The Heroines All Want to Kill Me

"Woo... wu wu..." "..." Kanika lay on the bed, gasping for breath. I gently took a seat on the edge of the bed, my eyes fixed intently on her. Then, I finally broke the silence and asked, "Since when did this start?"

"Oh, since this morning," she replied weakly. "My stomach has been getting more and more sensitive... and finally..."

"So, the stomachache you had then was also because of this?"

"Yeah, yeah..."

Watching her in such a pitiable state, my heart ached. She was in such excruciating pain, and it was likely due to the starlight magic that had mingled in when I injected the life force last night. I should have been more careful, making sure not to let the starlight magic, which was deadly to dark mages, seep in. But my condition was so poor at that time that something must have gone awry. As a result, I had wronged Kanika yet again.

"Kanika, I'm truly sorry," I said, filled with remorse.

"...What?"

"...It seems I'm to blame."

Now that I finally had the chance to treat her well, instead, I had caused her pain. I was left speechless. It seemed that no matter what I did, I was fated to do wrong.

"Young master."

"Kanika?"

After a moment of self - reproach with my head bowed, Kanika, who had been shivering all this time, gently grasped my hand and said, "Young master... you... did nothing wrong... wu..." Her eyes brimming with tears, she struggled to get the words out, then squeezed her eyes shut tightly and started shaking once more.

'...Yes, this isn't the time for self - pity,' I thought to myself. This wasn't the moment to be wallowing in guilt. The most pressing matter now was to treat Kanika, whose abdomen was injured because of me. I could offer my apologies after the treatment was over.

"...Kanika, I'm going to lift your top up a little bit," I said cautiously. She nodded weakly in response. I watched her for a moment, then began to gently raise her maid's dress.

"Um...!" Kanika let out a faint moan. It was evident that even the slightest friction from the fabric against her abdomen was causing her unbearable pain. I halted my actions immediately. Suddenly, a sense of déjà vu washed over me from that moan, and I sank into a brief period of deep thought.

'...Could that faint moan I heard that night have been this?' Early that morning, I had been engrossed in playing with a cat doll when I suddenly heard a faint moan of a woman from within the room. At that time, my physical condition was so abysmal that I had thought it was either an auditory hallucination or a ghost. Now, looking back, that voice bore a striking resemblance to Kanika's moan.

'So, she has been enduring this pain ever since she received my life force...' Her stomach must have been hurting terribly, yet Kanika had suppressed her moans and forced herself to sleep. That image vividly materialized in my mind. Most likely, she was afraid that I would feel guilty if I knew she had been suffering throughout the night, so she had lied. Truly, Kanika was far too precious a servant to me.

"Kanika..."

"Yes... young master..."

"...Can you bear it a little longer?" Suppressing the overwhelming guilt that was building up inside me, I buried it deep within my heart. Then, I gently lifted her top all the way, fully exposing her abdomen, and whispered softly into her ear.

"What? What's that... Ah...!!" Right after, I lightly prodded Kanika's stomach with my finger.

"Wu... wu..." Kanika had been about to ask what that sound was, but the sudden searing pain forced her to squeeze her eyes shut. She then tightly clutched my hand and began to twitch.

"...Sorry."

"Wu... wu..." After twitching for quite a while, upon hearing my dejected apology, Kanika wiped away the tears that were welling up in her eyes and finally managed to speak. "Please don't... apologize... It's me... who should be sorry... sob...!"

"...Well, then let's start the real treatment."

"Haa..." I could no longer stand to see her in such agony. So, I gently poked at her abdomen where the magic power had become somewhat disordered. Placing my left hand on her abdomen and holding her hand with my right, I swiftly set about stabilizing the magic power within her body.

"...Oh dear, this is rather troublesome."

As I listened to Kanika's moans, I worked on stabilizing the magic power in her abdomen. Suddenly, I sensed that the starlight magic of mine and her dark magic were starting to merge deep within her abdomen. I couldn't help but furrow my brows. If they merged at such a depth, it could leave behind permanent side - effects, or even turn into a time - bomb that could detonate at any moment. Although I had managed to stabilize a significant portion of the starlight magic, it was still too early to conclude that such a disaster would occur. However, if I did nothing, it would be too late once the fusion was complete.

'...There's no other choice. I have to absorb it all.'

Under the circumstances, it seemed that I had no option but to absorb the starlight magic deep within Kanika's body, along with the dark magic. Of course, it would be ideal if I could just absorb the starlight magic. But in that case, the dark magic entwined with it might run amok within Kanika's body. However, if I absorbed the two energies that were in the process of merging simultaneously, there shouldn't be any hitches. Even though my body would be pushed to its limits, since I was going to perish with the Demon King anyway, what did it matter?

'...And you once said you'd do your utmost in everything.'

After making up my mind, I took a deep breath and began to channel my power into her abdomen.

"...Ugh!"

"...Huh?" Kanika let out a moan and tilted her head, a puzzled look on her face. It seemed that the dark magic power within her was so potent that she could also sense that her power was ebbing away.

"...Wu."

"Young, young master...?" As I continuously poured in power, the starlight magic and dark magic deep within her body started to blend and were gradually being absorbed by me. Kanika's eyes widened in alarm, and she anxiously said to me, "Young master, starlight magic and dark magic are mutually exclusive! If you forcefully absorb them..."

"...This is the only way. I'm sorry."

Just as Kanika was left speechless and stared at me in bewilderment, a black aura began to slowly creep up my arm.

"Um..."

"...What are you doing now?"

"Ah, it's nothing. It'll be over soon."

"...Could it be that you're absorbing dark magic?" Kanika asked, her brows knitted in concern. Sensing her kind - hearted nature once again, I replied with a bitter smile.

"I said it's no big deal."

.....

With great effort, I managed to utter those words. After absorbing all the remaining dark magic in her abdomen, I was drenched in cold sweat and collapsed heavily onto the bed.

"Haa... Anyway... The emergency treatment is done... Although her stomach will be a bit sensitive... But the crisis has passed..."

"...Young master."

Exhausted from the delicate manipulation of magic power, I was gasping for air and started to report the treatment outcome. But Kanika suddenly interrupted me. I had no choice but to close my mouth and listen attentively.

"...Please look at your arm, young master."

"...Ah."

The left arm she was indicating had turned pitch - black.

"...Fortunately, it's the left arm. If it were the right arm, things would be much more troublesome."

.....

Kanika was overly worried. I had intended to brush it off with a smile, but she suddenly burst into sobs.

"This... This isn't the point..." Her reaction was more intense than I had anticipated. I was in a panic, cold sweat beading on my forehead, and I began to defend myself.

"Ka, Kanika, it's really okay. The arm turned black because the starlight magic has been flowing through it. It'll disappear soon."

"But, but... The pain and the curse are still there..."

"You know I'm wealthy, right? If I buy some expensive herbs and potions and apply them regularly, there won't even be a hint of itching. So, don't worry too much..."

"But... This will last forever... permanently..." She choked out the words, then lowered her head and started muttering to herself. "My dark magic... is a cursed ability... So this time... I still dragged you down, young master..."

"Kanika, don't worry. For me, such a permanent scar is insignificant."

"...What?"

"Before long, not only these minor injuries, but also the life force and abilities I expended to save you will pale into insignificance. So, don't fret..."

"Woo...!"

"Kanika...?"

I attempted to console Kanika by giving her a small glimpse into the future, but she didn't even wait for me to finish. In the end, she broke down in tears.

"I'm, I'm sorry, young master...!"

"Wh, what on earth is wrong...? Didn't I say I'm okay..."

"But, but... But..."

...

For a while, I gently patted Kanika's back as she cried and nestled into my arms. Truly, Kanika was far too kind - hearted.

.....

"Sob." I wept for a long time. To avoid causing further trouble to the young master who had been consoling me all along, I managed to hold back my tears with great effort.

"Kanika, are you calmer now?" The young master looked at me with worried eyes for a moment, then gently placed his hand on my shoulder and asked in a warm voice.

"Yes, young master. I'm truly ashamed that you had to see me in such a sorry state."

"...No, everyone has the right to cry. Bottling up tears can be harmful to one's mental state... It's better to let it all out when you feel like crying."

I apologized to the young master, but he just gave a wry smile and instead offered me some advice. Looking at him, I couldn't help but recall the time when he had held the doll that carried my soul and wept sorrowfully. So, I asked, "Is this... something you've experienced firsthand?"

"...Perhaps."

The young master replied briefly, then reached out to take the bandage placed on the bedside and carefully started wrapping it around his arm.

"...It hurts."

Although the young master tried to act nonchalant, his arm was trembling slightly. I stared at him for a while, and finally said, "..Let me bandage it for you."

"Ah? I'm okay..."

"...Please don't say 'I'm okay' so casually, young master."

"...Mm."

I firmly interrupted the young master who was about to repeat the same phrase. Picking up the bandage he handed me, I carefully began to wind it around his left arm.

"...Young master, by the way, why was the bandage on the bedside?"

"Ah, that... I just had a hunch it would come in handy soon."

...

I stared at the young master's slightly embarrassed expression, suppressed the emotions welling up inside me, and continued with the bandaging. 'The arm is shaking so much. It must still be extremely painful...' Despite the young master's constant insistence that he was fine, with his arm in such a rotten state, how could he possibly be okay? At this moment, even the slightest breeze brushing against him would cause him excruciating pain. Yet, knowing full well the consequences, the young master had still absorbed my cursed dark magic... and still managed to smile at me. Just how could a person be so self - sacrificing? Was it because he was brave enough to be prepared to be hated by the whole world in order to save everyone? Was it because he was so kind that he was afraid he couldn't love me, with my dark magic born from my mother's sacrifice, and had even erased his own memory? Even with his arm rotting from my dark magic, he could still flash such a brilliant smile. Or was it because he was so pure that the unconscious space, filled with all the ugliness and filth, seemed more dazzling and sacred than anywhere else?

"..It's all done, young master."

As I finished the bandaging, the young master smiled and said something I never expected. "Thank you, Kanika. Then, let's continue the treatment."

"...What?"

"Your dark magic imbalance hasn't been rectified yet, has it? Even a one - day delay could lead to disastrous consequences."

".....!"

Upon hearing these words, I finally understood. 'You... are truly a brave, kind, and pure person, young master.' I had actually guessed all three of the questions I had pondered in my heart correctly.

"...Young master, take a day off today."

"Absolutely not. It can't be interrupted. Otherwise... Your dark magic will spiral out of control... Anyway, who knows what might happen."

"...Okay, I understand."

I had pleaded with the young master to take a day off to recuperate, but he shook his head firmly with a serious expression. It seemed he was still haunted by the last time my magic power had gone haywire. Although it had been excruciatingly painful then... '...But that bit of pain pales in comparison to all that you, young master, have endured.'

"That, Kanika. You... don't get angry, okay? Just hear me out," the young master said, sneaking a peek at my face and stammering.

"...What?" I tilted my head in confusion, not understanding why he was being so cautious around me.

The young master blushed and lowered his voice. "You see, the previous treatment left your abdomen in a rather delicate state... During the ongoing treatment, it would be best not to place my hand on your abdomen for the time being. Do you agree?"

"Yes, I do."

"So, I need to place my hand on another area... That area is..."

"...What area is it?"

"...The least awkward place would be your heart."

"...Ah."

After saying this, the young master's face was clouded with guilt. He bowed his head deeply and started mumbling, "I'm sorry. I know you're not fond of this kind of contact..."

.....

I gazed at the young master in silence...

"Or... Maybe I could just skim my hand over it? It might be a bit tricky, but if you're uncomfortable, I can stop immediately..."

"...Is that okay?"

.....!!!"

Even then, I gently took the young master's hand and carefully placed it on my chest.

"Ka, Kanika...!"

"...Please begin, young master."

Of course, to ensure the effectiveness of the life - force transfer, I gently lifted my top, allowing his hand to touch my skin directly.

"Then... Here I go..."

The young master seemed to hesitate for a split - second, but soon started quietly channeling the life force into me.

'...So this is how warm it feels.'

Was it because I had grown so accustomed to receiving life force daily? Or was it because the clothing had always been a barrier, preventing me from truly feeling it? The area around my chest, where the young master's palm rested, gradually grew scorching hot.

'Receiving life force is such a warm and comfortable sensation... I never realized...'

I was immerse in the sense of security brought about by the young master's hand on my chest, holding the back of his hand. Suddenly, I noticed his expression and my own became solemn.

'Although I'm enjoying the comfort of the life - force transfer... But you, young master...'

Even in this situation, the young master was still sacrificing himself for me. What a selfless and noble person he was. I closely observed the young master's face, ready to move his hand away immediately if I detected any signs of discomfort. However, at that very moment, a strange feeling suddenly surged from the area near my chest.

'...Why is my chest getting so hot?' It had been just warm moments ago. Somehow, the area around the young master's palm had started to burn.

I panicked and grabbed the back of the young master's hand. Gently reaching out my finger to touch his chest, I realized that I didn't feel the same intense heat as I did on my own.

'...What's going on? Could there be a problem with the life - force transfer?'

Just as I was looking worried and hesitating whether to let go of the young master's hand, a regular sound suddenly echoed.

- Thump thump thump

I pondered the meaning of that sound for a brief moment, then couldn't help but lower my head in embarrassment.

"...Uh."

"Kanika? What's wrong!? Is it the starlight magic again...?"

"Ah, no. It's not that..."

"...Hm?"

"...It's nothing."

I kept my head down, deliberately avoiding the young master's worried gaze. But my violent heartbeat rang clearly in my ears, and I murmured to myself, '...Sure enough, I'm still not cut out to be the young master's servant.' At the thought of this, my face flushed uncontrollably.

.....

"Humming~♪ Humming~♪" While Kanika was sitting there, head bowed and face flushed, Perosh was humming a tune and engrossed in writing something.

"So... If you don't want the secret to be revealed... As soon as the academy ends today... Head straight to the sanctuary of the Sun God Church... Perosh Astrad." Perosh recited the words as she scribbled them down in a hurry.

Before long, a satisfied smile spread across her face. She put down the pen and muttered to herself, "Hehe... Perfect. This way, even Frey... will rush to the church in a frenzy, right...?"

After saying that, Perosh nodded as if answering her own question. She picked up the envelope, and suddenly her eyes widened in realization. "Ah, right! This is a blackmail letter!"

Only then did Perosh become aware that she had carelessly written her name on the blackmail letter. Her eyes darted around, and then she broke into a sly smile and picked up the pen again.

"...Done!" Moments later, Perosh drew a huge cross over her name, wearing a satisfied smile that lit up her face. She then stuffed the envelope into the letter, murmuring to herself, "Frey... Before I destroy you... I'm going to make the most of you... Haa... I'm so sleepy..."

Having been so engrossed in writing the letter that her head felt like it was on fire, Perosh was halfway through her words when she let out a gigantic yawn. Dragging her tired body, she made her way towards the bed. "I'm really looking forward to tomorrow... Hehe..."

Perosh flopped onto the bed, her mind filled with vivid images of herself showing off her skills starting from the next day. Muttering to herself with a blissful smile, she quickly drifted off into a deep slumber. She was completely oblivious to what was wrong with putting the envelope into the letter.