Fate led me to her temple, a place I had visited several times before. I had never taken the time to truly appreciate it, but the vast hall—lined with pillars adorned in exquisite carvings—exuded a distinctly sacred atmosphere.
“...Um, Fate-san? Why are we here?”
“For the atmosphere, I suppose? I thought this would be the best place to do ‘that.’”
“By ‘that’... you mean?”
“Well, it doesn't have much practical meaning, but... think of it as a gift for you, Kai-chan.”
“A gift?”
I tilted my head, curious, and Fate gave a small smile. Releasing my hand, she walked toward the inner sanctuary of the temple, stopping before what looked like an altar. Standing on a raised dais, she looked directly into my eyes and spoke with a smile.
“In my name—the name of Fate—I speak to the revolving tides of destiny.”
A voice filled with majesty resonated through the great hall. I had heard this opening twice before—once when I met Shiro-san, and once at the royal palace during the party with Lilia-san. For the Gods, these words carried immense weight.
“I recognize this man—Miyama Kaito—as one worthy of receiving my blessing.”
Fate stood bathed in a torrent of magic power. Coupled with the temple's aura, she appeared truly divine. Yet, her expression was filled with an all-encompassing gentleness.
“O revolving destiny—become the wind that guides this man—and lead him toward a blissful future. In my name, Fate—beside my own name—let the name of Miyama Kaito be inscribed.”
Up to this point, the liturgical formula was identical to the one Chronoa-san had used for Lilia-san. However, Fate paused for a moment, and with a dazzling smile, she spoke the words that followed.
“—As ‘my most beloved existence’—I command it.”
As she spoke, a brilliant light swirled around me before slowly drawing inward.
“Since you already have Shiro-san's blessing, this won’t grant you much in the way of power... but I still want you to have it. You accepted my feelings and my contradictory heart, Kai-chan. So, from the bottom of my heart, I offer this to you and you alone. A blessing of destiny, wishing for your eternal happiness.”
The light soaked into my skin, and a soft warmth filled my chest. It really was the perfect gift. I was so moved by her sincerity that I couldn't find the words to respond. Fate stepped down from the altar and hurried to my side, hiding her blushing face as she clung to my arm again.
“...Ugh, this is actually incredibly embarrassing...”
“Um, Fate-san... Thank you. I’m really, truly happy.”
“Y-Yeah. If it made you happy... then I’m happy too. Now, shall we... continue our date?”
“Yes!”
Dear Mother, Father—Fate-san claimed her blessing wouldn't mean much because I already have Shiro-san’s, but I don't think she's right. The warmth and happiness currently overflowing in my heart... I know they’re only there because of her gift. Because I think it's thanks to her blessing.
“Hey, you there.”
Yes, that was how it started. What did I think of him back then? Probably something terrible, like how easy he seemed to manipulate. It’s ironic. I’m the Goddess of Destiny; I should be able to see the future, yet I had no idea what lay in store for me.
Actually, I probably could have seen it if I’d tried. I just didn't care enough. I was content to drift through life, being lazy and avoiding effort. I didn't have any hope for the future. I just wanted things to be easy.
That’s why it hurt so much when I realized I loved him. I felt like a lazy, irresponsible, selfish waste of space. I knew I loved him from the start, but the deeper those feelings grew, the more I hated myself.
But I’m defeated. Kai-chan accepted me anyway. He told me it was okay that I couldn't make him my absolute first priority. I’ve never been so happy in my entire life.
I don't know what comes next. My nature probably won't change; I’ll still slack off and act selfishly. But I have hope now. I want our future to be a happy one. For that, I’m willing to work. I’m willing to try. I want to be the one who makes him happy, too. I want him to be glad he chose me.
[Kaito has obtained the Blessing of Fate]
[The Blessing of Fate has evolved into 'Fate's Love']
[Fate Manipulation-type Magic is now available]
[However, magic power is insufficient... surprisingly insufficient]
Serious-senpai: “What a heartwarming story. Right, the Fate Route is over! Now let’s get back to the serious stuff!”
???: “Actually, looking at how the individual routes have gone so far, isn't it just going to get even more lovey-dovey from here?”
Serious-senpai: “Stop! If you say it, it’ll come true!”