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nica schwartz main story 𝓔 route release event

[nxca]

୭ nica schwartz ˚ . 🍒 ﹫ nxca ❜

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nxca is a compilation of fan-translations of ikémen villains’ nica schwartz’s main story 𝓔 route release collection event. as these are collaborative efforts between multiple people, it is a way to compile everything into one spot for your — the reader’s — convenience.

✦ MainStory ◞ RouteReleaseCE .

[judesmoonbeauty]

All intellectual property belongs to Cybird. I fan translate for fun. I am not fluent in Japanese, so translations are not 100% accurate. Please expect grammatical errors. Creative liberties are taken. Re-blogs are appreciated, but please do not post my translation elsewhere, claim them as your own, or use them without my permission. Thank you for your support!

In the dimly lit room, banknotes swirled about, and the gauze that had been covering his face lay torn off on the floor.

Nica stood in the center, directing his chilly gaze at me.

Nica: ……You look well.

He muttered without changing his expression as the banknotes behind him silently fell to the floor.

Kate: I’m glad you…..woke up.

I wanted to rush over, but I couldn't move because the aura surrounding Nica was unlike anything I'd ever seen before.

Kate: Where did all this money come from…?

Nica: This? It’s the operation funds they were hiding.

Nica: It seems Dari brought from their flat. It was in my room when I returned.

(They…..he must mean Monica and the others.)

Nica spoke with a detached tone and apathetic expression as he picked up one of the fallen bills from the floor.

Nica: It seems they've been trying every trick in the book to get close in order to kill me.

Nica: Back in Germany, security’s so tight they couldn’t get near me. So it seems they changed their plan and came to England.

Nica: In England, immigrants need money to make a decent living, don’t they?

It seemed like a small amount considering it was supposedly for their endeavors.

And it made me reflect on the time they'd spent in this country.….

Nica: Incidentally, it looks like they haven’t touched any of it.

Kate: What?

Nica: It came in a large envelope, and there were no signs of the wax seal being tampered with.

I was handed the large envelope that contained the money.

It simply said, Operational Funds For You All.

Kate: It says for you all…..meaning this was given to them by someone else, right?

Nica: Correct. It’s blood money from the one who’s backing my assassination.

Even while talking to Roger, I was troubled by the fact that Monica and the other two had come to England all on their own.

(Even if they didn’t have the opportunity to kill Nica back in Germany, why would they come here a year beforehand?)

If they were targeting Nica, they should have traveled to this country at the same time he was coming.

But the reason they went through the trouble of staying here an entire year, without touching the funds…..

Kate: …..Did they have something else planned, besides killing you?

Nica: That’s right. The person who sent this money was probably scheming something bad, and sent them to England.

Nica: I guess their craving for revenge just happened to work out.

He snatched the envelope from my hand and tore it in half.

Nica: In other words, they came to England a larger purpose, and killing me was just a bonus.

Nica: Seems like a plausible explanation.

Kate: What larger purpose….?

Nica: Who knows? I don’t.

He crumpled the torn envelope, tossed it into the trash bin, and kicked the money aside with a sneer.

Nica: Anyway, look at this. It’s nothing more than chicken feed, isn’t it?

Nica: It’s ridiculous to come all the way to a foreign land just for this measly sum, let alone try to get revenge.

Nica: I wonder what they were planning to do after killing me.

He crouched down, picked up a banknote with his fingertips, blew on it, and it dropped to the ground.

Nica: They’d just get used again, or thrown away…..It’s laughable really.

Even though he said it was laughable, his profile showed no sign of a smile.

If anything, he looked hurt, so I handed him the journal I was holding.

He must’ve recognized it because his eyes grew as wide as saucers.

Nica: …..Where did you get this?

Kate: From Darius..…It was left in the place where you were born and raised.

He flipped through the journal he'd been given, checking its contents, and then snorted.

Nica: Dari’s been keeping it all this time? Do you have any clue how it’s been since Haus was destroyed?

Nica: Bet he used this to tell you about my past.

I nodded slightly.

Nica: Dari told you this story because I'm opportunistic and he wanted to give me another to be fettered by the organisation.

Nica: Dari likes calling us a family, but as fast as I’m concerned it’s strictly business. I’m simply riding the winning horse.

Nica: If a better opportunity comes along, I’ll jump ship in a heartbeat.

Nica closed the journal and turned his head slightly.

Nica: But Dari won’t allow that. So he likely thought of using you as another chord to tie me down, in addition to Ring.

Nica: First, he deliberately showed you all those women surrounding me to see if you'd leave me or not.

Nica: And since you didn't leave me, he got you more emotionally invested by sharing our past and eliciting your sympathy.

Nica: All in hopes that if you stay by my side, you might someday become something that ties me down, just like Ring.

Nica: That's why he purposefully had you tag along with Ring on his mission…So it would lead you to my past, and eventually hear my story.

I thought I was being played by Nica, that he was the only one manipulating me—

(But in actuality, Darius was manipulating me too.)

I only realized this fact when Nica explained it to me, but what weighed more heavily on my heart was a sense of apology.

Kate: ….I’m sorry for prying.

I clutched my chest tightly.

Nica didn’t even look at me.

Kate: ….. I called you the worst without knowing anything.

Nica: But it’s true, isn’t it?

Kate: Yes. Even after hearing this, I still don't think what you did was right.

Nica: That’s harsh.

Kate: But I'm not in a position to judge whether your actions were right or wrong.

If we could easily define what’s right or wrong, the world might be a simpler place.

I believe that what is right varies from person to person.

(That’s why I can neither condemn Nica, nor say he did the right thing.)

It’s easy to forgive someone when you love them.

But the fact that so many people have been sacrificed, hurt, toyed with, and cried because of his actions, it’s not something that can't simply be erased.

I myself probably can’t forgive what he did to me.

After a moment of silence, Nica spoke without looking at me.

Nica: Have you told Ring?

Kate: I haven’t….I can’t tell him something like this.

Kate: There's no way I could reveal something you've been hiding from him all this time.

Nica: ….I see.

He stood up, threw the journal onto the desk, and stretched.

Nica: Ahhh man, so Dari could read my code all along.

Nica: I really need to switch to a new one, but it's such a hassle to make.

He gathered the scattered banknotes on the floor with the tip of his foot, and turned his face towards me.

I felt as if his eyes were shimmering like the surface of water.

Nica: That’s right, I’m the white swan.

Nica: The pure white swan that was cursed, mistaken for someone else, and betrayed. And yet, continues to foolishly dance.

I held my breath at his serious expression, but Nica paid no mind and kept talking.

Nica: But thanks to this curse, a lot of good fortune falls into my hands.

Nica: Finding four-leaf clovers, opportunities to make money, when I’m in a bind help comes running….

Nica: All of this good luck is a product of the white swan’s sin — narcissism.

Those afflicted by curses possess a predetermined nature—a sin—that compels their actions.

For example, the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland.

William’s curse, which inspired the character of the Queen, loves freedom above all else, helps people in a self-righteous manner, and fights evil with evil.

Elbert’s curse, which inspired the character for the Queen from Snow White, is insatiably greedy and constantly seeks out beautiful things.

It's understandable that these are not positive things, given that they are described as sins.

However, it's also true that some people manage to tame their sins effectively.

But—

(Narcissism brings good fortune.)

Throughout the story, the white swan is consistently portrayed as a pitiable woman.

Cursed by a devil and transformed into a swan, she finally finds true love only to be betrayed.

Although it ultimately ends happily, it’s not the kind of ending that leaves everyone smiling.

That’s because the story is not a comedy, but a tragedy centered on true love.

(But it's still just a story.)

A fairy tale curse is the foundation upon which the story is born.

In other words, no matter how pitiable the swan is portrayed in the story, that doesn’t necessarily mean it corresponds to the curse.

Nica: You look as if you don't understand what I mean by narcissism.

Nica scoffed, noticing my thoughts.

Nica: Yeah, I didn’t think it was true either when I first heard the story.

Nica: But when I thought about my fate, it all made sense.

Kate: How….?

He spun around and placed his hand on his chest.

Nica: To end up being the only one to find happiness is an incredibly arrogant fate. It’s unimaginable unless you’re extremely self-centered.

Nica: This is also why everyone around me ends up having such bad luck.

Nica: Ring’s luck is so terrible around me it’s laughable.

His gaze, which had been fixed on me, drifted down to the floor.

In a small voice, Nica continued.

Nica: It's funny, isn’t it? How I'm the white swan who toys with love, deceives and stirs things up. Meanwhile, it’s Ring who is the black swan, even though he isn’t like that at all.

Kate: But aren’t those things something you’ve done to protect Ring?

Nica: If that's the case, why do you think my ability makes people fall in love with me?

Nica: The ability to make others love you is the epitome of narcissism, isn't it?

Nica: I don’t know what kind of image you have of me.

Nica: But that doesn’t change the fact that I’m a damn self-centered swan, does it?

His mocking laugh reminded me of my conversation with Ring.

Kate: ….If someone had sacrificed themself for you, and had accepted the consequences to shoulder the of it burden entirely.

Kate: I discussed with Ring how he'd feel about that before coming here.

The corners of Nica’s mouth twitched slightly.

Kate: He told me that he’d feel incredibly sad, and that he might even confront that person. But he also said that if he were in the same position as them, he would do the same.

Kate: ……Especially, if it were for you.

His expression remained unchanged.

Kate: When I heard that, I felt the same as Ring.

Kate: That for the sake of someone precious to me, I wouldn’t mind sacrificing myself and bearing the burden of everything……

Kate: Because I—

Nica: Shut up.

Kate: Ack!

Suddenly, my vision flipped upside down, and before I knew it, I was being pushed down onto the bed.

Nica was straddling me, his expression clearly telling me to stop talking, as he leaned in to kiss me.

But I turned my face away and pressed my lips against the sheets.

Nica: You like me, but you're turning your face away.

Even when he grabbed my cheeks and forced me to turn back. Even when he pinned my hands to the sheets, I absolutely refused to accept his kiss.

Kate: Unless you truly love me, I won’t accept any kiss from you!

As I struggled and thrashed about, he frowned, looking uncomfortable.

Nica: Just what kind of innocence do you expect from me?

I glared at him as he looked down at me with a twisted expression.

After a few seconds of staring at each other, I was the first to speak.

Kate: How long will you continue to live for money and power?

Nica: Forever. Until everything goes my way.

Kate: And will that make you happy?

Nica: Of course, I’m already happy now.

Kate: ……Then why do you look like that?

When I repeated the words he once said, his gaze hardened.

Kate: I know you need to have those things. I understand you intend to continue.

Kate: But I just can't imagine someone with that look on their face being happy.

I continued.

Kate: Even Ring has noticed.

For a moment, the restraint of his hands slackened.

Kate: It’s up to you whether you choose to tell the truth or not. But if you keep going like this...

Kate: Won’t that only cause you suffering….?

Tears collected and spilled down my cheeks as I thought of how he always walked a painful path, and will continue to walk down it in the future.

(He may be destined to find happiness in the end….)

But that’s merely the end. It doesn’t encompass the long journey it takes to get there.

The longer the journey, the heavier Nica’s suffering will weigh on his shoulders, and the harder and more arduous his days will become.

(Because I love him, I don’t want him to experience such pain.)

After wiping my tears with the sleeve of his shirt, Nica gets out of bed with an air of exasperation.

Nica: …..You’re truly a troublesome woman.

That was the last thing he said before leaving the room.

Left alone, I wiped away my tears and looked around the room.

On the wall were numerous documents written in what was likely Nica-Code.

There was a ship in a bottle near the window that was collecting dust, and when I reached for a faded book nearby, it was a sailing journal about twin sailors.

Kate: …..Nica and Ring boarded a ship, and set sail on a journey to discover the unknown reaches of the sea.

(Oh, this is that voyage journal.)

I stare desperately at the ceiling, trying to keep my tears from falling onto the book.

Slowly, I exhaled in this room filled with countless efforts and fragments of abandoned dreams.

(What can I do for Nica?)

After thinking about it a lot, the image that came to mind was of him furrowing his brow in a troubled way, and smiling like a young boy.

Kate: …..I want to see Nica truly smile.

Not forced a smile, but a genuine smile that shines in unguarded moments.

I want to see him smiling like that at Ring, and I want to see them smiling happily together.

(In the short time I have left, I want to see Nica smile even a little.)

Even though I knew this was meddling, my resolve did not waver.

Because I—

Kate: ….Because I’m foolishly in love with you, Nica.

[Main Story Master List] [Chapter 18]

Ugh, he is spiraling. I think he is so empty and exhausted for keeping up a lie for years, and then the reckoning he had with Monica and the others is finally taking it's toll.

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[judesmoonbeauty]

All intellectual property belongs to Cybird. I fan translate for fun. I am not fluent in Japanese, so translations are not 100% accurate. Please expect grammatical errors. Creative liberties are taken. Re-blogs are appreciated, but please do not post my translation elsewhere, claim them as your own, or use them without my permission. Thank you for your support!

: ̗̀⁍ CW: CA, human experimentation. A full list of TW's can be found here.

[Cold Open to Past Records Backstory - Nica POV]

At first, everything about us was the same.

Our eye color, height, face…..everything.

But after learning how to read and write, we went from being one to two.

Month X, Day XX: This is my first journal entry.

My name is 404. My little brother's name is 405.

We’ve been together ever since we were born. We knew what we looked like when we looked into each other’s eyes.

404 (Nica): …..Hngh.

405 (Ring): Are you okay….?

In this place called Haus, I endure excruciating pain every single day.

404 (N): I’m okay, because I’m not alone.

But, if my baby brother is here next to me, it’ll be fine.

As long as we are together, we can make it through any hardship.

It was on the XX day of the X Month, that I recently learned to tell time.

When the hands are at nine and six, we get bread.

When they are at ten, it’s time for experiments.

Once I started getting ready for the experiments beforehand, I stopped getting beaten.

405 (R): They told me I did a good job for being ready by ten.

405 (R): You’re right big bro, you’re so amazing!

Month XX, Day XX: We read about a sea voyage from a book peddler who had been taken.

It was difficult because it was full of hard words, but I read it aloud to my baby brother.

Apparently, there's something called the sea outside.

My brother said he wanted to go, so I promised him that we would go together someday.

Since the main characters in the story were twin sailors, we decided to take our names from them.

Nica: I’m the older brother, so I’ll be Nica.

Ring: And I’m the younger one, so I’ll be Ring.

Nica: As of today, we are Nica and Ring!

We're going to get out of here as soon as possible.

To go as far as we can, together.

Month XX, Day XX: Ring has been dealing with pain a lot more recently.

Ring: It’s okay, as long as you’re here Nica, I’ll be okay.

Seeing my brother return injured, I tried to take his place in experiments.

But I'm undergoing another experiment at the same time, so I can't take his place.

What should I do? If things continue like this, Ring will die.

….What about asking another child?

I can use my power to have them take Ring's place.

Nica: If you love me, you’ll do whatever I ask, won’t you?

It’s a rotten thing to do, but if it means Ring can live, then it’s worth it.

Ring is all I have.

[Transitions to Experimentation Chamber]

Month XX, Day XX: We were told about our curses today.

Ring returned to our room earlier and fainted, so the grown ups told me about our curse after successfully making it through an experiment.

405, Curse of the Black Swan. Fate: Their love will turn into a lie, and they will die in misery.

404, Curse of the White Swan. Fate: In the end, the only one who will find happiness is yourself.

Nica: What……???

Ring is all I have.

But they said after his love turns into a lie, he would die in misery, and that I’m the only one who would end up happy.

All by myself, alone, happy.

Nica: Ring should’ve been the one to be happy, my brother should be happier than me...!

Ring was a reflection in my eyes, and I was a reflection in his.

We mirrored each other in our eyes and overcame every trial together.

Because Ring is here, and because I am here. That's why I can still keep pushing forward.

I’ve been working so hard, hoping we can escape from this hell, but what’s the point if I’m the only one who ends up happy?

There’s no way I can possibly accept that.

[Transitions to Twin’s Room]

Nica: …..I’ve gotta protect Ring.

I must protect Ring.

I’m the older brother, so I must protect my little brother.

I can’t let Ring get swallowed up by this fate.

Otherwise, I can’t be happy.

— I can't possibly be happy without Ring in my life.

Nica: Ring, I found out about our curse.

That day, I told my brother a massive lie.

That our curse is that of the black swan.

That our love would twist into a lie, and that we would die in misery.

Ring said in response….

Ring: I’m not afraid as long as I’m with you, Nica.

Don’t worry Ring, I won’t leave you behind to be happy all on my own.

We will be happy together, so let's use this power to claim everything.

Just like the researchers at this facility, I’ll do whatever it takes.

Deceive, steal, hurt others — toy with love.

If we gain tons of money and power, we’ll surely be happy.

Just like those twins in that sea voyage journal, we’ll be able to live freely, no matter where we go.

I….

405 (R): Are you okay…?

I….

405 (R): You’re right big bro, you’re so amazing!

I…..

Ring: And I’m the younger one, so I’ll be Ring.

I….!!

Ring: It’s okay, as long as you’re here Nica, I’ll be okay.

Ring: I’m not afraid as long as I’m with you, Nica.

I have to protect my only baby brother.

I’ll hide everything from him and sacrifice myself.

I don’t need anyone to protect me.

After all, even if I’m not protected, I’ll end up happy, won’t I?

That’s why I will shield Ring.

I’ll drag him into my fate.

[Transitions to the Present, Vogel Parlor - MC POV]

Hot tears welled up.

Darius: This is Nica’s diary that was left behind at Haus.

Darius snapped the small, tattered cover of the journal shut and continued speaking dispassionately.

Darius: It took a while to decode because he started using his own cipher partway through.

Darius: Even now, he still writes important things using the cipher he created.

Darius: Not even knowing that I can read it….it’s sort of adorable, isn’t it?

Tears streamed down my face and fell onto the fists I was clenching on my lap.

The droplets glistening in the morning sun were so bright it was almost laughable.

(I didn’t understand anything.)

I finally know why Nica craves money and power, and why he wants to be the happiest man in the world….and it makes my heart sting.

Darius glanced at me, disinterested, before continuing the story.

Darius: I think they were around nine years old at the time. Once I learned the true nature of Haus, I went to the institution directly.

Darius: Seeing the cursed ones there treated so cruelly, I decide to shut the facility down.

Darius: That’s how I met Nica and Ring.

Darius smiled nostalgically.

Darius: I could sense Nica’s strong will to survive no matter what.

Darius: But Ring’s spirit was already dead. Like it beyond reviving.

Kate: Hngh…..

(It was the experiments that broke his spirit….)

Haus may already be gone, but there’s no denying the fact that they committed acts atrocious enough to destroy a nine year old child’s spirit.

Darius: So, I had the mind to only take Nica along with me…..but then I saw Nica say this to Ring…

Darius: I can either kill you now, or you can live with me in this hell until you die — You pick whichever hell you prefer.

Darius: And then Ring said that he would live.

Darius: So, I took the twins under my wings, placed them in Vogel, and that’s how we got to where we are now.

All I can do now is shed tears at this horrific, indescribable past.

Darius: When I first brought them to Vogel, Ring was useless, so Nica did most of the work.

Darius: Assassination, espionage - even using his ability to fiddle with love - he’d do anything to get his hands on money and power.

[Flashback]

Nica: The worst, huh….Don’t expect decency from someone who’s only ever lived life like this.

[Flashback Ends]

I reflect on the words I had spoken to him.

Deceiving people, betraying them, toying with them…all for the sake of a single desire.

These were the means he chose, having worked hard since childhood to bring his brother into a happy destiny.

His despicable behavior stemmed from his desperate struggle to avoid being alone and unhappy in the end.

(Even so, I can’t wholly forgive him, but….)

The grief of being betrayed and the pang of being toyed with still linger deep in my heart.

But even after all that, I’ve fallen for Nica.

After hearing about his past, understanding his true intentions, and shedding tears, I wanted to do something about it.

I fell in love with the white swan who kept struggling for the sake of the black swan’s happiness.

(Ring’s totally in the dark about it.)

Knowing Nica, he’s managed to keep it a secret this whole time.

Ring likely doesn’t realize it’s all to pull him into a different fate…..

(What can I do?)

I want to do something about it, I want to make his wish come true, I want him to be happy.

I know that nothing will change just because I desperately want to fight for this.

(Even so, now that I know, I can't help but want to do something.)

My feelings have grown only stronger because I have fallen in love with him.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and Ring came in when a bright expression.

Ring: Nica woke up. He seemed fine, so he’s resting in his room now.

Darius: I see, that’s excellent news.

A delighted Ring ran over to me.

Ring: It all right now, don’t worry.

I felt relieved by the good news, but I couldn't bring myself to look at Ring’s face.

Ring: What’s wrong? Is your wound hurting you…?

Ring looked at the bandage around my neck with concern—

Kate: Are you okay, Ring?

Ring: ? Yeah, it’s not a serious injury, so I’m fine.

Ring: If anything, I’m just hungry from the relief.

As I continued our conversation without making eye contact, Ring spoke in a gentle voice to reassure me.

Ring: You should get some rest after you check on Nica.

Kate: …..Good idea.

I glanced at Darius. He handed me the journal with a completely unreadable expression.

Darius: If you're going to Nica, give this to him. I've deciphered it, so I don't need it anymore.

Holding the tattered journal, I curtsied to Darius and left the reception room with Ring. - Uses kanji for ‘bow’. I changed to ‘curtsied.’

As we walked down the corridor bathed in the morning light, Ring suddenly pointed to the journal.

Ring: That looks familiar, is it Nica’s?

Kate: …..Yes.

All I could do was nod slightly, because I now knew Nica’s feelings as they were written inside.

(I’m sure he would hate for Ring to see it.)

Even though it was written in code from a certain point onwards, the beginning was penned by a child and contained both of their painful pasts.

If Ring reads this, he would undoubtedly be reminded of those times and it would hurt his heart.

I now understand that Nica would hate that the most.

Sensing what I was thinking, Ring took his eyes off the journal and spoke cheerfully.

Ring: Nica has always kept all sorts of records in a code only he understands.

Ring: I call it “The Nica Code”.

Kate: The Nica Code….hehe.

I couldn't help but laugh, realizing he was right.

Ring: The first thing Nica asked me when he woke up, was for your whereabouts.

Kate: What….?

Shocked, my feet came to halt. Ring pointed at my neck.

Ring: He was worried about your injury. As soon as he saw me, he asked if you were okay.

Ring: It was the first time I’d seen him like that….No, actually, it’s the same worried look he used to give me.

Ring narrowed his eyes nostalgically.

Ring: When Nica is genuinely worried, he loses all composure.

Kate: I see…..

I lowered my gaze, happy but unable to fully rejoice in the current situation.

(I wonder what Ring would think if he found out about Nica’s secret.)

Kate: ......This is just a hypothetical scenario, but.…..

Ring: ? Yeah?

Kate: If someone had sacrificed themselves for you.…..and had accepted the consequences to shoulder the burden entirely…..

Kate: How would you feel about that, Ring?

Ring paused for a moment, thinking deeply about it before answering.

Ring: …..I’d be incredibly sad, and might even confront them.

Ring: But I think if I were in the same position, I’d do the same.

Ring: All the more so, if it were for Nica’s sake.

(Oh, I see now.)

The answer suddenly clicked in my heart, and that's when I realized...…

(This is how they’ve drifted apart.)

It’s precisely because they care for each other that they’ve grown distant; even though they cherish each other more than anyone else, their hearts have stopped connecting.

Understanding how both Nica and Ring feel makes my chest hurt.

(…..But it’s something I shouldn’t interfere with.)

I made up my mind never to say a word until Nica spoke up.

Ring: Well, I’ll leave you to it.

Kate: Yes, thank you.

Saying goodbye to Ring, I stood in front of Nica’s room.

After taking several deep breaths, I knocked on the door and reached for the doorknob.

Kate: Nica, are you there?

The door wasn’t locked when I turned the handle, and it opened with a click.

The next moment, I saw a huge pile of banknotes swirling around the room.

Kate: Huh?

Amid the fluttering bills, Nica stood there alone.

Kate: Nica…?

He had been staring vacantly at the ceiling, but then he turned his gaze toward me.

His eyes were dreadfully icy.

LETTER

A Discarded Note Found in Nica’s Room

Monica Hoffman, Subject 738

The first child I ever toyed with love. She was placed into the room in front of ours when she was about seven years old. After having her arm injured from one of the experiments she took on for Ring, she moved to a different room. She was born in a rural area and was apparently sold to reduce the number of mouths to feed. She often talked about the outside world.

Mark Hoffman, Subject 751

An unassuming child brought in shortly after Monica. He was often deprived of food and always hungry, so I took advantage of that and gave him bread to win him over. After he gave me a map of Haus that I used my ability on him to get, the theft was discovered and he was beaten.

Tobias Hoffman, Subject 813

A child who was in love with Monica. He was brought in from the streets after stealing a researcher’s wallet. After I listened sympathetically to his troubles, he opened up to me, so I had him take the drug that had been given in Ring’s stead.

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒛

[Main Story Master List] [Chapter 17]

Ugh, my heart.....

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[judesmoonbeauty]

This app is being stupid again….Anyway, I’m planning to start my part Nica’s route tl collab this week 💓

Unless it’s something that I can’t wait to post because I’m so excited about it, then I will be focusing solely on this.

[nxca]

the masterlist on this account will be updated later. cici's back! ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

--nagi (kurishiri)

[nxca]

15.5 ┊ I can’t have you

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

🕊️ 15 His POV. tl — @kurishiri 𝜗𝜚 you need to unlock bond level 22 with nica to unlock this story .ᐟ

——Nica’s POV——

[BLACK]

Seeing you profess your love for the “true” me, I couldn’t help but think you were honest to the point of foolishness— but I felt just as drawn.

[DILAPIDATED BUILDING - DOUBLE DOORED CLOSET]

It wasn’t like this was my first time getting hit or wounded.

It was just as I continued to deceive people, I gradually came to learn to keep an appropriate distance to some extent.

Running away first before they attack, pulling away before the relationship gets serious...

I would see what would come, and I learned to stay evasive and avoid them.

So the idea of me choosing to get hit and hurt like this on purpose was preposterous.

(It would’ve been fine if getting wounded had its worth, but getting beat to a pulp like this is a whole different story.)

Or so I thought, but I had ended up choosing to get hit by Monica and the others—

And the fault lied with her, who held me in her arms as she held back her tears.

(Yeah...it’s because of Kate I ended up considering facing other’s grudges head-on.)

My vision was hazy as I leaned my body into her, bearing the pain.

(To think, too, I never had to pay the price for deceiving people before.)

When I saw the scars on Monica’s arms, it finally hit me who she was.

(It’s the girl who first took on an experiment that was meant to be done on Ring.)

Kate said that I would end up getting stabbed by someone I’ve played with.

When she said that to me, at the time I thought, “There’s no problem because I’ve been able to evade their grudges up until now. And wouldn’t it be too late then anyway?”

Yes, that was what I thought...

(But, the blame lies with me alone.)

If I was even one step late, blood would not stop flowing from Kate’s neck,

and Ring, too, would probably not make it out unscathed again.

(I was the one who brought them into this mess.)

Her neck, which didn’t have a single wound before, now bore the mark of fingers that strangled her, prominent enough to see their shape, along with a slash wound.

(...What the hell am I doing?)

As long as Ring was alright, that’s all that should’ve mattered, and yet I couldn’t help but feel relieved from the bottom of my heart at how she was alive in my arms.

(Please, I’m begging you, don’t step any further into my life.)

I wasn’t ready to take in another one I held dear.

(Ring alone keeps my hands full.)

And yet, here you were, hitting me with your blindingly honest nature without an iota of awareness for what I was feeling.

Kate: I like you. The true you.

Nobody had ever realized it before, but she saw right through my emotions.

Kate: ...You mean even though you went off about how you’d become the world’s happiest man, all while looking anything but happy?

(Ahh...this woman’s a load of trouble.)

My consciousness having reached its limit, I wasn’t really sure what I was saying at this point.

Nica: ...To become the world’s happiest man, I need more money, more power.

That’s why, I may have failed to realize then—

Nica: Because then, I can bring in the people I care about...

Nica: I can...bring Ring into my happy fate too...so...

[BLACK]

—how I had gained another person who was dear to me.

[EYES OPENING → CROWN CASTLE - LOUNGE]

(So bright...)

Though I was annoyed at the light filtering in through my eyelids, I opened my eyes...

...to find an unfamiliar ceiling, and my younger brother peering at me.

Ring: —Nica!

Ring looked to be on the verge of tears as he called my name, and in response I lifted myself up and looked around.

But, I couldn’t find her, who had been with me until I lost consciousness.

Nica: Where’s Kate?

Ring: Ah, she...

Nica: What about her wounds? Is she okay?

Ring: W-wait, calm down! She’s doing fine.

Ring: Roger came in a bit ago and called her outside.

Nica: ...I see.

After a moment of relief, my face scrunched from the dull pain in my body.

Ring placed a hand on my back, gently rubbing it.

Nica: ...Are we in Crown Castle?

Ring: Yeah, we’re in the lounge. After you lost consciousness, we carried you up from the basement and had Roger take a look.

Ring: It seems they wanted to avoid letting you stay for a long time down there, so they set up a bed here.

Nica: Damn, I would’ve loved to fish around for documents there.

I knew that the basement functioned both as Roger Barel’s clinic and a place housing research on the Cursed.

(If only I could’ve nabbed some documents on the Cursed from down there...well, I can keep dreaming.)

Nica: Did you report to Dari?

Ring: Yeah. And the incident during the mission was kept under the wraps from Crown.

Nica: Figured. We can’t exactly tell them, “We were off to kill someone who got in Vogel’s way,” you know.

Ring withdrew his hand from my back with a sad expression.

Ring: …They said they were raised in Haus, just like us, and their lives were ruined by you.

Ring: Just what did you do to them? (·•᷄_•᷅ )

I couldn’t bring myself to say I had made them take on the experiments Ring was originally meant to go through in order to protect him, so I gave a lie off the bat.

Nica: They often said way back when they wanted to see in an experiment if I could use my ability on the other kids.

Nica: It looks like they’ve been through a lot, living a life while in love with me.

Nica: You know, like a love-hate.

I let out a thoughtless laugh: a signal that said not to ask further.

Ring looked like he had something he wanted to say, but ultimately swallowed those words and changed the subject.

Ring: …When I heard they were from Haus, I hesitated to kill them.

Ring: I was spineless, and that caused trouble for you, and it got Kate hurt.

Ring: I’m really sorry, Nica…I know how important she is to you.

Nica: …Who said she was important?

Ring: Huh? (O_O)

Nica: The Spatzi is my toy. A far cry from “important.”

But Ring tilted his head in response, perplexed.

Ring: You had never let anyone other than me or Dari close, so I thought that was the case.

Ring: Was I wrong?

Nica: Yeah, wrong as can be. She’s just a toy I’m playing with while we’re staying in this country.

Nica: And I was worried about her just now because I was the one who got her involved. That’s all there is to it.

Ring: Oh…

Ring seemed to be thinking about something, and I let out a small sigh so that he wouldn’t notice.

That’s right, she wasn’t “important” or anything of the sort.

(I really can’t afford to gain more things important to me.)

Because, if I did—

[BLACK]

She could never become happy.

t. b. c ⸝⸝

masterlist 🍒 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍

prev. ⋮ next.

[nxca]

15 ┊ Nica Schwartz main story

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

tl — @kurishiri 𝜗𝜚 cw — mentions of human experimentation.

[DILAPIDATED BUILDING - DOUBLE DOORED CLOSET]

Nica, his complexion pale, had collapsed onto me from losing consciousness.

Kate: Nica, Nica— wake up...!

But no matter how much I called his name, he showed no signs of waking.

(I’ve got to take him to a doctor, and quickly...!)

But I couldn’t pull up his body with my own strength.

And even when I tried to go to call for help, I couldn’t move due to Nica’s hand tightly grasping my backside, despite having lost consciousness.

(Oh, no, what should I do? At this rate Nica will—)

A sudden and intense bout of uncertainty and panic bubbled up, when I heard a creaking sound coming from the corridor.

The sound gradually approached, and I realized with a start they were the sound of footsteps.

(The police? Or did Monica have others working with her?)

If police showed up here, we would without a doubt be arrested as suspects of murder.

And if Monica’s accomplices showed up, we would for sure be killed.

Either way, it wouldn’t spell out anything good, and at a loss for what to do, I hugged him tightly.

When I did, I caught sight of Nica’s pistol, lying on the floor.

(If an enemy comes in here, I’ve got to protect Nica.)

Steeling my resolve, I reached my hand out toward it.

I had never once shot a gun before.

So, even if I had a gun at my disposal, I probably would not be able to hit a target.

(But I can’t say that.)

I grabbed onto it still, even if just to resist, before taking aim toward the corridor beyond the door some ways away.

My hands were trembling.

(Please, I’m begging, let this be someone who can help...!)

I held him with one arm while gripping the pistol.

The footsteps resounded from just outside, and just when I could no longer breathe from the anxiety—

Ring: Nica, Kate, are you guys there—?

The one who came in was Ring, his forehead beaded with sweat.

Kate: Ring, Nica, he’s...!

Though struck with relief, blood drained from Ring’s face upon noticing Nica’s current state.

Ring: Nica...!

Ring called out his name, looking on the verge of tears, and tried to shake Nica’s shoulders, but I stopped him in a panic.

Kate: He said he felt dizzy before he lost consciousness, so don’t move his head!

Ring came to then, and I realized at the same time Nica’s hand that had been grasping my backside had loosened.

Kate: We’ve got to take him to a doctor, and quickly!

Ring: O-okay!

[BLACK]

Ring carried Nica with me by his side to keep his head still as we ran out.

[CROWN CASTLE - BASEMENT LABORATORY]

Kate: Please help, Roger!

[BLACK]

By the time we made it to the basement, it was already past midnight.

[CROWN CASTLE - LOUNGE - NIGHT]

Nica, who had received treatment, was now soundly sleeping atop white sheets.

He still looked slightly pale, but nonetheless compared to when he had first collapsed, he looked much better.

Kate: ...

A bed had been placed in the lounge.

I sat beside him, stroking his left hand, when Ring walked up to me.

Ring: I reported everything to Dari.

Kate: Welcome back. Thanks for making the report.

Ring: Sure...

——Flashback——

[CROWN CASTLE - BASEMENT LABORATORY]

Two hours prior, when Roger saw us storm in the basement, he immediately got a read on the situation and started treatment.

It turned out he had lost consciousness due to a mild concussion from having been hit.

Aside from that, there were wounds that seemed painful, but fortunately there were no life-threatening wounds.

(Roger praised me for having kept his head steady...)

[BLACK]

Even if he acknowledged I had made the right judgment, I couldn’t bring myself to feel happy about it.

[CROWN CASTLE - LOUNGE - NIGHT]

The basement held a lot of documents concerning the Cursed ones, so reasonably so, they couldn’t let Nica stay there long.

As an emergency they set up a bed in the lounge to let him sleep there.

Ring, who seemed unable to maintain his composure, paced back and forth around the room,

and Roger, having noticed this, told Ring to tell Darius about Nica’s situation, to give him something else to do.

——End flashback——

[CROWN CASTLE - LOUNGE - NIGHT]

Ring: ...I didn’t know Crown Castle had a room like this.

Looking at him now, it seemed that task had worked its magic, as he had regained his composure,

and he looked around the lounge in curiosity.

(Come to think of it, Vogel can’t enter Crown Castle without permission, right?)

I had forgotten about that when we stormed in, but Crown Castle forbade entry to all aside from personnel.

And Vogel was no exception: as long as they did not have permission, they couldn’t enter these premises.

Perhaps because he was in an unfamiliar place, Ring looked at many things here with a deep interest.

But when his gaze returned to Nica, his face scrunched in pain as he murmured.

Ring: ...It’s not like this is the first time I’ve seen Nica get hurt.

Ring: I’ve seen it happen so much long ago, I hated it...and even after joining Vogel, it happened over and over.

When he said “long ago”, he was likely referring to his time at Haus.

Ring: I didn’t want Nica to get hurt, though, so I picked up a sword. I hoped it would help Nica, even just a little bit...and yet...

I couldn’t say anything in return.

(While Nica continued to protect Ring, Ring had resolved himself to become stronger to support Nica.)

They had both done what they could to protect each other, who they considered their one and only family.

One could probably say this was a beautiful brotherly love. Perhaps that would be true.

(But...somehow I feel like they’re clashing in a way...or is it just me?)

It was like they both cared deeply for each other, but there was still some friction as well, or maybe conflict.

But I had no proof, even if I felt that way, so I swallowed my words and turned my gaze back.

(He’s still not waking up...)

I gently pushed the bangs covering his eyes out of the way, staring at his clear-cut features as he slept, when the door to the lounge opened.

Roger: Still not up?

Kate: Yes...wait, Victor, you’re here too?

Victor: Hello hellooo, you two have really been through it. Are you guys hurt anywhere?

Victor gave a cheerful wave before approaching me.

Victor: Darius filled me in. He said this was the work of humans who held a personal grudge against Nica and whatnot.

(He’s...not really wrong, but...)

I glanced at Ring, and he gave a slight nod in response.

It seemed that somehow the things that happened right in the middle of the mission had been covered up.

Victor: Ahh, and you guys are not going to be suspected of anything, so you can relax.

Roger: We heard the police concluded it was from a squabble of jealousy.

I remembered the rumors surrounding Nica at the pub then.

(I see, so that’s how the public perceived it.)

Feeling something I couldn’t put into words, I averted my gaze.

[DILAPIDATED BUILDING - CORRIDOR - MONOCHROME]

The three had been shot by Nica’s gun, but because we took his gun with us, it wasn’t left at the scene.

But, whether out of good or bad luck, they had found a different gun in the room,

and that was how the police came to that conclusion.

Blood was pooling out from Monica’s temple; there was no doubt she had been shot in the head.

[CROWN CASTLE - LOUNGE - NIGHT]

(But...)

Thinking about her corpse, the location of the gun laying on the ground, and the angle, it was hard to think Nica shot her himself.

(Maybe she chose death herself.)

The few hours of fun memories ran through my head, and I pursed my lips tight.

The way she talked so animatedly wasn’t so different from myself, so she seemed like another normal woman...

(But in reality, she held a deep-seated hatred for Nica.)

The wounds from when she was young had festered in her heart, never to heal, as she continued to hate and fueled herself with revenge.

So, if it really was a suicide, that would be too sad.

Seeing me like this, Victor and Roger exchanged a look.

Roger: There’s something we wanna talk to you about.

[BLACK]

After that, they took me out of the lounge.

[CROWN CASTLE - BASEMENT LABORATORY]

Kate: What did you want to talk about?

I left Nica in Ring’s care, and faced the two of them with a serious expression.

Roger took a document from the shelf before pushing them to me.

Kate: This is...

Roger: A document summarizing the case with Haus, the facility those two were raised in.

Kate: Wha...

Roger: That said, it’s nothing official. It’s just something I did some digging on, with the help of Victor’s connections.

“Haus’ Goal” and “Unjust Human Experimentation”, among others, were written on the table of contents.

Roger: A long time ago, I went to Germany, attending my father’s business. That’s when I visited Haus.

Roger: Now I was young at the time, so I didn’t get a full grasp on what was happening, but there was no doubt the experiments there were inhumane.

I ran my eyes through one page at a time. And then, my hands stopped when I saw a certain word.

Roger, having noticed, pointed at that word and continued.

Roger: A lot of human experiments went down in Haus, but what’s most of note is this here.

Roger: —“Experiments to birth the Cursed”.

Kate: To...birth the Cursed...!

Victor: ...Have you figured it out now?

The moment I realized, I felt blood drain from my entire body as my vision blurred.

The place those two were born and raised in, the repeated experimentation, and special twins.

I wasn’t so dull as to not know what these implied.

Kate: ...So Nica and Ring were children born from these experiments, I take it.

Roger nodded slowly.

Roger: And that would probably make Monica...a child who couldn’t become Cursed.

Roger: I mean, you probably got an idea, from having seen them in person, too.

I placed my hand on my neck, which was wrapped in bandages.

(They had enough strength to leave a mark, and speed to reach the end of the corridor in a matter of seconds.)

That harsh sword fight that had made Ring struggle seemed to be beyond a normal human’s capabilities.

Roger: Apparently, they tried to use unnatural means to make Cursed people so they could increase their numbers.

Roger: In reality, it seemed the experiments that took place would make the body stronger.

Roger: Also, Haus never gave their subjects names. They were managed using numbers.

(Oh, now I see.)

My sense of unease gradually loosened.

Monica and the others who were subjects of experiments that tried to artificially make Cursed ones,

and the reason she had said Nica and Ring were special was because they weren’t able to become Cursed.

And the fact that when I had asked Nica about Monica’s name, he couldn’t remember her...

(...was because at Haus, they were managed by numbers.)

────────୨ৎ────────

[1] I can’t believe how cruel this is.

[2] What of the other subjects...

[3] ...That facility’s the worst. (+4/+4)

────────୨ৎ────────

Kate: ...That facility’s the worst.

Roger: Yeah, they were full of greed and killed people relentlessly. There’s absolutely no facility worse than that.

Victor: And that was something the country oversaw in secret...so these experiments were done on the basis of mutual consent.

Roger: Fortunately, though, Haus had been destroyed a long while ago.

Roger: I heard it’s basically just ruins now.

Though I felt a bit of relief, Roger’s expression turned grim as he opened his mouth.

Roger: And now, this is where the main issue is.

Kate: Huh?

Roger took the document from my hands before returning it to the shelf.

Victor: Nica and Ring are twins, and they bear the same Curse. This, you know about them, yes?

Kate: Right, but the effects are different...

(And also the things they need to do to activate their ability is also diffe— wait, what?)

The moment I realized something was off, Victor opened his mouth.

Victor: They bear the same Curse, and yet their abilities are different. Twins they may be, but I have never heard of such a phenomenon before.

Victor: Now, I can’t fully deny that this may be a new Curse we don’t yet know of, but that wouldn’t change the fact that only one person can bear one Curse.

(The Cursed ones I’ve met up until now each had their own Curse.)

Victor: So, this doesn’t go beyond speculation. But...

(If that’s the case, then what does that make him—?)

Victor: Nica and Ring bear two separate Curses.

[OUTDOORS CORRIDOR - MORNING]

I walked down the corridor, which had started to become light, like I was wandering about.

I had been rendered speechless from the shock that Victor’s words hit me with,

and out of consideration, the two had said, “We’ll let you know as soon as Nica wakes up, so go rest for now.”

So now, I was walking down the path to my room, but my mind was somewhere else.

(How did I not realize it until now?)

I should have realized with a little bit of thought that something was off at least,

and yet I hadn’t felt the slightest bit of unease, perhaps because Nica was just that good at talking.

(...Could him wanting to bring Ring in also be connected to that?)

I didn’t know what Nica meant at the time when he had said he wanted to bring his brother into his happy fate.

But realizing that this may be the key to unraveling everything, I stopped in my tracks.

When I did, I saw Darius appear before me—

Darius: Ah, look, it’s miss fairytale keeper. You’re going back now?

Kate: ...Yes.

Honey-colored eyes bore into me, and unable to take it anymore, I turned away.

But still Darius peeked through my face...

Darius: So you learned about Haus and found out about Nica and Ring’s pasts, I take it?

Kate: ! How did...

Darius: I was just trying to fish out the truth, but it looks like I hit the bull’s eye, didn’t I. (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)

Darius had a full smile on his face.

Darius: And from the looks of it, you also realized Nica and Ring do not have the same Curse.

Unable to say anything, I closed my mouth. But the silence was enough of an affirmation.

Darius: That Nica, isn’t he just so interesting? You know, with how he’ll drag his little brother into his own fate and whatnot.

Darius: Even though there likely isn’t another Cursed one up until now who could do such a thing, too.

Seeing Darius laugh in amusement, I felt displeasure as I questioned him.

Kate: Why are you laughing...

At that moment, a white bird flew between us.

A few soft feathers fell, fluttering through the air.

Darius gave a faint smile.

Darius: Nica’s actual Curse is that of the White Swan.

Darius: And he bears the fate that, in the end, he is the only one who will find happiness.

[BLACK]

A single feather then fell onto the muddy earth.

t. b. c ⸝⸝

masterlist 🍒 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍

prev. ⋮ next.

[nxca]

14.5 ┊ Ich mag dich

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

🩸 14 Premium story. tl — @kurishiri 𝜗𝜚

[DILAPIDATED BUILDING - DOUBLE DOORED CLOSET]

The closet was narrow, the room bloodied. Corpses littered the ground, and the moonlight shone brightly.

Nica, who was in my arms, was the only one who exuded warmth as he let out a listless laugh.

Noticing that my arms were wrapped around his back, he hugged me back as though holding me in his arms.

Kate: I’m so glad you’re alright...

Nica: ...Back at you. By the way, what of Ring?

Kate: The residents who had heard the commotion had contacted the authorities, so Ring is handling things over there...

Nica: So he likely went out there to lead them out because you came running back here.

Kate: You could say that.

Nica: Pfft, that’s a no-go there, Spatzi. My little brother’s painfully bad at this sort of thing...gh—

Kate: Are you okay!?

He let out a pained groan, to which I pulled out a handkerchief in a panic and dabbed his bloodstained lips.

(What terrible wounds...and his body must’ve sustained them too, just that I can’t see them...)

His cheeks were swollen, bruises congested, and clothes disheveled.

While I bit my lip at the heartbreaking sight, he rested his chin on my shoulder.

Nica: Ahh...did I get hit too much? I’m feeling dizzy.

His arms around me tightened, and he pulled me in toward him.

Nica: …You can laugh and call me a fool. And it’s okay to blame me too.

I sniffled, holding in the tears on the verge of bursting as I weaved my words.

Kate: I think the things you’ve done are unforgivable.

Kate: But I could never blame you for using what little ways you had to protect Ring.

“Why did you get hit?” I didn’t have to ask that to get an idea.

Kate: Perhaps there may have been better ways than deceiving, playing with others’ feelings, and taking on grudges.

Kate: But I was never there at that time. So I could never blame you for that.

Nica, in his own Nica way, accepted their grudges.

After so much deception, it all came back. And taking that upon himself may have been an attempt at atonement.

Nica: Yeah, like you said, the grudges from playing people came right back.

Nica: But I won’t stop. I can’t stop, no matter what.

I thought Nica was the worst for playing with other people’s feelings.

I said that it would all come back against him.

(But that doesn’t mean I want to see Nica get hurt.)

After all, now that I was before that very scene, it felt so painful and awful, I could hardly bear it.

Nica slowly reached out toward my neck, a pained expression on his face.

Nica: Your neck must hurt...there’s still a mark.

Nica: Well, if I had gotten here earlier, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt.

He gently ran his fingers along the mark on my neck, left from the knife and strangling, and in response a teardrop ran down my cheek.

Kate: Y-you seem...in a much worse shape... *hic*

He let out a wry smile at my tears, falling one after another, as he planted a kiss on the corner of my eye.

Nica: Mm, it’s salty.

Kate: What are you—

Nica licked my tears with the tip of his tongue, and in a panic I turned my face away.

But his hand wrapped around the back of my head, and his forehead touched mine.

Nica: You’re so foolish, so darn naïve...you doofus Kate, you.

Nica: Here you are, crying for someone like me. You really are a good-natured fool.

Both of his hands that gently cupped around my cheeks were warm, but his rings emitted a sharp coolness.

Nica: You should be smiling right about now, you know. I happen to like your smiles a lot, Kate.

Kate: Smiling at a time like this would be more strange than anything...

Nica: Then, just smile for me.

His index fingers dragged the corners of my lips upward.

Seeing my forcibly-made smile while tears flowed down caused him to laugh, a troubled look on his face.

Nica: Haha...you look awful.

Kate: I could say the same to you...

He withdrew his fingers before his lips slowly approached mine.

Kate: Mm—

He pressed a kiss, and while I was surprised, I closed my eyes.

Meanwhile, Nica gave me countless feather-like kisses, stealing my lips.

The feeling of our lips together was hot, and from the gap between I could pick up the smell of iron.

Nica: Don’t run on me now.

His face scrunched up in pain as he murmured, once again placing a hand on my cheek.

But, there was no way I could run.

(Ahh, I see now.)

I thought to myself as I looked at him before me, tears flowing down my cheeks.

[WHITE]

(I like Nica, from the bottom of my heart.)

I thought after being played ragged the love that started from a lie would come to a full stop.

And yet, my mind kept turning back to him all the time, and no matter what I had gone through, I found myself wanting to know what lied in his heart.

Though he appeared capable, he was quite clumsy, and he was a person who smiled like a young boy, always thinking of his younger brother.

He claimed people were playthings, and yet when I got hurt, he would make an awfully pained face.

And, in the midst of the fabricated kindness, I had come to receive his true kindness time and time again.

(Perhaps it’s the fake Nica that had sparked those feelings.)

But the part of him I had fallen in love with, the part of him that continued to draw me in...

—was the Nica who was most true to himself.

[DILAPIDATED BUILDING - DOUBLE DOORED CLOSET]

I softly touched his swollen cheeks, meeting his gaze.

Kate: About yesterday, I’m really sorry for stepping into your past on my own.

Kate: Whether it was as fairytale keeper, or just from one human to another, I just really wanted to know more about you, even if I couldn’t understand.

Kate: I felt bad keeping quiet about it, though, so I had talked to you about it. But I had ended up hurting you as a result.

Kate: So, truly, I am sorry.

Nica: ...It’s not really like it was your fault.

I gave him a small smile after hearing his words.

Kate: Nica, there’s something I’ve come to realize.

Nica: Yeah, what is it?

Kate: I like you. The true you.

His eyes widened.

Kate: Perhaps it had first started from being treated kindly and getting deceived.

Kate: But the one I fell for was the one who would at times laugh like a boy on a whim, the one who would have a distant look in his eyes...

Kate: ...And the one who could just leave someone like me by myself, and yet expressed worry for my wounds. That’s the Nica Schwartz I fell in love with.

Nica’s eyes narrowed, looking at my face as though he had seen something dazzling.

Kate: You can call me annoying and a pain in the neck— I wouldn’t be surprised— but I like you, so I want to get to know you more.

Kate: It’s because I like you...that I want to understand you.

Nica: ...I might be playing with your feelings even now, you know.

Nica: What you claim to be the “true” me might also be fabricated.

Kate: ...You mean even though you went off about how you’d become the world’s happiest man, all while looking anything but happy?

Nica looked exasperated at my words as he leaned his body on mine.

Nica: You...really are sharp on the weirdest things...

His hug was so tight it hurt, and I was surprised at his strength, but...

Nica: ...To become the world’s happiest man, I need more money, more power.

Nica talked as though in delirium.

Nica: Because then, I can bring in the people I care about...

Nica: I can...bring Ring into my happy fate too...so...

Kate: Huh?

At that moment, his body crumpled toward me.

Kate: Nica...?

Nica, who had collapsed on my chest, was unconscious, his complexion pale.

Kate: —Nica!!

t. b. c ⸝⸝

masterlist 🍒 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍

prev. ⋮ next.

[drachonia]

Nica Schwartz Main Story

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝔉𝔬𝔲𝔯𝔱𝔢𝔢𝔫. 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠(𝐬): descriptions of death & suicide.

𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: my sincerest apologies for the wait on this chapter. new semester of uni started and I've been balancing things as best I can. Chapter 15 should be out in a much more orderly fashion from me, haha! 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭.

Ring stared at me as we sat inside the rocking carriage.

Our eyes would meet, then his would dart away, the pink of his cheeks reddening each time until I couldn't take it anymore—

Kate: Um, is something the matter? Ring: !? N-No, it's...nothing. Kate: Is that so...?

I glanced out the window as Ring's face burnt crimson. Acting as Vogel's fairytale keeper, I was tasked with accompanying Ring on his mission tonight. The mission was to eliminate three targets, as there were people in England who were "interfering with Vogel's activities." Darius seemed to consider it quite serious, ordering for them to be taken out immediately.

I'm honestly surprised with how different this mission is from when I accompanied Nica. Though I realize that Nica and Ring have fundamentally different jobs.

I wasn't told who the targets were or how they had interrupted Vogel, I was only told to accompany Ring.

But maybe it's for the best I wasn't assigned to Nica.

I didn't know if I could face him after yesterday's exchange.

Kate: Haah...

Hearing my sigh, Ring straightened up with a resolute expression.

Ring: So you had a fight with Nica? Kate: Huh? How did you... Ring: Last night I saw Nica looking troubled for the first time in a long time. Ring: I asked one of the maids and she said it was because he had spoken with you, so I guessed something must have happened between you two.

I gave Ring a strained smile.

Kate: It's my fault. I didn't consider his feelings and tried to lecture him when, in reality, I didn't know what he'd been through. Thinking back on it, I started to feel down once again.

Ring: Nica doesn't usually let his emotions show often, it's pretty rare.

Ring looked toward me, then away as he spoke.

Ring: And...he looked a bit lonely.

Lonely...

I don't know if it was because we had talked about Nica's past, or if he had something else on his mind. But if Ring, who's lived his entire life with Nica, says he looked lonely, that has to mean something.

Ring: I think Nica probably regrets what happened just as much as you do. Kate: ...You really think so? Ring: Yeah, it seems so. Ring: So I'm sure you both will reconcile just fine.

Ring gave me a soft, encouraging smile, and I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

I'll apologize to Nica when I get back.

Kate: Ring, thank you— Ring: Nica is amazing. He's clever and can befriend almost anyone. He's also very skilled, so there's almost nothing he can't do.

For some reason, Ring began to talk about Nica's good points out of nowhere.

Ring: We were trying to figure out a problem the other day, and he solved it in an instant.

Ring started to beam brightly.

Kate: I-I see. Ring: Nica's always the first to help me, and I'm proud to be his brother.

Suddenly, I remembered what Monica had told me.

Nica has always protected Ring.

That probably hasn't changed even now.

To Nica, Ring has always been his family, and I'm sure that hasn't changed for Ring either.

But then, why don't the two of them plan out their happiness together?

To claim you'll be the happiest person in the world sounds like such a selfish thing. After that, Ring continued to tell me even more about Nica's merits. Though, he seemed to look increasingly worried.

Ring: ...But at some point, Nica's smile started to change. Ring: Like he couldn't smile from the heart anymore.

As I gave it some thought, Ring continued to speak.

Ring: I'd like to know why, but...I can't seem to figure out what it is. Ring: But Nica looks like he's having fun when he's with you. Ring: You surprise him, you make him laugh...and I feel like when he's with you, he smiles like how he used to. Ring: Honestly, I...I envy that.

Ring's knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists, staring at his lap. Seeing that, I couldn't help but be honest with him as well.

Kate: I'm envious of you too, Ring. Ring: Huh...? Kate: I don't understand Nica as well as you do. I'm afraid I'll say something that hurts him, and I feel like I'll never know how he feels deep down.

Now it was my turn to lace my fingers together tight.

Ring: Even though I've been with Nica since birth, I don't understand everything about him.

I looked at Ring with a start as he spoke.

Ring: I think you're much closer to Nica than me, now.

When I vehemently denied it, Ring gave a hearty laugh and said perhaps our feelings were much more aligned than we thought.

Ring's mission tonight was to eliminate the targets obstructing Vogel, right?

But the carriage dropped us off at—

Contrary to my surprise, Ring continued ahead with cautious steps.

Kate: ...Ring, what was the briefing of the mission again?

In that moment, the only word that floated to the forefront of my mind was "Haus."

If Monica grew up in Haus, then the other two with her must have come from there as well.

They're all people who know of Nica and Ring's past.

There was a nauseous feeling bubbling up at the back of my throat. I glanced up at Ring as he recited the names of the targets.

Ring: Our targets this time are Marc, Tobias, and Monica Hoffmann. Ring: They have to be eliminated. Kate: Ah...

It felt as though I had been bludgeoned, my head was pounding. And in the next moment a man rushed at me, sword brandished high. Ring drew his sword, the discordant sound of metal clanging loudly in the empty halls as he blocked the blow.

???: It's been awhile, Ring! Ring: M-Marc!

Ring was pushed back little by little with each onslaught of attacks from the man he had called Marc.

Marc: Been a long time since I last saw someone from my childhood. You remember, right!? Marc: We were together so long, in that shithole called "Haus!" Ring: !

Marc took advantage of Ring's shock at the mention of Haus. A swift blow sending Ring skidding down the hall.

Kate: Ring! ???: There you are. Kate: Huh!?

A voice that wasn't Marc's echoed from behind me. Before I could so much as turn my head, I was lifted off the ground.

Kate: Wha...!

The man who had slung me over his shoulder had taken me to one of the rooms in what felt like an instant.

Kate: Ack—

And was tossed unceremoniously to the hardwood floor, landing hard.

Tobias: I'm going to help Marc. Monica: Take care of yourself, Tobias.

The man named Tobias left the room before I could so much as blink.

Monica: I had my suspicions when I spoke with you, but it seems like you're affiliated with Vogel after all.

When I looked up at her, Monica seemed to have a skeptical look on her face, smiling at me.

Kate: Why would you...?

Before I could even make sense of what was happening, Monica grabbed me just below the jaw and hauled me up with a force so strong that it was hard to believe she was even human. My jaw creaked under the pressure.

Monica: Surely you remember what we talked about yesterday...about how Haus is the worst kind of facility? Running all kinds of experimentations.

Monica's eyes smoldered with fury.

Monica: While we were there, Nica used his powers to force us into the experiments meant for his brother!

Monica: Because of that my life is ruined! I'm an abomination that's caught between human and monster!!

Kate: !

I started at the way her voice grew frantic and anguished.

Monica: We could make Nica happy if we took over for his brother, right? We hadn't even known that each experiment would depend on your ability, so we took the fall for it.

Monica: You've got experience with that, surely. You've had to have been toyed with by him at some point too, right?

I couldn't say anything to that, so Monica continued, even more enraged. She recounted on how weary she had become after all the experiments she endured due to Nica's power. And how she had vowed to get back at him for her entire life. She had been unable to come across him while in Germany, so she, Marc and Tobias had moved to the United Kingdom to better hone their skills. All of it was the result of Nica betraying others' trust in him.

What Nica did as a child to protect Ring has come back to haunt him.

Monica: We were failures. Meant to die from the very beginning, I'd come to terms with that. My life didn't matter. Monica: But those twins were different. Their lives were safe because of their innate ability. Monica: But Nica still had to go and ruin our lives!

There was a loud bang as Ring, bound by rope, was thrown into the room against the wall next to me.

Kate: Ring!! Ring: Damn it...where did you even get that kind of ability...! Monica: No matter how special you might think you are, no one can take on more than one monstrosity by themselves.

Monica's eyes moved from me to Ring in disgust before her gaze drew back to me.

Monica: If you can lure Nica Schwartz to me, that might just save your life. Monica: Not a bad deal, no?

Her grip started to cut off my airways. Drawing even one breath became a struggle as her fingers squeezed.

Ring: K-Kate!

Even so, I...

Kate: Did you...think I'd agree to that...!

I writhed and twisted my weakening body enough to loosen her grip and slip from her grasp.

Monica: Ugh! You've been tricked by him, haven't you!?

I glared at the trio, coughing and wheezing as I drew in each precious breath. No matter how much I may hate what Nica's done, I have beliefs that I won't just outright abandon.

Kate: The things Nica had put you through are unforgivable. Kate: But that doesn't make it okay to try to get revenge on him now! Monica: You...

Monica grabbed at me again, seizing me by the collar of my dress and pressing a blade to my throat.

Even with the pinch of cold metal digging into my skin and the warm trickle of blood running down my neck, I didn't relent.

Kate: Doing this won't erase the things that happened to you! Monica: Shut up! What do you know!? Ring: Stop it!!

As Monica pulled the knife back, I screwed my eyes shut, bracing for the pain. But instead, I heard a gunshot—

Nica: I don't recall giving others permission to play with my toy.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Nica, who had fired a shot that knocked the knife from Monica's hand.

Monica: Nica Schwartz...!

He stood in the door, gun held firm, with an icy gaze as he stared Monica down. The moment he stepped a foot in the door, all three of the Hoffmann's pulled their weapons. Ring, taking advantage of Nica's distraction, managed to get out of his restraints and come to my aid.

Ring: Are you alright? Kate: Yes, thank you...

Seeing the state of my neck, Ring pressed a handkerchief to the open wound. Seeing this, Nica's eyes turned even more frigid in the low light of the room.

Nica: Ring. Get her out of here. Ring: What? Nica: Dari's orders. Your big brother will take things from here. Nica: You're both getting in the way, so go on, off you go.

Ring seemed confused, but upon hearing it was Darius' orders, lifted me into his arms.

Tobias: You're not going anywhere!

Ring was getting ready to jump from the window with me in-hand when Tobias tried to charge us. Just then, shot was fired.

Kate: Nica!!

The last thing I saw before we jumped from the window was Nica's troubled smile.

Nica had fired a single shot that pierced Tobias' heart.

Tobias: Urgh...! Marc: You...! Ghh! Monica: Tobias!! Marc!!

Nica turned and shot Marc just as quickly in the same manner. Monica rushed over to them both, but by then, their eyes were vacant, ended swiftly.

Monica: No. No no no, you're kidding me! Wake up...!! Nica: You came here to take things from Vogel, but you got taken from instead, tragic really.

Glancing down at Monica with a biting laugh, Nica aimed the muzzle of his pistol at her head.

Monica: ...You think I'll just let you do this?

Monica grabbed the barrel of the gun, using the leverage of the grip to throw Nica's body with a great force.

Nica: !?

His body slammed into the back of an open wardrobe, crumpling instantly. Monica stood over him with a renewed anger in her eyes.

Nica: Tsk, what's with the brutish strength...? Monica: You know exactly what kind of failure you've made me into!

She threw his gun aside and slammed a fist down.

Monica: If you hadn't used your damned ability, things would never have come to this. Monica: You ruined our lives!

Colossal tears began to spill from Monica's eyes, sliding down her cheeks as she beat her fists against Nica with overwhelming force. But Nica didn't resist.

Monica: Why aren't you resisting...? Why...!?

Nica: I was just remembering something a foolish robin told me once...

His cheeks had begun to swell, cuts and bruises taking shape on his face with each blow...but Nica simply let Monica vent out her anger.

Nica: You can beat me until you're satisfied. If that's what makes you feel better, I'll accept it. Nica: But tormenting me now doesn't change a thing of the past. Monica: What...?

Seeing Nica's vacant stare, Monica glanced back at the corpses of her two brothers.*

Monica: If you don't resist, that's like...saying all the time we spent suffering was for nothing.

As she voiced her thoughts, she took Nica's pistol into one hand—

Monica: How is that any different than saying my entire life until now was a waste...?

With a single shot, Monica's body crumpled against the armoire's door, blood pooling around her. Nica let out a breath as he leaned against the back wall of it. As Monica's body fell, her arm landed against the door, closing it and trapping Nica inside. At that moment, Nica's caught a glimpse of the familiar scar along the length of her arm, lake blue eyes widened in recognition.

Nica: I was wondering who Monica was...so it was you. Nica: I didn't know because I only ever remembered our numbers.

The closet door fell shut.

Nica, where are you!?

Ring had escaped out the window with me, but I couldn't stay still after I heard more gunshots. I ignored the warnings from Ring and ran back inside the building. Ring, who was chasing after me, ran into a neighbor that had reported the incident after hearing me screaming 'no.' He told me to meet up with Nica and leave, so he could lead the police to the scene to avoid suspicion. We had split up from there.

Kate: !

When I returned to the room that I was taken to at the end of the hall, I found three bodies covered in enough blood to know what had become of them. My tried my best to keep from collapsing, my legs trembling with each step as I walked further into the room. Eventually, I heard a noise coming from the wardrobe where Monica was. Approaching with caution, I peered between the tiny crack between the double door—

I managed to pry the door open slightly with all of my strength. My eyes landed on Nica, covered in cuts and bruises.

Nica: Ahh, why did you have to come back? Kate: Ni...ca...

The faint light of the moon through the window behind me cast a line down his face.

It looked just like the trail of a tear.

Nica: It's pointless for me to try and take a break by myself if someone comes to get me. Kate: What on earth happened to you?

I struggled to hold back tears from how worn down he looked, frazzled beyond belief at the state he was in. But Nica seemed calm.

Nica: I just let her hit me before she died. I thought it would make her feel better. Kate: I came here to stop that from happening to you...!

His eyes narrowed as he looked like he wanted to tell me something, grasping my hand.

Nica: Could you close the curtains?

His grip was so weak.

Nica: The light you give off is so bright...it hurts my eyes so much I could laugh...

The sight of him so weakened was so agonizing that all I could do was hug him.

𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: *: I opted to flavor the text of this as Monica considering Tobias and Marc family with how they interact. I feel like for the knowledge given about them that they seemed to be a found family unit parallel to what Darius considers Vogel to be. If you're curious about Darius' 'family' or a deeper insight into how the suitors from Vogel came together, I recommend reading this translation and this one respectively for more information.

dividers by tsunami-of-tears.

[nxca]

10.5 ┊ Ich bin in dich verliebt

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

✨ 10 Premium story. tl — @kurishiri 𝜗𝜚 cw — awkwardly translated smut; mdni.

[PARTY VENUE - GARDEN - NIGHT]

Nica: Even if it’s just me, that’s fine too.

N: Things like love and romance are like specks of dust to me.

N: As is trust and expectations— those can vanish in a blink of an eye.

Step by step, he approached me before pulling my hand.

Kate: Wah—

I lost my balance and was about to fall when a hand wrapped around my waist to support me, and before I realized it we were in a dance posture.

He started to lead with his steps, twirling me around.

Nica: I tricked many and played their hearts...and like the fools they were they’d spin round and round in the palm of my hand.

N: What a joke, huh.

He spun me around over and over like a ballerina, causing my vision to spin as I fell unceremoniously on his chest.

Kate: How can you do such cruel things?

Leaning my head into his chest, I fixed my unfocused gaze to the ground.

Nica: ...Our Curse is the Black Swan from The Swan Lake, Kate.

N: The prince swore his love to the Black Swan, the daughter of the devil herself...having mistaken her for the real princess.

N: And so, the real princess, the White Swan, was betrayed.

My vision finally steadied as I lifted my head.

Nica was illuminated by the moonlight as he looked down at me with a serious expression.

Nica: Be it love or romance, they’re all nothing but illusions.

N: And I just wield those illusions and continue to play around with love. All to become the happiest in the world.

N: All so...I don’t get swept up in this fate.

I couldn’t turn my eyes away from that uncharacteristically earnest look he wore, but then we heard voices.

Tall and gorgeous lady: Mister Nica and Miss Kate, or so I recall...are they truly a married couple, I have to wonder?

Lady in purple: I did see the wife always some distance away from her partner...perhaps they share a strained relationship.

Tall and gorgeous lady: So she wasn’t immediately taken with such a smooth-mannered man?

Hearing the two’s voices giggling from the sidewalk, we turned to each other.

Nica: Behold— the results of your god awful acting skills.

Kate: Urgh...

(It’s utterly frustrating but I can’t argue back because that is indeed true...!)

Unlike me, whose head was riling up, Nica stood opposite of me with a look that he had thought of something as he grinned—

Nica: Since we’re at this point now, how about we give them a good show of just how well we get along as a married couple?

Kate: Huh...mm—

The next moment, Nica’s lips suddenly covered my own.

His tongue made its way inside the opening of my mouth, taking and twining mine with his as I tried frantically to escape.

Kate: Wh— ...uh...mm—

Our mouths made a wet sound, and as saliva dripped from the corner of my lips, I went numb from pleasure.

I tried to turn away, but I couldn’t run with how he was holding the back of my head.

(I can’t move at all—)

I tried my best to push on his chest, but Nica’s body didn’t move an inch.

Kate: No...haa—

[BLACK]

But the kiss felt so good, I no longer had the energy to push against him...

And I got swept up in his kiss, when a pang shot through my heart.

How was he this good at kissing? Just how many women’s lips did he steal?

Thoughts like these filled my mind to the brim, only to be pulled back into the pleasure, and once again my mind would wander.

[PARTY VENUE - GARDEN]

Nica’s hand lifted my dress before starting to stroke my thighs—

Kate: Ngh...ah...

He traced his finger between my legs over my undergarments, going back and forth, over and over.

The kisses made that area wet, so even that deliberate stimulus tingled.

Kate: Nica— don’t...mm—

Nica: Hah...you’re not exactly convincing, seeing a kiss is all it takes for you to become like this.

Our lips parted, a silver thread hanging between us.

His fingers slipped inside my undergarments and entered into me as he pushed down on my swollen bud.

[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]

Kate: Uah...!

Nica: I already know all your good spots, and that you like it when I push down and move like this.

Kate: Sto— ah...no...!

His thumb, which had been pushing down on my bud, moved left and right. My legs trembled from the almost numbing pleasure, and I clung onto him.

But Nica showed no sign of stopping as he buried his fingers inside and added onto the stimulus from there—

Nica: And when I go deeper inside...

[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]

Kate: —Ha, ngh!

The next moment I came undone, and with my legs giving out, he held onto me tight.

Nica: See, you came just like that.

He scooped a bit of the nectar that dripped down my thighs before lifting his sensually soaked finger in front of my face.

Nica: So? Should I go even deeper?

In the midst of my flickering vision, I mustered the last of my rationale to shake my head.

But my insides continued to tingle, seeking out those nectar-soaked fingers, illuminated by the moonlight.

But then—

All of a sudden, I heard small cries from the sidewalk, and I saw the women running off, their faces completely red.

Nica: Well, that’s dull of them. They could’ve stayed and watched to the end.

He laughed as though to make fun of them, and having found my composure again, I leaned my head back as far as I could take it—

[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]

Nica: —OW!!!

—and headbutted him on the forehead.

Kate: Ohh. My god. I cannot believe the likes of you!!!

I was trembling with rage, and in response Nica blinked up at me, but then like a boy he lowered his eyes and stifled a laugh.

Nica: Hah, did you seriously just headbutt me...God, I can’t with you...

That smile was so bright, I couldn’t help but be drawn to them for a moment as my heart skipped a beat.

(Ahh, I...even after all I’ve been through, my feelings for this person can’t fade away.)

I fell for the kind Nica. But that kindness was fake, and the real Nica was the worst man.

And yet, my heart still sang at the sight of him.

Even though I was betrayed, even though he played with my feelings, a part of me was attracted to him.

And it was because of that, I wanted to probe into what had struck me as strange.

Kate: ...No matter how much money and power you gain, trust and expectations aren’t things you can buy.

K: The only thing that awaits you by continuing to do this is your own downfall.

K: You’ll end up getting stabbed by someone you’ve played with, before you can become the world’s happiest man.

Nica: Great, couldn’t ask for more.

Kate: You’ll lose the people who protect and trust you then.

Nica: Not that I had any in the first place. Such is my life.

In order to gain money and power, he continued to play other people, deceiving them.

If he continued doing so, someday he would get punished for it.

And above all—

Kate: And is that life “happy” to you?

Up until now, Nica had been smiling, but then his expression warped into discomfort as he drew away from me.

Nica: You can think what you want, but could you quit swinging around that sense of justice to lecture me?

N: Toys are there for me to use and enjoy. That’s all they need to be.

Kate: Nica—

He turned away, and I reached out for him.

But Nica brushed away my hand, turning around to say...

Nica: I am happy. More than you’ll ever know.

But nowhere on his face did it look happy—

Kate: ...Then don’t make that face. It doesn’t look happy at all.

For some reason, a droplet fell, tracing along my cheek.

[BLACK]

Nica didn’t say anything, only turning his back to me and walking off.

t. b. c ⸝⸝

masterlist 🍒 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍

prev. ⋮ next.

[nxca]

tl/n — i didn’t notice until now, but i realized i was missing two of nica’s dialogue lines, right after the first set of screenshots. it’s not really a big deal i think (the chapter still flowed fine even without that dialogue), but still, i would like to apologize 🙇‍♀️ it should be added in.

[nxca]

13.5 ┊ You could never understand

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

🌊 13 His POV. tl — @kurishiri 𝜗𝜚 cw — implications of child abuse.

——Nica’s POV——

[BLACK]

Even now, I could remember that god-awful facility.

[CARRIAGE INTERIOR - EVENING]

Long-bearded businessman: I’m truly glad we could have this chat.

Nica: Pleasure’s mine. Let’s talk again soon too.

I saw off the businessman as he departed the carriage before leaning my back into the sheets.

(I’ve profited pretty well ever since coming to England.)

The man who was here just moments ago was a businessman who bought the building that Baron Dale had been running.

He worked in real estate, so I introduced him to some lessees together with the building.

It was decided we would split the revenue from renting half and half, so there would be a steady stream of money.

Nica: Those fools for nobles, nouveau rich families, sellers with no authenticity...hmm, they probably go bankrupt sooner than later.

Thinking back on the people I introduced, I sneered.

(All of them will be going down the road to bankruptcy with those humans who suck at managing money.)

If people were to be kicked out due to not being able to pay rent, the property’s reputation would also drop.

And when that happened, that businessman would have no choice but to let go of that building for a lower price.

(Then if I’m still in England by then, I can play my cards to rake in more money.)

To take only the sweet nectar, I would scatter the seeds thoroughly.

That had always been my way of doing things, even when I was in Germany.

Nica: Every last one of them are nothing but fools who go crazy in the face of money and power.

I looked out the window while laughing, where my eyes met the sight of the water, which glimmered and sparkled.

(The sea...)

[BLACK]

I sent a signal to the driver to stop before getting out of the carriage.

[BEACH - EVENING]

When I stepped onto the sand, the sea breeze swept my hair.

I narrowed my eyes at the sun setting beneath the horizon, and just standing without thinking of anything brought back memories from the past.

——Flashback——

[HAUS - NICA AND RING’S ROOM]

??? (405, Ring): Nica, I…

??? (404, Nica): It’s okay, it’ll be alright.

??? (404, Nica): We’ll definitely get out of here, to the outside.

??? (404, Nica): I will take you to the other side of the sea—

——End flashback——

(I just had to go and remember that stupid memory...)

I combed through my hair and sighed.

At first glance, the sea reflecting the evening light seemed pretty, but if one were to lick the water, it would taste salty; going in the water, it would feel sticky.

It assaulted ships with its high tides and induced sickness in its passengers, and there were many times people would get caught in storms, never to return to shore.

Such was the nature of the sea— a place that was not just pretty.

Nica: And yet people are still drawn to it.

They end up believing that beyond the horizon lies a scene still undiscovered.

They end up thinking that a treasure lies buried in the deep depths of the sea.

And even now we— I still reach out for the dream I should have thrown away.

Nica: I’m such a fool...

I crouched down where I was and for a while, stared out to the sea. The sparkling surface of the water seemed to resemble something.

(Maybe a jewel?)

All of a sudden, I thought back to Kate on the harbor, staring out at the water.

(...Or maybe the Spatzi.)

The image of her at the harbor, averting her eyes from the water’s surface as she laughed, formed in the back of my mind.

Not the sun, or the moonlight, or jewels or stars...they were all wrong.

To me, the light Kate held was like that of the reflection upon the water’s surface.

Nica: ...What a cheesy thought, me.

I stood up, rolling my head as I returned to the carriage.

(Wait, didn’t my toy go out drinking with a man since morning?)

For some reason, I felt strangely frustrated at how despite being my toy, she went out with another man to drink on her own, without saying a word.

[BLACK]

And so, at the time I thought I’d give her an earful the next time we saw each other.

[CORRIDOR - NIGHT]

But, the words that came out of her mouth— brought back a buried past I didn’t even want to remember.

Kate: She’s someone who grew up in the same facility as you…Haus.

——Flashback——

[HAUS - NICA AND RING’S ROOM]

??? (405, Ring): Urgh, it hurts…so much…

??? (404, Nica): Take in a breath and relax. See, like your big brother.

??? (404, Nica): It’ll be okay, so trust me.

——End flashback——

[CORRIDOR - NIGHT]

Kate: …This might just be my speculation. But—

Kate: Is your obsession with money and power because of that time?

——Flashback——

[HAUS - NICA AND RING’S ROOM]

??? (404, Nica): When we get outta here I’ll get a tooon of money so you can eat lots. ٩( 'ω' )و

??? (405, Ring): Really? (O_O)

??? (404, Nica): Yep, I’ll make sure it happens, so just wait for me.

——End flashback——

[CORRIDOR - NIGHT]

Kate: Because you need it to protect Ring?

——Flashback——

[HAUS - NICA AND RING’S ROOM]

Ring: If I’m with you, Nica, I’m not scared. (^_^)

——End flashback——

[CORRIDOR - NIGHT]

Kate: !?

Before I could think, my foot kicked up to the corridor’s walls.

I looked down at a surprised Kate. And she was staring up at me with fear.

Nica: Did you have fun digging into someone else’s past without permission?

Nica: You go around spouting speculation— did it never occur to you that this is something I don’t want to revisit?

Kate: I-I just—

Nica: What could you possibly understand?

She didn’t know what sort of environment we lived through.

Nica: Fine. I’ve held plenty of people’s secrets myself, now I’m just on the receiving end.

Nica: But why did you go out of your way to tell me? Were you trying to feel sorry?

Nica: Your honesty and inability to lie might be good qualities.

Nica: But to me… they’re unbelievably annoying and irritating.

I couldn’t hide the irritation and displeasure as I once again made it clear I would become the happiest man in the world.

And for that, I didn’t care how many people scorned me, how much they pointed fingers at me.

(Not that this oh so well-to-do lady could understand.)

I turned on my heel, not sparing a glance at Kate.

Nica: ...Scheiße.

t/n — “shit” in german.

I didn’t know if that was directed at her or myself...

[BLACK]

But the water’s surface— so beautiful it was dazzling— still sparkled and glimmered in my mind’s eye.

t. b. c ⸝⸝

masterlist 🍒 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍

prev. ⋮ next.

[cosmowgyral]

This is a fan translation so please don't expect it to be 100% accurate; expect grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Creative liberties have been taken. All content belongs to Cybird. Reblogs are appreciated but do not repost.

cws: mentions of child abuse, inhumane experiments, psychological trauma

“Haus.”

It was a facility that had existed long before Germany ever came to be.

Countless people — both adults and children were confined there, and what took place within its walls was nothing short of brutal experimentation.

In that place, where no one was treated as human, the experiments claimed lives endlessly.

The sound of someone’s screams was an everyday occurrence.

Monica: I still have scars on my arms that never healed.

Monica: The researchers inflicted wounds on several children to test the differences in their self-healing abilities.

Kate: That’s… that’s horrible.

Monica: That was just normal in that place.

(Nica was born and raised in such a horrific environment.)

As I was still reeling from the shock, Monica continued.

Monica: But those twins were different from the rest of us. They were given special treatment.

Monica: They were always together. No matter how painful things became, there was always someone at their side — a family member who mirrored them completely.

Monica: Even when they were hurt or suffering, they had a blood-related sibling who stayed close, sharing that pain.

Monica: That was something the other children couldn’t help but envy.

Although Nica and Ring received treatment that set them apart from the other children, they were still subjected to the same experiments.

Each time they were hurt, it seemed they would cling to each other, enduring it together with all their strength.

Monica: Nica was always protecting Ring. He never once doubted that guarding his younger brother was his role.

Monica: He used every means possible… just to keep his brother safe.

(Every means possible…)

When Nica was a child, did he already use his abilities the way he does now to protect Ring?

Even if he did, there was only so much a small, fragile body could do.

And yet, one day, it seems those days came to an abrupt end.

Because of the arrival of a man clad in pure white, like an angel… most likely Darius.

Monica: Only the two of them were taken away by that angel-like man. The rest of us were left behind.

Monica: Soon after that, the facility was shut down. With nowhere else to go, we were taken in by people connected to it.

Monica: I never saw the two of them again after that.

At some point, the light of dusk had begun to spill into the lounge.

Monica: …It must have been a shock.

Monica let out a quiet breath as she spoke to me, still at a loss for words.

Just imagining Nica as a child, desperately trying to protect his younger brother in that experimental facility called Haus, made my chest ache.

(Is that why Nica became so fixated on money and power…?)

He had an agonizing past — there were days when he was powerless, unable even to resist.

Maybe that’s why Nica tries to grasp for visible wealth and symbols of power now.

If he could obtain all the money and authority, then surely nothing like the past would ever happen again.

(This is all just speculation, though…)

And so Nica—

My chest tightened painfully, and I bit down on my lip.

Monica: …It’s a cruel story, isn’t it.

After that, she didn’t say anything more.

Still weighed down by that heaviness, I parted ways with Monica and stepped into the tavern.

Roger, who had been sitting toward the back, noticed me and raised a hand lightly.

Roger: You look awful. You’d be better off washing it down with some booze.

Kate: Do you really think I can wash it down…?

Roger: If you drink until you black out, maybe.

I slumped forward onto the table and ordered a beer, something I normally wouldn’t have.

Kate: …You heard everything, didn’t you?

Roger: Yeah. All of it.

I took a sip of the beer that had arrived.

The fizz of the carbonation lightened my gloomy heart, if only a little.

Roger: …You’ve got the look of someone who’s learned a past that was never meant to be known.

Kate: Yes. That’s exactly it.

I slumped back down onto the table and let out another sigh.

Until I met Monica, I never once imagined there was a story like this.

What kind of place had it been? What kind of childhood had he lived through?

I had pictured him and Ring sharing an ordinary, peaceful childhood, but the cruelty and heavy weight of his past seemed to mock that thought outright.

(I feel guilty for prying into his past so carelessly. It was led by nothing but my own curiosity.)

But I know I won’t be able to stay silent about this.

If it’s Nica, any secret I try to hide would be exposed in an instant.

There are only two paths waiting for me: tell the truth myself, or have it torn out of me.

(What if Crown finds out about that because of this?)

Just as I was thinking that maybe I should be honest about everything—

Young Man with a Bottle: Huh? Monica’s not here today?!

I lifted my head as I overheard a young man, holding a bottle of alcohol talking to one of the staff.

Middle-aged Man at the Counter: Shame the poster girl isn’t here.

Young Man with a Bottle: I only come ’cause Monica’s around.

Roger: The girl you were talking to is basically this place’s poster girl. Seems like plenty of customers come here just for her.

Kate: I’d heard she worked here, but I didn’t realize it was like that.

(Well… she is bright and beautiful, after all.)

I listened while holding my beer, when one customer, looking fed up, cut into the conversation.

Man Drinking Whiskey: Don’t bother. That girl’s bad news, she gets around with a lot of blokes.

The man drinking whiskey went on.

Man Drinking Whiskey: She’s living with two men in the same flat, you know. A good woman wouldn’t do something like that.

Middle-aged Man at the Counter: True enough. I see her walking arm in arm with them all the time.

Young Man with a Bottle: N-no way… Monica..?

I drank with Roger, watching the young man slump in disappointment.

Kate: They seem to be from the same hometown, though.

Roger: She never said what their relationship was. But no matter who they are, people’ll always turn it into gossip.

After draining his beer, Roger ordered another.

Roger: Still, I can’t help wondering why the three of them would come all the way from Germany.

Roger: Or am I just imagining things, thinking there has to be some kind of reason?

Kate: I thought the same. That there might be… something behind it.

Roger: Yeah. As long as it’s nothing bad.

Roger: They went out of their way to come to a foreign country and work here. Doesn’t feel like an ordinary reason.

Roger: There aren’t that many immigrants from Germany to begin with. You can only get here by ship, and it’s a long way at that.

Kate: If ships are the only way to get there, it must cost a pretty penny.

Roger: But somehow, I don’t get the impression Monica and the others have that sort of money.

The only way to travel between Germany and England was by sea.

Tickets for those large ships were priced far beyond the reach of an ordinary person like me.

(Which is why normally only nobles or important figures could make the trip…)

And yet, Monica and the others came to England and now work in a tavern.

They don’t look like nobles or dignitaries, they seem like completely ordinary people.

Kate: Maybe the people who took them in after the facility paid for it?

Roger: Even so, what stays with me is that all three of them came together.

I couldn’t help but share his doubt.

(Why would three ordinary people come all the way from Germany?)

And on top of that—

Kate: Could it have something to do with the fact that they grew up in Haus?

Roger: ……..

Roger crossed his arms and fell into thought.

Kate: Roger?

When I spoke, he snapped out of it and unclasped his arms.

Roger: …Sorry, it’s nothing.

Still looking somewhat unsettled, Roger drained his beer and called over a waiter.

The bill arrived, but the amount listed on it was staggering.

Roger: Well then….

Kate: Um… uh Roger? There must be some sort of a mistake—

As I stared in shock, Roger grinned, lifting the corners of his mouth and sliding the bill toward me.

Roger: You’re treating me, aren’t you, Kate?

(I’ve gotten myself into a terrible situation…!)

Clutching my now sadly lightened wallet, I walked the way back to my room, half in tears.

Kate: Sure I said I’d treat you, but I never imagined you’d drink that much…!

I paid the bill for about twenty beers and a whole bottle of whiskey as promised.

Roger smiled and asked me to invite him out again sometime……

(…Inviting him again might be fine, but I’m never making a promise to pay again.)

Clutching the straps of my bag tightly, I continued walking, thinking I’d never make that mistake again.

Then suddenly, Nica appeared from around the corner.

Nica: Oh, so you went off drinking with some other guy leaving me behind. You’re so cruel, Spatzi.

Kate: Nica…

As always, he showed up and moved close to me.

Nica: This is just awful, I feel so lonely, you know? You’re my toy, so shouldn’t you be waiting in your room till I call you?

Kate: That’s asking a bit much…

An unfamiliar scent of cigarettes drifted from the arm he’d wrapped around my shoulders.

That alone told me he’d been somewhere and had met someone.

I lowered my gaze. Over and over, the things Monica had told me surfaced in my mind, only to fade again.

Nica: Why’re you looking down like that? Ah, don’t tell me you’re drunk?

He asked in a light, casual tone, so I hesitated to speak.

(But I can’t keep going like this without saying anything.)

What I felt most strongly was my own dishonesty, and I lowered my head.

Kate: I’m sorry… there’s something I need to apologize to you for, Nica.

Nica: Are you talking about the time you slapped me?

Kate: No, not that…

Nica: That really hurt, you know. You left a handprint on my cheek.

Kate: Well I’m sorry about that… but no, that’s not what I mean!

I did feel bad about slapping him, but somehow that wasn’t what I needed to apologize for.

Clearing my throat, I faced him properly.

Kate: Today, I spoke with a woman named Monica. Do you remember her?

Nica: Who’s that? I don’t think I met anyone by that name since coming to this country.

He seemed to have no recollection of her at all, but the next words changed the atmosphere.

Kate: She’s someone who grew up in the same facility as you… Haus.

For a moment, his eyes widened, and the mouth he’d just opened snapped shut.

Kate: She’s an old acquaintance of yours and offered to tell me things from your past… so I went to hear her out today.

Kate: I ended up hearing about what happened back then… I’m truly sorry.

Kate: Monica said… that back then, you were always protecting Ring.

Nica didn’t reply. Just his silence made the air in the hallway gradually feel heavier.

Kate: …This might just be my speculation. But—

When I looked up, his beautiful eyes held not a single glimmer of light.

Kate: Is your obsession with money and power because of that time?

Kate: Because you need it to protect Ring?

The moment I spoke, his expression changed completely.

And then—

Kate: !?

Nica slammed his foot against the hallway wall, the sound echoing loudly.

I trembled in shock, and he looked down at me with a coldness I had never seen on his face before.

Nica: Did you have fun digging into someone else’s past without permission?

Nica: You go around spouting speculation — did it never occur to you that this is something I don’t want to revisit?

Kate: I-I just—

Nica: What could you possibly understand?

Struck by his sharp words, I couldn’t bring myself to reply.

Nica: Fine. I’ve held plenty of people’s secrets myself, now I’m just on the receiving end.

Nica: But why did you go out of your way to tell me? Were you trying to feel sorry?

Nica: Your honesty and inability to lie might be good qualities.

Nica: But to me… they’re unbelievably annoying and irritating.

He planted his feet on the ground, a look of pure disdain crossing his face.

Nica: I’ll tell this just one more time, you fool.

Nica: Money and power are easy guides to happiness. You could call them a strong ‘shield.’

He ran a hand through his hair and slid it into the pocket of his trousers.

Nica: I’m gonna become the happiest man in the world.

Nica: For that, it doesn’t matter how much people scorn me or point fingers at me.

Then he passed right by me.

Nica: Though I seriously doubt a properly-raised young lady like you could understand that.

His footsteps faded, and the hallway grew empty.

I stood frozen in place, able to do nothing but stare at the carpet beneath my feet.

I hadn’t meant to hurt him.

Maybe staying silent would have been best.

But I wasn’t skilled enough to pretend I didn’t know.

Kate: I’m such an idiot…

After being played with and hurt, pain and sorrow had swelled inside me, along with a rage so fierce it felt unforgivable.

I had blamed him for it all.

But then, the cold wind sweeping through the empty hallway made the truth hit me painfully.

Now… I had done something just as cruel to him.

[Chapter 12] [Masterlist]

tags: @malleus-draconias-rose @jetitetime @mkisxq @jollibees-happiness @starzeyquee @ichigo-no-tsumi @aceuuuuu @bluemingswan

[nxca]

12 ┊ Nica Schwartz main story

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

tl — @kurishiri 𝜗𝜚

[ORPHANAGE - LOUNGE - DAY]

Well-dressed orphanage director: Ah…ugh…

Elbert: ……

In the lounge of a certain orphanage, a quite well-to-do orphanage director was on his knees, clutching his head.

Elbert stepped on his shadow with a melancholic expression, while I took out my notebook and a pen.

(I have to record his reason for dabbling in evil.)

Today I was to accompany Lord Elbert on his mission.

Apparently, in a certain orphanage based in London, the children were suffering from famine, even with donations.

I heard that Lord Elbert had gotten that information from an aristocrat acquaintance who leaked it out during a salon.

Thus, the one who made regular donations grew suspicious,

and Crown was ordered to conduct an internal investigation on the matter, which was why Lord Elbert and I went—

(And as it turns out, the donated money had never gone toward the children’s support, instead filling it inside the director’s pockets.)

So the director indulged in all of his personal desires, relishing in its profits, while the children were treated cruelly.

Elbert: …

Elbert stared intently at the orphanage director.

Cast by Elbert’s ability, the director slowly opened his mouth, tears flowing from his eyes as he started to tremble.

Well-dressed orphanage director: I-I want money…I don’t want to go through hunger or pain again…

Well-dressed orphanage director: If only I had money, I wouldn’t have to go through such things.

Well-dressed orphanage director: I could…become happy…

(If only he had money, he could become happy.)

——Flashback——

[PARTY VENUE - GARDEN - NIGHT]

Nica: You see…I’m going to become the world’s happiest man.

Nica: And for that, I’d run any and all the risks— so it all falls to my hands.

——End flashback——

[ORPHANAGE - LOUNGE - DAY]

(Nica said something similar too…)

What I heard back at the garden was, without a doubt, his true feelings.

But for how much he was saying he was happy, his face hardly reflected those words, and seeing that pained me for some reason.

Well-dressed orphanage director: If I don’t get money…I’ll always…

Looking at the director, who could no longer let out any more, I closed my notebook midway through writing.

After all, I don’t think I could ever forget, even if I wanted to.

(When it comes to money…if you can get it, you would want it, and things would be different depending on whether you have power or not too.)

Money could buy a great many things, and standing can reduce the pain.

I knew that already.

But—

(Why is he so obsessed with them?)

[BLACK]

When Nica said he would become the happiest man in the world, I couldn’t understand it at all.

(No matter how much money and power he gains, trust and expectations aren’t things you can buy.)

If he hurt people and played them, what awaited was only his downfall.

The people he betrayed would take their revenge on him, and then everything he gained would slip away.

(Before he becomes the world’s happiest man, I’m sure he’ll end up getting a divine punishment.)

It seemed he was fine with this, having deliberately steeled his resolve, but even so—

(In the near future, someone who holds a grudge against Nica will—)

[ORPHANAGE - LOUNGE]

The worst clouded my imagination, and I shook my head in an attempt to erase them.

Elbert: ...Is something the matter...?

Kate: No, it’s nothing. Sorry.

Worry seemed evident on Lord Elbert’s complexion, and I responded in a panic.

But, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get Nica out of my head, so I asked Lord Elbert a question.

Kate: I was just thinking a bit about something...

Elbert: ?

Kate: If one were to get money and power...to obtain everything in this world—

Kate: At that point, could you say that person is happy, from their heart?

Lord Elbert gave it thought with a serious expression, but some time after his shoulders dipped, seeming troubled.

Elbert: ...Apologies, but I’m not sure I can give an answer...

Seeing him make such an apologetic look, it spread to me as well.

Kate: Sorry, I didn’t mean for that to trouble you so.

Kate: Please forget about it.

I bowed my head, and he murmured—

Elbert: When it comes to desires...there is no end.

Kate: Huh?

Elbert: No matter how much you get your hands on...you end up wanting more and more.

Elbert: But in the beginning...it always starts from something small.

Elbert: ...It’s just that, over time, they can no longer remember what that was...

Kate: So those who want money and power desire such things because they have gone through a troubled past...

Lord Elbert nodded slightly.

Elbert: At least for me, ever since joining Crown, I have seen many such people.

A small hope turns into desire, and it becomes so inflated, that in and of itself turns into their goal.

My thoughts turned back to Nica.

(What sort of past did Nica go through?)

(What has made him want to become the happiest in the world?)

[BLACK]

Up until now, Nica had shown me a made-up version of himself.

He treated me kindly before deceiving me, even using his ability to play my heart, caught under the illusion that I was in love.

As it stood now, I couldn’t say for certain I really liked him.

[WHITE]

(Anyhow he made me run errands for him, and I think he’s the worst, but...)

——Flashback——

[PALACE - KATE’S ROOM - MORNING]

Nica: Pfftt… ahahahahaha!!!

——End flashback——

[WHITE]

The way he saw that I had misunderstood the situation, holding his stomach as he laughed...

——Flashback——

[PALACE - KATE’S ROOM - NIGHT]

Nica: It’s a silly, made-up story someone read about somewhere.

——End flashback——

[WHITE]

...whose profile seemed somewhat lonely when putting me to sleep...

——Flashback——

[PARTY VENUE - GARDEN - NIGHT]

Nica: Hah, did you seriously just headbutt me...God, I can’t with you...

——End flashback——

[WHITE]

...the way he smiled like a young boy, stifling his laughter...

——Flashback——

[PARTY VENUE - GARDEN - NIGHT]

Nica: I am happy. More than you’ll ever know.

——End flashback——

...and that face that didn’t seem the slightest bit happy...

[BLACK]

I couldn’t bring myself to think any of those as made-up.

And every time I saw Nica like that, I end up thinking how I want to know him better.

(What’s this feeling, I wonder?)

[CITY - ALLEYWAY - DAY]

Holding a feeling I couldn’t quite put to words in my heart, I lifted my head to get onto an approaching carriage.

(When I return, I’ll write a report...preferably at Victor’s office, so it doesn’t get stolen by Nica.)

While thinking a way to counter him, I tried to get into the carriage when—

???: Excuse me, Miss.

Kate: Huh?

Someone called out to me, and I turned around.

Standing there was a woman who seemed to be around my age.

???: Sorry for calling out to you so suddenly. You were the one with Nica just now, yes?

Kate: Yes, that’s correct...

That moment, I realized something and put my guard up.

(Did Nica do something to her before, or is he playing her heart now!?)

Such thoughts came from how all his behavior was too evil.

But seeing me with my guard up, the woman let out a troubled laugh as she scratched her cheek.

???: Don’t worry, it’s not what you think it is.

Monica: I’m Monica. It’s just I found my old friend in a different country walking with a wonderful girl, so I couldn’t help but grow curious.

Kate: Old friend?

As I went lax, Monica told me a shocking truth.

Monica: We were raised at the same facility, you see.

Kate: Facility...?

When I expressed surprise at being suddenly told about his past, Monica shot me a questioning look.

Monica: Could it be…you don’t know?

I couldn’t speak as I nodded my head. After making a show of thinking for a bit, she once again opened her mouth.

Monica: If you’re alright with it, how about I tell you what I know of his past? Any time from now works.

Kate: Huh— ah— but…

Elbert: Kate, is everything alright…?

Lord Elbert, who went into the carriage before me, poked his head out.

Seeing that, Monica pulled out a slip of paper from her bag, scribbling something down before handing it to me.

Monica: This is my address. If there’s anything you want to ask, come and stop by.

[BLACK]

Monica left with a wave in my direction, and for a while I simply stood where I was, unable to move.

[CARRIAGE INTERIOR]

(So Nica was raised in a facility…)

Staring down at the slip, I thought of him.

What sort of facility was this? What sort of childhood did he have?

Did he get along with Ring? Such questions swelled my imagination.

(This isn’t good…I’m too curious.)

[BLACK]

Gripping the slip, I lifted my head.

[CITY STREET - DAY]

Roger: And so that’s why you brought me here?

The next day, I came together with Roger to the apartment Monica lived in.

Kate: Thanks for coming with.

Roger: Well, can’t go letting the lil lady walk off on her own, you know.

Ever since my encounter with her, I only grew more and more curious about Nica’s past,

so promising Roger liquor to my name in exchange for coming with me, we went out to the streets of London.

Roger: Even so, it seems like you’re still getting wrapped around that older twin’s pinky, huh.

Roger: Are you trying to grasp his weakness too ‘cause you got sick of that?

────────୨ৎ────────

[1] I just want to know, that’s all.

[2] That’s probably not wrong.

[3] Found me out so soon? (+4/+4)

────────୨ৎ────────

Kate: Found me out so soon?

Roger: Whoa there, that way of speaking was like Nica’s to a tee just now. ( •`ᴖ´• )

Roger: I’m getting worried now...don’t get too deeply involved with him, ‘kay? That’s not a good man to be around.

Roger let out a sigh, turning his gaze to me.

Kate: Is something the matter?

Roger: No...

Roger: You sure got the worst taste in men, huh.

Kate: Wha— what’s that supposed to mean!?

Roger: Who knows.

Letting the topic go with a resigned air, he pointed to the bar across from here.

Roger: I’ll be over there for a drink, but just to make sure I’ll keep my ears open.

Kate: Okay.

[SKY - DAY]

I split ways with Roger before entering the apartment and knocking the door to Monica’s room.

Monica answered with a smile, letting me inside.

Monica: Welcome.

[MONICA’S APARTMENT - COMMON ROOM]

I was led to the shared common space from Monica’s apartment, where I sat down on the sofa.

She came in holding a tray on one hand that carried tea and a snack I hadn’t seen before.

Monica: This is a snack from Germany. I was happy seeing it for the first time in a long time, so I bought it.

Kate: It’s the first time I’ve seen this, I think. Thank you very much.

Monica’s tone seemed happy as she sat down across from me.

Monica: Actually, there’s only three people living in this apartment, including myself.

Monica: We’re all long-time acquaintances, too, so I figured they wouldn’t raise any complaints if we took our time talking here.

(When she says “long-time acquaintances,” does that mean...)

Perhaps picking up on the question forming in my mind, she let out a laugh as she brought her tea to her lips.

Monica: Indeed. We were all raised at that facility. The same one Nica and his younger twin brother were raised in.

From there, Monica talked about the details of coming to England and about the others who lived in the same apartment.

After leaving the facility, she and the two others who lived here were taken in together as adopted children,

and due to circumstances that happened a year ago, they moved to England.

Now, she worked at the bar Roger was currently drinking at while learning England’s culture.

Monica: The other two here are men, so it’s hard to have a fun chat with them...so I was looking forward to talking with you.

Kate: I’m happy to hear.

There was no sign of our chat coming to an end before the presence of tea and foreign snacks, and we broke the ice almost immediately.

After we talked about popular shops and trending fashion, along with our jobs,

I spoke the name of the one who was the reason I came.

Kate: You mentioned you were raised in the same facility as Nica some time before...

Monica’s hand froze where it was.

Monica: I did, didn’t I...he has probably forgotten by now, but I remember it all.

I tilted my head at the way the air grew solemn, seeming to fill the room with a sense of wrath.

But her expression shifted right after, her eyes narrowing in nostalgia.

Monica: It’s quite a harsh story for a normal girl like yourself.

Monica: It was the absolute worst, that place—

Monica: It was a facility that did experiments, known as Haus.

t. b. c ⸝⸝

masterlist 🍒 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍

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[cosmowgyral]

The Day we became Nica and Ring (ECB card story)

Translations are not 100% accurate; expect grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Creative liberties have been taken. All content belongs to Cybird. Reblogs are appreciated but do not repost. Hope you enjoy!

This is a record of the days when we still knew nothing — the days when we dreamed of freedom.

405 seems to think I’m something special, but I’m really nothing impressive at all.

405: 404, where did you get that?

My little brother’s eyes shine as he stared at the lamp I brought back.

404: I found it in the hallway…or maybe I just stole it. Who knows?

405: You stole it?!

404: Hey, shh! Be quiet!

I hurriedly covered his mouth and raised a finger in front of my face.

Luckily, none of the kids in the other rooms woke up, and we both let out a quiet sigh of relief.

405: If you steal things… won’t you get scolded?

He whispered, worry clear in his voice, and I grinned back at him.

404: It’s fine. If that happens, I’ll use my power and make them forgive me.

The night was cold. With nothing but worn-out clothes on, we crawled under an equally tattered sheet and lied down together.

We placed the lamp beside us and opened the voyage log.

404: Um, let’s see…‘This is a voyage log that records the sea journey of a pair of twins.’

404: It says it was written thirty years ago.

405: Then… do you think they’re still alive?

404: Who knows…

I turned the page and tried to keep reading, but the words were hard to understand.

(There are so many difficult characters…)

So many of the words were unfamiliar that I couldn’t help but frown.

405: Big brother?

My little brother, who couldn’t read at all, looked up at me with sparkling eyes.

He never doubted that I could read it.

Seeing that trust almost made me want to grab my head in frustration.

(Will I really be able to read this to the end?)

For now, I decided to explain only the parts I understood, tracing the lines with my finger.

404: ‘The twins’ names were Nica and Ring. The older brother was Nica, and the younger was Ring.’

405: The older one’s Nica… and the younger one’s Ring.

404: ‘They were born in a port town, and their playground was the sea. The deep blue sea sparkled during the day.’

404: ‘Nica loved watching the beautiful light dancing on the surface of the water…’

405: The sea… what color do you think it is?

I tilted my head, then suddenly got an idea and pointed at the cover of the book.

404: Maybe it’s the same color as this.

405: So this is it…! And during the day, it sparkles?

I pulled the lamp closer and let its light shine over the cover.

404: Maybe… something like this?

All I was really doing was lighting up the cover. It was nothing like the sea described in the book.

But my brother’s eyes lit up anyway.

405: Wow… that’s amazing, big brother!

For a moment, I thought his eyes looked far closer to the sea’s shimmer than anything on the page.

I opened the book again and scanned the words thoroughly.

Ever since I started reading the voyage log, I’ve been studying harder than ever before.

Not being able to read it properly feels embarrassing. And even more so because my brother believes, without question, that I can.

But more than that, I think I was frustrated with myself.

(I wonder what kind of story we’ll read today.)

For kids like us, trapped in this small, boxed-in world, the voyage log Nica and Ring left behind was a salvation.

It was our only way to touch the outside world we’d never seen.

(Come to think of it… what happened to the man who gave us this book?)

The traveling merchant who gave it to us never came back.

That night, I stayed awake, wanting to thank him…. but he never returned. The book and his bag stayed with us.

(Maybe he was moved to a room for adults?)

This room is mostly just for kids.

I’ve heard adults have separate rooms, so maybe he’s in there.

(Once we finish reading everything, I’ll go return it with 405.)

When that happens, I’ll thank him with everything I’ve got.

Back then, I never doubted that he was still alive.

404: ‘Nica and Ring boarded a ship and set out into the vast open sea. Their route was—’

Once again today, I read aloud, letting my thoughts drift toward a world we’ve never seen.

The endless ocean, treasures sleeping on the seafloor, fish weaving through the waves….

My brother, staring at the illustration of the ship, murmured softly.

405: I wanna go too… someday.

I stopped turning the page and took his hand instead.

404: Let’s go…. to the sea.

404: Someday, for sure…. we’ll go together.

405: …Promise?

404: Yeah. It’s a promise with your big brother.

As I watched him smile happily, an idea suddenly came to me.

404: I just thought of something.

I pointed at the words on the page.

404: Our names… let’s take them from these twins.

I pointed to Nica.

404: I’m the older brother, so I’m Nica.

Then my brother pointed at Ring.

Rin: I’m the younger one, so I’m Ring.

We looked at each other and laughed. Ring beamed, his smile wide and bright.

Nica: From today on, we’re Nica and Ring!

Having names beyond just numbers made us so happy we couldn’t stop calling each other by them.

Ring turned his sparkling eyes back to the voyage log, wearing the happiest expression I’ve ever seen.

Watching his profile filled me with a deep sense of happiness.

(We’ll get out of this place — soon.)

We’ll learn the color of the sea, set out onto the vast ocean, and travel beyond the horizon.

Nica: Ring

Ring: Nica!

We will make this dream come true.

Nica: Someday, let’s go on a journey together.

Back then, we truly believed that we could reach the far edges of the distant sea.

im not sobbing, you're sobbing.

[Masterlist]

tags: @malleus-draconias-rose @aceuuuuu

the taglist is for all nica related translations. lmk if you want to be added or removed.

[nxca]

11 ┊ Nica Schwartz main story (℘ letter)

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

tl — @kurishiri 𝜗𝜚

——Neutral POV——

[VICTOR’S OFFICE]

In the office, the Queen’s Aide faced the director of Vogel.

Darius: About that fairytale keeper you guys seem so worried about, it seems she’s doing quite well.

Darius: And I just got the report that when she accompanied Nica to attend a party in my place,

Darius: she fulfilled all the duties asked of her to the fullest. It’s very much appreciated.

Victor: I’m glad to hear.

Darius sat in the chair with his legs crossed, a relaxed expression on his face as he sipped his tea.

Meanwhile, while Victor wore a smile, he continued to keep his guard up.

Victor: It’s been a week now since you came to our country. How’ve you been faring recently?

Darius: Well, I’d say without a hitch.

Darius: There’s more history to be had here than in Germany, making it stable in many ways…

Darius: And ever since Queen Victoria has ascended the throne, businesses are developing and the economy is looking very favorable.

Darius: It seems to me this country is well on its way.

Victor: Thank you for your kind words. To hear them from the director of the organization directly under the German empire is my honor.

Darius shot a glance at Victor, who dipped his head respectfully, before setting his cup on the table.

Darius: That said, though, it does get at me that said Queen is shrouded in mystery.

Darius: It seems you work as her aide, but rumors are floating around that you two are quite close.

Darius: You assist the Queen, at times representing her on special occasions.

Victor: I won’t deny that the Queen and I do share a special relationship, but I can affirm it’s not in the way the rumors make it out to be.

Victor: It’s just that there are times I speak for the Queen by proxy, just as you said.

Victor: And taking that into account, I suppose that would make our relationship close indeed.

Darius turned to face Victor.

Darius: Actually, there’s been something tickling my mind, even before I came here.

Victor: What might that be?

Darius: —Perhaps the Queen doesn’t even exist.

Victor’s expression didn’t falter one bit.

Darius: Pure white heels, attires that hide the shape of her body, high heels.

Darius: I’ve basically never heard her voice before, and not one human’s ever seen what was beneath her veil.

Darius: Can you blame me for holding suspicions when she’s being so thoroughly hidden?

Victor: …Suspicious of what, if I can ask?

The edge of Darius’ lips quirked up.

Darius: First, that the Queen doesn’t exist, and someone has been acting as her.

Darius: And second, that even if she did exist, there would be a reason why she has to keep her face hidden.

Darius: —For example, she was actually Cursed. Or something like that.

Victor’s expression remain unchanged.

Victor: An interesting theory.

Darius: Seeing as she made Crown, I think it wouldn’t be wrong to think she has her own obsession and attachment to the Cursed.

Darius: In which case, she probably had some relation with the Cursed in the past that led to those feelings.

Darius: That, or she herself is Cursed, and that’s why she made Crown…I suspect it’s one of those two.

Victor: You’ve got a lot of possibilities going through your head, I see. Is that because of Vogel, or something of personal interest?

Darius: Both, methinks. I mean, information on the Queen is the one and only thing my very capable advisor is unable to grasp anything on.

Darius: And that has never happened before, so that caught my eye even more.

For a moment, the smile on Darius’ face vanished.

Darius: That said, the idea of the Cursed using their powers to save humans is beyond me.

Victor: …What does that mean?

A tense air sharply spread through the office.

Darius stood up, giving Victor a smile.

Darius: It seems that fairytale keeper’s unexpectedly caught the eye of my family, you see.

Darius: I believe we’ll end up borrowing her from here on out too.

Victor: …Her role as fairytale keeper is temporary. I promised to let her return to her old life afterwards.

Darius: So it seems. And while I honestly couldn’t care less…do you really think she can return at all?

Darius placed his hand on the doorknob, leaving those disquieting words.

Darius: It’s just as possible that she’ll end up knowing too much and become a target instead, wouldn’t you say?

——Kate’s POV——

[CITY SQUARE - DAY]

Nica: You’re so darn slow, Spatzi, what were you doing back there?

(Ugh, this man…!!)

Sitting on a bench situated beneath the tree shadows in the square of Piccadilly, Nica folded his newspaper.

Nica: You’ve got some nerve making me wait for a whole hour.

Kate: What else did you expect with that kind of line…!

I had come running while holding the paper bag, so I had to catch my breath as I shot him a glare.

In light of how he held my weaknesses in his hands, I had ended up becoming Nica’s “errand runner.”

——Flashback——

[PALACE CORRIDOR - NIGHT]

Like how one time, he wanted me to relay a message that had me running all around the palace…

Nica: You make sure to tell Dari we somehow took care of the mission in question.

Kate: Umm, but where is Darius…

Nica: Who knows? Probably around here somewhere. Good luck searching.

Nica: Oh, and if you don’t tell him by dawn, I’ll be spilling you-know-what.

——End flashback——

——Flashback——

[WHITE]

Or how, another time, he made me write responses to love letters addressed to him…

[KATE’S ROOM]

Nica: Write “You and I were not meant to be” back to them.

Kate: There isn’t anything worse than belittling the writers’ feelings by making me write responses for you!

Nica: Kaaate.

Kate: I cannot simply nod my head as a fellow woman. At the very least write the responses yourself—

Nica: I’ll go tell Crown about you-know-what then. About how you got your tail stuck between your legs.

Kate: Ahh, whatever should I do, I just can’t help but want to write letters in your stead now!

Nica: Then have fun with those thirty letters.

Kate: Thirty!?

——End flashback——

——Flashback——

[WHITE]

And now today, we had gone to a newly opened café to buy their sandwiches, but—

[CAFÉ INTERIOR]

Nica: Whoa, what’s with this line? (O_O)

Kate: It just opened, so it can’t be helped that the line’s so long.

Nica: Nah, I’m not lining up. I’ll go wait over there, so you go buy them and come over.

Kate: What did you say? Wh— hey, Nica!?

——End flashback——

[CITY SQUARE]

(The more I think back on it, the more it frustrates me…)

The sandwiches I had waited an hour in line to buy were snatched by Nica.

Nica: It’s not like you can do anything major, so the least you can do is get errands done like this.

Kate: And getting done I have. I bought the sandwiches, just as you said.

Kate: In the first place, using my weakness to get me to listen to you is the wor—

Nica: I’m gonna tell Crown about—

Kate: —is so not the worst, yes! These sandwiches look delicious, huh. Which one do you want, Nica?

I turned around sharply, sitting down next to him.

I took out the sandwiches and lined them up, and Nica stared right at me.

Nica: You can choose first.

Kate: What.

Nica: You waited a whole hour in line, didn’t you? It’s your reward.

I had my doubts, but nonetheless I reached out for the sandwich I wanted.

But before I could grab it, it was snatched from beside me—

Nica: I’ll go with this one.

(He took it…!)

I could only stiffen up from shock at having the sandwich I wanted snatched before me.

And maybe because Nica found that expression interesting, he started to giggle.

Nica: Pfft, you look like the world’s about to end…I can’t—

He clutched his stomach, holding in his laughter and seeming to find so much enjoyment from this…

(It’s different from his usual smiles.)

I couldn’t take my eyes away from that smile, which seemed different from his usual ones— more true to himself.

After laughing for a while and wiping the corners of his eyes, he placed the sandwich in my hand.

Nica: Here you go. You wanted to eat this from the start, didn’t you?

Nica: You showed me something interesting, so I can give it.

I started eating the sandwich I had my eye on next to Nica.

I could feel the corner of my lips go up at the delicious flavor that spread the moment I put it in my mouth.

(It was worth that hour-long wait…)

The sandwich was delicious, and the city scene beautiful.

It was a shame the sky was overcast, but the sandwich’s flavor balanced it out.

Unlike myself who was eating with a smile, Nica looked my way, without reaching for any of the sandwiches.

Nica: What an easygoing face. I’m impressed you can even make it.

Kate: Huh?

Nica: If you think about the situation you’re in, how could you normally make an expression like that?

Nica, looking fed up, continued.

Nica: How you saw a killing by accident, and starting this life of surveillance…

Nica: Trying your hardest not to get killed, then getting deceived by me…

Nica: And here I thought you would be shaking in your boots not knowing when you could get told off by Crown.

Nica: It’s just sorta different from how I imagined it.

In response to his disinterested look, I placed my hands on my knees and opened my mouth.

────────୨ৎ────────

[1] I am scared. (+4/+4)

[2] I’ve accepted it, I guess.

[3] I try not to think about it.

────────୨ৎ────────

Kate: I am scared. But I can’t do anything about it, so…

Nica: You’re pretty bold, aren’t you. What a weird woman.

Nica: Well, I guess that’s the least you should be, otherwise you wouldn’t be able to live in this den of villains.

I turned to the square’s scenery before continuing.

Kate: To be honest, I’ve always been scared. That has never changed.

The sight of London’s peace reflected in my eyes.

But I witnessed the moment that crumbled down, that peaceful world stained in red.

Perhaps, I could never again return to the world from before I knew.

Kate: Even if they treat me kindly, even if I gain their trust, the moment I make one wrong move…

That most terrible fate awaiting me after breaking my promise— was only one thing.

Kate: If you were to speak on that incident, Nica, I think I really will be killed.

Kate: …But, I also feel that I should honestly tell them, too.

Kate: Even if I have to take death, what I had done was evil, beyond a shadow of doubt.

I wanted to be of use to Crown. Even if it was just during the time I worked as Vogel’s fairytale keeper, I wanted to fulfill my duty to the fullest.

But in reality, it was because that fear I would be killed was there at my core that I was deceived by Nica’s words.

I was taken advantage of, led on by sweet temptations, and I became his toy— all of it because I was weak as well.

(But it isn’t as though I can change what has already happened.)

I stood up, turning around to face him.

Kate: The past cannot be changed. But while I’m living I should face the happiness before my eyes, or I won’t be able to move on.

Nica: … (O_O)

Nica’s eyes widened so much, it was a wonder they haven’t fallen from their sockets.

Kate: Let’s take this sandwich. It was the last one they had!

Kate: Wouldn’t it be rude to not partake in such a lucky thing? So that’s why I had my eye on it now.

Kate: Because, that’s what I thought I should do.

I could have holed up in my room out of fear of Nica’s words.

But if I did, I wouldn’t be able to take back the time that had already passed, no matter how much I regretted it.

(And if that’s the case, I can only live to the fullest, and change the future by my own actions.)

I had no other choice but to find the solution to this problem on my own.

(That said, I’m still not really sure what I can do…)

Nica: … (´･_･`)

He said nothing in return.

But the way he narrowed his eyes as though he was looking at something dazzling before turning away stood out to me…

And when I blinked, I saw two children staring at us from the alleyway.

(Ah…)

The children wore dirtied clothes, and their bodies were shabby as they looked with longing at the sandwiches.

I hadn’t bitten into my sandwich, so I walked up to the two presumably poor children to offer it.

Nica: Spatzi, where are you— (O_O)

[ALLEYWAY]

Kate: Here, take this if you’d like.

I crouched down before them, holding out the sandwich.

Poor-looking little girl: Is it really okay?

Kate: I’m full already, so…I was looking for someone who could eat it for me.

—which was a complete lie, but the children took no notice.

Dirtied little boy: We hadn’t eaten anything since yesterday…

Poor-looking little girl: Thanks, Miss…!

I saw off the two children happily running with the sandwich in their hands before standing up.

Nica: …You’ve finally got this good luck, and now you’re letting it go? What are you, an idiot?

When I turned around, I spotted Nica, an exasperated look on his face as he leaned against the wall.

Kate: It’s exactly because I got that good luck that I figured I should share it.

Kate: I felt lucky having been able to buy that last sandwich, so I wanted to hand over that luck to those children this time around.

Kate: So no, Nica, I’m not letting good luck go. I’m spreading it.

I puffed out my chest, but the next moment my stomach growled,

and when I looked away in embarrassment, Nica laughed with a fed-up look.

Nica: You fool, you.

Nica split his sandwich in half, placing one in my hand before he turned his back to me and walked off.

Kate: Wha— t-thank you.

I followed him in a panic, and Nica, who once again sat down on the bench, looked up at me and smiled.

Nica: You really are a strange woman.

——Neutral POV——

[BLACK]

Sitting on the bench, Kate stuffed her cheek with her sandwich.

[ALLEYWAY]

From a place nearby, several men and women were staring at Nica, who wore a sunny expression.

???: Found you, Nica Schwartz.

[BLACK]

That shady smile then faded into the back of the alley.

t. b. c ⸝⸝

nica schwartz chapter 11 letter — a memo left in nica’s room .

masterlist 🍒 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍

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[nxca]

10.5 ┊ Ich bin in dich verliebt

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

✨ 10 Premium story. tl — @kurishiri 𝜗𝜚 cw — awkwardly translated, could be dub-con; mdni.

[PARTY VENUE - GARDEN - NIGHT]

Nica: Even if it’s just me, that’s fine too.

Nica: Things like love and romance are like specks of dust to me.

Nica: As is trust and expectations— those can vanish in a blink of an eye.

Step by step, he approached me before pulling my hand.

Kate: Wah—

I lost my balance and was about to fall when a hand wrapped around my waist to support me, and before I realized it we were in a dance posture.

He started to lead with his steps, twirling me around.

Nica: I tricked many and played their hearts...and like the fools they were they’d spin round and round in the palm of my hand.

Nica: What a joke, huh.

He spun me around over and over like a ballerina, causing my vision to spin as I fell unceremoniously on his chest.

Kate: How can you do such cruel things?

Leaning my head into his chest, I fixed my unfocused gaze to the ground.

Nica: ...Our Curse is the Black Swan from The Swan Lake, Kate.

Nica: The prince swore his love to the Black Swan, the daughter of the devil herself...having mistaken her for the real princess.

Nica: And so, the real princess, the White Swan, was betrayed.

My vision finally steadied as I lifted my head.

Nica was illuminated by the moonlight as he looked down at me with a serious expression.

Nica: Be it love or romance, they’re all nothing but illusions.

Nica: And I just wield those illusions and continue to play around with love. All to become the happiest in the world.

Nica: All so...I don’t get swept up in this fate.

I couldn’t turn my eyes away from that uncharacteristically earnest look he wore, but then we heard voices.

Tall and gorgeous lady: Mister Nica and Miss Kate, or so I recall...are they truly a married couple, I have to wonder?

Lady in purple: I did see the wife always some distance away from her partner...perhaps they share a strained relationship.

Tall and gorgeous lady: So she wasn’t immediately taken with such a smooth-mannered man?

Hearing the two’s voices giggling from the sidewalk, we turned to each other.

Nica: Behold— the results of your god awful acting skills.

Kate: Urgh...

(It’s utterly frustrating but I can’t argue back because that is indeed true...!)

Unlike me, whose head was riling up, Nica stood opposite of me with a look that he had thought of something as he grinned—

Nica: Since we’re at this point now, how about we give them a good show of just how well we get along as a married couple?

Kate: Huh...mm—

The next moment, Nica’s lips suddenly covered my own.

His tongue made its way inside the opening of my mouth, taking and twining mine with his as I tried frantically to escape.

Kate: Wh— ...uh...mm—

Our mouths made a wet sound, and as saliva dripped from the corner of my lips, I went numb from pleasure.

I tried to turn away, but I couldn’t run with how he was holding the back of my head.

(I can’t move at all—)

I tried my best to push on his chest, but Nica’s body didn’t move an inch.

Kate: No...haa—

[BLACK]

But the kiss felt so good, I no longer had the energy to push against him...

And I got swept up in his kiss, when a pang shot through my heart.

How was he this good at kissing? Just how many women’s lips did he steal?

Thoughts like these filled my mind to the brim, only to be pulled back into the pleasure, and once again my mind would wander.

[PARTY VENUE - GARDEN]

Nica’s hand lifted my dress before starting to stroke my thighs—

Kate: Ngh...ah...

He traced his finger between my legs over my undergarments, going back and forth, over and over.

The kisses made that area wet, so even that deliberate stimulus tingled.

Kate: Nica— don’t...mm—

Nica: Hah...you’re not exactly convincing, seeing a kiss is all it takes for you to become like this.

Our lips parted, a silver thread hanging between us.

His fingers slipped inside my undergarments and entered into me as he pushed down on my swollen bud.

[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]

Kate: Uah...!

Nica: I already know all your good spots, and that you like it when I push down and move like this.

Kate: Sto— ah...no...!

His thumb, which had been pushing down on my bud, moved left and right. My legs trembled from the almost numbing pleasure, and I clung onto him.

But Nica showed no sign of stopping as he buried his fingers inside and added onto the stimulus from there—

Nica: And when I go deeper inside...

[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]

Kate: —Ha, ngh!

The next moment I came undone, and with my legs giving out, he held onto me tight.

Nica: See, you came just like that.

He scooped a bit of the nectar that dripped down my thighs before lifting his sensually soaked finger in front of my face.

Nica: So? Should I go even deeper?

In the midst of my flickering vision, I mustered the last of my rationale to shake my head.

But my insides continued to tingle, seeking out those nectar-soaked fingers, illuminated by the moonlight.

But then—

All of a sudden, I heard small cries from the sidewalk, and I saw the women running off, their faces completely red.

Nica: Well, that’s dull of them. They could’ve stayed and watched to the end.

He laughed as though to make fun of them, and having found my composure again, I leaned my head back as far as I could take it—

[SCREEN FLASHES WHITE]

Nica: —OW!!!

—and headbutted him on the forehead.

Kate: Ohh. My god. I cannot believe the likes of you!!!

I was trembling with rage, and in response Nica blinked up at me, but then like a boy he lowered his eyes and stifled a laugh.

Nica: Hah, did you seriously just headbutt me...God, I can’t with you...

That smile was so bright, I couldn’t help but be drawn to them for a moment as my heart skipped a beat.

(Ahh, I...even after all I’ve been through, my feelings for this person can’t fade away.)

I fell for the kind Nica. But that kindness was fake, and the real Nica was the worst man.

And yet, my heart still sang at the sight of him.

Even though I was betrayed, even though he played with my feelings, a part of me was attracted to him.

And it was because of that, I wanted to probe into what had struck me as strange.

Kate: ...No matter how much money and power you gain, trust and expectations aren’t things you can buy.

Kate: The only thing that awaits you by continuing to do this is your own downfall.

Kate: You’ll end up getting stabbed by someone you’ve played with, before you can become the world’s happiest man.

Nica: Great, couldn’t ask for more.

Kate: You’ll lose the people who protect and trust you then.

Nica: Not that I had any in the first place. Such is my life.

In order to gain money and power, he continued to play other people, deceiving them.

If he continued doing so, someday he would get punished for it.

And above all—

Kate: And is that life “happy” to you?

Up until now, Nica had been smiling, but then his expression warped into discomfort as he drew away from me.

Nica: You can think what you want, but could you quit swinging around that sense of justice to lecture me?

Nica: Toys are there for me to use and enjoy. That’s all they need to be.

Kate: Nica—

He turned away, and I reached out for him.

But Nica brushed away my hand, turning around to say...

Nica: I am happy. More than you’ll ever know.

But nowhere on his face did it look happy—

Kate: ...Then don’t make that face. It doesn’t look happy at all.

For some reason, a droplet fell, tracing along my cheek.

[BLACK]

Nica didn’t say anything, only turning his back to me and walking off.

t. b. c ⸝⸝

masterlist 🍒 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍

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[nxca]

10 ┊ Nica Schwartz main story

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

tl — @kurishiri 𝜗𝜚 cw — mentions of bed rotting (?).

[PALACE - KATE’S ROOM - EVENING]

If there existed in life its most gloomy moment, that moment would surely be now.

Kate: …

Lying flat on my stomach with all limbs outstretched across the bed, I buried my face into the cushions.

(I’ve just been lying like this the entire day and more…)

Even when the sun set, the veil of night fell, the morning sun rose and started its descent again, I remained lying where I was.

I couldn’t even get a wink of sleep, but neither did I have any will to move: my heart would not recover to its former state.

There were a few times I would hear knocking at the door— probably the maids— but every time I brushed them off without answering.

They might have found out I snuck to the office to steal documents.

Or maybe Nica told them himself.

Every time a knock resounded at the door, that was all I could think about. I couldn’t help but cower from fear—

(…But just staying still like this won’t change anything.)

If anything, it would only make things worse. With this thought, I pulled myself up at last.

(I look awful…)

Reflected in the mirror was a face with swollen eyes from crying— it had gotten so bad, though, I couldn’t help but laugh.

Kate: Maybe I should shower.

Maybe soaking my head with cool water would clear my mind.

[BLACK]

I stood up and, with unsteady footing, made my way to the bathroom.

[PALACE - KATE’S ROOM - EVENING]

Feeling refreshed from the shower, I came back to my room in a bit of a better mood.

While drying my dripping wet hair, I stopped in front of my typewriter.

(I have to write that report Nica stole from me over again.)

The shelf where the report had been locked inside was now empty.

He had probably removed the report from here when he visited my room.

(And that must’ve also been why the report I thought I finished was half-written, I’m sure…)

I probably have cried the tears I could at having been betrayed, so now frustration bubbled up inside me as I bit my lip.

(Who in their right mind would steal people’s things the moment they let their guard down…!)

I can’t believe you; how could you do this; you’re the worst.

My complaints toward Nica came one after another, riling me up. But—

——Flashback——

[PALACE - NICA’S ROOM - DAY]

Nica: The worst, huh. Don’t ask for decency from someone who’s only ever lived like this.

——End flashback——

[PALACE - KATE’S ROOM - EVENING]

The words he had said then continued to mess with my heart.

(…I didn’t know anything about Nica.)

I was fooled by a superficial kindness, and I was played, hurt, and betrayed.

I think the Nica I was drawn to did not go any deeper than the surface level.

Kate: I really am a fool…

A shadow loomed over my feelings once again as I looked down, when I heard a knock at the door—

Kate: !!

??? (Liam): Kate, are you there?

While I came with a start at the familiar voice, the very next moment the door opened.

On the other side stood Harrison and Liam, their eyes widening and their postures stiffening with a look to my face.

Harrison: Hey, your face…

Liam: Wha…a-are you okay!?

Even with a shower, the dark circles and swelling under my eyes did not go away. Seeing the sight, the two went pale as they entered.

Liam: What’s wrong? Did someone do something to you?

I couldn’t even look the worried Liam in the eyes, so I gave an answer with my gaze averted.

Kate: Uhm, I’m fine. Just going through a lot...

He wasn’t necessarily wrong in that someone did something to me, but I couldn’t say that as I diverted the subject with a laugh.

When I did, I heard Harrison’s fed-up voice—

Harrison: What, so you really were played?

Kate: Huh—

I raised my head without thinking to see Harrison looking straight my way.

Harrison: Looks like I hit the mark.

He didn’t even need to ask who it was.

Liam’s expression seemed awkward as he spared Harrison a glance before turning to me.

Liam: Actually, we had seen Nica out in town playing with girls many times.

Harrison: Not only that, other Crown members would happen to find him out and about, with a different girl every time.

Harrison leaned against the wall and crossed his arm as he continued.

Harrison: He would also go to one suspicious shop after another too.

After knowing what Nica was really like, hearing such a thing was hardly a surprise.

But still, my chest prickled, and my toyed heart started to cry tears the eye couldn’t see.

Liam: So yeah, we were always worried about you...

Harrison: I hate to say this too, but you really have the worst taste in men.

Kate: ...I can’t argue with that.

The barb stabbed me hard, and I covered my face instinctively in response.

The day it was decided I would work for Vogel as fairytale keeper too and brought to the basement,

everyone besides myself made a complicated face— and only now did I understand why.

Seeing me in my current state, Liam’s expression brightened like a switch as he spread his hands.

Liam: Hey, Kate, Harry and I were planning to go to a café that recently opened. Let’s go together there!

Liam: Harry can pay today! Right?

Harrison: Why me...well, I guess I can cover Kate’s portion.

As much as I felt grateful for the two’s comfort and kindness, I felt guilt looming over at the same time.

(But still, I betrayed Crown...)

Under Nica’s ability, I had handed over information on Crown, even if it was by accident.

Even if it was information Nica already knew, and even if I had returned it,

none of it changed the fact that I had committed a sin.

And the more they treated me with kindness, the more heavily that truth weighed down on me.

(...Maybe I should just be honest.)

Figuring hiding it wouldn’t do much good, I opened my mouth.

Kate: Um, I—

Just then, the doorknob turned and the door flew open.

Nica: Look at you, bringing men other than me to your room. Having an affair in broad daylight?

Nica, who came in without a knock, looked my way for but a moment before immediately turning to Liam and Harrison.

Harrison: Can you even call it an affair if you two aren’t even going out together?

A biting air filled the room.

Nica only gave his usual smile in response to the two’s caution.

Nica: Well, anyhow I came for the Spatzi, not you guys.

Kate: I...don’t want anything to do with you though...

Nica: Missed me much? I know, no need to be so shy.

He approached me and whispered in my ear.

Nica: Looks like they haven’t found out about what happened yesterday.

Nica: So maybe since I’m here I should put it all out...about the relationship you and I have.

Kate: —!

Nica’s smile was wide.

Nica: You would hate that, wouldn’t you?

My eyes wandered, unable to give an immediate answer. Seeing this, Nica gave an exasperated look, but the next moment he recomposed himself.

Nica: It’s time for work, Kate, as Vogel’s fairytale keeper.

Nica: You’re not the type to just throw away the job once you decide to take it on, right?

I couldn’t say anything back, but unable to say no, I gave a small nod.

Nica: And so that’s that.

[BLACK]

He waved to the two before heading out, dragging me with.

[CARRIAGE INTERIOR]

I went on the carriage, was brought to a boutique, and after being put into a dress, we returned to the carriage.

Nica: What a fitting dress, I say it looks great on you.

I didn’t respond to Nica’s words of praise, instead turning away to look through the window.

Reflected on its surface was myself donning a beautiful dress, but with a down expression.

Nica: There’s no way you’re ignoring me, are you? Of all things.

────────୨ৎ────────

[1] Ignore him even more.

[2] I’m not happy.

[3] You don’t even think that. (+4/+4)

────────୨ৎ────────

Kate: You don’t even think that.

Nica: I’m not really flattering you, you know. I actually do think so.

Nica: But I take it you know well what’ll happen if you keep that rebellious attitude up.

Nica: I can’t say it’s cute of you to not just honestly take a compliment for what it is.

Kate: ...You want me to be cute now, after everything?

Nica: ...Hah.

He chuckled as if to look down on me, and while that was frustrating, I couldn’t help but think then.

(What I saw was probably the real Nica.)

That smile riled me up from the bottom of my heart,

but compared to the smiles he had always shown before, this one felt the most true to himself.

Nica: We’re headed to a club where the upper class gather.

Nica: Like the party before, a partner is essential, and they won’t let us in unless said partner is one for life.

Kate: ...So I’m that partner, is that it?

Nica: Great that you caught on quickly.

It seemed the mission was once again infiltrating into a place as his partner.

Kate: So, what sort of intelligence are you looking for this time?

Nica: Eh, nothing much. Was just thinking of flattering those nobles.

There was definitely more to it— I knew this, perhaps because now I knew what his true character was like.

When I shot him a dubious look, Nica smiled as he usually did.

Nica: You keep that face up by the time we get off, and I’ll be using my ability again.

In a panic, I put both of my hands beneath my legs.

Nica: Play your part well, Kate.

(Oh, you...!)

[BLACK]

Nica laughed in amusement of it all.

[PARTY VENUE - NIGHT]

In the end, there was not a single suspicious happening in this party that only allowed married couples in.

It was simply a venue for the upper class to vent and complain about their everyday frustrations, indulging in delicious food and beverages.

Apparently, it was originally meant to be a gathering among friends, but it gradually grew until the club reached a considerable 30 members.

So, I was a bit let down.

(That said, I was the one who jumped to conclusions about this place…maybe it’s because this is for a mission, or the fact I had been deceived by Nica.)

But as it stood now, there was not even a sliver of a secret, air of danger, or suspicion to be seen in the venue.

At most, there were people speaking fondly and proudly about their partners.

Woman in purple dress: Just the day before, I visited the theater with my husband, and let me tell you, he was so moved he started to cry by my side…

Woman with a folding fan: Well, how darling of him…As for me, my partner has been treating me as a lover even now.

Woman with floral accessories: My, how wonderful! At my place—

Before me, I saw Nica conversing with a circle of men, an amiable air about him.

It didn’t seem like he used his ability, but even so, people around were drawn to him a mere hour into the party.

(Come to think of it, at the previous party he was also quite popular and getting friendly with others.)

And the way he was able to get people to like him without using his ability was, without a doubt, his own power.

But, as I stared dazedly at him, I noticed something.

(It’s like he’s not enjoying this at all.)

The Nica before my eyes was the surface-level Nica I knew.

Kind, good at talking and good at asking questions, loved by everyone— that Nica Schwartz.

But, now knowing his true nature, I came to a realization.

When he made such a face, while he did feel the situation was pleasant, he didn’t find any enjoyment from it all. [1]

——Flashback——

[PALACE - KATE’S ROOM - MORNING]

Nica: Pfftt… ahahahahaha!!!

N: Ha… you’re really something, you know.

——End flashback——

[PARTY VENUE - NIGHT]

I felt like if Nica was truly enjoying something, he would seem more bright.

(…I wonder why he’s working as Vogel’s advisor.)

Was it because deceiving people and playing with their love was part of the job, or was it a hobby of his?

I didn’t know the answer to even that, but…

——Flashback——

[PALACE - NICA’S ROOM - DAY]

Nica: But lucky for me I got the money. In the end, money and power really are the best.

——End flashback——

[PARTY VENUE - NIGHT]

(There’s so many things I don’t know.)

Perhaps with the venue having warmed up, the dance hall was buzzing.

[BLACK]

And unable to keep up with it, I sneaked out of the venue and made my way to the garden.

[PARTY VENUE - GARDEN]

Kate: Huu…

Taking a seat on a bench and letting out a sigh, I stared out at the beautiful garden.

Unlike the bustling noise from the party, outside was quiet enough that the only sound I could hear was that of the wind.

But that was soon accompanied by the ever-growing sound of footsteps before they stopped in front of me.

Nica: This would make it the second time you ran off somewhere without even giving me a word. Is there some sort of reason?

Kate: Did you get what you came here for?

Nica: A dry answer if I ever heard one. But yeah, I did. Likely gained their trust.

He turned on his heel, walking toward the fountain. Looking at his back, I felt an urge come up to say something back.

Kate: And yet you would break that very trust and expectations just like that, no?

Nica stopped where he was as he put his hands in his pockets.

Nica: Well that goes without saying. Stuff like that can’t hold a candle to money and power.

(“Money and power”…)

It was akin to something those Crown targeted to condemn would say.

Dabbling in illegal things for money, or killing and hurting many people for power.

What Nica was saying was not so different from the evil I had come to see.

(But—)

Even those who were condemned had their reasons for dabbling into evil.

Even if I couldn’t accept it, there would always be a reason behind it, without exception.

And that was why…I had to ask him.

Kate: So if you do get that money and power, what do you plan to do with those then?

The moonlight filtered through the gaps between the clouds, illuminating his back.

Nica turned around, a somewhat distant look in his eyes as he smiled.

Nica: You see…I’m going to become the world’s happiest man.

But that expression he wore…

Nica: And for that, I’d run any and all the risks— so it all falls to my hands.

The smile that he wore looked so lonely and hurt—

—more so than any I had seen of him ever before.

t. b. c ⸝⸝

masterlist 🍒 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍

────────୨ৎ────────

NOTES:

[1] This whole line made me want to combust, so let me give a little more explanation and context here in case this wasn’t clear. There are two words they use here: [楽しい] (tanoshī) and [愉しい] (tanoshī). As you can see, they have the same pronunciation, and generally speaking, share the same overall meaning— that being something along the lines of “having fun”. But, this was something that was really emphasized in this line (and chapter), as at this point Kate is starting to differentiate the “fake” Nica from the “true” one. Basically, [愉しい] can have a sort of more light implication, like something not being very stressful or something relaxing; on the other hand, [楽しい] is more like full feelings of joy and pleasantness. The type of feeling when you truly enjoy whatever situation you’re in to the fullest.

────────୨ৎ────────

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[cosmowgyral]

This is a fan translation so please don't expect it to be 100% accurate; expect grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Creative liberties have been taken. All content belongs to Cybird. Reblogs are appreciated but do not repost.

She came back to her senses far sooner than I’d expected.

Nica: Did you really think you were special? That you were the only one I whispered sweet words to?

Nica: Foolish robin. You were nothing more than a toy to me.

Nica: You fell way too easily. Danke, you really are the perfect toy.

Reports were scattered across the bed, along with a cheque for 150,000 pounds.

When she looked at me with an expression that clearly said she refused to accept it, I couldn’t help but laugh.

Nica: Poor thing. You trusted me, didn’t you? You actually fell for me.

Nica: But the one you loved was just a version of me I created.

By saying the words they wanted to hear, by treating them gently and sweetly, humans could be deceived with ridiculous ease.

From childhood, I had desperately constructed this version of myself — the me who toys with people just to survive. That was the version she fell in love with.

(So it’s not like she ever loved the real me.)

Kate trembled with a tearful expression, looking utterly foolish.

At the same time, the fact that she didn’t understand me at all stirred a slight irritation within me, and I reached out to take her hand.

Nica: Want me to tell you the real condition for my ability to activate?

Nica: —A kiss on the back of the other person’s hand.

And then, once more, I activated my ability.

The next instant, Kate looked at me with a dazed, enraptured gaze and leapt into my arms as if clinging to me.

Kate: Nica… um—

She rose onto her toes and leaned closer, bringing her lips near — but I pressed my index finger gently against them.

Nica: Noope.

Kate: No, please I want to kiss you…

(Honestly… she’s so stupid.)

I can’t help but laugh in amusement every time I watch people getting toyed with by “false love,” desperately reaching for me.

This time was no different. But, uncharacteristically, I felt a sense of emptiness.

Nica: If you do what I say, I’ll do something even more amazing for you.

Kate: What should I do…?

Someone drowning in love, doing everything I tell them. Someone desperately seeking love from me.

—You were no different.

Nica: If you go to Victor’s office and get your hands on some classified information on the Cursed… I’d be really happy.

Nica: If you can do that, you might even become my number one.

But when she returned, she regained her sanity right in front of me.

Kate: Th-that’s not right, this isn’t what I want!

Nica: Ohh? This is the first time I’ve ever seen someone come back to their senses right in front of me.

I pushed her down onto the bed, pinning both her wrists together with one hand and pressing them into the sheets so she couldn’t move.

Straddling her and trapping her with my legs, Kate was immobilized in an instant.

(So weak… at this rate, you’d get attacked so easily.)

Sneering, I looked over the documents. But they were things I already knew.

I sighed at how useless she was, she couldn’t bring back anything but basic information.

Nica: You’re seriously useless. That bar employee was way more useful than you ever were.

Kate: That bar… you mean—

Nica: The woman who worked at Baron Dale’s place. I was just a little nice to her, and she fell for me instantly.

Nica: She even stole the property deed for me. So I copied the baron’s handwriting and signed it over to her, transferring the ownership.

Every last one of them is stupid.

I laughed and told her about the woman who worked at Baron Dale’s bar.

While I was talking about the foolish woman who showered me with a fortune I never even asked for, Kate looked at me with eyes filled with blame and contempt.

But the fact that she was manipulated by me made her no different from that woman in her stupidity.

(And that’s despite being Crown’s Fairytale Keeper.)

Nica: Sneaking into the office and stealing documents is a pretty clear act of treason against Crown, you know.

Nica: You might just get disposed off for that.

When I released my grip, she pushed herself up, her face deathly pale and her lips trembling.

Nica: But if you live on as my toy, I could always keep quiet about it.

Kate: …Was it a lie, when you said you loved me?

Nica: To think you’d believe such an obvious lie… you really are stupid.

As Kate began to cry, tears spilling one after another, I watched her with complete indifference.

But the next moment—

A dry, sharp sound rang out as she slapped my left cheek.

Kate: You’re the worst.

(…Who do you think you’re saying that to?)

Those muttered words grated on me, and my real thoughts escaped before I could stop them.

Nica: The worst, huh. Don’t ask for decency from someone who’s only ever lived like this.

Kate snatched the documents and ran out of the room, crying.

Kate: …I trusted you.

She left behind just those few foolish words.

Nica: Maybe I should’ve gone all the way after all.

I muttered, recalling what happened last night.

I didn’t go all the way because somehow I felt sorry for her.

(I never cared about any of the others I’ve toyed with… so why did I end up worrying about her?)

I meant to toy with her, to throw her away once I got bored.

And yet, the fact that I even thought about keeping her as a plaything for a while longer means I might be feeling something toward her that’s different from everyone else.

(…Maybe it’s because she sometimes reminds me of what we were like as kids.)

She was someone to be pitied, having been treated unfairly, and yet she still held on to hope and kept moving forward.

That brightness was blinding… maybe that’s why I didn’t want to stain it.

Nica: …What the hell do you want from me?

I clicked my tongue and collapsed back onto the bed.

(Trust and faith — before me, they’re nothing but dust.)

It’s like a sandcastle, blown away by the wind and gone in an instant.

(…And she went and fell for the version of me I made up.)

I closed my eyes and exhaled.

I’ve deceived people, toyed with them, hurt them, and never cared about any grudge they might’ve held against me.

Yet her crying face somehow…. left a scar on my heart.

[Chapter 9] [Masterlist]

tags: @malleus-draconias-rose @jetitetime @mkisxq @jollibees-happiness @starzeyquee @ichigo-no-tsumi @aceuuuuu @bluemingswan