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Alice in the Country of Hearts (Heart no Kuni no Alice), Part 2 - Heart Castle Route

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=================== HEART CASTLE ============================ ________________________________________________________________

Alice: {てくてくと歩いていくと、お城のような場所に着いた.}

[After walking for quite a while, I could finally see a building in the distance.]

{"すごい……。お城のような...} ["Amazing... It's like a castle...]

...

{……お城だよね."} [... That actually is a castle, isn't it?"]

{お城のような場所とかいう話ではない。見事に、お城だ。} [Not just any castle. A magnificent one.]

{唖然としてしまう。夢の中だということは、} [I'm awestruck. As if to further prove that this is undeniably a dream, this] {ここは姉の学んでいた心理学等の世界なのだ。} [scene looks just like the one my sister had described from that psychology book.]

{心の中の世界……。自分の中にこんなメルヘンな部分があったとは……。} [This is a world built from my own desires... And there's a fairy tale castle in it...]

"...

{うわあ..."} [Yikes..."]

{城を見て赤面するという、端から見るとわけの分からない反応をしてしまう。} [My face goes red with embarrassment. Such a gaudy building seems incomprehensible to have come from my mind.]

{こう……アダルトな夢のほうがまだ恥ずかしくなかったかもしれない。} [Even a more... adult dream would have been less embarrassing than this.]

{性別によらず、私の年でそういう夢をみるのは正常だ} [At my age, that kind of thing is far more normal] {（と、保健の授業でやっていた）。} [(at least, if my health sciences class is to be believed).]

{関心・興味のあるお年頃だし、そっち方面なら甘酸っぱい気持ちで納得} [My teachers say this is an age of "interest, curiosity, and coming to terms with ] {できた。むしろ、こういう夢のほうが問題だ。} [bittersweet emotions". So it's dreams like this seem questionable.]

{昔書いてとうに忘れていた作文や絵を貼り出されている気分。} [This feels more like a drawing I might have done when I was young, and long since forgotten about.]

{見たくない。恥ずかしすぎる。} [I don't even want to look at it. It's humiliating.]

{（私がメルヘン好きだったなんて……）} [(Who knew I had such a deep love of fairy tales...)]

{（このピラピラした服も、実は好きなんだったりして……）} [(Maybe I've actually secretly loved these frilly clothes all along...)]

(...)

{（……うわあ）} [(... Wow.)]

{赤くなった顔が、今度は青ざめる。} [My red face drains of colour at that thought.]

{この、少女趣味な服装は私の好みではない。} [There's no way these childish outfits are to my tastes.]

{……と、自分では思っていた。} [... Or so I thought.]

{姉の趣味だ。これは私の趣味ではない、と。} [These are to my elder sister's liking. Not mine.]

{いい家の娘ならば} [If I were the daughter of a wealthy family,] {この年齢で着ていてもおかしくないデザインだが、ピラピラしすぎている。} [it wouldn't be strange to wear things with these fluttery designs.]

{私は、もっとシンプルな服のほうが好きだ。} [But I prefer simpler outfits, myself.]

{姉はこういう服を着ると喜ぶが、私自身は年を重ねるごとに} [My sister is always delighted to put on things like this,] {恥ずかしくなってきた。似合うかどうかもあるだろうが、好みもある。} [but I get more ashamed to wear them every year.]

{姉が誉めてくれたように、けして似合わないわけではないと思う。} [She praises me when I wear them, but I don't think they suit me at all.] {しかし、趣味じゃない。} [It's just not my taste.]

{(...でも、お城を夢みるようなら、} [(... But, if you see a castle like this in your dreams,] {自分に対する認識を改めたほうがいいかもしれない.)} [your bound to reevaluate what you thought of yourself.)]

{（趣味じゃないと思っていた服も、こうして夢の中でまで身に着けているし...)} [(On top of that, if these clothes really weren't to my tastes, then why am I still wearing them in this imaginary world...?)]

{これで、お城の中に金髪碧眼の王子様でも待っていたらどうしよう。} [What if there's a handsome prince waiting for me in that castle, with blonde hair] {その上、白馬になんか乗っていたら……} [and blue eyes... riding a white horse, or something...]

{（……ウザすぎる）} [(... That would be too much.)]

{（頭から、落馬してしまえ……）} [(I'd have to rip him off the horse...)]

{白馬の王子。それだけはないと信じたい。} [Prince Charming. I don't want to believe there's someone like that in there.]

{そんなメルヘンなものが深層心理から現れたら、} [If that's the kind of thing that manifests in my psyche, then everything I knew] {これまで信じてきた自分像が、がらがらと音をたてて崩れてしまう。} [about myself would be destroyed. I can already imagine the sound it would make as it shattered.]

{怖いもの見たさというか、一種の意地のようなチャレンジャー精神で、} [As if it were a challenge to prove myself wrong,] {城のほうへ向かった。} [I headed towards the castle with a fire in my eyes.]

{面倒臭がりの私としては、画期的な行動だ。} [It should be noted that this was a revolutionary behaviour, coming from someone as unmotivated as myself.]

{なにしろ、見るからに城は遠い。遠目に見ても明らかなのだから、} [Regardless, the castle is still extremely far away. That's clear, even from this] {実際に歩けば途方もないだろう。} [distance. It's still going to be an absurd amount of walking to get there.]

{広大な庭を突っ切らねばならず、更に城は丘の上にある。} [The castle is situated at the top of a massive hill, and before that, there's a vast garden maze to cross.]

{時計塔を下りるだけで死にそうになったのに,} [Even though I practically died from descending that Clocktower,] {チャレンジャーすぎる行動といえる.} [my body was powered by determination.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{"……無謀だった."} ["... This was a terrible idea."]

{城は、やはり遠かった。歩いても歩いても近付かない。} [The castle is still so far. I walked and walked, and I'm nowhere near it.]

{近付いてはいるのだろうが、見た目には遥か彼方、遠くのままだ。} [I have to wonder if I'm really getting any closer at all. As it is, it still feels miles away.]

{そもそも、城へ行き着くまでの庭が広大だ。さすが私の夢、甘くない。} [Even just the garden on the way to the castle is massive on it's own. As expected, my dream wasn't going to go easy on me.]

{先程下りてきた塔といい、やたらと運動をさせてくれる世界だ。} [Apparently, coming down that tower wasn't enough physical exertion to satisfy] {最近、運動不足気味だという警告なのだろうか。} [this world. Now that I think of it, maybe this dream is really just telling me I need more exercise.]

{"……ん？"} ["... Hn?"]

Peter: {"……あれ?"} ["... Huh?"]

Alice: "...

!!!!!"

Peter: {"アリス!"} ["Ah! Alice!"]

Alice: {"ペーター！！！あんた……!!!"} ["Peter!!! You-...!!!]

{これは夢だ。だが、夢だとしてもこいつだけは許せない。} [This is a dream. But even in a dream, this man is unforgivable.]

{白馬に乗った王子様以上に撲殺したい.} [I didn't want to find a Prince Charming here, but this is so much worse.] {アダルトな夢でも,こいつとだけは御免.} [I'm tempted to just beat him to death right now. Thank God this wasn't a mature dream after all, because I would just feel sorry for myself then.]

Peter: {"なんだ、もう我慢できなくなったんですか?"} ["What on Earth are you doing here? Has your patience already run out, my dear?"]

Alice: {私の冷たい視線など気にせず、ペーターはにこにこ笑う。} [Without noticing my icy glare, Peter just smiled brightly.]

{"我慢できないって..."} ["My patience...?"]

Peter: {"僕と離れ難いのなら、最初からそう言ってくれればいいのに.} ["If it hurt you so to be apart, you should have told me from the start.]

{やっぱり、僕のことが必要なんでしょう？} [As expected, you need me near.] {もうちょっと素直になってくれれば、僕だって..."} [If you could only be more honest, I would--"]

Alice: {バキッ！！！} [Wham!!!]

{"……何か雑音が聞こえたわ."} ["... I thought I heard something, but I must have been mistaken."]

{思い切り、殴り付ける。本当に……我慢ならない男だ。} [I struck him with all my heart. I genuinely have no tolerance for this man.]

Peter: {"……っ……た〜〜〜……} ["... Oh... owww~~~...]

Nngh...

Tch...

{……ふっ."} [... Hm~."]

Alice: "...?"

{ペーターはしばらく苦しんでいたものの、やがて痛みに歪んだ表情を戻し、} [Peter only seemed to suffer for a moment, before his expression of pain twisted] {薄く笑った。前に殴ったときと、反応が違う。} [into a thin smile. This isn't the same kind of reaction he gave the last time I hit him.]

Peter: {"……ふふふっ."} ["... Hmhmhmhm~."]

Alice: {"……な、なに？打ち所が悪かった?"} ["... Wh-What happened? Did I knock something loose?"]

{（不気味……）} [(This is unsettling...)]

Peter: {"分かっていますよ、アリス..."} ["My apologies Alice, I see now..."]

Alice: {言葉通り、得心顔で何度も頷くペーター。} [As he said this, he began lightly nodding his head over and over, as if he was satisfied with his own conclusion.]

{何を分かっているというのか。本気で、不気味だ。} [What is it that he thinks he sees? This isn't giving me a good feeling.]

{"何が..."} ["What are you-..."]

Peter: {"僕の理解が足りなかったということです。} ["I'd like to apologize for my earlier understanding. Or should I say, lack thereof.] {これが、あなたの愛情表現なんですよね?"} [But now I know the truth of the matter. That this is how you show your love!"]

Alice: "Nng...

{……はあ?"} [... Whaa--?"]

{素っ頓狂な声を上げてしまう。} [My voice raised in confusion.]

{理解が足りないどころではない。} [It's not that I don't understand what he said.] {このウサギの言うことは、到底理解の及ぶ範疇を超えていた。} [It's that this rabbit's words are beyond comprehension.]

{しかしペーターは、気にする様子もなく話し続ける。} [However, Peter can't read the situation, and continues his rambling.]

Peter: {"勤勉な僕といえども、外界の知識には疎い。バッチリ勉強し直しておきました.} ["I'm an educated man, but there is knowledge that I lack. I must further studies on your world. There are secrets I've yet to crack.]

{知識不足ゆえ、あなたの歪んだ愛情表現を受け止め切れなかったとは……} [Poorly informed as I was, how could I have known of your twisted affection?...} {僕の不徳のいたすところです."} [I am unworthy of your love, and ashamed by my prior objection."]

Alice: "...

{病院に行くべきだわ。そして、入院して一生出てこないほうがいい."} [You should see a doctor. It may be better if you just stay hospitalized for a while. Maybe for life."]

Peter: {"愛情表現にも、いろんな形がある。} ["There are many ways to show you care. No need to be shy.] {あなたは、ちょっとばかりアブノーマル嗜好な照れ屋さんなんですよね."} [Your abnormality's a minor quirk. I won't bat an eye."]

Alice: "...

{て、照れ屋さんですって……？恐ろしいことを言わないでよ."} [S-Shy...? Don't say something so off-putting."]

{ぞわわわわっと、背筋が寒くなる。} [Brrrr, a shiver runs down my spine.]

{ちょうど、自分の感性に疑いを持ち始めていたところだ。} [At that point, my own refuting seemed weak.] {疑惑が強まりそうなことを言わないでほしい。} [I think that only strengthened his resolve. I wish I hadn't said anything.]

{「照れ屋さん」なんていう恐ろしい単語と自分を結び付けたくなかった。} [I just can't stand the thought that he'd put my name beside the term "shy".]

{"それに、アブノーマルって何よ。私はいたってノーマルだわ.} ["Besides, what's "abnormal" about me? I'm completely normal.]

{あんたみたいな変質者と一緒にしないで."} [Don't lump me in with a deviant like you."]

{睨んでも堪えないことは、すでに分かっている。} [I couldn't help but glare at him.] {しかし,分かっていたからといってこの男を前にして睨まずにいられるだろうか.} [With a man like this, I can't take my eyes off him for a second.]

{無駄だと分かっていても、睨んでしまう。} [It may be futile, but I still have to do it.]

{そして、やっぱりペーターには堪える様子がない. 何を言っても無駄なようだ.} [Though, Peter doesn't seem affected at all. No matter what I say, it's useless. He won't hear it.]

Peter: {"僕は真面目なウサギです。} ["I'm a straightforward rabbit, as I've already said.] {真面目すぎて、そっち方面での愛情を理解しきれなかった."} [But I was clearly too straightforward, and your inclinations were misread."]

Alice: {"…………。そっち方面って、どっち方面よ."} ["... My inclinations? What do you mean by inclinations?"]

Peter: {"え？エスかエムかでいうと、エスだという方面で..."} ["Hm? If I were to guess, you would be an S..."]

Alice: {ペーターは、微笑む。} [Peter smiles again.]

{相変わらずどこか裏がありそうな……、「にこにこ」という表現ではなく} [But as usual, there's something more to his expression... It's not what you'd call] {「にまにま」とか「にやにや」とかいう表現が適しそうな笑顔だ。} [a friendly smile, it's more like a self-satisfied smirk, or a smug grin.]

{（エスかエムですって……！？どっちでもないわよ！？）} [(An S...!? I'm no such thing!)]

{発言内容と合わせ、気が遠くなりそうになる。} [Considering the implications of his words, I feel lightheaded.]

Peter: {"でも,一つ問題が持ち上がっているんですよね.それも,かなり重大な問題が..."} ["But now there's one more issue I must raise. A dire matter, I must confess..."]

Alice: {"……持ち上がっている問題は一つどころじゃないわ."} ["... No. I don't want to hear it, no matter what this dire matter is."]

{これも、おそらく言っても無駄。} [I say, knowing full-well that it's not going to stop him.]

Peter: {"残念なことに、エスかエムかでいうと、僕もエスの方面なんです。} ["When speaking in terms of M and S, I too am the latter.] {困りましたね、これじゃ成立しない."} [And that concerns me, since it means that our arrangement could be shattered."]

Alice: {"成立しなくて結構よ！ナニを成立させる気なの、この変質者...!"} ["There is no 'arrangement', thank you very much! What kind of connection do you think I have with you, pervert!?"]

Peter: {"何って……。……言わせる気ですか？} ["What kind...? ... You want me to say it?]

{ああ……、そういう趣向ですもんね.} [Ah hah~... so that's your aim.]

{う〜ん、属性が同じっていうのもなんだか楽しいですね。} [Mmhm~, it could be fun after all if our traits are the same.] {僕って、案外とそっち方面でもいけるかも..."} [Who knows? I may even end up being quite good at this game."]

Alice: {"勝手に、どこへでもいってなさい。……顔を近付けないでよ.} ["Feel free to go play that game by yourself... And keep your face away from me.]

{どいて。私、お城へ向かうの."} [You're evil. Leave me alone. I'm heading to that castle."]

{そこまで城へ行くことに固執していたわけではない。} [I'm not even that insistent on getting to the castle anymore.] {どちらかというと、途中で諦めようかと考えていたところだ。} [Maybe I'll find a nice place to give up on the way. Either-or.]

{しかし、今はいい逃げ口上に思える。} [But for now, I think it's a good excuse to get out of here.]

Peter: {"だから、僕に会いに来てくれたんでしょう?} ["So you really did come just for me?]

{城なら、僕の領土です。} [Since, that castle is my home, you see. And if you're tired,] {滞在してくれてもいいし……、そうだ、僕の部屋で暮らしましょう.} [there's no need to stray... since my room can be shared during your stay.]

{お城で、僕とずっと一緒に暮らすんです。} [Plus, I'm always on the castle grounds, each day of the year.] {あなたは、どこにも行かなければいいんです。僕もどこにも行きませんから.} [So if you chose to move out here for good, you can always keep me near.]

{ねえ、いい案だと思いません?"} [So what do you say, Alice? Is my proposal music to your ear?"]

Alice: {ペーターの顔が近い。文句の付け所がない美形だ。} [Peter's face is close. Still, I can't find any point to complain about as far as looks.]

{言っている台詞はやばいストーカーか変質者にしか聞こえないが、} [Every word he says is that of a degenerate stalker,] {メルヘンなフィルターを通せば甘く聞こえないこともない。} [but if I force it through a fairy tale filter, it sounds almost sweet.]

{"…………。まさか……"} ["... No way..."]

Peter: {"はい?"} ["Yes?"]

Alice: {"まさか、あんたが王子様なんじゃないでしょうね?"} ["There's no way... Are you actually a prince?"]

Peter: {"……王子様?} ["... A prince?]

{いいえ？権力はありますけど、僕は王子などではなくて..."} [Where did you get such a thought? I may have power, but a prince I am not..."]

Alice: {"……なんだ。王子ならよかったのに."} ["... Huh. That's a shame. I would've like it if you were a prince."]

Peter: {"なんです、王子なんかが好みなんですか?"} ["Is a prince the type of man you'd prefer?"]

Alice: {"落馬させてやれたのにって話よ."} ["I was just looking forward to pulling you down off your horse."]

Peter: "Hnn???"

Alice: {"なんでもないわ。こっちの話."} ["Don't worry about it. It's not important."]

{意味が分からないという顔に、溜飲が下がる。} [I felt some satisfaction as he looked at me in confusion.] {私なんて、この夢を見始めてから意味が分からないことだらけだ。} [That was the same look I must have had when I first came into this dream.]

Peter: "Mh...

{王子様なんてものがお好みとはね。女の子らしいことだ."} [If a princely type will sate your hunger, your tastes suit a girl much younger."]

Alice: {言葉は優しいが、声は冷たい。見下すような話し方。} [His tone is gentle, but his words are sharp. He speaks as if he's looking down on me.]

{"王子様が好きなわけじゃないわよ."} ["Princes aren't to my tastes at all."]

{一応は断りを入れておくが、話を聞いてくれることは期待していない。} [It came out sounding more or less like an excuse, but I don't expect him to] {予想通り、ペーターは聞いてくれない。} [hear anything I said anyway. And, unsurprisingly, he ignores me.]

{聞いていないというより、聞く気がないのだろう。} [It's not that he can't hear, I think he simply doesn't care to hear.] {大きなお耳は、自分に都合のいいことしか聞こえないらしい。} [Those huge ears only pick up on what's convenient for him.]

Peter: {"でも、いいですよ。あなたのためなら、僕は女王も裏切ります.} ["But I don't mind. If it's for you, even my Queen's allegiance will swing.]

{……あ、でも、そうしたら王になってしまいますけど。} [... Ah-, but that wouldn't turn out quite right. For then I would become King."] {それくらいの些細な違いなら、いいですよね?"} [Would you still be fine with that? It's such a trivial thing."]

Alice: {ぴょこっとウサギ耳が動いたが、可愛らしくもなんともなかった。} [His rabbit ears bounced expectantly, but it wasn't cute at all.]

Peter: {"嬉しいですか？ねえ、アリス、僕を好きになってきました?"} ["Well, Alice? Does that plan fill you will glee? If I can deliver, will you come to love me?"]

Alice: {先刻とは別の意味で、ぞぞっとする。} [Just like earlier, I shudder. But, more intensely this time.]

Peter: {"ねえ、早く僕を好きになってくださいよ."} ["I hope you're going to change your tune. It would be such a blessing if you'd love me soon."]

Alice: {"だれが、あんたなんか……} ["Who would ever--...]

{ちょ……顔が近……"} [H-Hey... Back up a bit..."]

{顔がどんどん近付いてくる。} [His face drew steadily closer and closer.] {押し返そうとしたが,手を握られ,うまく力を入れられないようにもっていかれる.} [When I tried to push him away, he took my hands in his, and held them there with force.]

{（なに、コイツ……。結構……）} [(What's with this guy... He's--...)]

{"……っつ……"} ["... Hhn--..."]

{キスされる。} [Going to kiss me.]

CHOICE {何もしない.} [Do nothing.] (Peter +1)

OR

{もう一度殴ろうとする.} [Hit him again.] (=) ==================== FIRST CHOICE ============================ Alice: {"～～～～っ."} ["Gh~~~~."]

{身が竦んだ.} [My body feels paralyzed.] {もう一度先刻のように殴ってやろうかと思うが,なぜか手が出ない.} [I want to clench my hands into fists to punch him, but my hands aren't moving.]

{手は握り込まれているが抵抗くらいはできるはずなのに、なぜか。} [It's not because he's holding me so tightly I can't move. I should be able to resist,] {段々と、この顔が迫ることにも慣れてしまったのだろうか。} [so why aren't I moving? Have I just accepted that this is going to happen, regardless?]

{（いやいや。まさか、そんな）} [(No, no! I would never let that happen.)]

{こんな変態ウサギになど慣れたくない。} [I can't just "get used" to the actions of such a perverted rabbit.] {しかし抵抗しなかったのは、彼の気をよくしてしまったようだ。} [And now, my lack of resistance seems to have encouraged him.]

Peter: {"今度は殴ろうとしないんですね、アリス。ふふ……っ."} ["Alice, what a welcome sight. So you've decided not to fight? Hmhm~..."]

Alice: {"……っ!"} ["... Ngh!"]

{息が触れるほどの距離で囁かれる。このままでは、また……。} [I could feel his breath on my face as he whispered the words. At this rate, he's going to--...] ================== SECOND CHOICE =========================== Alice: {"～～～～っ."} ["Gh~~~~."]

{身が竦んだ。もう一度先刻のように殴ってやろうと、両手に力を込める.} [My body feels paralyzed. Both of my hands clench into fists, preparing to punch him again.]

{握り込まれてしまっているが、ぐいぐいと動かし、拘束を解こうとする。} [Even though he was gripping me tightly, I kept struggling to free myself.]

Peter: {"ふ……、駄目ですよ、アリス。僕だって、そう何度も大人しくは殴られません"} ["Hm~... Now now, Alice, try to be good. I've been meekly accepting your abuse far more than I should."]

Alice: {"この……っ!"} ["This is--... Ng!"]

{息が触れるほどの距離で勝ち誇ったように囁かれる。このままでは、また...} [I could feel his breath on my face as he whispered the words with elation. At this rate, he's going to--...] ============================================================= "..."

* Peter steps back

{……と、覚悟を決めて目を閉じようとしたとき、ペーターはぱっと離れた。} [... I had closed my eyes, bracing myself. But suddenly, I felt Peter's hands release.]

Peter: "..."

Alice: {（……？何だか分からないけど、助かった？）} [(...? I don't quite understand, but, he's letting me go?)]

Peter: {"……何の用です？伝令ですか?"} ["... Another message? What is it this time? You should know that interrupting me is practically crime."]

Soldier 2: {"……はっ。お邪魔をして申し訳ありません、ホワイト卿."} ["... Hup. I apologize for the intrusion, Lord White.]

Alice: {私は接近に気付かなかったが、近くに兵士が立っていた。} [I hadn't noticed him approach, but a soldier was standing right behind me.]

Peter: {"まったくです。邪魔なのは明らかなんですから遠慮してもらえません?"} ["Of course you do. You're aware you're a pain. So then, why don't you simply take this chance to refrain?"]

Soldier 2: {"女王陛下がお呼びなのです。すぐ謁見室に来るようにとのご命令で..."} ["Her Majesty the Queen has requested your presence. It's an order, sir. You have to come to the Audience Chamber immediately..."]

Peter: "...

{はあ……。ご命令とあらば、仕方ありませんね...} [Haa... These meaningless orders feel like a tether...]

{せっかくいいところだったのに。すみません、アリス。僕は行かなくては."} [I'm sorry Alice, I must go. But I'm so glad we could share this precious time together."]

Alice: {"ちっともすまなくなんかないわ。ばんばん行って来てちょうだい。} ["No need to apologize. It sounds like you're awfully busy.] {戻ってこないでね."} [Don't even worry about having to come back."]

{いいところだったのはペーターだけで、私としては危機一髪だった。} [Peter is the only one who thought this had been a pleasant interaction. From] {中断させてくれた兵士に感謝する.} [my side, it was more of a close call. I'm thankful for the soldier's interruption.]

Peter: {"あなたって、本当に照れ屋なんですね."} ["You really are too kind, Alice."]

* Peter approaches and gives her a small kiss

Alice: {ペーターは、置きみやげとでもいうように頬にキスをする。} [Peter kissed my cheek as if he was leaving a parting gift.] {ちゅっという音に、再びぞっとした.} [The sound of it made me shudder again.]

Soldier 2: {"ホワイト卿、お急ぎください. 大幅な遅刻に、女王陛下は大層お怒りで..."} ["Lord White, we should make haste. If you're late again, Her Majesty will be furious..."]

Peter: {"なんです、急かさないでください。三時という約束だったはずですよ?"} ["I've no reason to rush, so you can stop with your plea. I know perfectly well that our meeting is at 3."]

Soldier 2: {"もう四回ほど、三時を過ぎています."} ["It's already passed 3 o'clock 4 times."]

Peter: {"約束してから昼の三時は四回くらいきたかもしれないですが、} ["It may be true that 3 o'clock has passed, but all 4 were afternoon.] {夜の三時はまだきていない。夜に間に合えばいいでしょうに.} [That's 15:00, if I'm not mistaken. We'll meet at the first 3 under the moon.]

{僕はきちんと時間を守っているのに、いつも遅刻魔とか酷い言われようだ...} [I'm always exactly on time, you see, so I can't understand why you always impugn..."]

Alice: {しれっと言い切るペーター。分かっていて言っている顔だ。} [Peter is nonchalant. His expression says that he doesn't think he's in the wrong.]

{"あんたって最悪。どこが真面目なのよ."} ["You're the worst. I thought you said you were a serious rabbit?"]

Peter: {"アリス、拗ねないでください。男たる者、仕事があるんです。} ["My darling Alice, you must be so upset I can't stay.] {僕は真面目なウサギだから、上司の呼び出しには逆らえない.} [But as a man, and a serious rabbit, my boss is someone I cannot disobey.

{この城にいくらでも滞在していいですから、後で又会いましょう.} [If you choose to linger in the castle, it would be a welcome treat. Then, after I return again, once more we can meet."]

Alice: {"もう会いたくない。} ["I don't want to see you again.] {あんたがいない内に帰るから、安心して仕事に励みなさい."} [I plan to get home without your help, so you can just focus on your job."]

Peter: {"さてさて、ところで……"} ["Right, right, there's one thing I still have to ask..."]

Alice: {やはり人の話を聞かない男だ。} [Words just pass right through a man like him.] {顔に貼りついたような微笑みを浮かべたまま、兵士に向き直る.} [Wearing the same smile as always, he turns to face the soldier.]

Peter: {"... 僕の話、聞いてしまいましたよね?"} ["... How much did you hear, as you came for this task?"]

Alice: {ペーターは、懐中時計を持ち上げた。} [Peter took out his pocket watch.]

{なぜか、兵士はひっと声をあげる。脅えたような声に、疑問符が浮かぶ。} [And for some reason, the soldier flinched. Seeing his frightened reaction raised a question mark for me.]

{ペーターは時計を持ち上げただけだ。この男が意味の分からない行動に} [All Peter did was lift up his watch. It's a behaviour that even I'm used to seeing] {出るのには慣れてきたが、時計を触るのはそうおかしな行動でもない。} [by this point. He's checked it many times in this conversation alone.]

Peter: {"この子のためなら女王も裏切ると言った部分です。聞いていたでしょう?} ["Were you present when I said that I'd betray the Queen for this girl?]

{あれ、聞かれちゃマズイお話だったんですよ.} [Because that is one rumour I can't allow to swirl.]

{反逆罪なんて言われたら面倒です。さすがに、怒られてしまいそうだ."} [I'd rather avoid the accusation of treason. It would be a pain to receive scolding for such an unnecessary reason.]

Alice: {（怒られるくらいじゃすまないと思うけど……）} [(I would think such a crime would get a bit more than a scolding, but...)]

Soldier 2: {"きっ、聞いていません……！そんな話は……"} ["I-I wasn't listening to your conversation...! I didn't hear anything...!"]

Alice: {兵士は、青くなって首を振る。彼が何をそんなに恐れているのか分からない。} [The soldier was so vehemently denying it that he looked like he was turning blue. But I still don't understand what he's so afraid of.]

{ここは、意味の分からないことだらけだ。} [Though, that could be said of so many things here.]

Peter: {"……そうですか?} ["... Is that so?]

{でも、今聞いてしまったじゃないですか。同じことですよね."} [Well, regardless, you've still heard it now. The knowledge is the same, and that I can't allow."]

* There’s a flash...

Alice: {懐中時計が光る。} [The pocket watch started to glow.]

{光っただけでなく、銃に変わった。ユリウスの工具と同じように。} [Not only glow, but transform. It became a gun, just like Julius' wrench.]

{だが、異なる銃だ。} [But, a different model of gun.]

* BANG *

{どんっと、低い音がして、兵士が倒れる。} [There was a short bang, and the soldier collapsed.] {それが銃声だとは、しばらく気付かなかった。} [It was only then that it registered that the sound had actually been a gunshot.]

{ぽかんとしている私を無視して、} [I just stared vacantly as Peter then] {ペーターは倒れた兵士に更に何発か撃ちこんだ。} [fired even more bullets into the soldier's body without even looking up.]

* Bang * Bang *

{どん、どん、と。また低い音がする。} [Bang, bang. The same low sound echoes through my ears again.]

{痙攣なのか衝撃による振動なのか、撃ちこむたびに兵士の体が跳ねた。} [The soldier's body jumps with each shot, and I can't tell whether it's caused by the impact of the bullet, or if they're only his dying spasms.]

Peter: {"……伝令、ご苦労様です."} ["... Thank you for your report."]

Alice: {動かない兵士を見下ろし、確認する。それから、私に向き合った。} [He looked down on the unmoving soldier, as if waiting for confirmation. Then, he turned back to me.]

Peter: {"驚かせました?"} ["Did that startle you, my dear? I tried to keep it short."]

Alice: {心配と期待がないまぜになった声音で尋ねられた。} [His voice was a mixture of concern and anticipation.]

{どういう答えを待っているのか、この男の気持ちなど知るはずもない。} [I don't know what kind of response to give, since I have no idea what's going] {不安がりながらも面白そうに、私の反応を待っている。} [on in this man's head. The way he's waiting for my reaction seems like he can't decide whether he's anxious or excited.]

"...

{……手品?"} [... This is a trick, right?"]

Peter: "Hn...?

{……っぷ、くく……} [... Mm... mhmhm~...]

{はっ、ははっ！違いますよ、違います、アリス.} [Ahahahaha~! Not at all, Alice! What a silly thing to say!]

{手品じゃありません。あははは."} [I would never try to deceive you that way! Ahahahahaha~."]

Alice: {"そうね、夢の世界で手品もないか。ユリウスも同じようなことをしていたから、} ["Oh, right. There wouldn't need to be "magic" in a dream world. It's just that,] {そういう手品が流行っているのかと思っただけ."} [Julius did a similar trick earlier, so I guessed it was just a common thing around here."]

Peter: {"... ユリウス."} ["... Julius."]

Alice: {ペーターは、ぴたりと笑いを止めた。} [Peter's laugh was immediately cut off.]

Peter: {"ユリウス＝モンレー?"} ["Julius Monrey?"]

Alice: {"そうよ?} ["Yes?]

{他のユリウスなんて知らないわ。} [I don't know of any other Julius. If there's another person with the same name] {同姓同名の別人でもいない限り、先刻会ったユリウスよ."} [around here, then to clarify, I'm referring to the one we spoke to earlier."]

Peter: {"ユリウス＝モンレーが銃を撃ったんですか？あの偏屈者が,あなたのために."} ["Julius shot his gun? Is that what you're trying to say? So you can even make that obstinate Clockmaker sway?"]

Alice: {"私のためってわけじゃないわ。} ["It's not like he did it for my sake or anything. I was just being a nuisance.] {門限についてうるさく騒いだから、仕方なくって感じで……"} [He probably only used it as a last resort since I was being so noisy..."]

{すすんでやったというふうには、とても見えなかった。} [It definitely didn't feel like something he wanted to do.]

Peter: {"同じこと。同じことですよっ。どう違うっていうんです.} ["Your words and mine sound exactly the same. If he really shot, then you are to blame.]

{あいつが銃を撃つって意味は……} [And for a man such as him, that fact is simply too strange...] {ああ、先刻立て続けに時間が変わったのはそういうわけだったんですね!?"} [Ah! So, was that also the reason for the sudden time change!?]

Alice: {"え……え～と?} ["Er... Huh?]

{そのせいで、遅刻しちゃったのかしら？だとしたら悪いことを……} [Is that why you were late today? If so, I am sorry about that...]

{...でも、昼四回分も遅刻しているのよね？じゃあ、私のせいってわけじゃ..."} [... But, since you were already 4 days late, don't try and blame me for the rest..."]

Peter: {"遅刻なんてどうでもいいんです！……いや、よくないか。よくないな.} ["I could care less how many days I neglect!... No, I'm upset by something I did not expect.]

{それより、アリス、ユリウスに気に入られたんですね！？酷いです."} [How dare that Julius fall for you!? He's a terrible man! Tell me it isn't true!"]

Alice: {"気に入られた？気に入られたの、あれで……} ["Fall for me? I think it's a bit much to say that all of a sudden...]

{気に入ってくれたのなら、もっと優しくしてくれればいいのに."} [If he was interested in me at all, I'd hope he would be a bit more friendly."]

Peter: {"ユリウスにしてみれば,銃を撃ってやるだけでお気に入りもお気に入りですよ!} ["If we're speaking of Julius firing a gun, you're already clearly his number one!] {余所者だからといって、過剰に優しすぎる!"} [Even with your role of Outsider in mind, he was being far too kind!"]

Alice: {"あれで優しいといえるのかどうか……} ["I don't know whether I'd call that kindness, but...]

{……何を怒っているの？ユリウスが親切にしてくれたのが羨ましいの?"} [... Is that what's got you so mad? You're just jealous that Julius actually showed me some consideration?"]

Peter: {"羨ましいわけないでしょう！悔しいんですよ！酷いです!!!"} ["There's no reason at all for me to be jealous! That pitiful man is just overzealous!!!"]

Alice: {"酷いことなんてしていないわよ。何を言っているの."} ["I don't think that's the case. What are you even talking about?"]

{会って間もない人間に旧友を取られたような感覚かとも思ったが、} [It feels strangely like a situation where the two old friends get divided by] {彼らはそんなに親しそうには見えなかった。} [a newcomer. Except, those two don't seem to be close.]

Peter: {"酷いですよ！！！浮気するなんて!"} ["And you're equally awful, I hope you're aware!!! I can't believe you would even indulge this affair!"]

Alice: "...

{……あんたと話していると、頭痛がしてくる."} [... Talking to you makes my head hurt."]

Peter: {"浮気した罪の意識ですよ."} ["That's the guilt of your fickleness that you'll have to bear."]

Alice: {……もはや、言い返す気も失せる.} [... I don't even feel like responding anymore.]

{浮気などした覚えはない。罪の意識など芽生えるわけもない。} [I have no recollection of any kind of "affair", so my conscience is clean.]

{大前提として、こいつと付き合った覚えなどないのだ。} [More importantly, I don't recall being involved with this man in any way either.]

Peter: {"あんまり浮気しないでくださいよ。} ["Please be more considerate. It makes me sick to see you cheat.] {本当は、僕以外の誰にも気に入られてほしくないんです.} [You should only wish to be with me. Can't you hear when I entreat?]

{この世界にいてもらうためなら仕方ないですけど、本当は..."} [But, if it means that you'll stay in this world, perhaps I shouldn't compete..."]

Alice: {"はあ..."} ["Hah..."]

{ペーターはその後もぶつぶつと言ったが、私は右から左に聞き流していた。} [Peter's words trail off into mumbles, but I wasn't paying attention anyways.]

Peter: {"... ……じゃ、僕はお仕事に行ってきます。ヒステリー女の相手って} ["... Well then, I should be off to work. You're so hysteric it's causing me stress.] {疲れるんですけど、浮気じゃないんで安心してくださいねっ.} [And please know that you can rest assured about your escapades.]

{僕は、あなた一筋ですからっ."} [I'll stay devoted to you nonetheless."]

* Peter runs off

Alice: {"... 戻ってこなくていいからね."} ["... Don't hurry back."]

{ペーターを見送る。} [I watch Peter head off.]

{"... 夢でも許せないくらい、いけ好かない男だわ."} ["... Even in a dream, I can't forgive a man who's this horrible."]

{地面に倒れた兵士は消えてなくならない。} [The soldier was still lying on the ground, exactly where Peter left him.] {グロテスクというほどではないが、現実味のある夢だ。} [I wouldn't go as far as to say this is some grotesque nightmare, but it's certainly a dream that presents everything as a harsh, palpable reality.]

{しばらくすると、別の兵士が現れて片付けていった。} [After a little while, some other soldiers appeared to remove the body.]

Soldier 4: {"残像が片付けに来るまで放置していたら、} ["If this is left until the Afterimage arrive,] {女王陛下がお見咎めになるかもしれない..."} [Her Majesty may place the blame on you..."]

Soldier 3: {"片付けておこう…"} ["We'll take care of it..."]

Alice: {（残像……？）} [(Afterimage...?)]

{（残像ってなんだろう……）} [(I wonder what that means...)]

{ところで、兵士達は皆帽子を被っているが、} [But besides that, all of the soldiers here have such tall hats.] {ウサギ耳はついているのかいないのか。} [Do they all have rabbit ears like Peter?]

{直接聞いてみる気にはなれないが、気になった。} [I don't feel like I should ask them directly, but I'm curious.]

(...)

{（さてと。私はどうしよう……）} [(What am I supposed to do now...?)]

CHOICE {城へ向かう.} [I should continue to the castle.] (=)

OR

{迷路の庭を散策してみる.} [I'll walk around the garden maze.] (Ace +1) ==================== FIRST CHOICE ============================ Alice: {ペーターに会って気が削がれたが、城へ向かう。} [Even though it was discouraging to run into Peter, I decide to continue on to the castle.]

{他に目的地もない。さしあたって、滞在場所を決めなくてはならなかった。} [I don't have anywhere else to go. So, at least for now, I should stay here.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{城への道も遠かった。丘の上にあるので迷うことなくたどり着けたが、} [The path up the hill to the castle is long, but at least I won't get lost. Still, even] {目的地が見えているからといって距離は縮まらない。} [though I can clearly see my destination, it doesn't appear to be getting any closer.]

{話し相手もなく、延々と坂を上る。くじけそうになるが、} [With no one to talk to, I trudge further and further up the steep hill.] {時計塔と同じく引き返すのも面倒だという理由でなんとか上りきった。} [It was disheartening, but going all the way back to the Clocktower was too much trouble, so I kept climbing.]

{(...階段も坂も大嫌い.} [(... Hills and stairs are detestable things.] {これで城に着いても階段だったりしたら,どうしてくれよう.)} [What would I even do if I have to climb another staircase inside the castle?)] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{嫌な想像まで広がり始めたところで, 上り坂は終わった. やっと城に到着する.} [Just as my imagination was spreading to such terrible thoughts, my climb was over. At last, I had arrived at the castle.]

{"すごいお城..."} ["It's incredible..."]

{いろんな意味で、「すごいお城」だ。} [Incredible in a number of ways.]

{大きく、立派なお城。きらびやかで、豪勢で……。} [This castle is grand and imposing. But also gaudy and lavish...]

{そして……、メルヘンだ。現実の城にはありえないくらい華美な装飾。} [It's like... a fairy tale. No real castle would ever have an over-the-top design like this.]

{メルヘンチックなモチーフ。} [Everything is themed.]

{ハートがいっぱい……} [There are hearts everywhere...]

{（夢の国だけあって、斬新なデザインのお城だわ）} [(Only a country of dreams would have such an unusual design for a castle.)]

{（見事なまでに……）} [(In order to be beautiful...)]

{（……機能性が度外視されている）} [(... It completely ignores any kind of functionality.)]

{ぽかんと城を見上げる。} [I stare blankly up at the castle.] {しばらく見物していても見飽きないくらい、非現実的だった。} [Yet no matter how long stared, I never got tired of looking at it. It's unbelievable.]

{自分の想像力に感心してしまう.} [I have to admire my imagination.] {私の中にこんなメルヘンな部分があったとは...} [To think that this glittering castle came out of my head...]

{驚きの連続だ。} [The surprises just keep coming.]

{（……こうしていても、仕方ないわね）} [(... I won't get anywhere like this, though.)]

{しばらく城に見惚れていたが、} [I looked at the castle for a while, but I knew that I] {突っ立っていても何も進展はないので城へ入っていく。} [wouldn't make any progress by just standing around. It was time to head in.]

{これも、現実ではありえない。咎められるとかいう以前に、} [More proof that there's no way that any of this could be real. People shouldn't] {普段ならどかどかとお城へ乗り込もうという気になどならない。} [be able to just waltz right into a castle like this without being stopped or questioned.]

{それ以前に、城に行く機会などない。} [I've never even had a chance to enter a castle before.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * She steps through the front entrance

{城内に入る。} [I'm inside.]

{城内は城内で、やはり機能性などまったく無視した構造になっていた。} [Even the castle's interior ignores any kind of functionality.]

{（この装飾には一体何の意味が……）} [(What's the point of having all of this useless decoration...?)]

{（いや、そもそも装飾に意味なんてないか……）} [(No, I'm certain there's no reason to any of it...)]

{感心しながら（半ば呆れ混じりではあるが）しばらく歩いていくと、} [After walking around in a daze of admiration (and slight disgust),] {メイドに出くわした。} [I came across some maids.]

{こんなところまで勝手に入ってきて怒られるのかと思ったら、} [I expected them to be upset that I was wandering around in here,] {彼女達は非常に丁重な対応をしてくれる。} [but the women gave me a strangely courteous reception.]

Maid A: {"ようこそ、ハートの城へ."} ["Welcome to Heart Castle."]

Maid B: {"ようこそいらっしゃいました."} ["Welcome. We're glad you're here."]

Alice: {最初から出迎える態度だ。侵入者に対する態度ではない。} [Rather than treating me like an intruder, they greet me like a guest.]

Maid A: {"宰相閣下から伺っております.} ["We were told of your arrival by His Excellency, the Prime Minister.]

{おもてなしするようにと。あなた様にはこの城に滞在していただきます."} [We will provide you whatever you require during your stay here at the Castle."]

Alice: {疑問が顔に表れていたようで、説明してくれる。しかし、意味が分からない。} [They must have seen the suspicion on my face, because they started to explain. But, I still don't understand.]

{滞在させてもらえるのは願ったりだが……。} [I was hoping to find a place to stay, but...]

{"宰相閣下?"} ["His Excellency, the Prime Minister?"]

{（誰だ、それは……。そんな偉い人に知り合いなんていないわよ）} [(Who is she talking about...? I haven't met anyone here with a title like that.)]

Maid A: {"ペーター＝ホワイト様。ホワイト卿です."} ["The Prime Minister, Mister Peter White."]

Maid B: {"宰相閣下。王族を除いては、一番の権力者ですわ."} ["His Excellency is the most powerful person in the country, outside of the royal family."]

Alice: {"ペーターが！？宰相！？あいつが!?} ["Peter!? A Prime Minister!? Him!?]

{あいつが宰相なんて、何かの間違いじゃないの!?"} [Someone like him can't be in a position like that. There must be some mistake!"]

{先刻のユリウスではないが、} [I know I said this about Julius earlier, but this time I honestly believe] {同姓同名で別人がいるのかもしれないと本気で考えた。} [there has to be another person with the exact same first and last names.]

{首相。政務処理の最高官。王政の最高補佐官。} [Prime Minister. The person who handles the most important government affairs. The highest tier of a monarchy's politics.]

{宰相といっても、意味は幾通りかある。} [The title could have a number of meanings.] {どれを指しているとしても、かなりの高位だ。} [But no matter which one you choose, it's a considerably powerful position.]

{彼女達の言うように、王族などの特殊な権力者を除いては最高位にあたる。} [As the maids said, it's the most prominent position outside of the royal family.]

{……と、習った。私の知るペーターがそれにあたるとは思えない。} [... I understand that much. But, the Peter I know doesn't fit that title.]

Maid A: {"ペーター＝ホワイトというお方はホワイト卿ただお一人ですわ."} ["There is only one Peter White, and that is Prime Minister White."]

Maid B: {"たとえ同じ名前の者がいたとして、} ["Supposing there was another man with the same name,] {すでにホワイト卿に撃ち殺されていることでしょう."} [I am quite sure Prime Minister White would have shot him long ago."]

Maid A: {"あの方、お耳がいいんですもの.} ["He has excellent ears.]

{同じ名前など、お許しになるはずがありません."} [I am certain he would not forgive someone if he heard them using his name."]

Alice: {"……そうかもね。心狭そうだもん、あいつ."} ["... Maybe it is him. Sounds like his heart is small enough."]

{どうやら同一人物らしい。} [It seems like it's the same person after all.]

{（この国って、あんな奴に宰相を任せているんだ……）} [(This country would trust a man like that as their Prime Minister...?)]

"..."

{この国、この城はおかしい。} [This castle and this entire country are insane.]

{おかしいといえば、この人達もだ。} [These people are strange, too.]

{同じような顔で、同じような服装、同じような声。美人だが不気味なメイド。} [The same face, the same clothes, the same voice. A pair of beautiful, yet uncanny, maids.]

{敵意などは感じないが、どうも打ち解け辛そうだ。} [I don't feel any hostility, but I also don't think I'll be able to speak to them easily.]

{少し警戒してしまって固くなる. } [I can't help my nerves. The maids haven't] {メイド達も表情を変えず, なんだか気まずくなった.} [changed their expressions at all, and this atmosphere is making me uneasy.]

???: {"ただいま~"} ["I'm home~"]

* Footsteps approaching

Alice: {城の入り口付近で佇んでいると、場違いな明るい声が響いた。} [As we stood there by the castle entrance, a lively voice suddenly echoed through the hall, instantly killing the tension.]

Maid A: {"エース様……"} ["Master Ace..."]

Maid B: {"おかえりなさいませ……"} ["Welcome home~..."]

Ace: {"久々の我が家だぜ…… ３００時間帯ぶりぐらいだな.} ["I haven't been back in a while... It must be at least 300 periods.]

{３１７だったはずだ。合ってるかな?"} [I was expecting around 317. Is that about right?"]

Alice: {ひょいと横を向き、メイドに尋ねる。} [He turned and casually asked the maids.]

{エースと呼ばれた男は、兵士達とは異なる服装をしていた。} [The man they called Ace was dressed differently than the soldiers I've seen.]

{異なるものの、城の関係者らしい服だ。デザインが似ている。} [He's clearly still related to the castle, though. The design is consistent.]

Maid A : {"…いいえ、エース様が前回お城を出てから３１２回時間帯が変わりました."} ["Ah... No, Master Ace. It has been 312 periods since you left the castle."]

Maid B: {"……お久しぶりです."} ["... It has been a while."]

Ace: {"おっ、なんだ、俺の計算より５回分も早いじゃないか。俺も進歩しているんだな."} ["Oh, what~? That's 5 periods faster than I thought. I'm improving~."]

Maid A: {"……そうですわね."} ["Ah... It appears so."]

Maid B: {"……進歩されておりますわ。} ["... You have certainly improved~.] {前々回は４３９回時間帯が変わるまでお戻りになりませんでしたもの."} [There were 439 periods before you returned the last time."]

Ace: {"だろ？俺って、前進してるよな."} [Really? I guess I am making progress."]

Maid A: {"その調子で、一足飛びに前進なさってください.} ["This is a great leap forward, but please continue to advance.]

{そうすれば、わたくし達も女王陛下にあたられずすみますわ."} [That way, we won't have to keep facing the Queen's reprimands."]

Ace: {"ははっ、すまないすまない。帰りたくても帰ってこれなかったんだよ.} ["Ahaha~, sorry, sorry. But I couldn't make it back faster even if I wanted to.]

{俺って、よく道に迷うんだよなあ……} [I always end up getting lost...]

{でも, 期待しててくれよ! 俺はやるぜ. いつか, 道に迷わないようになってやる."} [But, you just wait! Someday, I'm going to make it back without getting lost even once~."]

Alice: {私には, メイド達の言葉は嫌味に聞こえる. だが,男にはそうは聞こえないようだ.} [The maid's voices were dripping in sarcasm, but the man didn't seem to notice.]

{からからと明るい。} [He just let out another lighthearted laugh.]

{この国の時間基準はよく分からない。それにしても、４３９回も時間帯が} [I don't know what the norm is in regards to time in this country. Nevertheless, if] {変わるまで帰ってこられないとは、「よく道に迷う」ですむレベルなのだろうか。} [he hasn't been home in 439 periods, I don't think 'I always end up getting lost' really conveys the extent of it.]

Maid A: {"いつか……。いつでしょうか……"} ["Someday... Yes, someday..."]

Maid B: {"楽しみにしておりますわ……"} ["I will be happy to see it..."]

Ace: {"うん、楽しみにしていてくれ!"} ["Yup, look forward to it!"]

Alice: {（なんてポジティブな人なのかしら……）} [(How is he such a positive person...?)]

{（なんて……）} [(He's...)]

(...)

{（………なんて気が合いそうにない人なんだろう）} [(... I don't expect I'll get along very well with this guy.)]

{見るからに前向きな人だ。} [You can tell how enthusiastic he is with just one look.]

{私は後ろ向き。かつ根が暗い。} [The complete opposite of me. I'm a pessimist right down to my roots.]

{こういう明るい人を見ていると、余計に暗くなりそうだ。} [And looking at someone this cheerful only makes me feel even worse.]

"..."

{私は前向きな人が苦手だが, だいたい先方も私を嫌う.} [I'm not good at dealing with positive people, and they generally don't like me very] {距離を置きやすくていい.} [much either. It'll be easy to put some distance between us.]

{男と目が合う。} [The man finally noticed me.]

Ace: {"君は？見ない顔だね."} ["And you are...? I've never seen your face before."]

Maid B: {"この方は、宰相閣下のお客人です.} ["She is a guest of the Prime Minister.]

{おもてなしするよう仰せつかっております."} [We have orders to give her a warm reception."]

Alice: {私が問われたのに、メイド達が答えてしまう。} [Even though he was addressing me, the maid answered before I had a chance.]

{それはそれで都合がよく、流せるものなら流してしまいたかったが、} [Not that I mind. She summed up my circumstances well enough, and I'd rather not] {エースは私の挨拶を待っているようだ。} [speak if I don't have to. But, Ace still seemed to be waiting on my response.]

Ace: {"ペーターさんのお客さん？珍しいなあ……."} ["Peter has a visitor? That's unusual..."]

Alice: {じろじろと私を見る。} [He stared at me with uncertainty.]

{メイドの説明だけでは足りなかったらしい。} [I guess the maid's explanation wasn't enough.] {もっと詳しく知りたいという思惑を隠しもしない。} [He wasn't hiding the fact that he wanted to hear more.]

{"……私は、アリス＝リデル。よろしく、エースさん."} ["... My name is Alice Liddel. Nice to meet you, Mister Ace, sir."]

{メイド達が敬称をつけていた。この人はそれなりの身分の人なんだろう。} [The maids referred to him as 'Master Ace', so he must be a man of decent social standing.]

{服装からも、一般の兵士とは別格なのだと知れる。} [From his attire alone, I can tell he's more than just an average soldier.]

{無礼に当たらない程度に素っ気なく自己紹介する。} [I introduce myself carefully, as to avoid insulting him.] {あまり話したくないし、話しこめばおそらく相手をも不快にさせてしまう。} [It would probably only make things uncomfortable if I say any more, anyway.]

Ace: {"よろしく！俺はエース."} ["Nice to meet you! My name's Ace."]

Alice: "...

{……ども、エースさん."} [... Hello, Mister Ace."]

{（いや、だから、先刻もエースさんって言ってるでしょう。} [(I just said his name. And the maids have said it multiple times.] {重複して名乗る必要はないのよ……）} [He didn't need to repeat it...)]

{私は嫌なやつなので、苦手な相手だと粗探しまでしてしまう。} [I'm so awful. I'm always finding fault in other people for no reason.]

{こういう人と話していると、自分の嫌なところがむき出しになる。} [Talking to someone like this always brings my worst points to the surface.]

{だから、尚のこと嫌いになるのだ。} [Which only makes me hate him all the more. I just want to take my anger] {八つ当たり気味だが、自分の卑屈さが見えるから嫌う。} [out on him, because he makes me see my own meanness all the more clearly.]

Ace: {"エースだって! アリス."} ["I said Ace, Alice!"]

Alice: {"名前はもう伺いましたけど?"} ["I just said your name, didn't I?"]

Ace: {"エース。さん付けは取ってくれよ?} ["No 'Mister'. Just Ace."]

{君みたいな女の子にエースさんなんて言われるの、なんだか変な感じだ."} [It feels weird for a young girl like you to call me Mister."]

Alice: {"でも… 彼女達はエース様って言っているわ。私もそう呼んだほうがいい?"} ["Sorry... I thought that would be better, since the maids were treating you so highly. What would you rather be called? Sir Ace?"]

{呆れて、話し方を崩す。} [I was so caught off guard, all the subtlety in my speech was gone.]

{どれくらいの地位の人かは知らないが,} [I don't know what kind of title he has, but it's not very likely] {呼び捨てにするような身分でもなさそうだ.} [that he's in the kind of position where people would refer to him without honorifics.]

{それに、そんなにフレンドリーな関係になりたくない。} [Besides, I'm not interested in getting that friendly with him.]

Ace: {"よしてくれよ！エースさんより、更に酷い...} ["Please don't! That's even worse than Mister...]

{……なあ?"} [... Don't you think?"]

Alice: {エースは、メイド達に同意を求めた。} [Ace looked to the maids for agreement.]

Maid A: {"わたくし達は、使用人ですから."} ["We are no more than servants."]

Maid B: {"敬称をおつけするのは当然のことですわ、エース様."} ["It is only natural that we use honorifics when speaking with you, Master Ace."]

Alice: {メイド達はそ知らぬ顔ですます。} [The maids avoided the question.]

{（私もそうしたい……）} [(I should follow their example...)]

{だが、私と彼女達とでは立場が違う。} [But, sadly, the maids and I aren't in the same position.]

Ace: {"エース様って呼ぶな.} ["Stop calling me Master.]

{……って、何度言っても聞いてくれないよな。いいかげん、慣れたぜ。はあ..."} [... Tch, you never listen, no matter how many times I ask. I guess it doesn't matter, I'm used to it. Hah...]

Alice: {"ふ……"} ["Hehe..."]

{うんざりした様子が面白い。少しばかり優しい気分になる。} [It's kind of funny to see him admit defeat. It's at least lightened the mood a little.]

{無意識のうちに、小さな笑いが漏れた。} [I let out a small laugh without even realizing.]

{"私はここの使用人じゃないから、敬称はよしておくわ。エース."} ["Since I don't work here, I guess I don't have to use honorifics with you. Ace."]

Ace: {"！助かるよ。お客さんにまでエース様なんて呼ばれちゃ堪らない.} ["Oh-! I've been spared~. I couldn't bear it if the guest was going to be so formal with me, too.]

{ありがとう、アリス。君はいい子だね."} [Thanks, Alice. You seem like a good girl."]

Alice: {（いい子……）} [(A good girl...)]

{"私、いい子って言われるのは好きじゃない."} ["I don't like being called a good girl."]

{下手に好かれても困る。冷たく応じた。} [My response was cold. I never know how to deal with people when they say things like that.]

{素っ気なく言ったのに、エースは堪えもせずきょとんと私を見返した。} [But, at my harsh reply, Ace just stared at me in confusion.] {失礼な態度をとる私を責めもせず、どうして？というような顔をしている。} [I don't understand. Rather than persecuting me for my rude behaviour, it was as if he just wanted to ask 'why'?]

{（……ああもう、参るわ）} [(... Ugh, I give up.)]

{素直で、分かりやすい。いい子なのは、この人だ。} [He's so honest and easy to read. A genuinely nice guy.]

{そして、私はいい子が嫌い。} [And, I hate nice guys.]

{"嫌いなの."} ["I hate..."]

{あなたみたいな人が。口の中で呟く。} [People like you. I grumble under my breath.]

Ace: {"そっか……} ["I see...]

{...嫌な呼び方しちゃってごめんな? 言わないよう気をつけるから許してくれよ."} [... I'm sorry for calling you something you didn't like. I'll be careful not to say it again, so I hope you'll excuse the mistake."]

Alice: {エースは、何の躊躇いもなく謝罪する。} [Ace apologizes with no hesitation.]

"..."

{呆れた。} [I'm stunned.]

{（本当にいい人なんだわ、この人……）} [(This guy really is a good person...)]

{エースが謝る必要なんて、まるでない。その必要があるとしたら、私のほうだ。} [There was nothing for him to be sorry for. If anything, I should be the one apologizing.]

{態度も悪いし、なんの非もないのにエースを嫌っている。} [I'm terrible. I have no reason to hate Ace.]

{つんけんしていて、最悪だ。自分が恥ずかしくなってくる。} [I can't believe I'm this unsociable. I'm ashamed of myself.]

{"こちらこそ……その..."} ["I'm sorry too... that..."]

{急にもじもじしてしまう。なんだろう。} [I don't know why I suddenly feel so nervous.]

{なんだって、そんなにむきになって苦手意識を出してしまったんだろう。} [Why am I making it so obvious that I'm not used to dealing with things like this?] {子供っぽい振舞いだ。} [I feel like a child.]

{"訳のわからない因縁をつけちゃって..."} ["There was no reason for me to say that to you..."]

Ace: {"? いいって、いいって.} ["Huh? It's okay, don't worry about it.]

{君だって、俺がエース様なんて呼んでほしくないって言ったら聞いてくれた} [After all, you listened when I said I didn't want you to call me Mister Ace, didn't you?] {じゃないか。俺も気を遣うべきだったよな."} [I should give you the same consideration."]

Alice: {（……っあ～～～～）} [(... Aah...)]

{（ウザくなるほどいい人だわ。申し訳ないけど、素直に謝れない……）} [(He's such a good person it's annoying. I'm sorry, but I could never apologize so meekly to everything...)]

{前向きで明るくて、おおらか。その上、鈍い。} [This is a kind, pleasant, open-minded man. But dense above all else.]

{私の嫌いなタイプの典型だ。自分が悪いのに、謝る気になれない。} [A perfect example of the type of guy I hate most. Even though I know I'm a bad person, I don't feel like I should have to apologize for it.]

Ace: {"さて、と。久しぶりの我が家だ。部屋に戻って寛ぐか."} ["Well then~. It's been such a long time since I've been home. I should relax in my room for a bit."]

* Ace turns to leave

Alice: {そう言って、エースはすたすた歩き出す。} [With that said, Ace briskly started to walk away.]

Maid A: {"……エース様."} ["... Master Ace."]

Maid B: {"……ご自分のお部屋でしたら、反対ですわ."} ["... If you wish to return to your room, it would be the other way."]

Ace: {"ん？あれ?} ["Hm? What?]

{でも、俺の部屋って南の端だったはずだぜ?"} [But I thought my room was in the South Wing?"]

Alice: {呼び止められて振り返ったエースは、きょとんとして進行方向を指差す。} [Ace looked over his shoulder at us, and pointed down the hall in the direction] {メイドは二人揃って肩を落とした。} [he was facing. Both of the maids' shoulders sunk in unison.]

Maid A: {"…………南は、あちらです."} ["... The South Wing is that way."]

Maid B: {"お進みの方向は北東ですわ..."} ["You are heading Northeast..."]

Alice: {メイドが指差した方向に目を向けるエース。} [Ace turned his gaze to where the maid was pointing.] {ぽん、と手を打ちそうな勢いで顎を引いた。} [In a snap, he spun on his heels.]

Ace: {"おお！そっかそっか！迂闊だったな."} ["O~h~! Got it, got it! I guess I wasn't paying attention."]

Alice: {（迂闊、ですむ誤差？まったくの別方向じゃないの……）} [('Wasn't paying attention'? He was going the complete opposite direction...)]

Maid A: {"…………ご案内いたしましょうか?"} ["... Would you like us to escort you?"]

Maid B: {"また、城内で遭難なさると厄介ですし..."} ["It would be no trouble, since it is within the castle..."]

Ace: {"いいよ、君らも仕事があるだろ？} ["It's fine. You guys have your own jobs to handle, right?] {ペーターさんの命令を後回しになんかしたら、後が怖いぜ?} [It would be scary to deal with Peter later if he hears you didn't finish your work.]

{旅で焦ると、ろくなことない。俺はのんびり行くさ."} [Besides, I'm not in any rush. I'd rather take my time, and make the most of the journey."]

* Ace starts walking again

Alice: {自分の家（城？）の敷地内に入っても、彼の旅は終わっていないらしい。} [Even though he's in his own home (castle?), his 'journey' isn't finished yet?]

{特に挨拶もないので、そのまま見送る。} [Since we hadn't had much of an introduction, I decided it was better to see him off without asking.]

Ace: {"あ、そうだ、アリス."} ["Oh, that's right. Alice."]

Alice: {"なに?"} ["What is it?"]

{去り際、彼は振り向いてにっと笑った。} [Just as he was about to leave, Ace looked back over his shoulder with a smile.]

{少年のような笑い方をする人だ。同じ城の重職でも、ペーターとは大分違う。} [He smiles brightly, like a little boy. He may be an official in the same castle, but he is considerably different than Peter.]

Ace: {"俺は、君みたいな子、嫌いじゃないぜ."} ["I don't hate girls like you."]

Alice: "...?"

Ace: {"好きなタイプだ。だから、俺のこと嫌わないでほしいな."} ["I like your type. So, I hope you don't hate me."]

Alice: "...

Huh...!?"

{かっと頬が熱くなる。好きなタイプだと言われたことに対してではない。} [I could feel my cheeks turn bright red. But it wasn't because he called me his type.]

{（……気付かれていたんだわ）} [(... It was because he knew.)]

{彼は気付いていたのだ。} [He knew all this time. When I made such a fuss over being] {私が「嫌い」だと言ったのは、いい子だという表現ではなくエースに対して。} [called a good girl earlier, he knew that my anger was really directed at him.]

{この人はちゃんと気付いていた。前向きで明るくて、おおらか。} [This is a kind, pleasant, open-minded man. Who is fully aware of his surroundings.]

{私の嫌いなタイプの人間. でも、鈍くはない.} [I still don't like people like him. But, he's not dense.]

{こういったタイプは総じて鈍いものと思っていたが、} [I always thought this kind of person was just thick-headed,] {彼はそれに当てはまらなかったようだ。} [but at the very least, that standard doesn't apply to him.]

{エースは、私が頬を赤らめているのを見て優しい目をした。} [Ace looked at my blushing cheeks with gentle eyes.]

* Ace turns to leave

{そのまま去ってしまう。} [Then left without another word.]

{彼が悪いわけではない。けれど、馬鹿にされたような気がした。} [It isn't his fault, but I feel like an idiot.]

{錯覚だ。彼の目には裏表がなかった。} [It's all in my head. There was no hidden meaning to that look.]

{これは、私が自分で勝手に……。} [I'm just being deluded...]

Maid A: {"ご案内しますわ."} ["Allow us to escort you."]

Maid B: {"そう指示されておりますので."} ["We have been instructed to do so."]

* The maids’ footsteps echo in the hall

Alice: {エースが去ると、メイド達はなにごともなかったように廊下を歩き始める。} [As soon as Ace disappeared from the corridor, the maids began walking as if nothinghad happened.]

{"え……？あ、はいはい...} ["Huh...? Uh, yes, right...]

{お願いします..."} [Please do..."] =================== SECOND CHOICE ========================== Alice: {ペーターは, 城に向かった.もう会いたくないので, 庭を散策してみることにする.} [Peter was heading to the castle. I'd rather not run into him again, so I think I'll just wander the garden for now.]

{場所を変えてもいいのだが、} [I'm not against checking out other locations,] {ここまで歩いて来て何もしないというのも腹立たしい。} [I'd just be upset if I walked all this way for nothing.]

{"あいつって……。好きになれない……"} ["I could never... come to like a man like him..."]

{好きになる必要もない。} [I don't need to like him either.] {だが、二度も会うところをみると彼はこの夢の中での重要人物だ。} [But, if I keep seeing him around my dream, he must be someone important.]

{夢なのだし、美形なのだから、大目にみてやればいい。} [He's got the handsome face of someone that could only be imaginary, so he's not] {拉致されたりキスをされたり、目の前で人を撃ち殺したことくらい……} [hard on the eyes. It's just the kidnapping, forced kissing, and shooting people to death...]

{"……好きになるほうが難しいわよね."} ["... It would be problematic if I fell for such an awful person."]

{早々に諦める。あんな人に好意を持てたら持てたで、} [I quickly abandoned the thought. If I ever came to care about someone like him,] {自分の正気を疑いそうだ。} [I'd doubt my own sanity.]

{今でさえ、お城を夢見るような自分にうんざりしている。} [I'm already fed up with seeing this castle as it is.] {これ以上、自分の頭の構造を疑いたくもない。} [I don't want to question what's going on in my head any more than I already am.]

"..."

{目的地もなく歩いていると、それほど距離を感じない。} [Now that I'm walking without a destination, I don't really feel the distance.]

{焦らなくてもいい。こういう時間は好きだ。} [I like having time like this. It's nice not having to rush.]

???: {"あれ？見かけない子だな."} ["Huh? I've never seen you before."]

Alice: "?"

{ふらふら庭を散策していると、兵士達と異なる服装をした男性に会った。} [As I wandered aimlessly through the garden, I encountered another man. He's dressed differently than the soldiers from earlier.]

{異なるものの、城の関係者らしい服だ。デザインが似ている。} [He's clearly still related to the castle, though. The design is consistent.]

{（これは……、職務質問されているの？）} [(Is this going to be... like police questioning?)]

{兵士達とは何度かすれ違ったものの、} [I'd passed by many soldiers as I walked, and none seemed to pay me any mind,] {素通りされたので自由に行き来していい場所だと思っていた。} [so I assumed this place must be open to the public.]

{声をかけられたということは、いつのまにか関係者以外立ち入り禁止の場所} [But if I'm being called out for something, maybe I've entered a restricted] {に入り込んでしまったのかもしれない。} [area without realizing.]

{"こんにちは。あの、私、不審者というわけではなくて..."} ["Good morning. Um, I'm sorry, I hope I don't seem suspicious..."]

{勝手に入り込んできた負い目がある分、言い訳もし辛い。} [Since I walked in without thinking, I feel obliged to explain myself.] {男性は、急かすでもなく話を聞いてくれる。} [I don't know what to say, but the man doesn't press me to continue. He just listens.]

{ウサギ耳もついていない、まともな人だ。} [He seems like a normal person. He doesn't have rabbit ears, at least. My first] {ペーターとはいい意味で違った人だが、この場においてはやりにくい。} [impression of him is already better than Peter, but this situation is still intimidating.]

{不法侵入した、うまい言い訳が思いつかない。} [It's not like I have a good excuse to be trespassing.]

{（この夢, 現実的すぎるわ. 夢なんだから, どこでもフリーパスでいいじゃない）} [(This dream is too realistic. Shouldn't I be allowed to go wherever I want?)]

{"あ... え～と、私、馬鹿ウサギ……いえ、ペーター＝ホワイトの知り合いなの."} ["Uh... Well, I'm an acquaintance of the stupid rabb--... Er, Peter White."]

???: {"ペーター＝ホワイト!?} ["Peter White!?]

{ペーターさんの友達なのか？君が???} [A friend of Peter's? You???"]

Alice: {嘘だろうという感じで驚かれる。} [He seems so surprised, he must think I'm lying.]

{「あの人、普通の友達なんていたんだ……」と、} [I could hear him mumble to himself 'He's friends with someone this normal?',] {ぽつりと呟かれた言葉がやけにリアルで怖い。} [but, he said it so doubtfully that it honestly scared me.]

{奴は、どうやら同僚にも普通じゃないという目で見られているらしい。} [At least this man seems to recognize the abnormality of his colleagues.] {私と同じ認識の人がいてよかった。} [I'm glad there's someone I can relate to around here.]

???: {"……あ！違うんだ!} ["... Oh! Sorry!]

{あの人はもてるけど、女の子の友達なんていなさそうっていうかさ、} [He's a well-known man, it's just that he doesn't have many female friends.] {普通の友達自体いなさそうっていうかさ...} [He doesn't have many friends at all...]

{だって、ペーターさんってすごく意地悪いんだぜ？} [After all, Peter is a pretty cruel man, isn't he?] {この間も……。ああ、悪い意味じゃないんだっ."} [Just the other day, he--... ...Ah, sorry, I hope you don't take this the wrong way."]

Alice: {彼はおたおたと弁解するが、どう聞いても悪い意味にしかとれない。} [Flustered, he tries to defend himself, but I don't think the things he said can be taken any other way.]

{"私も、友達というわけでは……。ただの知り合いよ."} ["I'm not his friend, either... Just an acquaintance ."]

???: {"やっぱり."} ["Thought so."]

Alice: {なんだか言葉に実感がこもっている。} [His tone made it feel like he genuinely cared.]

???: {"で？君は、ペーターさんを訪ねてきたのか?} ["So? Did you come to pay Peter a visit then?]

{彼がいるとしたら、謁見室じゃないかな。宰相クラスのくせに} [If he's around, he's probably in the Audience Chamber.] {遅刻や欠席ばかりだから、女王陛下にこっぴどく叱られているはずだ.} [The Prime Minister has a tendency to be late or absent, so there's a good chance he's getting another reprimand from the Queen.]

{...叱られたからって堪えやしないから、} [... But, he never really takes any of the scolding to heart,] {それ自体が時間の無駄だと思うんだけどな."} [so the entire thing is just a waste of time, I think."]

Alice: {"宰相？あの人が!?"} ["Prime Minister? Him!?"]

{さらりと言われた言葉に耳を疑う。} [I doubt my ears at the nonchalant way this man spoke about it.]

{私のほうも初対面の相手にする態度ではないが、構わず、大声を上げた。} [I know that I should be more restrained when I'm meeting someone for the first] {元より夢の中の登場人物に遠慮する気はあまり起こらない。} [time, but I raised my voice regardless. He's just another character in my head, so I'm not worried about etiquette.]

{"見えない!!! あんなのが宰相だったら、政治なんて成り立たないでしょう!?"} ["I can't see that at all!!! If that's your Prime Minister, how do you even have a functioning government!?"]

???: {"俺もそう思うけど."} ["I feel the same way, but..."]

Alice: {"いつもあんな調子なら、誰だってそう思うでしょうよ."} ["If he always acts like that, I don't see why anyone would disagree."]

???: {"でも、あの人、すごく頭がよくてすごく強いんだぜ."} ["But, he's still a really smart guy, and definitely capable."]

Alice: {少し砕けた話し方になる。この人とは、打ち解けられそうだ。} [His manner of speaking feels a bit more casual now. I don't think I have to be so on guard.]

{"すごく性格悪そうだけどね."} ["His personality is still awful though."]

???: {"ははっ、よくはないんじゃないかな."} ["Haha~, yeah, he's not very good in that department."]

Alice: {顔を見合わせて、くくっと笑う。} [We look at one another and laugh.]

{よかった。この世界では性格と口の悪い人しかいないのかと思った。} [I'm glad. I thought this world was made up entirely of people with bad attitudes. ]

{この人は話しやすい。} [But this one is so easy to talk to.]

Ace: {"俺は、エース。ハートの城の騎士だ。君は?"} ["I'm Ace, by the way. Knight of the Castle of Hearts. And you are?"]

Alice: {"騎士！いかにもそんな感じね.} ["A knight! You definitely suit the position.]

{私は、アリス＝リデル……余所者らしいわ."} [My name is Alice Liddel... I guess I'm an Outsider."]

{それでユリウスに大騒ぎされたので、一応自己紹介に付け加える。} [After the uproar Julius made about it, I felt like I should add that to my introduction.]

{余所者。なんだか嫌な響きだが、この国の住人ではない。} [Outsider. I don't like how it sounds, but it is true that I'm not a resident of this place.]

{エースは、僅かに驚いた様子を見せた。} [Ace seems a bit shocked to hear it, too.]

Ace: {"余所者？じゃ、君は外の世界の人なのか.} ["An Outsider? Then, you're not from this world?]

{……ユリウスが大騒ぎするだろうな."} [... Julius is gonna have a fit."]

Alice: {"！ユリウスを知っているの!?"} ["...! You know Julius!?"]

{今度はこちらが驚く番だ。勢い込んで問い返す。} [Now it's my turn to be surprised. Then he asked the question back to me.]

Ace: {"え？君こそ、ユリウスを知っているのか?"} [Huh? Do you know Julius?"]

Alice: {"先刻、会ったところよ。ここに来てから、すぐ...} ["I met him a little while ago. Right after I first came here...]

{あなた、知り合いなの?"} [Are you two acquaintance s?"]

Ace: {"友達だよ。最近会ってないんだけど、元気にしていた?"} ["We're friends! But, I haven't visited in a while. Is he doing alright?"]

Alice: {この青年とユリウスが友達。意外と納得できる。} [I didn't expect a pleasant young man like this to be friends with Julius. But, it makes a surprising amount of sense.]

{あれだけ偏屈そうな人だと、} [With a cranky guy like that,] {おおらかで心の広い人でなければとても友達になれまい。} [it would take someone with a big heart to want to stay his friend.]

{そして、ユリウスと友達になれるくらいおおらかで心の広い人に、「} [So, hearing someone with this level of kindness say] {普通の友達がいなさそう」と言わせるペーターは相当なものだ。} [I'm too normal to be a friend of Peter's is welcome.]

{"そんなに長くいたわけじゃないから詳しい様子までは分からないけど、} ["I didn't stay very long, so I can't say much,] {元気そうだったわ.} [but, he seemed well.]

{追い出されちゃったけど、比較的親切にしてくれた."} [He kicked me out, but otherwise, he was relatively considerate."]

Ace: {"女の子を追い出したのか……。まったく……。でも、あいつらしいや.} ["He kicked out a girl...? Good grief... But, seems like him.]

{不健康な生活をしてるんだよなあ……} [The way he lives is just so unhealthy...] {時計ばかりいじって、時計塔から出やしない."} [All he ever does is fiddle with watches, and he never leaves the Clocktower."]

Alice: {"住み込みで仕事をしているのよね？いかにも職人というふうだったわ。} ["He has a live-in job, right? He definitely felt like a craftsman.] {仕事熱心そう."} [He was really keen to get back to work."]

Ace: {"熱心どころか、生活のすべてといっても過言じゃない。あいつときたら……"} ["The word keen doesn't do him justice. It wouldn't be exaggerating to say that his job is his life. That guy really is--..."]

Alice: {共通の知人を得たことで、エースと私は一気に打ち解けた。} [Having a mutual friend to talk about instantly relieved any tension between] {エースは気さくな人だったし、私は私で癒しに飢えていた。} [Ace and I. He was so light-hearted, it made me realize just how starved I was for someone to comfort me.]

{夢の世界に来て以来、最悪のキスをされたり目の前で銃殺事件が} [Ever since I came to this world, all I've had is a terrible kiss and the unthinkable] {あったりとろくなことがない。……主に、ペーター＝ホワイトのせいだ。} [experience of watching someone be gunned down before my eyes... All thanks to Peter White.]

{"私、ペーターに拉致されてこの国に連れて来られたの."} ["The only reason I'm even here is because Peter kidnapped me."]

Ace: {"ら、拉致……。我が国の宰相閣下は相変わらずとんでもないな...} ["K-Kidnapped... I hate the fact that our country's own Prime Minister could do something that outrageous...]

{...何かされなかった?} [... He didn't do anything to you, did he? I never] {女の子に不逞を働くような人ではなかったはずだけど..."} [seen him as the kind of person to do something unlawful to a woman, but..."]

Alice: {"え……？え～と..."} ["Huh...? Well..."]

{されたといえば、された。それはもう、バッチリと。} [He definitely did things. Ace isn't far off.]

{不逞を働くというと、もっとえげつないニュアンスだが、} [But the way he says 'unlawful' has a more vulgar nuance than necessary.] {強引なキス（というのかどうか）だって充分に責められてしかるべき行為だ。} [Still, that forceful kiss (if you can call it that), should be more than enough to condemn him on.]

Ace: {"...されたの?"} ["... What did he do?"]

Alice: {エースの目が鋭くなった。} [Ace's eyes turned sharp.]

Ace: {"女の子に不埒な真似をするなんて最低だ。いくら宰相でも..."} ["Anyone who would harm a young woman is unforgivable. He might be Prime Minister, but..."]

Alice: {"さ、されてない。たいしたことは..."} ["H-He didn't do anything. It's not a big deal..."]

Ace: {"...本当?"} ["... You're sure?"]

Alice: {エースは騎士の名に恥じぬ高潔な人のようだ。} [Ace seems like a virtuous person, honourably wearing his title as Knight.] {しかし、残念なことに、私は守られてきゃあきゃあ言うタイプではない。} [But, sadly, I'm not the type to whine and hope for someone else's protection.]

{騎士に守られるなんて、白馬の王子様よりはマシかもしれないが} [Having my honour defended by a knight might be more bearable than Prince] {同じくらいにメルヘンだ。勘弁してほしい。} [Charming riding in on a white horse, but it's still just a fairy tale. I hope he understands.]

{"ええ、本当."} ["Yes, I'm sure."]

Ace: {"……君がそう言うなら、いいけど.} ["... If you say so, then alright.]

{あの人、美形だもんな..."} [I get it though. He's an attractive guy, so..."]

Alice: {"いやいや、ペーターの顔はいいけど、顔がどうのという問題ではなくてね…"} ["No no, I admit, Peter's got a nice face, but I'm not trying to cover for him because of that or anything..."]

{顔がいいのは事実だが、その他は崩壊している。} [He is a good-looking man, but everything falls apart outside of that.] {なんだか、エースに誤解されている気がした。} [I feel like Ace is misunderstanding a bit.]

Ace: {"結果的に合意に至ったのならいいんだ。深くは聞かないよ."} ["As long as you both came to a consensual agreement, then it's not my business. I won't pry any further."]

Alice: {"間違いなく、誤解している。しかも、嫌～な方向に."} ["You are without a doubt misinterpreting the situation. In a really bad way, too."]

{……エース、あなた、壮絶な誤解をしているわ。} [... Ace, you have gotten this confused on a massive scale.] {乱暴されたとかそういったことはなくって……} [Peter was rough with me, but not that kind of 'rough'...]

Ace: {"いいって。俺はそんなに野暮じゃないぜ.} ["I said it's fine. I'm not so presumptuous that I'm going to keep pressing it.]

{いろんな関係があるよな。} [There are all kinds of relationships out there.] {俺にはよく分からないけど、納得の上ならそういうのもアリだと思う."} [Just because I don't understand it myself, doesn't mean there's anything wrong with it, as long as there's consent."]

Alice: {私にもよく分からないし、個人的にそういうのはナシだと思う。} [I don't understand it either, and personally, I think it's unacceptable.]

{（理解を示せるあたり、騎士といえども男だな……）} [(Even though I know he's trying to be sympathetic, this knight still has his mind in the gutter like a man...)]

{"...基本的に, ここの住人はどいつもこいつも人の話を聞いてくれないわよね."} ["... I guess it's just the norm that people around here don't listen, no matter who they are."]

{弁明するのも面倒だ。} [It's too much trouble trying to explain myself.]

{"誤解だけど……、いいわ.} ["You're misunderstanding, but... it's fine.]

{ペーターには貸しがあるの。あんなのが宰相だっていうなら、} [Peter owes me a debt. If he's really the Prime Minister as you say,] {ちゃんと責任をとって私をもてなしてよ."} [then I suppose it's your responsibility to escort me to him."]

{なんだか、この夢を見始めてから、} [This is all so mundane compared to when I first entered this dream.] {素が出すぎている気がする。投げやりなのとは、少し違う。} [I feel like I'm starting to give up on my good-natured behaviour completely.]

{すごく楽だ。嘘をつかなくていいし、お行儀のいい子に見せ掛けなくていい。} [And it's comfortable. I don't have to lie, or act like a good little girl anymore.]

{いずれ覚める夢だから、} [Since I'm going to wake up eventually, I don't have to worry about] {その後の影響や誰かからの評価を気にしなくてもいい。気分がいい。} [things like consequences, or people's opinions of me after the fact. It feels good.]

Ace: {"……いいよ。同僚が働いた無礼は、連帯責任だ。挽回しないとな."} ["... That's fine. If one of my colleagues has treated you inappropriately, then I take it as my responsibility to restore the situation."]

Alice: {エースは、友達だというユリウス以上に親切で、その上律儀な男だった。} [Ace is a far more considerate and sincere man than his friend Julius.]

{つまり、とってもいい人だ. この無茶苦茶な世界にも、まともな人はいるらしい.} [He's so clearly a good person. Even in this absurd world, I'm happy to know there's at least one decent human.]

{それに、ウサギ耳もついていない。この人が、とても格好よく見えてきた。} [Moreover, he doesn't have rabbit ears. He's actually a pretty attractive guy.]

{騎士様様だ. しかも, 宰相を同僚というからにはこの人の階級も高いのだろう.} [Considering that he has a distinguished title like knight, and the way he refers to Peter as a colleague, he must be someone with incredible social standing.]

{いい人で、身分も高い。そういう人は大好きだ。} [Good-natured, high-class. I think I could really like this person.]

{是非ともお近付きになって、便宜をはかってもらいたい。} [By all means, I should make his acquaintance. It will certainly be beneficial to have him on my side.]

{"ユリウスが言うには、} ["Julius was telling me that, if I find a suitable] {この国で適当に人と交流すれば適当な時期に適当な感じで戻れるらしいわ."} [person to spend a bit of time with, I'll be able to leave this country."]

{そういう設定の夢らしい。} [It certainly seems like a rule made up in a dream. But, I know I'll wake] {適当に過ごしても目は覚めるだろうが、暇なので従っておく。} [up regardless, so there's no harm in going along with it since I have the time.]

Ace: {"時間の番人であるユリウスが言うならそうなんだろう。} ["Julius is the Keeper of Time. If he said so, then it must be true.] {それなら、城に滞在するといいよ."} [If it'll help, you're welcome to stay at the castle for a while."]

Alice: {"城に？いいの?"} ["The castle? Are you sure that's okay?"]

{関係のない人をお城に住まわせるなんて、普通に考えればありえない話だ。} [I can't imagine that someone completely unrelated would just be allowed to live in the castle like that.]

Ace: {"だって、君はペーターさんの知り合いで、俺とも知り合いだ."} ["Of course. After all, you're an acquaintance of Peter. And you're an acquaintance of mine now, too."]

Alice: {にっと笑う顔は、清々しい。} [His smiling face is refreshing.] {ペーターのにやにや笑いを見た後だから、特にそう思う。} [Especially when I compare it to the thought of Peter's deceitful grins.]

{"あなたとは、知り合いじゃなくて友達になりたいわ."} ["In your case, I think I'd like to be friends, rather than acquaintances."]

{互いに微笑み合い、共に庭を歩き出す。} [We smile at each other as we proceed through the garden side-by-side.] {雑談をしながらぶらつくと、広い庭でもたいして歩いている気がしない。} [Wandering along is so much better with our idle chatter. I don't think the walk will feel as long now, even in this vast garden.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ {しかし、いくら楽しい時間は短いといっても、歩き回れば足も痛くなる。} [But then, even if this time has been enjoyable, my feet were bound to start hurting before long.]

{（まったく、余計なことだけがリアルな夢だわ）} [(Seriously, why is it that only the most mundane things are realistic in this dream?)]

{現実的でないこととしては、歩き回っている間に二回も時間帯が変わった。} [Even just while we've been walking, the time of day has changed twice.] {昼から夜に、そしてまた昼へ。} [From day to night, then back to day.]

{"ねえ、エース。そろそろ、城へ向かわない?} ["Hey, Ace. Can we head to the castle soon?]

{私、ちょっと疲れちゃったわ。足を休めたい."} [I'm getting a bit tired. I'd like to rest my feet."]

Ace: {"え？何を言ってるんだ。先刻からずっと城に向かっているぜ?"} ["Huh? What do you mean? We've been heading to the castle this entire time."]

Alice: {"え？そっちこそ、何を言っているの..."} ["Huh? No, we definitely haven't. What are you talking about...?"]

{明らかに、私達は同じ場所をぐるぐる回っている。} [We've obviously just been walking laps of the same place.]

{この庭は英国式の庭園によくあるように迷路に似せた造りになっているが、} [This style of garden is popular in England. It may be structured like a maze,] {それほど複雑ではない。人を迷わすほどの造りにはなっていない。} [but it isn't that complex. It's clearly not designed to really get people lost.]

{城へ向かうのなら、方向が違う。} [If we were heading to the castle, we'd be going the other way. Ace took the] {エースは率先して、反対方向へ行こうとしている。} [initiative to lead, and has been heading the opposite direction this whole time.]

{散策に付き合ってくれているのだと思っていたが……。} [I thought he just wanted to wander so we could talk...]

Ace: {"君も迷子になっていたんだろう?"} ["I guess you must have lost the way too then, huh?"]

Alice: {"いいえ？私は迷ってなんかいなかったわよ."} ["No? I'm not lost at all."]

{（……君も？）} [(... Too?)]

{"エースは……、迷子になっていたの?"} ["Ace... are you lost?"]

Ace: {"もちろんだ。俺が迷わない道はない。どんな道でも、あまねく迷える."} ["Of course I am. There's no way I wouldn't have gotten lost. No matter where I go, I always have a hard time finding my way."]

Alice: {騎士様は、堂々と言い切った。} [The Knight states proudly.]

"...

{……あなた、ここに住んでいるのよね?"} [... You live here, don't you?"]

Ace: {"ああ、職場兼住居だ."} ["That's right. It's both my workplace and home."]

Alice: {"……それで迷子?"} ["... And you're lost?"]

Ace: {"俺は、どこだって迷えるぜ。知らない道でも迷うが、知ってる道でも迷う.} ["I can get lost anywhere. I lose my way just as well on familiar routes, as I do on routes I've never taken.]

{ユリウスとたまにしか会えないのもそのせいなんだ。} [That's why I only visit Julius every once in a while.] {時計塔に着くまで２００回くらいは時間帯が変わってしまう.} [It takes about 200 time-changes to reach the Clocktower from here.]

{そんな俺が、この迷路みたいな庭で迷わなかったらおかしいよ。} [For me, it'd be strange if I didn't get lost in this labyrinth of a garden.] {どうやって城に戻ったらいいのか、さっぱり分からない."} [Frankly, I don't have the slightest idea of how to get to the castle from here."]

Alice: {ものすごく堂々と、言い切る。} [He says all of this with a concerning amount of confidence.]

{ちなみに私の場合は、時計塔から城の庭園に着くまで時間帯は} [By comparison, I made it from the Clocktower to the castle garden without] {一度も変わらなかった。道に迷うこともなかった。} [having the time change even once. There's no way anyone could get lost.]

{……一本道だったから。} [... It's a straight road.]

"...

{念のために聞いておくと、最近この城に引っ越してきたとかじゃないのよね?"} [I'm asking just to be sure, but, you haven't moved into this castle recently, have you?"]

Ace: {"俺は, ずっとこの城に住んでるぜ？でも, 戻ってこれることがほとんどないから,} ["I've lived in this castle forever. But, I almost never make it back home.] {生活の大部分は放浪して過ごしてるけどね.} [I've been wandering for most of my life.]

{今回、城の庭まで戻れたのも３１７時間帯ぶりだ。} [This time, I made it back to the garden in only 317 periods.] {運がよければ、あと３０回くらい時間帯が変わる頃には城内に入れるだろ."} [With some luck, I should be able to reach the castle in 30-or-so more."]

Alice: {足がずきずきしてくる。そして、頭もずきずきしてくる。} [My feet were already throbbing with pain, but now my head is too.]

{この人は、間違いなくペーター＝ホワイトの同僚だ。} [I have no doubt that this guy is an associate of Peter's after all.]

{"...足も痛いし、そんなに待っていられないから、私が先導してもいいかしら."} ["... I'd rather not wait that long since my legs are already sore. Is it alright if I take the lead?"]

Ace: {"そいつは助かる。ありがとう、アリス.} ["That'd be a big help. Thanks, Alice.]

{どんな奴の案内でも、俺よりは確実に早いからな。俺、方向音痴なだ} [Any guidance at all is sure to get there faster than I would. Not only do I have] {けでなくて運も悪いから、適当に歩いても全然たどり着けないんだ."} [no sense of direction, but I've got some pretty bad luck, too. No matter how far I walk, I never seem to reach my destination."]

Alice: {エースは悪びれもせず、爽やかに礼を口にした。} [With no embarrassment whatsoever, Ace energetically shows his appreciation.]

{"……構わないわ。人間、得手不得手はあるものね."} ["... No problem. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses."]

{脱力する。これがペーターであれば拳骨の一つでもくれてやったが、} [I feel exhausted. If this was Peter, I would have already given him another fist,] {この人だとそういう対応は出来ない。} [but I could never do that to someone like this.]

{文句の一つや二つは封じ込めてしまう。天然でいい人というのは、得だ。} [He's a good person at heart, so I'll let the first one or two complaints slide.]

{"こっちだと思うわ。多分、こう行けば..."} ["I think it's this way. If we take this path, we should..."]

{初めてここに来た私がこの城の住人を案内するという、奇妙な構図だ。} [It feels strange to be guiding someone else, in a place where I've never been] {エースは素直についてくる。} [before. But, Ace follows my direction without hesitation.]

Ace: {"初めて来た場所なのに、道が分かるのか?"} ["You know the way, even though it's your first time here?"]

Alice: {"え……？だって、複雑な道じゃないし..."} ["Hm...? Well, it's not a complicated path..."]

Ace: {"君は、道案内人になれるよ."} ["Wow~, you should become a travel guide."]

Alice: {（……お城、見えているんですけど）} [(... We can see the castle from here...)]

{感心してくれるが、私からすると彼のほうがすごい。} [Ace is astounded, but I think he's more astonishing than I am.]

{"城はこっちの方向に見えているのに、どうして右とか左に行こうとするの?"} ["The castle is up ahead, so why would you have to turn left or right before getting there?"]

{反対に行こうとしないだけましかもしれないが、見当違いだ。} [The only way that would be logical is if I was purposely avoiding the castle, which may actually end up having been the better option, but that's beside the point.]

{迷路というほど難解な造りの庭でもない。} [This garden isn't some convoluted maze.] {見えているのだから、そちらの方向へ進めばいい。} [I can see our destination, so as long as we're facing that way, we'll be fine.]

Ace: {"だって、そっちのほうが近道じゃないか."} ["Because that way's a shortcut."]

Alice: {"……右や左へ行くのが?"} ["... Which way? Left or right?"]

Ace: {"近道な気がしないか?"} ["Don't they both feel like shortcuts?"]

Alice: {"全然."} ["Not at all."]

Ace: {"だって、まっすぐ行ったら行き止まりになったりしてフェイントがくるものだろう."} ["But, if we keep going straight, we'll reach a dead end eventually. That's just logic."]

Alice: {"…………。ずいぶん進んだけど、行き止まりになんかならないわよ?"} ["... We've come a pretty long way, and I haven't seen a dead end yet. Have you?"]

Ace: {"変だよなあ...} ["Yeah, it's weird...]

{普通にまっすぐ進んでまっすぐ到着するなんて、面白みがないぜ..."} [But if you can get wherever you need to go just by walking in a straight line, that doesn't seem very interesting..."]

Alice: "..."

{(...この人って、爽やかそうに見えるけどかなり捻くれているんじゃないかしら)} [(... This man seemed refreshing at first, but now I'm leaning heavily to the contrary.)]

{段々と、そんな気がしてきた。ものの見方がかなり歪んでいる気がする。} [I've been feeling this more and more, but I think he must have a considerably warped perspective.]

{"いつもは、兵士さんとかに道案内を頼んでいるの?"} ["Do you usually ask one of the soldiers to show you the way?"]

Ace: {"いいや。自力でなんとかたどり着くよ.} ["Nah. I'll manage on my own eventually.]

{道案内してもらうとすごく楽だけど、旅の楽しみが薄れるから."} [Asking directions may be easier, but then you lose the pleasure of the trip."]

Alice: {うがち過ぎかもしれないが、嫌味ととれないこともない。} [This may be a bit sharp, but I can't think of any response that isn't sarcastic.]

{"自力だと……、えらく時間がかかるでしょう."} ["I get the feeling that when you 'manage on your own'... it takes a pretty long time."]

Ace: {"それも旅の楽しみのうちさ."} ["But it also makes for a much more enjoyable journey."]

Alice: {"じゃあ、今は楽しみが邪魔されていることになるわね."} ["Then, am I interrupting the fun of your trip by doing this?"]

Ace: {"そんなことないよ。君みたいな子に道案内してもらえるのは、悪い気がしない."} ["Not at all. There's nothing to complain about when I have a girl like you leading the way."]

Alice: {爽やかに言われて、反省する。} [His playful response makes me stop and think.]

{曲解するとタラシのような発言だが、彼は本当に爽やかだ。} [Words like that could be misconstrued as him trying to hit on me, but I think the truth is that he's just too carefree to realize.]

{（……捻くれているのは、私よね）} [(... Now I'm the one misunderstanding.)]

{（こんな、いかにもいい人そうなのに裏を勘ぐっちゃうなんて……）} [(I can't believe I'm being so suspicious of someone who's been nothing but kind to me...)]

{（爽やかオーラ出まくりなのに、馬鹿じゃないの、私。嫌な奴だわ……）} [(He exudes nothing but positivity. I feel like an idiot. I'm a bad person...)]

{誤魔化すようににこりと笑うと、にこにこと返された。} [I laughed to disguise my thoughts, and he returned a friendly smile.]

{（……うん、やっぱりいい人）} [(... Yup. He's too nice.)]

{"もうすぐ着くからね."} ["We should be there soon."]

(...)

{なんだか、おかしな具合だ。私はビジターで、彼はここに住んでいる。} [That felt a bit ridiculous to say. I'm a visitor, and he lives here.]

{得手不得手は人それぞれとはいえ、立場的におかしい。} [Sure, everyone has strong and weak points, as I've said, but this is just an unusual position to be in.]

Ace: {"アリス、君って頼りになるなあ..."} ["Alice, you're really reliable..."]

Alice: {"そうかしら..."} ["You really think so...?"]

{おまえが頼りにならなさすぎるんだよ…とは、思っただけで言えなかった…} [And you aren't reliable at all... Even though I thought as much, obviously I would never say that...]

{(... こんな爽やかな人に皮肉を考えちゃうなんて、私ってどこまで嫌な奴なの）} [(... Thinking something so cynical about someone so genuine really puts in perspective how awful I am.)] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ {城に到着し、城内に入った。エースは感心しきりといった様子だ。} [Once we were inside the castle, Ace looked awestruck.]

Ace: {"すげえ。本当に着いちゃったよ."} ["Incredible~. We actually made it."]

Alice: {"丘の上に見えているんだもの。着くに決まっているわよ."} ["It's at the top of a hill. We couldn't miss it."]

Ace: {"でも、初めて来る場所だろう？すごいぜ."} ["But, this is the first time you've been here, right? So it's incredible~."]

Alice: {"初めてだろうと、丘の上に見えていれば誰だって行けるに決まって……。} ["It is my first time here, but again, it's on a hill. Anyone could see it for miles--...] {あー……、いいわ、どういたしまして."} [Hah... Fine. It was my pleasure. Glad to help."]

{時計塔からここに着くまで２００回も時間帯が変わるような人にしてみれば、} [For someone who takes 200 time periods to go from here to the Clocktower,] {確かに偉業だろう。称賛は受け取っておく。} [this certainly must seem like an achievement. I should just accept the praise.]

{私からしてみれば、そんなに時間をかけられるほうが偉業だ。} [If you ask me though, being able to waste that much time is an achievement in] {とても真似できない。} [itself. I don't think I could manage that if I tried.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ace: {"さて、と。久々の我が家だ.} ["Ah~, back home after such a long time.]

{……俺の部屋はどこだったかな."} [Hhm... I wonder where my room is."]

Alice: {"……知らない."} ["... You don't know?"]

{可哀想なことに、この人は自分の部屋も分からないらしい。} [I pity this poor man who can't even find his own bedroom.]

Ace: {"え～と、俺はこれから自分の部屋を捜しに旅に出るが……、君はどうする?} ["Umm... I guess from here, I'll be off on a journey to find my room... What are you going to do?]

{謁見室に行きたいなら、連れて行ってやってもいいぜ？…確実に迷うけど."} [If you still want to go to the Audience Chamber to find Peter, I don't mind taking you there~... But I'm guaranteed to get lost."]

Alice: {自分の部屋捜しの旅……。} [A journey to find his room...]

{（自分捜しの旅なら聞いたことがあるけど……）} [(I've heard of taking a journey to find yourself, but...)]

{（あれも、よく分からないのよね。旅なんかで自分がみつかりっこないでしょ）} [(I've never really understood that. You can't possibly find yourself by taking a trip somewhere.)]

{しかし、それ以上に自分の部屋捜しの旅というのも謎だ。} [But taking a trip to find your own room is an even greater mystery.] {そんな旅をしている人間には、生まれて初めて出会った。} [This is the first time I've met someone who would call such a thing a 'journey'.]

{（どこをどうやって、自分の部屋を捜して迷えるのよ……）} [(How is it even possible for someone to get lost on the way to their room...?)]

{"謹んで遠慮申し上げるわ……。いいかげんに、足が痛い...} ["I'll have to respectfully decline... My feet are already too sore...]

{そもそも、私、謁見室なんか行きたくないもの。ペーターと会いたくない."} [Besides, I never wanted to go to the Audience Chamber from the beginning. I'd rather not run into Peter."]

Ace: {"そうか。じゃ、この辺でお別れだな.} ["I see. Then, I guess this is where we part ways.]

* Clap, clap*

{お～い、誰か!"} [Hey~, anybody there!"]

Alice: {エースはぱんぱんと手を叩いて、人を呼んだ。} [Ace clapped his hands, seeming to be calling for someone.]

* Ding ding ding

{エースは何も持っていないのに、ちりりーんと、ベルの音がする。} [Even though he doesn't have anything in his hands, I hear a chime, like a bell.] {その音に、メイドが駆けつける。} [At the sound, some maids come rushing in.]

Maid A: {"お久しぶりです、エース様。お戻りになられましたのね."} ["It's been a while, Master Ace. I see you made it back."]

Maid B: {"どうなさいました?"} ["How can we assist you?"]

Ace: {"この子は、俺とペーターさんの客人なんだ。おもてなししてやってくれ.} ["This girl is a guest of both Peter and myself. Please make her feel welcome.]

{間違っても、銃を向けないようにな。頼むぜ?"} [By no means should anyone point a gun at her. Can you make sure of that?"]

Maid A: {"分かりました."} ["Understood."]

Maid B: {"お任せください."} ["Please leave it to me."]

Alice: {銃を向けないようになんて、メイドへの注意としてはどうかと思う。} [I wonder why he's telling the maids not to point guns at me.]

{しかし、的外れでもない。メイド達は、しっかりと銃を携帯していた。} [Well, I suppose it isn't that far-fetched to think the attendants of a castle carry concealed weapons.]

Ace: {"俺は行くけど、用があったら使用人達に頼めばやってくれるから.} ["I'm going to go, but if you need anything, just ask one of the servants.]

{運がよければ、又会えるだろう。じゃあな、アリス!"} [With some luck, maybe we'll meet again. See ya, Alice!"]

* Ace walks away

Alice: {"...城内にいて、運がよくないと会えないってどうなの..."} ["... If he's going to be in the same castle, why does he need good luck for us to meet again...?"]

{確かに城は馬鹿でかく広いが、エースはここの住人のはずだ。} [The castle is absurdly huge, but Ace is still supposed to be a resident here.] {筋金入りの方向音痴で、しかも本人がそれを受け入れてしまっている。} [I guess when there's not a cell in your body with any sense of direction, you probably come to accept it.]

{（自分の家……城の中で行き倒れないか心配だわ）} [(For some reason... I'm worried he'll get so lost that they'll end up finding him collapsed before he even made it to his room.)]

{はたと、横に佇むメイド達を見て気付く。} [Suddenly, I realize, seeing the two maids standing abreast of one-another.]

{"あなた達に案内してもらえばよかったんじゃないの？} ["Do you think you could show him the way?] {使用人なら、エースの部屋も知っているわよね?"} [If you're the servants, you must know where Ace's room is, right?"]

Maid A: {"もちろん、存じておりますけど..."} ["Of course we know, but..."]

Maid B: {"エース様は道案内をお望みになりませんから..."} ["Master Ace has no desire to be given guidance..."]

Alice: {"? そうなの?} ["Hm? Really?]

{でも、ここまでは私が道案内してきたのよ？拒否されたりしなかったけど."} [He let me lead him all the way here, though. He never tried to argue it, but..."]

{（道案内がないほうが楽しいとは言われたけど）} [(He did say it was more enjoyable without a guide...)]

{でも、拒否されたりはしなかった。} [Still, it didn't seem like he would refuse. He was always so cheerful,] {とにかく爽やかで、女性を無碍に扱ったりしなさそうな印象だ。} [and I got the impression that he treated women with great respect.]

Maid A: {"それは、あなた様を気に入れられたからではないでしょうか."} ["Perhaps you are someone of greater significance to him."]

Maid B: {"わたくし達は、お仕えするだけです。ご命令がなければ、動きかねますわ."} ["We are merely servants. Unless he has an order for us, we don't often interact."]

Alice: "..."

{同じような顔で、同じような服装。美人だが不気味なメイド達。} [The same face, the same clothes. A pair of beautiful, yet uncanny, maids.]

{敵意などは感じなくとも、エースと違って、} [I don't feel any hostility, but unlike Ace, I also don't feel like these are] {どうも仲良くなりにくそうな印象を受ける。どうにも、無機質な……。} [people I'm going to be speak to easily. They seem almost... artificial...]

Maid A: {"あなた様は、道案内をお望みですか?"} ["Perhaps you are in need of guidance yourself, Miss?"]

Maid B: {"お望みなら、ご案内いたします."} ["If that is your wish, please allow us to assist you."]

Alice: {"え～と……、じゃあ、お願い出来ますか?"} ["Ah... Well then, could you please show me around?"]

{畏まってしまう。自然と話し方が他人行儀になった。} [I respectfully accept their offer. My manner of speaking instinctually falls back on formality when they address me like this.]

Maid A: {"では、こちらです."} ["Then, this way."]

Maid B: {"ついてきてください."} ["Please follow me."] ============================================================= * The maids start to lead her down the hall

Alice: {メイドは、すすっと滑るように廊下を歩いていく. 慌てて追いかけた。} [The maids move down the hall so smoothly it's as if they're gliding. I rush to keep up.]

Maid A: {"こちらが、兵士の詰め所になっておりまして..."} ["The Soldier's Offices are this way..."]

Maid B: {"あちらに、食堂がございます。料理は使用人に言ってくださればご} ["And this way is the Dining Hall. Speak to the head chef there, and they will] {用意いたしますが、自由に使えるキッチンもございまして..."} [prepare whatever meal you would like. The kitchen is also freely available for your personal use..."]

Alice: {メイド達はそれぞれに右を指したり左を指したりする。} [As if mirroring one another, each of the maids was pointing right and left respectively.]

Maid A: {"あそこの角から、メイドの住み込み部屋で..."} ["Around this corner are the Maid's Quarters..."]

Maid B: {"あちらは、すべて客室です。お客様など滅多にいらっしゃいませんけど、} ["And everything in this direction are Guest Rooms. We seldom have guests, but] {常にルームクリーニングは欠かしておりませんので..."} [the rooms are always thoroughly cleaned without fail..."]

Maid A: {"そこの角が..."} ["Around this corner, we have..."]

Alice: {"ま、待って待って...!} ["W-Wait, wait...!]

{私はエースほど方向音痴じゃないけど、} [I may not be as poor with directions as Ace, but I'll never remember if you're] {そんなに一気に教えられても覚えきれないわ！頭がこんがらがっちゃう!"} [going to tell me everything at once like this! My head's already jumbled up from trying to take it all in!"]

{とても広い城の上、廊下はどこも似たり寄ったりだ。} [On top of being an incredibly vast castle, every corridor looks almost exactly the] {廊下の先にある重厚な扉を開けると、また同じような廊下が続いている。} [same. We pass through massive doors at the end of one hall, only to enter yet another area that looks practically identical to the last.]

{その繰り返しな上、メイド達は立て続けに解説していく。覚えきれない。} [This repetition, paired with the constant commentary by the maids makes it impossible for me to remember anything.]

Maid A: {"左様ですか..."} ["Is that so..."]

Maid B: {"それでは、最初からもう一度..."} ["In that case, please allow us to start again from the beginning..."]

Maid A: {"今度はゆっくりと..."} ["This time, more slowly..."]

Alice: {方向転換して元の場所へ戻ろうとするのを慌てて留める。} [They instantly changed their course, turning back in the direction we came from, but I stopped them as quickly as I could.]

{"いらないいらない！兵士の詰め所やメイドさんの住み込み部屋なんか} ["It's fine! I don't need it! The Soldier's Offices, the Maid's Quarters... you don't] {教えてもらっても、用事なんてないもの!} [need to tell me any of that! I don't have any business in those places!]

{そこって、入っちゃいけない場所でしょう？} [Aren't those areas off-limits anyways? ] {行ってもいい場所だけ教えてくれない?"} [Why don't you just tell me about the places I'm allowed to go."]

Maid A: {"入ってはいけない場所？そんな場所はございません.} ["'Off-limits'? There are no places with such restriction.]

{どこへお入りになっても構いませんわ."} [You are free to enter any room at any time."]

Maid B: {"そうです。好きな場所へ好きなだけいらっしゃってください."} ["That is correct. Feel free to come and go as you please, wherever you would like."]

Maid A: {"あなた様はお客様ですもの."} ["You are our guest, Miss."]

Maid B: {"どこへ入るのも自由です."} ["You may enter any area as it pleases you."]

Maid A: {"どこへ行くのも自由."} ["You may come and go as it pleases you."]

Maid B: {"何をしてくださっても構いません."} ["You can do whatever you wish with no consequence."]

Alice: {メイドは、口を揃えて自由に、と繰り返す。} [The maids speak one after the other, over and over, reiterating my 'freedom'.] {手放しの歓待といえるのかもしれないが、戸惑ってしまった。} [You could call it open hospitality, but I was perplexed.]

{"そんなこと言って…… 人の部屋に勝手に入って居座っちゃマズイでしょう?"} ["You say that, but... don't you think it would be uncomfortable if I just walked into one of your rooms unannounced like that?"]

Maid A: {"構いませんわ."} ["That is not a problem."]

Maid B: {"ご自由にどうぞ."} ["If that is what you wish, then by all means."]

Alice: {"……え？いやいや..."} ["... Huh? No, no, no..."]

{この城では, 使用人より客の意思を尊重するらしい. それにしても行き過ぎだ.} [It seems like the guest holds priority over the servants in this castle. But even so, this is going to far.]

{"たとえば、それが偉い人の部屋だったらどうするの?"} ["So then, what would happen if I entered the room of someone in a higher position?"]

Maid A: {"ホワイト卿なら、お喜びになるでしょう."} ["If you are meaning Prime Minister White, I'm sure he would be overjoyed."]

Alice: {メイドの口から、さらりと変態ウサギの名前が飛び出す。} [The pervert rabbit's name slipped out of the maid's mouth without hesitation.]

{"ペーターが?"} ["Peter?"]

Maid B: {"あなた様より先に城へ戻っていらっしゃいました."} ["He returned to the castle shortly before you arrived, Miss."]

Maid A: {"そして、わたくし達にお命じになられました."} ["And delivered us our orders."]

Maid B: {"丁重におもてなしするようにと。} ["To give you a courteous reception.] {ホワイト卿のお部屋にご案内するよう指示されておりますわ."} [Then direct you to Prime Minister White's chambers."]

Alice: {"... げ."} ["... Ghk--."]

{（まったく咎められないと思っていたら。そういうことだったの？）} [(I thought it was strange to be given free reign like this. Was this all his doing?)]

{"冗談じゃないわ。絶対嫌よ.} ["That's not funny. I would never.]

{あんな奴の部屋に滞在するくらいなら、他をあたる."} [If my only option is to stay in that man's room, then I'll find somewhere else."]

{なぜペーターがあんなに私に固執するのか分からないが、迷惑なだけだ。} [I don't know why Peter has such a fixation on me, but it's nothing but trouble.]

Maid A: {"そうですか..."} ["I see..."]

Maid B: {"でも、ご案内するようにと申し付かっておりますので..."} ["But, it was his order for us to show you the way..."]

Alice: {メイド達は、困り顔で食い下がってきた。} [The maid's faces seemed troubled.]

{（あんなのでも、宰相だものね。逆らえないか……）} [(Since he's the Prime Minister, I suppose they can't defy him...)]

{（私のせいで、メイドさん達が叱られたら気の毒だし……）} [(I would feel terrible if the maids were scolded because of me...)]

{先刻の件からしても、彼が部下に優しくないのは目に見えている。} [But then, thinking back to what happened earlier, it's clear that he's remarkably] {叱られるどころか、あの手品のような手法で銃を撃ちかねない。} [cruel to his subordinates. Far from mere scolding, he might just shoot them with that trick gun of his.]

{だが, ペーターの部屋に滞在する気などなかった.} [Still, I can't possibly stay in Peter's room, either.] {別の意味で, 私の身が危険だ.} [I would be in a completely different kind of danger in that case.]

{"……案内しろって指示されたのよね?} ["... You were only given instruction to show me the way, right?]

{いいわ、案内して。ペーターは、まだ謁見室よね?"} [Alright, then show me. Peter is still in the Audience Chamber, isn't he?"]

Maid A: {"はい、女王陛下に謁見なさっているはずです."} ["Yes, he should still be holding audience with the Queen at this time."]

Alice: {"なら、大丈夫ね。急いで案内して.} ["In that case, let's go. Take me there quickly.]

{案内してもらったら、後は適当な部屋に滞在させてもらうから."} [Once you've shown me, then I'll decide on an appropriate room to stay in myself."]

{案内しろと指示されていても、そこに滞在させろとは言われていないらしい。} [They were ordered to tell me where Peter's room is, but they never said it was an] {彼女達は反論しなかった。} [order that I would have to stay there. Neither of the women refuted my request.]

{忠実な使用人だ。極端なまでに。} [They are devoted servants. Extremely devoted.]

{"客室はどれでも使って構わないのよね?"} ["I can use whichever guest room I want, right?"]

Maid B: {"ええ。あちらは、すべて客室です。ご自由にお使いください."} ["That is correct. The guest rooms are that way. Please make use of them as you like."]

Alice: {"……あのフロア全部?"} ["... Are there guest rooms throughout this entire floor?"]

Maid A: {"二階と三階もほとんどが客室ですわ."} ["The second and third floors are also made up mostly of guest rooms."]

Maid B: {"このお城は広いので……"} ["This castle is extremely spacious..."]

Maid A: {"お掃除が大変なんです."} ["It requires a tremendous amount of cleaning."]

Alice: {これだけの広さがあれば、大変だろう。} [It must be incredibly difficult to maintain a castle this size.] {何人くらいいるか知らないが、メイドに同情する。} [I don't know how many people it must take, but I feel sorry for the maids.]

{"今の時期、お客さんはいないの?"} ["Are there any other guests right now?"]

Maid B: {"女王陛下は、誰とも親しくなさいません."} ["Her Majesty is not personally close with anyone."]

Maid A: {"でも、もうすぐ舞踏会が開かれますの。} ["But, we will be holding a ball in the near future.] {そのときにはお客様で溢れかえることでしょう."} [At that time, we will be overflowing with guests."]

Alice: {舞踏会。またメルヘンな言葉が出てきた。} [A ball. Yet another word you only hear in fairy tales.]

{"舞踏会は、いつ頃開かれるのかしら."} ["When is the ball going to be held?"]

{それまでに出て行こう。心に決める。} [That will be my deadline. I have to get out of this place before then.]

{そんなメルヘン空間で、間違って白馬の王子様とでも遭遇したら大変だ。} [It would be a disaster if I accidentally bumped into a real Prince Charming while] {あまりの非現実具合に吐いてしまいかねない。} [staying in a fairy tale castle. I would probably actually throw up.]

Maid B: {"あと、５００くらい時間が変わったら開かれるのではないでしょうか."} ["I believe the event opens approximately 500 periods from now."]

Maid A: {"違います。あと６００くらいだったはずですわ。もっと先かもしれません."} ["No. I think it is after 600 periods. It can't possibly be any sooner than that."]

Alice: {"……どっちにしても、それがどれくらい先のことなのか分からないわ."} ["... It doesn't make a difference which one it is if I still don't know how long that is."]

{何週間先とか何ヶ月先とかいう、具体的な時間ではないのだ。} [There's no concrete time period being given. Are they talking about weeks?] {５００回時間帯が変わるとしたら、単純計算なら約１６６日強。} [Months? If I use normal days as a reference, then 500 time periods would be about 166 days.]

{６００回なら、２００日後。しかし、ここの時間はあてにならない。} [Or, 600 time periods would be 200 days. Except, time here is unreliable.] {だから、彼女達も「～くらい」という表現しか出来ないのだろう。} [So, the women can only use 'approximately' when they talk about it.]

{ころころ時間帯が変わるかと思えば、まったく変わらない時期もあるらしい。} [Sometimes the time changes constantly, and other times long stretches can go by where there's no change at all.]

{法則性もない時間変化。体内時計も狂って当然だ。} [There's no natural pattern for the time changes here. Even my biological clock has lost track.]

Maid B: {"開催時期は女王陛下がお決めになります."} ["It is Her Majesty's decision when the event will be held."]

Maid A: {"中止になることもございます。女王陛下のお心次第ですわ."} ["It may even be cancelled. It all depends on Her Majesty's will."]

Alice: {"ペーターも、女王様に叱られるとか言っていた……} ["Peter also mentioned that he was going to be reprimanded by the Queen...]

{女王様が支配している国って珍しいわ。王様はいないのね."} [It's odd for the Queen to control the country though. Do you not have a King?"]

Maid A: {"いいえ、王様もいらっしゃいます."} ["No, we have a King as well."]

Alice: {"それなのに、女王様がこの城を支配しているの?"} ["And yet, the Queen is the one who rules the castle?"]

Maid A: {"いいえ、第一の権力者は王様です."} ["Not at all. The King is the first authority on all matters."]

Alice: {"？でも、ペーターもあなた達も口にするのは女王様のことばかりじゃない."} [Hm? But, the only one you or Peter seem to bring up is the Queen."]

{今の今まで、王様がいるということ自体、気付かなかった。} [Until now, I wasn't even aware this place had a King.]

{（上位の人の名前が出てこないっていうのは、} [(When people aren't even willing to mention the name of someone in such a] {恐れられているか蔑ろにされているかのどちらかだけど）} [high standing, it's usually out of either disrespect, or fear.)]

{私は、王族に知り合いなどいない。裕福な家の生まれとはいえ、平民だ。} [I've never been acquainted with royalty before. I was born into a wealthy family, but we were still commoners.]

{だから、基準はもっと身近な集団生活の場、学校等の話になる。} [So, this made more sense when I converted it to a more familiar topic, like school.]

{学校で一番偉いはずなのに会話に名前の出てこない校長先生、} [It's like when some students talk about the principal, or the class president,] {学級で一番なはずなのに話題にならない学級委員長。そんな感じだ。} [and avoid mentioning their names. It feels like that kind of hushed topic.]

{"第一の権力者は王様でも、実権は女王様にあるのね."} ["The King may be the first authority, but the Queen has the real power, doesn't she?"]

{そういうことだろうと、内緒話をするように話しかける。} [I may not know whether it's true, but I still end up addressing them as if we're gossiping.]

{そこで、ようやくメイド達は笑ってくれた。雰囲気が和らぐ。} [Then, after a moment, the maids start to giggle. The atmosphere suddenly seems to have lightened.]

Maid A: {"ふふ、女王陛下はお強い方なんです."} ["Aha~, Her Majesty has a strong personality."]

Maid B: {"ふふ、王様は押され気味なんです."} ["Mhm~, she certainly keeps the King on the ropes."]

Alice: {彼女達は砕けた様子で、くすくす笑う。} [They look far more approachable now that they're laughing.]

{きっかけさえ掴めば、とても話しやすい。} [If I had seen this side of them sooner, it would have been far easier to speak to] {しばらく歩くうちに、雑談を出来るくらいには仲良くなれた。} [them. I didn't think I would be able to have a friendly chat with them like this.]

Maid A: {"おかしいわ."} ["It's a bit amusing."]

Maid B: {"ええ、本当に。ねえ……、ふふふっ."} ["Yes, it is, isn't it?... Aha~."]

Alice: {"なあに？私だけのけ者にしないでよ."} ["What is it~? Don't leave me out."]

{くすくすと笑うメイド達に混じり、私も笑う。} [My laugh mixed in with the maids. Ace was a friendly person,] {エースも気さくだったが、女同士だとまた違った気安さがある。} [but I have a different sense of ease finally being around other women here.]

Maid A: {"ふふ。だって、わたくし達、いつもはこんなふうじゃないんですもの."} ["Hehe~. It's just that we don't get to feel this way often."]

Maid B: {"ハートのお城の人間は、} ["When others speak of Heart Castle,] {みんなハートが凍っているみたいだって言われるんですよ."} [they all say that our people have hearts of ice."]

Maid A: {"とっても、冷酷だから."} ["They say we're always so cruel."]

Maid B: {"そうそう、残酷だから."} ["Yes yes, always so cruel."]

Alice: {歌うように繰り返す。まるで、暗示でもかけられているかのようだ。} [They repeated it like they were reciting a poem. It's as if they were hinting at something deeper.]

{"そんなふうには見えないわ。あなた達はいい人よ.} ["I haven't seen any such thing. You're both good people.]

{最初はちょっと取っ付きにくいかと思ったけど、勘違いだった。} [I admit that I thought you were a bit hard to approach at first, but I just] {今は、冷たい感じなんて全然しない."} [misunderstood you. Now, I know you're not cold people at all."]

Maid A: "Ah..."

Maid B: "Oh..."

Alice: {"私みたいに、勘違いしてそのままな人が多いんじゃない？} ["Maybe you're just like me. People probably misjudge you a lot.] {第一印象って難しいわよね."} [First impressions are hard, aren't they?"]

{メイド達は、赤くなった。照れているのだか、複雑そうな顔をしている。} [The maids were blushing now. But, I can't tell if they're just being shy, because their expression seem complex.]

{"知れば、好かれるわよ。あなた達って、可愛いもの."} ["But I'm sure anyone who gets to know you must like you. You're so cute, too."]

Maid A: "Oh..."

Maid B: "Hha--..."

Maid A: {"あなた様が、ホワイト卿に好かれる理由が分かりますわ."} ["I can understand why Prime Minister White is so fond of you, Miss."]

Maid B: {"わたくし達も、あなた様が好きになってしまいそう."} ["It seems that even we have come to like you, Miss."]

Alice: "?

{私は、ペーターよりあなた達のほうが好きだわ。あの人、嫌いなの."} [I already like the two of you better than Peter. I hate that man."]

{口だけでなく、彼女達が好きになった。} [That isn't just flattery either. I really do like these two.] {そして、彼女達も私を好いてくれているのが分かる。} [And I can tell that they genuinely like me, too.]

{どうしてだろう。不思議に思う。} [Though, I wonder why. Something about it feels strange.]

{わずかに違和感を覚え始めた。エースのときにも感じた違和感だ。} [I just get this uncomfortable feeling. It's the same kind of feeling I got from Ace, too.]

{(私は、人に好かれるほうだったかしら？そんなことはなかったはずなのに...)} [(Am I really the kind of person these people like? I've never had anyone come to like me so easily before...)]

Maid A: {"ふふ……、ありがとう."} ["Aha~... Thank you."]

Maid B: {"ホワイト卿にも手に入らないものがあるのね."} ["So there is something even Prime Minister White cannot obtain."]

Alice: {くすくす笑う彼女達に、冷酷とか残酷とかいう言葉は似合わない。} [As the women giggle, I can't imagine anyone calling them cruel or coldhearted.] {腰につけた銃には存在感があるが……、それを除けば綺麗なメイド達だ。} [Each of them does have a gun on her hip, but... if you remove that, they just look like a pair of beautiful maids.]

Maid A: {"ねえ、どこへ行ってもあなた様の自由ですけど、} ["Well, you are still free to roam the castle at your leisure.] {女王陛下のお部屋には近付かないようにしてくださいね?"} [All we ask is that you do not approach the Queen's room, please."]

Maid B: {"入りたいのなら入ってもいいのですけど、危険だから……"} ["If you wish to enter, you are of course allowed. However, it is dangerous to do so..."]

Alice: {ペーターの部屋を案内してくれた後、他の主要な場所へも案内してもらう。} [After showing me to Peter's room, they lead me around to all of the major] {道中、こそこそと囁かれた。} [locations in the castle. The entire time we walked though, they kept whispering to each other as if they were hiding something.]

{（危険って、どういうことだろう。警備が厳しいとか？？？）} [(I wonder what they mean by dangerous. Does it just have tight security or something???)]

{"部屋を間違えちゃわない限り、入るつもりはないわ。} ["I don't have any intention of entering the Queen's room, so unless I get lost, and] {女王陛下の部屋なんて、入っちゃまずいでしょう.} [walk in by accident, you shouldn't have to worry about that. I don't think it's appropriate to enter such a place.]

{でも、ご挨拶くらいすべきなのかしら."} [However, I do think I should at least introduce myself to her."]

Maid A: {"よしたほうがいいですよ."} ["It may be better if you don't."]

Maid B: {"危険です."} ["It's dangerous."]

Alice: {（危険？？？）} [(Dangerous???)]

{"どうして危険なの?"} ["Why would it be dangerous?"]

Maid A: {"もちろん、首を刎ねられてしまうからですわ."} ["Because she would certainly have you beheaded."]

Alice: {"……なんですって?"} ["... What did you say?"]

Maid B: {"ご機嫌を損ねたら死刑にされてしまいます."} ["If you fail to keep her in high spirits, she will have you put to death."]

Alice: {部下が部下なら、上司も上司だ。} [It takes a powerful boss to make such subservient servants.]

{ペーターが遅刻魔だと知ったときには、上司はさぞや苦労しているだろうと} [When I heard of Peter's habit of being late, I only thought that his boss was the] {思ったが、女王様というのはずいぶんな暴君らしい。} [one who would have a hard time. But now I see that the Queen herself might be a tyrant.]

Maid A: {"間違ってお部屋に入ったら、確実に首を斬られます。} ["If you enter her chambers by mistake, she'll certainly cut off your head.] {入ってもいいのですけど、入ると危険です."} [It's fine to enter, but if you do, it is at your own risk."]

Alice: {"入っちゃ駄目ってことでしょう、それは."} ["Just tell me it's off-limits to enter, in that case."]

{首を斬られてしまうような場所を、入ってもいいなんて言わないでほしい。} [I'd rather they didn't tell me 'it's fine' to go into a place where I'll get beheaded.] {死刑になると分かっていて、誰が入るものか。} [Who would willingly walk into a room that has a death penalty?]

{このメイド達も結構なものだ……。} [Such considerate maids...]

{足が疲れたので客室へ引っこもうと思っていたところだったが、} [I'm already worn out, so I was hoping to head back to one of the guest rooms] {もう少し歩く必要が出来てしまった。} [soon, but now I'll have to walk a little more.]

{"女王様の部屋の場所も案内してもらえる?"} ["Can you show me to the Queen's room please?"]

{万が一にも間違って近付いてしまわないよう、位置の確認をさせてもらう。} [If I'm going to be avoiding this place, I should know where it is.] {案内してもらった後は、くたくたになっていた。} [But, after being led around so much today, I was exhausted.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{ハートの城の客室は……、なんというか……ハートの城らしい客室だった。} [I don't know how else to say this, but... the guest rooms of Heart Castle... look like guest rooms of a Heart Castle.]

{そこかしこに、ハート形の装飾が溢れている。} [The entire room is overflowing with heart-shaped motifs.]

{（城中、ハートを使わなきゃならないっていう決まりでもあるのかしら……）} [(I wonder if it's some kind of rule that everything in the castle has to have a heart theme...)]

{（赤……）} [(It's so red...)]

{（目に痛いな……）} [(My eyes hurt...)] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * Day to Night, to Evening, to Night, to Morning, to Evening, to Day... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ {時間帯が何度も変わり、} [I don't know how much time has passed,] {なんだかんだとハートの城での生活にも順応してしまった。} [but somehow I think I've grown accustomed to daily life at the castle.]

{私は、たまに部屋を変えながら客室に滞在させてもらっている。} [Every once in a while, I move into another guest room, just to change things up.] {広い城内にある部屋は無数に近く、おとぎ話を連想させた。} [There's a practically infinite number of rooms, just like you'd expect from a fairy tale castle.]

{（それにしても……順応できちゃうものなのね）} [(All things considered... it really shows that I can adapt to anything.)]

{最初は無茶苦茶な世界だと思っていて、今でもそう思っているが、} [In the beginning I thought this world was completely nonsensical,] {慣れればこの世界はそれほど特異でもない。} [but now that I've gotten used to it, it doesn't seem that peculiar at all.]

{人は、意外と普通に生活している（意外と、だ）。} [The people here live surprisingly ordinary lives (very surprisingly).]

{空を飛んだり出来ないし、魔法も使えない。} [They don't fly, or do magic.] {少なくとも、妖精さんは出てきそうになかった。} [At the very least, I haven't seen any mythical creatures yet.]

{（……安心した）} [(... Which is relieving.)]

{しかし、ここの時間変化は、間違いなく無茶苦茶だ。} [However, the time shifts here are still certainly absurd. Noon follows night,] {昼の次は夜、その次に昼がきたり、また夜がきたり夕方になったり。} [which turns back to noon, and back to night, and then evening.]

{法則性も何もなく、ころころ変わる。} [There's no rhyme or reason, it just keeps changing.]

{変化する速さもそのときどきなので、時間感覚が徐々に狂っていく。} [The length of any time of day is so variable, I've lost all sense of time.] {今分かるのは、城に来てから結構な時間が経過したということくらいだ。} [But one thing I do know is that it's been quite a while since I came to this castle.]

{ここのメイドにも兵士にも知り合いが増えた。} [I've gotten to know more of the maids and soldiers as well.] {誰も彼も同じに見えても、全員が違う人だ。} [They may look the same, but they all have unique personalities.]

{親しくなれば、顔というものも見えてくる。} [As I became closer to them, I found I could even see their faces.] {それまではのっぺらぼうだった顔に、個が出てくる。} [I used to think they were featureless, but I can see slight differences now.]

{個性が見えれば愛着もわき, 人を好きになれば彼らがいる場所も好きになる.} [And the more I learned their personalities, the more attached I grew to them.] {私は、夢の中の場所、ハートの城が気に入り始めていた。} [By coming to like the people, I think the place has grown on me, too. I've taken a liking to this dream of a Castle of Hearts.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * Day to Night, to Evening, to Day... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ {城での生活にも慣れてきた。} [Life at the castle is straightforward now.]

{危険な場所も覚えたし, 何か違うことをしてみようか.} [I know which places to keep away from, so I should go find something to do.] {そう考える余裕も出てきた.} [It's not like I don't have the free time.]

CHOICE {城を探検してみる.} [Explore the castle.] (Vivaldi +1)

OR

{そのまま客室に留まる.} [Stay in the guest room.] (=)

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