The Witch Trial Begins with the OO Buckethead Zombie

But when I think about it later, I think I can understand it.

...So Yuki Tsukishiro is an orphan.

No mother, no father to raise.

No wonder he looks completely uneducated and lacks any manners.

It's not that I want to understand Tsukishiro Yuki.

This background does offer some explanation for Yuki's inexplicable behavior.

After all, no one had ever taught her what was right.

Although this has nothing to do with Nikaido Hiro.

She wouldn't act as her mother and teach her what to do.

Dislike... well, it's not that bad.

The moment when I hated Yuki Tsukishiro the most has passed, and the extreme aversion has faded as the peak has subsided.

At least looking at Yuki Tsukishiro now, although she's still quite an eyesore, she's not as unbearable to look at as she used to be.

Although it was merely a shift from one extreme to another.

To be honest, when Nikaido Hiro saw that broken replica sword and scabbard, he really couldn't resist.

She once suspected that Yukishiro might have gone mad to create such a thing.

What kind of artwork?

Aside from that incident, Yukishiro's actions lately have been surprisingly human-like.

He helped with everything he could, even lending a hand.

Those who helped Hoshino reintegrate into this world, filling the void left by those who were saved.

Even something as small as Hoshino asking her to help block the cameras was something she could easily do.

They are diligent, hardworking, and never ask for anything in return.

Although these were all just ways she made amends for her mistakes, necessary actions to clean up her mess.

However, it did somewhat alleviate her dislike for Yuki Tsukishiro.

Therefore, Nikaido Hiro was not actually jealous of Tsukishiro Yuki, nor did he hate her much; he didn't even feel disgusted with her.

The reason I still hold on, and the reason I'm unwilling to forgive her.

It certainly wasn't because she had previously said to Tsukishiro Yuki with such unwavering conviction that she would hate her, despise her, and that would never change.

Ultimately, those words didn't mention anything about forgiveness or not.

It was nothing but hatred and disgust.

If I had to say, the real reason is indeed...

I hate that they don't fight back.

The best timing, the most suitable trump card, the most sincere feelings, and the most uncomplicated Hoshino.

How could you have managed to get me to this point?

You really aren't willing to take even the right step.

Although if she had taken just one right step, there probably wouldn't be the current success, and she would never have had any connection with Hoshino.

But she just hated that he didn't fight back.

waste!

Since you're already so useless, stop thinking about enjoying yourself.

You are clearly the one who is most favored.

Because she was born a great witch, she was chosen and was destined to be loved by Hoshino. Because of her beautiful face, Hoshino fell in love with her at first sight. Because she has mastered all kinds of magic, she has hardly encountered any setbacks.

You are the one who is most favored.

Moonlit Snow.

"sorry."

Yuki Tsukishiro, who had instinctively wanted to argue and disagree, forcibly suppressed her erroneous thoughts and lowered her head sharply to apologize.

Since you're seeking Hero's forgiveness, don't add fuel to the fire when Hero seems inclined to forgive you.

The previous one doesn't count.

That was a reckless act because he thought Hiro would never forgive him.

Yes, that's it, just to give Hero a push, just to create a little uncertainty.

After all, if nothing had changed, Hiro could probably have maintained this stalemate with her forever.

Hero was that kind of stubborn guy.

Tsukishiro Yuki didn't want to wait until Hiro grew old before she was allowed to get close to Hoshino.

Therefore, it is necessary to create some variables.

Anything is fine, as long as there is change, Hero's views may change, and only then might Hero forgive himself.

Just like now.

"So... can Hiro forgive me now?" Tsukishiro Yuki cautiously raised her head, revealing a pitiful expression: "I'm reflecting on my actions!"

"I was wrong, I'm sorry. I won't think like that anymore. I'll talk to Hoshino about it properly if I have any ideas. I won't act recklessly on my own."

"I will no longer think about suicide, I will no longer torment Hoshino, and I will no longer say things like I want Hoshino to like someone else."

Tsukishiro Yuki paused slightly in her speech.

"So, can you forgive me, Hero?"

Her eyes shone with longing and anticipation.

What I long for is a positive answer.

What he hoped for was Hero's forgiveness.

The object of his dream was Hoshino Utsunomiya's body.

Even if I was just used by Hiro, if I don't replenish my Hoshino energy soon, I'm really going to thrash around and die with a snap.

“…Okay.” Nikaido Hiro said the words that Tsukishiro Yuki had been hoping to hear.

At this moment, in Yukishiro's eyes, Hiro lost his usual sharp and sarcastic tone, leaving only an extremely sacred radiance.

A holy light shone forth, and a sacred aura spread out.

Wow, Hero, you're an angel?

Am I dreaming?

Yuki Tsukishiro has dreamt countless times of Nikaido Hiro gently nodding and saying 'I forgive you,' and countless times in such dreams she has taken whatever she wanted from Utsunomiya Hoshino.

And now.

...It seems like this is reality.

"Ah..."

Just as Yuki Tsukishiro excitedly raised her head and hands, wanting to hug her best friend Hiro Nikaido tightly, she realized that...

The turning point has arrived.

"but."

"You have to be after Meruru."

A slight smile appeared on Nikaido Hiro's lips.

That slight smile shattered the holy light in Yukishiro's eyes; the holy light instantly transformed into the scent of a demon, and Hiro Nikaido's smile also turned into a devilish one.

What...?

Just forgive me, please forgive me properly! Why do you have to say "but"?

I hate you!

And what does "after Meruru" even mean?! Meruru and all that, isn't it just a flying ○ cup?!

Meluru Hikami, who once said, "Isn't Hoshino the lover that the Great Witch gave me?" was actually cut off by Yuki Tsukishiro long ago.

Over all these days, she hasn't even taken the initiative to visit Meruru on the island, nor has she tried to find out anything about Meruru's situation.

Just pretend that woman doesn't exist.

Anyway, no one else mentioned Meruru, including Hoshino. They must have forgotten that Meruru even existed!

But to her utter surprise, Nikaido Hiro would mention the name Meluru Ice at this moment.

How could they say something like that!

What do you mean I have to be after Meruru?

"..." Tsukishiro Yuki's lips parted slightly, trembling, but she was unable to utter a sound.

You cannot refute it, you cannot question it.

Hiro relented; despite being given conditions, she ultimately gave in.

If you can't even tolerate this, then what has all your patience been for all this time?

Compared to the patience I've endured all this time, Meruru is nothing at all.

We have to agree, and we have no choice but to agree.

Be silent, nod, respond, or speak.

"Ah."

Yukishiro nodded.

"This is your final punishment. Now watch as your best 'daughter,' who has been enduring this for so long, enjoys Hoshino in this long-suppressed sense of liberation."

......