The ominous premonition in Ye's heart made him want to stop thinking further. Continuing down this path would only lead to bad conclusions.
Things are fine as they are now. Why change them? Even if I try to change things now, it's meaningless, right? Wouldn't it be better to just pretend I didn't notice anything?
But no.
No.
No!
No!!
...Time to face reality.
The reality was that it was best not to dismiss this as mere coincidence. What were the odds of such a "perfect" coincidence existing?
Extending this logic, the inevitable conclusion was… his dreams were connected.
They weren't solo experiences—they were multiplayer. Sometimes two people, sometimes three or four. They were never isolated.
If he followed this line of thought, didn't Kokomi's bold actions stem from her believing it was just a dream? Was that why her attitude shifted so drastically afterward?
Oh no.
Ye realized it deeply. Unintentionally, he had strayed back onto a path of wrongdoing. After five centuries of reforming himself and striving to do good, it had all crumbled in an instant.
What have I done!?
No, no. This secret had to stay buried. He'd never dream again if he had to, but he couldn't let a single word slip. Otherwise, he'd be torn apart by angry mobs!
But… what about Kokomi?
With others, he could claim it was just a dream. As long as he stayed silent, he could guiltily pretend nothing happened.
But with Kokomi, it had actually happened.
There was no denying it—this was his fault.
Even if Kokomi had initiated it, the responsibility was his. Shifting blame or ignoring it was impossible. Kokomi seemed to want to forget that day… but could he pretend it never happened?
Ye was a good person… Well, whether he was truly "good" was debatable. But one thing was certain: he was a man who took responsibility.
As an apostle, a guild leader, a demon king, a disciplinary committee chairman, and even an accidental Aeon in this world—he had always fulfilled his duties. For five centuries as Furina's loyal servant, he'd been nothing short of meticulous.
Was there a more responsible man in this world?
No.
Absolutely not.
So, treating what had already happened as if it never occurred… that wasn't something he could do.
What was the solution?
After all, I have to marry Kokomi.
The problem circled back to where it began.
Ye sighed inwardly, then noticed Ayaka wiping tears as she read, her fingers brushing them away even as she kept turning pages.
"Ayaka, are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine…"
Ayaka snapped back to reality, using a handkerchief to dry her eyes. They were red, but she kept reading.
She was hooked.
Ye understood. Who wouldn't cry reading this part for the first time? He waited patiently until she finally set the book down, though she hadn't finished.
"Sorry, I got carried away," Ayaka apologized, her demeanor flustered.
"Don't worry. Stories about mutual salvation are deeply moving."
"You're right. My opinion of Subaru has changed," Ayaka smiled. "He'll become a hero—for the girl he loves and the one who loves him. He will become a hero."
She passionately shared her thoughts on the novel, and Ye listened, adding his own insights. They chatted as the sky darkened outside.
Until a voice called out:
"Ayaka, are you here?"
"Ah?!" Ayaka jolted in panic. "B-Brother?!"
She didn't know why she was nervous, but hearing Ayato's voice during such a private moment startled her.
Why is he here?
Before she could react, Kamisato Ayato stepped through the curtain, his eyes briefly scanning the man sitting across from his sister before smiling politely.
"I came to discuss business and heard from Thoma that you were here. Ayaka, who is your… friend?"
"This is… my friend…"
Ayaka froze, realizing she still hadn't asked the man's name.
Ye smoothly interjected, "Lord Kamisato Ayato, it's an honor. I'm Lumine, a humble light novel writer. Nothing noteworthy."
"Oh? The Lumine?"
"You're that old fox?!"
Ayato raised an eyebrow, while Ayaka gasped and covered her mouth.
"Apologies for not introducing myself sooner," Ye said, unbothered by the nickname. "I missed the right moment earlier. My fault entirely."
"N-No, it's fine!" Ayaka shook her head, now staring at Ye with starry-eyed admiration. Despite calling him a "fox," she genuinely loved his novels—especially after reading the latest masterpiece.
Ayato, however, remained guarded. A mysterious figure with no background information suddenly getting close to his sister? Suspicious.
He sat down casually. "What a surprise to meet you here, Mr. Lumine. Truly an honor."
"Mr. Lumine… could I get your autograph?"