TFWSDW 10

Chapter 10

Usher sneered with cold eyes, then left.

I didn’t find it funny at all.

‘How is he any different from a third-rate villain running away while saying “I’ll get you next time”?’

What was left behind? Just a lingering cloud of dust, rubble from the broken wall—

And a big hole.

I scratched my cheek as I looked at the scene.

‘Uhhh… This might be a bit of a problem.’

What do I tell Siara?

* * *

Fortunately, Usher’s intrusion was dismissed as an “overly enthusiastic” introduction attempt by a guardian candidate.

So things were resolved without any major problems.

That was thanks to the investigator who completely believed my side of the story.

By the way, I made sure to say everything in a way that worked in Derrick’s favor.

Which, to be fair—was also true.

‘I didn’t expect it to actually work, though.’

It seems people were way more interested in the fact that I passed “The Maze”
—especially with such a fast record.

‘Too much attention is dangerous.’

This game follows one absolute rule:

‘Too much attention OR too little both lead to disaster.’

If you don’t get enough attention:

Even if you reveal your identity, supporters might scatter, or you’ll get crushed by public opinion. Your political strength weakens.

But if you get too much attention:

Fanatics, spies, and lunatics will all start clinging to you.

‘You need balance to reach the happy ending…’

I stared blankly ahead.

In front of me was a pitifully hunched back, slouched and crumpled on the floor.

‘Why is he digging into the ground like he lost something after guarding me so well?’

Since Derrick’s attack destroyed our old room, we’d been moved to a new one.

But judging by how down he looked, you’d never guess he was the one who just blew a man through a wall.

I walked over with little stomping steps.

Turn!

Dad quickly turned his back to me to hide his face.

Stomp stomp stomp!

Turn!

Stomp stomp!

Turn…

“Aaah, seriously!”

So frustrating, this man!

“I’m not dead, okay?! I’m not even hurt! I’m totally fine!”

Yup.

This man was shook when he saw me coughing like crazy from the dust.

Was it really that shocking?

‘How was I supposed to know I was that sensitive to dust?!’

After I breathed it in, I didn’t stop coughing until I finally passed out asleep.

Dad stayed by my side the whole night.

Sure, he’s my guardian, so it’s his job… but still.

It felt kinda strange.

I’ve never had anyone stay by me when I was sick before.

“Stop playing that stupid game already!”

“You tell her! I don’t have time for this—I’m busy!”

“You’re not the only one who’s busy!”

Even as a kid, I grew up with busy, always-fighting parents.

We weren’t poor, but I got hit a lot.

When I was sick, I’d take whatever medicine the housekeeper left and just suffer through it.

Once, I had to call an ambulance for myself because no one else would.

Even then, my parents didn’t come.

“I said I’m fine now…”

Anyway, even though I was totally better the next day,

My dear guardian seemed deeply traumatized.

To be fair, that doctor they called wasn’t helping either.

“She has mild asthma symptoms. Children are more fragile than you think. Even small shocks can kill them.”

“……!!”

I’ll never forget the look on Derrick’s face—like someone just told him the sun rises in the west.

He was clearly thinking: ‘She could die… from coughing?’

I was baffled.

Like, seriously?! That’s how I die?

Normally you’d just say “Okay, I’ll be more careful next time,” right?

But nope—my guardian fell into hardcore self-blame.

Like, over the top levels of guilt.

[Status Effect: Self-Esteem Loss]

Yup. It had to be that.

‘Even in the game, that status effect made it easier to get hit with other negative ones.’

I slapped Derrick’s arm a few times in frustration.

“Get up! I said I’m all better now!”

“……”

“If you don’t turn your head right now, I’ll go find Usher!”

“That’s dangerous!”

Finally, Derrick turned his head—and I was stunned when I saw his face.

His eyes were red.

He wasn’t crying, but he looked like someone who had cried somewhere alone.

He clearly hadn’t slept either.

And because of his naturally dramatic face, the whole look felt… tragically poetic.

‘If I stuck a cigarette in his mouth, it’d look like a scene from a movie.’

Of course, his awkward, nervous manner didn’t match that image at all.

‘With a fragile heart like this, how is he supposed to survive in this brutal world…?’

And this world will only get more brutal from here.

I’ve already prepared myself for serious injuries in the future.

‘Whatever. I’ve got divine power. I’ll just heal myself when the time comes.’

Protagonists always get healing abilities eventually.

‘Still, for someone built like a tank…’

I shook my head.

“Going to Usher? Think again. That guy’s completely insane!”

Well said!

“And who saved me from that crazy guy? You, Dad! So look—I’m totally fine now!”

“…You were yesterday.”

“Oh come on, that was yesterday!”

I didn’t even know I had asthma! Or that dust could do that to me!

“Think about it—getting kidnapped by Usher and forced to change guardians, or coughing a little? Which one’s worse?”

His soft eyes looked at me.

“…Still. If you went with Usher, you probably wouldn’t have coughed.”

This man…

“What about getting kidnapped, then?”

“I would’ve stopped it—no matter what it took. That guy’s still dangerous.”

He looked at me seriously, clearly worried.

“Good. Now that’s the attitude! But there’s an even better answer, right?”

Okay, so the status effect is messing with his thinking.

But based on how he handled Usher, he’s definitely not dumb.

After hesitating for a second, Derrick finally answered in a quiet voice.

“…I realize now that how I tried to protect you was wrong. I’ll do better next time.”

I smiled brightly.

“Correct answer!”

[Your slightly cheered-up “Dad” needs a little push!]
[Ultimate Cuteness Attack: Poke His Cheek!]

No way!

As I winced, the sign changed its wording sneakily:

[Mission! Poke His Cheek!]

No thanks. It’s not even a purification emergency!

[It is recommended to purify “Dad” now. If you want a different mission, the next one is “Kis—”]

I instantly cut it off.

“Dad!”

We are still at that stage where the guardian and candidate are not that close yet, okay?

Get lost, you ridiculous signboard!

[Mission! Poke His Cheek!]
[If you succeed, a special event might happen!]

Ugh, fine.

I squeezed my eyes shut and poked his cheek.

“This is your cheer-up gift!”

“……”

Huh? Why isn’t he reacting?

[Hidden Skill “Purification” has been activated!]

A soft holy light spread out between us.

Dad got a light purification, but when I looked up…

He was staring at me with gloomy eyes.

He looked touched—but then he slowly lowered his head and muttered.

“She’s… far too good for someone like me…”

Hey, signboard. Get over here.
Your “cuteness mission” just made him more depressed.

You scammer!

Then the shameless signboard threw out a new plan:

[It seems like emotional distance is the real issue!]
[Let’s get closer to “Dad”!]
[Go for a walk!]

Another walk?!