The Encounter of Cherry and Kate – A Fusion on the Brink of Nuclear Explosion.

Their meeting feels like watching polar opposites collide, and I can’t help but think, maybe opposites really do attract.

If this continues, I wouldn’t be surprised if they conspired together to do something unimaginable to me.

Fortunately, the likelihood of such a thing is slim. While their eccentricity is intimidating, neither Cherry nor Kate would use it to harm me.

Kate may have a penchant for overexcitement at the slightest touch, but her professionalism is impeccable. As for Cherry, her shattered self-esteem means she wouldn’t even dare to approach me.

Most importantly, if either of them did try something, the other women in my life would promptly intervene and administer justice.

"Cherry, how did you first connect with Isaac? From what I hear, it seems like you're the infamous 'Mary'?"
"Before that, we were exchanging letters. And by coincidence, one of senpai's hairs was in the envelope… Also, the handwriting matched perfectly."
"Ah, that would have been a big clue."

No, don’t just accept that explanation! That was a deliberate move on my part to help save her life!

I couldn’t help but chuckle awkwardly as Kate nodded in understanding. Her reasoning as a so-called "culprit" would never cross anyone’s mind.

"And how did you figure it out, Cardinal?"
"Please, feel free to call me Kate. As for me, Luminous himself provided a divine revelation. Upon arriving here, I met Isaac."
"I see… Then, Kate, do you also have feelings for Isaac?"
"Yes. Just like Luminous, Isaac spreads light and hope across this world. I deeply admire and love him."

It’s certainly a touching confession, but coming from Kate, it feels more ominous. It’s as if her words carry an underlying intensity that’s hard to ignore.

Though her feelings are pure, they’re pure in a way that borders on unsettling. It’s that same purity that led her to eliminate the corrupted cardinal with her unwavering devotion.

Meanwhile, Cherry, who had been listening, nodded slowly. Her dark gaze, however, seemed to carry a hint of sadness.

No matter how low her self-esteem might be, jealousy isn’t absent from her repertoire of emotions. In this case, she’s likely blaming herself rather than me.

I was about to say something to lift her spirits when Kate spoke first.

"In a way, I suppose I’m in a similar situation as Cherry. I’m also waiting for Isaac’s choice."
"His… choice?"
"Yes. If I am chosen by Isaac, I will bear his seed—"
"That’s enough!"

As soon as the topic of "seeds" began to surface, I cut it off immediately. The longer I spend around Kate, the more I feel like I’m becoming a cult leader.

Letting out a long sigh, I glanced at the peculiar combination of Cherry and Kate, both teetering on the brink of fusion.

Adelia, standing nearby, seemed to be holding back laughter, her lips trembling as she tried to suppress a grin. If Marie were here, her composure would’ve shattered completely.

"Adel."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"…Nothing."

It didn’t feel appropriate to ask her outright if she found this amusing. Unlike Marie, Adelia had no immediate stakes in this situation, allowing her to watch from a safe distance.

In some ways, she might be the most at ease. I’ve never been the type to play favorites, and I’ve also freed her from her past burdens.

Watching Adelia stifle her laughter, I turned my focus back to Cherry. There were still some lingering questions I wanted to ask.

"So, Cherry, do you plan to continue this lifestyle?"
"Yes, I’ll keep following senpai everywhere."

Cherry admitted her intention to keep stalking me without hesitation. Her straightforwardness stunned me momentarily before I managed to compose myself.

As much as I care about her, her stalking will become increasingly dangerous—not because it’s illegal, but because of the risks to her safety.

Before revealing my identity, it might not have mattered. But now, with the lingering threat of demon worshippers, the situation has changed.

"Cherry, can I be honest with you?"
"Yes."
"It’s going to be difficult for you to keep following me."
"What…?"

Cherry’s eyes widened in shock, her lips parting slightly. As her gaze began to darken further, I quickly continued, sensing the situation could escalate if I hesitated.

"It’s not that I don’t want you near me. It’s that you could be in danger. I’m Zenon. I’ve caused significant harm to the demon worshippers, so they might target those close to me. Do you understand?"
"So, I might be at risk just because I’m close to senpai?"
"Exactly."
"And since I’m difficult to attack directly, they might target those around me instead?"

Cherry tilted her head as she processed the situation. She was surprisingly quick to grasp the implications.

Despite not having received formal writing instruction, her aptitude for storytelling hinted at a sharp mind.

"That’s right. So instead of following me from afar, it’s safer for you to stay by my side."
"…Are you saying I’d be a burden to your life?"
"Huh?"

That’s not what I meant. But as Cherry’s expression darkened further, I realized my words hadn’t accounted for her fragile self-esteem.

To her, being near me meant exposing me to additional risks. She might even be thinking that she’s nothing but a hindrance and that it would be better if she disappeared altogether.

It’s not an exaggeration; given her current mental state, she could genuinely believe that. I spoke hurriedly to clarify.

"No, that’s not it at all. You’re not a burden to me. In fact, it’s quite the opposite."
"The opposite?"
"Yes. I’m a fan of your writing. Even though I’ve been too busy lately to show it, I’m always looking forward to seeing what you’ll write next."

This wasn’t a lie. I enjoy almost any genre as long as it suits my tastes, and Cherry’s debut novel, Crimson Twilight, is exactly my kind of story.

If I hadn’t been so preoccupied, I would have supported her as her manager, ensuring her growth as a writer.

"Hehe…"

Cherry’s smile softened as she heard my words, her expression finally brightening. It wasn’t her usual eerie smile but a genuine, radiant one.

Relieved, I let out a quiet sigh. At least when it comes to her dreams—her writing—she still retains some self-confidence.

But the issue hasn’t been fully resolved. Even though Cherry has avoided detection while following me, the risks are real.

I need to persuade her to change her approach, but it’s challenging to find the right way.

"Cherry."
"Yes."
"Have you really ruled out staying by my side?"

I decided to ask directly. Given her feelings for me, it would be safer for her to remain close.

But Cherry, firm in her self-perception, shook her head resolutely.

"It’s okay. I don’t think someone like me belongs by your side."
"And if I forced you to stay?"
"…Huh?"

Caught off guard, Cherry blinked slowly. Her gloomy expression momentarily gave way to one of confusion, her pale cheeks flushing faintly.

Sensing an opportunity, I pressed forward before she could recover.

"Earlier, you said you’d do whatever I asked, even become my slave if necessary. Did you mean that?"
"Y-Yes, but…"
"Then, to keep you safe, I’ll have to keep you close. Will you refuse?"
"…"

Cherry hesitated, clearly torn. The idea of staying close to me was unimaginable for her, but if it was my request, it complicated things.

I waited silently for her response, knowing she was grappling with her own inner conflict.

‘I’m sure Marie would understand.’

It’s not like I’m planning anything inappropriate. My focus is solely on Cherry’s safety.

Although… considering her feelings for me, who knows where this might lead. But that’s not a concern for now.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Cherry spoke.

"I’m sorry."

Her voice carried a deep sense of regret.

"Not yet… I don’t think I’m ready yet."

"Not yet?"
"Yes… But I promise I’ll never cause you trouble, senpai. I’m not someone who draws attention anyway…"

"…Not someone who draws attention?" Adelia muttered incredulously.

Even I couldn’t help but agree with her disbelief. Cherry’s striking cherry blossom-colored hair and eyes made her impossible to ignore.

Yet, her low self-esteem blinded her to her own presence and beauty.

"Cherry, do you really believe that? That you don’t stand out?"
"Yes… Nobody approaches or talks to me except for senpai."
"And group projects? Surely you’ve been part of those?"
"They just add my name and don’t assign me any tasks."
"…What?"

It made no sense. Someone as stunning as Cherry—on par with Cecily—being ignored completely?

Adelia’s puzzled expression mirrored my own. Why would someone as eye-catching as Cherry seem so invisible to others?

Regardless, I decided to shelve this line of thought for now and focus on what mattered.

"Alright, I understand. But if anything suspicious or dangerous happens, promise me you’ll tell me immediately. That way, I can protect you. Okay?"
"Yes."

This was all I could ask for at the moment.

I turned to Kate to see if she had anything else to say.

"Kate, do you have anything to add? No seed talk, please."
"Nothing, Isaac."

Adelia also shook her head, signaling that our conversation had run its course.

As we prepared to leave, Cherry hesitated.

"Senpai, may I ask for one favor?"

Her hesitant tone piqued my curiosity.

"Of course. What is it?"

Cherry blushed deeply before finally speaking.

"Could I have… a strand of your hair?"

"…"

"Or maybe… a fingernail?"

Kate chimed in eagerly.

"If possible, may I also have one? I’d like to make a talisman."

"…"

These two are truly something else.

"Cherry, have you ever held Isaac’s hand?" Kate asked suddenly.

"Yes. It was soft and warm."

"Did you feel… strange afterward? Perhaps a tingling in your lower abdomen?"

"How did you know?" Cherry asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

"I knew it wasn’t just me…"

Stop it. Please, just stop.