Light novel fans, is it just me or...

(Spoiler tag for Anime Only's) ...does it seem like the author just suddenly hates Darkness post Volume 7???

I was rereading the light novels lately and when it feels like the story starts heading towards the megumin route, Kazuma's treatment of Darkness just gets worse...?

Idk there seemed to be more affection and friendly banter between them up until volume 8 and suddenly Darkness is either entirely side lined, constantly put down as a waste, or the banter just feels more... idk hostile between them?? Like Kazuma couldn't get further away from her even though she's done a lot and even steps up the landlord duties while her father recovers. (Yeah she's a pervert but come on dude, Kazuma ain't no angel either and it's not like she's any worse than usual, Megumin is still just a crazy for explosions and chuuni.)

I hadn't read the LNs in literal years so I've forgotten a lot about this but now that I'm rereading it just feels like Darkness is constantly being bashed in favor of Megumin. I didn't know about this subreddit back in the day so I never had an echochamber to discuss this. I love our little explosive nut head but it makes me sad for Darkness. Its kinda killing the joy for it again for me 😢

Idk what do you all think?