Chains of Desire

"Hello. As usual, I'll start by asking about your background."

I sat calmly, ready to face your judgment.

"How old are you?"

"Take the update date of Chapter One and subtract eighteen years. That's my date of birth."

You picked up your cup and splashed the water in it over my face, trying to bring me to my senses.

I tugged my red coat tighter. You were very gentle and didn't take it off me.

"Why did you write this book?"

"I came up with the title rather casually, and I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so in the end I definitely have to make the story match the title..."

"Bang!"

You slapped the table, startling me into silence.

A southeast wind blew in from nowhere, symbolizing failure. I knew I was the one who'd failed, because I was the one with that surname.

"What's your worldview?"

I pretended to be cool and detached, trying to hide the fact that I hadn't actually known what to write in this part.

"It's a very grand, abstract sort of worldview. But maybe my ability to express myself is limited, so you might find it a little... confusing?"

At least I managed to answer one question correctly.

I remembered that my answers to the first two questions had been rather careless. I regretted it. After hearing my answer to the first question, you had written something on your paper, so I decided to change only my answer to the second question.

"If I said I wrote this because I'd read so many books I got sick of them, and after starting this book, I realized I could only grit my teeth and keep writing... would you believe me?"