The Goddess Is Obsessed With Me

"Ugh..."

I feel dizzy.

I can barely think straight, the only clear thought is my disorientation, accompanied by vertigo.

"Are you awake? That's a relief."

Opening my eyes, I see Marika smiling at me.

There was no particular reason, but I felt something was off, even though her smile was quite striking.

"Marika...? Did I just fall asleep all of a sudden?"

"Hmm, well, let's see~"

She brushes her hair with a suspicious smile.

I'm not sure how I fell asleep, but it definitely feels suspicious.

And now... I find myself lying on a sofa, using Marika’s lap as a pillow.

"?!"

As I regain my full awareness and sit up, Marika laughs brighter, as if amused.

"Were you surprised? I don’t mind being used in any way."

I was so embarrassed that even Arsia's request was rejected, and now this happened while I merely closed my eyes for a moment.

How long was I lying on her lap...?

"Just a moment..! Why didn’t you just wake me up?!"

"I tried waking you several times, but you didn’t respond. So, I had no choice."

She could have just left me alone, but why go through with such an embarrassing act...?

How did I even fall asleep in the first place?

It's more like I lost consciousness than slept... No matter how much I try to recall, the memory remains unclear.

While I feel uneasy, only Marika seems relaxed in the situation.

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"Still, I was happy to see Harold's face up close!"

She may consider it a pleasant experience, but for me, it's a significant issue.

It's not just about personal embarrassment. She's a princess, potentially a future queen.

A mere adventurer using a royal heir as a pillow?

Even if she says it's okay, if others find out, it could lead to a series of troublesome problems, like popcorn kernels exploding in a machine.

Thankfully, there were no witnesses, but if there had been, it could have been seen as a grave insult to royal dignity, making me a criminal... "Regardless of Marika being the one who acted and me being helplessly involved, there was no reason for the kingdom to favor her over me. A slight mishap could easily complicate many things."

"Still, please restrain yourself... Even if I was off-guard, if such a situation gets out, it could become a real headache."

At my words, she nods nonchalantly, though the atmosphere turns a bit somber, suggesting she understands the seriousness.

"I'm sorry. Looking back, it could have been a big problem if others had found out. I apologize for that."

She bows her head slightly in apology, then...

"Eh...!"

She suddenly throws herself at me, leaning in close.

Why this sudden change? My mind races as I notice her increased coquettish behavior.

Such unexpected attitudes from a princess... Why is she acting like this now...?

"Mmm~ Just enjoying Harold's presence makes me happy... My heart flutters with happiness and comfort."

She hugs me tightly, taking deep breaths.

In the process, her nose must have been filled with the scent that lingered on my clothes.

"Sorry, but... can I leave now? I still have to warn others about the impending disaster."

She shows a lot of reluctance through her expression, but I firmly disengage.

"Really...? That's a bit disappointing. It's the first time you came to me, not the other way around..."

She expresses her sadness, but I have to leave her embrace.

"I was initially happy thinking you finally paid me some attention... but it's just a warning, which is disappointing."

Thinking about it, I feel like I've wronged her.

It's like when an old school friend contacts you after a long time, and you're happy to hear from them, only to find out they just want to borrow money.

Realizing this, I can understand why she might feel let down.

But I can't afford to spend more time here.

"Sorry... I'm in a bit of a rush right now, but next time, I'll come for camaraderie. Please wait for me."

Like a father reassuring his daughter before a business trip, it might sound like false hope, but... "Even though Marika was the one who acted, and I was merely caught off guard, it was a situation where the kingdom wouldn't have blamed her over me, risking many complications."

"Still, please restrain yourself... Even if I was vulnerable, such a situation could cause trouble if it gets out."

Marika nods casually to my words, slightly sobering up, seemingly understanding the seriousness.

"I'm sorry about that. Looking back, it could have been troublesome if others had seen. I apologize for that part."

She bows her head slightly in apology, then...

"Ah...!"

She suddenly lunges at me, leaning in close.

Why is she acting like this? My mind reels as I notice her increase in flirtatiousness.

Such unexpected behavior from a princess... Why this sudden change...?

"Mmm~ Just being with Harold like this makes me so happy... My heart flutters with happiness and comfort."

She hugs me tightly and takes a deep breath.

Then, as she does so, my scent, hidden by my clothes, seems to fill her nostrils.

"Sorry, Harold... I have to go now. There are still others I need to warn about the impending disaster."

As I say this, her expression shows reluctance, but I firmly disengage.

"Really...? It's a bit disappointing. You came to see me for the first time..."

She expresses her sadness, but I leave her embrace and get up.

"I was happy at first, thinking you were finally paying attention to me... but it's just a warning, which is a bit disappointing."

Thinking about it, I feel guilty.

It's like when an old school friend contacts you after a long time, and you're happy, only to find out they just want to borrow money.

Realizing this, I understand why she might feel let down.

"Sorry... I'm in a hurry right now, but next time, I'll come just to visit. Please wait for me."

Like a father reassuring his daughter before a business trip, it might sound like false hope, but... "But... even if we get through this safely, the crisis will leave many scars..."

Marika's cheeks flush, overwhelmed with happiness from the established fact, regardless of how it was achieved.

"So, to ensure you don't get hurt in this process, I'll make sure to stay healthy... ♡"

In her eyes, a scene flickers.

Though the child wasn't planned...

She imagines herself, moved and joyful with tears, carrying the life she must bear.

"Lady Abne, I've come to speak with you."

Not much time remains; after I convey this news to Abne and Eleonora, it will all be over.

"Speak, then. I will listen attentively to your words."

Now, as the day turns to dusk, the orange sky outside paints a beautiful backdrop, while the sky above the temple still harbors a murky haze.

The temple, still under repair, bustles with people working both inside and out, scaling walls and carrying tools, committed to their labor.

"Soon, the god of time will start a rebellion, and we need to prepare for it..."

Repeating the same message as to the others, almost tiresome by now.

Given the god of time's solitary existence, some even doubt his reality, so I explain everything as clearly as possible.

"Understood. Then, I must warn my followers and devotees, who are temporarily away for various reasons."

Then she begins to ponder deeply.

Unlike the other goddesses, Abne's potential request makes me nervous...

"Thank you for the information, Harold. I'd like to chat more, but we're quite busy right now... Would it be alright if we part ways for today?"

"Really?"

Her response surprises me.

I knew things would be busy due to the recent conflict with Mir, but was it serious enough for such a solemn expression...? Contrary to my expectations, things didn't escalate immediately, which brought a sense of relief, albeit unexpected.

So then... should I head to Eleonora, the last person on my list, now that Abne herself has spoken?

After our brief conversation, I quickly leave before Abne can say anything further.