꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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 from the surprise bag 2026 story set sale. victor and darius body swap .ᐟ cw — near sexual assault.
[PALACE - STUDY ROOM - DAY]
Darius (Victor): Wowie! To think I had looked this stunningly dapper!
As Victor, who was in Darius' body, cracked a joke…
Victor (Darius): Ugh, this is the worst, out of literally all the people to switch with…
Victor (Darius): Why couldn't I have been the one to switch with William? Because by now I would've—
…Darius continued to grumble complaints.
(So, Darius and his never-seen-before excitement is Victor…)
(And Victor, who seemed so irritated it was hard to believe, is Darius…?)
As I looked between the two I tried to wrap my head around the situation…but it was a struggle.
Darius (Victor): Being stuck like this forever wouldn't be so good now.
At his words, Darius grabbed his shoulder and shook him.
Victor (Darius): I will not tolerate that one bit. Bring me back to normal right now. Isn't there some way to undo this?
Darius (Victor): Well, last time this happened because of Roger, but this time is different so I'm not sure. Ahh, and stop shaking me around if you could~!
Victor's neck wobbled back and forth as he let out a helpless plea.
Seeing that, Darius made a disgusted face before letting go.
Victor (Darius): Could you not make such a pathetic face with my body? I'm getting embarrassed just looking at you.
Darius (Victor): Then don't do something so violent…
Victor started to make a show of crying, making him look more pitiable, so in a panic I rubbed his shoulder.
Kate: I-it'll be alright, Victor. I'm sure things will turn out okay!
Darius (Victor): (╥﹏╥)…Kate…
Victor (Darius): And like I said before, stop with that fake crying to pull on her heartstrings, and stop with that shrewdness.
Perhaps at the peak of his irritation, Darius grabbed a pair of scissors nearby.
Victor (Darius): If you're going to keep going with that, then I got ideas of my own.
Darius (Victor): W-wait, don't tell me…are you planning to cut my beautiful, luscious hair!?
Darius grabbed his long hair, purposely moving the scissors closer and snipping them.
Victor (Darius): I hear you go through grueling care every single day to grow out this hair of yours.
Victor (Darius): And as for me, I happen to love it the most— the moment I destroy something that took so much time and effort.
Darius (Victor): N-no, stop this! If you do such a thing nobody will recognize me anymore!
Kate: Even with short hair I would still recognize you…but still, don't cut his hair!
I snatched the scissors in a panic, to which Darius looked fed up with it all as he sat in a chair.
Victor (Darius): Out of all days, why today…
Victor followed suit, and facing each other, they grabbed their heads.
And I was in between, hiding the scissors behind my back.
Kate: Is something going on today?
The two looked at each other.
Victor (Darius) & Darius (Victor): A party.
——Narration——
[PALACE - BALL ROOM - NIGHT]
Tonight, there were plans for Victor and Darius to attend the party that would be held in the palace.
It was for the nobles of England and visitors of other countries to gather,
with the goal of exchanging both politics and culture.
And thus, naturally the Queen's Aide and the director of Vogel would be expected to attend…
——End narration——
[PALACE - STUDY ROOM - DAY]
(They switched on such an important day…!?)
There was still time before the party started, but there was no way to tell if they'd return to normal by then.
Victor (Darius): I don't suppose we can just say we're not going to attend.
Darius (Victor): Highly doubtful. Aside from you, I most definitely have to be there.
Victor (Darius): So basically, I can't avoid this because I'm in your body…oh well.
Darius let out a resigned sigh before straightening his posture a bit.
Victor (Darius): We've got no choice but to cooperate and act each other out until the party ends.
Darius (Victor): It would probably spell out more trouble if we spilled the truth…so yes, just for a few hours, we can only hide it.
The conversation settled nicely, and just when I let out a sigh of relief—
Victor (Darius): Ahh, and you participate too.
Kate: Huh?
Darius suddenly pointed at me, and gave a broad smile at my surprise.
Victor (Darius): I was thinking of doling out the role of supporting us as we've swapped.
Victor (Darius): And besides…since you're so good-natured, you would never just leave us to our own devices, now would you?
When I looked at Victor…he made an apologetic face before dipping his head.
Darius (Victor): If you're alright with it, of course, would you be willing to cooperate with us?
To my right I felt pressure and my left a pleading look, and unable to reject them, I gave a firm nod.
Kate: Leave it to me. I'll support you two!
[BLACK]
Thus, the mission to hide Victor and Darius' swap kicked off.
[PALACE - INNER CORRIDOR - DAY]
We decided to hold a strategic meeting in an inconspicuous place,
and so we were heading toward Victor's office…or that was the plan.
Darius (Victor): Huh, is Darius not here?
All of a sudden we couldn't see Darius anywhere, so we went back the way we came in a panic.
And that was when I saw a long, black-haired man surrounded by people…
Victor (Darius): Hey, you there. Come bring some snacks to my office later. The ones from Germany, of course.
Victor (Darius): You can leave this check in Darius Vogel's room. It's money straight from my pocket.
Victor (Darius): I'll be taking this document, thank you. About palace security? No need for that much. Let's loosen that up more.
Victor (Darius): Oh, it's already been decided? …Hmm, so you have objections to my word. Then as of today, you're fire— mmgh—
I covered Darius' mouth in haste before saying a lie.
Kate: H-he's just been so busy with work, he's hardly had time to sleep! He looks quite tired, doesn't he!
When I said that, Victor grabbed Darius in a Nelson hold.
Victor (Darius): Wha—
Darius (Victor): My goodness, Victor, that just won't do! You said you were going to take a sound nap until the party, didn't you?
Darius (Victor): Come on now, off we go. And to all of you guys, what he said was all a joke so just forget about it!! Until next time!
While pulling a resistant Darius, we left the corridor.
Kate: You were trying to stir up trouble in Victor's body, weren't you…?
Victor (Darius): I was just having a bit of fun. It's just they kept reaching out to me, and it got to be annoying, so…
Victor (Darius): I was thinking of firing them all, in succession, that's all.
Darius (Victor): Oh, no, I definitely can not leave you alone! I'm taking you like this!
[BLACK]
After that, Darius tried to do more bad things in Victor's body,
which caused both me and Victor to hold our heads in our hands, but—
[PALACE - BALL ROOM - NIGHT]
Victor (Darius): Thank you very much for your hard work. Allow me to express my gratitude, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.
Darius (Victor): Ahh, thanks for taking care of that matter. I think you did a pretty good job with it.
(T-they're perfect…)
At the party venue, I watched the two's backs.
Just a few hours before, I was left wondering if things would really be any semblance of alright, but now the two were acting each other out perfectly.
And even I, who knew the two were swapped, couldn't help but wonder if they had really swapped at all.
(A lot of things went on…but I feel at this rate the party will end safely.)
Just then, I noticed Victor drop a glove, so I picked it up and gave it to him.
Kate: Vi— D-Darius, here, you dropped this.
Darius (Victor): Thank you.
As he took back the glove, his hand touched mine.
When he did, Victor's eyes widened, and he stiffened in surprise.
(Is something the matter?)
But before I could question him, an attendee came up and started talking with him.
(Will I get in the way if I stay?)
[BLACK]
I left the venue and decided to go the balcony for some fresh air.
[PALACE - BALCONY - NIGHT]
As the night breeze hit me, I looked out, when I heard someone's footsteps approaching me.
England parliament member: Pardon, would you happen to be an acquaintance of the Queen's Aide and that guest from Germany?
The man who suddenly called out to me was a parliament member I had seen countless times before in the palace.
Kate: …Is there anything you need from me?
The man gradually closed the distance between us, while I stepped back, raising my guard.
When I did, the man looked me up and down before he sneered as if looking down on me.
England parliament member: I had heard you were a mere commoner, but did you butter up to them using your womanly wiles?
Kate: Wha—
England parliament member: How about you give me a taste of that too? From a commoner woman.
My back hit a wall, leaving me with no room to escape.
The man wore a vulgar smile as he reached out towward me, when—
Darius (Victor): Your ability's incredible. I really could see the future.
Victor (Darius): Don't just use it on your own. But, well, since it could prevent the future where Kate got assaulted, I guess in the end it was for the better.
The two came in the balcony, shooting the man with cold gazes.
England parliament member: Ah, t-this isn't what you think it is!
The man jumped, his attitude shifting in an instant, but…the two had no intention of letting this go.
Darius (Victor): Her Majesty the Queen has caught wind that you embezzled government funds and made money through illegal means, you see.
Darius (Victor): We've received orders to condemn you as soon as possible, as our country has no need for those who dabble in illegal activities.
I looked over at Darius in surprise, to which he gave a beaming smile.
Victor (Darius): Not only that, your fiancée's father was aiming for a well-known affluent person from Germany to advance himself in the political sphere.
Victor (Darius): You allegedly gave the embezzled money to your father-in-law, and by making him into a political figure, you were promised compensation in turn.
England parliament member: H-how did you…
While the man was at a loss of words, I ran over to the two of them.
Darius (Victor): I've been told that your relatives here in England have been detained. As will your fiancée's family in Germany.
Victor (Darius): You've nowhere to run anymore now.
The two hid me behind their backs and exchanged a look— before they gave a bright smile.
Victor (Darius) & Darius (Victor): "Now then, it's time for judgment." "Now then, it's time for a purge."
[BLACK → PALACE - BALL ROOM - NIGHT]
After the man was judged, I returned to the dance hall with the two.
It would seem Victor had conducted fraud investigations before,
and Darius, too, had investigated his fiancée's family and was thinking of purging them.
Although the two were going to judge him after the party,
Darius' ability had coincidentally activated when he took the glove,
which caused Victor to see a future where I got assaulted by that man.
And so they moved their plan up, choosing to judge him in the venue.
(A lot of things piled up, but it's good things turned out well in the end…)
Now, if the two could go back to normal, then all's well that ends well. Just when I thought this, two hands reached out to me.
Darius (Victor): Now then, with that problem out of the way, may I ask for a dance, Kate, now that we're here?
Victor (Darius): I'll be the one to dance with Kate. Come on now, take my hand now.
Kate: W-what!?
I stood there troubled, and with smiles on their faces their shoulders pushed against each other's.
Darius (Victor): You do know this is a party organized by England, Darius.
Victor (Darius): And don't you think the guests should be prioritized here then?
As an argument started to brew between them, I tried to stop them in a panic by taking a step forward, but—
Kate: You guys, please sto— ah.
I stepped on my dress, causing my body to keel forward.
The two leaned in to save me, but then that caused them to bump their heads.
[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]
Darius: Ouch—
Victor: —! (O_O)
Kate: Are you guys alright!?
I reached out to the two of them, raising my head in haste.
But the two blinked repeatedly before looking down at their own bodies—
Victor: Wait, could it be…
Darius: We're back to normal?
Kate: Whaaat!?
(So you're telling me they went back to normal because their heads bumped together!?)
I blinked, unable to conceal my sirprise, but I patted my chest in relief at this strange situation finally having come to an end.
Kate: With this it's case closed…
Victor and Darius stared at one another before smiling my way—
Victor: Then, once again, let us dance together!
Darius: That's not happening, since you will be dancing with me.
The once again said what they had said before, and I ended up bursting into laughter.
(I feel like these two might actually be quite similar.)
I took both of their hands, a corner of my lips raising.
Kate: Let us do a three-way dance!
[NIGHT SKY]
After that, apparently Victor got treated with more caution from the servants,
while Darius had been reached out to more often…
[BLACK]
So it would be safe to say that the harmful effects of the swapping lasted for quite a while thereafter.
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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 ikévil elections general collection bonus. story touch feature included .ᐟ
[PALACE - DINING ROOM - DAY]
Kate: C-could it be I'm gaining an ability of my own…?
Harrison: No, we can't fully rule out the possibility something abnormal happened to Liam and Alfons.
Roger: Or rather, that seems like the more likely case. Do you guys remember ingesting any strong drugs, booze, or something other?
Alfons: Oh, please, you speak as though we normally dabble into these shady things.
Liam: I can't think of anything that could cause this, at least. I didn't go on a night outing with Al either.
Darius: Can't you just test it with other people? Go on now, try and touch me.
[TOUCH: DARIUS' CHEEK]
Kate: Wah…ah, Darius, your cheeks are so soft…
Nica: You must be pretty bold if those are the first thoughts that pop up in your head.
Ring: So Dari's cheeks are soft…I didn't know that…
Darius: Mm… (︶︿︺)
Kate: H-how is it…?
Darius: ……I don't know, so could you touch me more?
Jude: Ain't no way you're sayin' "I don't know" while gettin' all chummy with her. I bet you're lyin' through your arse.
Victor: Hold please! Coercing Kate to touch you against her will is forbidden within the palace walls!
Nica: But, with this at least we know Kate's pretty much the cause of all this, yeah?
Ring: Yeah…I can't imagine Dari's the type to turn strange from things like drugs or alcohol.
Kate: R-really…are you guys teasing me?
Ellis: Hey, Kate…could I get some touches?
Kate: Uh, now that it's come to this, we've got no choice but to repeat the test. So, sure! Where do you want to be touched!?
Roger: That response doesn't have a drop of appeal.
Alfons: Talk about desperate.
Ellis: Umm…then, how about my chin?
Kate: Okay then, don't mind if I do.
[TOUCH: ELLIS' CHIN]
Ellis: Mn…hehe, ahh…it really does feel good.
Ellis: Why is that, I wonder…when touched like this, it's like Kate's becoming the only thing I see…
Kate: …Hehe, you're like a cat. Well, if you were a cat, you probably would be purring right about now though.
Ellis: Mm…I'm head over heels (♡´ ꒳ `♡)…
Ring: H-he's purring "I'm head over heels" now…!!! [1]
Harrison: What do you mean by "purring"? That's a human you're talking to.
Kate: Hands, head, cheeks, chin…so does that mean no matter where I touch, it makes the other feel good and become head over heels…?
Elbert: …So what does "head over heels" feel like?
Kate: Would you like me to try it on you, too, Elbert? Using my newfound ability…
Jude: Oy, she's really gettin' into this.
William: It's great that it's lively here.
Kate: Then, how about we take this opportunity to test if touching through clothing has the same effect?
Kate: I can touch around your chest. …Is that alright with you?
[TOUCH: ELBERT'S CHEST]
Elbert: …I do not feel much, I suppose.
Victor: So is that to say there's no effect on clothed areas?
Elbert: If that's the case…could you try touching my skin?
Kate: Alright then…how is this?
[TOUCH: ELBERT'S NECK]
Elbert: …! (O_O) Mm…ahh…if it's to the bare skin, it seems effective.
Elbert: …It feels good…so this is what "head over heels" is like…
Kate: I'm not sure why…but I feel like I'm doing something naughty…
Elbert: It's alright. …Don't hold back.
Harrison: Hey, hey, so I'm going to stop you right there. Don't go stripping down here.
Nica: Maybe he spent so much time with the shameless mirror man he got influenced?
Alfons: Well, that feeling's not lost on me. It's the kind of pleasure that becomes addictive after getting a taste of it, after all.
Darius: To make whoever you touch head over heels, that's like a Cursed ability in and of itself.
Kate: No way…so I've become Cursed!?
Jude: No way it's that simple.
Roger: While the cause is uncertain, it would seem the lil lady's hands have the ability to charm us.
Roger: Now, whether this only works on Cursed ones or not isn't certain…but it seems like something worth researching, isn't it?
Liam: Aha— Roger's eyes look serious.
Harrison: …This'll spell out trouble. I can feel it.
Roger: So, I'll be asking for everyone's cooperation to look into its cause and effects.
t. b. c ⸝⸝
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NOTES:
[1] Kate, Ellis, and Ring's lines rely on onomatopoeia, which — if you know anything about — is an extremely versatile device in Japanese that English simply can't capture well: Japanese onomatopoeia includes things like feelings and sensations as well, rather than purely auditory words. Kate uses the auditory word [ごろごろ] (goro-goro) to describe a cat's purring, to which Ellis responds with the titular [めろめろ] (mero-mero); this translates to the feeling of being "head over heels" among other definitions, e.g. being spellbound, emotionally far gone, etc. So, in parallel to a cat [ごろごろ]-ing, Ellis is [めろめろ]-ing. But because Ring's response, and Harrison's by extension, still treats [めろめろ] as an auditory onomatopoeia, rather than an emotional state, it starts to fall apart in English. Anyhow, the more actual or literal translation of his line would be something like "The [ごろごろ] turned into [めろめろ]…!!!" which would then explain Harrison's "that's a human you're talking about, [not a cat purring]."
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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 obtainable at level 3X of the event (i forgot) .ᐟ cw — mention of drugs, roofie attempt, misogynistic behavior.
——Noble's POV——
[BALLROOM - NIGHT]
I was the third son of a noble family, a devil-may-care playboy…or half of that at best.
My appearance was pretty normal, but my two older brothers had such good faces, I may as well have been a shadow.
Social standing wise, our family was on the better end. That said, things like succession were not of much importance.
Those noble ladies who only cared for looks and money wouldn't bother with someone like me.
And that was why I decided to use a weapon.
I would gift some liquor with a little drug mixed in, and I would let off steam when the noble ladies felt aroused.
With how shitty life was, I'd at least be excused of this much, wouldn't I.
(And so, tonight's target is this woman here.)
I had her drink a cocktail just a little bit ago with the drug mixed in, so the effects were probably getting to her little by little now.
Third son: Hey, you're Kate, aren't you? This party is getting rather boring, huh…what do you say we do something better together?
Kate: …And what is "something better"?
(Ohhh, she's so cute!)
(With how serious and earnest she looks, there's something pretty sexy about her.)
Third son: Say, haven't you felt in that mood for a while now?
Kate: That mood…?
Third son: Ahh, maybe you don't know? Don't you worry, I'll tell you every little thing about it. Come on over.
When I grabbed her wrist and pulled on it, the woman came along just like that, her step unsteady from the alcohol and drug.
[BLACK]
(All good, looks like tonight's going to be fun.)
[BEDROOM - NIGHT]
Kate: Aaahh! I'm being assaulted! Heeelp! ( ╹ -╹)
Third son: —Hey, you, quit shouting! Or wait, what's with that flat tone!?
When I brought her to a room, I didn't even have time to push her down when she suddenly started shouting.
(What's going on!? There's no way she can speak so clearly after intaking that drug…!)
Third son: Dammit— you, shut your mouth!
??? (Alfons): Now, now, could I trouble you not to touch her further? Not with such filthy hands.
Third son: Ahh—!?
Raven haired man: Unfortunately that lady over there hasn't drunk a drop of that drug, you see.
Third son: What!?
All of a sudden, a man with a face my brothers couldn't hold a candle to appeared before me.
As I was panicking, at some point Kate had slipped away to a place I couldn't reach.
Kate: We know about the evil things you've been doing using this here.
Third son: What do you mean "this"…ahh! My drug!
(Kate looks cute while proud like this too…wait, no!)
(W-who even is this guy anyway…!)
Kate: If you value your life, then surrender yourself, apologize to all the victims, with compensation!
Third son: Why should I care! They're the ones who let their guard down!
Third son: And besides, they all looked turned on! They did, to me! And you were trying to seduce me with that revealing dress too, weren't you!
Raven haired man: Well, I'll be, is that true, Kate? Quite the mean thing to do, having an affair.
Kate: N-no, I wasn't having an affair! Don't just trust whatever the criminal says!
Raven haired man: Is that so? Ahh, that said, if you feel unfulfilled in such a way then that would fall on my shoulders.
Kate: Ah— Alfons, what are you…we can't, in such a place…
(W-why are they making out right in front of me!?)
It would seem the woman I had my eye on was smitten by this man whose face said, "Yes, I am playing. So what?"
To hell with that bull! Just how unfair can this world get!!
Third son: Dammit…!
Though I bit my lip in frustration, I escaped in the midst of the situation— or, was about to.
Raven haired man: Whoops, my apologies.
Third son: Waahh!!?
I tripped over the man's ridiculously long foot that had extended out, causing me to take a glorious fall.
Raven haired man: Did you really think you could run away? Even though you tried to play with my adorable Kate?
With a forced smile plastered on his face and me on the floor, he stepped in between my legs.
Raven haired man: To think you can't feel any pleasure without relying on drugs, what an incredibly crude fellow you are, no?
As he stared pitifully in between my crotch, I felt blood boiling in my head.
Third son: H-how am I crude, huh! What can you say, those women also gasp and moan in pleasure too!
Third son: And what about you? You've got a pretty face and act all prim and proper, but you can't completely hide how lowly you are, can you?
Third son: Of course you'd be a sleazebag when you also deceive Kate on a whim and just play around—
[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]
Before I could finish, my cheek got slapped with a clapping sound.
Kate: Alfons isn't someone who would hurt women just to fulfill his own desires. Unlike yourself.
Third son: Wha…!
(What, why…what's so different between this guy and me…!)
Tears of frustration wetted my eyes at having been slapped by a cute, sexy woman.
[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]
Third son: Shit— you son of a bitch! Guagh—!?
As I spat out a barrage of insults out of desperation, this time a kick came plunging down.
Raven haired man: Calling her a "bitch" as you lacked anything better to say is going far, wouldn't you say?
Kate: That one just now looked quite painful.
Raven haired man: As it should be. And while we're at it, how about we bind him with a rope and drown him in the River Thames?
Kate: Of course not, we have to give him to the authorities! So we can get this person stripped of all their property and compensate the victims.
The two seemed to be polar opposites, and yet also perfectly in sync as they closed in from either side of me, leaving me pathetically backing away.
(T-these two…are bad news. They're definitely not normal!)
(I shouldn't have laid my hands on her…!)
Raven haired man: Hmm, well then…
Raven haired man: Well then, what say you to castrating this thing here, the cause of all evil?
Kate: That…might be good, actually.
Third son: S-STOOOP—!!
[WHITE]
—My consciousness cut off then.
And then I made a vow. That when I woke up, if my thing was still in tact, I would atone for all my sins—
——Kate's POV——
[RIVER THAMES - NIGHT]
Kate: He ended up fainting with his mouth foaming, huh.
Alfons: I reckon this world would be a better place had we actually castrated him though.
After we brought him over to the authorities, Alfons and I walked through the night city.
Then, suddenly, Alfons' gloved hand cupped mine.
Alfons: Your heroism truly knows no bounds, for you to slap him on my behalf.
Kate: That goes for you, too. I was happy you got mad on mine.
I intertwined my fingers with his, and Alfons gently returned the gesture.
The reason I hadn't felt any sense of danger tonight was because I trusted him.
If it was Alfons, he would never let any harm come my way.
(If I'm together with him, any situation can turn into a fun comedy.)
With a small tug on his hand, Alfons stopped in his tracks.
I straightened my posture before planting a kiss on his cheek.
Kate: I love you, Alfons.
Alfons: …Hehe.
Alfons: Let's head back quickly now.
Kate: Goodness, isn't this the time you should say, "I love you too"?
Alfons: Ahha! I know you know that's hardly within my character.
Alfons: So in place of whispering words of pure love— I'll do something that'll work much better than any medicine, okay?
With a more than happy smile, and a kiss from him…
[BLACK]
My pouting lips very soon formed into a smile as well.
Fin
alfons sylvatica — a letter written in the middle of the night .
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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 ikévil elections general collection bonus. story touch feature included .ᐟ
[CROWN CASTLE FOREST - NIGHT]
To "treat" someone is to extend a hand [1] to heal any wounds or pains,
and it's said to be done largely on instinct.
A touch from a palm exuded warmth, and that alone would mysteriously bring about physical changes.
[BLACK]
Indeed, they could bring about surprising changes—
[PALACE - DINING ROOM - DAY]
Victor: And that's why I called you guys here: to do something about this mountain of LOVE to you guys!
Before us on the dining table was filled with letters and present boxes to the point the tablecloth couldn't be seen underneath.
All the called-in members of both Crown and Vogel, plus myself, were rendered speechless in a moment.
Kate: W-what's going on here…?
William: The cold has been spreading fast within the post responsible for sending mail from the palace to Crown Castle…
Liam: …so the letters and gifts addressed to us piled up over at the palace.
Harrison: And apparently Victor was so swamped he didn't find out until now.
As the three explained the situation, Victor nodded along next to them.
Kate: Um, I may be wrong…but could it be the sender of these letters think you guys reside at the palace?
Roger: That can't be. We have a dummy address.
Roger: The packages and letters delivered there then go through the palace before making their way to Crown Castle.
Ellis: It wouldn't be fun if they found out about Crown's existence, and that we work for it, after all.
Kate: I see, so there was such a process…and that resulted in them stacking at the palace.
Jude: Tch, so they're shirkin' on their work. What sorta post goes on break all at once?
Elbert: It must be a bad cold…I hope they recover soon.
Alfons: And so, that brings us here, to deal with this sheer all-out-war.
Victor: Right as can be. I was thinking it would be a positively fun blast if we all cleaned this up together!
Nica: With all of us gathered here? Isn't that counterproductive?
Ring: I-I don't know…I thought it wasn't a bad idea to have a positively fun blast…
Darius: Well, I don't normally do this sort of busywork under any and all circumstances…but if William's here I guess that would be a different story.
Darius: I'm pretty curious about the senders what they're giving and all.
William: A heart full of curiosity is a fine thing to have. Well then, shall we start?
With that, everyone started sorting through the mail.
Using what we had at our disposal to find the recipient, we dropped them into boxes with the respective name.
—The work was going smoothly, and just like that some hours passed.
Liam: Hey, Kate, could hand me the envelope over there?
Kate: Ah— alright. Hm? There's something in your hair, Liam.
Liam: Oh, really? Maybe it's something from the mail. …Around here?
Kate: Just a little up…ahh, it got even more tangled. If you don't mind, I could take it off?
Liam: Ahh, sorry then. Could you?
[TOUCH: LIAM'S HAIR]
Liam: Wah—!? (O_O)
Kate: Huh!?
It happened the moment my fingers touched his hair and started combing, trying to get whatever was in it off.
The room, which had been buzzing, fell into silence moments after the sweet voice reverberated.
Jude: …What was that just now?
Liam: S-sorry. It's just I felt my heart skip a beat or something when she touched me…
Jude: The hell?
Victor: Is…is it the season of love!?
Ring: I-it is!?
Harrison: Yeah, no, I don't think so.
Kate: H-have I become incredibly skilled with my hands all of a sudden, or…?
Jude: Ya only touched 'im fer a moment. Where'd that bucket load o' confidence come from?
Alfons: Why, things are getting quite interesting now. Miss Kate, go on and touch me too. ( ᵔ ᗜ ᵔ )
Alfons: I can give you my two cents on your technique and whatnot, as a seasoned veteran.
Roger: He's really into this idea.
Elbert: It seemed he was growing bored from the sorting work, so…
Alfons: Now, now, touch me any- and everywhere.
Kate: Well then, excuse me…
[TOUCH: ALFONS' EAR/TEMPLE]
Alfons: …Mm.
Alfons: Ah…ahh…I see now…?
Darius: What in the world am I looking at? Can I go back now?
William: Going back and leaving such a strange, amusing situation behind would be quite a waste, though, wouldn't you say?
Roger: I thought they started gasping as an exaggerated act…but those reactions give more credibility.
Alfons: I can for one affirm that for some reason it feels…really…good.
Liam: Right, right!? You know, like…feeling all head over heels and all.
Alfons: Indeed. It's like the tension leaves my body when she touched me…like becoming meek from pleasure…if I had to say.
Ring: M-meek…from pleasure…!?
Nica: Ring, don't go getting a nosebleed now.
Jude: This has got to be an act.
Elbert: No, the way Al reacted…
Harrison: Yeah. I'm about to say something frightening, but—
Harrison: None of them are lying.
Kate: Huh…
Everyone: WHAAAAAT!?
t. b. c ⸝⸝
masterlist 💄 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍 ┊ backlog 🕰️
────────୨ৎ────────
❧ COMMISSIONED BY @palehorsebinky !
NOTES:
[1] Some of the nuance here is that the word for "treat (v.)" (i.e. a wound) in Japanese, [手当] (te-ate), contains two words, [手] (te), which means "hand", and [当てる] (ateru), which means to apply or put. So, in Japanese, they are saying [手当] comes from applying your hands to heal, and hence, "to treat" in English. This doesn't translate well between languages though (I did try to look into the etymology of "to treat" which could function as a sort of equivalent to what they had in Japanese, but the wording came out a bit awkward) so I'm opting to explain here instead.
hii friends! quick update that i plan on taking around a week or so off of darius main story before starting on his blind love branch 🙇🏻♀️ so i would say you can expect darius blind love chptr 21 anywhere from JUNE 2~5.
the two big reasons for this is: 1. i want to focus on taking care of some stuff thats been sitting in backlog and catch up a bit at least on that respect (so i will still put out tls), and 2. i don’t wanna burn myself out too much 🙂↕️👍 ty for your understanding!
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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 — awkwardly translated smut; mdni.
[BLACK]
Darius Vogel was a clingy devil.
[VOGEL BASE - MEETING ROOM]
Darius: And as for this incident—
In Vogel's strategic base, I was participating in the meeting.
In the midst of a serious discussion, Nica was looking my way from where he was sitting across, a grin plastered on his face,
while Ring seemed more anxious in contrast: looking here before averting his eyes, rinse and repeat.
Kate: Um…
Darius: Yes, what is it? Was there something you didn't get?
Kate: No, it's not exactly that…
Unable to bear this atmosphere any longer— I finally grabbed Darius' cheeks and voiced my objection.
Kate: Could you please let me down now…!?
Darius held me in his arms as I sat on his knees as the meeting progressed, and in response his brows furrowed for a moment.
——Flashback——
[PALACE - INNER CORRIDOR - DAY]
A few months had passed since I had covered for Darius and gotten injured.
Ever since then, he…had become very clingy.
Darius: I don't remember ever giving you permission to go out yourself.
Kate: Huh— I was just going to take a small stroll…but I'm sorry.
[PALACE - DARIUS' ROOM - MORNING]
Darius: Why're you getting out of bed…? I never allowed that.
Kate: I just wanted some water…but, sorry?
[LONDON - CITY STREET - DAY]
Darius: I said this before, didn't I? I don't remember allowing you to go off on your—
Kate: You do know I only let go of your hand for a moment, right!? See, aren't I right by your side!?
——End flashback——
[VOGEL BASE - MEETING ROOM]
…So on and so forth. I couldn't even count the times Darius had scolded me.
He was probably scared I would again injure myself at some point when he took his eyes off of me.
So, I did understand he was anxious…
(But at the very least, it would be alright to not be this attached to the hip during a meeting, right…?)
Darius: …Wow, so you're talking back to me?
Kate: I wouldn't exactly say that…but I was just thinking it was a bit strange to be so close together when we're not alone…
I was sitting atop his knees, his arms bounding me in place. The twins, looking at me with sympathetic eyes, stood up.
Nica: Well, looks like the meeting's over now, so we'll just be on our way.
Ring: Yeah. Um…so don't worry and be as close as you want.
Irritating the devil's mood would lead to trouble.
The twins knew that well, and so they left in haste.
Darius: That would take care of the "not being alone" part, so if you have any other gripes, I'll be listening.
As Darius wore a somewhat triumphant look, I let out a sigh and wrapped my arms around his neck.
Kate: As long as we're alone, I'm all good. It's just, I get embarrassed when others are also around…
Darius: Why though? Lovers are meant to be by each other's sides, right? (O_O)
Darius: And besides, if we touch each other in public, that would mean all the less scoundrels trying to get in between us.
Darius: This is the quickest way to let others know that you're mine.
It would apparently seem that he didn't find a single thing bad about this as he once again wrapped his arms around me and brought me closer.
Darius: That, and if we show off this far, you wouldn't be able to fool around with others or run away.
Kate: Not that I ever would do those things.
Darius: It's not about if you would or wouldn't do those things. I only care about eliminating the possibility at all.
His hand pulled up my skirt, all the while stroking my thigh.
My body twisted from the ticklish feelings, when his fingers stroked between my legs.
Kate: Eek…ngh…
I couldn't stop a moan from spilling, which seemed to satisfy Darius.
Darius: But I'll be sure to train you well so that you can't feel satisfied with anyone but myself, so I figure there'd be no use running anyhow.
His nails fondled with my sensitive area through my undergarments, causing a sweet pleasure to spread within me.
Kate: W-wait a minu…nghh—
I tried to stop Darius in a panic, but he didn't grant any respite as he stole my lips.
His tongue pushed into my mouth, very easily intertwining my tongue with his.
I tried my best to resist, but his body didn't respond in the slightest,
leaving me with little choice but to succumb to the melting kiss.
(We shouldn't do such things in a place like this…yet…)
The kisses rendered me breathless, and the sensation of the area between my legs grew more soaked…
Through my thin vision, I could see honey-colored eyes filled with desire—
[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]
Kate: —!!
And at that moment, I felt my stomach throb, and my entire body shot up from pleasure.
Darius, having realized I had come undone, took off his gloves, slipped my undergarments off, and buried his finger inside my entrance.
Darius: I don't remember ever teaching you to come just from being looked at…where oh where did you learn such a thing?
Kate: Who else is there…but you…!
Darius: Mhm, I figured. If you had brought up anyone other than me, even as a joke, I'd never forgive you for life.
Kate: Mm…!?
He made me keep the hem of my skirt in my mouth, and I found myself kneeling on the couch.
As he stared at my now-exposed entrance, he started to move his finger inside me with a look of ecstasy.
Darius: Look at you, already a mess from just one finger in you. To think this excited for more.
Kate: Mm—
Though my mouth was about to let go of the skirt, he threw me a warning look.
And so, while trying my very hardest to keep my skirt in my mouth, I placed my hand on his shoulders and endured the pleasure.
Seeing me in such a state, Darius' smile was laced with mischief as he suddenly put more fingers inside and started to thrust.
[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]
Kate: Mmh— ahh!!
An obscene sound resounded in the room, and the moment my head went blank— my mouth let go of my skirt.
Kate: Ah…ahh…
My knees were trembling as the nectar trickled down to the sofa.
(It got dirty…)
My eyes grew teary from the embarrassment, when a knock sounded at the door—
Nica: Hi, sorry, I forgot a document. Or are you guys getting busy in there?
Kate: —!
I covered my mouth with a start, but then Darius' erect heat pressed against my entrance.
(—What are you…)
He placed his index finger on his lips, silently instructing me to keep quiet, and my inadvertently widened in response.
(Are you kidding me!?)
He didn't show any signs of stopping even when I resisted, and I was left with no choice but to bear him entering inside.
Kate: …!
His heat slowly pushed in and spread my folds, and as the tingling pleasure ran through me I desperately covered my mouth.
But— the moment it hit the deepest part inside, a rather immodest voice came out from my lips.
Kate: Ngahh…
Nica probably picked up on it, too, because he went silent from the other side of the door for a moment before he let out a fed-up sigh.
Nica: Yeah, you guys are getting real busy. Which is fine, I don't really care, but just don't dirty my documents.
Kate: —!
Nica: Ah, and make sure to ventilate properly too. Well, have fun, guys~
The footsteps grew more distant, until there was no presence outside.
And I— was so embarrassed I could die here from it.
(This is exactly why I didn't want to do it here…!)
I covered my face, half in tears, when Darius said in a cold voice—
Darius: …I'm sure I told you to keep quiet.
[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]
Kate: And whose fault do you think that— ahh—!?
He lifted my waist all of a sudden, but then he brought it back down full force, penetrating into the deepest part as if breaking through.
The strong wave of pleasure that suddenly hit me caused my whole body to tremble uncontrollably and bend back.
As I came undone, Darius threw off his shirt before grabbing my waist and thrusting inside over and over.
Kate: Noo…sto…ngh!!
Darius: I can't believe you just let a man other than me hear that voice of yours.
An obscene, wet sound resounded in the room.
Darius was obviously angry as he paid no mind to whatever I had to say.
He treated me like a doll, rendering me nothing but a panting mess on top of his knees.
Darius: It's punishment for you. Since you're…such a bad girl, Kate.
Kate: Ahh—!
I came who knew how much, his heat pushing in again and again.
From my periphery I could see the sofa become dirtied from one or both of our fluids,
but with all reason out the window…I couldn't think about anything as I leaned my body into his.
Kate: I…I can't anymore…
At my words Darius laid me on the sofa, grabbed both my legs, and lifted my bottom.
I averted my eyes from embarrassment at the full view of where we were connected, but then he once again thrust inside.
Darius: Take a good look. Your part here's such a mess I can't put it in, and yet you still want me.
Kate: Noo…
The nectar that spilled from my entrance trickled down my stomach to my belly button.
That warmth made my body tremble, causing my to squeeze around his heat on instinct…
Darius: Oh, my hopeless lover, so lewd, weak to pleasure, and can't even keep her voice in.
[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]
Kate: Ahh—
I felt pressure in my whole body, and together with pain a striking pleasure shot through me.
Darius held me tight as my body trembled, smiling happily before giving me a kiss.
Darius: And I must have really gone crazy too, seeing how mad I am for you like this.
[BLACK]
I didn't remember what happened after that.
But when I came to, I was on the bed, sleeping in the arms of the devil whose sleeping face looked like an angel's.
[VOGEL BASE - MEETING ROOM]
And then, the following day—
Ring: You changed the sofa?
Darius: Mhm, I didn't like the other one, so I threw it out.
—The dirtied sofa was replaced with a new one.
Ring: It looks like this one you bought is bigger than before, and the color's different too.
Darius: I figured the more space, the better. And, any stains that get on it won't stand out with this color.
Darius was talking with Ring, throwing a meaningful smile my way.
Darius: Isn't that right, Kate? (⁀ᗢ⁀)
[BLACK]
From then on, whenever I sat on that sofa— I would end up remembering the events of that day.
mad love epilogue — a request for the “i love you” service .
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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!
🗝️🤍 25 (MadLove) His Side story ⸝ unlock with 6 keys to his heart 𝜗𝜚 cw — slight religion mentions.
——Darius' POV——
[BLACK]
Owls will live with its mate for life.
Their mate will basically never change, and they live in a warm nest together with but one of its kind, and together they will die.
That nest is warm and comfortable, and the female owl, unbeknownst to it, is protected from many outside enemies.
[PALACE - BEDROOM - EVENING]
The ability that should have been a gift bestowed by God…couldn't even save the one I held the most dear.
Darius: I'll never forgive you if you die like this without even opening your eyes.
You were the one who changed me, taught me what love was, and yet—
Darius: Don't leave me…not without taking responsibility for changing me.
I would never be able to forgive her if she continued sleeping without opening her eyes and leaving me behind.
If she died like this, I really would invade England, just as I had said.
I'd destroy every place Kate held dear, every thing, every person, all of it—
I genuinely thought to erase any and all traces of the world she had lived in.
She was the one who made me realize that feeling called loneliness, and what a person's warmth felt like, and yet for her to just leave this world would just be shirking accountability.
(To hell with this power blessed by God.)
If I couldn't even save the things I held dear when it mattered, such a power was meaningless.
But, I was sure that this was also a result of my being late in realizing what was important to me.
If only I had realized sooner, if only I had accepted her sooner…
Such a future wouldn't have come and yet— I had made a mistake.
While struck with despair, it felt like the time waiting for a single person to wake up stretched for an eternity…
[WHITE]
And— it seemed I wouldn't be able to forget the events of that day.
[CARRIAGE INTERIOR - DAY]
I boarded a carriage, heading for the apartment Kate lived in.
(She's probably still cleaning.)
Quite some time had passed since Kate woke up.
Her wounds had healed, and she was going to start her new life as Vogel's fairytale keeper,
so she felt she should cut her lease with the apartment she lived at and went to clean things up.
I had wanted to come along, too, but then some troublesome work got in the way,
and so under the condition that we meet as soon as she was finished and that many guards accompanied her, I let her go to her apartment.
(I did tell her that I couldn't see any future, and even if something did happen I would kill them all, so it should be fine.)
(But still, I can't relax when I'm away from her.)
Ever since Kate had gotten injured, I ended up thinking that someday she may end up leaving me,
so I had come to feel anxiety from not being able to see her.
Anybody could kill her; she was just a human without any power or influence to her name.
Ever since I realized my feelings for her, that truth had scared me, not knowing what to do.
I had gone crazy to the point I couldn't feel calm without seeing her in my line of sight.
(This is also all Kate's fault.)
I also sacrificed a lot myself to be together with her.
——Flashback——
[PALACE - VICTOR'S OFFICE - MONOCHROME]
I was questioned for the incidents regarding kidnapping attempt on Crown and taking Kate hostage,
and upon being told I was forbidden from entering England for life and that I wouldn't be able to see Kate, I was on the verge of anger.
But I ended up donating information on Cursed ones that Vogel had gathered along with a part of our private assets to Crown.
And, upon revealing my origins, Crown let it go, and I was able to officially get her.
[LONDON CITY - BIRD'S EYE VIEW - MONOCHROME]
But as we were in England, Crown was keeping even more of a watchful eye than before,
and I was even told that if, by some chance, Kate got hurt, they would immediately chase me out of the country.
——End flashback——
[CARRIAGE INTERIOR - DAY]
(They're mixing personal and business matters way too much.)
I knew that Kate was Crown's favorite, but I didn't think it was to this extent.
That was why I had to sacrifice a lot myself to get her…but I haven't told her that.
If she knew everything and felt even the least bit moved by Crown's care for her,
I felt I would never be able to forgive her for god knew how many years, so I kept quiet about it for my own sake too.
(…I want to see her soon.)
We had only met in the morning, and we even spent the night together, but I still wanted to see her face so badly I could hardly bear it.
This, too, I blamed on Kate teaching me what love was.
(And besides, who can say if she's having some affair while we're apart?)
Even now, I wasn't able to believe in all of her words or her feelings.
And that was exactly why I wanted to be by her side, so she could make me believe when I couldn't.
Kate likely knew why I was the way I was with her, but nevertheless she didn't say anything and seemed to content to accept me.
[LONDON - CITY STREET - DAY]
I arrived in front of her apartment, and when I came out from the carriage, I saw there was one guard there, organizing the luggage.
Darius: Where's Kate?
Vogel guard: Miss Kate had departed for the palace a little while ago now.
Darius: Isn't it a bit early for that? Did she already finish?
Vogel guard: Yes. She felt that you would be worried, Lord Darius, so she was in quite a rush to return.
(So, I came late.)
[CARRIAGE INTERIOR - DAY]
I could only return to the carriage, I told the coach to return to the palace.
But on the way, I saw a familiar carriage parked in front of the church—
(…There's no way.)
[BLACK → WHITE CHURCH - NAVE - DAY]
I stopped the carriage and entered the church— and just as I thought, Kate was sitting on the staircase, staring up at the stained glass.
Darius: To think while your dear lover was waiting, you went and took a detour. What a mean thing to do.
In response, she smiled and spread her arms, calling out my name.
Kate: Darius.
And, me being me, her word alone was enough for me to forgive her selfish actions.
(I really am in love with you like a fool.)
Kate was a wicked one, too, knowing that if she did this I would end up forgiving her.
Unable to help it, I turned my back to her and sat several stairs down from her, and she wrapped her arms around me from behind in an embrace.
Darius: What were you looking at?
Kate: The stained glass. And how pretty it looks…
Darius: Ohh…
The heartbeat I could feel through my back beat its study pulse.
Relieved at her being alive, I looked upwards as well as she gently ran her hand through my hair.
Kate: I really like your hair, you know.
Kate: It feels soft and fluffy…like a sheep…
I narrowed my eyes from the comforting sensation, before she said something where I couldn't tell if it was praise or not.
Darius: Are you sure that was a compliment?
Kate: Of course it is!? I like your hair very much!
Darius: So you just like my hair? (¬⤙¬ )
A tad frustrated, I grabbed her hand. And Kate gave me a smile and pressed her forehead with mine.
Kate: Oh, no, I love everything about you. In fact, I fear words alone wouldn't be able to express how much I love you.
Darius: Love… (O_O)
That word reminded me of the fate I had never told, and I averted my eyes.
Darius: I…can't say "I love you" to you.
Kate: Huh…
Darius: My fate— it's "if I say 'I love you' to the one I love from my heart, I will die."
Kate: —!
Darius: Words of love are a poison that will kill me.
Darius: So, as long as I don't think to end my life…I probably won't be able to ever say these words to you.
I somewhat felt I just had to say that,
perhaps because I had come to realize, somewhere in my heart, that my "I love you" was no longer empty.
What should have been nothing but empty words seemed to be filled with color whenever they came from Kate, and Kate alone.
I had learned just how beautiful those words could be— how a single phrase could make the world seem so vibrant.
(And that's exactly why, if I ever return those words to you…)
I thought that I would probably end up dying from that. But for some reason, Kate smiled.
Kate: …Then, in place of "love," give me a lot of "I like you"s.
She went on about some "I love you" service, and finding that as foolish as it was adorable, I couldn't help but laugh.
(You truly are a strange woman.)
But as for me, who would never let go of this strange woman for life and would protect her to the end like a mate,
I couldn't say much, seeing how I was just as crazy.
(We're like two peas in a pod in that way.)
[CG - CONTENT WITH "I LOVE YOU" - DARIUS VOGEL]
Darius: You were the one who made me realize this feeling called "loneliness," so take responsibility and stay by my side.
In the pure white church, my partner smiled like the Virgin Mary, whispering countless words of love.
[CG PAN]
Kate: I love you, Darius.
There was surely not a drop of a lie or falsehood in those words, and when I had her say it on my behalf as well, I closed my eyes.
[BLACK]
—If it was with you, even this mad love could continue for eternity.
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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 mention of suicide, verbal threats of violence.
[WHITE CHURCH - NAVE - DAY]
If life were a fairy tale, becoming happy would be an easy thing.
—Simply do not fall into the hands of a devil.
If I had accumulated good deeds, poured out love and affection, never forgot kindness, lived every day in harmony…
Perhaps, my life would be just like that of a fairy tale: tied to the person I loved with a happily ever after.
No gaudy lifestyles, no life taken, nothing of the sort...
Indeed, my life could have perhaps been ordinary, peaceful, warm…with the one I loved.
[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE → WHITE CHURCH - BLOODIED NAVE - NIGHT]
But— I had fallen in love with a devil.
[KATE'S APARTMENT - DAY]
(Okay, is that everything?)
I gathered my belongings in my apartment, handing them to the worker who was in front of my room.
When I turned to the foot of the stairs outside my window, I could see my things being piled up one after another in a carriage.
Kate: I guess this is goodbye to this room…
I put my hands on my waist, my fingertips touched a certain place on my backside.
When I lifted my blouse, looking at my back through the full-length mirror,
there was the wound from that day, which had closed up and now left but a small scab in its wake.
(This will probably calm Darius down too.)
I placed the dress that was right next to the mirror on my body before spinning around.
Kate: Mhm, this one's better for setting off.
I started changing while humming a tune.
[BLUE SKY]
I thought back to what had happened up until the wound closed.
——Flashback——
[PALACE - BEDROOM - DAY]
By the time I opened my eyes, the issues between both countries were approaching a solution.
The ones who carried out the assassination of that soldier from England were survivors of the Nox Liberator party,
with the goal of worsening Her Majesty the Queen's standing by instigating an international problem.
Darius: It seems they thought if a war had broken out, the flames would just grow bigger, which would then lead to the Queen's ruin.
England offered their deepest apologies for getting them caught up in their own problems, and they brought judgment down on Nox Liberator.
Meanwhile it seemed Germany didn't seem very satisfied with just that, but it looked like Darius was able to settle things.
Darius: The military has quite a bit of debt, you see. So just a bit of talking and they'll move exactly as I tell them to.
And so, the tensions between both countries ebbed, and the case in question was brought to a close.
That said, Darius was convinced that the ones behind the assassination were not just the survivors of Nox Liberator.
Darius: There's no way a human would be able to land a direct hit to the head at that distance. There's someone else who actually carried it out.
[BLACK]
Victor had said that Crown also shared the same sentiment, and as such they were conducting follow-up investigations on this case.
But at any rate, at the very least they were able to avert the dangers of a war outbreak.
[CROWN CASTLE - CORRIDOR - DAY]
And Vogel, who had come to deepen relations, was once again allowed to stay in the palace.
I had thought they would be completely driven out, so to me this was surprising news to hear.
Victor: Darius talked to us about various things, so I approved their stay in England.
Victor: Well, that said, the other Crown members didn't seem very happy about that…
Other than Victor and William, the other Crown members were against their stay, their caution heightening even more.
But placing them where they could see would allow them to be immediately dealt with,
so it became a matter of keeping a close eye on them.
[BLACK]
As for me, I successfully completed my term as Crown's fairytale keeper, and now I had become Vogel's fairytale keeper.
Needless to say, Crown wasn't the most agreeable to this…
[CROWN CASTLE - DINING ROOM - DAY]
Victor: As long as you're in England, Crown will continue watching over you. That was the condition we imposed to allow this.
(Wait, that's it?)
As I stared in a daze, Nica whispered in my ear.
Nica: You see, apparently word on the wind is Darius paid a lot of things so he could have you, Spatzi.
Kate: Wha—
Darius: Nica, don't say anything you don't need to.
It would seem there were some various things that went on behind the scenes…but Darius wouldn't tell me what exactly those were, even now.
He would insist, "You don't need to know."
But…
Darius: From now on, no matter what happens, she'll be my fairytale keeper, so I'd really appreciate it if you don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong, okay?
Roger: Oy, I really suggest you get away from this guy.
Alfons: I can now understand well the feelings of parents who object to their daughter's wedding…
Jude: This is bullcrap.
[BLACK]
Darius putting pressure in his smile and drawing in criticism was fresh in my memory.
[GERMANY - PALACE - DAY]
And with that, he had been back in Germany until two weeks ago.
Apparently, he had gone back to put down any opposing forces and put pressure on the emperor.
Nica: He didn't kill the emperor, but well, let's just say he went through a lot.
Nica: He's just sitting on the throne, mentally broken and a husk of his former self. Now he's basically a doll that listens to what Dari says.
[NIGHT SKY]
And as for Luca, who had been restrained, it seemed he had taken his own life after returning to Germany.
Darius, who had returned, seemed a little sad at the news, but other than that, he never touched upon the subject again.
——End flashback——
[LONDON - CITY STREET - DAY]
I changed into the dress and went outside.
The weather was sunny, befitting of the start of a new life as Vogel's fairytale keeper.
As I looked up for a while at the blue skies, the sound of the clock bell rang, bringing me back to reality.
Kate: Ah, I've got to go quickly, or Darius will get mad again.
——Flashback——
[PALACE - DARIUS' ROOM - DAY]
Ever since I had gotten injured, Darius had become abnormally clingy.
At any rate he just stays by my side, and when we couldn't be together long, he would bury his face in my chest and never let me go.
No matter where I would go, he would ask who I was going with and at what time I would return in detail,
but to be honest, when I thought of how he was before…I found it ever so slightly funny.
Darius: …What's that face for?
Kate: Hehe, I was just thinking how happy I was.
I, too, had no intention of going out with anyone other than him, so most of the time the conversation would proceed on the basis that I would be together with him.
Wounded robin: Pii—!
Kate: Ah, it came back.
The robin had fully recovered, and at one point I thought to release it back to the wild…but perhaps because the birdcage was comfortable for it,
for now it returned to me once every few days.
Darius: We really should hang the birdcage outside. Since then you won't leave me every time the robin comes back, right?
Kate: I'm just going a little ways away, though, no?
Darius: Well, it's not like I'll know if you'll come back or not, so why should I let you go?
Kate: Do you really think there's anyone who would want to be apart from the one they love?
Darius: How about you tell me? I'm not a human, so I wouldn't know.
The distrustful devil had yet to completely believe in love.
But still, he had accepted my love, and he reciprocated that love, albeit clumsy.
Perhaps for him, "not letting go" was his best expression of love.
Kate: I won't leave you.
Darius: I'll believe you if you say those words over and over until the end of time.
From the outside, our relationship would maybe seem somewhat twisted, with obsession and codependency laced in.
(But if I can be together with Darius, so be it.)
I was more than happy to be the sole recipient of the devil's love— the one who couldn't believe in humans.
And, me being me, I felt elated savoring that every day.
——End flashback——
[CARRIAGE INTERIOR - DAY]
Today, Darius had been busy since morning, so with permission I went to clean my room, with many guards accompanying me.
He had said that because Vogel was going to stay in England longer, it would be best to send my belongings to the palace.
(But I'd be willing to bet he'll say something like "you're late.")
I was about to ask the driver if they could go a tad faster, when I saw the church through the window.
(Ah…)
[BLACK]
In the spur of the moment, I had the carriage stop, and prepared for an earful from Darius, I decided to change the course.
[WHITE CHURCH - NAVE - DAY]
In the pure white church, there was not a speck of blood in its premise, with divine light filtering in.
Kate: So pretty…
I slowly approached the altar.
[WHITE]
(Come to think of it, this was where I learned of Darius' true nature too.)
——Flashback——
[WHITE CHURCH - BLOODIED - MONOCHROME]
The church was soaked in blood, countless corpses scattered about, and standing in the center of it all was an angel with a gentle smile.
And that day, where I hit as much with pressure and fear as his beauty,
I would have never dared to dream I would fall in love with him.
——End flashback——
[WHITE CHURCH - NAVE - DAY]
I sat on the staircase, looking up at the stained glass.
Drawn to the sparkling light…the door flew open, and my beloved came storming in.
Darius: To think while your dear lover was waiting, you went and took a detour. What a mean thing to do.
[1] I'm sorry.
[2] Who's mean?
[3] But you still came to pick me up. (+4/+4)
Kate: But you still came to pick me up, did you not?
Darius: You thought giving that happy smile would make me forgive you, didn't you. Too bad I'm not fooled at all.
Darius: I'll need you to make up to me for taking this detour. You can blame yourself for not coming back directly.
Darius: You caused worry for me, after all, even if a little. You knew that.
Though his words seemed threatening, I long knew he wasn't actually mad.
Kate: Darius.
I spread my arms and beamed.
After letting out an exasperated sigh, he sat down a few steps below and leaned his back into me.
Darius: What were you looking at?
Kate: The stained glass. And how pretty it looks…
Darius: Ohh…
Wrapping my arms around him from behind, we looked up at the stained glass together.
I felt happy at the warm light and the warmth from my beloved, and when his soft hair brushed my neck, I giggled.
Kate: I really like your hair, you know.
I ran my fingers through that soft hair, and Darius' eyes narrowed in pleasure.
Kate: It feels soft and fluffy…like a sheep…
Darius: Are you sure that was a compliment?
Kate: Of course it is!? I like your hair very much!
He grabbed my hand that was on his hair. Darius looked up at me, looking somewhat pouty.
Darius: So you just like my hair? (¬⤙¬ )
At his words, I smiled and brought my forehead to his.
Kate: Oh, no, I love everything about you. In fact, I fear words alone wouldn't be able to express how much I love you.
Darius: Love… (O_O)
Darius blinked before his expression turned serious, and he averted his gaze.
Darius: I…can't say "I love you" to you.
Kate: Huh…
I didn't have time to feel surprised when his hand tightly held mine.
Darius: My fate— it's "if I say 'I love you' to the one I love from my heart, I will die."
Kate: —!
Darius: Words of love are a poison that will kill me.
Darius: So, as long as I don't think to end my life…I probably won't be able to ever say these words to you.
If he said "I love you" to the one he loved from his heart, he would die.
(From here on out, I will never be able to hear those words of love from Darius.)
But…that would also be proof that he loved me from his heart.
Darius probably thought I felt down at that, so he touched my cheek.
Darius: I can say "I like you" though. So it should be fine.
I was happy at that small act of kindness, the love I held for him drawing an arc on my lips.
Kate: …Then, in place of "love," give me a lot of "I like you"s.
Kate: And, if there ever comes a time you want to say "I love you," I will say it in your stead.
Darius: So, saying that on my behalf?
Kate: Yep, consider it an "I love you" service for you.
Darius: Hehe—
Darius burst into laughter, and I mirrored him in turn.
Kate: …You have no plans to back down on making a country for Cursed ones, I take it.
Darius: No. Are you thinking of stopping me?
Kate: That I'm not. It's just if you're going to hurt a good human, I would draw the line there.
Darius: And how would you do that?
Kate: …By breaking up with you, perhaps? Not that I would wish for that…
The moment I said "breaking up," a shadow fell over his honey-colored eyes.
Darius: If you even think of doing that, I'd cut your tendons from your limbs and confine you then and there.
Darius: Cry and wail all you want, I'd make love until you break. Ahh, and even if you tried to take your own life, same thing.
Kate: That's quite disturbing…
Darius: It's a given. Your life is already mine. I won't ever allow you to part ways with me or go off and die on your own.
Even when he said those outlandish things, I still found myself happy—
Indeed, there was probably something wrong with me.
The light from the stained glass poured on us.
[WHITE]
With a gentle smile— he opened his mouth.
[CG - CONTENT WITH "I LOVE YOU" - DARIUS VOGEL]
Darius: You were the one who made me realize this feeling called "loneliness," so take responsibility and stay by my side.
The way the light illuminated from him made him as beautiful as an angel— and more endearing than anyone else,
I couldn't help but think a foolish thought like, "If there really was a god, he would undoubtedly be loved."
[CG PAN 1]
(God's love was bestowed equally, no matter the person.)
That was what "unconditional love" was: knowing neither good nor evil, it was given to all.
And while it went without saying that those who did good deeds were held in high esteem, unconditional love would never vanish, even if people were to dabble in evil.
It mattered not if one was human or a Cursed one; we all lived with the support of someone else's love.
[CG PAN 2]
(But, God would never give love to the devil.)
And— he would surely never love the human who had succumbed to the angelic devil's temptation, and fell in love with him.
But even so, I had fallen into this love out of my own will, staining myself in pure white.
Even if, in the future and beyond, Hell should await— I would never be stained in any other color.
[CG PAN 3]
Darius: So make me, the one who can't believe…believe until the very end.
I gave a small nod and smiled.
Kate: I will. I'll stay by your side and continue to prove to you— until the very end.
My lips slowly moved in.
Kate: I love you, Darius.
Darius: Can you say it one more time, on my behalf?
Kate: I love you.
Looking satisfied, Darius gave a smile, accepting those words of love.
[BLACK]
Surely, I would continue to prove my love to this wicked devil.
—All the while saying the words "I love you" for two.
Fin
darius vogel — chapter 25 mad love — content with “i love you” & mad love contract (10K gems) .
masterlist 🪽 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍 ┊ backlog 🕰️
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NOTE: i know there’s a his side story and an epilogue, but mad love main-main story is done! ٩( 'ω' )و i know the journey has been long, but i hope you also enjoyed it, hehe. i would also encourage following along for blind love 🤍✨✨
Thank you so much for your translation! I know you may not answer this until after you’re done with both endings for Darius’ rout but I’m curious what your opinion is on what ending is “canon”. I’ve had a hard time being able to tell with ikevil.
I’m wondering if Kate will be Vogel’s exclusive fairytale keeper or if she’ll continue working for Vogel and crown. I can’t imagine Darius being willing to share though…
hi anon :D
tbh i would say the short answer would be — whatever ending you want it to be! now i think in general blind love tends to be more "canon" when it comes to the actual storyline. but i think both endings are just as valid as one another, and there is sort of oddball case (*cough cough* harry *wink wink*) where the blind love ending doesn't really conform with the rest of the love interests' endings.
i heard this observation from a friend, and i think it's a good way to look at the endings here: mad love tends to cater to kate's desires, while blind love caters to the suitor's. the most obvious example would be harry. [SPOILER] like how in the blind love ending, kate ends up moving out of crown and back to her own apartment; that is what harry wanted for her, as he sees her as his sun, not really befitting of being in an organization like crown. but in the mad love branch, she ends up staying with crown...that is what kate wanted. [END SPOILER]
for darius, i personally enjoyed his mad love branch a bit more. i think more of his softer side and the romance is shown in mad love. but also, his blind love definitely delves a bit deeper into his goals and motivations. so blind love branch i feel is more character driven. i enjoyed both for what they were though! blind love probably has more of a "canon" feel for how i feel they treat darius' character in there, but i will always have a soft spot for mad love's (imo) more emotionally driven, romance-focused story hehe.
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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!
🌹 24 (MadLove) Premium story 𝜗𝜚 cw — none, i think!
——Neutral POV——
[PALACE - BEDROOM - EVENING]
In one of the palace's rooms on top of a soft bed, Kate slept, all blood drained from her face.
Her light breaths could barely be heard.
Right next to the bed, Darius sat on a chair, having not slept for days as he simply watched her chest go up and down.
Darius: … (⩌ _ ⩌)
He didn't move nor eat; he simply made sure he was living.
The circles under his eyes grew darker, his hair disheveled, and his complexion pale…but even so, he did not move from where he was.
Nica: Dariii, we're done cleaning up.
Darius: Thank you.
Nica let out a troubled sigh when Darius responded without so much as a glance.
Nica: …We killed all the humans who were ordered to carry out the assassination. Luca's also been restrained, but what's the plan with him? Kill him?
Darius: No, don't kill him.
Darius: But I want you to just tell him, "I will never forgive you for life."
Nica: …'Kay, leave it to me.
He turned to Kate, who showed no sign of waking up, and crossed his arms.
Nica: The guys at Crown are flipping out too, you know. What's your plan with them?
Darius: Nothing. It doesn't matter how angry they get when she's mine anyway.
Nica: Yeah, but also it's because you ran straight into Crown Castle and asked Roger for treatment that she barely made it out of death.
Nica: Shouldn't you at least give a thanks? If not for them, by now she—
Darius: Nica.
Nica picked up on the air not to say a single word more, so he raised his arms and turned on his heel.
Nica: Well, I got a boat load of work to do, so I'll take my leave now. Glad she's alive at least.
Nica: Not that we know she'll actually wake up though.
He left, and the room once again became silent.
Darius: …
Darius held her hand, and brought it up to his own cheek.
That hand was more cold than he had ever remembered it to be…he had thought that she would maybe end up dying at this rate.
Darius: Wake up already.
[BLACK]
Unbeknownst to him, the moment he said this, Kate's eyelashes twitched.
——Kate's POV——
(My right hand…it's warm.)
[EYES OPEN → PALACE - BEDROOM - EVENING]
My eyes slowly opened.
Through my hazy vision I could see Darius, his eyes closed as he held my hand as though he were praying.
(Darius…)
I tried to call out his name, but my voice wouldn't come out…instead, I listened to his voice.
Darius: You are a fool, you know, truly.
Darius: And that goes for the time when I tried to take Crown too. You would've been dead if I hadn't intervened.
Darius: This time, too, you broke your promise with me and lo and behold, fell straight into a trap.
Darius: As if you couldn't be any more foolish. In the first place, there's no way I'd ever be assassinated when I can see the future.
Darius: I'd just predict it before and kill the assassin before it happens.
I stared intently at him as he continued, unaware that I had woken up.
Darius: You fell into a trap, got stabbed by a knife, fell to the floor…
Darius: It really was the worst future, playing out exactly like I predicted.
Darius' face scrunched from agony as his hands tightened so much it hurt.
Darius: …I always found you frustrating.
Indeed, his lips were trembling.
Darius: Every time I laid my eyes on you, I'd feel irritated; every time I listened to your voice, I'd feel annoyed by it; every time you touched me, I wanted to push you away.
Darius: But when I couldn't see you I'd get anxious, and not hearing your voice became painful.
Darius: When you don't hold my hand back it feels like my heart's going to burst open.
Darius: It's your fault…that I feel so lonely I can't even bear it.
He brushed my hand on his cheek, as if to affirm its warmth, as he bit his lips.
Darius: I ended up learning of an "I love you" that's not empty,
Darius: how someone else's warmth could be so comforting.
Darius: And— I ended up learning what love was.
I forgot to breathe as I stared at him.
Darius: Wanting to be by my side, no matter what happened; wanting me to live and smile; wanting to get closer to me— wanting me to believe.
Darius: You asked me before if I had fallen in love with you, didn't you?
Darius: At the time I thought, "What sort of fool's question is she spouting?" but…I think you were right then.
Darius: I'm sure I— had liked you, since long before then. ( ˃̣̣̥_˂̣̣̥ )
Heat fell upon my fingertips in droplets, before they lost their warmth.
The moment I realized that heat were tears that had fallen from Darius' eyes, I felt the same heat from my own.
Darius: I'll never forgive you if you die like this without even opening your eyes.
Darius: Don't leave me…not without taking responsibility for changing me.
As his tears continued to fall, I held his hand back at last.
At that moment, Darius' head lifted with a start— and my eyes met with wettened honey-colored ones.
Kate: Was I…able to prove myself to you?
I gave a smile, to which his expression twisted.
Darius: You really are strange, I swear.
Kate: What else did you expect from the woman who fell in love with the devil?
Kate: I'm far from a normal human now, you know.
At my jest, Darius finally gave me a smile—
Darius: Indeed, you'd be right about that. (⸝⸝ᵕᴗᵕ⸝⸝)
Our lips slowly met.
It was a gentle kiss, as if taking care of a broken object.
But for us, it was a kiss that couldn't bring more happiness if it tried, just as it was a kiss to mutually convey our feelings.
Kate: Hehe…
Darius: …Why are you laughing?
Kate: I was just thinking how happy I was…that, and how you really do cry too.
He gave me a slightly displeased look as he gave a light pinch to my cheeks,
but soon after he gave another kiss, his lips in a soft smile.
Darius: …As far as I can remember, it was my first time. My first time crying, ever since I was a baby.
Kate: Huh…
Darius: That goes to show just how much you changed me.
Kate: Mm—
His lips pecked mine like a small bird, and then he gave one to my forehead, eyelids, cheeks, the tip of my nose…his lips rained down on me one after another.
Darius: I thought you had died. I couldn't take my eyes off of you even once as you slept, not knowing if or when you would die.
Darius: I had never felt this much fear until now, at someone else dying.
His hand went under my head, lifting my upper body.
His embrace felt gentle, like being wrapped in silk…before he rested his ear on my chest.
Darius: …You're alive.
My arms wrapped around Darius' head as he listened to my heartbeat.
Kate: I very much am alive.
At my words, he placed his hand on my chest.
Darius: From now on, I won't ever allow you to get away from me. Nor will I allow this heart to stop.
Darius: Because— you're someone precious to me.
I was on the verge of tears hearing his words, and I tightened my hug.
Darius gave a happy smile before planting a kiss on my chest.
Darius: And, I still owe you an answer to the question you've asked time and time again.
Kate: Huh?
His face drew away, cracking a smile.
That smile was neither one of an angel nor of the devil…but rather, one from the human called Darius.
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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!
Luca, looking quite shaken, combed his hair back as his expression twisted.
Luca: The emperor, who learned of what happened at the joint military practice the other day and of the plan to capture Crown, doesn't want anyone to worsen his relationship with England.
Luca: So he issued an order to assassinate Lord Darius!
Kate: —!!
[BLACK]
It was true Darius was thinking of taking Crown.
Vogel, who had come in hopes of deepening relations, would never be forgiven for bringing harm upon an organization directly under Her Majesty the Queen's imperial command.
[WHITE]
(But, Darius wasn't responsible for the incident from the practice.)
——Flashback——
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - DAY]
Darius: It seems somewhere along the way word got leaked that I was going to go after Crown at the end of the joint practice.
Darius: So they intentionally widened the gap between both countries, pushing me to realize that as fast as possible.
Darius: And then they probably wanted to kill us by sinking the whole boat that we had prepared to leave the country.
Darius: That said, I did foresee my family sinking, so we didn't board that boat.
——End flashback——
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - MORNING]
If what he said then was true, it was highly possible the true perpetrator was targetting Darius.
(What if that person was the emperor himself? Or if not that, what if the perpetrator worked together with the emperor to try and kill him?)
They would be able to explain the incident that happened as something Darius did in order to capture Crown.
But then, Luca said something I could have never seen coming.
Luca: A human from the army took Lord Darius away…and told him if he didn't want to be killed then to release the Queen's favorite.
Kate: The Queen's favorite…
Luca: —I'm talking about you. Crown's fairytale keeper.
Luca: The emperor fears he'll be attacked by England because a human who was a part of Crown got kidnapped.
Luca: If we release you, Lord Darius might come back.
If my existence could save Darius— there was but one thing to do.
Kate: …Take me there.
Luca seemed hesitant, but nonetheless put handcuffs on me.
Luca: …Don't take it personally.
Just when I was about to go out to the corridor in my nightgown— I remembered Darius' words.
——Flashback——
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - CURTAINS CLOSED]
Darius: Do not leave this room for some time.
When he said that, he looked different than usual.
Darius: And make sure you don't allow anyone inside aside from Nica, Ring, and myself.
Darius: If anybody else comes in, shout for help.
Kate: Darius, um—
Darius: If you don't want to die, then do as I say.
——End flashback——
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - MORNING]
Seeing how serious he looked, I couldn't do anything else but nod…but at that time, I suspected Darius had seen the future.
(Maybe that's why he had locked me in the room?)
He didn't tell me anything, so I didn't know for sure, but what I did know…
…was that if I left this room— I would be breaking my promise with Darius.
(I'm limited in the things I can do.)
But even if it meant breaking my promise, if I could save Darius…
[BLACK]
Out of my own will— I crossed the boundary.
We boarded a carriage, which arrived at the white church.
[WHITE CHURCH - NAVE - DAY]
Luca: This is where we'll hand you over.
With nobody in the church but me and Luca, we waited for that time to come.
After who knew how long, the door opened, and in came soldiers.
Kate: Darius—
I called out his name, figuring he had come together with them.
But, no matter how long I waited, he never showed himself—
(He's not here…? But why—)
The moment the door closed, the laughing of everyone but myself resounded in the church.
Luca: Pfft…ahahahaha—!! Damn, I didn't think it was gonna be this easy to lure you in here—
His condescending declaration made me realize at last that I had been caught in a trap.
Kate: …So, you tricked me?
As Luca came closer, I backed away, but when my heel hit a bump, I stopped where I was.
Luca: It's true that the emperor tried to assassinate Lord Darius, but that's already been taken care of.
Luca: There's no way he would ever leave a human trying to target be.
Luca: Word came in those who ordered for the assassination were killed across the board, which is probably giving the emperor a fright by now.
Kate: —!?
He pushed me on the shoulders as hard as he could, and having lost my balance I tumbled to the floor.
Luca: …Our lord [1] has changed ever since he came to England.
Luca: He valued his family more than anything, and he would never bat an eye for some inferior human, and yet—
Luca: He chose you, over Crown.
His gaze was as cold as ice, looking down at me from above.
Perhaps disgusted at how I looked, Luca raised his voice out of rage.
Luca: You were the one who tricked him, seduced him!
Kate: I did no such thing; it's just I had come to like him, so—
Luca: …"Like"?
The corner of Luca's lips twitched. And the very next moment— his foot caved into my stomach.
[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]
Kate: Urgh—!!
The impact from being kicked sent my body flying, my back taking a heavy blow against the stairs.
(I can't…breathe…)
I couldn't even speak from how much pain I was in as I crouched down, when he grabbed my hair and forced my head up.
Luca: Now listen here! Lord Darius is a high and noble presence!
Luca: He's not a person you, some inferior human, can throw your filthy desires at!!
Luca's smile was wide— as his fingers went up to my neck.
Luca: Even when he makes a country for Cursed ones, you won't ever be a part of it.
Luca: And if you were allowed to be in it, I'd bet you wouldn't be able to do anything but suck up to us as a slave.
Luca: Ahh, and wouldn't you like it if we helped you practice for that role in advance? How about it, guys!
The soldiers who were waiting behind him, while spitting out vulgar words, raised their voices in delight.
And I glared at Luca in frustration.
Kate: So are you fine with doing the very things the humans who had hurt you did then…
Luca: Of course it's okay for us, since you humans are no different than livestock.
Kate: That, and there's no evidence that such a country can be made—
Luca: Ahh, so you don't know?
Luca cut my words off, his lips in a grin.
Luca: Our lord is very much capable of creating such a country.
Luca: After all— Darius Vogel is the son of the emperor, by blood.
Kate: What…?
Luca's coarse laugh rang in the nave as he happily talked about Darius' origins.
——Narration——
[GERMANY - PALACE - DAY]
It was a many a year ago when the emperor laid his hands on one of the female servants.
The servant, who had a weak standing, couldn't go against the emperor, and thus she brought a single life into the world.
If it became known she had given birth, there was no doubt she would be killed.
[BLACK]
She resigned from her job out of fear and vanished in the dark in order to save her child.
[CITY - ALLEYWAY - DAY]
But she quickly went short on money, and realizing she could no longer raise her child as things were,
she left him, who bore the same honey-colored as the emperor, before an orphanage—
—with nothing but a letter that detailed his name, "Darius", along with his birth date…
[GERMANY - PALACE - DAY]
And after that, the mother was found and killed.
But as time passed by, the emperor met Darius, who bore a close resemblance to himself, and he realized that Darius was his son.
And as Darius continued digging into his own origins,
he reached the same conclusion as well: that he was the emperor's son.
——End narration——
[WHITE CHURCH - NAVE - DAY]
(Darius is…the emperor's son…)
Luca: I didn't really think they would have any blood relations until I coincidentally overheard a conversation between Lord Darius and the emperor.
I was rendered speechless from shock, to which Luca spat more words out while laughing.
Luca: But if our lord were to usurp the throne then surely, Germany will become a country for Cursed ones!
Kate: —!
I had always thought, hearing about a country for Cursed ones, that it felt somewhat outlandish.
Would he really be able to create such a country? Even if he did, where would it be?
What of the people? The cities?
I imagined to create an entire country from scratch would take an absurd amount of moons.
But— now, I understood at last.
If the emperor's son took over the throne, he could make Germany into a country for Cursed ones.
(He could create that very country…right now, if he wanted.)
—Or at the moment when Darius wanted to create that country.
My head went blank, but Luca's words brought me back.
Luca: Our lord was chosen by God— or rather, he is a god in the flesh!!
[WHITE]
Darius, a "god in the flesh"…
In the eyes of the Cursed ones who were saved by him…he may be such a being.
[WHITE CHURCH - NAVE - DAY]
But—
[1] He isn't a god. (+4/+4)
[2] You're just pushing your ideals on him.
[3] You're wrong.
Kate: Darius isn't a god! He's—
Luca: Shut up, shut up, shut. Up—!!
Luca: Lord Darius is a god! The one and only god, just for us Cursed ones!
Luca: He's not someone the likes of you can just lay your hands on so willy-nilly!!
He pulled on my hair, hard. Pain shot through my head, but I grabbed Luca's hand and glared back at him.
Kate: —It may be as you say; Darius might be a chosen one.
After all, he was the emperor's son, a Cursed one who could see the future, and Vogel's director.
If one were to line up all the things he had…there was no doubt he was special.
Kate: That said…
(That's not all he is.)
Kate: Do you really know Darius, truly?
Luca: What are you—
Kate: Have you ever, even once, seen him for his truest self, not as the son as the emperor or a savior!?
My words caused Luca to make a look of displeasure, but he didn't give any response…
And that was all I needed for an answer.
Kate: No matter under what circumstances he was born in, or whether he's Cursed, Darius is Darius.
He was cruel, had a different sense from a normal person's, and was biased in his thoughts.
But, he would sometimes show a lonely expression, held such kindness that he never brushed me away when I held his sleeve, and would look after me.
He was someone who wanted a person to believe in, but couldn't fully do so.
And at his core, he was a warm person. I knew that well.
I took in a breath and looked Luca straight in the eye as I opened my mouth.
Kate: He— Darius Vogel is not any sort of "god."
Luca: You—!
At that moment, the church doors flew open, and I saw the pure white silhouette of my beloved storm in.
Darius: Kate—!!
Kate: Darius!!
Sweat soaked Darius' forehead as he cut down the soldiers one after another, without even sparing them a glance.
Luca: Lord Darius, why are you here…
The moment Luca's hand loosened around my hair, I escaped from his hold and ran straight for him.
Seeing me running toward him, Darius reached his hand out, and I returned the gesture.
But just when our fingertips were about to touch, Darius' eyes widened—
Darius: NO, DON'T!!!!
[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE → RED]
—and my body crumpled to the floor from the shock of something piercing through me.
[BLACK]
At first, I couldn't wrap my head around what had just happened.
[WHITE CHURCH - NAVE - BLOODIED]
(Wait, what…? Why am I on the floor?)
At some point, the church had become filled with blood.
There was an angry bellow from above me, but it sounded like I had heard it underwater.
Luca: Lord Darius won't love some human! You, some shitty ass woman!!
Something got pulled out from my body then, and the carpet became stained from a red-black substance.
That was when I had finally realized— that I had been stabbed.
Luca: Go and die, you lowly human!!!
A shadow loomed over me, a blade about to swing down on me.
But before I got slashed again, I heard the sound of someone falling, and instead I saw a pair of familiar shoes in my line of vision.
When I moved my eyes only— I saw Darius fall to his knees in a dazed state.
Darius: Kate…Kate…?
He pressed his hand on my pierced back, and with a voice like he was on the verge of crying, he called out my name with trembling lips.
Kate: Darius…you're alive…
The moment he heard my voice, his face looked even more sad as he pulled me into a hug.
Darius: Why, Kate…why did you break your promise…
Kate: I heard you would be killed…and got caught in a trap instead.
Kate: I'm sorry for being a fool…but I'm glad you're alright…
The blood wouldn't stop, dirtying Darius' pure white clothes.
Darius: No, I won't allow for this. I won't ever forgive you, so live and make it up to me.
His trembling hands felt warm as they wrapped tightly around me.
But even more than that, my body felt cold, and my vision went blurry.
Darius: If you die here, I'll invade England.
Darius: I'll pull all of Crown in and slaughter all the humans. Even then, are you fine with that?
Kate: That…wouldn't be so good.
When I gave a weak laugh, the arms around me tightened…and even in this situation, I couldn't help but feel so happy I could burst.
(I feel happy…)
If I could die in the arms of the person I loved, perhaps I couldn't ask for any greater happiness.
I had reached my limit…to the point I started to think such imprudent things.
Kate: gh…urgh…
It became harder to breathe, and my vision started to go dark.
Darius: Kate, no, you can't, don't you even dare.
Darius: I won't ever allow you to die in my arms.
His embrace tightened as he said so.
And I mustered the last of my strength to call out his name.
Kate: Da…rius…
Darius: —! What is it…
Kate: I love you.
[EYES CLOSE → BLACK]
I used all my energy to give a smile, and after whispering the words of love I had always wanted to tell him— my consciousness fell into the deep darkness.
Darius: KATE!!!!!
The last thing I heard was the voice of the person I loved, calling out my name.
t. b. c ⸝⸝
masterlist 🪽 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍 ┊ backlog 🕰️
────────୨ৎ────────
NOTES:
[1] Luca, when not referring to Darius as "Lord Darius" [ダリウス様] (dariusu-sama), uses [あの方] (ano kata) instead. It's like a polite way to say "he" or "him"…so I opted to use something like "our lord" here and thereinafter, which still omits Darius' name.
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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 — handholding before marriage?!
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - EVENING]
Liam: Thank goodness you're okay…
Kate: You, too, Liam…
We made sure the other was alright before bringing our voices down.
Kate: Is your body feeling fine now?
Liam: Mhm, Lord Elbie, Al and I are all thriving.
Liam: What about you though? You were taken away after being drugged, right?
Liam: Is your body feeling okay?
I responded and explained the situation to Liam without hiding anything.
Liam looked sad when he learned that I couldn't move properly due to the drug,
but soon after his expression turned earnest as he wrapped my hands with his.
Liam: Let's go back, Kate.
Kate: Wha…
Liam: We came here to rescue you.
——Narration——
[CROWN CASTLE - ENTRANCE - NIGHT]
According to Liam, Crown had learned that I had offered myself as a hostage.
While they knew their relationship with Vogel would worsen,
they worked to find this base to rescue me.
I was no longer Crown's fairytale keeper.
But it was apparent that they thought of me as one of their precious comrades,
as they had come to rescue me, working together to release me from Darius' hand.
——End narration——
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - EVENING]
Kate: Oh, guys…
My chest felt hot, and I sniffled to hold back the incoming tears.
Liam: Well, it's our fault that you ended up as a hostage anyway. Of course we'd come to the rescue.
Letting out a laugh, he gently pulled on my hand.
Liam: The others are on standby outside. If we're going to run, then now's the time.
Liam: Let's go, Kate.
(It sort of feels like a page from a short story.)
He looked like a prince coming to save the captured heroine.
Such was what came to mind.
(…If this were a fairy tale, I would have without a doubt taken everyone's hand.)
I would escape from the devil's grasp, return to the castle, and live a happy life. Surely, that would have been my choice.
[BLACK]
(But the person I loved would not be there.)
If I left here, I would end up separated from the one I loved.
(If I ran away here, Darius would probably never again believe in me…)
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - EVENING]
When I thought of that— I had my answer.
Kate: …I'm sorry, Liam.
Slowly, I shook my head.
Kate: I can't return to Crown.
I declared so as I looked him straight in the eye. Liam didn't say anything in response.
Kate: I know you went out of your way to pick me that, for which I apologize. But there's something I want to prove to Darius here.
Kate: And if I ran away here…that will never come to fruition.
Kate: So, I won't go back. Even if…even if I won't be able to see you guys again.
I was lonely, and sad too…but it meant that I chose to stay by Darius' side.
Even if I would never again be able to return to Crown Castle, even if someday I would come to regret not taking this hand…
I wanted to be together— with Darius Vogel.
Liam's eyes widened upon hearing my decision, but then he gave a resigned smile.
Liam: It really was as William said then.
Kate: Huh…?
He let go of my hand and opened his mouth while scratching his cheek.
Liam: The truth is, before we came here, this is what William said to us—
——Flashback——
[CROWN CASTLE - LOUNGE - DAY]
William: You're going to Kate?
Harrison: Yeah, and we'd like you to come with.
William: Thank you, but I will refrain. I find it hard to imagine she would be waiting for rescue.
In the lounge of Crown Castle, William sipped his tea in a moment of elegance.
Liam: But, for all we know she might—
William: This is speculation on my part, but I don't think Darius would treat Kate badly.
William: After all, he even went out of his way to tell us that he would ensure the hostage's safety, as long as we didn't mention the failed capture attempt.
William: He isn't foolish enough to lay a hand on such a valuable bargaining chip.
Roger then wedged in between a perplexed Harrison and Liam.
Roger: There was a neurotoxin seeped into a handkerchief found at the scene.
Roger: Even if Kate wanted to run, chances are high she wouldn't be able to under that toxin's effects.
But even still, William didn't move.
Roger: …Are you not worried at all for Kate or what? (·•᷄ࡇ•᷅ )
William: Oh, no, I am worried. That said, I do think Kate herself wished to be taken away by Darius.
William: Even if you go to her, I figure she'll say she won't come back. And that she hasn't yet proven herself.
Harrison: Proven herself? Of what? (O_O)
The corner of William's lips lifted.
William: When you see Kate, tell her this—
William: "Never forget; you are free."
——End flashback——
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - EVENING]
Kate: To think William said that…
He had said something similar when the two of us were talking about Darius.
Thanks to the push William gave to my back, I had managed to find the resolve to prove these feelings I had for Darius.
(That's right, I am free.)
No matter what choice I made, I was free to do what I liked, how I liked.
William's words further steeled my resolve.
Kate: Could you relay this to William for me?
Kate: "The freedom of the choice I made has solidified my resolve to be trapped in the devil's arms."
Seeing me with a full smile, Liam returned the gesture.
Liam: Will do. But if you ever want to run away, at that time all of us will come to take you away.
Liam swung his leg on the windowsill, throwing a wave my way.
Liam: We'll be waiting for your return, Kate.
Liam jumped off with a light step, leaving the curtain swaying again.
Though I felt bad I couldn't take his hand when they went out of their way to come get me,
I was relieved to see him well— when suddenly the door flew open.
Kate: —Darius…!?
He cut no corners as he went up to me, and upon taking a whiff, he made a look of disgust.
Darius: It looks like a cat snuck in here. (ꐦ¬_¬)
He locked the window and closed the curtains completely before turning to me with a cold look.
Darius: I just told you not to wag your tail, but then you do so right after with another man…talk about a lack of restraint.
Kate: I wasn't wagging at anyone—
Darius: Did you really think I wouldn't find out? This room's reeking of that sickeningly sweet scent.
Darius: He can hide his body all he wants, but he can't erase the smell too.
Darius: Even when not wearing a perfume, body scent is always there.
He lightly flicked at the birdcage and pointed at the robin.
Darius: This room is filled to the brim with you and this little one's scents.
Darius: So if another scent mixes in, I can tell right away.
(He wasn't even here that long, and yet to get found out by scent alone…)
I knew he had a good sense of smell, but I didn't think he would find out Liam had been here.
That surprised me, and in response Darius crossed his arms and looked down at me with a scornful gaze.
Darius: So? Were you going to elope with that oh-so-Prince-Charming who came to rescue you from this den of evil or what?
[1] It would still be a den of evil.
[2] I'm not running.
[3] I prefer the devil. (+4/+4)
Kate: …I'd say I much prefer the devil over Prince Charming.
Darius: So you didn't run? Did you really think such a declaration would make me feel better?
Darius: Say what you want, I won't believe it. If you really want me to believe you, you should've just been honest the moment I stepped in this room.
Darius: Like, "Crown came to save me, but I turned them down."
Unable to conceal his irritation, he kicked at the floor. In response, I raised my voice.
Kate: It is true that they came to rescue me, but I turned them down out of my own volition.
Darius: More like you just rejected them so my mood wouldn't worsen and I wouldn't lay a hand on them, right? (¬⤙¬ )
Kate: No, you're wrong! I turned them down because I want to be together with you!!
My raised voice surprised Darius, and he stopped kicking.
Kate: Now, I did want to tell them that I was alright, as I had caused them worry.
Kate: But even more than going back to Crown Castle, back to the others…I want to be together with you.
He grabbed my slack arm before moving it left and right.
Darius: Even when you're like this? You may end up living the rest of your life bedridden and unable to move, under the drug's effects, you know.
Kate: Even then. I feel happy when I can be close with you.
Kate: And besides, if I really do end up that way, you'll take care of me then, won't you, Darius?
Kate: It's an owner's job to take care of their pet, no?
When I gave him a meaningful smile, he blinked repeatedly back at me.
—It was like he just couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Darius: You know…you really gross me out sometimes. ( ._. )""
Kate: Are you insulting me!?
Darius: Or rather than that…it feels more like you take things to the extreme.
Darius: Is it because you've got more screws loose in your head than I thought…? I'm not really sure why, but anyway, it's just weird, you know. And not normal.
(I really got called "weird" by the last person in the world I want to hear that from…)
From my point of view, Darius was the one who was quite weird, and would take things to the extreme.
But, it seemed he saw me the same way…
Darius: You're so strange.
He seemed annoyed as he murmured this, which in turn caused me to feel uncertain as I opened my mouth.
Kate: …Do you not like strange humans?
Darius: …I don't know. But I do feel irritated a lot.
He seemed to be in thought as he waved my arm back and forth in silence.
Darius: Whenever I look at you, the only thing I can think of is how I don't get you.
He sat down on the bed before intertwining his fingers with mine, one by one.
Darius: Every single day, every time I see you, I think the same thing.
Darius: I feel restless, and I get frustrated. But then when you're not there I get needlessly irritated.
I narrowed my eyes at the warmth seeping through his gloves, and Darius brought both of my hands to his own cheeks.
Darius: …Your hands, they're cold.
Kate: Perhaps because I've been spending all my time in bed?
But his cheeks were warm, and my lips relaxed into a smile at the warmth that spread from my fingertips.
Kate: And you, Darius…you're always warm.
If I could give a comparison, it resembled the warmth of the midday light filtering in the room, or the warmth that lingered on freshly dried sheets.
It wasn't just warm; it also held a sort of softness that made me feel safe.
(Maybe I feel that way, because it comes from the one I like.)
Just touching him made me feel relieved, but at the same time my heart beat a little faster.
[BLACK]
And every time I touched that warmth of his, I felt reminded countless times that I loved this person.
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - CURTAINS CLOSED]
We stayed like that for a while, before all of a sudden Darius took off his gloves and held both his hands before me, palms up.
Darius: I think you'll warm up better like this.
As he said this, his ears went a little bit red…
He himself surely didn't realize that, but when I saw that I felt my lips relax even more into a smile.
(He's allowing me to touch him barehand.)
I was so much closer to him compared to when we had first met, and that made my heart go warm from happiness.
I slowly reached out, and his hand, one joint longer than mine, grabbed mine when—
Darius: —! (O_O)
Kate: Darius?
The moment our hands touched, creases formed on his brow and he immediately let go.
Kate: Wha…
Darius: Do not leave this room for some time.
He went to confirm the windows were indeed locked before sealing the window key away in his pocket.
Darius: And make sure you don't allow anyone inside aside from Nica, Ring, and myself.
Darius: If anybody else comes in, shout for help.
Kate: Darius, um—
His sudden shift surprised me, but when I reached a hand out he grabbed my wrist, my eyes meeting with honey-colored ones.
Darius: If you don't want to die, then do as I say.
His expression was more serious than I had ever seen before, so I could only nod in return.
(Could it be…he "saw" something?)
Thinking his ability to see the other's worst future upon direct contact had perhaps activated,
I was going to ask…but then Darius took the padlock and went out.
Kate: Dariu—
After the door locked, I heard the metallic sound of chains before I heard the sound of locking again.
Darius: Tonight at eight, and the next morning at nine.
Kate: Huh?
Darius: If you hear a knock at the door at any other time than those, then shout my name, loud. Understand?
Kate: Y-yes!
I nodded in haste at the voice from the other side.
[BLACK]
After that, Darius came at eight that night but didn't tell me anything…
So I was left with little choice but to sleep in uncertainty.
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - MORNING]
(I can move today…!)
The next morning, I woke up and opened the curtains.
I found I was able to move much more than yesterday, and I could actually get out of bed.
I spun around in the room out of happiness, when my eyes landed on the clock on the nightstand.
(Six in the morning…there's still some time before Darius comes.)
As I thought about what to do in the following three hours, all of a sudden I heard a clattering sound from outside the room…
Kate: Darius…?
I called out his name slowly, but a panicked voice was what responded back.
??? (Luca): Hey, human woman—! You're there, aren't you!?
Kate: Wha…
??? (Luca): There's an emergency!! Ugh, shit, why do I gotta be the one to tell this human—
(This voice…Luca?)
The door flew open, and Luca tumbled in, sweat beading on his forehead.
Kate: What's going on? What in the world—
Luca: Lord Darius, he—
Luca lifted his head, his expression in despair as he raised his voice.
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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 — not much (i think?)
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - EVENING]
The next time I woke up, the evening sunlight was filtering through the window.
(I think I can move a bit better now…)
Although my body still felt heavy, I somehow managed to lift myself up and scan the room.
Darius was not in the room, and the robin was sleeping in its birdcage.
My trunk was opened, and the clothes that had been packed within were now neatly hung in the closet.
I tried to get off the bed, but alas, my legs would not move as I willed.
(I want to go outside, but it looks like walking isn't yet feasible for me.)
Left with little choice, I leaned forward to try to look out the window, when just then I heard a reserved knock at the door.
Ring: Are you up?
Kate: Ring!
Ring came in and set down the food tray he was holding on the nightstand.
Ring: How are you feeling?
Kate: A bit better now. That said, walking is still off the table…
I looked down at my legs, and Ring's brows lowered from worry.
Ring: Yeah, that drug has that effect on a normal person.
Kate: Huh?
Ring: The drug that Dari made you inhale was originally made to dull the mind and take away freedom to move.
Ring: It's used often for military interrogation, but as it's too strong on regular civilians, it's banned now.
Ring: So it's like a substitute that would rob even us Cursed ones of movement for several hours at least.
(I see, so that's why my body is like this…)
I balled both my hands into fists before loosening them again over and over, but still they didn't seem fit to grip any physical item.
Ring sat down on a chair, looking my way, when he suddenly opened his mouth.
Ring: …Dari said he used this drug on you purposely.
Kate: Wha…
Ring: He was saying that if you weren't able to move, you wouldn't be able to get away from him…
Ring: But, if it was going to turn out like this, I don't think that should have been used…or well, that's what I think.
Upon Ring giving me a worried gaze, my words got caught in my throat.
(Even if he didn't use such a drug on me, I really wouldn't have left him…)
——Thoughtscape——
[CROWN CASTLE - FOREST - DAY]
Even if he didn't make me inhale that drug, I was sure that I would have followed Darius.
(But, getting a devil who couldn't trust to believe in me was more difficult than anything.)
In light of having already doubted Darius, and rejecting to take him in even while I said I liked him, though,
I couldn't help but think…that it was perhaps only natural he would resort to using such a thing.
——End thoughtscape——
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - EVENING]
Ring gave me a fleeting glance, as if to gauge my expression.
Ring: Are you happy?
Kate: Huh?
Ring: Since Nica said if I told you about this, you'd probably be happy about it.
(It's not like I'm really happy from the lack of restraint…)
But, no matter the means and circumstance, I was happy at the fact Darius made it so he didn't leave me.
When I gave a small nod, Ring's expression softened into relief.
Ring: I see…if you're okay with it, that's good then.
Kate: Thank you for worrying over me.
Just then, my stomach let out a growl…
Kate: Ah…
(M-my stomach betrayed me—!)
My mouth gaped from embarrassment…when Ring giggled and held a spoon out to me.
Ring: I'm glad you seem better. Can you eat?
Kate: …Yes.
But my hand couldn't grip the spoon properly,
and unable to watch me in distress, Ring took the spoon.
Ring: I'll feed you.
Just then, there was another knock at the door, and a familiar young man showed his face.
(Ah, he's…!)
——Thoughtscape——
[CROWN CASTLE - FOREST - DAY]
It was one of the Vogel members who was clad in a white uniform who had tried to capture Liam and the others.
The moment he touched them, a loud zap resonated,
causing the three's bodies to go stiff as if a flash of lightning had run through them.
It all happened in an instant, so I couldn't keep up well with what was happening, but I did know that was not something a normal human could do.
So I thought it was a special ability of a Cursed one.
——End thoughtscape——
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - EVENING]
The young man made a disgusted look when he looked at me, but then he immediately turned to Ring.
Ring: What's going on, Luca?
That young man— Luca— straightened up, his lips tightened.
Luca: The director got mad when he heard you were bringing a meal to that human.
Ring: —? Why is that? She should eat something…
Luca: …It seems bringing a meal itself isn't the problem.
Luca: Rather, he was angry that you were going to offer her aid and feed her.
We were both nothing short of bewildered as Ring and I exchanged looks.
And at some point, Darius was standing there, leaning against the door—
Darius: Look at you, wagging your tail for just about any- and everyone.
Kate: Darius—
His expression seemed to silently say, "I am in an extremely bad mood," which caused Ring to stand up in haste.
Ring: Wait, Dari, this is…
Darius: It's okay, Ring. You're not the one I'm mad at.
Darius: What I am mad at is that fool for a pet in a daze over there.
Darius: The very pet who claims to like me and yet turns around and gets some other man to bring a meal over.
He threw me a glare, to which I unintentionally let out a reproachful voice.
Kate: A-aren't you being too unreasonable here…!?
Darius: Unreasonable how? I'm the one who has ownership rights over you. So isn't it more strange that you're wagging your tail for Ring instead?
Darius: The only one you should wag that tail for is me. Or am I wrong?
Though I did have complicated feelings toward his oppressive words…I also felt happy at his attachment to me too.
Kate: …Well, as for me, I feel the most happy if you're the one feeding me, Darius.
My gaze twinkled as I said those words, and his expression twisted more in response.
Darius: Then why didn't you call for me? (¬⤙¬ )
Kate: Because you seemed busy…? It didn't feel right calling you for such a thing, you know…
Darius: Indeed, I am busy. With the international problem that came about, and with how the plan to get more Cursed ones failed.
Darius: I have so many things to do. No thanks to a certain someone that shall not be named.
I averted my gaze as he threw thorny words,
but he was back in my line of sight when he moved Ring out of the way and sat in the chair.
Darius: That said, it's not like I'm so busy that I don't have any time to feed my pet.
Kate: —!
He grabbed my chin and forced our eyes to meet.
From my periphery, I saw Darius gesture to Ring with his free hand to leave.
Darius: I'll take it from here now, so you go and rest, Ring. Same for you, Luca.
I gave a small wave to show my gratitude to Ring, and though he smiled in return,
Luca threw me a harsh glare…and looking like he couldn't bear this situation, he closed the door and left.
With now just the two of us in the room, Darius let go of my chin and reached for the spoon.
And for some time, I was unable to look away from the door.
Kate: Is Luca…a Cursed one?
Darius: Mhm. He's the very person who paralyzed Crown.
Kate: Mn—
While putting the spoon in my mouth, Darius continued.
Darius: When he uses his ability, the recipient becomes paralyzed for several minutes and becomes unable to move.
Darius: He's my family with a useful ability to seize targets. But he's still young, and there are times he goes too far.
Darius: It seems he had wanted to come to England with us, but was left sulking when told to stand by instead.
Darius: He's still a bit sulky to this day, too. Quite cute, no?
I wanted to focus on what he was saying, but I couldn't respond because he brought one spoonful of soup after another…
Darius: This is my first time feeding someone like this. It's actually pretty fun. (˵ • ᴗ •˵ ) ✧
His pace quickened more and more— and unable to bear it any longer, I turned away.
Kate: I can't eat that fast—
But then, Darius gave me a discontented look…
Darius: No, isn't your mouth just too small? Open wider, and don't tire my hand out.
(This is definitely unreasonable…!!)
As he brought another spoonful of soup to my mouth, I—
[1] Stare at him. (+4/+4)
[2] Turn away from him.
[3] Do as he says.
—stared back at him without opening my mouth, to which he responded with a blank look.
Darius: If you have something you want to say, I won't know unless you speak.
Darius: Or what, is that mouth of yours simply for decoration? Ohh, maybe you want me to make it that way?
Darius: If you don't feel like speaking I can sew your mouth up right here, right now.
The soup hit my lips, spilling down my chin.
Darius: Ah, it spilled. See, this is why I told you to open wider. ( ╹ -╹)
Though annoyed, he used a handkerchief to wipe my chin.
Darius: Goodness…human pets sure are high-maintenance. At this rate it's like getting you accustomed to accepting food.
Darius complained about this and that, but still he continued feeding me.
He would tear pieces of bread into bite sized pieces and bring them to my mouth, and if there were any crumbs, he would wipe them off.
I tried my hardest to move my mouth…but it was as he said.
(It's like I've really become a robin…)
But since Darius seemed to have fun taking care of me, I also ended up feeling the same—
[BLACK]
And coupled with the fact the person I liked was taking care of me…by the time mealtime ended, a natural smile was playing on my lips.
[VOGEL STRATEGIC BASE - BEDROOM - EVENING]
Darius: Okay, done.
After putting the last bite in my mouth, Darius pulled his hand away.
Kate: It was good…thank you for the meal.
I dipped my head slightly, and he wiped my mouth one last time.
Darius: Well, now that I'm done taking care of my pet, care to hear me out about Luca?
The moment he spoke Luca's name, I remembered the look he gave me just a while ago.
(He didn't seem very happy at me being here…)
The Cursed ones that work for Vogel are also "family" that Darius saved,
so I did think that they didn't hold very positive impressions toward humans, but that seemed to be the case here…
Darius: He is the only one who had objected to me bringing a human home.
Darius: Even if there are those who hold some degree of dissatisfaction toward me, nobody would go out of their way to voice it to me.
Darius: So I figure that goes to show just how much he doesn't like you being here.
He took some robin food from his pocket and poured them into the feeding box, before he tapped the cage with his fingers.
Kate: …So was he also oppressed by humans then?
The robin, having taken notice of the food, got up and started eating while snuggling up close to Darius' finger.
Darius: He grew up abused by his birth mother. She feared his special power, and so every day he faced violence.
Darius: He was probably around thirteen or so? When he joined Vogel. He was happy to leave his blood-related family.
Darius: So to him, Vogel is also a safe home where he, a Cursed one, won't get hurt.
(Right…Vogel is a home for the Cursed ones who had gotten hurt.)
Nica and Ring were quite friendly with me, so I had nearly forgotten, but here there were many Cursed ones who were saved by Darius.
And if Darius, their savior, chose a human— the very ones who had abused them…
…it was natural that they would feel perplexed.
Darius: But, Cursed ones are also superior in that we know how to treat humans,
Darius: so I would like it if they could hide their animosity a bit more…I guess because he's still young? It seems he lets his hatred out.
Darius: But I told him not to lay a hand on you, so you can relax, as he won't do anything.
He withdrew his fingers from the cage and stood up, tray in one hand.
And then, while stroking under my chin, he gave a soft smile.
Darius: I'll come again when night falls, so be a good girl for me until then.
Kate: Alright, I'll be waiting.
When I gave a docile nod in response, Darius left in a good mood.
Now left in the room, I stared in a daze at the wall.
(I have time on my hands, but because I can't move still, there's nothing to really do but sleep, I suppose.)
Left with little choice, I tried to lie down on the bed, but because I had slept too much, I didn't feel sleepy at all now.
(…What should I do until night comes?)
As I killed the time, all of a sudden the curtain started to gently sway.
??? (Liam): Kate…Kate—
Kate: Huh?
I blinked at the voice I heard from who-knew-where.
It was a familiar voice— and I called out the name of its owner.
Kate: …Liam?
That moment, a silhouette formed out of nowhere, and a single man appeared.
Liam: Thank goodness you're okay…
Liam looked worried, but also happy as he stood before my eyes.
Greetings, thank you for all your hard work on translations for Ikemen Villains. I was wondering why Kate's room is different in Darius route? Like the other routes she was at Crown castle but in Darius route I saw her stay at the palace. Thank you very much and have a good day 🐱
hii anon! thats a good question — one i dont know the answer to, even looking back and thinking on it haha. if anyone else has insight though feel free to pitch in!
it would make sense story-wise though ig.. so maybe that has smth to do with it?? 🤔 bc darius cannot enter crown castle freely
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ 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!
🗝️🤍 21 (MadLove) His Side story 𝜗𝜚 cw — mention of drugs and violence.
——Darius' POV——
[BLACK]
A swallow is treated as a symbol for love and fortune,
but it is also said they symbolize a heart of loyalty.
[LONDON - VOGEL BASE - MEETING ROOM]
The clock hand ticking was the only sound in the room.
Darius: …
Ring: Um, Dari…
Darius: What?
Ring: Uh, well, I think you should maybe check to see how Kate is doing?
I let out a sigh, which made Ring's shoulders jump.
But Nica was quick to cover for him as he wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
Nica: You know, it's natural we'd be worried for her too when she's been out cold for the whole day. The least you can do is make sure she's okay.
Nica: Especially since you banned everyone but yourself from entering her room, right?
Darius: Of course I did. I wouldn't tolerate it if something happened to the hostage while she's sleeping.
The plan to capture Crown had failed, and in their place I had brought Kate after making her inhale a strong drug.
It was a drug made for military use, designed to dull the mind and rob bodily freedom.
Originally, its use was banned as it was too strong on regular civilians, so I was planning to use it on Cursed ones.
Nica: Speaking of sleeping, did you not even bring a regular sleeping drug with you? Why did you use that on her?
At Nica's question, I uncrossed my legs.
Darius: It was on purpose. If I used that, Kate wouldn't be able to get away from me, no matter if she wanted to, no?
Darius: It would be a pain if she ran away from me in the middle, you see. I needed that so she would do as I say.
The twins seemed to want to say something in response, but I purposely turned a blind eye to that.
(I know what you guys want to say: probably something like "what about its aftereffects?")
A regular human wouldn't be able to move properly for a few days after using that drug.
Even if they were conscious, they wouldn't be able to move their body. Such a sensation would without a doubt be frustrating, to the point it couldn't be expressed in words.
(But the moment I let my eyes off of Kate she goes and stirs up trouble, so it's better if she can't move.)
I needed to take away her bodily freedom, so she would never again press a knife to her neck.
(…My heart had never felt so cold before.)
——Thoughtscape——
[CROWN CASTLE - FOREST - MONOCHROME]
Even now, I remembered when she had put a knife to her neck.
Her trembling hands held the blade tightly; one wrong move, and that blade would have slit at her carotid artery.
(Blood would have spilled out…Kate could have died.)
If her hand slipped even a little bit, there was a possibility Kate would have died before I chose her.
Even now, I would get chills thinking about that time.
——End thoughtscape——
[LONDON - VOGEL BASE - MEETING ROOM]
I couldn't care less about human lives, and yet when it came to her, I couldn't see her that way.
I had probably gotten too close to her, to the point I had ended up thinking her life precious.
I might have gotten too attached…to my pet.
(This is ridiculous, truly.)
Just then, I heard a loud sound from above.
Ring: —? What was that? (O_O)
Ring was about to go check that moment, but before he could my body moved on its own.
(Based on the vibrations, that sound came from the room Kate's sleeping in now.)
Did she wake up? Or did someone sneak in to harm her?
[BLACK]
Because if it was the latter, I would have no choice but to kill them. With that thought, I left the twins in the strategizing room.
[LONDON VOGEL BASE - BEDROOM - DAY]
But, the only thing I saw when I arrived was Kate crouching on the floor.
Darius: …So why are you sprawled on the floor like that?
She raised her head, on the verge of tears.
The moment I saw myself reflected in her eyes for the first time in a day, I felt like a happiness I couldn't quite put to words hit me.
Kate: Da…rius…
Darius: Or well, I guess if you remembered what happened before you lost consciousness and was trying to get out of bed, you'd turn out like that for the most part.
Darius: Are you hurt anywhere? And don't you go saying you got injured just now, okay? I don't need the hassle that'll come after.
Kate: Wah…
I hoisted her still-slack body up and lowered her on the bed.
(What in the world am I doing, seriously…)
I checked her arms and legs, and after confirming there were no wounds or bruises, I pulled the sheets over her.
While it was true such marks would lower her value as a hostage, I was also simply worried for her.
(If a pet gets injured, that would be from its owner's lack of attention, after all.)
Kate: …Where…is this?
Darius: A base in London that Vogel uses to strategize.
Darius: This is one of the rooms.
I took a lock of her hair and brushed it to the side. It had a feel that made me want to keep touching it forever.
Darius: The drug you inhaled was pretty strong; I imagine you won't be able to get out for the next two or three days.
Darius: You probably won't be able to move much properly, so I think you should just do as I say and sleep here in that time.
Her mind was probably not working well from the drug, as her gaze wandered and she grabbed onto the sleeve of my clothes.
Kate: Is…Crown alright…
Darius: …I released them in place of you. They were paralyzed by an ability, but that should only be temporary.
Darius: So I think they're all better now.
Perhaps relieved from my words, her hand loosened around my sleeve.
But I didn't like that at all, so while brushing her hair I started talking about what had gone down while she was asleep,
and feeling the need to clear my name, I purposely spoke in a venomous tone.
After knowing everything, Kate made an apologetic face, but that only made me more irritated.
(Make that face all you want, but that doesn't change the fact you doubted me.)
(And…it doesn't change that you didn't take me in too.)
That day, if only she had taken me in—
I was thinking I could believe that stupid "like" of hers she kept going on about, but she never did.
Darius: It's not like I'm hurt by it or anything. This is far from the first time a human didn't trust me.
Darius: And besides, I don't really have any expectations from you at this point, so.
But then Kate held onto my hand weakly.
(…What the heck, and after you're the one who didn't believe me.)
She was nothing but an annoying robin, without an ounce of loyalty in her, pushing me with this one-sided love.
(…Ahh, you're so frustrating, I swear.)
[BLACK]
And yet— I couldn't bring myself to let go of that very bird.
