"…You mentioned you had a concern?"

I couldn't quite grasp the situation. Of course, she must have concerns like anyone else. Despite her position as an Overseer, she's still human. In fact, her role probably adds to her burdens rather than lessens them.

But is this concern significant enough for her to confide in me? I couldn't help but doubt it. The thought of wanting to restore her parents to their former kind selves isn't something she could ever share. She knows better than anyone that if I were to leak her concerns, it could shake the world. And she doesn't want that.

So, what could her concern be?

"It's about my father," she said.

"...?!"

I was taken aback. Family issues were the last thing I expected her to bring up. Yet here she was, calmly discussing her father.

"I don't know how much you know about my family situation, Sensei, but my father is the only family I have left. The rest have all gone to be with God."

I knew. I knew that the demon possessing her father had killed them all. Her mother, who was cooking, her younger sibling, who couldn't grasp the situation, and her older sister, who tried to buy time by hiding her—they were all gone within five minutes. A happy family shattered in mere moments.

Suddenly, it occurred to me that perhaps that's why she couldn't let go of the futile hope that her father could return to his former self. Maybe it wasn't because the hope was too unrealistic, but because it was too similar to something she once knew.

"Unfortunately, my family died in a car accident. So, I've been trying to strengthen my bond with my father, but it's not easy," she continued.

"Is that so," I replied.

"Yes. Maybe it's because of my position, but it's hard to find opportunities to talk to him."

A car accident.

I remembered that she had described the situation in that way to the public. She hadn't denied the warped, truth-less story that had been spread. Instead, she went around saying it was the truth. After all, what would be the point if her father returned only to find himself imprisoned?

I recalled how frustrated some players were with her, complaining about how she, of all people, should know better about demons. They found her clinging to an impossible hope irritating, as if she couldn't face reality.

But my opinion was different.

It's not that she couldn't face reality—it's that she couldn't face it.

People often say that running away from reality isn't good, but... I don't know.

Is it really that bad? Isn't it better to run away than to confront something that would drive you mad?

...Well, it's a meaningless debate now.

The only thing I can do for her is to help her face reality without breaking down.

"Sounds like your relationship isn't very good," I said.

"...Yes, I'm embarrassed to admit it, but that's true. I can't even pretend it's good. But... I want to restore the relationship I had with my father."

Her words left a bitter taste in my mouth.

She genuinely wished to restore the bond she had with her father, the relationship they had when she was younger.

If it were someone else, any other student, I would have sincerely tried to help.

But knowing that this was a lie, how was I supposed to respond?

For now, I decided to proceed with a typical counseling approach.

"If the issue is your relationship with your father, how about trying to have a conversation with him? Family issues usually stem from a lack of communication."

"My father is very busy. It's hard to even see him."

"I see."

Damn it.

I was trying to recite something I'd read in a book, but it had already gone off the rails from the start.

What should I do?

...Alright. I give up.

I've never been trained in professional counseling.

Ah, I wish I could use hypnosis... But Anastasia is resistant to it...

If only I could figure out how to remove that blindfold. Then I could probably escape this situation more easily.

Unfortunately, there's no way to remove that blindfold. If I tried, I'd probably get my arm twisted off in an instant.

Even though I have hypnotic abilities, they don't involve using mana.

How do I know? ...I can't use mana.

From her perspective, someone who can cloak themselves in divine power, I'm just a weak, ordinary person.

There's no way I could successfully snatch off her blindfold in a surprise attack with this frail body of mine that I’ve avoided exercising.

"...Well, in cases like this, it's usually best to bring the family member in for a joint session. That way, you can both hear each other's perspectives. But since I don't know your father's side of things, it's hard for me to give specific advice."

"Is that so? My apologies."

"No, it's my fault for not being able to help."

Thankfully, she seemed to notice that I was struggling and was willing to back off.

Good. I still didn’t understand why she brought this up, but it seemed like I had managed to dodge a bullet.

I offered her a polite smile.

"If you have any more concerns, feel free to stop by."

"...Alright. Would it be okay if I came again tomorrow?"

"W-what?"

"Thank you. You're very kind."

Wait, what?

I stared blankly at her smiling face.

Hold on. Did she just say she was coming again tomorrow?

I never said it was okay. That was meant to be a rhetorical question to clarify what she meant.

That's when it hit me.

For some reason, her "concern" was just an excuse to meet me.

So she brought up a heavy concern that would make others think she needed counseling.

...But why?

"Wait a moment..."

"It's getting late. I don't want to take up more of your time, so I'll be going now."

I had a million things I wanted to say to her, but I couldn’t stop her.

If I spilled everything on my mind, she'd start questioning how I knew so much.

"Then, I hope you enjoy your game."

"...I've already missed the time to play, though?!"

"Hehe."

Ugh, how annoying.

I glared at Anastasia as she playfully laughed.

"You're late today."

"..."

"Not answering, are you? Is this adolescence?"

"...No. I'm sorry."

"I understand this is a sensitive time, but it would be nice if you talked with your father now and then."

"...Yes."

Back at the church, my father's reprimands continued.

"Remember your position," he said. "To be a good Overseer in the future, you mustn't act like this..."

I felt disgusted. You’re not my father.

I bit down hard on my lip, tasting the metallic tang of blood in my mouth.

"Well, rest well."

"...Thank you."

I bowed to the figure in front of me, who was smiling unpleasantly.

...It’s been quite some time since the demon started impersonating my father.

It's probably concerned about appearances. My relationship with my father needs to look good so that the demon can move about freely.

The demon knows better than anyone that I can't resist.

I guess it's just mocking me with these actions.

It's enjoying my reactions. Demons love to see others suffer.

But I hold on. I have to.

Maybe, just maybe, this demon could become as friendly with humans as Orca’s demon is.

Then I might be able to get my father back.

For that possibility, I can wait.

Unlike the endless waiting of the past, I've now seen a glimmer of hope with my own eyes.

I’ve arranged to keep meeting with the counselor who seems connected to that demon under the pretext of needing advice.

This brings me one step closer to reclaiming my father. I’m certain the key lies with that counselor and Orca.

I recalled what the counselor had said today.

If the problem is with your relationship with your father, try having a conversation with him.

"...Father."

"Yes?"

The demon in front of me turned its head in confusion.

"Never mind."

"Hmm, alright. Rest well."

...As I thought, it's impossible to have a conversation with my father.

He's too busy fighting off the demon that took over his body.

I concealed my troubled feelings as I left the room.

"Ah, hello, Overseer."

"Hello."

"Have you seen the Pope? I need to ask him something."

"...He's inside that room."

"Thank you."

...I've been seeing that person a lot lately.

What on earth is the demon up to?

I tried to lift my spirits by walking through the church garden, where a few children were playing. The garden was beautiful, but it didn't improve my mood.

Sigh...

"Hello, Overseer!"

"...Hello."

"You're as beautiful as ever! Is it because of God's blessing?"

"Oh, you silly child! I'm so sorry. She's still young..."

"It's alright. I don't mind the compliment."

...I don't mind the compliment, huh.

I wanted to sigh at the absurdity of my own words.

After all, I'm not someone who could receive God's blessing.

How could someone who overlooks a demon-possessed person receive God's blessing?

Especially someone in the position of Overseer.

To think that the Overseer, who inherited the name of the ancient sage who watches over demons, is now a bystander to a demon possessing the Pope.

The thought of how low the church has fallen weighed heavily on me.