Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 633: Hello, again [3]

The silence thickened, stretching taut. My gaze was fixed on Paimon, and I could feel the strong, insistent thumping within my chest as I swallowed. The longer my eyes remained locked on him, the more my heart hammered, and I found myself taking deep breaths, attempting to quell the rising tide of unease.

This contemplation lasted only moments before a sharp clapping sound shattered the quiet.

Clap! Clap!

Looking up, I realized Paimon’s smile had shifted. It was still present, but gentler, less pronounced, radiating a softer, more tranquil warmth as he settled back into his chair.

"Haha."

He chuckled, the sound as soothing and effortless as the subdued smile gracing his features.

It almost made me feel at ease; for a fleeting instant, I was almost taken in.

Nevertheless, I quickly regained my composure, my expression steadying as I refocused my attention on Paimon.

"Am I right...?"

"You’re not far off," Paimon responded, his voice relaxed. He leaned back further, tilting his head slightly to gaze towards the ceiling.

"I did leverage your predicament to further my own reputation. You’ve deduced that part correctly, although it wasn’t exactly difficult to figure out. What truly surprises me is your assumption that I would desire to enter the human world. What led you to believe that?"

"Dantalion..."

That was the reason I considered he might attempt to enter the human realm.

Even now, the motive behind Dantalion’s scheme remained unclear. He had meticulously established an entire orphanage and a cult with the sole purpose of ascending to the human world, patiently waiting for several years.

Dantalion held the position of Duke.

Given his ambition to infiltrate the human world, it seemed logical that Paimon would harbor similar aspirations, wouldn't he?

"Well, not precisely," Paimon replied smoothly.

"However, you are correct that I have an interest in entering the human world. Naturally, the specific reason for my desire remains a closely guarded secret. But I could reveal it to you if you were to return the papers. Would you be interested in knowing?"

"....."

I hesitated, my eyes drifting to the documents held in my hand. Yet, no temptation stirred within me. The thought of handing over the papers in exchange for his wish never crossed my mind.

My intentions remained clear; I had no intention of deviating from my course.

"A pity."

Whether he genuinely regretted it or not, I couldn't be sure.

However, one thing was abundantly clear: the amusement dancing in his eyes as he observed me.

"As I was saying… indeed, the human world holds a certain fascination for me, but do not mistake mere curiosity for desperation. I would never resort to such… crude methods as establishing a cult or seeking a ‘perfect vessel.’ Please. That’s just tedious, time-consuming, and agonizingly slow. Especially when time here crawls by at a snail’s pace. No, no… should I ever choose to cross over, it will be executed with a considerable degree of elegance. I do maintain certain standards, after all."

"Then… what was it?"

"You could consider it my way of sending a message."

"A message?"

"Mhm."

Paimon offered a smile, and my lips sealed shut. The instant I saw it, I understood that further inquiries would be futile. Even if I pressed him, he would remain reticent.

"I intended to convey a message to a specific individual. That is all you need to know."

He leaned back in his chair, and I followed suit.

The atmosphere in the room grew more relaxed as I turned my head to the right, noticing a teacup resting nearby. It hadn't been there moments before. Nevertheless, I reached for it, lifting it without hesitation and bringing it to my lips.

It was still pleasantly hot.

Taking a sip, my mind began to feel considerably calmer.

"Tell me about yourself."

Paimon’s voice seemed to float softly in the background as I took another slow sip of the tea, its warmth spreading as his words registered in my thoughts.

"How have you been feeling recently? Are you doing alright?"

"...I feel great."

"You can certainly say that… but are you truly alright? Because from my perspective, it appears that a significant burden rests upon your shoulders. More than you are letting on."

"There were many things that used to trouble me constantly. I’ve learned how to manage them."

"Oh? Is that how it appears to you? How curious… because from where I’m sitting, it seems as though you’re not truly managing them at all. You’re merely skirting the edges, hoping they’ll resolve themselves."

"You are correct."

I took another sip of the tea.

"Allow me to rephrase. I have learned to simply avoid the troublesome matters."

"So, this is your chosen course of action? Simply… evade every issue and trust that things will resolve themselves? That’s a perilous approach. The more you dodge, the more the problems accumulate…" Paimon raised his hand and gestured downwards. "Until one day, it’s not just a pile anymore… it crumbles down on you all at once. And when that happens, there’s no simple way to sift through the debris. So, tell me… do you truly believe that’s the path you wish to continue on?"

"It doesn’t truly matter what’s best for me."

I took another sip of the tea. Before I could even register it, the cup was empty.

Setting the cup down, I met Paimon’s gaze once more.

"I’ve been this way since birth. Issues have piled up to a point where there’s no turning back. No…" I paused, my thoughts inevitably drifting to a specific memory. "There is a place I can return to, a sanctuary where all that has accumulated will eventually dissipate. That’s my objective."

"And what if such a place does not exist?"

"If it doesn’t exist?"

I looked at Paimon, then I smiled.

Paimon’s smile seemed to vanish the moment I offered mine. What did he perceive behind my smile? I was curious, yet I chose not to inquire, rising from my seat.

"This conversation has been quite enlightening."

My eyes fell upon the piece of paper I held.

Tapping it lightly with my finger, I turned my back to Paimon and moved toward the door.

"I hope we can converse like this again. Honestly, it was a rather pleasant exchange, and I feel a greater clarity regarding my next steps."

Reaching for the doorknob, I turned it and prepared to exit when Paimon’s voice called out, halting my movement.

"Oh my… is that the path you’re charting? It’s becoming rather perilous. You’re wearing blinders, fixated on the trivial details while the significant matters slip through your grasp. If I were you? I’d take heed of the advice you’ve been given… while you still possess the clarity to do so. Because right now, you’re not just adrift, you’re beginning to spiral. And if you continue down this course… well… I wonder how far you’ll descend before you even realize it?~"

"I am aware."

My hand remained on the cool metal of the knob as I opened the door completely. Gazing out into the distance, a subtle smile touched my lips.

"…I am fully cognizant of my narrow focus and the predicament I currently face."

I did not require a reminder. In truth, I had been aware of these matters for a considerable duration. From my tendency to laugh in inappropriate situations to my impulses, I was acutely aware of everything.

But…

"I am aware of them, and I embrace them."

This transformation…

It was an essential adaptation.

In order to navigate this world, I had no alternative but to become this way.

And…

Glancing back at the notes in my hand, I smiled.

"If you are watching, prepare for something entertaining."

I turned to face Paimon one final time, tapping the notes.

"If you find amusement in it, I hope you will extend another invitation. There are many questions I wish to pose to you."

"….."

Paimon remained silent, his gaze fixed upon me.

He stayed silent until his lips eventually curved into a smile.

"Very well.~"

He settled back into his chair.

"It’s a deal."

"Isn’t that wonderful?"

I turned towards the door and stepped through it.