Chapter 17

Cheat Original Protagonist Intervention Compilation

The early stages of adventurer harem stories are most interesting when it's just the two traveling together

Morning. Upon waking up, there was a beautiful girl's sleeping face right next to him.

 

This wasn’t the first time Akatsuki En found himself in a romantic comedy-like scenario. While these incidents usually happened due to someone else’s mistake, he had often been the subject of envy from male classmates or even Rikidou Chouta.

 

However, this was probably the first time he had experienced something that made his heart race this much.

 

“Su... su…”

 

"........."

 

Fully awake now, his mind… had frozen.

 

To be more precise, he didn’t even have the luxury of thinking. In short, his brain had bugged.

 

Um, what is this situation?

 

Is this another world? Where is everyone? How long was I asleep? Where did I fall asleep...? On a lap?

 

Her face is so close, she's beautiful, and she smells so good. Who is this girl, and what, what, what is this feeling...

 

En remained frozen for a while with his head resting on the girl's lap, until the image of the mysterious Supernatural Abilities Phantom Thief and the defenseless sleeping face of the girl in the top hat that he could see up close came together.

 

He had just been dreaming of a rare moment from when both his parents were still alive. And now, the sight before him was this. The fact that he didn’t voice his confusion was a testament to his exceptional mental discipline.

 

"...Ah."

 

Finally, after some time, En began to recall the memories from before he fell asleep.

 

──He had lost. Just before they could escape the hyperspace, they were attacked by an angel.

 

At the same time, he also remembered.

 

Everyone was supposed to have died. He was only still alive and intact because, at the very last moment, she had intervened, taking the hit and creating a barrier to protect him.

 

The small breaths he felt on his forehead and the soft sensation supporting the back of his head, combined with the beauty of the girl right in front of him and the temptation of her modest chest... It took him about fifteen seconds to regain his normal mental state.

 

Had he not recalled the furious face of his childhood friend, even the ace of the Savers might have been in serious trouble.

 

Was she a devilish woman who calculated every move, or just naturally clueless? En couldn't tell.

 

Women who were hard to figure out were not his strong suit.

 

"Mm... mm... mmm..."

 

"...T.P. Eight Olishua."

 

"Hm... Hmm? Ah..."

 

Her sleeping face was so peaceful—so much so that it made him reluctant to wake her—but En, not wanting to indulge in the situation, calmly called out to her.

 

Since her nose was less than 30 centimeters away from his, he didn’t need to raise his voice to wake her.

 

When he called her name, the girl—T.P. Eight Olishua—lifted her hand from En’s forehead, rubbed her eyes, and slowly opened them.

 

Her long eyelashes framed her emerald green eyes, which met En’s red ones, and after a few heartbeats, she smiled brightly.

 

"Good morning, En. And welcome to Fairy World."

 

When she released her hand from his forehead, En quickly sat up, feeling as if something important inside him might break if he remained in that position any longer.

 

Phantom Thief, T.P. Eight Olishua─there were a lot he wanted to say to her , but ever the earnest one, he swallowed his emotions and responded politely, "Aah, good morning."

 

Then, freed from her lap, En stood up and surveyed his surroundings.

 

It resembled a tropical forest, but with plants he had never seen before.

 

In the distance, a massive tree loomed.

 

And beyond the horizon, a sea of clouds stretched out.

 

Nothing here existed on Earth. It was clear beyond a doubt that they had arrived in Fairy World.

 

"This is Fairy World... the world of the holy beasts?"

 

"That’s right. Mea and the others probably dropped somewhere as well."

 

"Dropped... So we got separated after all?"

 

"That’s right. Sorry... If I had returned to you all just a little sooner, I might have been able to prevent it."

 

"No, it's fine."

 

While in a slightly relaxed position from the seiza posture, commonly referred to as girl's sitting, Eito smiled awkwardly as if troubled. (tl note: girls's sitting: https://www.clipstudio.net/oekaki/archives/152579)

 

Facing her, En spoke the words he needed to say first.

 

"Thank you for saving me... If you hadn’t been there, we all would have been done for."

 

His gratitude was genuine.

 

Up until then, En had been watching her with suspicion, wondering if she might be in league with the angels, setting a trap for them.

 

Though he still harbored doubts about her being more than human, he realized he might have been wrong about her intentions. Tsubasa Kazaoka had pointed out, “I don’t think an angel of that caliber would need to set up such a trap just to defeat us,” and in this case, it seemed he had been right. Surely, one of the ten archangels of Sefirot wouldn't require a spy to defeat them.

 

What’s more... it wasn't that he had been charmed by her defenseless sleeping face, but there was no doubt that she had risked her life to protect them at that moment.

 

Even though her true intentions were unclear, she did help them. That fact alone was more than enough reason for someone to bow their head in gratitude.

 

"Hmm... fufu."

 

Seeing En's humble attitude, Eight’s lips relaxed into a smile.

 

"It was the obvious thing to do. To protect both your world and this one."

 

Her gaze fell to her lap. Where En had been sleeping just moments ago, a small animal, like a squirrel, had now taken its place. The little creature, uncaring of the fur and wrinkles it left on her skirt, curled up comfortably.

 

The sight of such a completely tamed creature drained all the tension from En and Eight. They exchanged glances and smiled, a light chuckle escaping them both.

 

──Perhaps in every world, the sleeping face of a small animal has a relaxing effect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

──My legs... they're numb.

 

They're so numb! Ahhhhhhh!I tried it for the first time, even counting my past life, but who knew a lap pillow would make my legs go so numb! This is such a miscalculation for Eight-chan! Even if my body is flexible, it’s not helping!

 

I can't deny that a part of me hoped to catch a glimpse of En’s rare embarrassed face when he woke up, but now’s not the time for that! This numbness is unbearable!

 

If someone poked the soles of my feet right now, I’d definitely make a weird sound. I’m sure the composed look I’m maintaining would shatter in an instant. What a disaster... I can't allow an untouchable development like a misunderstanding about a misunderstanding-type fanfiction to happen because of something like that! I’ll endure it, no matter what! I won’t give in!

 

"Kyuu."

 

...That’s why, Sir Carbuncle, would you mind moving a little? It’s a bit easier than when I was giving En a lap pillow, but right now, my legs are really in danger here. Mmm.

 

Even while thinking all of this, I remain the perfect, cheat original protagonist. My surreal thoughts will never be exposed.

 

Especially not in front of the protagonist of the original work. That kind of gap moe is not my role to play.

 

"Can't your so-called Prediction' tell us where the others are?"

 

"Prediction, huh... Well, it's not impossible. But honestly, it’s difficult to rely on my readings anymore. In fact, this whole situation wasn’t in the original forecast. I think it might be because I joined your group, and that's caused the future to start shifting from what was supposed to happen."

 

"I see... But if that’s the case, doesn’t that mean we can also change this so-called future of destruction depending on our actions?"

 

"Of course. If that weren’t the case, I wouldn’t be doing this."

 

When he mentioned "Prediction," I briefly wondered what he was talking about, but I quickly realized he was referring to something I’d said when speaking with Akihiro Mitsui. I smoothly continued the conversation, adjusting my response.

 

After all, I’m a knowledgeable and cool original protagonist. Handling this level of improvisation is second nature to me. But, physical pain? No thanks. Honestly, this numbness in my legs is worse than attacks from Burst Arisu-chan or Tiferet. I don’t want to waste Healing Touch so early in the day.

 

So for now, forgive me for sitting, En-kun.

 

I then recalled the content of the fortune that he was so concerned about.

 

‘The result of losing you halfway through your journey... is that Mea and the others won’t reach the holy dragon, Keter’s plan will be carried out, and the world will suffer devastating losses under the holy beasts' full-scale assault. Many lives will be lost. That’s what my prediction says.’

 

That’s what the fortune predicted (serious face).

 

Because the image of AA banging on the desk and saying "Owwwww" flashes through my mind, and I burst out in laughter. (tl note: probably referring to this: http://mamesoku.com/archives/3037537.html) However, I quickly turned that laugh into a charming smile—because I’m the perfect TS original protagonist. Cute is justice, after all. Even Chesed says the same thing.

 

"This situation, huh..."

 

Phew... Finally, the numbness is starting to fade.

 

Alright, time to move. Sir Carbuncle-chan, wake up! Okay, that’s a good child. If you want to climb on, use my hand or shoulder, not my lap, okay? There, there, there, there.

 

As I gently played with the small animal in my hand, En-kun seemed lost in thought, with a serious expression on his face.

 

"Was stealing people's abilities all for this cause as well?"

 

Oh, of course you'd think that. You act cool, but you're a good-hearted person deep down.

 

In fact, that was the truth, so I nodded in agreement.

 

"That's right. There was no way we could stop them with our raw power. It was the quickest way to steal the future we desire."

 

"Why didn't you tell us that sooner? ...No, you were testing us, weren't you? To see if the Savers could become a force capable of overturning the future you saw."

 

"...Fufu."

 

Eh, was that what I was doing? Is what I thought to myself, surprised as if it had nothing to do with me. But looking back at my actions, it did seem like I was moving in that direction.

 

From the very beginning, with the letter that first brought me to their attention, I’d left a cryptic hint: "I have come from beyond the dimensional wall."

 

Then a series of cases of supernatural abilities being stolen occurred.

 

Before Mea's awakening, I made a mysterious appearance as a beautiful girl phantom thief.

 

During the battle with the angel, I didn’t fight directly, but I did lend my power.

 

Next, I impersonated Rikidou Chota to lead the meeting towards traveling to another world... and when things got really dangerous, I threw myself into harm’s way to protect them.

 

...Yeah. From their perspective, it really must have felt like they were being tested. It was so obvious that it didn’t even need to be considered.

 

No, I’m not a dense protagonist, so I knew how I was being perceived. I deliberately played the role of a mysterious older sister figure, knowing I wouldn’t easily be accepted as one of them, nor did I expect to be. I mean, if the main characters were too easy to sway, it would feel cheap... But to think that En thought I was testing them.

 

I see. I’d given up on being the mentor character the moment I joined from the second cour, but maybe I still had a shot.

 

"I... never thought of you as an ordinary human. Everything you've said up until now has hinted that you’re from the side of the holy beasts."

 

"Hmm, and?"

 

"...But you don’t seem like someone who's planning to attack the human world, unlike Chokmah. If that were your intention, you wouldn’t have helped us as much as you have."

 

"I might just be a crazy trickster, acting without meaning."

 

"You’re not that kind of person... at least, that’s how I feel."

 

"Is that so? Well, I’m glad to hear that."

 

Fuh, I’ve got to admit... I might have been playing my role a little too well.

 

Man, this is fun! Even with the limited time Even though I didn't have much time to intervene in the original work, it's fun to be able to imprint myself on their hearts!

 

Man, I’m so happy.

 

I’m the one who set things up to be treated this way, but to think I’ve left such a strong mark—what a reward for being the original protagonist!

 

Listening to his theory with a flutter of excitement, I responded,

 

"You’re working towards the same goal as that angel, Chesed, who helped Mea, aren’t you? You’re on the side of the holy beasts, but you want to stop the angels from invading the human world. That’s why you’ve been guiding us."

 

"You’ve thought it through."

 

His analysis was exactly the one I’d hoped they would arrive at.

 

Fuh, my ability to guide them has been impeccable. It seems I’ve secured a pretty sweet spot in their eyes.

 

Of course, being mistaken for one of the ten angels of Sephiroth would make Keter seriously angry, so I’d have to subtly deny that. Still, if I had to grade his analysis, I’d give him 95 points—pretty close to perfect.

 

But I can’t just say, "You’re absolutely right." That would ruin the mysterious older sister image I’ve spent so long building. Just like they say, “A secret makes a woman a woman,” a mysterious character is always more charming when shrouded in enigma.

 

So once again, I decided to wrap it all in smoke and mirrors.

 

"So, you're saying I'm on the enemy's side but still helping you? Do I really seem like that convenient of a woman?"

 

As the numbness in my legs subsided, I slowly stood up. With a slightly more intimidating stance, I struck a dramatic pose and delivered the line.

 

At that, En fell silent, a startled look crossing his face, and he looked down apologetically.

 

"...You're right. If you're from the side of the holy beasts, it makes sense you'd have your own thoughts about us humans. It was presumptuous of me to say that... I'm sorry."

 

How kind.

 

The protagonist of the original work is so kind!

 

His tone might be a little rough, but you can sense his consideration for those on the side of the holy beasts in every word. And when he realizes he's said something wrong, he looks all downcast, like a sad puppy... that's almost too cute! No wonder he made my older sister in our past life swoon over him!

 

Surprised by his sincerity, I widened my eyes, but quickly masked it with a wry smile.

 

"There's no need to apologize. For all you know, I really could be the type of woman who sides with you out of pure good will, no strings attached."

 

I do love a convenient turn of events, though. Be it original or fanfiction, I’m always more fond of a happy ending, even if it's a bit forced.

 

"...No, you’re not someone who would do whatever we wanted. My guess is... you’re testing us, aren’t you?t."

 

Hmm… Testing?

 

Well, when it comes to the characters’ actions, I do intend to evaluate various things. The plot is bound to change from the original, so I'll have to watch closely how they move in response to those changes.

 

"And if I am?"

 

"I want to prove it to you—with our actions. Sure, there are terrible people in our world, but it’s not just full of people like that. I want to show you that."

 

"...You're surprisingly assertive, aren't you?"

 

"I get that a lot."

 

To prove it, that’s…! As expected of En, the protagonist of the original work!

 

…Of course, I’m joking.

 

His statement seems to come from the assumption that I’m like an angel, evaluating "the good and evil of humanity." That’s probably why he said something like "watch us." That fiery passion of his is exactly what makes him a hero. If that’s the kind of "proof" he wants to show, I’m all for it.

 

While moving the carbuncle resting in my palm to a tree branch, I threw back a provocative line.

 

"Alright. I won't take my eyes off you. But make sure... you don’t disappoint me, okay?"

 

"Aah, of course."

 

This was my subtle attempt to assert a little dominance as the cheat original protagonist. I’ve got to show a bit of strength even when dealing with the protagonist.

 

However, provocations like this need to be handled carefully. If you come off too high-handed, it could backfire. The trick is to play it off with a wink and a lighthearted smile while raising a playful finger. That way, I maintain my aura of authority without stirring up resentment from the original protagonist.

 

"...Just, what exactly are you?"

 

Well, in reality, I'm the one who should be careful not to disappoint them.

 

With half excitement and half anxiety, we embarked on our grim two-person journey through this strange world.

Next