The Villainous Uncle in the Adult Game Gets Unusually High Praise from the Heroines - Chapter 27

Just as there was a beginning to everything, so too must there be an end to what began. This was likely a universal principle. Because of this, people could not defy this rule. Even on a journey that seemed endless, there would always eventually be a destination. And when someone reached that place—

What would they do? Would they stop walking? Or perhaps search for a new destination? Or maybe…

As for me, I wondered. Could I truly reach that place? Walking the harsh path alone… Could I continue to forge on ahead?

****

“Huh?”

Tomoe-chan, who had been sleeping on the sofa, sat up. Today, she seemed to be sleep-deprived, so I had instructed her to take a nap before drawing.

Apparently, her school tests were coming up soon. Because of this, even Sakurako-chan was a bit busy. Though “a bit busy” was, as expected, just like Sakurako-chan. In her case, her comprehension was exceptional, and she’d probably grasp the content so well that she wouldn’t need to review during class.

Nonetheless, one shouldn’t use that as a standard. In a way, I felt more in tune with Tomoe-chan and felt a sense of closeness with her due to it. I was more of a Tomoe-chan type of person.

Tomoe-chan, having sat up, looked around sleepily. Then, tilting her head slightly, she nodded as if saying “Oh, I see”.

It seemed she didn’t initially understand why she was there but had just realized why. Tomoe-chan looked at me and spoke, “Take-san.”

“What is it?”

“I’m sleepy.”

“If you’re sleepy, you can sleep a bit more.”

“But it’s already time to go home.”

“Ah.”

Now that she mentioned it, it was indeed that time. She had a home to return to, and staying too long might make her parents worry. For Tomoe-chan, the problem was that it might result in a curfew being imposed. That would prevent her from using her computer to draw, which would be a significant loss for her. Even as a high school student, time was finite. They couldn’t remain children forever.

“Ugh.”

Tomoe-chan stretched and then muttered, “What should I do?” It was as if she wanted me to ask what was wrong. 

Having no choice, I decided to ask, “Is something bothering you?”

“Well, you see, I was just thinking about something.”

“Thinking?”

“Yeah. About the future, a little.”

“Hmm?”

I tilted my head, and Tomoe-chan gave a wry smile.

“I’m wondering if I’ll be able to keep drawing in the future.”

“That is…” I spoke a bit sternly.

“Rather than ‘if you can keep drawing,’ it’s more like you need to finish drawing. That was the condition for using the computer, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah, I know, I know. I understand that, but sometimes I get worried.”

She looked down and continued to speak quietly.

“No matter how much effort you put in, there are times when dreams don’t come true, or something happens that forces you to give up on chasing them. That’s when a dream ends. But at that time, I wonder if I could accept it.”

“That is… difficult to say.”

It was a tough topic. I couldn’t easily give an answer to that.

“Pursuing a dream endlessly isn’t always for the best. I understand that.”

“Yeah, right. But in reality, isn’t the current situation kind of like cheating to keep chasing a dream you had to give up on?”

“It’s not cheating. Though you could say I’ve been lucky.”

“Yeah. So, it might be better to assume this luck wouldn’t last forever.”

“…Did something unpleasant happen?” Concerned, I asked, and Tomoe-chan shook her head.

“No, it’s just that I always think about things like this. That’s why I get worried every time I remember, though I should probably spend more time working rather than worrying.”

“I think you’re doing well, Tomoe-chan. Your skills are visibly improving day by day, and I’m sure you’ll achieve your dream.”

“If that’s the case—”

Tomoe-chan began to say something but stopped. Then, with a slightly awkward smile, she apologized, “Sorry?”

“I kind of complained a bit. You probably didn’t want to hear that, right?”

“No? Since you are usually in high spirits, I’m glad you’re talking seriously like this.”

“It’s things like this that make you—no, never mind.”

Then she stood up with a bit of effort and picked up her bag, which was placed near the sofa.

“Well then, I’m heading home?”

“Yeah, got it.”

I nodded and escorted her to the entrance. I watched as she left from the doorway.

“Take-san.”

“What is it?”

“Goodbye, see you next time, too, okay?”

She looked somehow ephemeral, like she might be blown away by the wind. Because of that, I couldn’t say anything.

“…”

All I could do was silently watch her as she walked away.