What Jude scrawled at the bottom sounds like a threat, but it’s really just a gruff as a cover up.
He drew this contract up months and months ago and it’s been slumbering patiently beneath the weighted blanket of all of the various documents he’d thrown on top, to keep it carefully out of sight until the right time.
Naturally, he purchased a special jewel-encrusted pen for you to use. Some random quill for everyday run-of-the-mill chicken scratch would never do— this is too important.
The ink must be imported on special order, that’s a given. It must also be a specific shade, for this pen will be used only twice: for your engagement, and then again for your wedding.
No, wait— that’s not right. What if he builds you a villa. One with a large, pretty pond, or even a lake. He could row you out to see the full moon again, and maybe this time the two of you won’t tip the boat over like fools. That mortgage would need to be signed— the bill of sale for the row boat, too!
And…maybe if…there ever comes a time for little ones and their birth certificates…
Ah, see. He knew he was right not to just select the best of his everyday quills. This custom order is going farther than he realized.
Will you, one day, notice that the ink matches his eyes? Will you ever guess that the beautiful jeweled pen could never shine as brightly as you do, to his heart?
One thing is for sure, he’s going to get a kick out of waiting for you to notice this contract hanging in full view, in three separate places: his office, his library nook, and in his bedroom.
Sure, he makes everyone sign everything in triplicate, but no one would expect what they signed to be framed and mixed in with all of his diplomas and certificates, proudly displayed in a place of pride.
He’ll keep this to himself, his own little secret, until the day your curiosity gets the better of you. Then all of England will hear him laugh.
It wouldn’t be a bitter laugh. Those days are over. He wouldn’t laugh at your expense, either. This laughter would feel freeing, like a release— hey, ya just now noticed this thing I’ve put up for all the world t’see? What a near-sighted bird!
He can’t even remember how to smile cynically anymore. Who even was that version of himself? Look at him now, saving up for layaway happiness.
Jude loves himself a crisp, freshly signed contract, and he loves when people adhere to what’s laid out within one even more.
What he loves best, though, is the quiet assurance this thin sheet of paper gives him:
I’m here.
I’m still alive, and I don’t have to feel guilty for surviving.
I have hope for my future, and someone to share that future with.
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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!
𝜗𝜚 transcript below ↓
🧜♀️ EUREN:
Hi, hellooo! I’d happily come wherever you may beckon me!
We fit together like two peas in a perfect pod, dare I say. Do we have a date?
No need to worry yourself.
I’ll love you so much, you won’t be able to think of anyone but me— and then I’ll take you away.
🥀 ZANE:
Don’t talk to me. What a pain in the ass.
Do you seriously like me that much? Geez.
Hey, you, be sure to keep up the pace.
Heh, don’t go showing that foolish look to others.
❄️ LUCIEN:
Are you the one who called me?
Haa…manners are beyond you, I see. Do you not even have an ounce of restraint?
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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!
𝜗𝜚 cw — brief mentions of self-harm and drugs, strangulation.
[BLACK]
My eyes felt all too heavy.
[EYES OPEN → VOGEL SHIP - BLUE ROOM - NIGHT]
(Where am I…)
I slowly opened my eyes to find myself lying on the bed in an unfamiliar room.
(My body…feels heavy.)
Fatigue hit my whole body, I put energy into hoisting my body up.
I went off the bed and tried to stand…but my legs felt weak, and I could barely walk.
(I was made to smell something when I got captured…is it because of whatever that is?)
I leaned against the wall, recalling the events from before I lost consciousness, when all of a sudden from out the window—
Kate: Wha…
[OCEAN - NIGHT]
I saw the ocean— stretching out endlessly in all directions.
(—We're on the sea!?)
Leaning against the window and once again looking out, I confirmed that the only thing really stretching out before me was the night sea.
At some point I realized the ground was swaying somewhat…when the door flew open.
[VOGEL SHIP - BLUE ROOM - NIGHT]
Nica: Ah, you're up. Hi hii, Spatzi.
Kate: Nica…Ring…
Nica: Whoa, you sure seen better days. Is the drug still in your system?
Nica pulled on my arm, bringing me back to the bed.
Kate: Where is this, what happened…
Ring: We're on a boat that Germany's military uses, and you were brought here by Dari.
Ring closed the door and sat on a nearby chair.
Nica: He had said he was going to get Crown and bring them here, so imagine my surprise when he brought a robin back here instead.
Nica sat beside me on the bed, letting out a troubled sigh.
Nica: Say, did you hear what went down during the joint practice?
Kate: Just that England's navy attacked Germany's boat, and that there were fatalities…
Nica: Yep, the cannonball England used ended up hitting Germany's ship.
——Narration——
[LONDON - BEACH SHORE - DAY]
According to Nica, the cannonball that England launched had hit Germany's ship, which was in its direct trajectory,
which then resulted in deaths.
Thankfully help came quickly, so the casualties were kept to a minimum,
but even so, chaos ensued from the some tens of deaths that came out of it.
[LONDON - PORT - DAY]
Victor, along with England's military, tried to calm the situation down.
That said, Germany wasn't inclined to listen…
——End narration——
[VOGEL SHIP - BLUE ROOM - NIGHT]
Nica: And the higher ups in there were all speaking up like, "So this is a declaration of war against Germany."
Nica: So a war's on the verge of breaking out now. Pretty bad, huh.
Nica: At any rate, both countries are out at sea glaring at each other as we speak.
Nica: And this ship is a part of that too.
(Wow, so all that happened…)
I was at a loss for words, when all of a sudden I remembered when I had suspected Darius before I lost consciousness.
Kate: So did Darius have anything to do with this too…?
Nica blinked at my words before giving a wry smile.
Nica: So you'd think, right? I did too. But at least this time, he didn't do anything.
Kate: Huh…
Nica looked over at Ring, who continued from there with a troubled look.
Ring: The one who took the wheel on England's ship ended up getting sniped in the head right before.
Kate: —!?
Ring: It was because of that the trajectory was off, and the cannonball ended up hitting Germany's ship instead.
Ring: Dari never made such orders. It was probably the work of someone else, who wanted to break down the relationship between both countries.
(So, it isn't…Darius' fault…)
That made me somewhat relieved, although right after a new doubt bubbled up.
Kate: But then, who was responsible for that?
The twins exchanged a look.
Nica: …Someone who probably wanted to bring a leaning "scale" back to the center.
Kate: Huh?
Nica: Nothing. Anyway, Germany wasn't behind the assassination.
Nica: If anything, we're the victims. I think whoever was the assassin wanted to push the responsibility on us though.
(Who would do such a thing…)
It seemed the two knew something…but they didn't indulge me in any more.
Ring: …Dari had intended from the start to capture Crown during the joint practice.
Nica: But the fiasco that went down during the practice was all unplanned.
Nica's words…made me regret that I had doubted Darius even more.
(But, thinking on all the things he did up until now, it really couldn't be helped…)
Even so, though, I was the one who said I wanted him to believe me, only for me to doubt him directly.
I felt guilty not being able to believe in Darius as I gripped my skirt.
Nica, unable to continue watching, lightly poked my hand.
Nica: Even so, to think Dari would give up on Cursed ones to bring you instead. (˵ ¬ᴗ¬˵)
Nica: Just what sort of tricks did you have up your sleeve, huh?
Kate: That…
I filled the two in on what happened, and while Ring blinked, Nica started laughing while holding his stomach.
Nica: AHAHA— oh, you're really something else, Spatzi! To do all that to Dari—
Ring: I'm impressed you're still okay. Because, well, because it's Dari, I thought…
Kate: …I also thought it wouldn't work out.
I didn't think Darius would fall for me putting my life on the line,
but I purposely held onto hope, and I just went for it.
But, when Darius put a Cursed one and my life on a scale, he ended up choosing me.
The situation wasn't so ideal, but that truth made me so happy…my lips fell into a smile.
Nica: … (O_O)
Nica: Spatzi, you…
Kate: Yes, what is it?
Man's voice: Apologies for interrupting, but Mister Nica, may I have a bit of your time?
Just then, I heard a voice calling out to Nica from outside.
Nica: Actually, it's nothing. See you later~
Nica never finished what he was about to say as he left the room.
Ring stayed, looking a tad awkward.
Kate: …What happened to Crown?
His expression shifted at my words into something more earnest as he started speaking.
Ring: The three who got attacked are fine. I heard none got injured.
Ring: It's just Vogel got heavily rebuked for what happened to them, so that's why we are away from the palace.
Ring: And while this goes without saying…how relations will go is beyond us.
Hearing the three were fine, I felt relieved when, at the next moment—
I realized the bridge between Crown and Vogel had long been burnt.
(The things that Vogel…or rather, Darius did would not be forgiven.)
But even so, I didn't know what to do to improve the situation.
Ring: So I think Crown won't be able to point fingers at us or lay a hand on us.
Kate: What do you mean by that?
Ring pointed at me.
Ring: Because you became a hostage.
Kate: Huh…?
Ring averted his gaze at my surprise to stare out the window, only moving his mouth.
Ring: When Dari brought you here, this is what he said—
Ring: "If you intervene with what Vogel does, I'll kill her."
Ring: So they didn't make any move. Because…they really care for you.
When I put the knife to my neck, I thought this was all I could do to stop Darius' actions.
(I couldn't do anything but bet my own life for the three's release…)
With a look of slight guilt, Ring stood up.
Ring: We told Crown that you're doing fine for the most part.
Ring: But whether you're let go…depends on Dari.
Ring left the room after Nica…leaving me in the room, staring dazedly at the closed door.
I felt my whole body go pale as a wave of regret hit me.
Kate: …It's my fault.
[BLACK]
The moment those words came out of my mouth, tears were on the verge of falling.
——Flashback——
[CROWN CASTLE - FOREST - DAY]
Darius: So, do you have what it takes to be my pet for life?
When I put the knife to my neck, that was what Darius asked me.
Kate: —Yes. I do.
At that time I had been lost in the moment, so I nodded, thinking if I hesitated in answering for even a moment, he would take the three away.
But…
Darius: Even if I kill you on a whim? Even if I continue saying I can't believe you until you die?
Darius: You might be treated like a tool in bed; your body and heart might break from "comforting" many humans.
Darius: Even then, are you saying you would sacrifice yourself to protect them?
——End flashback——
[VOGEL SHIP - BLUE ROOM - NIGHT]
Thinking back on it now, I might have made the wrong choice.
And if this was the result of that…oh, how foolish I must have been.
(It's just as Darius said.)
Just as he had often said, humans were foolish creatures, and I came to belatedly realize now that I was yet another one of those.
(And it's because everyone cares for me…that they couldn't do anything.)
We had only been together for a month, but Crown had treated me well.
And I, too, had fun spending time with them…perhaps I shouldn't have grown as close to them as I did.
I had taken action to save the three, and yet as a result I had ended up causing trouble to them.
(Was everything I did a mistake…)
I felt guilt, regret, and helplessness close in on me.
Even so, though, Darius remained in my mind's eye—
[BLACK]
Darius had chosen my life; he chose not to throw it away.
That truth made my heart race, even in the worst situation, but at the same time I felt my guilt intensify.
[VOGEL SHIP - BLUE ROOM - NIGHT]
I felt happy, and yet the lack of control I had pained me as I let out a sigh.
All of a sudden, my head raised at the sudden loud sound I heard.
(Wait what, what was that sound!?)
It sounded like someone was hitting a wall, and as it came closer, I—
[1] Pretend to sleep.
[2] Grab a chair to fight back.
[3] Call out. (+4/+4)
Kate: I-is someone there?
??? (Darius): …
Kate: …Darius, is that you?
??? (Darius): …Ugh, you're so annoying, could you not say my name right now? I'm beyond frustrated.
The door opened with force— and there he stood, looking at me with a cold gaze.
Darius: It's your fault all my plans fell apart.
Seeing that quiet expression filled with rage, I was on the verge of backing away, but I somehow managed to hold back the urge and call out his name.
Kate: Darius.
He couldn't conceal his irritation, and hearing his name made his expression more severe.
Darius: I don't remember ever giving you permission to speak. Ahh, but I can allow it, if you don't use any human words.
Darius: See, just like your oh-so-beloved robin. How about you chirp and twitter pii, pii too?
Darius: I'll just kill you the moment I think you're getting noisy though.
I then saw the twins from behind Darius.
I held onto a small hope that they would help me out of this,
but Nica raised both his hands with a light smile before grabbing Ring's arm and leaving.
(They ran away…!)
Darius, who saw me looking at a different place, shot a glare my way.
Darius: And where do you think you're looking? I'm literally right in front of you.
Kate: Ah…um, you know, behind you…
Darius: Yeah, where the twins were. And what of it? Even if they were there, what reason is that to look away from me?
He walked straight toward me before grabbing my cheeks.
Kate: —!
Darius: Look at me. I'm the one who's talking to you now.
His words seemed to contain some obsession, and while that scared me, it also made my heart race—
Kate: …I've always looked at nobody but you.
I stared back at Darius' honey-colored eyes, and after furrowing his brows, he looked fed up.
Darius: No, that's not what I'm saying. Don't bother buttering up to me either.
Kate: I wasn't really trying to do that.
Darius: You're on the sea with nowhere to run, taken here as a hostage, in a ship with nobody but strangers.
Darius: And yet you seem to happily wag your tail at finding me…that's just weird.
(W-weird, he says…)
I was a little shocked, but Darius continued.
Darius: Ahh, but that shallow mindset would probably be fitting of a human.
Darius: I mean, you thought nobody would lay a hand on you, did you?
Kate: What, no…
Darius: No matter what happens to you, Crown won't come. In this boat, no matter what happens, they'll never come to know.
Darius: So unless it's life-threatening, there's no problem whatever you end up going through, now is there?
Darius: After all, you were the one who nodded along to being my pet for life.
His hand that had grabbed my chin slipped down to grab my neck.
[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]
Kate: —!
With a bright smile, Darius put his other hand on the ribbon of my blouse.
Darius: And that would include if you got disgraced to the fullest, if you had a mental breakdown, or if you were unable to move again.
Darius: If the owner wishes for it, the pet has no choice but to obey.
And then, the hand around my neck tightened.
Darius: Since it's all your fault that everything fell apart.
Team snow white (+Kate) doodles - practicing with art styles, trying to find a simpler style so I can try my hand at a few mini comics. This ended up more detailed than I planned.
We have finally reached the end of this exciting adventure.
It has been a long journey with you, but admire the superb creations of our students.
Take the hand in the mirror, the one that will guide your steps
Don't delve too deeply into your blot-tinted mind.
Pre-orders are waiting for you, yes, you.
If a question crosses your mind~or issue~, don't listen to the blot; trust your teachers in the comments or by email.
TWISTED WONDERLAND OVERBLOT ZINE ~ PRE-ORDERS
“Mod Note: The Stretch Goals will be attained for every order made on the physical bundles of the zine! So even if you just buy the physical book solo, or single character merch, you are still able to get the stretch goal merch!
If you want to round out your collection, or perhaps share with a friend, you would need to buy the full bundle, plus an extra purchase. By doing this you will obtain the full set of pins, so you will have no worries if you don’t get your preferred pin in our pin gacha. If you are unable to do so, have no fear, you would just wait until post-production for our leftovers store!”
"Mod Note 2 : Since it's only the pre-orders, all the merch will take time before being shipped out !"
Thank you all for supporting us throughout this amazing project !
As the Social Media Mod, I was very happy to deliver every post ! Hope you liked them and hope you'll like what our students made for the zine !!
kaledo-art
origamiaround
theartofmadeline
areudirty
