『ノエル: すべてをやり直すために (第二の並行世界にて)』

君死ニタマフコトナカレ

君死ニタマフコトナカレ

「I hope my appearance does not scare you. But we must proceed, yes?」

　Scare?

　Is this woman serious? How could she be viewed as scary in any sense of the word? Even in idealized representations I have seen in anime, I've never seen anyone on her level of beauty.

　Is this what Gods look like?

「There is nothing scary about you...」

「Oh? That's preferable after all, we do not desire for this process to be more frightening than necessary.」

「Right... um... what exactly is this 'process' you speak of?」

　Now I get given a look as if what I asked had an obvious answer.

　She shrugs slightly and comes ever so slightly closer.

「What else if not your death and passing?」

「So I have died, then?」

　I really didn't want to believe it... Why did it feel like I was just going to sleep?

「Indeed.」

　Part of me thought this was a hallucination. I know I lost a lot of blood, but I thought maybe I'd wake up from a coma in the hospital.

　But no... I suppose I am dead after all.

　It's okay though, I guess. I didn't leave too much behind and it seems like this whole being dead thing isn't too bad. In fact, it's rather peaceful.

「You appear caught up in thoughts. That is to be expected... But keep in mind, I haven't any intention of harming you. I'm just doing my job.」

「And what exactly is your job...?」

「You wish to know? I see. Well it is quite rudimentary, I am what you humans would simply call a reincarnation goddess. If you desire a name to call me, Goddess will do.」

「Well Goddess-tan, is there like some sort judgment you will give me? Is that the thing you do?」

　She seemed a bit flustered I used "tan" for her. Or more so she gives me a disapproving and incredulous look.

　I didn't think Gods would have bodies like humans. I suppose they are also susceptible to human emotions? I'm really not sure, but Goddess-tan seems nice enough.

　I can hear her sigh and shake her head.

「Aren't you being too friendly towards me? You are headed for a scolding, young man.」

　Ah! I definitely do not want to incur the wrath of the Gods!

「Ah okay okay! I just wanted to make light of a shitty situation... Forgive me, Goddess-sama!」

「Yes... Now, enough stalling. You have two options here.」

　Two options? Is this where my punishment comes into play? Ahhh, I already said I'm sorry! Does a 'sorry' not cut it with Gods?

「 Your first option is the plainest one; purgatory. Where you will continue on the path of death and have your soul judged by powers beyond my influence. This process can take... a long time, put lightly. Whilst the second option I propose is...」

　Purgatory sounds scary... I really don't want that.

　To spend an undefined amount of time doing... what? Nothing? Or being subjugated to endless pain as my soul is purified or whatever?

　How could anyone choose that?

「And the second?」

　I watch as she pauses for a moment as if contemplating to just tell me outright. For some reason, she looks a little unsettling...

「Tell me, were you satisfied with your life?」

　Ah, such a deep question... Why do I have to tell a Goddess if I was satisfied with my life??

　I hesitate, caught off guard. It's not an easy question, even for someone who's spent a lot of time overthinking everything.

　Was I satisfied?

　I mean, I lived a good life, didn’t I? I had friends, decent grades, and people who cared about me.

　I even got to protect Sazanami-chan at the end, and that gave me a sense of peace.

　But there was always something missing—something I couldn’t name but always felt. A longing for something more. Adventure? Maybe. Or just a chance to see who else I could’ve been.

「Yes... I was satisfied with my life.」

「However, you yearned for more adventure?」

「Yes again...」

　Whatever it was about my answer made her seem to confirm something. Any curious or skeptical look she had was gone.

　Instead, she continues with a light smile directed at me as if expecting I will be pleased with what's to come.

「Then, your second option is reincarnation-」

「Absolutely.」

「A-Ahem... please listen to the conditions. You... you aren't meant to just say yes so suddenly! Jeez, you are a bit of a pain...」