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

“Yes…!”

I felt a tremor of accomplishment ripple through my body. The magazine in my hands was difficult to read because my hands were shaking.

But no matter how many times I looked, there was no mistaking the illustration. It was mine. Beneath my illustration, in small letters, it said “Bronze Prize”.

…The space my illustration occupied on the page was relatively small. After all, there were about five other works that also won a bronze prize.

Even so, without a doubt, my work had been recognized by someone I didn’t know.

…!

I was happy, so very happy! There was no way I couldn’t be. I felt tears welling up. All this time, I had been traveling in darkness, unsure of when I would reach my destination, but my hard work had borne fruit.

My skills in illustration were still developing, and I had many challenges to overcome. Yet, there were people who recognized my efforts and valued them. It was a small step, but a significant leap forward for me.

…Hehe.

I felt a smile spread across my face. I must have looked really silly, but right now, I was allowed to make such a face.

I would celebrate and take pride in my growth. With that thought, I left the room, still holding the magazine. I was a bit nervous, but right now, I felt invincible. It seemed like I could accomplish anything.

With determination, I went to my mother, who was using our shared laptop for some research. My heart pounded with excitement. But surely—

“Mom.”

“…What is it, Tomoe?”

“Look at this.”

I showed her the magazine, pointing to my illustration.

“This is the illustration I drew. It won the Bronze Prize.”

…

My mother squinted at it for a few seconds, then murmured, “…And?”

My mother’s reaction was exceedingly cold.

“I’ve told you many times, I’m not interested in your hobbies.”

“…! N-no, but still, I—”

“And it’s just the Bronze Prize. Plus, they chose five people. There are silver, gold, and grand prizes too. Doesn’t this just mean that’s the level of your skill?”

“Th-that’s—”

“And this magazine, I don’t care about it. What does it matter if it’s recognized there?”

…!

I bit my lip, tasting blood in my mouth. I struggled to find words to respond but—

“Many people can draw at your level, and those who make money from drawing are either talented or have been working hard since they were kids. Stop dreaming about becoming one of those few who hit the jackpot.”

“…”

“You’re not a child anymore. You should be studying to get into a good university—”

“Enough!”

I shouted and ran away. Tears fell, and I didn’t have time to wipe them. I entered my room and locked the door. I threw the magazine into the trash and collapsed onto the bed.

“Ugh…ugh…!”

My pillow grew wet. Sobs escaped me. Why was this happening? My mind was in turmoil.

Why, why! Why can’t you acknowledge me!! I’ve been trying so hard, so hard!

I clenched my fists tightly until it hurt. It hurt so much. My heart was in pain. Why? Why did this world…

Why did it never work out?

…Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep. Sunlight streamed in from the window. It was probably morning already, it seemed like I had cried myself to sleep.

My body felt heavy. Heavy and aching. I knew why. But I didn’t want to move—

“…I have to go to school.”

Right. I promised Take-san. To work hard. To not give up… To attend school properly. I, therefore, couldn’t fake illness. I slowly crawled out of bed and changed into my uniform. I didn’t want to face my mom, so I decided to skip breakfast and leave quickly.

But.

How long could I keep running away from reality like this?

…Realizing I was running filled me with deep self-loathing.

****

“…Is that what happened?”

At the Tendo house. Take-san, who greeted us, wore a deeply serious expression.

“I can’t put it into words well, but that must’ve been tough, Tomoe-chan.”

“…It’s just—”

“Not being recognized for your dreams is very sad, and on top of that, having them denied is painful.”

“…”

Take-san said this. Oh no, I was about to cry again. I couldn’t cry in front of Sakurako-san, but my tear ducts didn’t care.

“And?”