"Chisato too?"
Upon hearing this, Takina's breathing instinctively paused for a moment.
Her heart clenched instinctively, her eyes filled with astonishment—yet within that astonishment lay a glimmer of understanding.
Should she say this was just like Chisato? Completely predicting her thoughts and actions, even preparing countermeasures in advance.
This made it seem as though she had always been protected by Chisato, while she herself had failed to do anything for Chisato in return.
Was it like this before? Would it continue to be like this in the future?
"Please... let me do it instead!"
Takina steadied her trembling breath and looked at Roy with unusually resolute eyes.
That's right.
She couldn't let Chisato keep protecting her forever—she had to do something for Chisato too!
"Ultimately, the reason Chisato agreed to your conditions, Lord Roy, was to heal me when I was on the verge of death, right? Then there's no reason for Chisato to bear the price—that responsibility should fall on me!"
"What about creating a heart for her? By your logic, that price should be borne by Chisato, no? Or are you trying to make two requests while offering yourself as payment for just one?"
"This... I beg you to be lenient in this regard!"
Takina faltered momentarily, unsure how to argue for the outcome she desired, and could only plead with Roy earnestly.
Chisato had begged Roy to save Takina, selling herself to him in the process. Though Chisato's artificial heart wouldn't last much longer, now that she belonged to Roy, he would naturally craft a brand-new human heart for her.
But now Takina was interfering, hoping to take on the cost of both requests herself. If that were truly the case, then since last night, Takina would already have been Roy's person—making it unreasonable to then ask for a heart for Chisato. The exchange would no longer be balanced.
"To me, whether it's saving you or saving Chisato, it's all just a trivial effort."
Roy watched as Takina struggled, a casual smile appearing on his face.
"However, I don't like helping people who have nothing to do with me. The only ones who can enjoy the benefits I provide are those who stand by my side. Only by choosing to stand with me will I choose to help you—even going all out if necessary."
"The situation has changed too quickly these past two days. Your minds must be in chaos right now. You're free to think it over carefully, to learn more about what this world is really like before making a decision. I'm in no hurry for your answer."
"Oh, and tell Chisato that her heart surgery will be performed tonight."
"...Understood. I'll let her know."
Hearing Roy's words, Takina froze for a long moment.
She was slightly surprised—she hadn't expected Roy to be willing to give them time to adjust.
Not only that, but he was even providing what they wanted upfront.
"Thank you very much, Lord Roy."
Takina's expression softened considerably. She let out a relieved sigh, nodded gratefully, and then left the front courtyard to deliver the good news to Chisato.
Watching Takina's retreating figure, Roy's expression remained utterly calm.
He was an extremely selfish man.
He would never waver for unrelated people, nor would he shed a single tear over the deaths of those who meant nothing to him.
Yet, at the same time, he harbored an extreme ideal—to create a retribution system that could encompass all of humanity, a magecraft system capable of guiding every human onto the righteous path. That, too, was a decision born from his own will.
These were two contradictory facets, and Roy was well aware of it.
He himself was a man full of contradictions.
A flash of insight seemed to strike his mind in an instant.
Roy suddenly understood something, and a look of realization appeared on his face.
"So that's how it is. Touko might have been right—I really have changed quite a bit."
If it had been the old him, he would likely still be wearing the mask of kindness, pretending to be magnanimous by saving both Takina and Chisato's hearts last night without demanding anything in return—just like how he had helped Utaha save Tomoya back then.
But that, in essence, was nothing but his hypocrisy. It was his attempt to prove that "the side of him wearing glasses was good," a deliberate mental construct to counter the malice lurking within. The smile on his face was merely a facade crafted to prove his goodness. Utaha had once told him his smile didn't feel genuine.
Now, however, he was gradually shedding that disguise.
He was beginning to show a more authentic side—"disliking what he disliked," "remaining unwavering where he stood firm"—no longer wearing that old hypocrisy on his face but openly expressing his true thoughts and desires.
Had his dual personalities been merging without him even realizing it?
Was that why he was now expressing a more genuine self?
Roy felt that was most likely the case.
And this also proved—
"Indeed, the catalyst for merging my personalities has been within me all along. I just didn't notice it."
Roy lowered his head, unconsciously rubbing his chin as a satisfied smile appeared on his face in thought.
In truth, his dual personalities were already slowly merging. This proved that he must possess that catalyst—he just hadn't yet recognized what it was.
If one day he truly understood that catalyst, his dual personalities would likely fuse into one in an instant, unifying his psyche and making it whole, free from any flaws.
"No wonder they say most people lack clear self-awareness. It seems I'm no exception."
Roy couldn't help but nod to himself.
Had Touko not pointed it out, he might not have realized this so quickly.
His decision back then to ask for everyone's help had been the right one.
If he had been alone from start to finish—advancing alone, groping in the dark alone, suffering setbacks alone—not only would he have failed to recognize his own changes, but he might have truly ended up like Matou Zouken, degenerating into a demonic fiend without even realizing it.
...
In the afternoon, Roy went to City Hall to submit his mission report to Rin. He also placed an order for takeout at the cafeteria. Only after asking did he learn that Fuyuki City actually had a special privilege of delivering takeout to magi—though hardly anyone used it anymore.
"The taste is a bit mediocre."
"Yeah, not as good as Hayasaka's cooking."
At the dinner table that evening, Utaha and Ichika were rather picky about the dishes served, with even Miku becoming somewhat selective with her food.
Hayasaka simply felt blissful.
Not having to spend half the day selecting ingredients and cooking was truly wonderful!
The newly arrived Nino and Itsuki didn't dare speak, their eyes filled with profound melancholy.
In this world, simply having enough to eat was already a blessing.
The privilege to be picky about food was a luxury only possible under Roy's protection.
"Chisato, come with me."
After the meal, Roy set down his chopsticks and stood up, nodding toward Chisato.
"Got it!"
Chisato nodded vigorously while hurriedly speeding up her eating pace.
Roy gave an approving nod, then swept his gaze across the women at the table, pausing momentarily on Ichika and Miku.
The sisters together were truly exhilarating.
But glancing at Nino and Itsuki, Roy reconsidered.
"Utaha, Ai, both of you come to my room tonight."
It was about time to prioritize enhancing their physical conditioning.
"Yes, Lord Roy."
Hayasaka complied readily.
"Understood."
Utaha paused briefly before obediently agreeing, her eyes flashing with intense competitiveness as she looked at Hayasaka.
Together it is!
Whoever cries first is a coward!
Nino and Itsuki exchanged glances, both seeing deep confusion in each other's eyes.
What exactly were they going to do in Lord Roy's room tonight?