this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!
Bottom Line: Is his route problematic, toxic? Yes, very much so. Did I enjoy his route regardless of this fact? Yes. In fact, even though I am not a Darius girlie, his route has earned a top spot in my fave routes for the Villains series.
My favorite Ending: Mad Love End. I felt it provided greater emotional context regarding Darius than Blind Love. Additionally, there is greater context regarding the expansion of the Ikevil world.
More thoughts…..
His route was a very fresh read. Darius is a very complex character. He has zero emotional capacity for humans in general other than hatred, with the exception of the MC of course. To me, Darius is at times, very child-like when he is trying to connect the dots with his own emotions towards the MC. I mean, he is genuinely confused. Of course, he understands what emotions are, he uses them to manipulate humans. He's also emotionally inclined towards the cursed, being concerned for their welfare. So, he isn’t devoid of emotion.
However, due to his repulsion towards humans he truly can't fathom why he feels the way he does for the MC. So, I thoroughly enjoyed looking through his layers and watching him become confounded by his irritation, concern, and jealousy. And eventually, his acceptance of his emotions. Particularly, love because each of the former are facets of that quality.
And let me just say, that once Darius accepts his love for her, and hers for him, bro is down BAD. He is a clingy, needy baby.
Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that Darius and the MC have a terrifying, toxic relationship throughout the route. I'm not going to sugar coat that. He did some messed up stuff, but she was determined to gain his trust and earn his love regardless of all that. So, I was hooked, and I needed to know how we were going to get from A-Z because he is certainly wreaking havoc in his own route in more ways than one. And I appreciated that.
Leaving that behind, we’ve also got carefully woven international dynamics at play in the background as well, iykyk. There were underlying religious tones in regards to how Darius is viewed by the cursed; and in terms of his curse how God could never love the devil, or the one whom chose to love the devil. Additionally, the political tensions that were taking place throughout the route with Germany and England were very nicely written and palpable.
Gripes: In the mad love end, there were a couple of parts that I had to roll my eyes at, one for an action Crown allowed after all was said and done, which made me say: huh?? And the other was an action the MC took, but I get why she did it, so it's fine. But Mad was still the better ending due to pace, the amount Darius is featured and the inner feelings he expressed.
Overall, this was a page turner for me, I felt a range of emotions, I felt engaged, and my boundaries allowed me to read it, so I read it. All the characters had a chemistry that made sense, whether it was Darius and the MC, or Crown and the twins. Everything felt cohesive to me. In the end, Darius is still very much a villain, as they all are, and the MC accepts him for who he is, and is hell bent on being with her man.
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!
𝜗𝜚 cw — one (1) threat of violence.
——Narration——
[ENGLAND - DESERTED TOWN - DAY]
God's love was bestowed equally, no matter the person.
That was what "unconditional love" was: knowing neither good nor evil, it was given to all.
But still, if one wanted a lot of love, it would be better not to dabble in things they shouldn't do.
One should not not enter forests they mustn't enter; learn of secrets you mustn't touch…
And— one should not fall into a love you mustn't fall into.
After all, in fairy tales, those who do bad or dangerous things always received punishment.
But, I ended up falling in love with someone not under God.
[BLACK]
Surely God would never love someone like me, bound with the devil, to the end of time.
——End narration——
[LETTERS AND TYPEWRITER]
A light, clicking sound resonated in the room.
My fingers brushed over the typewriter, thinking back on the days spent until now.
[LONDON - PALACE ENTRANCE - DAY]
A month had passed since the day of the joint practice.
[LONDON - HARBOR - DAY]
As a result of the accident that occurred, a soldier from England who held the steering wheel was assassinated.
The remaining survivors of Nox Liberator were revealed to be the culprit.
England, having deemed the matter a heinous one that broke the trust between both countries, they announced it to the populace.
Nox Liberator was then disbanded once and for all.
That said, there apparently was another perpetrator who had executed this, but there had been no leads as to who.
Darius had said a third party was the one behind the assassination, but he didn't go into more detail than that.
[CROWN CASTLE - ENTRANCE - NIGHT]
A lot happened between Crown and Vogel, but in light of how Darius had tried his best to save me after he saw my future,
and paying Crown a considerable sum, a truce was formed between both organizations.
Vogel would once again be allowed to stay in the palace, as an envoy to tighten relations.
(Darius won't tell me even now how he "paid" Crown…)
At first glance it appeared everything was back to normal, but of course Crown wasn't as keen to accept that.
But when William and Victor learned that Darius was the emperor's son,
they could no longer outright dismiss him.
No matter how many problems he caused, he was still the emperor's son.
[PALACE - VICTOR'S OFFICE]
Victor decided that the next time Darius aimed for Crown, he would drive them right out of England that very moment.
And Darius gave his word not to bring in any more Cursed ones unless they were done lawfully so.
But Crown didn't stop there, as they planned to continue watching Darius, and Vogel, with a close eye.
[PALACE - KATE'S ROOM - DAY]
Darius and the twins returned to Germany a few weeks ago to crack down on the emperor and his supporters.
——Flashback——
[PALACE - DARIUS' ROOM - DAY]
Darius: I've no intention to kill off the emperor or Luca.
Darius: I'll just be going to tighten some knots that had gone a taaad loose. So be a good girl and wait for me here, okay? ヽ(*⌒▽⌒*)ﾉ
——End flashback——
[PALACE - KATE'S ROOM - DAY]
I could recall those words, said with a shady smile, like it was yesterday.
(But to think it would turn out like this…)
I was supposed to return to my apartment, but now I found myself in a palace room.
That, too, could all be blamed on Darius.
——Flashback——
[ENGLAND - CITY HARBOR - DAY]
I went to see Darius off, passing him a memo with my address.
Kate: This is the address to my apartment. Since I won't be returning to the palace now…
Darius: —? What problem is there staying at the palace? You're still Vogel's temporary fairytale keeper. (O_O)
Kate: Huh? But, I'm already…
I was about to say my term had already ended, but at that moment Darius brought out the non-disclosure agreement from once upon a time.
Darius: See, look here.
At the bottom of the contract, in print so small I questioned if they were even readable, was—
"The term of this contract may be changed at Darius Vogel's will."
Darius: Your term as Crown's fairytale keeper may have ended, but that doesn't make you free of responsibility as temporary fairytale keeper.
Kate: U-um…?
Darius: Anyway, you're a temporary fairytale keeper until my return.
Darius: With that, bye, see you later. (◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*
Kate: Wh— w-wait, DARIUS!?!?
——End flashback——
[PALACE - KATE'S ROOM - DAY]
And so, having been left behind, Crown gave me a range of words from "that's unfortunate," to "you asked for it," to "read more carefully," and the like,
but it seemed they felt bad enough for me…that they agreed to let me stay in the palace until Darius returned.
And though I did sign it on my own will, I had been bound to a scam-like contract,
so I continued to wait for him, not knowing when he would come back.
Crown took care of me as they had before, but they would continue asking if I was really fine with a man like that,
and while I was grateful for their concern, it felt as though I was surrounded by many guardians.
Anyhow, I was glad I didn't have to cut ties with Darius,
[BLACK]
and as promised, I waited and waited— until that time came before me at last.
[CROWN CASTLE - ENTRANCE - NIGHT]
(Vogel's back…!)
Having received word of their return, I ran, nearly tripping, to the palace entrance.
I wanted to see Darius as soon as I could, and jump into his arms…
But— when I arrived, only Nica was there.
Nica: Hello, hello, Spatzi. Faring well enough?
Kate: Wha…
I blinked at not seeing Darius, much less Ring here.
[CARRIAGE INTERIOR - DAY]
When I did, Nica pulled on my arm— and for some reason brought me in a carriage.
Kate: Huh?
Nica: Oookay, off we go!
Kate: …Come again!?
[BLACK]
I was brought to a carriage without explanation, and when we got off, this time a boat was waiting.
He took a still-bewildered me along, and by the time we were on land again we were at the port town from before.
Ring: Nica, Kate, over here.
We met up with Ring, who had been waiting at the harbor, but Darius wasn't there either…
Kate: Um, I was brought here without any explanation, but what is the meaning of this…?
The moment I asked Ring, Nica pulled out a paper from his breast pocket and coughed.
Nica: We present to you orders from our director, to the temporary fairytale keeper, Kate.
Kate: Huh?
Ring, too, brought out a paper and pushed it out to me.
But when I looked at it closely, it was a fairytale keeper contract—
Ring: If you can find Dari by sunset, you'll officially be brought into Vogel as fairytale keeper. (｡•́‿•̀｡)
Nica: So, we're going to play a game of Fangen, like you did when you became temporary fairytale keeper, but in reverse.
Kate: W-whaa…??
Left bewildered by this development, the two gave an amused look…
Nica: To quote him, "If you love me, of course you should be able to find me, right?" End quote. (*￣▽￣)b
Kate: —!
I couldn't help but give a wry smile at Darius' message, having felt his trust for me in those words.
(You don't have to go so far, Darius, because I will always find you.)
I raised my head— and taking the contract from Ring, I gave a broad smile.
Kate: I'll be off to get his signature.
[BLACK]
The two looked at each other with a smile, before giving me a push on the back.
[ENGLAND - FOREST PATH - DAY]
There was only one place I could think of where Darius could be in this town.
While walking down the forest, I read through the contract thoroughly.
(There might be some very small print somewhere again…)
But the contract was as normal as it could get, with the only strange point probably being— the words "work for Vogel for life."
(If I sign this, I won't be able to leave Vogel until I die.)
I would have to resign my role as letter carrier, and go from England to Germany.
Perhaps, I would end up having to live the rest of my life on a land with a language I couldn't understand.
But any and all demerits felt overshadowed by the idea of being together with him for life.
(I want to see Darius soon.)
Holding the contract to my chest, I picked up my pace.
[ENGLAND - DESERTED TOWN - EVENING]
And in the place I was headed straight for, Darius looked down from the sky at me, his back to the angel statue.
Kate: Did you believe in my love?
I gave a triumphant smile, to which Darius returned with a gentle one.
Darius: Do I? Maybe not completely.
He spread his arms, and picking up on the cue, I jumped in his embrace.
Holding me, Darius spun one time around before burying his face in the crook of my neck.
Darius: …It's been so long since I've taken in this scent.
He continued sniffing, and I pulled my body away in a panic.
[1] Do I smell!?
[2] Smells good, doesn't it?
[3] I didn't put anything on. (+4/+4)
Kate: I didn't put anything on though? I know you don't like those things.
Darius: I'm not talking about perfumes, but rather you yourself. The slight scent your body gives off.
Darius: In your case, it smells sweet, kind of like milk.
Darius: I wonder why. There's not much difference between what we eat, and yet only your scent's special.
He pulled me back in, brushing his lips along the crook of my neck.
Darius: When I smell this scent, it's like all the irritation I've felt just a moment ago fades away.
Darius: If only they sold a perfume of your body scent.
Kate: That might be going a bit far for me…
Darius seemed to be in a good mood as he buried his face in my chest, and I, too, took in his scent.
Kate: But, I happen to like your scent, too, Darius. So much so, I would want a perfume of such a fragrance.
I broke into a smile at the scent that resembled freshly baked scones and felt relaxing like the sun.
He raised his head with a somewhat sulky expression…
Darius: No way, if you buy that perfume or whatever, you won't be stuck with me anymore. And I won't have that.
Kate: I could say the same at you, then, no?
Darius: You may have a point there…then, stay by my side, until you don't want this scent.
Darius: …Which very well may not happen even after this lifetime.
Darius took the contract from my hand, running the pen on the paper to sign it.
And then he sat down on the stairs, holding the pen out to me.
Darius: Do you have what it takes to work for life, as Darius Vogel's fairytale keeper?
I took the pen and sat down beside him. And with a smile, I signed my name.
Kate: That goes without saying.
With the contract now in effect, he narrowed his eyes, folded the contract and put it in his breast pocket.
Darius: If you said otherwise, I would have cut all your tendons and bring you off to Germany anyhow.
Kate: Don't go saying such scary things so casually.
He let out a giggle, before I asked about what happened while he was away.
Kate: Did you take care of everything?
Darius crossed his legs, holding my left hand.
Darius: Yep. I talked with the Cursed ones who had their qualms about me again and got their support.
Darius: And as for the humans who turned against me…
He didn't say anything more, but seeing his bright smile, I could guess what happened.
(So he killed them…)
It may as well have been inevitable…but still, I had mixed feelings that I couldn't quite put to words about it.
Kate: And…what of the emperor?
Darius: I would've liked to kill him, but I still don't have enough family to make a country for Cursed ones, so.
Darius: I decided to have him sit on that throne for just a bit longer.
Darius: Oh, but he won't ever be able to go against me again.
Darius ended there before turning to me again.
Darius: Now then, with you having officially become Vogel's fairytale keeper, you'll be by my side until death.
Darius: Say what you will…I won't stop making that country.
Kate: …I know.
Even if we were a couple now, there was no way he would give up his dream to create a country.
But…his next words differed slightly from what he said before.
Darius: But actually realizing it will still take a bit.
Kate: Huh…
Just then, I hugged my body as a cold breeze blew, to which Darius placed his jacket over me…
(Ah…)
[WHITE]
And he placed a hair accessory that resembled a royal crown on my head.
[CG - A LOVE THAT ENDS WITH "I LOVE YOU" - DARIUS VOGEL]
Darius: In the event that this country is created, you must stay by my side.
Darius: And not as my pet— but rather as my beloved partner.
His gentle smile made my heart sing.
I felt happy that I, his lover, would be in the future he imagined, as my heart filled with joy.
But, Darius revealed one more important thing.
[CG PAN 1]
Darius: There's something I have to tell you too. —About my fate.
His face approached mine before averting his eyes and opening his mouth.
Darius: My fate…is that if I look at the person I love from my heart and say "I love you," I will die.
Kate: Wha…
[CG PAN 2]
Darius: Up until now, these words held no meaning for me.
Darius: How could I, when love was always so empty?
Darius: But, now I…am just a little different.
His honey-colored eyes narrowed. And his lips, which drew an arc, seeped with affection.
[CG PAN 3]
Darius: I may very well never know if I will die from those words until the moment I say them.
Darius: And though I have no intention of saying those words so easily, there may come a day when I will say them to you.
Darius: So, that's why…come and kill me, with my love for you.
[CG PAN 4]
"I love you."
With just three words, Darius' life would meet its end.
And I— would not be able to hear the words "I love you" come out of his mouth from here on out.
(Not until Darius meets his death, at the final moment.)
But, even so, I was fine with that.
After all, as long as I wouldn't be able to hear the words "I love you" from him— we would be together forevermore.
Seeing his lips approaching mine, I smiled and brought my face in.
Kate: I love you, Darius.
When I said this, Darius looked at my lips with a smile.
Darius: I feel the same.
Someday, until the day you give me words of love and pass,
I shall stay by your side, conveying my feelings to you—
[BLACK]
Darius: …At least, I think I do.
—And prove this one and only "love" to the devil who didn't believe.
Fin
darius vogel — chapter 25 blind love — a love that ends with “i love you” & blind love contract (10K gems) .
masterlist 🪽 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍 ┊ backlog 🕰️
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NOTE: can you believe we reached ch25 of blind love already?! i think i only like 3 more stories and a letter to translate before this project is completely done, which is lowkey crazy to think about. which ending did you like better? 👀✨
i don’t like that i have to make this, but since user hot3hothot is actively ignoring and by extension refusing my simple request to edit their own post to credit me when they use my translations, and apparently can’t afford 10 seconds to be a semblance of a semi-decent human being, i will be the one to say this in their stead:
all the translation screenshots hot3hothot used in their post toward darius (tw for suitor hate) is my translation, kurishiri.
i ask that you do not interpret this post as approval to send hate or unnecessary attention to the poster. i understand darius and his story is not made for everyone. i mostly made this since i don’t want to just let that post remain uncredited, when i spent considerable time and effort in translating darius’ main story. so just, if you could help spread the word of this and make it more actively known that i am the translator they’re taking screenshots of, that would mean a lot to me!
finally, to end things in a more positive note— to everyone who commented in my defense and supported me, i genuinely appreciate it. thank you! i’m sorry i don’t reply; the whole thing left me pretty frazzled.. and i don’t know what to say a lot. i don’t use twitter way too often, but it seems word of this has also spread a bit to there as well. no matter the platform, it is thanks to your support that i feel i can keep my motivation! i adore the comments on his main story (among others of course). and also, to the regular commenters, i see you. i always look forward to seeing what you’ll say and you guys give me so much motivation. i really don’t know how i can express the amount of appreciation in words, but thank you.
