Hiii! I've wanted to thank those who requests card stories and also apologize for delaying so much.
I'm in quite the tight spot this month so It's going to take a while for me to upload translations. Recently I've been working on a drive with a bunch of translations and voice dramas/collections and so on that I'm a little behind with my studies (٥↼_↼)
So this month I'll be focusing mostly on my studies, I sincerely apologize for keeping in wait the requests and for taking too long on translations 💗💕
Voice: That means it's never easy. You're doing well. Be proud of yourself.
Some time after Shiro became a demon butler...
One day... When I went out for a stroll in the garden... I found Shiro and Bellen working in the garden.
Shiro: "......Hey.
I'm done over here."
Bellen: "Huh, already? That was fast.
What about trimming the parts we can't see from the back? Did you finish pruning the high branches?"
Shiro: "...Of course.
There can be no flaw in my work."
Bellen: "...You're right.
It looks incredibly neat... I always agonize over which branch to cut... You really are fast at work, Shiro."
Shiro: "Hmph...
Pruning garden trees is far simpler than sculpting.
When you clearly envision the beautiful finished form, there's no room for hesitation."
Bellen: "Yeah, yeah.
Anyway, I don't have aesthetic sense like yours, Shiro."
"You two are working hard."
Shiro: ".....It's you."
Bellen: "Ah, Master.
Is it time for your walk? Sounds nice. I'd love to join you if I could.
But Shiro and I are busy with garden work Ammon-kun asked us to do."
Shiro: ".....My work is already finished."
Bellen: "Huh? Aren't you going to help me with mine?"
Shiro: "Fool.
Why should I have to shoulder your work too? We agreed beforehand on each other's responsibilities.
Fulfill your own duties yourself."
(G-god, that's harsh...)
Bellen: "Haha.
When you put it like that, I'm speechless.
But, if you did help me... I'd bake you some delicious maple waffles later?"
Shiro: "Maple waffles?
Hmph... Don't think I'm so cheap that I can be manipulated with sweet treats."
Bellen: "Heh heh, that's too bad.
Well then, Shiro and Master can go for a walk together.
I'm sure Shiro wants to walk with Master too."
Shiro: ".......Don't decide things on your own.
My actions are my own to decide."
Bellen: "My apologies.
So, what do you plan to do now, Shiro?"
Shiro: "......I feel like taking a walk.
You come along too."
"Yeah, got it."
Bellen: "Alright, have a good walk.
Be careful, both of you."
Shiro: "Hmph..."
Squelch... squelch... squelch...
Just the two of us, Shiro and I, walking through the forest without much conversation…
Though Shiro remained silent... I could tell he was occasionally glancing my way, watching to see if I'd ask questions.
Shiro: ."......Hey.
Is that mansion always that noisy?"
"You mean the Devil's Palace?"
Shiro: "......Yeah, that one.
I knew a mansion housing nearly twenty people would be somewhat noisy...
But just being there... someone always comes to talk to me. And usually without any real reason."
"Guess everyone wants to be friends with Shiro."
Shiro: ".....Hmph.
I know that much myself.
I know it's their way of showing concern too.
But... it doesn't suit me.
Even if it means deepening ties with someone... that's just the natural course of things.
There's no need to force it.
To go with the flow without resisting nature... That's my way of life."
"Do you dislike interacting with people?"
Shiro: "....No. It's not that.
In fact, I even find the people at the mansion rather pleasant.
Though some of them can be a bit too meddlesome. Even so, I... .
..I've always lived close to nature.
For me, it was simply the natural way...and it felt calming.
So occasionally... I feel the urge to leave the clamor behind and surrender myself to nature.
Hmm...
When was the last time I performed the ritual bath...?"
"The ritual bath...?"
Shiro: "It's cleansing body and soul in natural water.
This is one thing you can't do in a bathhouse.
Come to think of it, you... You should know this area better than I do. Anywhere will do.
Is there a place nearby with a beautiful, flowing stream?"
"Beautiful water..."
I don't know if I can fulfill Shiro's wish...
But I'm pretty sure there was a stream with beautiful water deep in the forest.
I relayed this information to Shiro exactly as I remembered it.
Shiro: "I see...
Then if we go to that river, we should be able to bathe in the trees."
"Are we going there now?"
Shiro: "...No. I'm not in the mood for that today.
Talking with you... has lifted my spirits considerably."
"Really?"
Shiro: "Yes.
Otherwise, why would I invite you for a walk? I said I dislike noise...
But I never said I dislike people.
...Rather, humans are also part of the great natural world.
At times, they show the beautiful radiance of life.
I... like humans who live beautifully."
"I-I see..."
The words "I like" suddenly came out of Shiro's mouth...
Even though they weren't directed at me, my heart skipped a beat for a moment. Not wanting him to sense my flustered state... I just fell silent.
Shiro: "......Hmm.
Beautiful humans, huh... If only I could find such a person...
To surrender ourselves together to the flow of nature…"
The next day...
I stepped out into the beautifully maintained garden for a stroll... and found Bellen looking toward the forest, shrugging his shoulders in exasperation.
Bellen: "Ugh... Oh dear.
This is troublesome."
"Bellen, what's wrong?"
Bellen: "Ah, Master. Have you seen Shiro?"
"I haven't seen him..."
Bellen: "I see...
He's escaped again.
I wonder where he went today.
Maybe he went back to the forest to sketch? But his art supplies were here... so maybe he's just... strolling through the woods..."
"Seems like he disappears a lot."
Bellen: "Haha... Yeah, he does.
That guy is freedom incarnate.
That said, he always gets his assigned work done on schedule...
He's meticulous and efficient at his job, so I can't really complain. But still... You never know when an angel might appear, or when an urgent request might come in...
It'd be nice if he'd at least tell me where he is.
But he won't tell me no matter how much I ask. He probably thinks if he tells me, I'll follow him.
...Well, he's half right about that."
"Should I try looking for him too?"
Bellen: "Heh heh, thank you.
But it's not worth troubling my Master to search for me.
He always comes back when it's time to eat. I'll ask him to tell me where he was then.
...No. Rather than trying to change that guy's behavior... It'd be quicker to change my own.
Yeah, yeah, that's better.
From now on, I'll observe Shiro more carefully... I'll understand him so well I'll know where he is without even asking.
After all, I'm his roommate butler. I should be able to manage that much."
(Can you really...?)
Swoosh.... swoosh... swoosh...
Lato: "Oh, Master. Hello, Bellen-san.
Are you two out for a walk too?"
"Ah, Lato..."
Bellen: "Hello, Lato-kun.
Hmm, I was just looking for Shiro.
That's right. Did you see Shiro today, Lato-kun?"
Lato: "Shiro-san? If you mean him, just a moment ago...
No... I'm sorry.
I cannot tell Bellen-san."
Bellen: "Eh... Why?"
Lato: "Shiro-san told me, 'Don't tell Bellen.'
A good butler keeps his mouth shut, right?"
Bellen: "I see...
That's certainly true.
As expected of you, Lato. You're a fine butler.
But... I don't think a good butler keeps secrets from his Master.
Right, Master?"
"...Lato, where is Shiro?"
Lato: "Very well.
If my Master wishes to know, I cannot withhold it.
I met Shiro near the river in the forest. He's probably still there. However... This must remain a secret from Bellen."
Bellen: "Heh heh, thank you, Lato.
Well then, if anything happens, I'll just go call him by the river.
Don't worry, I won't go there myself. I'll keep what I heard from you a secret too."
Lato: "Kufufu... Thank you, Bellen.
Well then, my Master, I shall take my leave..."
"Thank you, Lato."
After parting ways with Bellen and the others...
Worried about Shiro, I decided to head to the forest where he was.
As I walked deeper into the woods, I soon heard the murmur of a river. Crystal-clear water flowed as a pristine stream, lined by lush green trees.
While gazing at this beautiful scene, my eyes... immediately locked onto an odd sight: a tailcoat jacket hanging on a tree.
"Wh-what is that..."
The moment I recognized it as Shiro's tailcoat...
I sensed a presence approaching from the river.
Afraid I might see something I shouldn't... I timidly turned my gaze toward it, keeping it at the edge of my vision...
Shiro: "..........."
"..........."
There, lying in the river... was Shiro, eyes closed, breathing quietly.
His form was so divinely beautiful I held my breath involuntarily.
(Stunning...)
Shiro: "......."
......Hey.
What are you standing around for?"
"Eh...!"
I hadn't realized he'd noticed me...
Startled, I instinctively hid behind a nearby tree.
Shiro: "....Oh, come on.
What are you doing...? Why do you need to hide?
...Never mind. Come over here."
"Wh-what are you doing...?"
Shiro: "Can't you tell? I’m bathing.
In our homeland, water is sacred...
By cleansing ourselves like this, we wash away the filth of the mundane world and draw nature's power into our bodies.
...Wait a moment. It'll be over soon..........
……………..
That's right... You come too."
"Huh...?"
Shiro: "Come beside me.
Immerse yourself in the water and purify yourself with me.
Don't worry. It's a wood bath, so you don't need to undress. I have towels to dry yourself, and if you need a change of clothes, I'll lend you my jacket.
Come on, come this way."
"Uh, um..."
Shiro's sudden invitation left me a little flustered...
But the urge to see Shiro's divinely beautiful form up close drove me... I let him lead me, stepping into the river...
Shiro: "...How is it? A bit cold, but... The water is clear and pleasant, isn't it?
Good...
Now, sit here. Slowly... Lie down, feeling yourself become one with the flow of the water.
Close your eyes. And open your heart.
Listen... to nature's calling voice. Can you feel the river's flow passing through your back?
Now you are... one with nature.
From the moment we cry our first cry, we are cleansed by water... We live with nature's blessing upon our backs. No human is an exception.
The only difference is whether we are conscious of it... The heat radiating from our bodies... is carried far away through the river's water. And that heat... eventually becomes the flame of another life.
We are but a part of that great flow...
...Do you understand? The preciousness of our lives. Short and insignificant, yet beautiful precisely because of that.
........."
Shiro's voice, speaking as if possessed while lying beside me... suddenly trails off.
Concerned about Shiro's state, I... gently open my closed eyes and glance over at Shiro beside me...
Our gazes meet, Shiro staring intently at me.
"Shiro...?"
Shiro: "....…
You are... beautiful..."
"Huh...!?"
Shiro's words made me look away involuntarily.
He said nothing more after that...
I didn't know how to respond either, and that silence lasted for several seconds...
When I gently looked over at Shiro again... He was facing upward, his eyes quietly closed.
(...Truly, what a beautiful profile...)
Shiro: "....……."
Suppressing the urge to stare at Shiro's profile... I too looked upward, gently closing my eyes.
More than just watching Shiro now... I wanted to know the same sensation he felt, to understand him more deeply.
Feeling Shiro's presence beside me... I too felt that same sensation, with my entire body.
Shiro: "....…….
Fufu...
Being with you... feels so good…"
I'm between two cards that absolutely did get me quite a lot than I expected.
One is Lato's card from the event Embracing Wounds Together with the Life that was Saved.
Lord have mercy with that story, the way Lato's bow to die if Aruji does becoming half true and the way he YEARNS to be by our side again even though we are literally in front of him (I may have chuckled a little bit), not even Adrien Agreste was that blind.
I did enjoy enjoy it quite a lot 'cause I'm pretty much a sucker for tragic stories ♪(^∇^*)
The second one is one of Shiro's initial cards, godddd, it had me so quickly, it was so good, it got me so down bad for him.
At first it makes you think he's just too serious and have little to no interest in Aruji (I haven't read the main story where he appears yet so my interpretation might be incorrect), but when Aruji catches him laying on a river(?) and hides out of embarrassment AND he still notices us but doesn't actually nags us or anything but INVITES Aruji, I swear that mf was smooth.
And after Aruji lays with him on the river, the comforting silence between them is out worldly, it's the way Shiro actually spoke a lot (again, I haven't interacted with him that much even in events so I may be wrong), talking about the beauty he enjoys just to fall silent and then say we're beautiful too, dayum stop it.
Anyways, those are my two most precious cards sorry for rambling too much and thank you for the ask! ❤️
Voice: I am so happy to be able to serve such a wonderful master. I will continue to support you, Master.
With the arrival of May and the end of spring… Haures and the others’ birthdays were drawing near.
This year, to celebrate… I decided to invite him out… or rather, on a date. That said, given our relationship as butler and master… there might be times during the date when he would hold back or be reserved.
If so, then… perhaps we should first try coordinating our outfits by both wearing casual clothes. If we did that, surely… it would be easier to spend time together as our true selves.
I immediately approached Haures about it… suggesting we arrange a date around his birthday and dress in casual clothes.
He seemed surprised by my proposal, but also very happy… He said he would decide where we should go.
“I’m sure we’ll have a wonderful time together”... With that feeling, I looked forward to the day of our date.
- The Day of the Date -
On a pleasant clear spring day… I came to a nearby town together with Haures.
Haures: "Heh...
To be able to have a date in this way... I'm truly happy.
I'm still not used to going out in casual clothes with you, Master, but...
Today, let's spend... a wonderful time together, just the two of us.
Today, not as master and butler... but as 'our true selves,' I look forward to being with you.
Taking to hear the spirit of the date you proposed, Master...
I've chosen our destination accordingly."
"I see."
Haures: "Yes, to begin with...
The reason I decided on this town... was because enjoying ourselves causally somewhere nearby, rather than going far away... felt fitting for a date as 'our true selves.'
Long carriage rides can be tiring no matter what, and... avoiding that was part of it too."
He says "long carriage rides can be tiring," but...
Haures, who has been a butler for a long time, is surely far more accustomed to travel than I am.
The reason he avoided a longer trip... was surely out of concern for me.
"Thank you for being considerate of me."
Haures: "Not at all...
It's not just for you sake, Master, but for mine as well.
A shorter travel time... means I can enjoy the date with you that much longer.
Of course, if I'm with you, Master... I can state with certainty that even a long journey wouldn't be boring."
Haures smiles as he says this...
He already looks like he's enjoying himself immensely.
"Hehe."
Haures: "...Hm?
What is it?"
"Because Haures looks like he's having fun."
Haures: "Heh...
That's only natural.
Ever since you invited me on this date, Master...
I've been looking forward to this day.
For me...
Today will surely be the best of days.
So... allow me to say this in advance... Thank you for this wonderful date, [Name]-san."
"Haures..."
Not “Master.” but “Name-san”...
For Haures calling me that, I can feel his intention to interact with me not as a butler… but as his true self.
"Let's make it the best day together."
Haures: "Yes, of course."
As if to say, “Leave it to me”... Haures smiles.
Seeing him like that, I truly felt from the bottom of my heart that inviting him on a date was the right thing to do.
- Later -
Guided by Haures, I visited the town’s art museum.
Haures isn’t particularly knowledgeable about art… but he seems to like the calm atmosphere inside the museum.
Various works are on display… but the landscape paintings in the current area particularly caught my eye.
Haures: “Hmm…
All of them seem to feature this town or the surrounding districts.
This one is a painting of the main street where the museum is located…
And what’s depicted here… is the square in Espoir.”
“These are places I recognize too.”
Haures: “Yes, famous streets and squares… are likely depicted more often.
However, even for paintings of the same place… the way they are painted differs completely depending on the artist.
Heh… It’s deeply fascinating.”
Saying that, Haures gazes at the landscape paintings… and begins to ponder something.
Seeing him so absorbed in the paintings… felt somewhat unusual.
Haures: “............
…Oh, I’m sorry. I fell silent in the middle of our conversation…”
“Don’t worry about it.”
More than that, I was curious… about what Haures had been pondering during that silence.
When I told him so, he showed a moment’s hesitation… but then honestly told me his thoughts.
Haures: “Well… It’s not that I was particularly absorbed in the paintings themselves.
It’s just… if even paintings of the same place… can differ this much depending on the artist… I thought that surely, the artist’s personality and perspective are reflected in the painting.
A landscape that appears calm and pleasant to one artist’s eyes… might be a quiet and gloomy place to another artist.
…I know. If you think about it, it’s an obvious thing…
But comparing the paintings in person like this… I felt it very strongly…”
“That’s true…”
Hearing his thoughts… I also look at the paintings once more, comparing them.
As I shift my gaze to the paintings…
Haures beside me gives a small laugh.
Haures: “Heh…
If the same thing can appear different to different people…
I wonder how these paintings, and the streets we walked today… appear in your eyes, [Name]-san."
“Me…?”
Haures: “...Yes.”
After replying briefly… Haures turns his eyes back to the paintings.
Haures: “I don’t possess a delicate sensibility… and even looking at paintings now…
I’m not truly grasping the feelings of the artist who painted them.
Empathizing with the people depicted in paintings, or seeing myself in them… I’m sure I’m not very good at such things either.
But, even so… I at least want to sense the feelings of the person precious to me… and I want to think about things from that same perspective.
In supporting you, [Name]-san… empathy and being close to you are very important… and that’s precisely why…
I’m very curious about what appears in your eyes.
And…”
“And…?”
When I asked in return… he met my gaze and smiled softly.
Haures: “How would I possibly not be curious… about how the world looks in the eyes of someone precious to me?
…Heh. It’s precisely because it’s the kind of person who makes me think this way… that it’s so precious.”
The voice with which he tells me this is gentle… and the smile he directs at me is very kind.
When I tell him that what I see reflected in my eyes right now is Haures looking happy… he smiled bashfully.
After we finished seeing the art museum… we rested on a bench in the square and shared our impressions.
There were many wonderful paintings and sculptures… but when it actually came time to talk about what we liked, it was surprisingly difficult.
Keeping the works in mind… the two of us pondered together.
Haures: “Heh…
Even this pondering is enjoyable, isn’t it?
It’s not like we went on a trip, or ate something delicious…
It’s nothing of that sort, but… somehow, I truly feel… that we’re spending a very fulfilling time together.”
“I feel the same way.”
And besides, right now Haures… is showing me a very natural smile… a smile that’s truly like his real self.
I’m happy because it feels like we’re spending time as “our true selves.”
When I told him that, he laughed even more happily.
Haures: “A smile that’s like my real self, is it…? If I’m smiling that way… it’s probably because, in a good way, I’ve relaxed.
Even though I’ve always been bad at resting… and before I know it, I end up thinking about work or training…
I find myself absorbed in talking with you, [Name]-san… and simply having so much fun that I naturally smile… thinking about it that way… perhaps I’m able to be most natural when I’m by your side, [Name]-san.
Of course, I am a butler… so I can’t be completely natural every day.”
“That’s true…”
Haures: “...Yes.
And that’s precisely why… I want to treasure this day… together with you, [Name]-san.”
As Haures tells me this… his eyes convey a sense of inner strength.
Haures: “So please… stay with the real me for the rest of the day too.
…After we rest a little longer, let’s walk along the street again. There are many shops that seem like they would suit your tastes, [Name]-san.
If we go further in, there’s a café that recently opened… so if you get tired, stopping by there might be nice.
Heh… As long as we’re together, anywhere we go will be enjoyable, I’m sure.”
“Haures…”
Feeling somehow reassured by his happy smile… I smile back at Haures.
His expression as he gazes at me… is gentle, yet somehow dependable.
- A Little While Later -
Eventually, we left the square… and after strolling around, arrived in front of the café.
A sweet scent drifts from inside the shop… and the display window is filled with many sweets. The sweets decorated with dried fruits and nuts… all look delicious, every single one making me want to eat them.
Haures: “Heh… It looks like I’ll have trouble deciding which one to order.
Which one will you have, [Name]-san?”
“Um...”
My will waver between two cupcakes.
“This cake, or perhaps…”
After much deliberation, I decide on one of the cakes… and point my finger at “this one.”
However, Haures points at that exact same cake at the exact same time… and opens his mouth, overlapping with my words.
Haures: “...This one, right?”
“Huh?”
Haures: “Heh, you look surprised… but even I can tell this much.
‘I can understand everything you’re thinking’...
I can’t quite say that… but no matter how dense I am, I can tell this.
I’m always watching the person precious to me, after all.”
Without trying to show off… Haures says it lightly and continues speaking.
Haures: “At any rate… as expected of you, [Name]-san. Both of the sweets you were choosing look delicious.”
“R-Really?”
Haures: “Yes. In this case ordering both might be an option.
However, both sweets are quite large… so finishing both might be difficult. Hmm, since it’s a special occasion… shall we try sharing both, half and half, between the two of us?”
“You mean, splitting them in half?”
Haures: “Yes, exactly.”
“I’d be happy to, but are you sure, Haures?”
Haures: “Yes.
I was originally planning to order the same thing as you, [Name]-san. I thought I’d like to eat the same sweets… and share our impressions together.
Although, as we were talking about the artworks earlier…
I’ve just newly realized once again that I’m not very good at expressing my impressions.”
As he says that, the reason he suggested splitting them in half… is surely because that’s how much he wants to eat the same thing and talk with me.
And it must also be… his own way of being considerate toward me, who couldn’t decide which one to choose.
The suggestion to share the same cakes is not like a butler… and yet, it’s overflowing with his warm feelings.
This proposal, which feels so like the real, unguarded Haures… made me very happy.
“Can I ask you for half and half?”
Haures: “Yes. As long as it’s alright with you, [Name]-san.”
[Inside the Café]
When the cakes were brought to our table… Haures carefully cut and divided them for us.
Haures: “[Name]-san. Here you are.
I intended to cut it exactly in half… but this piece seems to have more fruit on it.”
“Is it okay if I take this one?”
Haures: “Of course. For my sake as well, please don’t hold back.”
“Then, I’ll take this one.”
Haures: “Yes… thank you.
…Heh. All the same.. sharing and eating like this with you, [Name]-san… It truly is an extravagant birthday cake.”
Haures smiles happily… with just a little shyness.
But feeling happy, and feeling shy… I’m feeling just the same way.
“It’s an extravagant cake for me too.”
Haures: “Hmm… Is that so?”
“Because Haures suggested we split them in half”... When I continued with those words… he looked surprised, then laughed as if trying to hold back his voice.
Haures: “......I see.
That’s… I can’t express it well, but… I’m happy.
Because just now, I really felt… like we’re on a date.”
Even while clearly looking embarrassed… Haures tells me this while looking directly into my eyes.
Because of that earnestness of his… he probably doesn’t realize that he’s made my heart flutter.
As if to cool my face, which had started to feel warm… I place my hand on my cheek.
Haures: “...Oh? What’s the matter?”
“Nothing, I just…”
“I just felt like I’m on a date with Haures.” When I answered that, he seemed to accept it.
Haures: “Heh… Then we’re the same.
To be able to spend time sharing the same feelings as the person precious to me…
As I thought, today… truly seems to be the best of days.”
Once again…
Haures looks me firmly in the eye and tells me his feelings with a smile. To be made flustered by him like that… honestly speaking, it’s a little vexing.
Even so, if he’s smiling like this for me… then, to me, today is without a doubt the best of days.
“...Hey, Haures.”
Haures: “Yes, what is it?”
“I’m really glad we could have this date.”
Haures: “...Those are my lines.
We’re here now thanks to you inviting me, [Name]-san.”
“Then, what about these lines?”
Following his lead… I look him firmly in the eye and opened my mouth.
“Happy birthday.”
Haures: “......!”
“These are words only I can say, right?”
Haures: “...Hehe.
Certainly, those… are words I can’t say.
…Thank you, [Name]-san.
Coming from [Name]-san }, who has always been by my side… it might be something completely obvious, but…
I am… truly very happy.”
“I know that well.”
Hearing my reply… Haures’s expression softly relaxes.
What shall we talk about next, with him looking so incredibly happy?
Just thinking about that is so fun I can’t help myself… so it seems our happiness will continue on from here.
Hanamaru 2026 Birthday Voice Drama - Shorten the Distance
Hanamaru's birthday. To celebrate him, you spent the day alone together.As night fall, you gazed at the moon from the lookout......
─────────────────────────────────────────────
Wow.
Today really turned out to be a great birthday.
My Master prepared everything just for me, thinking only of me.
At night, we even ended up gazing into each other's eyes with such passion while saying we'd watch the moon.
Hmm?
You don't remember doing that?
Well, of course not.
That's just my wish right now.
Since my Master is so kind, I can't help but imagine that you'd grant my wish—my daydreams are running wild.
Well, jokes aside.
I was really happy, Master.
When you celebrate my birthday like this, it makes me think, "Ah, I really am cherished."
You celebrate even someone like me.
Seriously, I'm grateful.
A lot has happened since I met you, Master, but the reason every day is so much fun is because you're here.
So, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for today.
Thank you for celebrating my birthday.
For me, having you celebrate is the best birthday present I could ask for.
Ooh, I like that reaction.
That look of being a little taken aback by my serious side.
Don't hide it, don't hide it.
Since I'm the only one watching anyway, don't hold back—blush as much as you want.
Man, birthdays are really great, aren't they?
I get to legally have you all to myself.
Oh, right, Master.
Since I've got you all to myself, can I tell you one more wish?
Since it's my birthday, I'd be so happy if we could hold hands or something.
See? My left hand looks kind of lonely.
It's like it's saying, "I wonder if someone will hold me."
As expected of you, Master.
You really are kind.
Hm? Hey Master.
It's dark and I can't see very well, but... are you maybe blushing really badly right now?
You aren't? Really?
I won't be able to tell unless I get a little closer.
Master.
If you don't say "no" when it's a no, we'll just keep getting closer and closer.
Voice: My Master is a fragile creature, so if you push yourself too hard, you'll die. I don't want my Master to die yet.
※Note Before Reading the Butler Story
This story contains spoilers for the "Wounds Carried Along With the Lives Saved" event story.
We recommend reading up to Chapter 6 of the event story before proceeding.
At the request of the theater owner... I ended up standing on the theater stage together with the butlers.
The specific script is still incomplete, but... the costumes are already finished, and the butlers have begun working on their roles.
As the day to go on stage gradually approaches... I felt my own mood growing heavier and heavier.
"......Haa....."
Lato: "Oya...
What's wrong, Master? A sigh like that... does that mean something is troubling you?"
"I'm nervous when I think about the play."
Lato: "Ah, I see. There are people who get nervous when standing in front of an audience, after all.
But rather than being nervous, Master... I would prefer you enjoy this together with me.
I am very much looking forward to being on the same stage as you, Master."
Even if we're on the same stage... my role has no lines, I just sit there.
From Lato's perspective, whether I'm on stage or sitting on the front row of the audience... I feel like there wouldn't be much difference.
"Why are you looking forward to it?"
Lato: "Kufufu... At first, I asked for this role because I thought 'I can be by my Master's side even during rehearsals'... but actually, while rehearsing with you, Master... I realized there's a different kind of enjoyment,
That it's fun creating something together with you, Master.
Opportunities like this are rare."
"But isn't acting tough?"
Lato: "Acting? Hmm.... I don't think I've ever found it difficult.
'What would I do if I were in that situation'... I simply imagine that and then act it out.
Ah, but... with this one, there is one thing that troubles me."
"Something troubles you?"
Lato: "Yes. In this play... I'm supposed to imagine how I would feel 'if Master were to have your life taken by humans' and act based on that.
However, if Master were to die... I would follow you and die as well, of course.
So the role I am playing should be a 'dead vampire.'
But when I told Lucas-san that... he asked me to 'please play a living vampire no matter what.' So now I'm wondering what to do."
...If Lato were dead from the very beginning, the script would likely require major changes.
That said, if Lato himself can't agree with the setting... it would be difficult for him to act naturally as well.
So, to take it easier for him to act... I decided to propose one "condition."
"What if I asked you to 'live'...?"
Lato: "'Live'...? You, Master, ask that of me...?
That would mean... even if you die, Master, I must not follow you?
...Master... would it be a bother... if I died together with you...?"
"A-ah, this is just a hypothetical..."
Lato: "A hypothetical... You mean, if you were to ask me that...?
...Hmm... This is very painful to consider, but... if it your request, Master... I suppose I would have no choice but to accept..."
"Then let's go with that setting."
Lato: "...Yes. I understand.
Certainly, if it were that kind of future... there is a possibility I would still be alive.
...But... a life where I cannot be with you, Master... Haah...Even just imagining it... I hate it..."
"It's just a hypothetical, so...!"
I somehow managed to convince Lato to play a living vampire, but... seeing him so dejected... I felt a little pained.
- The Next Day -
Lato: "...Yawn......."
Miyaji: "Lato-kun... are you alright?
It seems you weren't able to sleep much yesterday..."
"Is that true?"
Lato: "Yes... I was imagining 'a world without Master' all night along.
...And when I did... I couldn't seem to calm my heart..."
Miyaji: "I see... So you were troubled by your character preparation.
Imagining something like that is certainly painful.
...Perhaps you should rest from today's rehearsal..."
Lato: "No... This is also for the sake of standing on the same stage as Master... For the sake of being by Master side, I will endure.
......But...... Master isn't anywhere anymore, are you...?"
Was it because of his drowsiness that the line between imagination and reality had become blurred...?
Lato seemed to be somewhere between dreaming and waking.
Even so, he didn't try to stop the rehearsal... and desperately continued trying to get into character.
- A Little While Later -
Miyaji: "Next... let's try thinking about what you would do if you were in the same situation.
Lato-kun. If Master were gone... what would you do?"
Lato: ".......At that time.........
I would mourn together with Miyaji-sensei and Flure, I suppose......"
Miyaji: "...I see. However, this time you are playing the role of a vampire, so... if I and Flure-kun were already gone as well... let's try thinking under that premise."
Lato: "Not only Master... but Miyaji-sensei and the others too...?
......If that happened.......
I would........
I would already.... leave the mansion, I think..."
Tap... Tap...
Miyaji: "Huh...? Lato-kun?"
"Lato, wait...!"
Lato, still looking dazed, opened the balcony window and went outside... then, climbing along the wall, he slid down... and without listening to us calling him to stop, he disappeared into the forest behind the mansion.
- That Night -
Lato, who had disappeared deep into the forest... did not return even by late at night.
To bring back the one who had become so immersed in his role... all the butlers are currently out searching the forest for him.
"...It's my fault..."
Miyaji: "No, it's not your fault.
I was careles.
Even though I noticed Lato-kun was seeming distressed.... I said something that only cornered him further... The exhaustion combined with his drowsiness... is probably why he took such an action.
..At any rate, it's too late tonight. Please, Master, go rest in your room.
So that Lato-kun can come back anytime, I'll stay here and-"
Click
Lato: "............."
Miyaji: "...!
Lato-kun..."
"Thank goodness... you came back."
Miyaji: "...No...
This can't be...
...Master. Just to be safe, please step back."
"Huh?"
Lato: ".......yaaaaawn........
.....Oya? Isn't that Miyaji-sensei.
....Kufufu... What a nice coincidence, meeting you here.
...Actually, just now... I came up with an excellent idea.
...Master told me, 'You mustn't die following after me'... but even if I'm not allowed to follow after Master by my own will... if someone were to kill me, that can't be helped, right...?
If I died as a result of fighting with all my might... surely Master would forgive me, wouldn't they..."
Miyaji: "...Lato-kun.
First, please calm down and-"
Lato: "...I can't.
I can't... endure this situation any longer... not being able to see Master anymore... Being separated from Master....
...That... is the one thing I absolutely cannot accept...
Therefore... please, end it... if it's you, Miyaji-sensei... surely you can end this suffering for me... can't you...?"
Miyaji: "...Lato-kun..."
"Lato, snap out of it....!"
Miyaji: "...Master.
Unfortunately, at this point, anything we say will be useless.
Right now, Lato-kun is most likely... in that 'just-woken-up' state."
"Huh? Just-woken-up?"
MIyaji: "Yes.
After he lest the mansion, he must have fallen asleep somewhere.
...Right now, he can't distinguish between dreams and reality.
No... perhaps it's more accurate to say 'he can't distinguish between role and reality.
...At any rate, Lato-kun is dangerous when he's just woken up.
For now, leave this to me... and please, Master, go hide."
"O-okay..."
Lato: ".......Come now...
Please... send me to Master's side...!"
CLANG!
- A While Later -
Lato, having lost himself, rampaged against Miyaji for a while... then, whether from exhaustion or because he hadn't slept enough... he collapsed and fell asleep right there on the floor of the entrance hall.
Miyaji then hoisted the now-calm Lato onto his shoulder... and carried him down to a bed in the basement.
When it came down to it, it was the 'condition' I had suggested that deepened Lato's troubles.
Seeing him so immersed in his role and suffering... I couldn't help but feel responsible.
"I'm sorry... It's my fault..."
Miyaji: "No. It's not your fault.
Originally, for this play... the premise was 'to imagine painful feelings and act based on them.'
It's just that, for Lato-kun... this play might have been too much of a burden.
Losing someone important is painful even just to imagine... and for Lato-kun, who has such a vivid imagination... his suffering is likely deeper than that of an ordinary person.
...Alternatively.... it might be necessary to find a substitute for his role."
"A substitute...?"
MIyaji: "Yes. We're still at the stage where the butlers are developing their characters... and according to the original script... Lato kun's role is only scheduled to appear in the first act.
Even if we find a substitute starting now, I think we'll still be in time for the performance."
...Certainly, continuing to act like this... might become too great a burden for Lato.
But he... told me that 'it´s fun creating something together with you, Master.'
I'm worried about Lato's condition... but... in my heart as well, a desire to create a play together with hum was beginning to grow.
"...Let's wait and see for just a little longer."
Miyaji: "...I understand.
If that is what you say, Master.
I'm sure Lato-kun... would want that as well."
Lato: ".....Zzz.....Zzz....."
[Espoir Theater]
The next day... we had come to the theater where we were scheduled to perform.
For meeting about the stage set, lighting, props... and various other things.
Bellen: "Huh... The set is already almost finished."
Yuhan: "It seems the coffin we are to enter has already been prepared as well."
Lato: "............."
"Lato... are you okay...?"
Lato: "Yes... I'm just a little sleep-deprived.
Miyaji-sensei... May I try testing how comfortable that coffin is to sleep in?"
Miyaji: "...Yes.
I don't think that would be a problem.
We'll handle the meeting with the theater people... so you should rest, Lato-kun."
Lato: "Thank you very much.
Then..."
Creaaaak.... thump
After that... we were called to the green room to meet with the theater staff... but I was worried about Lato... so I asked the others to let me stay behind.
- A Little While Later -
Lato: "…Ugh…
…Uuu uuu……
…Master……
…Mas… ter……"
"Lato...?"
Suddenly, I heard Lato's voice crying out in his sleep from inside the coffin.
"Lato is dangerous when he's just woken up"… I had been told that by the other butlers… but worried about him… I called out into the coffin.
"Lato... are you okay...?"
Thud!
Lato: "...................."
Suddenly, the coffin lid was kicked open... and Lato, eyes closed, slowly rosed up from inside.
...His state was clearly the same as yesterday.
Lato: "…Master…
Why… why did you leave me behind and die……
Please… let me stay by your side……"
"I'm right here, Lato...!"
Lato: "………………
…Mas… ter………?
……Thank goodness…
You've finally come to take me, haven't you…"
He reached out his hand toward me… then caught his foot on the edge of the coffin as he tried to step out.
And then… he collapsed onto the floor.
"Lato!?"
Lato: "...Master....
I...I'm tired already...
In a world without you, Master...
I can't keep trying anymore...
So... please... may I... go to your side... just like this...?
Is that... alright...?"
While putting his own hand to his neck... Lato pleaded to me, his eyes begging.
"End his suffering right now..." A feeling like that welled up inside me.
...I spoke to his as gently as I could, as if soothing a child.
"I don't want you to die, Lato."
Lato: "......But..... Master....."
"Because I'm alive."
Lato: "...........Huh...."
"I want to live forever, together with you, Lato."
Lato: "..............
.........Master........"
- A Little While Later -
Lato: "……I'm sorry, Master.
I… seem to have had a bad dream.
A bad dream where a reality that doesn't exist… felt like it had truly happened…"
"……Are you alright now?"
Lato: "…Yes.
Because you, Master, properly promised me. You, Master, are truly alive… and will stay with me from now on, forever…
As long as I understand that…
I'm no longer afraid of any 'what if' scenarios.
Kuhufu… It's strange, isn't it?
That being away from your side, Master, hurts me this much.
Before I met you, Master… I had lived in that kind of world for so long, yet…
Now, I cannot live without you, Master, by my side.
However… I have become far stronger than before.
Not only in power.
My heart… and my will to live… are also much, much stronger.
Because a life where you, Master, are by my side… is far more enjoyable than before.
Of course… please stay by my side even after death, alright?"
"I want to stay together forever, too."
Lato: "Kuhufu…
Hearing those words is enough for me.
Let's stay together forever, Master.
And… when the time comes for us to sleep in a coffin… it will be together, just the two of us."
'To share the same grave'…
Lato may not be deeply considering the meaning of those words… but whatever form the words take… I can feel so vividly Lato's desire to "never be apart."
…To have met someone who thinks of me this much, who wants me this much.
In "this life where Lato is by my side"… I once again feel overflowing with gratitude.
"Thank you for meeting me, Lato."
Lato: "Kuhufu…
Likewise, Master."
END
I apologize for any mistakes, Japanese and english are not my first languages (●'◡'●)
Voice: I try to cut back on chocolate before Valentine’s day. The reason is, well, I want to savor that special chocolate even more.
※Note Before Reading the Butler Story
This story contains spoilers for the event story "The Idol Butler's Valentine."
We recommend reading up to episode 15 of the event story before reading this.
A few days ago, we finished our rehearsal on the outdoor stage...
The festival is just around the corner.
I was anxious about how the townspeople would react to the Devils Butler's stage performance, but...
Ever since that rehearsal...
Word on the street is that "the Devil Butlers's act is supposed to be amazing."
Then, one day...
I visited the afternoon dance practice room to check on how the butlers were doing.
【Dance Practice Room】
Berrien: One...two... three...... One...two...three...!
Hmm...
Stepping forward a bit more here might look better on stage.
I'll consult with Lono-kun and Bastien-kun about it later.
Berrien, thanks for you hard work.
Berrien: Oya, Master.
Thank you for your hard work.
Forgive me for my belated greeting.
Are you practicing alone right now?
Berrien: Yes.
Until just a moment ago, Lono-kun and Bastien-kun were here with me.
We decided to take a short break and then gather again in the evening.
Aren't you going to take a break, Berrien?
...You're not pushing yourself too hard alone, are you?
Berrien: No, it's just...
If I don't keep moving like this, I somehow feel restless.
This stage performance is something you planned for us, Master.
I cannot affor to fail.
"An idol" is someone who delivers happiness to others...
This wonderful role you have bestowed upon me...
I truly want to fulfill it.
But you mustn't overwork yourself.
Make sure to rest properly, okay?
Berrien: Yes.
Thank you for your concern.
Berrien replies with a cheerful smile, but...
Beads of sweat glisten on his forehead.
With the kind of atmosphere that suggests he'd keep practicing firever if left alone...
I decided to take Berrien outside for a bit.
Berrien, want to go into town together?
Berrien: Eh? The town?
Hmm...
Well, of course I'll accompany you, but...
Do you have some errand to run?
No, just a walk.
I thought it might help clear your mind.
Berrien: I see......
Fufu, is that so?
While I do feel sorry for causing you worry...
Your thoughtfulness makes me very happy.
And so, the two of us...
Made an impromptu trip into town.
【Espoir】
Townspeople: Ah, that's... the Devil Butler.
They're wearing the same costumes as during the rehearsal.
Berrien: Hmm...
We're attracting more attention than I expected...
I thought I'd do a little promotion for the stage while we walked, but...
Perhaps I should have changed clothes after all.
I never imagined the townspeople would take such an interest in us.
It's surprising... but it's a good sign, right?
Berrien: Yes, indeed.
We've drawn attention from malice and fear before, but...
This kind of gaze...
One filled with pure curiosity... feels strangely fresh.
In our long history...
My own inadequacy gave rise to prejudice against the Devil Butlers.
Long ago, Lord Goetia, who forged a contract with a demon...
Was loved as a hero of this town...
But I, without power..
Could never become like Lord Goetia.
...For someone like me, who can only recall the past in fragments...
I don't clearly know...
What caused the Devil Butlers to fall into hatred.
However...
There is a high possibility that I am the cause of this present situation.
That is precisely why...
The reaction of these townspeople makes me very happy.
If this stage performance can correct even a little of the prejudice against the Devil Butlers...
I find myself daring to hope.
It's okay... I'm sure that hope will come true.
Berrien: Hehe, yes... you're right.
Just hearing you say that, Master, gives me great strength.
Thinking about how Berrien has been fighting against people's prejudiced gazes all this time...
I can't help but wish for the festival to succeed.
May this positive momentum continue, please...
With that hope in my heart, I turn my gaze toward the townspeople.
Unknown Man: Um, hello.
You two are the Devil butler and his Master, right?
Berrien: Yes, that's right, but… who are you?
Newspaper reporter: I work as a newspaper reporter in this town.
I'd like to take a photograph of you both…
Huh? A photo of us?
Newspaper reporter: Yes, you see, the Devil Butler's stage performance…
Has garnered quite a lot of attention in town.
So, I was hoping to feature your photograph and an interview article…
In our newspaper.
Saying this, the newspaper reporter sets up a large camera and points it toward me.
No, that kind of photo is a little…
Berrien: Master, behind me.
Berrien steps in front of me, shielding me so I won't be caught on camera.
Berrien: If it's an interview, I would be happy to answer your questions.
We are truly grateful for your interest in us.
However…
I must ask you to refrain from photographing my Master.
I kindly ask for your understanding.
Newspaper reporter: Even if you say that…
Please, I promise I'll write a great article.
I'll make sure it helps spread a positive reputation for the Devil Butlers.
See? That shouldn't be a problem, right?
(A positive reputation for the Devil Butlers…)
(That would make me happy, but…)
Berrien: ……
The reporter circles around behind Berrien…
And once again raises his camera, trying to take my picture.
At that instant…
Berrien pulls me close against him.
With gentle care, he covers my face…
And from right beside us, I hear the reporter's frustrated voice.
Berrien: I believe I said that photographs of my Master are to be declined.
I cannot under any circumstances permit you to point a camera at this person.
…The Devil Butler and his Master…
Occasionally undertake confidential missions at the request of the Grosvenor House.
If photographs of our faces were to circulate… it would hinder those duties.
…Let me state this once more.
The fact that you wish to feature us in an article…
Is something we are truly grateful and happy for.
However… when it comes to photographs, I must respectfully ask you to refrain.
If further discussion is required, I will be forced to respond based on the intentions of the Grosvenor House as well.
…Should it come to light that any candid photos were taken…
I will have no choice but to take appropriate measures.
Along with a voice tinged with frustration, the reporter's footsteps faded into the distance.
As that sound grew quieter…
My senses became focused entirely on the sound of Berrien's heartbeat. After confirming the reporter had left…
Berrien finally released me from his arms.
Berrien: …Master.
I'm sorry for startling you.
It seems the reporter has also gone home now. Please rest assured.
Thank you for protecting me.
Berrien: No…
I merely did what was only natural.
While the offer of an article was appreciated…
I couldn't allow it to include a photograph.
True, it would make your missions difficult after all.
Berrien: Hmm…
That is also true, but…
More than anything… when I consider your safety, Master, I simply had no other choice.
…Regarding the kidnapping incident some time ago, when you were targeted, Master…
Most of the underworld figures involved have been captured, but…
The true culprit who orchestrated it is still under investigation.
Somewhere in this world, there are people who seek to harm you.
Circulating your photograph would only increase the danger you face.
Well, of course, there is a possibility that your photo is already circulating in the underworld…
But it is still better than taking no precautions at all.
So that the matter of the kidnapping would not be overheard…
Berrien explained in a low voice, secretly.
You were thinking that far ahead for me…
Berrien: Yes…...
Is that not only natural?
After all, it is my duty to protect you.
When I heard that you had been taken that day…
I regretted so deeply having left your side…
…I will never let such a thing happen again.
You are… precious to me, Master.
I absolutely do not want to lose you.
I wanted to reassure Berrien…
With that feeling, I reached out my hand to touch him.
…However, I noticed the many onlookers around us…
And held myself back.
Before I knew it…
An even larger crowd than before had their eyes fixed on us.
Berrien: It seems people have gathered, having heard the commotion with the reporter.
Being watched like this must make you feel uneasy, doesn't it?
Shall we leave this place and move somewhere more private?
…Master, your hand, please. I will escort you.
Yeah… thank you, Berrien.
Berrien: …No, thank you…
Fufu, though it is merely an escort…
Holding hands like this puts me at ease.
Feeling the warmth of each other's hands…
We avoid the crowd and slip into an alleyway.
It seems even they won't follow us this far…
We look at each other and exchange a gentle smile.
But come to think of it…
Slipping into an alleyway to avoid the crowd… is just like an idol's secret date.
It's like a secret date, isn't it?
Berrien: Oya? A secret date, you say?
It feels very "idol-like"
Berrien: Hmm, indeed…
The "idols" in your world seem to be deeply loved, after all…
So it makes sense they would date in secret to avoid public attention.
Fufu…
I feel like I've come to understand something new about "what it means to be an idol."
I only intended for us to take a simple walk, and yet here we are.
…We can hardly return to the main street after that commotion…
Master… would you continue to accompany me on this "secret date"?
Hehe… Of course, with pleasure.
And so, while holding hands with Berrien…
We moved stealthily through the town.
By the time we discussed that it was about time to head home…
The sun had already begun to set.
Berrien: Fufu, I ended up enjoying myself far more than I expected.
Yeah, I really had fun too.
Street stall owner: That outfit…
You're the Devil Butler and his master, right?
Wait a moment.
He spots us… T
The stall owner, who seemed to be packing up for the day, calls out to us.
Berrien: Hello.
Um… Is something the matter?
The stall owner picks up something…
And approaches us.
Then… he gently holds out a bag of "Festival Chocolate"
Berrien: Huh?
This is…
Stall owner: I saw your rehearsal that day, right there on the spot.
…Truly, it was a magnificent performance.
The Devil Butler standing on that stage back then…
Was completely different from the bad impression I had heard about.
…The negative image of the Devil Butlers…
Is mostly something passed down from our parents' generation and those before them.
I too… condemned the Devil Butlers without knowing anything about the real you.
………I'm sorry.
Berrien: …N-no, please…
There's no need for you to apologize…
…The fact that there are people like you who have changed their perspective…
That alone is more than enough.
Stall owner: …Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that.
Please accept this chocolate as a token of my apology.
…I'm looking forward to the main performance.
Berrien: …Thank you very much.
We'll cherish it and share it with everyone at the mansion.
Berrien accepts the chocolate from the stall owner, looking genuinely delighted.
Turning back to glance at him many times…
With the gently fragrant chocolate in hand, we made our way back to the mansion.
-A Few Days Later-
The festival ended safely and was a great success.
As proof of that, from the townspeople as well…
A massive amount of chocolate is delivered to the mansion every day.
…And also, ever since that day, in order to convey my own feelings to Berrien…
I prepared a handmade festival chocolate molded into a heart shape. I heard Berrien had gone out to the garden…
But where could he be?
Berrien: ……
Ah, Berrien.
Berrien: Oh, Master.
Good evening.
Good evening. So you were here.
Berrien: Hmm, the way you phrased that…
Could it be… you were looking for me?
I stopped Berrien from apologizing for making me search for him in the cold…
And held out the chocolate I had prepared.
This… would you accept it?
Berrien: Could that be…
Valentine's chocolate, by any chance?
Fufu, I'm surprised.
You came all the way here just to give me this.
Seeing Berrien so happy filled me with joy as well…
I conveyed the feelings I had put into the chocolate.
My gratitude for always being by my side…
How Berrien's gentle smile gives me a place to belong…
That I hope the time I spend with Berrien will last forever…
That he supports my heart so much that I can't help but think such things…
I'm happy being with you, Berrien.
Berrien: …Master…
If anything, it is I who… am happy every day being with you, Master.
To have encountered someone who would give me such wonderful chocolate and such wonderful words…
If this isn't happiness, what is…?
Truly… I am so blessed.
…Since the festival ended…
Day after day, a great deal of chocolate is sent to the mansion.
However… more than any of that, this chocolate is the one that makes me happiest.
Thank you for this magnificent gift.
Hehe… you're very welcome.
Berrien: …As you know, Master…
Through this festival, the townspeople's view of the Devil Butlers has changed, just a little.
Ever since you came to this world…
I feel that things which had long been stagnant are now steadily moving forward.
Perhaps, from now on…
The Devil Butlers may come to be recognized even more by society.
…However…
No matter how many people may come to acknowledge us…
The one who is most important to me will surely never change.
A being who can make me this happy with just a single piece of chocolate…
Surely, aside from you, Master… no such person will ever appear.
…For me too… it's the same.
A person who makes me this nervous just from giving them a piece of chocolate…
A person whose happy face makes me feel this joyful…
Surely… aside from you, Berrien… no such person will ever appear.
It's a little embarrassing, but…
I honestly conveyed those feelings to Berrien.
Berrien: ……Fufu… thank you very much.
No matter how much gratitude I put into words, no matter how often I voice my happiness…
This feeling… only continues to grow.
…"If you yourself are not happy, you cannot possibly make someone else happy."
Lately, I've come to think that way.
"If you yourself are not happy" huh…
Berrien:
Yes, and…
Ever since I met you, Master… I have been happy.
Fufu, so surely…
That's why I've been able to deliver happiness to the townspeople as well.
"An idol is someone who brings happiness to others"…
…It is precisely because I met you, Master… that I believe I can be an idol now.
…Thank you for this happiness.
As an idol, as a butler…
And as Berrien Cliane, a single human being…
I will make you… happier than anyone else.
…Just joking.
The "idol" act is over now, isn't it?
Saying that…
Berrien flashes a playful, happy smile.
It was different from the idol I saw on stage, different from the polite butler…
It looked like his true, unguarded smile.
So that Berrien can always wear such a smile…
So that he can always say he is "happy"…
So that I can remain by his side, forever…
I simply wished for that, from the bottom of my heart.
Voice: When you're tired, nothing beats something sweet. Come on, let's take a little break.
The warm weather feels pleasant this time of year, and...
Hanamaru's birthday was approaching.
This year, to celebrate the butlers' birthday...
How about we go out...... or more accurately, on a date?
I'll grant the butlers' request to go wherein they desire......
I want memories to remain from their birthday.
...Though, due to the butler and master connection...
Without a doubt, I will inevitably end up making the butlers hold back.
If that's the case......
First of all, I'll ask them to go out matching casual clothes with each other.
I immediately suggested to Hanamaru...
That we go on a casual date on his birthday.
- On His Birthday -
Hanamaru: Hehe...
Blue skies, white clouds, and pleasant sunshine.
These conditions are perfect for today's date.
I'm glad I've been steadily building up my good karma all this time.
As he said that, breathing in the fresh air alongside Hanamaru...
I also looked around.
Guided by Hanamaru...
I had arrived at a strawberry field away from Espoir.
Apparently, you can enjoy "strawberry picking" here.
Hanamaru: A strawberry picking date for my birthday—wasn't that a surprise?
Since it's a date with a dandy like me...
I thought Master might imagine a more mature atmosphere.
So I decided to go against that expectation on purpose.
You really put a lot of thought into this.
Hanamaru: Of course I did.
Besides, it seems that Master is going to grant m wish today, right?
And since it's a date in causal clothes, too.
I really racked my brain trying to figure out what to do.
So, I thought and thought...
And after thinking it through eve further...
My exhausted, worn-out brain...
Craving something sweet, led me here.
I-I see...?
Hanamaru: ...Well, of course that's a lie.
Huh...?
So it's a lie?
Hanamaru: Even I wouldn't...
...go so far as to decide an important destination for a date based on a reason like that.
I have my own, proper reasons for choosing this place.
Don't worry.
Whatever Hanamaru's reason for choosing strawberry picking for our date..
"He thought about where he wanted to take me"...
That fact alone makes me happy.
I want him to forget he's a butler and enjoy himself to the fullest today.
I convey those feelings to Hanamaru once again.
Hanamaru: Ah.
Got it, I'll do just that.
Well, "forget I'm a butler"...
I do that pretty often anyway, even without being told.
I had a feeling you did.
Hanamaru: Heheh, I knew it!
Well, anyway...
You probably told me that specifically so I wouldn't hold back, right?
Thanks to that, today...
I think I'll be able to have a more free and fun time than usual.
Oh, right, right...
If I'm not your butler, I don't need to call you "Master," do I?
Yeah, you can just call me by my name.
Hanamaru: Oh, I see.
I really appreciate how easygoing you are about that.
Well then, today...
I think I'll just call you [Name].
Let's enjoy plenty of sweet treats, shall we? [Name]
Sure, let's do that.
And so, after checking in at the front desk...
We decided to get right to picking strawberries.
【Strawberry Field】
Apparently, at this farm, you can taste the strawberries you pick right there on the spot.
Bathed in the soft sunlight...
The strawberries, like jewels, shine even more brilliantly.
Hanamaru: Oh, they're ripe, they're ripe.
Every single one has such a beautiful color.
This is going to test my eye for quality.
They all look delicious.
Hanamaru: Exactly.
That's exactly why it's so hard to find that one perfect gem among them.
After all, no matter the situation...
I want to feed [Name] the very best, right?
With that, Hanamaru carefully scanned the strawberries all around him.
And then...
He picked a strawberry that was exceptionally large and bright red.
Hanamaru: Yeah, this is the one.
No doubt about it.
Come on, [Name], come over here.
Here, a⁓h.
Huh? A⁓h...
Hanamaru: .........
...Heh, how is it?
Delicious, right?
From the moment he picked the strawberry to the moment he held it up to my mouth...
His movements were so natural...
After I put the strawberry in my mouth, I was a little taken aback by the delayed "Aah⁓n."
But the person in question...
Just smiled naturally, as if it were nothing.
Hanamaru: We don't usually go strawberry picking at proper places like this...
Back in the day, I used to go around picking wild strawberries with the kids.
And whenever I found a big one...
I'd just shove it into the mouth of whichever kid was nearby.
I had a reputation for never picking a bad one, you know.
So when it comes to strawberry picking...
I figured I could use my eye for quality to make [Name] happy.
...So that's why we're strawberry picking today?
Hanamaru: Yeah.
I told you, didn't I?
Back in the day, I used to go around picking wild strawberries with the kids.
Those peaceful times...
Before I ended up at the church, I couldn't have imagined them.
Every day I spent with the kids at the church...
Those were the few peaceful moments I had as "me, not the butler."
So, in that sense...
If it's strawberry picking...
I thought I might be able to show you "the me who isn't a butler."
Of course, I can't exactly go picking wild strawberries in the middle of an untamed mountain...
While still wearing my civilian clothes.
So, within the constraints of what's possible on a date...
I chose a situation that's similar to back then.
"Forget you're a butler and just relax without holding back."
Hanamaru seemed to understand exactly what I was thinking.
Thank you, Hanamaru.
Hanamru: Not at all.
No matter how you look at it, I'm the one who should be thanking you.
Thanks for spending the day with me.
As I took in Hanamaru's words...
I also found myself accepting what happened with the "Aah⁓n" earlier.
The way he picked a strawberry and held it to my liips felt strangely natural...
I suppose that's because of the time he spent with the children.
He mentioned that he'd been feeding wild strawberries to the kids...
Before and after that "Aah⁓n" moment, he didn't seem any different.
It didn't seem kike he was trying to unsettle me, nor did he seem unsettled himself.
It's a bit of a heart-stopper for me, though...
For Hanamaru, this seems to be the "norm" for strawberry picking.
I don't want to spoil his pure enjoyment of the activity.
With that in mind, I desperately hid the unease stirred up by the lingering sweetness in my mouth...
I did my best to conceal it.
Hanamaru: Oh, I've found a prime one over here too.
.........
Hanamaru picks the strawberry...
And glances at me as if to ask, "Want some?"
I'm good, Hanamaru, you eat it.
Hanamaru: Got it, well then...
...Mmm⁓!
Wow, this is incredibly sweet.
Come to think of it...
They were selling chocolate sauce over there earlier to change up the flavor.
With this level of sweetness, it's delicious just as is, but...
It might be nice to try later.
Sounds good, chocolate. Looks delicious.
Hanamaru: Hehe, fresh strawberries with chocolate fondue.
That's quite the treat, isn't it?
Apparently, this farm has plenty to see besides strawberry picking.
Like sweets made with strawberries picked right here on the farm.
And they say there are all kinds of souvenirs, too.
Let's take the whole day and enjoy it to the fullest.
The strawberries at the farm are al incredibly sweet...
I could eat them forever.
And among them, Hanamaru...
Just as I expected, he picks out the sweetest, most delicious strawberries for me.
Not to be outdone, I glance around...
And there, right before my eyes, was a single strawberry so big it looked like it might burst.
Hanamaru, what do you think of that one?
Hanamaru: Hmm?
Wow, that's amazing.
It's so heavy, it's a wonder the stem can even support it...
Heh, you found a good one.
With a strawberry like this...
Maybe it'll serve as a thank-you for the strawberries Hanamaru gave me.
I quickly picked the strawberry...
Suppressing my nervousness, I held it out toward Hanamaru's mouth.
Just like Hanamaru did a moment ago...
I tried to act natural and keep my composure.
...Here you go, Hanamaru. A⁓h...
Hanamaru: Hmm? Are you giving this to me?
That makes me happy.
Well then, a⁓h......
Toward my hand... no, toward the strawberry in my hand...
Hanamaru slowly brings his face closer.
My eyes are drawn to his slightly parted lips...
Even though I'm trying to stay calm, my heart won't listen to me.
.........
Hanamaru: .........Hmph.
Hahaha... [Name], it's way too obvious you're nervous.
Staring at me with a face like that, it's actually obvious, you know.
...Was it really?
Hanamaru: You bet.
I can read your mind like an open book.
And it's not just now...
Like when I fed you that strawberry earlier.
After I put it in your mouth, you got flustered a moment later, didn't you?
But when you herd "I was feeding wild strawberries to the kids," you put on a brave face.
The reason is probably...
To make me happy, right?
You knew all that?
...It's mean of you to have known.
Hanamaru: Hah, sorry, sorry.
But you know, seeing you try so hard to keep a straight face for my sake—it was so endearing and cute.
I just couldn't help but want to tease you a little.
Seeing you like that, I guess it was just irresistible.
...Saying things like "cute" or "I want to tease you"...
As a butler, I probably shouldn't say that.
But since I don't have to be a "butler" today...
You won't hold it against me, right?
Hanamaru says this with a cheerful smile.
It's frustrating to be teased like this, but...
Hanamaru is already in control of the situation.
...Of course, I won't scold you.
Hanamaru: Hehe, that's more like it.
Well then, Name.
Let's get back on track...
Will you let me open my mouth again and me feed me?
I laughed just now and missed my chance to eat.
It's not very butler-like of me... but it's a request from me. You'll grant it, right?
...Alright.
I hold out the strawberry I've been holding to Hanamaru once more.
Hanamaru bends down slightly and slowly brings his face closer to the strawberry.
Hanamaru: ...It's actually kind of lonely when you don't say anything.
Come on... won't you say it like you did earlier?
Like, "Hanamaru, a⁓h..."
Right? Please.
I knew I couldn't possibly refuse those repeated pleas.
I understood that instinctively from the way he was staring intently at me.
...Hanamaru, a⁓h......
Hanamaru: Hmph...
...A⁓h.
...I see. This is delicious.
It's definitely the sweetest thing I've eaten today.
Thanks for the treat.
...Ah, come to think of it.
Do you know there's a legend like this in the Central Plains?
"If two people feed each other strawberries...
...They'll be happy no matter what happens."
Since we fed each other...
I guess that means we'll be happy too.
No matter what happens... the two of us, together.
He made it sound like he'd "just remembered" it...
But Hanamaru must have deliberately brought up that legend right now.
...Hanamaru certainly doesn't act like a butler most of the time...
But when he completely stops acting like one, he's really sly and mischievous.
【On the Way Home】
After that, we enjoyed picking strawberries...
We spent our time looking at souvenirs at the farm and eating sweets.
On the way home, not that it had grown completely dark...
The scent of strawberries lingering on my body made me feel both a sense of fulfillment and a touch of loneliness.
Hanamaru: All in all, it went by in a flash.
I feel like we really made the most of it, but I still don't want to go home yet.
Well, I guess that just means today was that much fun.
I had a lot of fun, too.
Before we reached the mansion...
I realized there was something I wanted to tell Hanamaru.
I stopped on my tracks and looked into Hanamaru's eyes.
Hanamaru: Hmm? [Name]?
Hanamaru... Happy birthday.
I'm so glad I got to spend the day with you and celebrate.
Once again, happy birthday.
I'm truly glad you were born.
You tease me, and I tease you back.
That's pretty much all we do...
But I want to tell you as honestly as possible that these feelings are genuine.
Hanamaru: [Name]...
...Hmph, seriously.
Saying something like that...
I wonder if you really get it...
Right now, I'm not a "butler."
In other words... there's nothing holding me back.
Because [Name] said something so incredibly heartwarming...
It's made me even more reluctant to go home.
As a butler, all I could do was "rejoice in the happiness I was given"...
But since I'm not a butler anymore...
I can go out and seize even greater happiness for myself.
Faced with Hanamaru's slightly seductive smile, I can't help but freeze up.
.........
Hanamaru: Oops?
[Name]. you're nervous again, aren't you?
...That said.
Of course, I'll prioritize [Name]'s feelings.
But you know, I want to show that I'm a mature adult with some composure, too.
...If [Name] wants to go home, we'll head back to the mansion right now.
But if you tell me you don't want to go home...
Let's spend the rest of the night together until midnight.
What do you want to do, [Name]?
......I......
Hanamaru: Yeah...
Don't hold back—just tell me what's on your mind.
Fortunately, we've already shared strawberries with each other.
No matter how things turn out...
I'm certain that happiness awaits us at the end of this journey.
So it doesn't matter which path you choose here.
Whether we star like this, just "me and [Name]"...
Or go back to being "butler and master"...
I'm sure it'll all end happily even after.
Hanamaru teases me, but he looks at me with a gentle gaze.
No matter which path I choose...
I'm sure Hanamaru will keep smiling cheerfully at me.
I... don't want to go home yet.
Hanamaru: Hmm, I see.
I'm glad I got to hear [Name]'s feelings.
Well then, shall we... go?
Saying that, Hanamaru holds out his hand to me.
Go? Where...?
Hanamaru: I figured someone like [Name] would say, "I'm not going home"...
Actually, I made a reservation at a restaurant.
So, let's get going.
When I placed my hand over the one he offered...
Hanamaru gripped it firmly, but not so tightly as to hurt.
His confident stride...
Proved that he really had made a reservation.
...I wonder when exactly he started planning this.
Was it when he chose strawberry picking as our date in the first place?
As I was thinking about that...
Hanamaru shortened his stride and looked at me cheerfully again.
Hanamaru: the plan to make [Name] think, "I don't want to go gone"—it's a complete success.
Thanks to that, it looks like I'll be able to spend the best birthday ever, right until the very end.
Thanks, [Name].
It seems Hanamaru has seen right through all my thoughts.
Gripping his hand, I squeezed back with all my strength, as if to get even...
...Hanamaru, who isn't a butler, really is sneaky and a pain in the neck...
I was reminded of that once again.
Voice: Master looks better when smiling.
Trust me—I've been watching you up close the whole time.
Sorry anon for taking so long, I've been studying for midterms so I wasn't able to find enough time to play akuneko o(*￣▽￣*)ブ
Anyways, hope you enjoy this and I apologize if there are some mistakes ❤️
※Note Before Reading the Butler Story
This story contains spoilers for the "Butler's Wedding Party" event story.
We recommend reading up to Chapter 15 of the event story before proceeding.
- The Day After the Party -
Thanks to what Lato said...
I ended up spending time with each of the butlers on separate days.
And today, finally...
It's my turn to spend time with Boschi.
【Devil's Palace Garden】
One morning...
I woke up early and spotted Boschi in the garden.
Boschi: Hmm...
I wonder if I should replace these flowers and arrange some small decorations instead...
It seems Boschi is...
Tending to the garden.
Just as I was wondering whether to speak to him...
Boschi suddenly turned around.
Boschi: Hmm...?
Is that you, Master?
Good morning.
It's a nice day, isn't it?
Good morning, Boschi.
Sorry for interrupting your work.
Boschi: Huh?
I don't really think of it a an interruption.
If anything, it's actually convenient for me that you're here.
As soon as I finish this...
I was just about to go pick Master up.
To pick me up?
Boschi: That's right.
Today's the day Master and I get to spend time together, right?
So, in your room...
I was thinking we should talk about out plans for today.
I see...
Boschi: Yeah.
That's why I'm going to just ask you right here...
Master, today...
Is there anywhere you want to go or anything you want to do?
Hmm...
I can't really think of anything off the top of my head...
Boschi: I see...
So there's nothing in particular you want to do, huh?
After thinking for a moment...
Boschi smiled cheerfully.
Boschi: ...Hey, Master.
In that case, why don't you go along with what I want to do today?
What Boschi wants to do...?
Boschi: That's right.
Well, it's nothing too outlandish, so don't worry.
Just...
Sitting side by side in the shade of the trees in this garden and reading.
You mean we'll read together?
Boschi: Yeah, that's about it.
It's cool today, and the sun isn't too strong.
Don't you think reading outside on a day like this would be nice?
I see...
Actually, that might be nice.
Boschi: Hmm...
I can tell you're getting interested.
So...
Is that set as our plan for today?
Yeah, sure.
Let's read together.
Boschi: Got it.
Well then...
First, let's head to the library to pick out some books.
Oh...
But before that, I need to finish up some work.
Master.
I'll be done in a minute, so please wait a little while.
Okay.
Boschi's back as he tidies up looks somehow cheerful.
And so, it was decided that I would spend the day...
Reading with him.
- A Little While Later -
We took the books we'd chosen from the library...
And came back out to the garden.
Unlike me, who only had a few books...
Boschi was carrying a whole stack of them in his arms.
According to him...
It's "just in case you get bored of the books you picked yourself."
Boschi: Hmm...
This is porbably the biggest spot of shade in the garden.
Well then, Master...
Let's sit down here and read.
Okay.
When I sat down under the big tree...
He sat down right next to me on my right.
Leaning my back against the trunk and relaxing...
The branches overhead rustled softly in the breeze.
The shade of the tree in early summer, where I could feel nature...
Was more comfortable than I expected.
It feels nice...
As I muttered that...
Boschi, sitting next to me, chuckled softly.
Boschi: ...I see.
It's good to see you're relaxing, Master.
But...
I'm not impressed that you're so careless about sunburn, you know?
Huh?
After saying that, Boschi...
Pulled me close by the shoulder.
His strong grip...
Forced my body to press tightly against his left shoulder.
Bo-Boschi...!?
Seeing me panic...
The corners of his mouth curled up in amusement.
Boschi: There you go, Master...
Come closer to me.
If you don't, your body will stick out from the shade...
And you'll get sunburned.
B-but...
I can't say I don't understand Boschi's point...
But even so...
Honestly, this feels way too close.
As I sat there, confused...
Boschi peered into my face and smiled.
Boschi: Hey, Master...
Master...
Do you hate having me by your side?
Well...
It's not that I mind...
Boschi: Hmm... I see.
Then there's no problem at all.
Saying that, Boschi...
Looked as if he felt a little relieved.
Boschi: Alright, then...
Since you don't seem to mind, let's get started reading right away.
Oh, and...
Even while you're reading...
Don't you dare wander off from me, okay?
U-uhum.
Got it.
After confirming that I nodded...
Boschi began reading the book he'd brought.
Following his lead, I...
Opened the book I'd chosen.
The shade of the trees in early summer was cool, and the sunlight felt pleasant...
It was a perfect day for reading, but...
Boschi: .........
Distracted by the warmth of Boschi's hand on my shoulder...
I couldn't seem to get very far in my book.
【Devil's Palace Garden】
- A Little While Later -
Boschi and I were continuing to read under the shade of the trees.
At first, I was so nervous about how close Boschi was that...
I couldn't focus on the words...
But now I've gotten used to the distance...
I'm silently making my way through the book.
However, after reading for a while...
I noticed a gaze coming from my right.
Boschi: ......
When I turned around...
Boschi, who should have been reading, was staring at my face.
B-Boschi?
Boschi: Hmm?
Is something wrong, Master?
U-um...
As I shifted my gaze nervously and backed away while still seated...
Boschi smiled like a mischievous child.
Faced with his composure, I stammered for words...
But I managed to speak up.
Why were you looking at me...?
Boschi: What?
Do I need a reason to look at you, Master?
It's not that...
Boschi: I see...
Well then...
I don't need a reason to look at you either.
Saying that, Boschi...
Laughed cheerfully right next to me.
As he laughed and shook his shoulders...
The vibration reached me, pressed close against him.
Finding myself getting nervous again in that situation...
I decided to change the subject somehow.
Um, by the way, Boschi...
Boschi: Yeah, what is it?
Well...
After letting my gaze wander for a moment...
My eyes settled on the book in Boschi's hands.
With large text and vivid illustrations, it looked like...
A picture book.
What kind of picture book is that?
What are you reading, Boschi?
Boschi: This?
This is a book that, back in the day, I...
My grandma...
In other words, it's a picture book my grandmother used to read to me.
Your grandmother?
Boschi: That's right.
Back when I was still a kid...
My grandmother used to read all kinds of picture books to me.
This one in one of them.
Normally, I wouldn't pick up a picture book just to read...
But today, I happened to find this one in the library...
It brought back memories, and here I am.
By the way, what's it about?
Boschi: The story?
To put is simply...
It's a "legend about love."
A legend...?
Boschi: Yeah.
I don't know if there are similar stories in your world, but...
This story...
It's about the "Legend of the Red String."
Boschi explained the story to me.
First off, the protagonist of the picture book is...
Apparently a young man who hadn’t been blessed with a marriage proposal for a long time.
When the troubled young man visited a fortune-teller...
He was given a prophecy.
Boschi: And then...
The fortune-teller tells the protagonist this:
"I see a red thread on the little finger of your right hand.
Soon, you will meet your destined partner."
"That person is someone with a very warm heart."
...Something like that.
And then, the prophecy came true...
The protagonist finds a partner and lives happily ever after...
That’s basically how the story goes.
I see...
It’s a happy story.
Boschi: Well, yeah.
Probably, the theme of this picture book is...
“Everyone has the potential to be happy,” or something like that...
That’s probably it.
That’s exactly why my grandmother...
read this picture book to me when I was just a kid.
She was a kind grandmother.
Boschi: Yeah.
I really... still think so, even now.
After all, my grandmother...
would always say this after finishing the story:
"There’s surely a red thread on Boschi’s right hand too"...
"You’ll meet a kind person and find happiness"... that sort of thing.
Boschi said that...
and lowered his gaze to his right hand.
Boschi: Well, thinking about it now...
I feel a little sorry for my grandmother.
She was using that picture book as a metaphor...
To wish me happiness, but...
For me now...
I don’t even have a right hand to use as a metaphor.
Boschi...
When Boschi turned around, his expression wasn’t sad or pained...
It was just calm.
Boschi: ...Sorry for getting all sentimental.
But...
Don’t look so sad.
To begin with, I...
Don’t believe in the legend of the red thread.
And besides...
whether I even had a red thread before I lost my right hand...
There’s no way to know now.
For all I know, I might never have had a red thread to begin with.
To mourn and grieve over something I never even had...
That’s just ridiculous.
So, Master...
Please forget what you just heard.
As Boschi spoke, his face remained calm...
Not a trace of pain showed on it.
Even so, I...
I didn’t want to pretend the past he’d shared with me—his emotions—never existed.
...I won’t forget, Boschi.
Boschi: …Master?
I said nothing...
Still seated, I moved closer to him.
The distance that had opened up when I backed away earlier closed...
Boschi’s expression became clearer.
I want to get into the shade, so I’m going to move in closer.
It might be a little cramped, but I’m sorry.
Boschi: ......
If I were to voice what he had just said...
Boschi, unusually, widened his eyes.
Boschi: Hmph...
Is that so?
Saying that, Boschi...
Gave a smile as if all his strength had drained away.
Drawn in by that smile, which somehow gave me a sense of reassurance, I smiled a little too...
A warm light lit up in his eyes.
Boschi: ...You’re so kind, Master.
I should have known that a long time ago...
But I keep thinking it over and over again.
Really...
You’re quite someone, you know.
Boschi...
When I called his name...
Boschi pulled me close by the shoulder.
Whoa!?
Startled, I looked over at him...
There he was, gazing at me tenderly.
His narrowed eyes were infinitely gentle...
I almost found myself mesmerized by that warmth.
Watching me like that...
Boschi opened his mouth with a satisfied look.
Boschi: ...Hey, Master.
Even without some red thread of fate...
It seems I’ve found happiness by meeting a kind person like you.
Boschi touched my cheek with his left hand.
The sensation from his fingertips was just like his smile...
Endlessly gentle and warm.
After saying that, Boschi...
Averted his gaze, looking a little awkward.
Boschi: I mean...
Saying something like this isn’t really like me, is it?
With a faint hint of loneliness...
Boschi slowly pulled his hand away from my cheek.
I didn’t like that at all...
So I instinctively grabbed his hand.
Ah...
Boschi: ...Master?
Uh, um...
As I searched for the right words to say to him...
I wrapped both my hands around Boschi’s.
But no matter how hard I thought...
I couldn’t find the right words...
Facing me like that, Boschi...
Smiled as if holding something back.
Boschi: …Hmph.
Hehe…
Hey, Master…
You don’t have to do that…
I’m not going anywhere.
In his low, powerful voice...
...There was clearly a hint of happiness
I was so happy about that...
...That I tightened my grip on his hands.
Staring at me like that...
Boschi laughed cheerfully once more, as if holding something back.
Voice: Hey, hey, Master. Aren't you blushing? Getting flustered over something like this–you're such a cutie.
English and Japanese are not my first languages, so there might be some mistakes (●'◡'●)
It was mid-April, and spring was in full swing...
Ammon's birthday was approaching.
This year, to celebrate the butler's birthdays...
I'll ask them out... or rather, on a date.
That said, given our relationship as butler and master...
There might be times during the date when they feel the need to hold back.
In that case...
First off, how about we both wear casual clothes?
That way, it'll be easier for us to spend time together just as we are.
I immediately told Ammon that I wanted to go on a date in our casual clothes.
Then Ammon teased me, saying, "Do you really want to see me in my casual clothes that much?"...
He was teasing me, but...
It seemed he liked the idea behind this date...
He told me he'd pick out a place to go.
I wondered where exactly we'd go and what kind of date we'd have...
With my heart swelling with anticipation, I waited for his birthday to arrive.
- April 14 -
We had arrived at a garden in a nearby town.
The garden, with the spring breeze gently blowing, was very comfortable...
It put me in a peaceful mood.
Ammon: Hehe...
You seem to be in a good mood, Master?
The date plan...
It looks like you liked it, which is the best thing of all.
By the way, there's also a museum about flowers inside this garden...
I plan to show you around there later, too.
Since you've got the best guide–me–by your side...
You're definitely going to have a great time, so please look forward to it ♪
Thanks for a date that's so typical of Ammon.
Ammon: Huh, "typical of me", huh...?
If that's how you feel, I guess I'm off to a great start.
After all, the concept of today's date is...
"Just enjoying ourselves as we are"...
Getting that kind of feedback...
Feels like a really good start.
Well, the reason I chose this place...
Isn't just because it's a spot that's "so me"...
But also because I thought Master would enjoy it.
You were being considerate of me, weren't you?
Ammon: Hmm...
It's not like I'm being considerate or anything, you know?
It's just that, since Master asked me out on a date...
I'm just trying to live up to your expectations, that's all ♪
That's why....
I fully intend to make sure Master has a good time today...
Just as Master wishes...
I plan to be my true self during the date.
So...
Master has to show me your true self too, okay?
After all, it was...
Master who gave us this gift of "a date where we can enjoy ourselves as our true selves"...
So...
Don't think you'll be able to go back to the mansion without showing me your true self.
From this very moment until we return to the mansion...
Don't be my wonderful "Master"...
Please just be my wonderful... [Name]-san.
Amidst his teasing tone...
Without a hint of seriousness lingering in the air, Ammon stares at me.
Overwhelmed by his aura, I nod...
Ammon smiled as if to say, "Well done."
From the moment I gave him the birthday date as a present..
I'd expected to be teased to some extent during the date, but...
Maybe today...
It might not stop at just "some extent."
(...What should I do?)
Watching me agonize like that...
Ammon gazed at me with a look of pure delight.
- Later -
After finishing our stroll...
We made our way to the museum.
Along the walls, botanical illustrations and specimens were lined up...
Glass cases held flower seed, ornaments, and other items.
Ammon: ...Hehe.
It's nice to see flowers like this, isn't it? ♪
Oh, [Name]-san.
If we go over there, there's an exhibit on roses, too.
Let's check it out.
Where Ammon led us...
There was a particularly vibrant section lined with posters of roses.
From old-fashioned roses to ones with unusual bloom...
It seemed like posters of various varieties had been gathered there...
But judging by the explanations, many of the varieties...
Appeared to have been named after the breeder's "special someone."
Ammon: Their wives' names, their children children's names...
And this rose here... is it named after someone they served their whole life?
Even though the times are different, people who grows flowers...
I guess they all think the same way, huh⁓.
After years of research, when they finally create a flower...
They all name it after someone close to them.
Well, even I...
Understand exactly how these people feel.
But precisely because it's a precious flower, naming it after someone special to you...
Is just so wonderful.
The look on Ammon's face as he says that...
Is somehow gentle.
"Because it's such a precious flower, naming it after someone special"...
Hearing those words come from Ammon, who always takes such good care of his flowers...
It almost feels like naming a flower after a person...
Carries the meaning of "I want to cherish that person just like I cherish this flower."
If that's the case. then just as Ammon says...
Naming a rose after someone special might actually be a wonderful thing.
Yeah, that might be actually be nice...
Ammon: Is that so...
So you think so too, Name.
In that case, maybe...
You want me to...
Create a rose named "[Name]"?
...Huh?
Looking at my surprised face...
Ammon gave a sly smile.
Ammon: Oh, or maybe...
You'd rather have a different flower instead of a rose?
Hehe... in that case, don't worry.
I grow flowers at the mansion...
And I'm working on breeding different varieties...
So there are plenty of candidates for a flower named "[Name]"
It's not just roses, you know.
Well, if you want to name one right now...
I'd recommend a rose, though.
After all, I finished developing one a few years ago...
And there's still a rose that hasn't been named yet.
If this rose were to be named "[Name]"...
That would ne exactly what I've been hoping for.
Well, if you say you'd prefer another rose...
I'll just have to create a new variety.
Uh, um...
Somehow the conversation has...
...Shifted to "which flower should I name after myself."
And I suspect Ammon is...
...doing this on purpose.
..."If this keeps up, he'll tease me like he always does."
Just as I braced myself for that feeling, Ammon laughed even more cheerfully.
Ammon: If the day ever comes when I actually name a after you, [Name]-san...
Then, of course...
I'll make a bouquet and give it to [Name]-san as a present ♪
Though, come to think of it...
After giving it to you, should I keep that rose here with me...
Or should I announce the variety and share it with the world...
That part...
I'd like [Name]-san to decide.
Personally, I'd like to keep it here without announcing it...
I'd like to keep it as a rose just for the two of us forever...
But I also think a future where a rose bearing [Name]-san's name...
...is displayed in flower shops...
...or planted in gardens and loved by many people...
...wouldn't be so bad either.
In short...
The future of the rose depends entirely on how [Name]-san feels.
O-oh, I see...
Ammon: That's right ♪
So, [Name]-san...
About the rose I've carefully nurtured and named after you...
What do you want to do with it?
...Why are we talking as if you're definitely going to make it?
Ammon: Hmm...?
Do you prefer a flower other than a rose, after all?
It's not exactly that...
Ammon: Well then, isn't it settled that I'll make it? ♪
The fact that you'd given me a rose named after you...
The fact that I'd create a rose called "[Name]" and cherish it...
The fact that I'd want to make it into a bouquet...
None of that...
Is strange, is it?
Well...
If I answered "that's weird" here...
That would be rejecting Ammon's opinion and hurting his feelings.
So I have no choice but to say "it's not weird," but...
If I do that, things will go exactly the way Ammon wants them to.
The way he phrased his question...
Was way too sneaky.
...It's not weird.
Ammon: I knew it⁓.
Well... I knew the answer all along but ♪
Still... I'm glad you said that.
Thanks a lot.
The way you...
Don't dismiss my feelings, but try to cherish them...
I...
I think that's really wonderful, [Name]-san ♪
In the voice that said that...
I couldn't sense any teasing intent or a stiff atmosphere.
In the way he casually called my name, there was simply...
The feeling that the guy standing next to me right now was Ammon, just as he is.
"Ammon really is a sly one"...
Muttering my complaints in my heart, I pressed my hand against my cheeks, which were starting to get hot.
- A Little While Later -
Ammon: Well then...
I guess we've seen pretty much everything now, huh?
Thanks for showing me around.
Ammon: I'm glad I could, but no need to thank me.
I was just enjoying the date myself.
By the way...
We've walked quite a bit–are you tired?
If you want to take a break, we can head to the café inside...
But if you're okay...
I'll take you to the next spot.
I'm fine. How about you, Ammon?
Ammon: I'm good.
Thanks for asking.
Well, then, let's get right to it...
Shall we head to the next "special spot?"
A special spot...?
Ammon: That's a secret.
But... I'm sure you'll like it, [Name]-san.
Just as we were talking...
Someone who looked like a staff member walked right past us.
Ammon: ...Oops, perfect timing ♪
[Name]-san.
Please wait here for a sec.
Huh? S-sure.
Saying that, Ammon went over to talk to the staff member.
The staff member he spoke to went back to the backstage area for a moment...
Then handed Ammon a small key and walked away.
Ammon: Sorry to keep you waiting.
Now we're ready to go to that "special spot."
What on earth is that key for...
Ammon: Oops, I can't tell you that.
Because if I did, it'd give away a clue to the location, you know⁓.
(I wonder where he's really taking me...)
Though I was a bit confused...
I walked beside Ammon, feeling a growing sense of anticipation.
Once we left the museum...
Ammon led me around to the back of the building.
There was a quiet plaza there, but...
It seems this isn't our destination.
That "special spot" appears to be further beyond this plaza...
We kept walking further and further in.
As we walked up a gentle slope...
Eventually, the path led to a gate.
Ammon unlocked the gate with the key he'd received at the museum as if it were the most natural thing in the world...
And led me through the gate.
Then, before long...
We came out onto a spot with a great view.
Ammon: Hehe...
What do you think, [Name]-san?
This is my...
"Special spot."
The place Ammon had brought me to...
was a paradise-like corner surrounded by roses so abundant they looked like they might spill over.
It’s beautiful…
Ammon: Is that so…?
Judging by your reaction, it looks like you like it.
With all these flowers in bloom…
I’m glad I could show you around, [Name]-san.
Well then, there’s a bench right here…
For the rest of our time…
Please enjoy chatting with me while taking in the view♪
U-uh...
I’d love to do that, but...
Personally, I just couldn’t stop wondering about this place.
Why did Ammon know about this place?
And why was Ammon...
able to borrow the key to get here from the museum?
Sitting down on the bench, I...
decided to ask Ammon about it first.
Ammon: Hehe...
It’s not like there’s any complicated story behind it or anything.
There was a rumor that on the grounds of the museum we were just at...
...there’s a “garden not open to the public.”
So, I just wanted to check if the rumor was true...
...and I did the museum a favor to get permission to enter.
A favor for the museum...?
Ammon: Well, a museum is...
a place for research and preserving valuable things, you know~...
So when I gave them something really valuable to the museum...
they gave me the OK right away.
"You can come in anytime.
If you ask a staff member, we'll make sure the key is ready for you," they said.
By the way, what did you give them?
Ammon: It grows in the mansion’s garden, but…
it’s a rare flower seed that you hardly ever see in the wild anymore♪
I’m sure for them…
it was a deal where they’d get more than their money’s worth even if they traded it for this place.
Well, if we’re talking about who got the better deal…
I’m the one who came out way ahead by securing this date spot.
A place this wonderful and perfect for a date…
You don’t find many of those, you know~♪
That’s how I feel…
In short, as far as I’m concerned…
I’d been planning to bring [Name]-san here someday…
And I’m so happy that today’s date made that happen.
Here, we can relax and enjoy some time just the two of us…
And on top of that, without worrying about our roles as butler and master…
We can just be ourselves.
Ammon...
Knowing that Ammon...
had been working so hard just to spend time with me here...
and that he was really looking forward to this moment...
makes my heart feel warm deep inside.
Ammon: Heheh...
I’m glad you’re touched by it, but you could let your heart race a little more, you know?
Well, it’s fine either way.
It’s just a matter of you doing it from now on, after all♪
I guess so~...
First, to start things off...
How about we pick some of these beautiful flowers blooming here...
How about picking just a few?
I brought scissors to cut the stems, too...
The museum staff said it’s okay to pick a few.
Spending time in a place surrounded by flowers, with a flower in one hand...
...I think that sounds pretty romantic, don’t you?
That’s true, it’s lovely.
But picking flowers that are part of this beautiful scenery…
I feel a bit hesitant.
When I told him that…
Ammon gave a wry smile, but didn’t look disappointed.
Ammon: Come on... You’re always so shy, [Name]-san.
With all these mock orange and clematis in bloom...
And you say you feel bad about picking them.
I’m sorry I turned down your offer.
Ammon: No need to apologize.
I don’t mind that side of you, [Name]-san.
But it’s true that I really wanted to give you a flower…
Please forgive me for this much—just think of it as doing it for me.
Ammon stood up...
He knelt down and reached out toward the ground.
Then, picking up a dandelion from the sunlit patch...
In the blink of an eye, he’d fashioned two rings.
Ammon: ...Here you go.
It’s a single flower to commemorate today’s date.
It’s just a makeshift ring made from an ordinary flower, but…
"We spent the day just being ourselves, without worrying about our social standing"...
If you think of it as a symbol of such a wonderful day, isn't that pretty nice?
If you want a better ring or something...
I'd be more than happy to make one for you...
But at least while you're here...
I'd really appreciate it if you'd wear this one.
Because...
It suits you so well... and you look so cute.
Overwhelmed by Amon’s gaze fixed on me...
I managed to nod.
Ammon: ...Is that so?
Thank you, [Name]-san.
Ammon, who had been standing while picking dandelions...
sat down right next to me on my right.
Ammon: Hehe...
Until just now, I was thinking I wanted to see you, Name-san, holding a rose...
But come to think of it, this situation where your hands aren’t occupied with flowers...
might actually be my chance.
What do you mean?
Ammon: Come on...
It’s obvious, isn’t it?
I can tell [Name]-san...
“Since your hands aren’t full, hold my hand,” I mean ♪
Ammon, with a playful look in his eyes...
respectfully holds out his left hand to me.
If I gently place my right hand over his...
I can feel the texture of his scarred palm and the ring on his little finger.
Ammon: Hehe...
The ring might make it feel a little strange, I guess.
That said...
I’m not going to let go, though.
I’m not going to let go either.
Ammon: I know that, man♪
I just wanted to hear you say it.
Hmm, anyway...
Wearing a ring on this finger... was really the right choice, huh?
They say a ring on the left pinky finger “brings chances and good luck”...
And it’s also said to “keep happiness from slipping away.”
Is that so?
It is a pinky ring on the left hand, after all.
Ammon: That’s right.
So, just like this…
…we’ve both managed to catch our happiness, haven’t we? ♪
As he said that...
Ammon tightened his grip on my hand just a little.
The way he wouldn’t let go of my hand...
His smile, his voice... right now, there’s nothing about him that looks like a butler.
But the fact that Ammon is acting just as he is...
Made me feel incredibly happy right now.
As long as he’s by my side...
If he’s going to be honest and happy with me...
Then I should be honest too...
And celebrate so he can have even happier days ahead.
...Hey, Ammon
Ammon: …Hm?
What’s up?
Happy Birthday.
Ammon: …....!
You sound really happy saying that.
…Thank you.
Thanks to you… I’m having a great birthday♪
After saying that, Ammon...
Without letting go of my hand, he raised his arm just a little.
On his left hand, held out as if to show off...
was a flower ring, just like mine.
The bright color and cuteness of that flower...
felt like it was telling the story of our happiness.
I kinda got inspired by his anniversary card, the thing would be to color it or if to do it all in grey, which I honestly I don't know how to do either of them 😔
Well, I'm happy that I somehow managed to draw hair and also a child, I swear Lamli's hair confused me so much, I don't know how I'll manage coloring it.
Anyways, I'm happy to share this with you, I'll see what I can do 🫶
Shiro's Butler's Dinner Show Act 1 - Voice Drama — Close Your Eyes
Late one night.
You've finished your day and returned to your room in the mansion.
Just then, Shiro comes over...
I've decided to upload drama voices in this format, I find myself enjoying doing this hehe.
It does have English captions too, maybe more in the future I'll put other languages too, like Spanish or any other requested language
(❁´◡`❁)
Voice: I have absolutely no interest in Halloween or anything like that, but it's not so bad seeing you enjoy yourself.
※Note Before Reading the Butler Story
This story contains spoilers for the "Butler's Dinner Show - The First Act-" event story.
In preparation for the dinner show...
The butlers are hard at work again today.
To show my appreciation and thank them for all their hard work...
I decided to treat them to a home-cooked meal.
And this time, the one I'm serving the meal to is... Shiro.
I quietly got everything ready...
and called Shiro into the room.
Shiro: Hmph.
Summoning me out of the blue... what do you want?
I thought I'd like to have dinner with you.
Shiro: Dinner...
...Hmm... I see.
I haven't eaten yet either. I don't mind sharing a meal with you.
But...
A master isn't supposed to dine with a butler, is it?
Especially with such a sudden invitation...
Hey... do you have some ulterior motive?
I thought I'd show my appreciation for everything you do.
Shiro: Appreciation...?
Shiro is always there, protecting me.
And his calm judgement..
He's saved me countless times.
Though I'm a little nervous...
I tell Shiro this, along with my gratitude.
Shiro: ...Hmph.
Telling a butler "thank you"? You're a strange one.
But... it's a good attitude.
Treating others with courtesy...
I'll give you credit for your sense of duty.
If you keep that attitude going...
I'll respond in kind.
Thank you, Shiro.
Relieved by Shiro's words...
I lead him to his seat.
Looking at the temari sushi lined up on the table...
Shiro wore an expression of curiosity.
Shiro: Hmm...
What is this dish called?
It's called "Temari Sushi."
Shiro: "Temari Sushi"...
I see.
Now that I look at them like this... each one does look like a small temari ball.
...It's a dish with such vibrant colors.
Each one is almost like a work of art.
Fish, shellfish...
...There are so many different kinds...
As Shiro gazed intently at the temari sushi...
I urged him to sit down.
Then I, too, took a seat across from him.
The temari sushi arranged on the table...
Even looking at it myself now, it's adorable.
Well then, shall we eat?
Shiro: ...Ah. Thank you for the meal.
Thank you for the meal.
Shiro: Munch... munch...
Hmm... delicious.
Is this... salmon?
...It has a tender texture.
...The flavor of the vinegared rice goes well with the fatty fish.
.......Not bad.
...This is......
It's scallop.
Shiro: ......I see.
...Munch... munch...
Hmm...
The sweet sauce really brings out the savoriness of the shellfish.
It's appetizing... a nice seasoning.
......Every piece of sushi is quite something.
That's because they're small.
It's also interesting that I can enjoy such a variety of flavors.
...Temari sushi... it's quite profound.
I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Shiro: ......Hmm. However...
Why did you decide to give me "Temari Sushi"?
Knowing you.
There must be a reason.
Well...
When Shiro asked me that...
I think back to when I decided on the dish for Shiro.
Shiro probably isn't familiar with the culture of the Eastern Lands yet.
I wanted him to learn a little about other cultures... through this opportunity.
Besides... Shiro likes beautiful things.
Temari sushi, with its variety of ingredients, looks vibrant and cute.
So, I thought I'd be happy if Shiro liked it.
...When I told him that, Shiro nodded as if he understood.
Shiro: ......Hmm.
I see.
As you said...
This dish is beautiful.
It's not overly flashy... but has a certain elegance.
And...
I consider the culture of the Eastern Lands to be refined and admirable...
But when it comes to cuisine... I must admit I'm still not very knowledgeable.
Your judgement isn't bad.
...Hmph.
It seems you have come to understand me a little better, too.
...I, too...
Perhaps because I have spent time with you...
I have come to understand you to some extent.
Is that so?
Shiro: Yes.
Especially... your character.
You... even treat some in a different position, like a butler...
You treat them properly as a "person."
You have... the kind of generosity of spirit.
I can acknowledge that much.
Shiro unadorned words...
Strangely enough, they just sink right into my heart.
Shiro only speaks his mind.
That's exactly why I can honestly accept his words as the truth.
......
(That makes me happy...)
Shiro: ......What is it?
Stop staring at me and eat.
After saying that, Shiro...
Began eating again, looking at each piece of temari sushi one by one.
Having him stare intently at the food I made...
Was a little embarrassing, but...
When I thought about how much he was enjoying it....
It really warmed my heart.
- A Little While Later -
Shiro: ......That was good.
Thank you for the meal.
Shiro: Hmph...
A meal like this isn't so bad.
The temari sushi you served today...
Was quite good.
...Not only the taste, but the appearance was beautiful too...
I suppose there are still such dishes in this world.
...You know of beautiful things that I do not.
So... if there's anything you find "beautiful"...
Just like today's temari sushi, you should tell me about it.
I, too...
If there's something I find "beautiful," I'll tell you about it.
Saying that, Shiro stares intently at me.
Just as today, Shiro and I were able to share beauty through temari sushi...
If only we could continue to share the things we find "beautiful" with each other from now on...
...His words made me think such things.
Voice: I was lonely while Master was away. So please stay with me a little longer today.
※Note Before Reading the Butler Story
We recommend reading this story after you have read the "4th Anniversary - Light Found in Despair" event story.
However, you can still enjoy this story even if you haven't read the event story.
Lamli: I...
Ever since I was born, I've been unwanted by everyone.
It seems even my mother saw me as a burden.
Looking back now...
I don't have a single memory of being loved.
I was never hugged, nor did anyone ever speak to me with genuine kindness...
—Not even once.
To my mother, I was...
...just a convenient tool for making money.
I was forced to work in the circus from the age of ten...
Even so, I wanted my mother to praise me...
I learned tricks in the circus and worked desperately...
I gave all the money I earned to my mother.
But...
No matter how much I devoted myself to her, far from being loved...
...In the end, I was just thrown away like trash...
I don't feel any anger.
...I just felt empty.
I really wondered, what was the point of me being born?
A life where no one needs me...
I wondered if there was any point in living.
...If only back then...
If I had met someone like Master...
If someone who acknowledged my existence had been by my side...
Maybe I wouldn't have been hurt that much...
Maybe I wouldn't have become such a suspicious person.
I might have been more open...
Maybe I could have accepted people's kindness and generosity...
When I was 11...
My mother abandoned me.
Though...
I haven't told anyone the details of what happened back then.
Not even Master, or Lucas-sama.
...Because it's just too terrible a story.
A story like, "I was almost killed by my own mother"...
I don't know how to even bring it up...
Young Lamli: Hah, hah...
It's getting late.
If I don't get home soon, Mom's going to get mad at me again...
But...
If I give her this money, she'll definitely praise me, right?
It's the most I've earned.
Maybe circus work is actually a good fir for me.
Hehe...
From now on, I'll learn more tricks and become a member who earns even more...
Thud
Young Lamli: Whoa!!
W-what...!?
Masked men: Don't make a sound!!
Make a sound and we'll kill you...!!
Young Lamli: ......!!
(I-is this...)
(They've put a bag over my face...
Could this be a "kidnapping"...?)
(W-what should I do...?
But I can't see anything, I can't escape...)
(Someone... anyone, help me...!)
(Help me... Mom...)
Maked men: ...This spot will do.
Did you take everything of value?
Yeah.
Now, let's just toss this one into the well...
Young Lamli: Huh...?
Whoa!
Splash
Young Lamli: Cough cough!
W-where am I...?
Masked men: Idiot.
What's the point of throwing him in before we kill him?
No problem.
It's just an old well that nobody uses anyway.
If we leave him alone, he'll die eventually.
That wraps up the job.
...Yeah, you're right.
Now, as planned, the money...
Splash... splash...
Young Lamli: ...!
That voice just now...
I didn't realize it earlier, but...
Could it be someone from the same circus troupe...?
H-hey...!
Why are you doing this...?
This is some kind of joke, right...?
Get me out of here, quick!
....................
Young Lamli: N-no way...
Surely not...
Hey, anyone!!
Please, help me!!
Help me...!!
Don't leave me behind...!!
....................
Lamli: ...And no matter how much I screamed, no help came.
I tried to climb up, but there was no way I could do it alone...
Being all alone at the bottom of that dark well was so terrifying...
All I could do was tremble...
- A Few Hours Later -
Young Lamli: Ugh.... ugh......
...Someone... help me...
I...
Am I going to die like this...?
...I don't want that...
Mom...
...That's right...
Mom will definitely come to save me...
She must be worried that I haven't come home...
She definitely will...
...Please, Mom...
Hurry and come save me...
Lamli: Back then, I...
I had no choice but to believe a miracle would happen.
"Mom will find me and rescue me from the bottom of the well."
Even though I knew deep down that there was absolutely no way that would happen...
...On the contrary...
At that moment, Mom...
...I found out later, though...
The person who pushed me into the well was in cahoots with Mom.
The plan was to steal money from the circus troupe and pin the crime on me.
...And the one who came up with that plan was...
..................
Well, it doesn’t matter now anyway.
I managed to survive and get out of the well.
…But back when I was at the bottom of the well…
I had no idea any of that was going on…
In the darkness…
I had no choice but to pin my hopes on even the faintest glimmer of light…
Young Lamli: ................
……Today, too… no one came…
I’ve been screaming so much… my throat hurts…
…I wonder how many days have passed…
Three days… four days…?
......ugh...ugh......
...Mom...
Please...
Hurry and save me...
Lamli: ...I still have nightmares about that time.
At the bottom of the well...
Dreams where I scream desperately for help.
"Help me! Help me!" I scream until my voice gives out...
No matter how long I wait, how much I scream, or how hard I pray...
In the end, no one ever came.
...Back then, I...
Even so, I wanted to believe.
That there must be someone out there worrying about me as I lay dying.
That surely someone would come to save me.
If I didn’t believe that...
My heart felt like it was about to break.
I couldn’t have gone on living without thinking that.
Because that’s how it had always been.
But...
What I wanted to believe in never existed in the first place.
I wasn’t loved at all...
From start to finish, I was just a convenient tool.
The occasional praise I received was only for the money.
And for the sake of that money, I was pushed down into the well.
At the bottom of that dark well...
Cold, hungry, sleepless nights...
The only thing watching over me gently...
Was the small starry sky visible from the mouth of the well.
Ever since that experience...
I became afraid to trust anyone.
I might get deceived again.
I might get used, or betrayed...
If I can’t even trust my own parents…
How can I possibly trust a complete stranger?
“I’ll be discarded when I’m no longer needed”…
That fear has been etched into my heart.
…I absolutely hate going through that kind of pain.
I never want to experience it again.
So I…
I decided not to trust anyone.
Because that way, I won’t get hurt, right?
If I don’t expect anything from those around me, I won’t mind if I’m betrayed.
If I assume I’m not loved from the start, I’ll be fine even if I’m abandoned.
That’s how I learned to protect myself.
I built a wall around my heart, making sure no one could get in…
That’s how I’ve lived my life.
Well, there were a few people, like Lucas-sama…
...who made me think, “This person is different.”
...But people like that are incredibly rare.
It took a long time before I could truly trust someone.
...That’s exactly why...
It’s really strange.
The only time was when I met Master...
For some reason, right from the start, I felt, “This person is different.”
Completely different from anyone I’d ever met before.
Master would absolutely never treat me like a tool.
...Even though I had no basis for it, I just felt that way.
Of course, I didn’t decide to trust you completely based on intuition alone.
...In fact, at first, I was anxious.
If I were betrayed, it would mean I couldn’t trust my own intuition.
But...
That anxiety vanished almost immediately.
Because Master was truly a wonderful person.
Master stayed by my side...
treated me gently and cherished me.
Didn’t use me or ask for anything in return.
On the contrary...
Master gave me what I wanted.
In a gentle voice, full of affection...
Master called me by my name, “Lamli.”
Master acknowledged my existence.
And... loved me.
Am I exaggerating...?
No, I’m sure I’m not.
I think Master truly loves me.
I believe that.
My Master makes me believe it.
"This is real love," I tell myself.
So I, too...
I always try to return my Master’s love with all my heart.
But probably...
My feelings aren’t fully reaching my Master...
Because my love for my Master is so immense, it can’t be put into words.
I want to be with them more.
The time we’re apart is unbearably lonely.
Please stay with me forever...
I want to live for Master.
Your smile, and the look of joy on your face...
I’ll make them happen for you.
Hehe...
Just imagining it makes me feel so happy.
...I really want to see you...
I just remembered something unpleasant a moment ago...
I have this overwhelming urge to hear my Master’s voice.
If I can just be by your side, I don’t need anything else.
Because you need me…
And you’re the only one who loves me.
…My Master.
I can’t live without you.
…It still takes a lot of courage to tell you about my past…
But at least these feelings I have for you…
I hope they’re getting through to you, even just a little.
