Reincarnated as the Sidekick in a Harem Game ～Chaos Unfolded When I Helped the Losing Heroines After the Protagonist Found His Happy Ending～ - Chapter 22: Falling into the Mother's Swamp

Chapter 22: Falling into the Mother’s Swamp

It was needless to say what happened between Fuuki-senpai and me afterward. The “Persuasion” was activated, and even Senpai was persuaded.

Before I knew it, a completely persuaded, unclothed Senpai was there, imploring me for more persuasion. The dignified Senpai was nowhere to be found. Instead, Fuuki-senpai, now addicted to persuasion, was seeking the next round.

The word ‘persuasion’ is getting censored here, huh.

Terrified, I ended the persuasion session with Senpai and left the school. Before I knew it, it was night, and I found myself in my 1K apartment.

“…”

Najimi, Mai, and then Fuuki-senpai. I had hurt the heroines who were important to me. What have I done? I’m not worthy to be a fan, let alone a protagonist.

“Cha-chan”

“Mom…”

Before I knew it, Mamako-shi was there, smiling.

“Huh…? Mom, when did you get in this room… The key…”

“Have you eaten yet? I came to cook for you ♡.”

“No, but the key…”

“I’m going to use the kitchen ♡.”

Mamako-shi cheerfully headed toward the kitchen. Images of the three heroines and their ‘persuaded faces’ (※code word) flashed in my mind.

“Mom, please go home right now.”

She ignored me and continued her work. I raised my voice once more.

“Go home!”

“Oh my… why?”

It’s a given. Just like those three heroines, if I again couldn’t control my own power… and ended up ‘persuading’ (※code word)…

But… how should I explain? Even if I do explain… would anyone understand?

“I… I am…”

I hesitated to say these words. But… there’s no other way.

“Mom, it’s because I hate you. I don’t even want to see your face anymore.”

Being near me activates my skill, hurting the heroines. If it were a power I could control, it would be one thing. But… it’s suspected that my current state is under some external influence.

Especially, this power tends to go out of control when I’m alone with a heroine. Yes… even now, this mysterious power is aiming to ‘persuade’ (※code word) her, watching for an opportunity.

“I’ve always hated you. So please stay away from me.”

It activates when we’re alone. Conversely, if I can make sure no heroine is near me, then it’s good. Then… the skill won’t activate, and I won’t be forced to ‘persuade’ (※code word) anyone.

Yes… this is for the best… This is…

“Cha-chan”

Mamako-shi gently hugged me. Her warm bosom and comfort enveloped my body.

They were huge, soft… I felt like I was about to fall into a swamp. But… I pushed her away.

“It’s no good, Mom! Being near me will… bring unhappiness!”

But Mamako-shi smiled and hugged me again, pulling me closer with even more strength than before.

“Get away from me!”

“No.”

“Why!?”

“Because… you look like you’re suffering.”

…Suffering. I looked at the window glass. Reflected there was Charao Shibuya, making a dark and pained face.

“I can’t just leave when you’re making a face like that.”

“Mom…”

Her voice, sweet as sugar, entered my ears and relaxed the tension in my body. Her warmth started to heal my emotional pain…

I wanted to stay like this forever. I wanted to be pampered…

“It’s fine. You can stay like this forever. It’s okay to be pampered, alright?”

She whispered, and hugged me tightly. With each breath, the sweet scent of Mamako-shi filled my nostrils, and my strength gradually left me.

“It’s not… okay.”

“Why?”

“Because… I am…”

I am Charao Shibuya, but also not Charao Shibuya. The same goes for how I relate to the other heroines.

What they desire is the game character Charao Shibuya, not me. I’ve only been fulfilling a role as a game character.

The person they want is Charao, not me. I felt… guilty. The person they say they love is not me. I feel guilty and lonely… so that’s why…

“You are Cha-chan, my… my very precious, only son.”

Mamako-shi’s gentle eyes were staring straight at me. It felt like she was not appealing to Charao Shibuya, but to the soul within me.

Drawn to her, I felt a sense of longing.

“Come… Cha-chan.”

“Mom…”

I hugged her tightly. She was incredibly soft, and it felt as if I was sinking deeper and deeper into her.

“Cha-chan, what’s troubling you?”

Normally, I’d keep quiet about the game. Even if I did mention it, it had no relevance to them. I didn’t want to create any unnecessary confusion.

But, like a moth drawn to a flame, I spoke to Mamako-shi.

“… I am not who I appear to be.”

“Oh…”

I briefly explained the situation. That I’m a reincarnate. About the game. About the heroines. And about… the skills.

“I’m… scared. That I might hurt someone again, a different heroine… or even you. That’s why…”

“It’s okay. It’s going to be alright, Cha-chan.”

Mamako-shi wore a gentle smile.

“I… I didn’t understand what you were saying; it was all so complicated… But you don’t have to think so hard. You don’t have to worry. Just be yourself.”

“Myself…?”

“Yes. At least for me, I’m on Cha-chan’s side ♡. I like the you who’s right here in front of me, no matter who or what you are. I love you. I accept everything about you.”

Wrapped in Mamako-shi’s love, I realized I was crying. How warm, how kind. Is this what a family’s… a mother’s love feels like?

I wanted to cling to this warmth forever. But I couldn’t rely on it indefinitely; that would be bad.

“It’s okay…♡ Let yourself go…♡ Fall into me…♡ Leave everything to mom, okay? ♡”

Before I knew it, I found myself nodding and hugging her tightly.