I Favor the Villainess

Claire-François (first (·) circumference (·) eye (·)) perspective.

"Nh...."

When I woke up to the bird's voice, I saw the morning sun plugging in through the window.

Soft light comes from filtered windows that soothe too much sunlight.

"Oh, you up, Claire?"

"Good morning, Zero. What the hell are you doing?

Next to me in the double bed, Ray was operating the holographic computer naked.

"Is this it? This is my hobby."

"Hobbies? Looks like some kind of animation to me."

On the screen of the holographic computer, I saw characters that looked like Japanese anime.

"This is a game."

"Game?"

"Yes, it's a maiden game. It's a relic from a time when mankind still had a lot of entertainment."

According to Zero, the maiden game is a novel game mainly for women.

There are multiple targets for men, and players choose their favorite opponents to approach.

"I understand, but you're not interested in men, are you?

"Yes, my goal is to be a villain in this game."

"A scoundrel?

"Here, this character."

Zero pointed to a blonde character with a vertical roll that was rarely seen in reality.

"In fact, there aren't many, but there are sometimes rival characters in maiden games. It's a horse shooting at the hero and eventually losing."

"What a pitiful character."

When I sympathized, Zero had a neat face.

"... I'm surprised."

"What is it?

"The villain lady hates me, she's a character. I can't believe you called me pity."

"I mean, it's not pity. Such a pathetic fate."

When I said so, Ray sparkled his eyes.

"Yes, that's right! Hey, this is the first time we've talked! That's right! The scoundrel is so cute!

"Hey... what's the matter, that tension? If it's zero, it looks like someone else.

Where did you say the coolest zero was?

But I didn't think this zero was a mystery or a dislike.

"Excuse me, I'm disturbed. Anyway, I love this scoundrel. When they get stuck in research, they often pull out maiden games and play."

"Yes... So, did you get stuck in some research?

"About how to design the world of magical civilization. It's my first attempt, so there are few examples of civilizations that can be used as models."

I see, I see.

It only appears in novels, such as civilizations with magic.

While some fictions create incredibly elaborate world settings, there are still not many that can be used as references for actual civilized design.

"Let's make it a world like this game."

"Think seriously. It's a plan that depends on the survival of humanity.

"But this game is really well crafted with world settings."

Oh, I see.

It is probably because of this hobby that Zero deliberately used the word magic during the meeting.

I wonder what kind of person this is.

Geek?

I wonder if it was nerdy in Japanese.

"Perhaps we should compromise on such a worldview."

"No, Ray. The future of mankind is at stake. We need to be more perfect."

"Isn't that an ideal?

"Good thing, Ray. Some people tell their faces not to run into ideals, but I think the opposite is true. I think running from ideal to reality is a sin."

When I said so, Ray looked calm.

"I'll do my best to help, so let's try harder.

"... okay."

Ray nodded bitterly.

"Speaking of which, there's an interesting coincidence."

And when I was clean, Zero smiled,

"The villain in this game is Claire, just like you."

"... oh, that's right."

It doesn't matter from the bottom of my heart.

"Well, that's the end of the story. I'll make breakfast, so Claire can sleep a little longer. I'll call you when I can."

"Please."

That said, Zero dropped a stick on my cheek and left the bed wearing a bathrobe.

"By the way, Claire. How are you feeling?

"? Nothing, but... Why is that?

I'm busy and I haven't had any medical check-ups at the moment, but I've never had any particular problems.

You're supposed to be getting it on the data, but did Ray notice the tampering?

No, that's fine.

Ray said something she didn't understand and went straight to the kitchen.

After I dropped it off, I buried my face in the pillow to try to sleep twice.

It's been more than five years since we started working with zero.

I was going to separate it from the relationship with my body, but I began to live together at some point.

At first, the treatment from Ray was as bad as it had ever been for a real lover.

What surprised me was that I adapted surprisingly to having sex with men of the same sex.

All the people I had a romantic relationship with before zero were heterosexual, and I didn't doubt that I was heterosexual.

However, in view of the continuing relationship with Zero, I may have been a bisexual.

Well, whatever my sexuality is, the problem is with zero.

This relationship started with impure motives, but I am satisfied with it.

Zero seems like a type to be exhausted for lovers, and I feel that I am cherished other than sex life.

They still cook me a worthy breakfast.

Zero was cute in appearance, so I had no dissatisfaction with this relationship.

But...

"This relationship is for research."

Yes, it is.

The relationship with zero is a convenience to keep her in the plan for as long as possible.

Then should we be ready to say goodbye to her now that the plan is in its final stages?

I want to have a formal relationship with Zero, if possible.

I think our compatibility is by no means bad.

But that's just how I feel.

Suppose Zero still hates this relationship.

Suppose you want to finish this worthy service as soon as possible.

Suppose you're looking forward to completing your plan now or now.

I was afraid of it and couldn't confirm how I felt now.

Even though it's supposed to be a pleasant morning, you're in a bad mood.

I slightly shifted my body and buried my face in the pillow where Zero was sleeping.

It smells zero.

The scent is very calming.

"Claire, I'm ready..." What are you doing?

"!? Hmm, nothing!

Zero, who came to tell me that breakfast was ready, laughed at my madness.

The giggle of his face made me hate it, and I threw a pillow.

"Fufu, please don't hesitate, Claire. Look, there's also Claire's favorite strawberry this morning."

"Strawberries don't deceive me!

"So, you don't want it?

"... here we go."

Strawberries are innocent.

I also put on a bathrobe and I got out of bed.

Surround breakfast in the dining room.

"I'm going to be busy again tomorrow, so I have to stretch my wings by today."

That's right.

"Is there anything Claire would like to do? Other than cooking."

"Hey, you can cook anyway!

"Giggle. Yeah, I'm expecting it. That's it, is there anything?

This kind of interaction is only possible once in a while.

"Hey, zero."

Yes?

"You are now..."

I can't hear a word about happiness.

"It's nothing."

"You're crazy, Claire. Don't you have a fever?

That said, Zero is sticking his forehead together.

"But no more! Vital's fine!

Really? Well, that's good.

I love that face, laughing with peace of mind.

But I love you, and even now I can't say a word.