my face.

“Zagan! Zagan, stay with me! Why did you do such a reckless thing…!”

“Don’t cry. Hurry up and give him an MP potion!”

Sorry, Luca. I was already chanting before I realized it. I thought that I had to stop them no matter what. So that those peoples’ sins wouldn’t grow any heavier. So that the knights wouldn’t lose their lives.

Something like protecting all humans was impossible. So, at the very least, I wanted to protect the people that were within my reach.

Ah, I’m losing sensation in my arms and legs.

My body is steadily getting … colder.

Luca… it’s really… cold.

So hug me close… like you always do.

Won’t you… w-arm, me up…

… Luca… Lu-ca…

…Lu…

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“You’ve done well to endure until today. Your body hurts, right?”

“You’re such an unfilial child, dying before me.”

Mom, Dad. Thank you for supporting me even though I had caused you so much trouble. Big brothers as well, thank you. My friends and coworkers, the doctors and nurses too. I had lived a life where I had been supported by many people.

When I tried to think back on it, a lot of painful things had happened.

When I first got cancer, I had taken my anger out on the people around me, asking, “Why me?” But everyone had called out to me with kind voices and didn’t abandon me. I had been comforted by the people around me. I was truly grateful for them.

I had done my best to live until now. Which was why, in my last moments, I’d like you to send me off with smiles instead of tears.

If I was to be born again in the next life, I wonder what kind of life I’d have… Next time, it would be nice if I could live a long life.

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“You, do you really want to repeat the same life again?”

“Huh? Of course not. It was such a crappy life.”

“That’s right… I don’t want to go back again.”

“I don’t get you. More importantly, is it ok for you to be here? The dragon’s going crazy. Ugh… that fucking hurts.”

“But isn’t fighting tiresome? There’s no point in protecting things. They just keep coming back anyway.”

“…Huh? You bastard, you’re getting more and more transparent.”

“Ah, I thought so. You’re getting transparent too. Let’s restart.”

“… I don’t, get it.”

“Fufu. Until next time, Zagan.”

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“….el ….up.”

I could hear a voice. Whose voice was it?

I could feel my body being shaken. But I wanted to sleep some more.

“It’s time to wake up. Ne, …el.”

Little by little, I could feel my consciousness returning. I felt the sensation of my body waking up. But I still couldn’t seem to open my eyes.

“Come on, …el. If you don’t wake up I’m going to play a prank on you.”

He giggled, his throat quivering with mirth.

He took my hand and brought my fingertips to his lips.

He held my hand and entwined our fingers together.

He stroked my head and combed my bangs aside. Then he kissed my eyelids. They trembled at the fleeting touch of his lips. I had a feeling that I was going to wake up soon.

His lips trailed down to my cheek. Then to the tip of my nose. It tickled.

A short puffing sound slipped out of my nose. Afterwards, he laughed a little and kissed me on the lips. It was just the lightest touch of a kiss.

My eyelids trembled, and slowly opened. Luca smiled softly within my dazed line of sight.

“Morning, Ciel. You sure slept well.”