This is a fan translation so please don't expect it to be 100% accurate; expect grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Creative liberties have been taken. All content belongs to Cybird. Reblogs are appreciated but do not repost.
This translation is a transformative work of localization focused on narrative fluidity and character integrity. My goal is to accurately preserve the original cultural intent and emotional nuances while providing a natural English reading experience. This project serves as a professional archive to supplement, not replace, the official game experience; all rights belong to the original developers.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
(Kyoto is really completely surrounded......)
Looking at the town cut off by the towering walls, I found myself entirely overwhelmed by the bizarre sight.
Kanbei: Everyone who lives in Kyoto calls that place a utopia.
Kanbei: Inside that utopia, no one oppresses anyone else, and conflicts absolutely never occur.
Kanbei: It is a sanctuary created by the Shogun so that every single citizen can be happy.
Sitting right behind me on the horse, Kanbei-san spoke to me in a gentle, reassuring tone.
(In the end, I never got a single chance to escape the entire time we were traveling here.)
I had been trying my absolute best to find an opening, but Kanbei-san simply didn't let his guard down.
His golden eyes kept a constant watch over me, and before I knew it, I was always safely within his line of sight.
(So that's their idea of a utopia......)
Mai: It sounds like a place founded on wonderful ideals.
Mai: If that's the case, doesn't tricking me and dragging me all the way out here go completely against those very principles?
Kanbei: ......You remind me of something. Ah, yes, a little kitten with its fur standing completely on end.
(Ugh......)
The soft, chuckling sound of his voice tickled my ear, sending a sudden flush of heat directly to my face.
Mai: Please stop brushing me off!
Kanbei: I can't help it when you give such an incredible reaction.
(This man is without a doubt acting so much worse than he did when he was pretending to be a traveling merchant!)
I glared at Kanbei-san in pure irritation as he narrowed his eyes with utter amusement.
Mai: No matter what you tell me from now on, I am absolutely not going to believe a single word you say.
Kanbei: In that case, you should try speaking with someone other than me.
(Huh?)
The moment Kanbei-san pulled the horse to a stop, a formal procession came into view further down the road.
Mai: What is that......
Kanbei: It's a welcoming party.
Dismounting from the horse along with me, Kanbei-san casually raised one hand in the air.
As the procession drew closer, the man leading the group dismounted from his own horse as well.
???: Welcome back, Kanbei.
Kanbei: I sent a letter ahead, but you've arrived incredibly early to greet us.
???: It's only natural to show the utmost courtesy to the "Princess of Good Fortune," isn't it?
Wearing a thoroughly approachable, friendly smile, the man walked right over to us.
???: I am truly sorry for taking such harsh measures with you. Even so, we desperately needed you here.
???: The utopia completely welcomes your arrival.
(Even if you tell me something so incredibly selfish......)
When I refused to take his outstretched hand, the man let out a somewhat lonely chuckle.
???: I understand. It's completely natural to feel confused and overwhelmed when arriving at an unfamiliar place.
Mai: You're wrong. I'm not confused, I am furious.
(I never wanted to come to a place like this to begin with......)
(Wait. With so many people around, maybe I can actually escape right now.)
If I can just slip into the mountain path off to the side, I should be able to hide myself easily.
(I want to go home, I have to go back...... Everyone is probably worried sick about me.)
Mai: ......Gah!
Completely unable to hold back the overwhelming rush of emotions swelling up inside me, I bolted from the spot before I could even finish the thought.
???: Oh, my. You certainly have a lot of energy left for someone who just arrived all the way from Azuchi.
???: But I'm sorry. —Saizo.
(Huh......?!)
The exact instant the thickets rustled, a sudden gust of wind swept past, and a figure completely blocked my path right in front of my eyes.
Saizo: I-I-I'm so incredibly sorry that someone like me had to block your way!
(Ugh...... Where on earth did this person even materialize from?!)
The exact moment I ground to a halt in front of him as he stood there holding his arms out with an utterly apologetic look, the other man's laughter echoed out right behind me.
???: Saizo, bring the princess over here.
Saizo: T-That's completely impossible, Rikyu-san! I can manage to block her path, but forcing me to actually haul her over there is just way too much to ask......
Rikyu: That appears to be the case, Hisahide.
Hisahide: I suppose it can't be helped then. Kanbei, I leave it to you.
Kanbei: I understand. Come along, Mai.
Mai: .....!
His low, quiet voice carried an intense, commanding weight that sent a sudden shiver straight down my spine.
(This man...... He really is completely different from when he was pretending to be a traveling merchant.)
(This is who Kanbei-san truly is.)
In an instant, the tension in the air completely skyrocketed, causing me to swallow hard.
Mai: W-What would you do if I said I refuse?
Kanbei: It would certainly cause a great deal of trouble for everyone here.
Kanbei: I believe it would trouble me as well. After all, I truly have no desire to handle you roughly.
Rikyu: In that case, should I be the one to handle her roughly?
Hisahide: You need to keep quiet.
Saizo: I am so incredibly sorry for being completely useless......
(......Now that my escape route has been entirely cut off, causing a scene here isn't going to solve anything.)
(It's going to be okay. I'm absolutely certain I will get another chance to run away later.)
Letting out the breath I had been holding in, I turned right back to face Kanbei-san.
Mai: I understand. I will cooperate for now.
Kanbei: That's a very good girl. Since you're being so cooperative, let's go ahead and introduce you to him as well.
Mai: Him......?
Leading me along, Kanbei-san guided me straight up to a magnificent palanquin.
The exact moment a nearby retainer carefully raised the bamboo curtain—
Mai: .....!
???: ......
Inside, there sat a stunningly beautiful man who brought to mind an artistic marble statue.
Hisahide: Yoshiteru-sama. This is Mai, the Princess of Good Fortune.
(Wait, Yoshiteru-sama...... Could it really be......)
If I remembered correctly, the Shogun's name was definitely Ashikaga Yoshiteru.
Yoshiteru: ......I see.
Yoshiteru-sama cast a thoroughly listless gaze over in my direction, his eyes completely unreadable.
(He's staring right at me. I wonder what he's about to say to me......)
Yoshiteru: .......Tell me, just how long do you intend to stand there like that?
Mai: Huh?
Hisahide: You should feel incredibly honored. Yoshiteru-sama has given you permission to ride alongside him.
Mai: Ride alongside him...... You can't possibly mean......
Kanbei: Come along now, everyone is waiting.
(Whoa......!)
Being firmly pushed forward directly into the palanquin, the bamboo curtain dropped completely shut right behind me.
Suddenly being left entirely alone with the Shogun I had only just met sent a rush of intense nervousness straight through my body.
Yoshiteru: ........
Yet, Yoshiteru-sama's expression didn't change in the slightest.
(I had been planning to demand answers from this person the absolute moment I met him.)
Why on earth had he sent a letter demanding they hand over the Princess of Good Fortune?
Why had he threatened to permanently exile us from Hinomoto if they refused?
(But......)
Completely overwhelmed by the intense aura surrounding Yoshiteru-sama, my throat felt entirely blocked up, and the words simply wouldn't come out.
Kanbei's Voice: Well then, we're heading out.
With a gentle lift, the palanquin set off, carrying us directly toward the utopia.
Before long, we arrived at the palace, and I was shown into a grand hall completely on my own.
Surrounded by absolute silence, my eyes were utterly stolen by the gorgeous craftsmanship and luxurious interior.
(It's a truly magnificent building. But didn't Nobunaga-sama completely burn Kyoto to the ground during the previous battle with the Shogunate?)
(I couldn't see very well through the bamboo curtain, but the town also had buildings lined up in perfect order.)
(Which means, just like those towering walls, every single bit of this was newly built from scratch, wasn't it?)
..
Nobunaga: It is exactly as you say. A colossal power capable of making the impossible possible.
Nobunaga: It means that despite losing it once before, Yoshiteru has managed to seize it all over again.
..
(It's exactly as Nobunaga-sama said.)
(The Shogunate might possess a great deal more power than anyone realizes.)
And I had been dragged straight into a place like this.
The absolute moment I thought about what was going to happen to me from here on out, my body began to tremble uncontrollably.
(But...... there is absolutely no point in being pessimistic.)
(Kanbei-san intends to send a letter to Nobunaga-sama claiming that I've consented to remain in the utopia.)
(But there is no way Nobunaga-sama or any of the warlords would ever believe a word of it.)
Mai: Someone will definitely...... come to save me. That's why I absolutely refuse to let my spirit break.
As I straightened my posture as much as possible to keep my resolve from crumbling—
Kanbei: Sorry to keep you waiting, Mai.
Kanbei-san entered the grand hall along with the others from earlier.
Finally, Yoshiteru-sama glided in with a silent flutter of his sleeves and took his place at the seat of honor.
Kanbei: Waiting all by yourself must have felt incredibly lonely.
Mai: Not at all.
In order to keep from flinching, I locked my eyes directly onto his with a defiant glare.
Rikyu: Ha, now that's a great reaction. It would have carried a lot more weight if your face wasn't completely pale, though.
Hisahide: I'm going to have to ask you to stop teasing her. She is an incredibly precious guest of ours.
Hisahide: First, let us formally introduce ourselves. I am Matsunaga Hisahide. I serve as Yoshiteru-sama's chief administrator.
Hisahide: If there is anything at all you don't understand, please feel free to ask me anything.
A man wearing tinted spectacles leaned his arm directly on Hisahide-san's shoulder, throwing his weight against him.
Rikyu: I'm Sen no Rikyu. If you ever want a delicious cup of tea, just say the word. I'll secretly lace it with a bit of absolute bliss for you.
(Wait, Sen no Rikyu...... as in, the Sen no Rikyu?!)
(This incredibly shady-looking person is supposed to be that legendary master of tea?!)
Kanbei: Hehe, I can tell exactly what you are thinking as if I'm reading it straight from the palm of my hand.
Rikyu: Were you completely shocked to find out that a celebrity like me is actually this incredibly refined?
Hisahide: Stop talking absolute nonsense. More importantly, Saizo is here too, isn't he?
Brushing Rikyu-san's arm off his shoulder, Hisahide-san turned his face toward a folding screen for some reason.
Saizo: Ugh, ah, um...... I'm here.
(Someone just poked their head out from behind there!)
The man peered out from the edge of the folding screen with only his face visible, but he immediately zipped right back into hiding.
Kanbei: That is Saizo. He's just a little bit painfully shy.
(A little bit? I highly doubt that......)
Hisahide: And lastly......
Everyone's gazes naturally converged onto a single spot, where Yoshiteru-sama sat.
Yoshiteru: The thirteenth Muromachi Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru. The utopia completely welcomes you.
Though his voice wasn't incredibly loud by any means, it resonated straight through the grand hall, vibrating against my eardrums.
(I can feel a certain magnetic pull about him, though it's completely different from Nobunaga-sama's......)
He possessed an aura that quietly but entirely overwhelmed others, the exact same vibe I had sensed when we were riding in the palanquin together.
Hisahide: Right now, the Shogunate is being run entirely by the people standing in this room.
Hisahide: I intend to do absolutely everything in my power to ensure your stay here is as comfortable as possible.
(This chief administrator, Hisahide-san, at least seems like someone I can actually reason with.)
Being offered such a gentle smile, the emotions I had been desperately holding back completely spilled over.
Mai: I have absolutely no intention of staying here. Please return me to Azuchi this instant.
Mai: Above all else, even if the public completely insists on calling me the Princess of Good Fortune, I possess absolutely no such power.
Mai: I am just an ordinary human being.
Kanbei: I see. However......
Kanbei: I wonder if you can actually prove to us that you are just an ordinary human being?
Mai: Huh......
Kanbei: You completely lack the ability to prove that you aren't the Princess of Good Fortune, don't you?
(T-That is nothing but a completely baseless accusation.)
As Kanbei-san let out a soft chuckle, I clenched my fists incredibly tight.
Mai: I can prove it. Because I have absolutely never performed a single miracle in my entire life.
Kanbei: But a miracle has already occurred. You appeared completely out of thin air and saved Nobunaga from the midst of a roaring inferno, did you not?
Mai: That was......
(The only reason I saved Nobunaga-sama was because a wormhole happened to warp me straight into Honno-ji by complete coincidence, but......)
Even if I tried to explain that to them, there was absolutely no way they would ever believe me.
Kanbei: In reality, whether your power to bring good fortune is genuine or not doesn't matter in the slightest.
Kanbei: The masses perceive you that way, and you command their deep devotion. That is what is truly important to us.
Rikyu: The utopia is still very much in its growth phase, after all.
Hisahide: Yoshiteru-sama commands an incredible amount of devotion himself, but we are still quite short on people who can serve as an absolute emotional anchor for the citizens.
Hisahide: That is why we want you to play a part in this and become the ultimate symbol of our utopia.
Mai: So in other words, you fully intend to deceive the public?
Kanbei: You are incredibly sharp, aren't you? But we aren't deceiving them; we are simply making them believe.
Mai: If that's the case, then I have even less desire to lend you my strength.
Suddenly, Yoshiteru-sama opened his mouth to speak—
Yoshiteru: So what. Your feelings don't matter in the slightest.
(Ugh......!)
It was a completely ruthless tone, sharp enough to snap anyone's resolve.
Rikyu: It's incredibly rare for Yoshiteru to chime in like that. Did she actually catch your interest?
Kanbei: He probably didn't expect Mai to take such a thoroughly resolute stand against us.
Hisahide: As the Shogun, Yoshiteru-sama merely stated what was absolutely obvious from his position.
Hisahide: I am truly sorry, Mai-sama. However, once you come to understand our ideology, I am certain you will eventually come to sympathize with our cause.
Hisahide: Until that day comes, we will have you stay here at the palace, and as for your caretaker, I shall personally......
Kanbei: I will take responsibility for being her caretaker.
Mai: Huh...... Ah!
My arm was pulled so suddenly that I completely lost my balance, sending me tumbling straight into Kanbei-san's chest.
Rikyu: Oh? First Yoshiteru, and now even Kanbei has taken a liking to this woman?
Rikyu: Perhaps you're actually a bit of a femme fatale after all.
Mai: Please do not say such incredibly rude things!
(But being held like this is...... so completely embarrassing!)
Kanbei-san refused to let me go, narrowing his golden eyes with utter amusement.
Kanbei: I believe I am the perfect man for the job. After all, I am the one who investigated her and took her away to begin with.
Yoshiteru: You actually want to look after her......?
Kanbei: It sounds incredibly entertaining, doesn't it?
Hisahide: Fine, I understand. As long as you don't neglect your duties as our strategist, I will leave her in your care.
Rikyu: Once Kanbei gets bored of her, how about I become her caretaker next, Hisahide-chan?
Hisahide: I would sooner leave her to Saizo than trust you with the job, Rikyu.
Saizo's Voice: Eeeeek......!
(A thoroughly anguished cry echoed right from behind the folding screen......)
(But seriously, why on earth are these people so incredibly selfish?)
(Not a single one of them are even attempting to listen to what I have to say.)
A mix of sheer panic and pure frustration washing over me, I firmly pulled my body away from Kanbei-san's chest.
Mai: I-I'm telling you right now, I am absolutely not going to be easily broken by any of you.
Kanbei: You certainly are brave, aren't you? I wonder if that exact personality is how you managed to wiggle your way into Nobunaga's inner circle.
Kanbei: It makes perfect sense that people started calling you the Princess of Good Fortune, considering Nobunaga took such a liking to you that he dragged you all the way out to the battlefield, and your face was right there every single time he achieved a victory. However—
(Ugh......!)
His face closed in right before my eyes, and he lifted my chin with the tip of his folding fan—
Kanbei: Good fortune will absolutely never find its way to you now that you are entirely alone. Your reputation will simply go on existing without you.
Kanbei: Ah, but there is absolutely no need to despair. You are already surrounded by pure luck—solely because you happened to cross paths with me like this.
Kanbei: I will make sure to guide you so that the princess who brings happiness to everyone else can finally find happiness for herself, Mai.
Reflected in his golden eyes was the sight of my own pale, completely bewildered face.
—Perhaps a god who had willingly descended to the mortal realm would wear an expression just like his.
He seemed so entirely convinced of his own words that he made me think exactly that.
—
A few days after my life at the palace was forced upon me—
(I've been given a truly magnificent room, and as long as Kanbei-san is with me...... I'm completely free to wander around the estate without any restrictions.)
(The meals are incredibly luxurious, so I know I'm being treated exceptionally well.)
Even so, Kanbei-san's room was located right next door to mine—
Kanbei: Good morning, Mai.
Mai: Good morning......
The sliding doors partitioning our rooms had been completely removed, leaving me under his constant surveillance day and night.
(How long is this kind of life going to drag on for?)
No matter how exceptionally well I am treated, I absolutely refuse to accept their proposal to become the symbol of this utopia.
Even though we spent all our time together, I only exchanged the absolute bare minimum of words with Kanbei-san.
Kanbei: Mai, I'm heading out for a little bit. I expect to be back by evening, but......
Kanbei: I'm leaving a subordinate here in my place, so if you run into any trouble at all, feel free to ask him for help.
Mai: ......Understood.
Kanbei: Hehe...... This conversation feels just like we're a married couple.
Mai: Ugh, we are absolutely not a married couple.
Kanbei: Ah, yes, you're right. Shall we start out as lovers first then?
Mai: We are absolutely not starting anything!
Kanbei: You're incredibly cute when you're being this feisty.
(Oh, my goodness...... What is even the point of this conversation? I seriously only want to speak to him when it's absolutely necessary......)
Completely unbothered by my reaction, Kanbei-san gestured with his hand, and a male subordinate stepped into the room from the corridor.
After bowing deeply to see Kanbei-san off as he left the room, the man turned right around to face me.
Kanbei's Subordinate: Princess, it is an honor to be at your service. If I can be of any assistance at all, please do not hesitate to command me.
(......If I ask this person, I wonder if he'll actually give me a straight answer.)
Mai: Um, there's something I've been wanting to ask. Do you deeply respect Kanbei-san?
Kanbei's Subordinate: Huh?
Mai: You bowed so incredibly low just a moment ago, it really made it seem that way, but......
(Was I completely mistaken......?)
Though the subordinate looked a little bit surprised by my question, a soft smile appeared on his face.
Kanbei's Subordinate: Every single person who serves the Shogunate holds the utmost respect for that man.
Kanbei's Subordinate: I was previously subjected to horrific treatment by the lord I used to serve, and the local citizens were all left completely starving.
Kanbei's Subordinate: The Shogunate intervened and stripped that lord of his power, which caused a great deal of people to lose their livelihoods.
Kanbei's Subordinate: However, the Shogunate absolutely refused to abandon the citizens who had nowhere left to go.
Kanbei's Subordinate: It was Kanbei-sama, leading the charge as our strategist, who completely welcomed us into this utopia.
Kanbei's Subordinate: Everyone firmly believes that we are only able to work like this today instead of starving to death solely thanks to Kanbei-sama.
Kanbei's Subordinate: We deeply hope that you, too, will enjoy your time here in the utopia and become our Princess of Good Fortune.
Kanbei's Subordinate: This is a truly wonderful place. I am absolutely certain you won't regret it.
Mai: .........
The sheer warmth and goodwill filling his eyes made it perfectly clear that his words came straight from the heart.
(I've had all kinds of experiences myself since being warped into this war-torn era.)
(Nobunaga-sama and the other warlords completely accepted me, and together with everyone, we managed to survive the massive war against Kennyo-san.)
(Even after that, we were subjected to attacks by Kicho and Motonari's faction, and I experienced some truly terrifying days.)
Having witnessed so many different ways of life with my own eyes and ears, a specific thought crossed my mind.
—In this war-torn era, conflicts are not simply fought between pure good and absolute evil.
(Though their methods and ideologies may completely differ, both sides possess their own sense of justice, their own principles, and people who have been saved by those convictions.)
(Just because Kanbei-san kidnapped me, deciding that the people of the Shogunate are nothing but pure villains......)
(Might be completely wrong.)
.
.
.
.
.
Chapter 4
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All intellectual property belongs to Cybird. I fan translate for fun. I am not fluent in Japanese, so translations are not 100% accurate. Please expect grammatical errors. Creative liberties are taken. Re-blogs are appreciated, but please do not post my translation elsewhere, claim them as your own, or use them without my permission. Thank you for your support!
𝄞 Multi-POV
[William’s POV]
It was Ethan who told me that the first command I ever gave was, “Read, book!”
The innocent phrase “The End”, which I repeated after my mother, became a command.
And while the tragedy of forcing my mother to keep reading to me until the day she died never came to pass...…..my parents kept their distance from me after that.
Ethan: Looking back, it was like that from the very beginning.
Ethan: Even when you were isolated in the annex and treated as if you were something to be shunned, you remained steadfast.
Ethan: You were simply too intelligent, I suppose.
Ethan: Young as you were, it seemed as though you accepted the suffering, reasoning that it was because you had done something wrong.
William: I wasn't thinking about things like that. I was just a child.
Ethan: Yes, you were... a child who had only just begun to speak.
Ethan: It would have been impossible not to feel lonely. I worried about you so much back then.
William: I remember how you used to come to my room at night and keep me company.
And then one night, the words simply slipped out.
Don’t sleep, keep talking.
William: And that was when I nearly killed you.
I fell asleep partway through that night, but...Ethan kept talking, without a moment's rest.
William: When I woke up in the morning, the blood drained from my face.
William: Because there you were—having gone without food, drink, or sleep—speaking in a hoarse, voice with dark circles under your eyes.
It’s a story we can laugh about now, but back then, I panicked.
Do something!
Help him!
I barked orders at the servants one after another, throwing the entire estate into chaos.
It wasn’t until after I had spoken those words that I realized all I had to do was tell Ethan, “Stop it!”
Ethan: It was certainly a trying time, but I was happy.
Ethan: I felt that you were finally letting me stay by your side.
Ethan: …. But from that moment on, you became cautious about expressing yourself and emotions.
Ethan: Especially when it came to asking others for something.
Ethan: Hmm….Though, I suppose getting a stomachache from eating too many strawberries was an exception.
William: That was a moment when the concept of ‘too much of a good thing is bad for you’, really hit home.
Ethan: Or when you burned your tongue on hot tea.
William: I….don’t remember that.
Ethan: The sight of the Young Master sticking out his little tongue while crying was cuteness on an unprecedented scale.
William: Oh? I’m sure I’m still cute, though.
Ethan: In any case, your emotions became increasingly difficult to read.
Ethan: Like when you found evidence of your predecessor’s misdeeds, or witnessed that gruesome scene at the Butterfly’s facility…
Ethan: You still showed signs of anguish even then.
Ethan: But that lasted only until…..the passing of that friend of yours.
(Yes….)
[Flashback]
William’s Father: If you get in my way, you’ll die as a martyr, just like him.
William’s Father: You're scared of dying, aren't you? I don't want to kill you either...Do you understand?
[Flashback Ends]
Every time I recall that moment, the metallic taste of the iron gag hits the root of my tongue.
Ethan: You must have been consumed by rage, sorrow, and suffering...
Ethan: Yet you swallowed it all and made a weighty decision entirely on your own.
Ethan: To take matters into your own hands, and pass judgement upon the Butterfly and your predecessor.
Ethan: The day you returned, stained with your predecessor’s blood... you were smiling.
Ethan: Without betraying even the slightest hint of the pain that came with choosing to stain yourself with the very evil you loathed.
Ethan: Ever since then, I have remained at a loss.
Ethan: …Wondering how I might heal the pain you accept with a smile.
(Yes, I know.)
(Because, ever since I was young, you have loved me simply as…..a person.)
However, I have no intention of dragging the Rex servants—Ethan included—into this destined path.
I have made all the necessary arrangements to ensure that no harm befalls them, even if I am imprisoned, executed, or killed.
Nor do I intend to let of them step so deeply into my heart that they would choose to die alongside me.
Will uses 殉死 Junshi “to follow one’s lord into death”. So he is specifically speaking about the servants, not Kate.
William: ….I'm sorry I couldn't properly accept your love.
Ethan: I have grown used to it by now. It’s just... I deeply regret that I have no way to convey this to Lady Kate.
(To Kate….?)
I recall how Kate confessed a desire to heal me when I was suffering.
(When I heard that wish...)
(I couldn't think of a way to grant it.)
For far too long, I have accepted suffering as something to be endured.
I do not know how to be healed.
And I had no desire to be healed of the pain she brought, either.
Ethan: Sins are met with punishment. Punishment is painful. That’s the simple truth, and yet…
Ethan: I find myself wishing that, just for you, there might be a moment when punishment ceases to be punishment.
(For punishment to cease being punishment…?)
A punishment without pain.
Is something like that even possible?
(If such a moment ever comes…)
(Would I be able to grant Kate’s wish too?)
Ethan: This is... a selfish wish of mine…that your life holds more joy than suffering.
Ethan gave a soft smile, his eyes narrowing as he thought of Kate.
Ethan: That’s why, for Lady Kate’s sake, making the trip here is no trouble at all.
Ethan: After all, she is the rare soul who brought you the joy of being loved.
William: ….Yes, she has.
Honestly, there are times when I feel like I might go mad. Simply for the fact that...
William: …I’m very happy right now.
Ethan: ….I never thought I’d see the day I’d hear those words from you.
Ethan: Love truly changes a person.
William: …It certainly does.
William: Well then, let’s put sentimentality aside and get to the main subject.
William: What’s the status of the investigation I asked for?
[Kate POV - Leadenhall Market]
(Good thing I managed to get them all.)
Leaving the bookstore with the reference books Ethan recommended, I cradled in my arms.
(I did say I wanted to heal Will when he was suffering...)
(Even though I was the one who caused him pain by getting hurt myself.)
(Is it selfish of me to want to heal him after being the cause of his pain?)
For that matter, Will almost certainly doesn't want to be healed.
He will likely keep smiling right up until the moment I die in his arms, even as pain courses through his entire body.
(But still….)
My steps grow heavier, and I find myself coming to a halt when all of a sudden:
Child’s Voice: WAAAAAAAHH!!!!
Kate: !!!
Child’s Voice: I’m sorry…I’m…oh no! There’s blood…what do I do…?
(He got hurt.)
The child has a deep gash on their forehead, and bright red blood is dripping down.
It looks like they hit their head against an iron fence.
The mother, cradling the bleeding child and weeping, is in a complete panic.
Kate: It's going to be okay. Please, calm down. Let's use this handkerchief to stop the bleeding.
Child’s Mother: Y-yes... I'm so sorry... Thank you.
Kate: Dr. Barel’s clinic is nearby, I’ll take you there.
[Transitions to a Neighborhood]
Child’s Mother: I’m so, so sorry …..
The child had already stopped crying and seemed perfectly fine by the time we got there.
But the mother kept clutching the child in her trembling arms, her face pale, right up until she disappeared through the clinic doors.
(….It’s as if she were the one in pain.)
As I stood there, unable to tear my eyes away from the closed door—
Liam: They stopped crying, so they seem to be okay. That's a relief.
Kate: Eek, Liam?! What are you doing here?
Liam: It's my lunch break from rehearsal. I happened to spot you helping someone out.
Liam: I thought about lending a hand, but it turned out I didn't need to.
Liam shrugged with a friendly smile, then glanced toward the door just as I had been doing a moment before.
Liam: ….Seeing someone you care about get hurt... it's more painful than getting hurt yourself, isn't it?
Liam: Will had a look on his face I'd never seen before, too….the night you got struck in the head.
Startled, I looked up at him.
Liam: I was curious if that’s what you were thinking about. I'm sorry if it's a topic you'd rather not touch on.
Kate: No! …. I was actually just in the mood to talk to someone.
Liam: I see, well that’s good.
Then, Liam broke into a glittering smile and spread his arms wide, just as he would on stage.
Liam: Love really does change people, doesn't it!
Liam: You’ve become….so beautiful, Kate.
Liam: Whether it’s recording sins as a fairytale keeper, your work with the children’s home, or even the piano...
Liam: You’re reaching out for what you want without fear, and spreading your wings freely.
Liam: Loving someone isn’t always as picturesque as a fairytale is though, is it?
Liam: There’s plenty of messiness, pain, and heartache... but, you know...
Liam: When two people love each other, they shine so much brighter than before.…it’s dazzling.
Liam: Kate…are you glad you fell in love with Will?
I felt tears welling up, so I lifted my chin firmly.
[Answer: I’m not just glad. - +10]
Kate: I’m not just glad….
Kate: [Sniffle] Of all the choices I’ve ever made, this love….is the best decision of them all!
Liam: Ahaha, that’s terrific!
(But that’s exactly why….)
Kate: ….I just hope Will feels the same way.
I want him to be as happy as I am right now - so happy that injuries and their after effects, or even a future farewell wouldn't matter at all.
I want to fill Will with a joy so profound that it wouldn't be clouded, even if I’ve caused him pain or suffering.
(I want his joy to outweigh the suffering he experiences.)
(I want him to wish for that, too.)
Then, Liam narrowed his eyes like a mischievous cat and leaned in close to my ear.
Liam: Hey... I’ll tell you something you don't know.
Kate: …What is it?
Liam: When Will talks about you while you aren't around... he absolutely brags about you.
(Brags…?)
Liam: He’s sooo casual about it too. Does it as natural as breathing.
Liam: Actually, the other day, he was so deep in thought that when I called out to him he started boasting.
Liam: ‘Oh, I was just reflecting on the children’s home that Kate is going to found.’
Liam: ‘Kate will probably ask me to coin its name…’
Liam: Is what he said, anyway. But you haven’t asked him about it yet, right? Isn’t he a bit too confident that you love him?
Kate: Hehe... Liam, you're really good... at imitating Will.
Liam: Thanks. And you know...
Liam: The happy look Will has on his face when he talks like that….
Liam: …I’d never seen it before he met you.
Kate: …..
‘I'm sure Will feels the same way—that he's so happy he fell in love with you.’
He didn't say it aloud, but the look in Liam's eyes seemed to convey exactly that.
I gently wiped away the tiny bit of moisture welling in my eyes and smiled.
Kate: I actually was thinking of asking Will to name the children’s home.
Liam: Haha, I knew it!
Kate: Yeah, wonder how you always seem to know things like that.
Liam: Well….
Liam: Isn’t it easy to tell because William loves you so much…?
That night, Ethan headed back to Will’s townhouse.
As he was leaving, by way of apology for not having had the chance to reminisce, he whispered a secret to me.
Will tends to play the cello when he’s angry.
A few days later…..
[Transitions to an Alley Way]
Kate: This is the place..?
William: Yes, this is it.
The odd trio of Will, Jude, and Alfons had arrived at…a hookah bar tucked away in a back alley.
Jude: Weird ass joint as always.
Alfons: You’re not here to collect a debt today, so please do play nice.
Kate: Does today mean you’ve come to collect before?
Jude: He’s got the money to pay me back, he just won’t.
Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Jude swung his leg up and kicked the door open.
Jude: Feckin’ perv gets off on bein’ cornered an’ havin’ the money rang outta him.
Euren: Welcome….What?
Euren: Judeee, you came all the way here to see me~? Oh, and Al and the wittle wobin too!
Euren: Ahh, I’m sooooo happy right now~! Though I’d be even happier if you were here because you missed me ❤︎, rather than for work~?
Jude: Ugh, shut it.
Euren: Al, want the usual?
Alfons: Yes, please. Well, I just tagged along to smoke a bit, so I'll leave the rest to you.
As Alfons sprawled out, stretching his legs across the floor in a rather undignified manner, Euren deftly prepared the hookah and handed him the mouthpiece.
Euren: Be sure to bring Liam along next time, too.
Through the curling smoke, his friendly, upturned eyes crinkled into a narrow smile.
(According to the information I’d received beforehand from Victor and Will...)
(Euren is a member of Libra, but also a broker who trades information with the Crown.)
“He can't be trusted, but the accuracy of the information he provides in exchange for a deal is guaranteed.”
That was how Crown regarded Euren.
(He’s not someone to let my guard down around.….so I’ll just stay close to Will.)
William: I heard there’s been progress on the matter we discussed. Could you give me a report?
Euren: Absolutely. Let’s see…ah, right! The movements of Lesli Avaraus.
It turned out Lesli Avarus was surprisingly good at staying hidden, making his whereabouts difficult to pin down.
So Victor had enlisted the help of Euren, who was known for being well-informed.
Euren: I couldn’t pin down Lesli’s precise location as of now.
Euren: But it looks like he's scheduled to move to a townhouse in Bloomsbury in one week.
Kate: …!
Jude: How can ya know where he's movin’ to if ya don't know where he is right now, hm?
Euren: My source is confidential to protect them~ you'll have to forgive me for that.
Euren: But the intel’s solid. Here’s the address.
Will took the slip of paper, gave it a quick glance, and handed it back to Euren.
William: I’ve never doubted the accuracy of your information. Thank you.
Euren: I’m honored.
Euren tossed the paper into a lantern, reducing it to ash, then spun around to face me.
Euren: As for payment... a kiss from little robin will do just fine ♥
Kate: ….Will, what’s he talking about?
Euren: Oh, that's meeean! You've hurt my feelings.
William: Hahaha!
As I instinctively leaned closer to Will, he gently drew me in by the shoulder.
William: The reward isn’t fitting compensation.
William: It’s priceless.
Euren: Well, I suppose it’s worth more than the entire world to you, Earl Rex...Haah.
Euren: [Sniffle, sniffle]….Ugh, my hearts been broken Al~~comfort me….
Bro was really pretending to sniffle here, this was not a creative liberty lmao
Alfons: There, there you poor thing. Onto the next one.
Euren: That’s a lousy way to comfort someone~!
Jude: Did what’cha came here for, yeah? I wanna get outta here already.
Jude: And you. The useless bum who's been smokin’ the whole time, get yer ass home too.
Euren: You’re so cold! But that’s exactly what I love about you~♥
Alfons: That's harsh, considering I only just started smoking.
Jude: Tch…. Maybe I should just bury the pair of ya.
William: Kate, go ahead and step outside with them.
Kate: Oh, sure?
(Does he need to discuss something complicated with him?)
Reluctantly, I followed Jude and Alfons out of the shop.
[Neutral POV]
Euren: Wait…are you angry about the bill?! I was only joking~!
William: No, there’s just something I wanted to ask you.
William: I had someone keep an eye on Libra's British headquarters in Belgravia.
Euren: Huh! You actually did that? You should've told me~!
William: On the surface, they appear to be a perfectly ordinary charity, there were no suspicious activities.
Euren: Mhmm Mhmm…
William: However... it seems that Lucien, who came from the French headquarters, is frequently absent from the branch.
Euren: Oh?
William: Interestingly, it looks like he leaves London sometimes.
William: Does he travel by train?
Euren: ……..
Euren: Sorry, but I don’t keep track of my boss’s every move~
Euren: He's so elusive, it gives me a headache too!
William stared for a moment at Euren, who was waving his hands airily... then let out a soft sigh.
William: In that case, I'd like you to pass on a message.
William: I once said ‘you could do as you pleased if you were targeting me’…I’m taking that back.
William: If you harm Kate, I’ll show no mercy.
Euren: …..Right, I’ll get that message to him….
William: I’m counting on you. Have a lovely evening.
The shop's doorbell chimed, and silence soon returned.
Euren narrowed his eyes against the curling smoke and murmured quietly.
Euren: But if anyone’s going to cause harm…..
Euren: …It’s the little robin, isn’t it?
[Sequel Master] [Chapter VIII + Letter ]
Love how Ethan calls Will's father "predecessor," and not father. And how their relationship is further touched on here.
Oh...and you all might want to buckle up for chapter eight.
All intellectual property belongs to Cybird. I fan translate for fun. I am not fluent in Japanese, so translations are not 100% accurate. Please expect grammatical errors. Creative liberties are taken. Re-blogs are appreciated, but please do not post my translation elsewhere, claim them as your own, or use them without my permission. Thank you for your support!
𝄞 Multi-POV
[Crown Castle, Roger’s Lab, Will’s POV]
Roger: I agree with Will's assessment.
Roger: It’s highly likely to be memory impairment caused by her head trauma. Though I can't say for certain.
After returning to London, we had Kate undergo an exam prior to sending her to rest in her room -leaving only Roger, Victor, and myself behind.
William: The symptoms haven't reappeared since the second episode, though.
William: So the trouble is, it's difficult to determine if she's fully recovered.
Roger: Yeah. As I just explained to Kate, there’s really nothing we can do but keep monitoring her progress.
Roger: So….what’s your plan, Will?
Roger: As long as we're involved in Crown missions, we're constantly living on the edge of danger.
Roger: On top of that, she’s willing to give up her life protecting you.
Roger: Kate may suffer even worse injuries in the future. Are you okay with that?
William: ….If that’s what Kate wants.
At my reply, Roger roughly ruffled his hair.
Roger: You know, a normal answer would be along the lines, ‘Of course, we’re pulling her out of missions immediately.’
Roger: Haah, but it’s different for you and Kate.
Roger: Are you sure about this?
Roger: Even if she ends up broken someday?
William: Of course, I don’t want her to break either…
William: But…I love her free will. That’s all there is to it.
William: I won’t make a choice that kills Kate’s spirit.
(It was me who dragged that resolve, that inner voice out of her, after all.)
[ Series of Flashbacks to Will’s MS Begin: Ch 5, Ch 8, Ch 19 ]
William: …But you don't realize when you've been hurt?
Kate: What?
William: Your face is pale and you're trembling.
William: And yet still you won't complain or show any weakness.
William: Your eyes won't let a single tear fall.
William: That can be considered an act of self-harm, you know.
[Transitions to Almshouse]
Kate: I'm sorry...that I can’t do anything.
William: Nobody can save everyone.
Kate: What?
William: You take on everyone's emotions into your heart—so much so that you can't hold all of them.
William: It's very kind of you to feel guilty that you couldn't save them.
William: But is that all?
William: Just because you couldn't save them doesn't mean you have to kill a part of yourself, Kate.
Kate: But I…
Kate: I’m….
(The version of her trying to destroy herself from back then is no more.)
[Transitions To Kate’s Room]
Kate: I want to stay with you.
Kate: And whether the person who points a knife at you is right or wrong...
Kate: I want to protect you.
Kate: Because I love you, you and all your sins.
Kate: And if loving you is a sin.…I will face any punishment.
Kate: There's one thing I will not budge on. You will only die after I die trying to protect you.
Kate: Because then I'll be able to live happily and freely at your side until the day I die.
[Series of Flashbacks End]
The thought of confining her to a cage after blossoming so beautifully under the veil darkness—
As master of myself, it’s not something I could ever allow.
(Even if she were to get hurt because she’s standing by her convictions.)
William: Her will is her own. No one has the right to stop it.
Victor: ….I figured you’d say that.
Victor: But Will, I’m not just saying this because I care about Kate.
Victor: I’m worried about you too.
Victor: After all, there’s no way you wouldn’t suffer seeing her get hurt for your sake.
Victor’s words are, as always, overflowing with love for both her and me. I can’t help but smile.
William: Punishment involves pain, Victor.
William: And it’s something only Kate can inflict upon me.
William: I will savor every last morsel of it.
William: The anguish, the sorrow, the anger... and the despair too.
[Transitions to Staircase - Kate POV]
Will and I arrived back at the castle yesterday just as the sun was beginning to set.
After Roger examined me, I was told to go rest immediately.
So, after a hasty meal and a quick bath, I got into bed and fell asleep right away.
(I didn't get a chance to talk to Will after the check up, so I’d really like to have a word with him.)
(Hm, he wasn’t in his room. So where could he be…)
Just then, the sound of a chord being struck echoed from the direction of the ball room.
(Oh, that note...)
Kate: Will!
William: Haha, found me quite quickly.
William: To think a single chord alone would be enough to lure you out.
Kate: Well, that chord was the opening of Liebesträume, after all.
William: Indeed. That’s rather fine detective work.
I sat down lightly on the piano bench beside him.
William: …..How are you feeling?
Kate: I slept like a baby last night, so I feel completely fine.
William: Roger mentioned during yesterday's exam that a full recovery might be difficult.
Kate: Yeah. He said the medical field hasn't quite caught up yet when it comes to the brain.
William: Kate….what do you desire to do now?
You understand that something is life-threatening at the start, but your feelings may change once your life is actually in danger.
(Will always listens to what my heart is saying in the moment, just like this.)
I smiled warmly, cherishing the fact that he never changed.
[Answer: Nothing has changed - +10]
Kate: Nothing has changed.
Kate: I want to stay with you. I want to protect you.
William: ….Thank you, Kate.
William: You truly are noble and brave.
(Oh... but...)
(There is just one thing that's been weighing on my mind.)
Kate: Will….
William: Hm?
Kate: Will.….do you hate seeing me get hurt?
Watching the person you love suffer a punishment is far more painful than enduring it yourself.
Just as my heart aches terribly at the thought of Will getting hurt, I know that seeing me in danger must cause him great pain too.
(Will told me that the despair of losing me was essential to his destruction.)
(I know full well that this is exactly what Will desires.)
(But I also want to listen to the voice of Will’s heart right now.)
William: …..It goes without saying, it is painful for me to see you get hurt.
William: But my choice is the same as yours, Kate. It hasn’t changed at all.
[William quotes himself from Ch 19]
William: ‘My sweet little robin, who surrendered herself to the Self-Righteous Monarch...
William: If anyone ever appears who means to do you harm...
William: ...whether that person is righteous or not, I will use whatever means necessary...
William: ….to protect you.’
[End Quote]
(Will…)
William: By the time I’m cradling your corpse in my arms, I’ll surely be death’s door myself.
I imagine the two of us lying there, covered in blood.
Kate: …The would be a fitting end for a fairytale villain.
William: I feel the same way.
Wearing a wicked smile, Will lowers his hands to the keyboard.
But the moment he struck the keys, a discordant sound rang out.
Kate: The piano sounds like it’s out of tune…
William: How like you, to not even consider the possibility that I made a mistake.
For a moment, I saw myself reflected in that off-key piano.
(If playing it only makes the listener feel unpleasant...)
(Is it...wrong of me to wish for them to listen anyway?)
If the very desire to protect someone ends up causing them pain...
Then me holding fast to that wish….
Kate: …..We really ought to tell Victor and have a tuner come in!
I feel anxiety taking hold, so I force a cheerful tone to shake it off.
William: That’s a fine idea, but let’s save it for later.
William: It would be a waste to fix it right away.
Kate: Why would it be a waste…?
William: Because you can still enjoy the music, even with the tuning all off.
Kate: !!
William: Aren’t you interested in hearing Liebesträume on a dissonant piano?
Will tilts his head as he asks, his silver hair swaying softly.
(I’m too weak against him.)
It’s always like this. The things I shouldn't do suddenly become the right things to do.
And all it takes is a single word from your lips.
Kate: Of course, I would…
I placed my fingertips upon the keys as well.
Inharmonious tones fill the ball room, and we burst into laughter at the terrible melody.
[Transitions to the Parlour]
Victor: Alllll righty then, let's get started with Crown's briefing on House Avarus!
Jude: God yer loud.
Alfons: Ugh, tell me about it. He's making my poor hungover head pound……
Roger: Now that you mention it, you swiped that hangover cure without asking, didn't you?
Kate: Still hungover even this late in the day?
William: It's a relief to see you're still completely devoid of social decency, as usual.
As the members of Crown gathered in the parlour and traded their usual, unfiltered remarks, Harrison’s cool voice delivered the first piece of information to us.
Harrison: Here’s the list of victims from that assassination plots, orchestrated by the Queen of Hearts’ Copycat.
Harrison: Majority of the targets were British politicians, but the attempt on a French dignitary piqued my interest since it stood out as an anomaly.
Liam: So, after combing through the copycat's communications.....we found that the person who carried it out had the initials L.A.
Kate: ….'A’ as in Avarus?
Harrison: The Marquis' son is named Lesli.
Ellis: Lesli Avarus isn’t at the family estate. His whereabouts are currently unknown.
Ellis: But I did manage to track down a former maid from the Avarus household, and asked her about him from back when she was still living at the estate.
Ellis: She said he harbored a deep hatred for British society as a whole for the way it insulted his father even after his death.
Ellis: And that he’d hole up in his room, constantly plotting things.
Kate: Plotting?
Ellis: Yeah. The maid heard him say things like murder, bombings, spreading poison…..
Alfons: Goodness, Ellis. When you say it like that it sounds like you’re reading off a dinner menu.
Ellis: Thanks.
Jude: That wasn’t a compliment.
Elbert: Whether assassinating a French diplomat, or procuring a vast amount of drugs….If their objective was to take down a nation, either of those would would work.
(I get how assassinating a foreign official would turn into an international diplomatic crisis, but…)
Kate: How could you overthrow a country with drugs?
Jude: Haah, even after all ya've seen, yer still a princess at heart.
Jude: Sure, ya could use it like the Golden Butterfly, turn someone inconvenient into a vegetable and do whatever ya pleased with ‘em.
Jude: But distribute it on a larger scale, y’could bring an entire society to its knees.
Jude: An’ if the target happened to be another country, the ultimate retaliation would be war between ‘em.
Jude: ….Wouldn’t be shockin’ if the situation escalated to the point where England itself was destroyed as planned.
William: If the drugs are highly addictive and lethal, the threat level skyrockets.
Jude: In fact, a portion o’ the drugs we seized the other day…. was actually scheduled to be exported to France.
Kate: !!!
(If we hadn't managed to stop it...)
The terrifying thought sends a chill down my spine.
Alfons: By the way, isn't there a possibility that the young master Avarus holds a grudge against William?
Kate: …!
Alfons: That fiery-haired journalist, Bryan, only negated certain allegations in that published article.
Alfons: Specifically, that William being complicit with the Golden Butterfly’s crimes was false.
Alfons: The suspicion regarding the murder of the previous Lord Avarus was merely left unresolved due to a lack of evidence.
Alfons: Although it's unclear who committed the murder, William was once a suspect.
Alfons: It wouldn't be difficult for him to believe that William was his father's killer.
Roger: Huh, using the Golden Butterfly's drugs as a way to provoke William.…that sounds entirely plausible.
Alfons: I find it perfectly unpleasant when you agree with me.
Roger: I'm taking your side here, the least you could do is say thanks.
William: I can't rule out that possibility, but it’s probably not the case.
Elbert: Not the case…are you saying he doesn’t hold a grudge against you, Will?
William: As a means of personal revenge against me, it's far too roundabout.
William: Revenge is a powerfully visceral emotion. But with the mass assassinations, the vast distribution of drugs...
William: I sense something much darker and colder in the methods used this time.
William: As if it’s saying, let everything in the world perish.
And so, several days passed as we continued to track down Lesli Avarus.
Then one day, while I was spending my time peacefully with my memory fully intact, a certain someone came to visit me at Crown Castle.
William: …Ethan? Why are you in Kate’s room?
William cocked his head in puzzlement, as I exchanged a smile with Ethan, the dapper, salt and pepper-haired butler of the Rex estate.
Kate: You see, I had sent a letter asking for advice on managing the children’s home.
Knowing how busy he was, I had originally intended to handle the matter through correspondence.
But he insisted that discussing it in person would be more beneficial, and came all the way here.
That’s how we ended up sitting side by side at my desk.
William: ….I wasn’t aware of that?
Ethan: Well, you did say, ‘You’re under no obligation to report everything to me. I trust you.’
William: ….Your only flaw is that you remember everything I've said in the past and only quote it when it puts me at a disadvantage.
(WOW…this is the first time I’ve ever seen William get bested in an exchange like that!)
My already considerable respect for Ethan just grew deeper.
Kate: He has excellent managerial skills for overseeing countless staff, strict information control, and has cultivated personnel who execute their duties faithfully.
Kate: I thought Ethan would be the perfect person to learn organisational management from... and I was absolutely right!
My notebook was already filled with the wisdom he had shared with me
Ethan: You are too kind, Lady Kate.
William: If that’s the topic, then Ethan is indeed the right man to teach you.
William: But….why keep it a secret from me?
Kate: That’s because….
Kate: I had an ulterior motive. I was hoping to secretly hear stories about you when you were little.
Since Will would see right through me anyway, I decided to fess up honestly.
William: I could tell you stories about my childhood myself. There was no need to keep it a secret.
Will rarely speaks of the past.
More often than not, I have no idea what emotions he felt during the events that have come and gone.
I remember very clearly that even when he eventually told me about losing his first friend and killing his father, he spoke about it so nonchalantly, as if there had been no sadness or suffering involved at all.
Kate: I wanted to know what you looked like through other people's eyes, Will.
Kate: I wanted to know what was painful or agonizing for you, and how you overcame it.
Kate: I felt that if I knew those things, I might be able to.….heal some of your pain.
William: …….
(Like when I asked if it would hurt him to see me get hurt.)
(Will replied that it’s painful, but he didn’t look like he was hurting at all.)
(But...that’s exactly why...)
(I wanted, somehow, to share in that unseen pain of his.)
William: ….You’re so kind.
Will gently tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear.
That gesture feels far kinder, and my ear grows hot.
(Though, this probably isn't the sort of thing one wants to discuss abruptly.)
Kate: Since my attempt to find out secretly failed…I guess I’ll have to ask you again later.
Ethan: Understood. I shall certainly handle the matter discreetly.
William: Haha, this room’s full of villains.
William: Kate, I need to have a word with Ethan. May I borrow him for a moment?
Kate: Oh, in that case, I'll go buy that reference book you told me about earlier.
I quickly stand up and grab my bag to head out.
William: ……..
William: All right, be careful.
Kate: I will. See you later.
We exchange a kiss on the cheek, and I leave the room.
Ethan: …. Before we get to the main topic, shall we talk about when you were a child?
William: Even though Kate held back from digging that up?
Ethan: Why not? I found myself sympathizing with Lady Kate’s sentiments.
Ethan: ….Just how many years it’s been since you stopped pouring out your pain?
William: Well….
William: I’ve forgotten.
[Sequel Master] [Chapter VII ]
Poor Will, he's worried. I also love how MC says she wants to heal him, yet in his PR, Will specifically states he doesn't want to heal.
This translation is a transformative work of localization focused on narrative fluidity and character integrity. My goal is to accurately preserve the original cultural intent and emotional nuances while providing a natural English reading experience. This project serves as a professional archive to supplement, not replace, the official game experience; all rights belong to the original developers.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
The day after the commotion at the market—
Hideyoshi: Mai, do you have a quick second?
Mai: What's the matter, Hideyoshi-san?
I stopped in my tracks as Hideyoshi-san called out to me, his expression clouded with concern.
Hideyoshi: I received a report from the guards I assigned to you, and it looks like some kind of trouble broke out at the market yesterday.
(It already reached Hideyoshi-san's ears.)
Mai: Yeah, a fight suddenly started out of nowhere and it really startled me.
Hideyoshi: The guards were apologizing profusely, saying they were incredibly sorry for leaving you all by yourself, but......
Hideyoshi: You're really not hurt anywhere, right? Hiding it won't do you any good.
(Whoa, his eyes are completely serious.)
Faced with a deeply worried Hideyoshi-san, I frantically shook my head.
Mai: I'm perfectly fine! A merchant actually protected me.
Hideyoshi: A merchant......?
Mai: Yeah, he's a connoisseur with an amazing collection of beautiful fabrics.
Mai: ......Oh, wait. Oh no! I haven't actually paid him for the fabric yet!
(With all that chaos going on, I completely forgot about it!)
As I started to panic, Hideyoshi-san let out a bit of a strained chuckle.
Hideyoshi: You really are a hopeless case...... How much was it? I'll head out to the market right now and take care of the payment for you.
Mai: What? No way, I'll pay for it myself. Hideyoshi-san, you seriously spoil me way too much!
Hideyoshi: This is just normal behavior, isn't it? I simply want to say thank you to that merchant for keeping you safe.
(Hideyoshi-san really has such a massive big brother dynamic to him......)
(It's like he has "I want to spoil you" written completely across his face.)
(But back then, if that man hadn't stepped in to protect me, I definitely would have been hit.)
(I might have ended up with a terrible injury and made Hideyoshi-san and everyone else worry like crazy.)
Realizing all over again how reckless I had been made me feel incredibly embarrassed and deeply uncomfortable.
Mai: But that merchant said he wouldn't be at the market today because he was heading out to restock.
Mai: The next time I run into him, I'll absolutely pay him back myself and make sure to thank him for saving me one more time.
Hideyoshi: I see...... Alright. But when that time comes, you make absolute sure to take a guard with you, okay?
Hideyoshi: And if anything else happens, be sure to come talk to me about it.
Hideyoshi-san gave a warm smile and lightly patted me on the head.
(I'm so incredibly grateful that he's always looking out for me like this......)
(Instead of just appreciating it, I need to get a proper grip on myself so I don't cause him any more worry.)
Two days later—
Mai: And so, I am incredibly sorry for being so late with this. Here is the payment for the fabric.
Traveling Merchant: I suppose if I don't take this payment, you are just going to keep stressing over it forever.
Traveling Merchant: If that's the case, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to just refuse the money and enjoy the completely troubled look on your face instead.
Mai: Huh......
(I feel like he just said something completely wild with a total straight face......)
Mai: T-That is incredibly bad taste.
Traveling Merchant: I'm only joking. The truth is, I was actually hoping to use that money to commission a job from you.
(A commission......?)
The man folded his fan closed and pointed it right toward the brooch decorating my chest.
Traveling Merchant: I was wondering if you could make me a few things similar to that piece.
Traveling Merchant: I happened to mention your accessories to the owner of one of my wholesale suppliers, and they were deeply interested. What do you think?
(This sounds like a really fun project......!)
A whole bunch of designs I wanted to try making instantly popped right into my head.
Mai: If you have any specific requests regarding the shape, color, or size......
Traveling Merchant: I will leave it completely up to you.
Mai: Got it. The next time you come around, I'll make sure to bring a few samples with me for you to look at!
Traveling Merchant: ............
(Hm?)
The man rested his chin right on his propped-up knee, staring intently at me.
Mai: ......Is something wrong?
Traveling Merchant: You are so incredibly easy to read, it's adorable.
(Ugh, there he goes again, saying things like that so completely casually......)
Mai: I mean, you aren't actually praising me when you say that, are you?
Traveling Merchant: Oh? I simply said exactly what was on my mind.
Traveling Merchant: That honesty of yours—something I completely lack—is truly quite adorable.
(It feels like he's praising me, but at the exact same time, it feels like he's not......)
As I tilted my head in confusion, the man's smile deepened even further.
Traveling Merchant: Also, I forgot to mention this, but I am actually going to be leaving Azuchi for a while.
Mai: Oh...... That's so sudden.
Traveling Merchant: Yes, I shouldn't be back until about half a year from now.
Traveling Merchant: However, I am scheduled to pass through a town right near Azuchi just once, exactly ten days from now.
Traveling Merchant: Would you be able to deliver the samples you make to me then?
The name of the town the man mentioned was indeed very close to Azuchi.
(What should I do? With everything going on right now, it's probably best if I don't leave the castle grounds, but......)
Traveling Merchant: If those two are with you, I'm sure you should be able to make it out, right?
The man shifted his gaze over to where my two guards were keeping an eye on me from the shadow of a nearby building.
Mai: Alright, I understand. I'll ask if I can get permission when I head back.
Traveling Merchant: Please do. I would be deeply happy if I could see you, but I won't force you if it turns out to be too difficult.
The man didn't press the matter any further and instead began showing me the fabrics he had just finished restocking, one right after the other.
Every single piece was absolutely magnificent, and as I listened to him explain the different dyeing and weaving techniques, I ended up sharing a truly wonderful time with him.
That evening, the very day I returned from the market.
(Oh, there's Hideyoshi-san. Perfect timing.)
Hideyoshi: Mai, what's wrong? Just standing around in a place like this......
Mai: I was actually looking for you because I have something to report, Hideyoshi-san.
Mai: It's about that fabric I forgot to pay for—I went and took care of the payment properly.
Hideyoshi: I see, that's good. Good girl.
Mai: And also, um......
Hideyoshi: Hm?
(I really wanted to ask if it was okay for me to leave Azuchi, but......)
Mai: No, it's nothing at all. Thank you for always doing so much for me.
Hideyoshi: You're a strange one. Well, taking care of you is pretty much a hobby of mine anyway.
Hideyoshi: If anything is ever bothering you, you can come talk to me whenever you want.
He gave a bright, cheerful laugh, but I already knew that Hideyoshi-san was incredibly busy dealing with matters concerning the Shogunate.
Even though Nobunaga-sama had successfully unified the realm under his rule, minor rebellions were still breaking out all over the place from time to time.
In order to help settle those conflicts, Hideyoshi-san's right-hand man, Mitsunari-kun, was frequently away from Azuchi Castle as well.
(It's a shame, but I guess I'll just have to give up on it this time.)
(My only real option is to make a ton of brooch samples now and just have him look at them half a year from now instead.)
—
After that, the days completely flew by as I buried myself in my work—
(Come to think of it, today marks exactly ten days since then.)
I suddenly remembered as I was heading back to the castle after delivering a tailored kimono to a regular client.
(The kimono I delivered today was tailored using the exact fabric I bought from that traveling merchant,)
(and the client was so incredibly happy, saying it was absolutely gorgeous...... He really must be a truly exceptional connoisseur.)
..
Traveling Merchant: So make sure you don't forget to come see me.
Traveling Merchant: Because I will be waiting for you the entire time.
..
(He did say it was fine if it turned out to be too difficult, and it's not like we made an official promise, but if he really is waiting out there for me...... I'd feel terrible.)
Even though I had a perfectly good reason, a tiny bit of regret washed over me as I walked straight through the castle gates......
Guard 1: My lady, please wait just a moment.
One of the guards waiting nearby called out to stop me.
Mai: Is something the matter?
Guard 2: It seems like some kind of trouble is breaking out.
I paused and turned around, only to see a group of men completely arguing with the gatekeepers right in front of the castle gates.
(Wh-Whoa, I hope everything's okay. Those guys look like a bunch of total thugs......)
(There really are so many hot-blooded people running around everywhere in this era.)
Mai: Um...... Could you two maybe go over there and back up the gatekeepers?
Guard 1: Understood. Please make sure you stay exactly where you are.
Mai: Yes, I will.
The moment I gave them a nod, the two guards took off running straight toward the castle gates.
(There's a lot of foot traffic here, and plenty of eyes around.)
(As long as I behave myself, I'll be perfectly safe—Wait, huh?)
Right out on the street just past the castle gates, I caught sight of a figure who looked completely familiar.
(Wh-Why is that man here?)
(I'm completely sure my eyes aren't playing tricks on me.)
Because of the trouble breaking out, the man wasn't able to walk through the castle gates and was just standing there, peering inside toward me.
(Maybe he actually came all this way just to pick up the brooch samples.)
Even though I had promised to stay put, both of my guards were still standing right by the castle gates.
Mai: ............
If anything were to happen, I was close enough that I could easily shout for them and people would absolutely notice.
(I really want to apologize for not being able to go see him.)
(And I want to tell him all about how happy my client was with the kimono I made using his fabric.)
Reassuring myself that I was still well within my guards' line of sight, I decided to step right through the castle gates, planning to head back the second I finished delivering the message.
Mai: Um...... Excuse me.
Traveling Merchant: Oh? There you are. I was looking all over for you.
Mai: You really did come to see me after all. I am so incredibly sorry about before.
Traveling Merchant: I'm the one who simply showed up uninvited. I just couldn't help wanting to see your face, you see.
(Huh...... What exactly is that supposed to mean......)
My heart gave a sudden, violent thud at his completely unexpected words.
Traveling Merchant: It certainly is rowdy out here, though. Did something happen?
Mai: Yeah, it looks like some kind of argument broke out......
When I turned back around, the gatekeepers and my guards were still completely locked in an argument with those men.
Traveling Merchant: There's quite a lot of foot traffic here, so we won't be able to have a quiet chat.
Wanting to get out of everyone's way, the man took a few steps back into the shadow of a thick pillar and motioned for me to follow.
Swept up in the moment, I walked right over to his side.
Traveling Merchant: By the way, Mai, do you happen to remember those men who were rioting at the market a little while ago?
Mai: Well...... of course I do.
(......Wait, huh?)
(Did I ever actually tell this man my name......?)
The man's golden eyes caught the sunlight, gleaming even more vividly than before.
Traveling Merchant: Hehe...... Don't you think it's a bit strange that a fight has broken out nearby twice now, both times when you were with me?
Traveling Merchant: You really ought to have a bit more suspicion about things, you know.
Mai: ......!?
The very next second, a dull shock landed right against the back of my neck, and—
(......What in the world...... is this......)
Everything went completely black before my eyes, and my consciousness slipped away before I could even figure out what was happening.
Catching Mai as she collapsed forward, the traveling merchant's smile quietly deepened.
Traveling Merchant: The first time was to completely lower your guard around me. And the second time—well, that was to kidnap you.
Even though there were plenty of people around, absolutely no one noticed what was happening in the blind spot behind the pillar.
...
(My head feels so heavy...... and my body is swaying.)
Feeling a cold breeze against my cheek, my faded consciousness slowly began to drift back.
(What just happened...... Right, everything suddenly went pitch black right in front of me.)
"You really ought to have a bit more suspicion about things."
The words he told me right before I lost consciousness flashed through my mind.
(Wh-Where am I...... What in the world......)
Coming back to my senses, I forced my eyelids open, only to see the surrounding scenery blurring past us.
Mai: This is......
The exact moment I realized I was riding on a horse, a faint chuckle echoed right in my ear.
Traveling Merchant: Are you awake? You seem to be quite the sleepyhead.
Mai: ......!
Peering down into my face, the traveling merchant relaxed his mouth into a smile.
Unlike the smile he used for his business, this one was dripping with a dark, captivating charm.
(I was completely kidnapped by this man......)
Mai: Who...... who exactly are you......?
Traveling Merchant: I'm a merchant who deals in fine fabrics. You already know that, don't you?
Mai: No, tell me who you really are.
Traveling Merchant: Hehe......
Those fathomless eyes drew even closer, and—
Traveling Merchant: Some people call me the Clairvoyant, but my actual name is Kuroda Kanbei.
Kanbei: I am a strategist who works alongside the Muromachi Shogunate.
(The Muromachi Shogunate......!)
With that single phrase, the exact contents of that letter vividly flashed back into my mind.
"Hand over the princess who brings good fortune. Fail to do so, and you shall be permanently exiled from this land of Hinomoto."
(This man was working for the Shogunate's side the entire time......)
I could feel the blood completely draining from my face all at once.
Mai: Let me go!
I tried to frantically twist my body away, but the arms of the man who called himself Kanbei completely refused to allow it.
Kanbei: You might as well give up. You have absolutely zero ways to escape anymore.
Mai: Wh-Where exactly do you plan on taking me?!
Kanbei: To the "utopia" in Kyoto where the Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru, resides.
Kanbei: That is exactly why I disguised myself as a traveling merchant just to get close to you, after all.
Kanbei: You trusted me so incredibly easily when I played the part of a connoisseur, didn't you?
Kanbei: I brought up that business proposal because I knew how much you love needlework, and I'm deeply happy that it worked out so perfectly.
(It was all a complete lie......)
He had laid out a trap, lured me right into it, and completely ensnared me without anyone ever noticing.
Mai: Do you even realize what's going to happen to you if you turn the Oda army into your enemy?
Mai: I am a princess associated with the Oda clan. There is zero way Nobunaga-sama will just stay quiet about this......
Kanbei: You're the one who completely ignored the Shogun's invitation and ran away from it, aren't you?
(What......?!)
I could feel a heavy pressure vibrating from his dropped voice.
Mai: Th-That kind of completely one-sided command—it's only natural that I would refuse it!
Kanbei: But the end result remains completely unchanged. You have fallen right into our hands after all.
Kanbei: Thanks to this, we managed to completely avoid sparking a war to exile Nobunaga.
Kanbei: Well, at least for this time, that is.
It felt like an even more terrifying plot was lurking just beyond his deeply loaded words.
(I'm so scared......)
(But I have to stay calm.)
I slowly exhaled a breath to try and steady my accelerating breathing.
Mai: You said you're taking me to Kyoto. How exactly do you plan on explaining this to Nobunaga-sama?
Kanbei: Trying to pull yourself back together already? You really are working hard at this.
Mai: Please stop teasing me and just tell me.
Kanbei: I highly doubt knowing will bring you anything but pure despair, though.
Kanbei: First, you suddenly vanished without a trace, almost as if you were spirited away.
Kanbei: After that, by some strange twist of fate, members of the Shogunate happened to find you collapsed in the neighboring area and had zero choice but to take you into protective custody.
Kanbei: After all, Yoshiteru-sama had already invited you before. You ended up taking quite a liking to Kyoto and decided to stay there for a while.
Kanbei: Don't you think that's a truly straightforward storyline?
(They completely intend to lock me away and use me as a hostage.)
(What am I going to do? Because I went and mindlessly trusted this man......)
Even with the guards standing right there, if I just hadn't walked through those gates, I completely would have avoided being captured.
Kanbei: Mai, there's zero reason to blame yourself. Escaping was completely impossible for you right from the very start.
Kanbei: Because I'm the one who engineered all of this, you see.
Kanbei: There is absolutely zero chance of you ever breaking out of my calculations.
(There's no such thing as impossible. But still......)
(Somewhere deep down, I feel like he might be completely right.)
There wasn't a single shred of hesitation in Kanbei-san's words.
Even if I hadn't walked through the gates at that exact moment, I felt like he just would have captured me using some other method anyway.
Kanbei: Mai. Once you are safely in the Shogunate's custody, what do you think will happen if the Shogun sends out an official announcement to every province in Hinomoto?
Kanbei: No matter how successfully Nobunaga has unified the realm under his absolute rule, it will become incredibly difficult for him to try and take you back by raw force.
Kanbei: That is exactly how massive of an influence the "Shogun's" word truly holds.
It felt exactly like every single escape route was being meticulously closed off, one by one.
(It's like I'm completely being spun around right in the palm of this man's hand.)
Kanbei: Come now, utopia is waiting for you.
Kanbei: There is absolutely zero reason to be afraid, because I will be right there with you.
Flashing a deeply captivating smile, Kanbei-san made the horse gallop at an even faster pace.
As the powerful wind whipped completely through my hair and left it a total mess, I could do nothing but sit there in absolute daze.
.
.
.
.
.
Chapter 3
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He feigns incompetence, but he is a sly man who can skillfully use his words and feelings in any situation.
He derives joy the more cold treatment he gets.
If you want his attention, just send him flying with a kick.
⟢ ⋮ LUCIEN -> ZANE ゛༝
He is hopeless in social situations, but I can vouch for his assassination skills.
He is easy to handle since he has a clear eye for the goal.
While he is more of an outlaw, and far from obedient, when I think of how he was a stray dog before, it is rather cute.
⟢ ⋮ ZANE -> EUREN ゛༝
Annoying, a pain in the ass, and fishy.
There’s not a single good thing about that loose-lipped fraud of a broker.
⟢ ⋮ ZANE -> LUCIEN ゛༝
He’s stiff, dull, sour, and a damn strong fighter.
No one in Libra’s enough of an idiot to defy him.
⟢ ⋮ EUREN -> ZANE ゛༝
Using his strength to put a hard stop when I screw up or make a big fuss— that’s Zane for you.
His actions are a bit violent, but despite his looks he actually has his cute side—
Ah, keep that between us, okay?
If he finds out, I fear he’ll beat me into half a pulp~
⟢ ⋮ EUREN -> LUCIEN ゛༝
Lord Lucien is my superior and my most valued client.
Ahh, how I would love to steal everything from him, and see that cold look twist on his face…I jest.
That just now will be our little secret, little robi.
⟢ ⋮ WILLIAM -> LUCIEN ゛༝
I’ve met him in gatherings several times before.
He’s a man with a voice and gaze so cold, I can hardly feel any warmth.
I could get addicted to that thrill of feeling like a dagger is on the nape of my neck.
⟢ ⋮ VICTOR -> ZANE ゛༝
At first glance he may seem hard to approach, but he is actually very good at his core.
It’s just when he visited Crown, he would spit out a barrage of colorful words, you see…
I still can’t seem to recover from that time.
⟢ ⋮ JUDE -> EUREN ゛༝
Euren? Ya mean that weirdo masochist that acts like my junior just ‘cause we went to the same school?
Feel free to kick him n’ cuss him out. Bet he’ll get a real kick outta that ‘til he drools.
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!
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