The words Illness-san spoke so casually were completely beyond anything I had anticipated. I sat there, stunned. Love at first sight? Wait... was this consultation actually a request for romantic advice? Even if it was, going straight to the person you fell for was an incredibly "strong style" approach.
No, wait—I couldn't jump to conclusions. Maybe she had fallen for me at first sight, but after getting to know me, she realized it had been a mistake? No, that would just be depressing, and I didn't think Illness-san was the type to say something like that.
"I, who fell in love with Kaito-sama at first sight... asked Milady to make me your Personal Attendant. I thought that... if I could support Kaito-sama from a close distance while you were still anxious after just arriving in this world... it would be for the best."
"I-I see. Well, it's true that having you as my Personal Attendant has been a huge help, Illness-san."
"Kuhihi, I am happy to hear you say so."
I really needed a moment. I hadn't finished processing the information yet. My mind was a mess, and I was struggling just to keep up with the conversation.
Illness-san was mature, kind, and possessed a calm, sophisticated aura. Even though she was petite, she felt like a wonderful, grown woman. If you asked me whether I liked or disliked her, the answer was obviously the former—I’d even admired her. Perhaps because of that atmosphere, I had subconsciously assumed that I—a mere child in her eyes—would never be considered a romantic interest.
"I... love Kaito-sama."
"!?"
"Those feelings have never changed since the first moment I saw you... No, rather, I can say with confidence that I love you more deeply now than I did then. However... I feel that a change has begun to occur within me."
Illness-san was being incredibly bold. It was essentially a direct confession. My head was spinning, but she remained perfectly calm.
If I had to describe it, it felt as though her love for me was so absolute that she felt no shame in voicing it. I, on the other hand, was anything but calm, but it seemed this wasn't even the heart of the matter for her.
For now, I shoved my agitation into a corner of my mind and focused on listening to her until the end.
"At that time... my world was simple. After meeting Kaito-sama and learning what love was, the world began to look beautiful... but my thoughts remained uncomplicated. I wanted Kaito-sama to be happy. I wanted to see you smiling. With those thoughts in mind, I intended to do whatever I could for you."
Indeed, Illness-san had always been a devoted support to me, stepping in naturally whenever I was in trouble. I was fully aware of how much I owed her, and hearing that there was affection behind it made me feel both bashful and happy.
"I... believed I should have just remained a spectator. I should have been a spectator watching Kaito-sama on stage from the seats... or perhaps a supporting character drawn small in the corner of your story. I never questioned that. Just seeing Kaito-sama happy was enough to fill my heart. Ah... saying it that way might be slightly misleading. Even now, seeing you happy fills me with bliss. However... lately, I feel that personal feelings have begun to mix in."
"...Personal feelings? Well, isn't it only natural for those to mix in?"
"Yes. Normally, that would be true. But I... I have never felt such feelings... Shall we call it desire? I have never experienced such a sensation until now, and I am quite confused. I should have been fine just watching... but I feel as though I want to step onto the stage as well. I have become more selfish than I ever imagined, and I am at a loss for how to handle it."
In a way, I thought I understood what was troubling her. The order was reversed.
Normally, a person falls in romantic love first, gets closer, and then a deeper, selfless love blossoms... but in Illness-san's case, did she start with deep love and only fall in romantic love later? It was a bit embarrassing to think of it that way, but I felt the logic was sound.
They say love is about giving while falling in love is about seeking. The devoted, affectionate Illness-san was likely bewildered by the budding of romantic desires—of a hunger she hadn't known before.
I understood the situation now, but... surely I wasn't the right person to consult about this!? How was I even supposed to respond!?
Serious-senpai: "Gah!? She's confessing at full throttle!! It's a confession disguised as a consultation!? A-A bold confession is a girl's privilege, huh... Guh, the damage is already excessive..."
Doctor M: "Are you okay? Shall I talk about My Child?"
Serious-senpai: "I would like you to stop with the follow-up strikes."