*Fan translation for funsies! IP owned by Cybird, translations are my own and may be inaccurate. See About page for more info.*
WARNING: Spoilers for character not yet released on global server
Euren
“Hey there～! I'm Euren, a talented broker with Libra!”
Euren
“Looks like you’ve got something you want to ask me, Robin-chan. For each piece of info, the price is just one kiss, okay?”
Euren
“Ahh— I’m just kidding, don’t run away〜! This time, as a ‘Glad We Met’ special service, I’ll tell you something for free.”
Choice 1
What kind of curse do you have?
Euren
“I’m cursed by the Sea Witch. In exchange for the Little Mermaid’s voice, she gave her legs.. Such a nice person, right~?”
Euren
“Just like her, I try to make sure my deals are ‘fair.’”
Euren
“Well, I’m pretty picky…so whether I take on a job or not depends on my mood at the time~”
Euren
"So, do you know a little bit more about me now? Love starts with getting to know each other, right? Let's talk again soon~"
Choice 2
Why are you hitting on me?
Euren
“A gem yet to be polished mixed among the finest carefully selected crown jewels…. That's why I took an interest in you!”
Euren
"Recently, Robin-chan has been my number one favorite. I won't give up until I've captured your heart and body, so be prepared, okay?”
Euren
"So, do you know a little bit more about me now? Love starts with getting to know each other, right? Let's talk again soon~"
Choice 3
No, I don’t have any questions…
Euren
"What? You don't? There isn't even one thing you want to know about me…!? Waaah, please be interested in me〜!!"
Euren
"Fine, whatever then, I'll just tell you anyway. My dream is to become Robin-chan's husband!"
Euren
“Ahaha! That look in your eyes is thrilling. Act even more cold to me~, it just makes me want to steal you away even more."
Euren
"So, do you know a little bit more about me now? Love starts with getting to know each other, right? Let's talk again soon~"
--
Notes:
The only common part after the choice is one line, so I just added it to the end of each one for better flow instead of putting it as a "common end" like in the other ones.
Euren is so much fun, but I feel like he is the most mysterious of all of Libra. He is so charismatic and flashy that I feel like we really don't know who he truly is or what his own goals are compared to the others. The only thing I learned from this is that he likes to make "fair" deals and he is picky about them. I'm curious to see what kind of deal Kate ends up making with him, and I wonder if there is gonna be a fake fiancé trope with them?
*Fan translation for funsies! IP owned by Cybird, translations are my own and may be inaccurate. See About page for more info.*
WARNING: Spoilers for character not yet released on global server, mentions of violence
Lucien
"A question? …Fine, speak."
Choice 1
What kind of organization is Libra?
Lucien
"It is an organization that deals with matters involving the Cursed across multiple nations. Knowing anything more than that would be of no benefit to you."
Lucien
"I have no interest in useless chatter. That is all there is to say."
[ Common End:
Lucien
"There are things in this world you need to understand, and things you’re better off not knowing. Remember that, Bébé."
Lucien
"Sooner or later, the day may come when I will send your life up to the heavens."
Lucien
"Until then, make sure you choose the best path." ]
Choice 2
Are you cursed, too?
Lucien
"Yes."
Lucien
"…Is there any need for me to tell you more than that?"
See Common End
Choice 3
Why do you look so menacing?
Lucien
"Because I'm contemplating whether or not to strangle you to death."
Lucien
"Did that not cross your mind? Are you careless, or purely naïve? …Or perhaps both."
See Common End
--
Notes:
Bébé means "baby" in French. It seems much of Lucien's mystery comes from his way with words and use of double meanings. I think here Bébé refers to Will's sequel where he calls her a baby as in an infant/child due to her childlike excitement, but also can be played off as a term of endearment, which will likely be his nickname for Kate. He is definitely using it in a condescending way here, though.
The second choice I wrote as "Sooner or later, the day may come when I will send your life up to the heavens" because the way he phrased "send your life up to heaven" was a poetic euphemism for saying he may someday kill her himself. He always seems to have poetic one liners a out death and duty.
*Fan translation for funsies! IP owned by Cybird, translations are my own and may be inaccurate. See About page for more info.*
WARNING: Spoilers for sequel not yet released on global server, mentions of drug addiction, amnesia, suggestive content
[Master List]
Ellis
"Congratulations on your full recovery, Neema."
Jude
"What the hell are ya tryin’ to do so soon after recovering, ya damn weakling?"
Neema
"I heard the identification of that powder was finished today, so I wanted to be there for the report."
As I sat down next to Will and tilted my head, Jude looked exasperated and turned his gaze away.
Jude
"Business as usual, huh? Yer recovery was way too fast. Did ya really get yer skull cracked open by an iron crowbar just a few days ago?"
Ellis
"It didn't get cracked open, Jude."
Neema
"If I were up and about like this after having my skull cracked open, I wouldn't be human anymore…"
William
"If that had happened, I probably would've dabbled in black magic or something to bring you back to life."
Jude
"Cut it out with the jokes that ain’t funny."
Victor
"But… I'm really glad you're back to your usual self."
Victor
"It seems that if you aren't doing well, everyone else is off their game, too."
It took two days to wake up, and three days until the restrictions on my movement were lifted. Not only was Will by my side, but everyone from Crown took turns coming to visit me.
Neema
"I'm sorry for causing you all to worry."
Jude
"Hah! I wasn't worried in the slightest. Here, take the data on the drug."
Jude tossed the documents onto the desk carelessly.
Neema
"Why is Jude handling this?"
Ellis
"A while ago, Roger said he was sleep-deprived and needed to go catch up on some shut-eye, so he dumped the task on Jude.”
Victor
"So, what did you find out?"
Jude
"It turns out that drug found at the port… it really was 'diacetylmorphine'."
Neema
"…!"
Ellis
"Liam and Harrison mentioned that the newspaper used as packing material was an old issue."
Ellis
"It seemed like they dug up an old batch rather than manufacturing something new…"
(The one who used to secretly manufacture 'diacetylmorphine' was… Lord Avarus.)
Neema
"…The copycat of the Queen of Hearts claimed that a 'disgraced noble' had also lent a hand in this scheme."
Neema
"If that refers to the House of Marquis Avarus…"
Neema
"…then the Avarus seal found on the envelope alongside the drugs,"
Neema
"…and the source of the 'diacetylmorphine' both make sense."
William
"Indeed."
William
"There is a very high probability that a close relative of the disgraced Marquis Avarus is involved in this case."
Ellis
“What do you mean, ‘close relatives’?”
Jude
“There was a Marchioness and her only son.”
I flipped back through the pages of my notebook and looked down at my notes. I had looked into this before because I was curious about what had become of the Marchioness and her son after they were allowed to escape from the scene of the trial.
It was made public that the misdeeds reported as Will’s were actually crimes committed by the Marquis of Avarus, and the House of Avarus fell into ruin. The son, too, was ostracized by the public due to his father’s disgrace, and it seemed they both had withdrawn from high society to live quietly on their estate.
(Will had kept them away from the scene of the condemnation and ensured their safety.)
(Her Majesty the Queen also deemed them innocent and did not strip them of their title.)
(However… the public would not forgive the House of Avarus.)
I wonder if the Marquis is lamenting in hell that the blame fell upon them. Just thinking about it makes my chest tighten.
(The punishment inflicted upon a loved one…)
(…is surely far more agonizing than any punishment one might face for oneself.)
Ellis
“So the son followed in his father’s footsteps of wickedness?”
Neema
“The ‘Golden Butterfly’ was a political organization, but… neither the wife nor the son should have had much involvement in politics.”
William
“Even if his son was involved, reviving the ‘Butterfly’ wouldn’t be his motive.”
William
“It’s highly likely that he’s using the drugs his father manufactured for a different purpose.”
Neema
“What could that purpose be…? To ‘give freedom to the citizens,’ as the copycat killer claimed?”
William
“Well… I can’t say for certain just yet.”
A copycat criminal inspired by the Queen of Hearts who incited the masses to kill prominent figures.
A young man Will once saved who had been forced to work as a drug currier.
A close relative of the villain whom Will had brought to justice, who is now suspected of involvement in the drug case.
(No matter how much evil we punish, it won’t disappear from this world.)
(…Yes, it feels like I’m being confronted with that fact.)
I shook my head to dispel the shadow that threatens to fall over my heart.
(No matter how cruel reality may be, Will will never waver.)
(I won’t waver either.)
(I won’t turn a blind eye to scenes I cannot forgive.)
Neema
“In any case, the moment they got involved with these drugs, their actions became unforgivable.”
Neema
“There are already victims.”
Neema
"I shall investigate the movements of the Marquis Avarus's household right away–”
I fall silent as a fingertip is gently pressed against my lips.
(Will…?)
William
"Your strong sense of duty is a virtue, but… we recovered the drugs and averted the immediate crisis."
William
"Precisely because we've dedicated our lives to fighting evil, don't you think we should sometimes forget about wickedness and enjoy the pleasures of life?"
Victor
"I agree, Neema. Let's leave the Avarus investigation to the other Crown members."
Victor
"You two should take some time to rest."
Victor
"Exhaustion is the enemy of good work! Rest is its ally! So there you have it!"
Ellis
"We'll handle the investigation properly, so leave it to us."
Jude
"Ya nearly died, so make sure you squeeze every last bit of reward ya can get out of 'em."
Stunned by the barrage of insistence that I take a break, Will rested his cheek on his hand and peered into my face.
William
"So, that's how it is."
William
"Besides, tomorrow happens to be the day I promised you a while ago."
Neema
"Promised? …Oh!"
Will gave a mischievous smile as my eyes lit up, suddenly remembering the plans we made.
Neema
"Wow… Will, look! It's beautiful outside the window!"
William
"Yes, it’s truly beautiful."
Neema
“…But isn’t your face still turned toward me?”
William
"Ah, I’m enjoying the view reflected in your eyes."
Neema
"Hmm… I suppose you can see even the tiniest details in the scenery."
William
"I actually have incredibly sharp eyesight. Thanks to that, I can also enjoy the look on your face as it lights up at the view."
Neema
“Oh, come on… hehe.”
The promise Will and I had made was to go inspect a potential site for the orphanage. Perhaps because I’d been bedridden for two days and lost track of the date, I felt as though I’d leaped through time to reach this little trip, and my heart was racing with excitement.
After a while, the train pulled into a large station.
William
"I'll ask an attendant to bring us a tea tray."
Neema
"Thank you!"
Rising from the seat opposite me, Will stepped out of the compartment.
(He said the potential site was an unused mansion on the outskirts of the Rex family estate, didn't he?)
Copycat criminals, former victims turned evil, the resurgence of villains we thought we’d already brought to justice…
Having been confronted with such a cruel reality, taking this first step toward the ambition I held illuminated my heart like a ray of light breaking through the clouds.
(I hope Will can relax and enjoy himself, too.)
As I gazed idly out the window, I heard the sound of the compartment door opening.
(Did Will come back already?)
I turned around, but…
The compartment door remained shut.
(Huh… I could have sworn it opened.)
(Did I mistake a sound from next door for something else?)
Just as I thought to look out the window again, I gasped.
William
"…Neema?"
(…Huh?)
Because for some reason, Will, who should have just left, was sitting right there in front of me.
Neema
"Huh?"
(When I just turned around toward the door… there was no one sitting there, right?)
And yet, for some reason, I was holding a teacup even though my hands had been empty just moments before, and the contents… had spilled all over Will's lap.
Neema
"W-what!? Huh!?"
Neema
"I-I'm so sorry… When did you get back? Why do I have a teacup of tea…?"
William
"Neema, calm down. Take a deep breath."
Soothed by Will, I take a deep breath to steady myself.
William
"Do you remember saying 'Welcome back' when I returned?"
Neema
"N-no…"
William
"What about when the attendant brought the tea tray after that?"
Neema
"….I…don't remember…"
(It’s as if time just skipped forward.)
Neema
"I'm so sorry. I think I might have just zoned out."
Neema
"I spilled the tea, too… Your legs must have felt hot, right? Did you get burned?"
William
"Ah, I'm alright. More importantly…"
As I hurriedly wiped my trousers with a handkerchief, Will cupped my cheek in his palm.
William
"Is anything wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Neema
"Actually… not at all. I don't really understand what happened to me."
William
"…I see."
William
"You should rest a bit. Come here, lean on me."
He gently took my hand and helped me sit down beside him.
(What was that just now?)
I was still bewildered, but there was no way to figure out the reason just by thinking about it. As I drifted into a daze, soothed by the pleasant warmth of Will's body, my distress washed away.
William
"…"
After changing clothes at the hotel we arrived at and visiting the prospective site for the orphanage, I was feeling back to my usual self.
Neema
"Wow…!"
William
"It seems your first impression isn't bad."
Neema
"Not just 'not bad'… it's wonderful!"
William
"Hahaha!"
It was a mansion located in a quiet country town, tucked away in a corner of the Rex family's estate. Its exterior was elegant yet warm, and gave the impression of a place where time flowed gently.
William
"Don't you think we should look around a bit more before deciding?"
Neema
"Yes, absolutely!"
As we walked through the spacious garden, the scent of fresh greenery and flowers drifted on the breeze, and inside the tidy and well-maintained mansion, warm sunlight streamed in.
Neema
"…I've decided. Please, let’s build it here."
William
"…"
Neema
"Huh? What is it?"
William
"Oh, just thinking my hunch was right."
William
"Actually, this was the one I recommended most."
Neema
“Why did you recommend it?”
William
“The public transportation isn’t bad in this location, and there’s a community college in a nearby city.”
William
"It’s an environment where you can do what you want to do."
William
“Above all… when I was choosing an orphanage for that child we rescued from the ‘Butterfly’ facility a while back,”
William
“All the places you suggested were peaceful spots with plenty of sunlight and spacious gardens.”
(…Is that so?)
I’m so happy he remembered even the smallest details that my face started to flush.
Neema
"I want to make this place… a sanctuary that protects and nurtures the freedom and will of those who have been saved."
Neema
“So that the people you’ve rescued won’t be swallowed up by the darkness again.”
Even Rat, who had screamed, “I’ll tear this whole country down,” might not have been corrupted by evil if someone had reached out to him.
(Even if evil will never be completely eliminated… I want to keep fighting against it.)
(Just as Will has always done, I…)
Neema
“…Is that arrogant of me?”
William
“Well…”
William
"After all, I’m the one who built a special ward at the Royal Hospital simply because I wanted to see them 'spread their wings and fly freely.'"
William
“So perhaps that’s not something you should be asking a villain who acts like an arrogant god.”
Will shrugged his shoulders without a hint of shame, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
Neema
“Hehe, you’re right.”
(Good and evil don’t matter.)
(As your knight… I’ll simply follow your wishes and see this through.)
Neema
“I’ve been relying entirely on Will for the location, so,”
Neema
“When it comes to raising funds, hiring staff, arranging equipment…I’ll do whatever I can!”
William
“That’s a wonderful spirit. However—”
Neema
“Hmm…?”
My lips were suddenly covered as if he were tasting them, and my eyes widened. Will pulled me into a tight embrace, his gaze as gentle as a spring rain.
William
“I don’t think there’s any harm in enjoying some time with your lover for the rest of the trip.”
William
“What do you think?”
Just hearing him whisper that, a desire to be loved welled up deep inside me.
(Because we hadn’t… been doing it until the activity restrictions were lifted so as not to harm my body…)
That desire had been simmering for so long that even the slightest touch made my hopes soar… I pulled him close towards me and pressed my lips against his.
William
“Mmm…”
Will’s eyes widened, then he pulled my head closer and took a deep breath.
Neema
“…Actually, I’d been planning to do that even before we got on the train.”
Neema
“Even though Will stayed by my side the whole time to take care of me, I couldn’t let him touch me.”
Neema
“It was… really hard to hold back all that time…”
William
“…Yes, I know.”
My lover, who loved nothing more than savoring desire that had ripened through anticipation, narrowed his eyes happily. After returning to the hotel and enjoying dinner, I had just finished my bath and was walking down the hallway back to my room, basking in the night breeze.
—Or so I thought.
(…Huh? When did I end up in my room…?)
Will was sitting in a chair with the back of his head right in front of me, and my hand was wrapped around his neck.
William
“…Neema?”
(Again…?)
Neema
“Ah… um, I’m back.”
William
“Welcome back. Why did you put your hand around my neck without saying a word?”
Neema
“…I wonder why.”
William
“…Huh?”
Will tilted his head slightly, but this isn’t the time to appreciate how cute he looked doing so.
(Something is really wrong.)
Even though this is happening to my own body, I have absolutely no idea what’s going on and I found myself staring at my hands absentmindedly.
William
“Did time skip again?”
Neema
“Yes…”
With a gentle tug on my wrist, I was pulled onto his lap. Will stroked my hair softly, as if handling something fragile.
Neema
“What’s going on…?”
William
“…I’ve heard that head injuries can sometimes affect memory.”
Neema
“Huh…?”
William
“Roger’s exam didn’t find anything abnormal, but there are some after-effects that might not show up until later.”
(Could a head injury be the cause of this phenomenon…?)
William
“It crossed my mind when it first happened on the train.”
William
“I didn’t mention it because I thought it might just make you more anxious.”
William
“…But in the end I suppose I ended up making you anxious after all.”
Neema
“No! Actually, I’m a little relieved.”
William
“…Relieved?”
Neema
"It’s better to have some idea of the cause than to be left with vague anxiety."
Neema
"Especially since it might be an afte-reffect of the injury, we can look at similar cases for reference."
Neema
"Let's ask Roger when we get back to the castle."
William
"…"
William
"I should have told you from the start."
William
"I forgot just how resilient you are."
Will scooped me up in his arms and carried me over to the bed.
(Oh…)
My body, already stirred by desire earlier in the day, grew moist with anticipation the moment I was laid against the sheets.
Yet, when Will lay down beside me he simply held me from behind, cradling me gently as if to lull me to sleep.
Neema
"Will…?"
William's Voice
"There's a risk that moving you around could worsen your symptoms."
William's Voice
"Maybe it’s best if we just sleep like this tonight."
Will’s voice was serious, yet gentle and soothing.
And yet, hearing that voice resonate right behind my ear made a familiar heat well up from deep within my body.
(I know he’s not being mean, but instead saying this because he’s worried about me.)
(But…)
Neema
"If we fall asleep like this, Will…"
Neema
"…I will surely pounce on you."
As I honestly laid my desire bare, a moment of silence fell.
William's voice
"Tsk… Heh… Pfft."
Will’s shoulders shook as he started to laugh. I found that laughter endearing, and when I turned my head to look back at him,
William
"…That’s quite the provocative line."
I was met with a gaze sweeter than caramelized sugar, making my stomach ache with longing.
Neema
"Will you pounce on me…?"
William
"If you promise to tell me right away if you're not feeling well…"
From the “Alfons’s Gift to You” Birthday Soirée Set
—
Notes:
I’ve only have my phone WiFi for a few days so I’ll be back to posting Will’s sequel soon. For now enjoy this adorable and professional portrait by Alfons 💕
*Fan translation for funsies! IP owned by Cybird, translations are my own and may be inaccurate. See About page for more info.*
WARNING: Spoilers for sequel not yet released on global server, mentions of somnophilia kinda
[Master List]
To my partner confined to a sickbed:
Good morning, Neema.
You mentioned yesterday that your head pain had faded considerably, so I wonder how you are feeling this morning.
The Crown members have been visiting your room every day and have been quite rowdy, so I do wonder if you’re actually getting enough rest... but since you look so happy, I’ll refrain from complaining to Victor about it.
I will be stepping out for a moment, but I’ll be right back.
Since you keep worrying over the injury on the back of my hand, I’m planning to get Roger to give it the all-clear. Once you see a medical report stating "no abnormalities," even you ought to be reassured, right?
I have one apology to make. I kissed you while you were asleep without you knowing.
I’m aware that it’s something you’ve been desiring for me to do, but if I were to do it while you were awake... Who can say which one of us would be able to stop.
So, until you get that "all-clear" report, please let me take good care of you.
He has a good build and physical strength that truly lives up to the name "Beast"!!
He always uses his strength to overpower every obstacle that comes his way, so even though I’m fragile, he always saves me ♥
I bet he’d protect you too with those massive pecs of his, right?
Point: Hair
It looks like he does his hair himself.
Even though his personality and behavior are rough around the edges, one of Zane’s cute traits is that he’s surprisingly dexterous~.
It seems he can even do things like sewing, too…
If you get the chance, why not ask him to make something for you?
Point: Height
Lord Lucien’s height is first-class~!
When he stands behind me with that towering stature, I always feel like I’m about to be crushed to death by his presence, it’s so thrilling♥
I bet Robin-chan would get completely squished under him, wouldn’t she?
Point: Beauty Mark
Those sexy little beauty marks all over his face…
It looks like there are at least five visible just on his eyes, ears, mouth, and neck, right?
I’m sure there are some more on his body too, but it’s a little impossible for me to strip back Lucien’s iron walls, so if you get a chance please count them for me, Robin-chan♥
Point: Fashion
Just check out this fashion!
It’s cool, right? Do you like this kind of style, Robin-chan?
I have an eye for rare things. I don’t like wearing the same clothes as everyone else.
Also, I really like the wide cuffs. I can hide all sorts of things in them, it’s super convenient! ♥
Point: Talk
I’m definitely confident in my conversational skills.
I’m really good at finding the exact words someone wants to hear and whispering it to them ♥
That’s why I’ve never had any trouble getting along with people!
And of course, I know just the words Robin-chan wants to hear, too… right?
*Fan translation for funsies! IP owned by Cybird, translations are my own and may be inaccurate. See About page for more info.*
WARNING: Spoilers for sequel not yet released on global server, graphic violence, mentions of drug addiction and child abuse
[Master List]
???
"……Who's there?!"
A voice rang out, agitated and startled.
William
“Neema–”
Neema
"Yes."
We exchanged a brief glance, then hid in the shadows of the cargo and peered out intently. The silhouette of a man who looked like a dockworker emerged from the darkness.
???
"Don't touch that cargo! If you do… I'll kill you!"
(The voice is young… sounds like a teenager.)
The young man was shouting and brandishing a crowbar in a threatening manner.
From his loud shouts and threats with a blunt weapon, I could sense he was putting on a show to hide his own fear.
(He doesn't seem used to this kind of work.)
(If he's scared… and thinks his opponent is weak, he might let his guard down.)
Without breaking eye contact, I reached into my pocket and gripped the hilt of my golden knife.
Neema
"Will, shall I step out? He might let his guard down if he sees a woman."
William
"No, I'll go. You stay here."
William
"That voice… it sounds familiar. I want to have a word with him."
Neema
"If I sense you're in danger, Will, I'm coming out there too."
William
"…"
As I touched his arm to convey my concern, Will narrowed his eyes gently.
William
"Ah… As you wish."
He gave me a quick kiss, then walked calmly out to face the enemy.
William
"Are you the courier they call 'Rat'?"
Rat
"…There wasn't supposed to be a deal tonight. Who the hell are you? How do you know that name?"
William
"Do you know what's in that cargo?"
Rat flinched and stepped back for a moment, but then took a step forward as if to shake off his fear.
Rat
"…I know. I was entrusted with guarding it."
William
"Did the person who entrusted you with guarding it explain what it actually is?"
Rat
"Hah… It's that drug the politicians used to use back in the day to do whatever they pleased, right?"
Rat
"Now we're the ones using it to drag them down from power."
William
"Where does the drug come from? Who came to collect it while you were guarding it here?"
Rat
"Answer my question first. Who the hell are you?"
William
"… I.."
William
"I know that you were sold off like livestock and nearly dissected while still alive."
Rat
"W-what…!?"
(Huh…?)
William
“Can you tell me why? You’re supposed to be a free man, so why are you in a place like this?”
William
“Why are you getting involved in crimes like this?”
(“Rat” is… could it be…)
(A victim that Will rescued before…?)
Rat
“Why… w-why do you know…?”
Rat
“Oh, yeah… the pervert who bought me was killed by the ‘Queen of Hearts’!”
Rat
“I was supposed to be free that day! But…! But…”
Rat
“In the end, kids like us were just made to work to the bone like rags.”
Rat
“They took all our earnings, treated us like slaves, and when we got sick, they just threw us away…!”
Rat swung the iron bar down with all his might and struck a pipe. Water gushed out of the ruptured pipe, pouring down like rain over the entire area.
(I can’t follow, I’m losing sight of him.)
A shadow flickered through the spray, his feet moved as if he’d been knocked back.
Rat
“This country is shit! I’m going to tear it all down!!”
Neema
“Will, watch out!”
William
“Neema, wait!”
I instinctively darted in front of Will, but my arm was grabbed from behind and I was pulled tightly into a chest that smelled of roses.
The very next moment—
Neema
“…!!!”
A sharp impact shot through my head, and my vision distorted violently.
(This is not good.)
(I have to protect Will.)
William’s voice
“——Neema!!!”
(Will……)
I heard the sound of the knife slipping from my hand with a clatter. As if enveloped by the sound of splashing water, my world was swallowed by blackness.
Liam
“Hey, Harry, I’m going to check the carriage for a bit, so keep an eye on things here, okay?”
Harrison
“What? Did you find it already?”
Liam
“There were at least ten wooden crates packed full of these bottles.”
Harry, who had been waiting outside the warehouse, blinked at my report.
Harrison
“That’s more than we expected…”
Liam
“Yeah. And inside the wooden crates… I found this…”
Just as I was about to report something even more worrying…
Liam and Harrison
“!!!”
A high-pitched metallic clanging sound echoed from inside the warehouse.
Liam
“What was that!?”
Harrison
“Damn it… We’d better hurry.”
Liam
“Will, Neema!?”
As I rushed into the warehouse, I saw Will’s back standing amid the spray of water gushing from a pipe.
(Will? He’s holding someone in his arms…)
My heart thudded rapidly.
I had seen a scene very much like this one before back at the Tower of London.
(…Neema?)
William
"—'Kneel.'"
A cold command unlike anything I’d ever heard rang out, sending a shiver down my spine. Even though the order wasn't directed at me, my feet froze in place as if I were nailed to the spot.
(Was that… Will's voice just now…?)
Terrified young man
"W-what the…!? My body… it's moving on its own…!"
In front of Will, the terrified young man’s knees buckled, forcing him to the ground as if he were being controlled by strings.
Clutched in his hand was a blood-stained crowbar.
(Was he the one who struck Neema?)
(Is Neema safe? Or is she…?)
William
"—'Drop your weapon.'"
Terrified young man
"Uhh!"
The crowbar rolled across the floor with a clang.
Terrified young man
"…S-sorry… I'm… I'm so sorry…"
William
"—'Silence.'"
Terrified young man
"Huuh…!"
William
"—'Slit your…'"
Harrison's voice
"Will!!!"
Harry's shout drowned out the words of condemnation, and I finally came to my senses. Harry rushed forward and yanked hard on Will’s shoulder.
Harrison
"He’s just a low-level courier, he hasn't killed anyone…!"
Harrison
"'There’s no need for condemnation. ‘If you run into someone, hand them over to the police…’ That’s what you said beforehand, isn't it?"
William
"…"
Will closed his eyes for a moment and let out a long, deep breath. Tightening his embrace around Neema, he slowly opened his eyes.
William
"That's right."
William
"…Spill everything you know about the drug deal at the police station."
(This is the first time I’ve seen this.)
Will becoming so completely enraged.
The crowbar that swung down apparently grazed Will's hand that was shielding the back of Neema's head, and struck the side of Neema's head instead. The back of Will’s right hand was injured, but Roger said that if it hadn't been for that, Neema might not have survived.
Harrison
"…How's Neema?"
Harry, who had volunteered to tail "Rat" until he reached the police station, asked the moment he returned around midnight.
Liam
"She hasn't woken up yet, but they say she's going to be okay."
Harrison
"I see…"
His mint-green eyes fixed on the infirmary bed and clouded over with concern.
Neema lay there, her face pale, while Will had been sitting in a chair holding her hand and gazing at her sleeping face for hours on end.
William
"…What about 'Rat'?"
Harrison
"I saw him safely into police custody. No contact with anyone who looked like an accomplice."
William
"I see… Thank you."
His uncharacteristically few words seemed to speak volumes.
(Will's mind and heart are completely filled with Neema right now.)
Liam
"…I've never seen Will like that before."
The thought slipped out the moment I stepped from the basement into the hallway.
Harrison
"Me neither."
Will's inner heart had always been mysterious. He was always in high spirits and very composed, rarely showing sadness or anger. He always seemed to stand on a higher plane, whether facing joy or sorrow he accepts everything that happens with a smile, or overcomes it with a smile and a laugh, embracing everything with love.
(To me, Will is… like a god.)
(But…)
Liam
"Deep in the center of Will's heart, I’m certain…"
Liam
"…there are so many sleeping emotions that only Neema can unlock."
That place must surely be like a secret garden, a place only reachable by her, who has been granted “special” privilege in his heart, through accumulating moments of shared love. What I saw tonight was probably only a tiny fraction of the emotions hidden there.
Harrison
"Yeah."
Harrison
"If something had happened to Neema tonight, if the very core of Will's heart had shattered…"
Harrison
"Will might not have… been the Will we know anymore."
When it comes time to pass judgment, Will is always cold-blooded and ruthless.
(But tonight, there was something fundamentally different about him.)
(It was the most terrified of Will I’ve ever been.)
Someone he loved had been hurt, and he was on the verge of killing someone who wasn't even a target for judgment.
He looked exactly like…
(Like a fierce, cruel embodiment of self-righteousness.)
Liam
"…I hope Neema wakes up soon."
Harry gave my shoulder a gentle pat as I murmured the words.
William
(Love as long as you can)
“O lieb, O lieb, so lang du lieben kannst…”
William
(as long as you can)
“…so lang du lieben kannst.”
Her palms, which had always felt warm as if a fire were lit whenever I held them, are now cold, and her lips, which usually glowed with a pink sheen, are pale and tightly closed. Only the faint rise and fall of her chest beneath the sheets indicated that she was still alive.
William
(The time will come, the time will come)
“…Die Stunde kommt, die Stunde kommt,”
William
(When you will weep before her grave)
“Wo du an Gräbern stehst und klagst…”
(The moment when Neema’s breath stops right before my eyes will surely come someday.)
(“I want to live freely by your side until the very moment I die to protect you from your fate”)
(“That’s why I’ll accept your love”)
(When I heard Neema’s selfish resolve that morning… I longed for that future.)
I believed that the despair of losing Neema after loving her so deeply was essential to my own ruin.
Yes, this restlessness, this pain in my chest, these are what I desired. Living as a villain, longing for the ruin foretold by my fate, yet reaching out to commit the sin of loving her… this is the punishment I deserve.
Had these hands failed to reach her in time, that end might have befallen her that night.
William
“…It seems I’m getting closer to the ruin I desire.”
William
“It’s all thanks to you, Neema.”
(I almost miss the days when I thought, “I haven’t loved her enough yet to despair over losing her.”)
(I never imagined that seeing you hurt, losing you, would be this—)
That moment when she lost consciousness in my arms, my hands, which hadn’t trembled even when I dealt a gruesome death to my own father, were certainly shaking then.
(Huh… What happened to me again?)
(Right. Will was about to be attacked, so I rushed out, and then…)
(And then, what happened?)
Neema
“Will!!”
Driven by a sense of urgency, I bolted upright.
Neema
“Ow…!”
A sharp pain shot through my head, making me wince, when a hoarse voice called my name.
William’s voice
“…Neema”
Neema
“Huh…? ”
When I turned around, Will, who seemed to have been sleeping in the same bed, was staring at me.
(Why is he here? Is this a dream? But, more importantly)
Neema
“Will, are you hurt—”
My question was muffled and faded away. Before I knew it, I was being held tightly in Will’s arms.
Neema
“Will……?”
William
"Please just let me stay like this for a little while."
(It's warm…)
(It's a little hard to breath…)
(…It's not a dream.)
Neema
"I'm so glad… that you're safe, Will."
I could hear the sound of Will laughing softly as the words that spilled out.
William
"Yes, I'm safe thanks to you, Neema."
William
"And I'm… so glad you're safe, too."
Neema
"Mmn…"
Our lips met, parted, and met again instantly.
Over and over, as if confirming each other's breath.
(Will…)
The morning after I had been stabbed at the Tower of London, Will had been waiting for me to wake up wearing his usual expression. But the arms holding me tight, the repeated kisses, his gaze… everything told me that the Will of this moment was waiting for my return with a warm intensity completely different from that time.
(I am so…)
…Deeply loved by Will.
Neema
"What happened to me?"
William
"You were struck on the head with an iron crowbar and lost consciousness for two days."
(Two whole days…?)
(Could it be that he stayed by my side the whole time?)
(My memory is hazy, but back then…)
My body remembered being pulled in close and having my head cradled in his hands.
Neema
"You shielded me when I ran out there, didn't you, Will?"
William
"Hmm, I wonder."
As I scanned his body, I noticed a bandage wrapped around his right hand and he narrowed his eyes to evade the question.
(I knew it…)
Neema
"…Does it hurt?"
William
"Not as much as your head probably does."
When I touched his right hand and asked, Will gently stroked my head with his left, as if to comfort me.
(If this hand hadn't shielded me…)
(That descending crowbar might well have been the final moment of my life.)
(I might never have seen Will again.)
Confronted again with the fleeting nature of our love, a burning heat spread through my chest. As I nuzzled my cheek against his neck, a low, rumbling laugh drifted down to me.
(I can still hear your voice. I can still touch you.)
It filled me with such immense joy and happiness.
Neema
"Even though I dedicated my life to protecting you, you were injured protecting me…"
Neema
"My monarch… you really are a troublesome man."
William
"So it seems. I heard it’s because he’s found a lover so adorable that no amount of love will ever be enough."
Neema
"……Hehe, is that so?"
William
"Yes. Apparently, losing a limb or two to protect you wouldn't count as reckless."
Neema
"Y-Yes, it absolutely would!"
William
"Ahahaha! I’m joking. I wouldn't sacrifice myself. It would only make you sad."
William
"However…"
William
"I might just slaughter anyone who tries to take you away from me."
At those words, spoken in a voice as sweet as a devil's whisper, I couldn't help but imagine it.
The image of Will painting London red with blood to protect me. He would look without a doubt like a heinous, wicked villain.
(……!)
A shiver ran down my spine.
William
“Neema.”
William
"Let's have Roger take a look at you. Come here."
Neema
"Oh… right."
Neema
"I need to check to see if this will interfere with the mission."
At his prompting, I wrapped my arms around his neck and Will lifted me up into his arms.
William
"That’s true, but… I just need to confirm you’re safe."
Neema
"Mmn……!"
William
"…Since I can't do anything more than this."
Multiple playful kisses landed on the edge of my heated ear, and I surrendered myself to his sweet affection.
“What if the more I try to protect him, the closer Will’s downfall gets—?”
I shoved that terrifying thought deep down into my heart.
After undergoing several examinations, it was three days later that I received the all-clear from Roger to return to my “normal life”.
Ellis
"Congratulations on your full recovery, Neema."
Jude
"What the hell do ya think yer tryin’ to do right after recovering, ya damn weakling?"
--
Notes:
It's so cool that we get multiple perspectives from the boys now that Kate is out cold for a while! The description of the German song/poem was in the text in the last chapter, but I added them above each line again in parenthesis as a reminder. I loooove the new sprites, they are so detailed and you can really see the nuanced emotion in their faces. I'm working on the Chapter 4 letter which will go up tomorrow and soon after will be Chapter 5!
*Fan translation for funsies! IP owned by Cybird, translations are my own and may be inaccurate. See About page for more info.*
WARNING: Spoilers for sequel not yet released on global server, graphic violence, mentions of drug addiction and child abuse
[Master List]
(It's him…!)
His sharp, handsome features, ice-blue eyes, and intimidating stature were impossible to forget.
Victor
"There is an international organization composed entirely of the Cursed."
Victor
"A band of outlaws operating outside state control."
Victor
"Their name is Libra."
Darius
"Why don't you just say it plainly?"
Darius
"Tell her that behind the scenes, it's known as 'the organization that monitors and kills the Cursed.'"
Lucien
"The banquet is over."
William
"He is Lord Lucien Morsandre. A French aristocrat from a distinguished family…"
William
"…and the man who reigns as the current head of Libra."
(The leader of an organization to be wary of… and the man who sat alone at that blood-stained banquet table.)
Lucien firmly pulled back the hand that had been supporting my waist, helping me regain my balance.
Confused by a gesture that seemed almost gentlemanly, I turned to face him.
Neema
"Th-thank you, Lord Morsandre."
Lucien
"No thanks are needed for saving an infant."
Neema
"An infant…?"
Lucien
"You were so excited you nearly tumbled down the stairs, no different from an infant."
(W-wait… does 'infant' mean me!?)
William
"Tsk… Hahaha!"
Will was laughing as he walked up the stairs, his shoulders shaking with amusement.
William
"Sorry, Neema. I intended to catch you if you fell, but he beat me to it."
William
"Still, isn't calling her an infant a bit much, Lucien?"
Lucien
"See that you do your job as babysitter properly, Rex."
Will's casual tone stirred up the questions I’d had when we first met, and I couldn't help but speak up.
Neema
"What is your relationship with Lord Morsandre?"
William
"We’ve known each other since we met at the royal court ball, the first royal social event I ever attended, over ten years ago."
William
"I was taken aback when he suddenly demanded to know, 'You’re the one who killed your father, aren't you?'"
Neema
“What…?!”
William
“He spends most of his time in France, so it’s been several years since we last saw each other.”
(The incident involving Will’s father is one that almost no one in England knows the details of.)
(How did Lucien, who’s in France, know about it back then…?)
Feeling a sense of unfathomable dread, I instinctively look up at Lucien.
Lucien
“The recent series of simultaneous assassinations.”
(Huh…?!)
Lucien
“It seems Crown handled it… but if you trace it back to its source, you were the catalyst, weren’t you?”
(How did you…)
In the ice-blue gaze fixed on Will, I sensed a distinct murderous intent, much different from what I’d felt just moments ago, and I instinctively stepped forward.
Lucian
“…What are you doing? Do you intend to act as a human shield?”
Neema
“Yes, that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
Neema
“If you intend harm Will, you will have to go through me first.”
Lucien
“…”
His ice-blue eyes blinked slowly.
Lucian
“I see. You’re a pawn that may actually prove useful.”
Neema
“Huh…”
Just as I thought I had seen a smile touch his expressionless lips, I felt a firm hand pull me back by the shoulder.
William
“I can’t let that kind of insult slide.”
Neema
“…Will?”
William
“She’s a knight who is protecting me of her own free will.”
William
“Calling her a ‘pawn’ is an affront to her will.”
Lucian
“……”
William
“Come here, Neema.”
(Will……)
Will is the type to laugh off teasing and snide remarks and respond with sarcasm.
(But… this time he is actually standing up for me head-on.)
(……All for my sake)
A warmth ignited deep within my chest and spread throughout my entire body.
The “special” feeling Will gave me grew more intense day by day, to the point where, at times, I felt like I might drown in it.
And so, intoxicated by that sweetness, I failed to realize the true meaning behind the words “a pawn that might prove useful.”
I heard a song.
A sweet, sweet voice, that seemed to carefully weave together a sense of longing and tenderness, tinged ever so slightly with a premonition of farewell.
The pleasant sensation of fingers gently combing through my hair roused me from a light slumber.
William
“O lieb, O lieb, so lang du lieben kannst…”
(…Ah, there it is again.)
(Will is singing “that song” again…)
“O love, as long as love you can! O love, as long as love you may!”
“The hour will come, the hour will come, When you will stand at the grave and mourn!”
This song that urges us to devote ourselves fully to love since we are destined to be parted by death… is sung on mornings when Will wakes before I do, his voice a low, husky whisper.
William
"Wo du an Gräbern stehst und klagst…"
William
"Ah, you're awake?"
As I stirred, the singing faded away, as if swallowed by the morning light.
William
"Good morning, Neema."
His crimson eyes gazed at me with such tenderness.
Neema
"I wonder why it is…"
Neema
"Whenever I hear that song of yours… it makes me want to cry."
As I murmured this in a half-dreaming state, Will gently stroked the area around my eyes.
William
"…The reason for that, perhaps…"
William
"…might be the same reason I feel like singing it whenever I look at you while you sleep."
If life were a single piece of music, which movement would we find ourselves in now?
While waiting for the final bar line to draw near, the love I hold for Will has grown overwhelmingly deep.
And surely… his love for me has, too.
It is because that immense love cries out that my heart aches so. Even knowing that a parting is inevitable, I find myself brought to tears wishing to keep on loving each other.
(…I suppose I'm getting a bit too sentimental this early in the morning.)
Neema
"I think you've noticed, but… I've been practicing that song."
Neema
"I want to play a duet with you, Will."
Pulling myself together, I revealed my secret; Will lowered his gaze and gave a slight shrug.
William
"Ah, I know."
William
"I’ve been kept waiting in suspense for months, wondering when you’d finally ask me."
Neema
"Hehe, I’m sorry."
Neema
"I’ve finally reached the point where I can play the piece all the way through… so, would you mind practicing the duet with me today?"
William
"Of course. I’d be delighted."
William
"It’s still early to get up. I’ll bring you some morning tea, you should rest a little longer."
Lucien Morsandre knew the truth behind the series of simultaneous assassinations.
Although that information had been shared within Crown, given the uncertainty regarding Libra's true intentions, there was no choice but to remain vigilant for the time being.
There had been no major incidents since the judgment of the copycat killer, and my anxiety from that night when a "destiny of ruin" had seemed to loom before me had largely faded away.
William
"Here is your Earl Grey tea, my lady."
Neema
"Thank you."
William
"Were you looking at the newspaper? That’s a publisher I don’t recognize… 'The London Vigilance'?"
Neema
“That’s right. It’s an up-and-coming newspaper that’s been increasing its circulation lately.”
Neema
“Guess who the editor-in-chief is?”
William
“Brian Bennett?”
Neema
“Huh? You knew!?”
William
“I could tell just by the look of delight on your face.”
He planted a quick kiss on my lips, and I instinctively touched my cheek, realizing it had gone soft with a smile.
William
“You’re still a fan of Brian’s, aren’t you?”
Neema
“Yes, since the person I love also recommends him as a ‘principled man of action’… mmm.”
"Yes, he’s a man of action with a strong sense of justice, the kind of person the one I love admires, too… Mm."
As I smiled, our lips meet again. He took the teacup from my hand and gently pushed me down onto the pillows.
Neema
“…Will?”
William
“I don’t mind that you’re a fan of his, but—”
William
“I don't like the idea of you swooning over another man in my bed."
I sensed a flicker of intense heat deep within Will’s eyes, which were smiling playfully, and my heart throbbed with a sweet ache.
(Will’s playful jealousy……)
(When did the seriousness start to mix in…?)
Every time I sense Will’s desire, my body craves it endlessly and grows wet. As if he’d seen right through my anticipation, his fingers intertwined with mine, pinning me to the bed.
Neema
“Mmm… Will…”
William
“Hmm?”
Neema
“You said we were going to practice the piano duet today…”
William
“Ah… It seems my duet partner wants to delay the start time back by an hour or two.”
William
“…I wonder how I should respond?”
Neema
“…‘I’d be happy to do that,’…”
William
“…That’s good.”
A soft sigh escaped Will’s lips, tickling mine, and the boundaries of our skin seemed to blur, melting into the morning light.
(…I’m so happy…)
(If only moments like this could last forever…)
We were eating a late brunch in bed and practicing a piano duet, our fingers occasionally intertwining as if the music were just an extension of our playful intimacy— when we were both summoned by Roger.
Neema
"Huh? Harrison, too?"
Harrison
"Yeah. I finally finished proofreading and was planning to head to the café to try their new item, too."
Roger
"Victor insisted we needed you as well. If you’ve got any complaints, take them up with him."
Victor
"Sorry, Harry!"
Harrison
"Whoa… Hey, don’t hug me!"
Side-eyeing the lively pair, Roger handed a stack of documents to Will.
(An incident report… or rather, it looks more like a medical record.)
Neema
"Roger, what is that?"
Roger
"The reason I called you here. See for yourself."
William
"Medical records from the Royal Hospital? What in the world…"
After taking the documents from Roger, Will became speechless, something that rarely occurred.
(Will…?)
Seeing the look on his face, I felt a chill run deep in the pit of my stomach, and I gasped.
The last time I’d seen Will wear an expression like that was during the incident involving the "Golden Butterfly."
(Marquis Avarus, who had been trying to resurrect the "Butterfly," was supposed to have been brought to justice by Will.)
(There hadn't been any activity related to the "Butterfly" since then…)
Roger
"Over the past few days, members of the House of Lords have been rushed to the Royal Hospital one after another."
Roger
"All of them suffering from… diacetylmorphine poisoning."
Rosher
"Every single one is addicted to 'diacetylmorphine'…"
Neema
"……!"
Emaciated Boy
"Gaaah!!"
Emaciated Boy
"Hand it over! We're the ones who made it, surely a little bit is fine!"
Director
"Hey! Take them away!"
Neema
"…What… is this?"
William
"'Diacetylmorphine'…… A drug that the 'Golden Butterfly' is having produced and using for political means."
William
"It's a devil's drug that destroys both mind and body."
Victor
"Given that the targets are exclusively members of the House of Lords, we suspect this may be the work of the unapprehended suspects from the recent assassination attempt on high-ranking officials."
Neema
"But… surely only a limited number of people know how to manufacture that drug."
Victor
"Exactly. The most likely candidates are… associates of the 'Golden Butterfly'."
Harrison
"So you're saying associates of the 'Butterfly' were involved in the plot by that copycat of Will's?"
Victor
“It’s just a guess at the moment, but it is not impossible.”
Victor
“If the ‘Butterfly’ is involved, I think it’s a case that should be entrusted to Will.”
Victor
“That’s why I wanted to tell you first.”
William
“Ah, thank you. I will take the lead on this matter.”
William
“So, Harrison”
Harrison
“Hm?”
William
"Could you lend me the letters and intelligence you seized from that copycat's mansion?"
Harrison
"…You noticed?"
(…Did Harrison have something like that?)
(I didn't notice anything when we searched the mansion together.)
William
"I want to identify everyone involved in the incident, cross-reference them with the list of those already arrested, and narrow down the suspects still at large."
William
"After that, you can do whatever you like with the materials."
Harrison
"…You know, it's a real mystery just how much you actually know."
William
"I'm the same as you. I only know what I know."
Harrison
"Good grief…"
Harrison
"I've already got the list of people involved in the incident ready, so I'll go fetch it."
Neema
"Why is Harrison…?"
(We were supposed to leave the arrests of anyone other than the ringleader to the Yard…)
Harrison
"…To use as a bargaining chip against the bad guys."
Harrison
“Is that a lie? Or is it the truth?”
With a typical casual wave of his hand, Harrison left the room.
I realized a long time ago that he has secrets he keeps even from Crown.
(But no matter what those secrets are… Harrison is on Crown's side.)
That is the truth I have seen with my own eyes and felt in my heart. So, there is no need for me to pry.
(Still, though…)
Neema
"If someone connected to the 'Butterfly' is making a move again… they certainly are fearless."
Neema
"To not even flinch after witnessing the ruin of their own associates…"
William
"…Yes."
William
"Even at the risk of their own life…"
William
"…There must be something they desperately want to achieve."
William
"Neema, it's dark underfoot. Here, take my hand."
Neema
"Thank you."
I take the hand he extends and leap over a puddle. The port at night was filled with the scent of salty tide, much stronger than during the day. The shadows where the streetlights did not shine were submerged in a blue-black darkness as deep as the sea.
Harrison
"One, two, three… So, this is the warehouse we're after?"
Liam
"Doesn't a warehouse district at night get you a little excited?"
Harrison
"I can't say I agree with that at all."
Neema
"I sort of get it. There's a thrill to the sense of danger, you know?"
Liam
"Right? That's our Neema, she totally gets it."
William
"My cat and my robin both love a thrill, after all."
Harrison
"A couple of adrenaline junkies…"
William
"Neema, do you have your knife?"
Neema
"Of course. I made sure to sharpen it before coming."
Neema
"After all, we're infiltrating enemy territory."
After cross-referencing the documents Harrison provided with the list of arrests released by the police, one figure emerged: a man known as "Rat."
Before the copycat killer was killed by Will, he had received “butterfly scales" from "Rat" at the harbor and was ordered to guard it. The "butterfly scales" was the powder used by the Golden Butterfly… in other words, almost certainly diacetylmorphine. And "Rat" was supposed to be hiding in this warehouse.
(Rat himself is likely just a low-level errand boy who doesn't even know the drug's source.)
(Still, if he's been entrusted with managing the drugs, he ought to know something about the people involved.)
Above all, we can't just leave such a dangerous drug lying around. Gathering information from "Rat" and recovering the drugs is our mission tonight.
William
“Harrison.”
Harrison
“I’ll keep watch on the rear.”
William
“Thanks. Liam, Neema, let’s go. It is time to search the warehouse.”
Neema
"Yes, Will."
Liam
"Gotcha!"
Shortly after the search began, Liam, who had climbed the towering stack of wooden crates with cat-like agility, called out.
Liam
"Will! Neema!"
Neema
"Liam, did you find something?!"
Liam
"Yeah. I think… this is the jackpot."
Liam lifted a pale pink colored apothecary bottle from the top-most crate and held it up for us to see. It appeared to be filled with a fine, loose powder.
Liam
"The crates around here are packed tight with the same bottles."
(Packed tight… in crates that huge…?)
Neema
"…That’s far more than what would be needed just to frame a few nobles."
William
"Yes… you are right."
William
"That’s enough to bring down an entire nation."
A cold shiver ran down my spine at the terrifying thought.
Just then, Liam suddenly spoke up.
Liam
"Huh…?"
Neema
"……? Liam, what is it?"
Liam
"No… wait… hmm, maybe…"
Liam
"Will, Neema… there's an envelope tucked between the bottles."
Liam
"It's empty inside, but this seal…"
Liam
"It might be the crest of the House of Marquis Avarus."
Neema
"Huh…?"
William
"…"
("Avarus"?)
That was the name of the person who had instigated the revival of the "Golden Butterfly", the very person William had condemned.
(That can't be… but… he is supposed to be dead—)
William
"That looks like important evidence, too. Liam, take the envelope and the bottle of powder to the carriage first."
Liam
"Mhm… got it."
Neema
"The quantity is much more than we anticipated. How should we go about collecting the rest?"
William
"I'll arrange for my men to handle it starting tomorrow."
It was then that a loud voice rang out.
???
"Who's there?!"
--
Notes:
Ahh don't let Darius hear you singing in German, Will! 😰 Lucien is such a mystery to me, I am so excited to learn more about what makes him tick and how his voice actually sounds. For now I'm just making him a bit formal and stiff, but as more comes out about him I might go back and edit his speech style. I just spent 5 hours on an airplane and got the next chapter done, so that'll be out later tonight too!
*Fan translation for funsies! IP owned by Cybird, translations are my own and may be inaccurate. See About page for more info.*
WARNING: Spoilers for sequel not yet released on global server, graphic violence
[Master List]
Neema
“I’ll take the orangettes, a cranberry cupcake, and… some strawberry jam, please.”
Sweets Shop Employee
“Thanks for coming in. Just a moment, please.”
It had been a few days since the series of simultaneous assassination attempts. I decided to go to Leadenhall Market to do some shopping and pick up some treats for the members of Crown who were still busy continuing the investigation.
(Usually, this area would be bustling with life, but…)
Despite the sunny weather, the crowd was sparse and the atmosphere felt dark and somber.
Sweets Shop Employee
“Here you go.”
Neema
“Thank you. Um… why are there so few people out today?”
Sweets Shop Employee
“Ah… well, you know, that…”
The employee gave a sharp nod toward where several uniformed officers carrying batons were glaring at people passing by.
Sweets Shop Employee
“Ever since that assassination incident, the police have been really strict, you know.”
Sweets Shop Employee
“Everyone’s on edge and afraid they’ll be suspected of something minor and hauled off.”
Sweets Shop Employee
“The other day, a student who lives on that corner was dragged away after someone accused him of having ‘dangerous ideas.’”
(……So things have come to that.)
The freedoms of British citizens are under threat.
I felt it firsthand and swallowed my bitter feelings. The fact that a copycat of Will, who loves freedom more than anything, was involved in the incident that triggered this only added to the bitterness.
(We have to solve this case quickly and make the streets safe again.)
If the investigation stalls and days like this become the norm…
Contrary to my growing impatience, the whereabouts of the “copycat” and the full details of the case shortly thereafter came to light.
On a quiet corner lined with mansions belonging to the wealthy.
Pale-Skinned Man
“Ah, damn it… With surveillance this tight, I can’t make my next move, can I?”
The man punched the bed with his fist, then turned his gaze to the newspaper clippings covering the entire wall.
Pale-Skinned Man
“Ha… Even in a situation like this, you can continue to pass judgment without the slightest hesitation, can’t you?”
Pale-Skinned Man
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. This has only just begun.”
Pale-Skinned Man
“Once the commotion calms down, I’ll be able to show you even more magnificent results.”
His expression was elated, as if he were speaking to a god.
But that look vanished from his face in an instant due to a sudden visitor who emerged from the darkness.
William
“Good evening. It’s a lovely night, isn’t it?”
Harrison
"Whoa… the whole wall is covered in articles about the 'Queen of Hearts'."
Liam
"It's completely packed… I wonder how far back the oldest one goes?"
Pale-Skinned Man
"Who are you? You don't look like robbers."
(So this is Will’s copycat…)
The series of assassinations targeting high-ranking government officials turned out to be the work of an organization, not a lone wolf. It began as a small gathering of citizens rallying under the banner of "Freedom for the People," but a central figure instilled his violent plan in the minds of those gathered, escalating it into a massive incident.
That central figure is this man right here, the "Queen of Hearts" copycat.
(I'm glad we found the mastermind before another incident could spark a war.)
Even though it was an organized crime, the connections between the low-level perpetrators were weak. If we could bring the mastermind to justice, there shouldn't be another incident.
Pale-Skinned Man
"Did you come here to negotiate because you're afraid I'll kill you?"
William
"…Is that statement a confession that you are the culprit behind the incidents that have been causing such a disturbance lately?"
Pale-Skinned Man
"Ha! You broke into this house because you already know that, don’t you?”
Pale-Skinned Man
"You don't look like the police trying to arrest me. So that must make you nobles terrified I might kill you."
Harrison
"Haven’t you considered that you might be the one in danger of being killed in retaliation?"
Pale-Skinned Man
"Ah, that is a possibility. In that case, I'll just have to silence you with this."
The man flashed the pistol tucked in his coat but didn't draw it. Instead, he jerked his chin toward me.
Pale-Skinned Man
"It’s hard to imagine someone would bring a woman along to a killing. That’s why I concluded this was a negotiation."
William
"Such splendid insight. And the same goes for the skill you’ve shown in filling the national headlines."
Pale-Skinned Man
"I may have fallen from grace, but I’m still a former member of the House of Representatives. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t underestimate me."
Pale-Skinned Man
"Even a disgraced former noble submitted to me and became an instrument for my plans."
(A disgraced former noble…?)
(That information wasn't in the investigative files.)
I took a mental note of this to include in the report.
William
"You were a man of great promise, handpicked for office and regarded as a future leader…"
William
"…Why cause an incident like this?"
In response to Will's question, the man began to speak in a somewhat self-righteous manner.
How he had lost a political struggle and been stripped of his position.
How he had lived a life of bitter frustration.
Then, how the "Queen of Hearts" had assassinated the very political rival who had driven him to such a state.
How that event had led him to pledge his loyalty to the Queen.
Pale-Skinned Man
"While investigating the Queen of Hearts’ incidents, I realized something."
Pale-Skinned Man
"That every one of the Queen's assassinations…"
Pale-skinned man
“…were carried out ‘for the sake of the people’s freedom.’”
Pale-Skinned Man
"That’s why I devised a plan to kill off that layer of rotten politicians and gather my allies."
Pale-Skinned Man
"It is all for the sake of the Queen's noble ideals!"
As the man spoke with his arms spread wide, his tone grew more and more heated…
…while an opposing chill grew deep within my chest.
Neema
"…What do you think of London as it is now?"
Pale-Skinned Man
"London? As it is now?"
Pale-Skinned Man
”The police sniffing around like the government’s dogs has become troublesome for me.”
Neema
“…Then you’re not truly acting in the Queen’s best interests.”
Neema
“If you truly upheld the Queen’s ideals,”
Neema
“Then you couldn’t possibly look at the streets of London stripped of freedom without feeling pain in your heart.”
Pale-Skinned Man
“…Huh?”
Perhaps taken aback by the unexpected objection, a vein bulged at the man’s temple.
Without flinching, he glared and then Will took a step forward, standing directly in front of the man.
William
“I agree with her.”
William
“Among the victims were lawmakers who had been actively working to expand civil rights.”
William
“If it were truly ‘for the sake of citizens’ freedom,’ they wouldn’t have been targeted.”
William
“Looking at the victims of this incident, the only thing they have in common is that they’re members of the House of Lords.”
William
“For something done ‘for the sake of citizens’ freedom,’ the selection seems like rather sloppy work.”
Pale-Skinned Man
“……”
William
“There’s no need to hide your desires.”
William
“This is your revenge, isn’t it? You’re just taking advantage of the Queen’s ideals.”
Pale-Skinned Man
“What the hell do you lot know!”
William
“I understand.”
William
“You had your own anguish, your own choices, and your own sense of justice, didn’t you?”
William
“If there’s one thing I do know,”
William
“It's that your sense of justice is an evil I cannot forgive.”
Noticing that William’s tone had turned cold as ice, the man reached into his coat. But—,
William
“Don’t move.”
With those single words, the man froze in place as if nailed to a cross.
Pale-Skinned Man
“Huh!? W-what…what is this…?”
William
“Your guesses weren’t entirely off the mark after all.”
William
“The ‘Queen of Hearts’ loves freedom.”
William
“It’s just that class and status mean nothing to the Queen.”
William
“No matter who one is, one should be free to become one’s own master.”
William
“And anyone who violates that for their own selfish gain is an unforgivable evil in the eyes of the Queen.”
Whispering as if singing, Will opened a drawer in the dresser in the room.
William
“A paper knife, is it? It probably won’t cut very well, but unfortunately, this is the only blade I can find.”
Pale-Skinned Man
“Huh…? Huh…?”
William
“Even if I left you alone, the police would soon solve this case and bring you to justice.”
William
“But staging a ‘gruesome death’ to prevent copycat criminals like you from emerging again…”
William
“Don’t you think that’s the duty of the ‘Queen of Hearts’ who created you?”
The man’s eyes widened in fear as he was forced to hold the knife.
Pale-Skinned Man
“Ah, ah, ah… You, you, you’re…?”
William
“Nice to meet you. And unfortunately, this is goodbye.”
William
“'Slit your throat— as slowly as possible.'”
The man’s trembling hand raised the knife and pressed it against his own neck.
Pale-Skinned Man
“H-huh…!? N-no, I don’t want to…”
Pale-Skinned Man
“I… I… I did this… for you…”
Pale-Skinned Man
“It’s your fault! I ended up like this because of you…!”
(……)
William
“…Yes, I suppose so.”
My heart twinged with pain at the curse he spat out and at Will’s failure to deny it.
Will’s self-righteous condemnation had given birth to an evil he never intended—that was a fact.
Pale-Skinned Man
“It’s your fault! Yours, yours… Guh, aaaah!!”
“Destroyed by his own self-righteousness…”
The fate awaiting Will flashed through my mind for an instant, and I tightly hugged him from behind.
William
“…..Neema?”
(If you’re going to say this whole thing is Will’s fault)
(Then I want my hands to be stained with the same sin.)
Neema
“No matter what happens, as long as you’re you,”
Neema
“I’ll always be on your side, Will.”
Neema
“Even if it means turning the whole world against us, that won’t change.”
William
“…Ah.”
William
“Thank you, Neema.”
As usual, the condemnation came to a vivid close.
Yet, a single drop of unease rippled through my heart before melting away.
William
"Victor… you’re still awake."
Victor
"I heard from Harrison that your skillful workmanship was brilliant again tonight, Will."
Stepping out of my room into the hallway in the dead of night, I found Victor standing against the backdrop of a night sky heavy with rain clouds.
Victor
"Has Neema gone to sleep?"
William
"Yes. Just a little while ago."
Even after we returned to the castle, Neema had clung to me like a child and would not let go. As I soothed her with kisses and stroked her hair again and again, the warmth that had grown heavy in my arms eventually drifted off to sleep in my bed.
William
"She seemed pained by the copycat and the condemnation carried out against him."
Victor
"It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you look so grim after a judgment."
William
"Do I look that grim?"
Victor
"Enough for only me to notice."
A wry smile escaped me at his knowing grin.
William
"I was thinking about the first friend I ever let die."
Victor
"You mean the one who played the piano so well?"
William
"Yes. Driven by my own desires, I took his hand and plotted childishly to set him free."
William
"However, that ended up being the trigger that robbed him of his freedom forever… creating a tragedy I never wanted."
William
"Just like with the copycat tonight."
I heard the sound of raindrops tapping against the window and soon the patter of rain, like the sound of applause, enveloped the silence of the night.
William
"When I heard about my fate from you, I realized something."
William
"The more I live life on my own terms, the more those unwanted tragedies will repeat themselves."
Victor
"…Will."
I turned to face Victor, who called my name with a look of concern.
William
"Rest assured. I will continue to be a villain that passes judgment on evil."
William
"If that gives rise to a new evil, then I’ll wring its neck with my own hands."
William
"No matter what kind of punishment the sins I’ve piled up might bring…"
William
"I am prepared to accept the suffering that comes with that punishment."
William
"I have been from the very moment I decided to fall into evil."
Victor blinked, then held up his hands and shook his head.
Victor
"My apologies. That was an unnecessary concern on my part."
William
"Ah. Besides, I’ve got…"
William
"A knight by my side who’ll stay with me even if the whole world turns against me."
Neema
“Fuaaahh…”
Elbert
"Neema… did you not get enough sleep?"
Alfons
"Did William keep you up in bed all night?"
Neema
"N-no! Will stayed out last night…"
A few days after the "Night of Judgment, the police identified the man who had "committed suicide" as the mastermind behind the series of incidents, and the newspapers reported the case closed with the suspect dead. The other perpetrators were captured one after another, the police lifted their high-alert status, and the chaos surrounding the assassination attempts began to subside.
(London’s streets have regained their usual liveliness, too… I’m so relieved.)
Neema
"I was trying to finish the report on this case, so I ended up staying up late."
Elbert
"…I see."
Alfons
"You’re as serious as ever, aren't you?"
(That was a bit of a lie, though.)
Ever since that night I found it hard to be away from Will, so every night I’d sleep cuddling him in his bed. But last night, Will had gone away to attend to some business in his territory overnight…
Having grown so accustomed to the warmth of his skin, I found I couldn't sleep alone.
(Part of it was loneliness, of course…)
But, that day, It was as if I had heard the footsteps of fate approaching, and there was no doubt that feeling was also a major reason why I so desperately wanted to be with him.
(…I wish he'd come home soon.)
As I sat there in a daze, poking at my breakfast omelet, I caught a glimpse of silver hair swaying in the corner of my vision.
William
"Don’t poke that so much. It looks like you’re about to turn that omelet into scrambled eggs."
Neema
"Will!"
William
"I'm home, Neema."
Will had just returned home, removed his black leather gloves and handed them to a maid, then walked toward me.
(Did he come to see me the moment he got back?)
Alfons
"You really ought to give her a kiss, William."
Neema
"Huh!?"
Elbert
"It seems she missed you so much while you were away that she stayed up all night."
Neema
"Huh? Lord Elbert, how did you know that…?"
Alfons
"Anyone would notice when someone wears their longing so plainly on their face."
(Was it that obvious…?)
William
"I see. So you couldn't sleep because you missed me?"
Neema
"…Yes."
I missed him.
That feeling was too overwhelming to hide behind mere embarrassment, so I simply gave a small, honest nod.
William
"…"
Neema
"…Will?"
William
"And yet, it was only a single night."
Will gently stroked my cheek with the back of his fingers, his eyes narrowing with a look of longing.
William
"…Me too."
Neema
"Huh…?"
William
"I also felt lonely sleeping in a bed without you."
(Oh… my…)
Will’s voice was husky and sweet, more than enough to make me believe that he loved me just as deeply as I loved him.
(What do I do…? My face feels so hot.)
The loneliness had vanished, replaced by a heart overflowing with happiness.
Neema
"If you say things like that, I’m going to cling to your side all day long…"
William
"Go ahead, as much as you like."
William
"I was actually planning to ask you out on a date anyway."
Will held up two tickets pinched between his index and middle fingers with a flourish.
Alfons’s teasing whistle sounded behind me, and I let out a cheer of delight and jumped up with joy.
Neema
"Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day…"
William
"You're in high spirits."
Neema
"It’s been so long since I’ve had a theater date with you, Will. It’s hard not to get excited."
I ran lightly up the stairs toward the theater, then glanced back at Will, who was walking a few paces behind.
Neema
"Will, hurry up— Eek!"
My back collided with someone, and my vision suddenly tilted.
(I'm falling…)
—but my body didn't hit the ground.
An arm wrapped around from behind, supporting me at the waist.
(…? …An arm?)
I looked back, and there stood…
Lucien
"…"
(This person is…!)
--
[Master List]
Notes:
Sorry for the delay, I went to a music festival last week and I haven't been feeling well since. I will post a master list soon and update the top with the link to make it easier to go between chapters!
Okay so I’m only on Chapter 3 of Liam’s sequel, but it seems that either William has a case of poster-boy syndrome or Liam has a case of least-voted-in-elections-itis because Liam’s chapters are significantly shorter than William’s. Like 75 lines on average shorter. ☹️
Also what is the deal with Lucien? Crown seems very close to each other, but Libra definitely does not. Is he controlling all of them? Can he see through others’ eyes when he is using his ability? Or does he have all the people in Libra just surveilling each other? How does he know things that no one else does? Does he just have Chevalier/Gilbert level strategy and people-reading skills? I honestly do not know much about his fairytale curse story. I might be reading too much into it.
The only reason things didn’t go according to his plan in William’s sequel is because he severely underestimated Kate’s willpower and their freak-for-freak relationship. He knows William killed his own father, which very few people know but I guess could be found out through his info broker Euren. But in Liam’s sequel, Zane had just returned from a mercenary job on a target that happened to also be Crown’s and ran into Liam. The story specifically points out that he didn’t tell anyone about what happened and how he saw him, yet Lucien knew?
In Will’s sequel, Kate keeps mentioning his “inorganic” eyes. Also, do windows/reflections have anything to do with his abilities? I’m pretty sure every time Kate lost her memory, she was staring at a window or something. Who even is this guy?! 😰
*Fan translation for funsies! IP owned by Cybird, translations are my own and may be inaccurate. See About page for more info.*
WARNING: Spoilers for sequel not yet released on global server, mentions of violence
[Master List]
From the back alleys dripping with rain, from the water’s surface filled with a deep darkness, from the station shrouded in steam,
Someone—
“I”— was calling out to myself.
“Come here, come here.”
“This is where I belong.”
And so I jumped— into the deep, deep, deep darkness, into your sinful arms, my beloved.
If life were a fairy tale, what exactly awaits at the end of a forbidden love?
“That concludes the account of this incident. Evil has been condemned at the hands of William Rex,”
“And I hereby record that his own sins have grown even deeper.”
“XX/XX/XXXX Fairytale Keeper Neema”
Neema
“All right… done.”
As I stopped my fingers from dancing on the typewriter and took a breath, the gentle silence of the night filled the room.
(…Ah)
That faint stillness was broken by the “tap, tap” of hard soles striking the floor, elegant and composed.
The moment the sound reached my ears, my heart leapt and I jumped to my feet. My hand reached for the doorknob at the same exact time as the knock sounded on the door.
Neema
“Come on in, Will.”
William
“…”
William
“I forgot to muffle my footsteps again.”
Neema
“Hehe, soon I’ll be able to open the door before you even knock.”
As I joked, the owner of those beloved footsteps wrapped his arms around my waist and gently kissed my forehead.
William
“I miss that first night when you were so stubborn about keeping the door shut, pretending to be asleep.”
Neema
“Huh!? W-Wait, how did you know I was trying to pretend to be asleep!?”
William
“Ahaha, so that’s how it was after all.”
Neema
“Ah…!?”
(He got me……!)
William
“I’m glad your body was honest about its hunger.”
Neema
“…Please, just forget about it….”
Will tenderly traced my ears, now flushed with embarrassment, and smiled.
My beloved William is today, as always, the Self-Righteous Monarch.
Gentle, dangerous, free, selfish, and enigmatic.
Even now that I’ve become his “special” one, I still long for him every single day.
William
“Is tonight’s report finished?”
Neema
“Of course, it’s excellent!”
Returning to my chair, I straightened the documents I had written with a quick tap, and held them up to show him.
Will rested his hand on the back of my chair and peered down at my work.
William
“Your work is as thorough as ever.”
William
“Victor told me that the bookshelves are already filled with three more rows of the reports you’ve written.”
Neema
“Has it already come to that?”
The reports to Her Majesty record in full detail the crimes he has committed. Many seasons have passed since I decided to live in this world of darkness as a Fairytale Keeper for the rest of my life.
During that time, the countless reports I’ve written are also the crystallization of my love.
There is nothing more sinful than taking a human life.
As Will himself once said, a sin is nothing more than a sin.
But Will, who values freedom above all else, condemns those who trample on it as evil, and passes self-righteous judgments—
I love him from the bottom of my heart.
I deeply desire to protect him from the punishment that will eventually befall him for the sins that he commits.
(Because that is what my heart cries out for— it is, for me, a “good thing.”)
If punishment is ever handed out for our sins, the final page of the report will record the outcome.
After all, a fairy tale only has a happy ending when evil is brought to justice.
(The story I’ve written will come to an end with a sad conclusion.)
(Just as he wishes… becoming the “spoonful of poison” that rebukes evil.)
That is the future we desire, and until that end comes to claim us, loving each other as our hearts desire is my… our wish right now.
William
“There’s certainly enough evidence for me to be remembered as a ruthless and wicked villain.”
William
“My thanks to the excellent secretary who continues to produce such flawless reports.”
His soft lips brushed ever so lightly against my cheek. That alone ignited a heat deep within my body, and the tenderness of his love set my heart ablaze.
Neema
“Come to think of it, my ‘personal records’ have grown quite a bit, too.”
William
“Hmm?”
—Yes, there is another story I have been writing.
When I showed him the bookshelf I had set up in my room, Will pulled out one of the books.
William
“Is this the latest? …Oh, it's an article about Elgar's concert.. I thought I'd become famous someday.''
This is a record of the people Will has pushed forward.
The businessmen, artists, and activists that Will supported during the "Mad Tea Party," as well as the victims who were rescued by Will, treated in a special ward to then fly free, occasionally appearing in newspapers to let us know about their successes.
From an article praising a young scholar who made great achievements in flood-control projects, to a flyer commemorating the opening of a shop opened by a boy rescued from a human trafficking ring, this is like a scrapbook of the achievements of those whom William has supported and helped.
It is just as thick as the reports of his evil deeds.
William
“If there are more records like this one, it would be a little troublesome for me as someone who is destined to be destroyed as an evil villain.”
Neema
“Well, that can’t be helped. There are more people Will has saved than there are people he has killed.”
Neema
“And besides, this story won’t cloud your ‘evil.’”
Neema
"After all, I’m the only one who knows that the common thread connecting these articles is William Rex."
I walk over to Will's side and run my fingers along the spines of the scrapbooks lined up on the shelf.
Neema
"I want to keep a careful record of it all."
Neema
"Not of the ‘wicked, self-righteous monarch,' but of the man I love entirely, Will."
William
"…"
Neema
“I-I mean, no matter what, even if Will says not to, I’ll keep doing it… okay?”
William
"…"
Neema
"Uh… is it really a no, then?"
William
"No?"
William
"I was just thinking how adorable you are trying to love every single part of me, just like always."
Neema
"W-wha… nn…!"
Those lips that had just sung words of love to me now gently press against mine.
As he slowly pulled away, Will’s fingertips toyed with my ear, now flushed with heat, as if he could see right through to my very heart.
Neema
“…You’re teasing me, aren't you?”
William
“Your lover has made a hobby of seeing your troubled face.”
(…Oh, come on.)
Even the way he shrugs his shoulders without a hint of guilt makes me find him so endearing. I guess I’ll never be able to compete with him, no matter how hard I try.
William
“I’ll put the records of your love back safely.”
Just as Will was about to put the book away, several envelopes tucked inside fluttered to the floor.
William
“……Ah.”
Will looked at the sender’s address on the letters and narrowed his eyes happily.
William
“This is more of a record of ‘you,’ isn’t it?”
They were letters that occasionally arrived from an orphanage, chronicling the healthy life of a certain young girl…
Neema
“Could you at least let this child be taken to the hospital?”
William
“…”
Neema
“……If I were to head to the hospital on my own, you’d have no choice but to come after me, right?”
Neema
“Since you all have been given the mission by Her Majesty to watch over me.”
William
“Trying to play games and bargain with us…”
William
“That takes a lot of courage, doesn’t it Neema?
At the almshouse where drugs for ‘Golden Butterfly’ were being manufactured, that little girl I lifted up with my own two arms,
After recovering in Will’s special ward, she’s now studying hard every day in a place she chose herself.”
William
“Neema is kind. Very different from me, who lets go once someone flies off freely.”
Neema
“That’s not true. This is my own selfish desire.”
Neema
“Because she was the first person I was able to reach out to… I just want to see her through to the very end.”
Neema
“So that the will that has taken root in her won’t be crushed again.”
William
“So, that is one of the reasons you have been researching “Foundling Hospital” orphanage lately.”
(…So, you did notice.)
Neema
“As always, you can see right through me.”
William
"About that matter… why don't we talk about it properly later?"
Will’s fingertips slipped gently against my ear, then softly through my hair.
That single gesture told me exactly what he meant, and a flush of heat spread across my ears.
Neema
"…In your room, Will?"
William
"…If that’s what you want."
I pressed my forehead silently against his broad chest, trying to hide the look of desire on my face. A soft, affectionate chuckle from Will rained down onto the back of my head like sugar slowly heated until it melts into an intoxicatingly sweet syrup.
After a night of being teased relentlessly and loved more deeply than ever before…
William
"…So, may I ask why you were looking into the orphanage?"
As I rested my flushed cheek against Will’s chest, soaked in the languid afterglow, he nuzzled the tip of his nose against the back of my head and asked the question in a secretive whisper.
Neema
"…I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. About people… after we save them."
I took Will’s hand and interlaced my fingers with his.
It is the poor and vulnerable who often fall victim to the harsh realities of the underworld.
Workhouses exist to provide a place for such people to live and work. However, these institutions are heavily characterized by the "punishment of idleness" and "forced labor." They even operate under the "principle of less eligibility," deliberately keeping living standards inside the facility lower than those of the lowest-paid workers.
Neema
"It would be a tragedy if the seeds of freedom Will planted were to wither away, wouldn't it?"
William
"…"
Neema
"So while I was researching this, I learned about 'foundling hospitals' or children’s homes."
The orphanages already existing in London are facilities for children abandoned by their parents. They guarantee food, clothing, and shelter, and provide education and vocational training rather than punishment to help the children support themselves.
Neema
"The current orphanages only offer training for a limited number of professions, though."
Neema
"I’ve been thinking it would be wonderful to have an orphanage that offers a wider range of choices."
Neema
"A place that supports children in choosing their own paths based on their own free will."
(I don't know what I alone can actually do.)
(But… I just can’t help but try to do something.)
I’m not the person I used to be, someone who silenced my inner voice and turned a blind eye.
William
“Well then, let’s build one. Your own orphanage.”
Neema
“Huh!?”
William
“I’ll come up with a few options from among the land and estates I own that might work.”
William
“You should go inspect the sites in person and choose a place you like.”
William
“As for funding, we’ll get it from the Rex family… and it might be a good idea to raise funds through the ‘Mad Tea Party’ as well. We’ll need staff, after all.”
Neema
“W-wait a minute…”
Things were moving along so smoothly that I panicked and sat up abruptly.
Neema
“I mean, I can’t just decide to build one out of the blue like that.”
William
“Is that a problem?”
As my eyes looked up at him bewildered, Will met my gaze with a smile as gentle as a spring rain.
(Oh……)
Those unwavering eyes ignite a warmth deep within my heart.
(That’s right… Will was always this kind of person.)
William
"You love me so deeply, so surely you understand."
William
"Do you think it's possible to expect me to just sit still after hearing something like that?"
He lays my desires bare, takes my hand, and gives me the push I need to take that first step forward.
(That’s exactly why I…)
(I adore you, I want to love you,)
(and I want to be loved by you… more than anything.)
I throw myself once more into Will’s open arms.
Neema
"…hehe"
William
"Hmm?"
Neema
"Oh, nothing. I was just wondering… how much more you’ll make me fall for you before you’re satisfied.”
William
"About that…"
William
"I feel the same way about you, Neema."
Our lips meet again.
The warmth of his palm against my back, the sound of his calm breathing, the scent of roses enveloping us both.
A day will come when I can no longer feel any of this.
(The day I lose my life fighting against Will's fate…)
That is exactly why my heart cries out.
I want to share this love with him right now, in this very moment.
I want to spread my wings and follow my desires freely by his side…
Neema
“An assassination of a high-ranking official?”
One day, after we’d set a date to visit a potential site for the orphanage and had been counting down the days in anticipation,
One morning, while I was eagerly counting down the days until the scheduled site visit to the potential location for the orphanage, shocking news was served alongside breakfast at the dining table.
Victor
“A few days ago, a member of the House of Nobles was found dead at his home.”
Victor
“Apparently, the body was found with what looked like a self-inflicted slit throat.”
(A slit throat…?)
Harrison
“The police haven’t made an official announcement yet, but it’s already in the papers. I wonder where the leak came from.”
Harrison
“Since the circumstances of the death are similar, people are speculating it might be the work of the ‘Queen of Hearts.’”
Liam
“But it’s not Will’s doing, is it?”
Harrison
“Yeah. It’s been cleverly staged to look like a suicide, but based on the wound and the condition of the crime scene, it’s clearly a homicide.”
Elbert
“‘Cleverly staged’ means, in other words…”
Neema
“The culprit is… a copycat of Will’s?”
William
“Either an ardent fan or an enemy trying to frame me.”
Will happily chimed in while tilting his teacup gracefully.
Because Will has accepted his fate as a villain destined for ruin, he seems to find threats to himself amusing rather than alarming.
(But……)
Neema
“Whether they’re a fan or an enemy, I find it unpleasant that they are exploiting Will’s villainy to commit evil for their own gain.”
Roger
“Haha, so there’s a passionate fan here too, huh?”
Liam
“Neema's love for Will is getting more intense by the day, it seems.”
Victor
“Hm? Is this the ‘Love Will’ Championship? Maybe I should throw my hat in the ring too?”
Alfons
“Sorry to interrupt the fun. It seems that this copycat wasn’t acting alone after all.”
Alfons, Jude, and Ellis suddenly appeared.
Roger
“You guys stayed out all night again?”
Jude
“Don’t ya lump me in with this guy, I was actually getting work done.”
Alfons
“That’s rude. You make it sound like I wasn't working, too.”
Elbert
“Huh? So you came home late this morning because you were working too, Al?”
Alfons
“Aha! No way! Is there a problem with spending my usual night out?”
Neema
“What do you mean the copycat killer wasn’t acting alone?”
Ellis
“Ah… well, it seems the assassination of a high-ranking official in the early hours of the morning wasn’t the only incident.”
Jude spread out a memo compiling several investigative files on the dining table.
Neema
“…Jude, how did you get your hands on these?”
Jude
“It’s a method you ain’t gotta know about.”
Ellis
“We saw the police station was in chaos on our way back from a raid, so we just quickly went in and grabbed some intel.”
Alfons
“I happened to be passing by on the street and skillfully distracted the security guards for them.”
(As always, Crown’s intelligence capabilities are impressive.)
According to the memo, assassinations of high-profile figures had apparently occurred simultaneously in multiple locations. The victims were all government officials, including members of parliament and diplomats. Some victims were killed, while others survived the attempts.
Jude
"The worst part is that a French goodwill ambassador was among the victims."
Jude
"Good thing it was just an attempt, but if they’d died it wouldn't be surprising if war broke out."
(War…)
It might sound like an exaggeration, but Jude is right.
History has proven that the actions of just one person can cause great chaos.
William
"…"
William glanced down at the list of victims and the newspaper article featuring the words "Queen of Hearts," then quietly curled the corners of his mouth into a smile.
William
"It is safe to say that this is a situation Her Majesty would find deeply concerning."
William
"As members of Crown, we cannot overlook this… right, Victor?"
Victor
"Yes, precisely."
Victor
"Fighting evil with evil, this is a job for Crown."
William
"I'm counting on you this time, too, Neema."
Neema
"Yes, leave it to me."
Neema
"As your knight, I will protect you… and document your evil deeds."
Little did I know at the time that this incident would cause the balance of England, and my own world, to crumble apart completely.
In a room filled with a gray silence, only the sound of turning pages echoes.
Lucien
"…"
The man seated in front of the fireplace mantel, Lucien Morsandre, gazed emotionlessly over the documents.
Euren
"That’s all for the report. The police security was so lax this time it was almost too easy~"
Sitting impolitely on the edge of the table, Euren, the man who handed over the documents, glanced at the major newspapers spread out covering the events of the last few days.
Euren
"Ooh what’s this~ 'Who is the Queen of Hearts?', 'Ally of the citizens? Or a deranged killer?'"
Euren
"'The full story behind the string of VIP assassinations,' 'Who’s the next target?'"
Euren
"Aha~… quite the uproar, isn't it?"
With every sway of his upper body, the flashy chinoiserie-style ornaments he wore jingled.
Glancing at him sideways and clicking his tongue in annoyance, Zane, a man with a strong, rugged physique, turned his gaze toward Lucien.
Zane
"…So, are we killing him?"
Euren
"Shall I go and check out the situation for you~?"
Lucien
"…No need. I'll handle it."
Zane
"Huh?"
Euren
"Oh Lord Lucien will!? That's rare~…"
In Lucien's hand, the flame at the tip of the match lit the edge of the papers, spreading rapidly. Thrown into the fireplace, the documents are burnt to ash.
Lucien
"All those who are cursed are destined for ruin."
Lucien
"It is merely a question of whether it comes sooner or later."
Lucien
"…Let us bring the curtain down on this fairy tale."
If life were a fairy tale…
What awaits at the end of a forbidden love?
A tragedy filled with pain and despair?
Or a happy ending where love redeems evil?
The answer can only be known by experiencing it with my own eyes, ears, and skin…
Following the voice of my heart, I dive deep, deep into this darkness.
--
[Master List]
Notes:
Wooow the sequel is shorter than the main story, but the chapters are very full! The writing is truly so beautiful, I'm really taking my time with it and hoping to convey everything it says. I got confused with the "principle of less eligibility", so I did some research and it turns out it is a real British Victorian era social principle from the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834. The idea is to deter people from crime or relying on government assistance by making the living conditions for those on government aid worse than the conditions of the poorest independent working people. She learned this from her research into the London Foundling Hospital, which was not really a hospital (though they did treat illnesses) but more of one of the first true orphanages in England in the 1700's.
Anyway, I hope to post one chapter a day but we'll see. This one took a while. I'll be adding in more images later!
I just finished Will's sequel and ooooh my goodness it was so good! The new "sinful heart" affinity points is different. There are different values to the choices (+8, +10 and maybe one lower than 8) and it seems you can get a maximum of 100 by the end, so I'm not sure if there is any reward for getting all of them "correct" since you just need 100 to get the lovely opportunity to buy the special story. 10 hearts is the highest and has the character voiceline to show this. The walkthrough below has the options for the +10 choices. I hope this helps!
As usual, his top answers are most aligned with Kate expressing her desire and what makes her happy/what she most wants, and with protecting Will.
*Fan translation for funsies! IP owned by Cybird, translations are my own and may be inaccurate. See About page for more info.*
WARNING: NSFW 18+ only, MDNI
[Prologue | Victor | William | Ring]
Ring
"About that rumor Victor told us earlier… um, it sounds… interesting, doesn't it?"
It was after we had finished the mission and were getting ready for bed that Ring-kun hesitantly brought it up.
(The “rumor” is that coin-toss game where the winner becomes the King or Queen, right?)
(Could it be that he wants to play…?)
Neema
"Shall we try it together?"
Ring
"Is that okay!?"
Leaning towards Ring-kun, I clenched the coin tightly.
(I've never played a game like this either, but…)
(If it's something Ring-kun is interested in, I, as his lover, have to go along!)
Neema
"Yes, let's do it, playing King and Queen…!"
As a result of the game, the golden coin showed the tails I had called.
Ring
"Then from now on I'll be absolutely obedient to you."
Ring
"Whatever you wish is my command, My Queen."
In a swift motion, Ring dropped to one knee, took my hand in his, and pressed a gentle kiss to the back of it.
(Knightly Ring-kun… so cool…)
Ring
"It's okay. I train, so I’m confident in my stability.”
Neema
“Well, um, I don’t know, but I don’t think it’s like that!”
Ring
“…So how is it?”
Neema
“What if we make it so that if you follow my orders and protect me you get a reward, and if you can’t, you get punished. Something like that!?”
Ring
“If you say so, then I’ll follow. I will obey you absolutely.”
(Hmm, a reward… Ah, that’s it!)
I took out a lollipop that was handed out at the ball from my pocket.
Neema
“If you're a good boy, I'll let you taste this.''
Ring
“I see… you sound just like a queen.''
Neema
“You really think so?”
Ring
“So what do I have to do to be a ‘good boy’?”
Neema
“Um… you should use honorific language.”
Ring
"Understood, Your Majesty."
Neema
"And… hold my hand."
Ring
"With pleasure."
Ring stepped forward obediently and clasped my hand firmly.
A gentle warmth spread deep within my chest, bringing a sense of calm.
Neema
"…Hehe"
(I can’t believe Ring-kun is listening to absolutely everything I say… It’s kind of cute.)
(I wonder what would happen if I ordered him to disobey my orders?)
A touch of mischief stirred within me as I looked at Ring, who was waiting obediently for the next command like a loyal dog.
Neema
"Alright, here is your next order."
Ring
"Wh-what is it?"
Neema
"Ignore every order I give from this moment on."
Ring
"…?"
Neema
"You have to do the exact opposite of what I tell you."
Ring
"I see…?"
Ring still didn't seem to quite understand it, so I gave him a command despite feeling a flutter of nervousness.
Neema
"Don't touch me, don't hug me, and don't kiss me."
Ring
"…!"
It seemed Ring finally understood my intent…
He pulled me into his strong arms, and our lips met in a passionate kiss.
Neema
"Mmm…"
Ring
"Is this… right, Your Majesty?"
Neema
"Mmm… yes, that's right."
The moment I nodded, our lips met again… and Ring-kun's hands began to caress my body.
He kneaded my breasts through my sheer nightdress, and a slow, rising heat began to pool deep within my stomach.
Ring
"…"
Ring-kun stared intently at my reaction, and I felt as though his gaze was devouring me.
Ring
"What about this? Do you… not want me to do this?"
Neema
"Ah… mmph."
He held my nipple between his fingers, rolling and rubbing it back and forth.
Neema
"No, not that… please, stop…"
Ring
"If you’re saying that… then that actually means you want more, right? Damn… I’m so confused…"
Neema
"Aah!"
He squeezed down hard and I felt a wet, melting pleasure between my thighs.
As if savoring the sensation, his fingers played with my breasts for a while before Ring-kun slowly reached his hand down there.
Ring
"Can I… touch here, too?"
Neema
"……No. You shouldn’t touch it… and your fingers… you shouldn’t put them inside."
Ring
"Ngh…Understood."
Neema
"Ah… ha… mm…"
Following my order to “disobey”, Ring's hand pushed its way between my legs.
After he caressed my wetness with his whole palm, his fingertips began to roll over my sensitive nub.
A sweet, throbbing pleasure built up within me, but without a decisive touch… he left me feeling increasingly frustrated and desperate.
Neema
"Ring…ngh, that's enough there…ah…!"
Ring
"!"
I found myself pleading instinctively, completely forgetting that I had ordered him to "defy" me.
Rin
"I get it. 'Touch here more,' right…?"
Neema
"Huh? Ah, no, wait… Aah…!"
Ring
“So you really like this spot here. I’ve learned something good.”
Ring-kun began to bully it with delight. His wet fingertips slid back and forth, tapping it lightly. His teasing fingertips kept searching for my reactions, letting that frustrating kind of pleasure swell even more.
Neema
“No, wait, I don’t mean that…”
Ring
“Oh, ‘don’t wait.’ I’ll just have to be patient and hold off entering you until you cum here first.”
I tried to deny it in a panic, but seeing Ring-kun’s eyes shining happily, I couldn’t bring myself to say, “Put it in already”…
Ring
“Leave it to me, my Queen.”
And so, I as the Queen ended up being taught a whole new kind of pleasure by my guard dog, Ring-kun.
--
Notes:
Damn, Ring got that dog in him for real...
Finally got this one posted! This is all I'm planning to do for this event, but if you want to read any of the other characters, please let me know and I'll see if I have them!
