This is the original story for the 2025 Villains Panel. This is definitely not accurate because my Japanese listening skills suck, and the event transcript is not accurate at all. I had to piece together what happened. This is a summary. I HIGHLY recommend you watch the panel while it is still available on YT. Eventually, it will be taken down. Re-blogs are appreciated, but please do not post this elsewhere, claim it as your own, or use it without my permission. Thank you for your support! ☾
Basically, Victor was at a hot springs inn so he could chill, when he is accused of murder. So, he's been tied up at the reception desk until the police arrive. He spots Jude & Ellis who were at the inn for something else and he approaches them to explain that he's been accused of murder, but he is innocent.
Apparently, the body was discovered with Vic’s name written in blood on the wall, and someone stated they saw Vic's his long flowing hair just before he entered the room where the victim was in. However, Victor claims his hair was tied up before entering the room.
Ellis tells Victor that he believes in him, and he knows he's innocent. Jude also agrees saying the culprit has to be someone else. Ellis asks what they need to do to clear Vic’s name and Jude suggests destroying the evidence.
Ellis then creates a diversion with smoke bombs, and Victor starts screaming for everyone to clear out of the inn. I have included a video of his screams fyp....I was wheezing. It's VERY loud btw.
Anyway, everyone else is cleared out of the inn except these three, so they head towards the body. In the bathroom, they find the body hidden in a shadowy area. Victor wonders if the culprit did this in order delay the bodies discovery. Jude's like who cares, let's destroy the evidence.
Ellis suggests handling the name on the wall first. In order not to raise suspicion, Jude doesn't wash away the blood at Victor's suggestion since multiple people have already seen it. Instead, Jude changes the name it from 'Victor' to 'Victory'.
Further the placed a rugby towel near the body, added a lot of water and soap to the floor to make it look like a sports fanatic slipped and hit his head. Victor was cleared of all the charges.
Safe and sound at Crown castle, Victor starts to share this thanks and tells the boys not to worry about what happened. Then Ellis hands him a report and Jude explains that it's a report on the mission he gave them - the target was eliminated.
However, Jude explains the location of the mission was moved to a hot spring instead. Victor is like: Uhhh, so then maybe you're the...?
Jude explains to divert suspicion of the murder, and created the "sighting" of Victor. When Vic asks Jude why he wrote his name, Jude says it's because he was pissed at Victor for giving him a such a tedious mission.
You vindictive little thing (≖_≖ )♡
Ellis didn't seem to know that Vic would be there and apologizes. Victor then realizes that they didn't clear his name because they trusted his claim, but because he really did become the new suspect. He's shocked, but the mission was a difficult one and the Queen would be please with them, so he gives them a job well done!
He said he would be more vigilant against their evil, but next time not to play pranks like that. Then we get to the goodbyes of each villain in the story.
Ellis: He greets his robin, and thanks her for coming this evening. The mission was a success but he missed having us with him on it. He asks if the robin was lonely while they were a part. He mentions going to a hot spring together sometime to relax and be happy. He then promises to reserve a special spot for us.
Jude: He tells us we look sleepy and thanks us for coming to see him so late, but if we have time to worry about him, then we need to worry about ourselves and our lack of sleeps. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a souvenir for us, but the best souvenir would be ensuring we get home safely. He invites us to come find him on our next day off, so we can go to an inn and he can spend from morning to night dragging out our desires. Even if we say no, we should be prepared.
Victor: He asks the robin if they have come to comfort him. He praises our kindness and tells us that even though he shouldn't rely on us so much, he wants to rely more on us more and more. He explains that he was at the inn to make sure it was a safe place, one where he can easily fight back. Since his position is different than most, he has to be cautious about these things, but he was searching someplace safe to spend with them. So, even though this place is a bust, there will be others and then he thanks his little robin.
The story's in his POV. As usual, can’t guarantee 100% accuracy on this
Nsfw. Awkwardly translated smut.
They say that something predestined, something that cannot be changed or avoided, is called fate.
Being born male, female, or otherwise.
Where and when you were born, how long you'll live and when you'll die, all of these seem to be predetermined.
I've always been looking for a way to fight against all of that.
--
Roger: Hey, Jude. Cut back on those cigarettes. You don't know when those lungs of yours will fail.
Jude: Quit yer yappin'. Are ya my mom or somethin'?
Roger: Don't remember givin' birth to an arrogant, swearing bastard like you.
As I walk away after finishing up Jude's regular check up, my ears pick up the hustle and bustle of the dining room.
Roger: Huh? They're bein' awfully noisy.
As expected, when I entered the dining room, I found Harrison listening to a distraught Liam.
Roger: Hey, what's up? Did somethin' happen?
Liam: Kate isn't back yet so I want to go look for her now.
(The little lady?)
Roger: Calm down... You're not gonna find anything if you run out in the dark.
Harrison: Yeah, Roger's right. You were the last one to see Kate, weren't you Liam?
Liam nods.
Jude: You were supposed ta be watchin' 'er. Why'd ya let 'er go about as she pleases?
Liam: Tomorrow's Roger's birthday so we went out shopping to celebrate in advance.
I thought about dressing up a bit and doing some stuff that'll surprise Roger.
Harrison: Liam, I now there's something you don't want to tell us, but now's not the time.
Liam: After we finished shopping, we parted ways near Leadenhall Market.
Kate told me to go home first because she wanted to buy something in secret.
Harrison: Where'd you and Kate part?
Liam: At a bakery called "Harmony". Around there.
Harrison: If it's around there then...flowers, huh?
Liam: Flowers?
Harrison: Did she go by herself to get flowers for Roger?
Roger: Me?
Harrison: Yeah. There's a popular flower shop in alley where Liam and Kate parted ways. She probably knew about it.
Jude, who was quiet this whole time, muttered something troubling.
Jude: Tha's right, there's been some strange incidents lately. The naïve princess must've gotten mixed up in it.
That woman (the queen) must 'ave some kind of info. Maybe.
Roger: I'll go get Victor...
--
There's been some kidnappings recently where Kate was now alone.
All those kidnapped were women, and those who were lucky enough to escape only had their hair cut, so it seems like they were kidnapped to sell their hair at a high price.
Based on the information from Victor, it was decided that Crown would search several hideouts of the criminals.
Harry and I ran through the back alleys of London in the dark.
Roger: ...? Hey, Harry. I can hear a man...and the faint voice of a woman through this door.
Harrison: May that's it. Let's go.
The man's voice gets clearer as we head down the path leading to the basement.
Men with guns and knives gathered in the dark.
(I see. So a bunch of thugs were kidnapping people)
Bearded man: After our watch is done, let's go for a drink- Huh, who're you?
In the dim light, Harrison and I exchanged glances. In times like this, a liar and traitor's quick thinking is useful.
Roger: Don't be so guarded. We're your buddies. We thought we'd take part too.
Bearded man: Huh? What're you on about? We'll lose our share with more people.
Harrison: Don't be like that. The police have been sniffing around lately.
Bearded man: The police...?
Harrison: We got contacts in the police. I got info on how to escape them.
Man with a gun: Hey... Wouldn't it be better if we brought them in?
Roger: Oh, we got a right to choose though. Let's hear some details about what you guys are doin'.
Bearded man: It's simple. You kidnap a woman to sell her hair and if she gets out of line, you kill her. That's it.
Man with a gun: In this day and age, a corpse has some value so it's like killing two birds with one stone.
(Yep, these are definitely the guys. Can't mess this-)
Mirror, mirror...Who will sink into lustful dreams? - Roger Barel
This is Roger's story from Alfons' route release event in Kate's POV. If I get Roger's POV, I'll translate that too
Nsfw, Illusion?Roger is his own warning. You know, the usual josei dubcon...but in dream form.
As usual can't guarantee 100% accuracy on this
Alfons: Are you ready? In that case: 3, 2, 1...
Following Alfons' rhythmic countdown, I opened my eyes—
—And found myself in the infirmary with Roger in front of me.
Kate: This suggestion's amazing...It's as if the real Roger's right in front of me!
Roger: The hell are you talkin' about?
The Roger before me furrowed his brows in confusion. Meanwhile, I was even more impressed by his reaction, as if it was actually Roger himself.
Kate: Um...I'll explain later. Do you remember when you and I had a fight last week?
~~ Flashback start ~~
What happened was that we had different thoughts regarding a mission. Roger wasn't listening to me at all—
Kate: I don't want to see you again!
After saying something so childish like a kid throwing a tantrum, I really didn't see Roger after that...
I lost my chance to apologize to him.
~~ Flashback end ~~
Kate: So I asked Alfons to help me...practice apologizing to you.
He suggested that I see Roger in a dream.
Roger: So that's it... So we're in your dream, huh?
You're earnest even with stuff like practicing how to apologize.
I don't really care about what you said to me back then. I know you have your own thoughts, so don't worry about it.
Roger's illusion forgave me so easily. While it thought it was a typical Roger thing to do, I suddenly felt uneasy.
Kate: I wish the real Roger would say that same thing...
Roger: He did. It's me.
Kate: Just because Roger's illusion forgave me so easily, doesn't mean it'll actually turn out like this.
I shouldn't just apologize...Should I prepare something...?
Roger: If you really wanna show your sincerity, then how 'bout you buy him a nice beer?
Kate: ...! You're right, I should!
Illusion Roger's suggestion was what finally gave me the courage to apologize to the real Roger.
(I'll apologize with this the next time I see the real Roger...)
Roger: By the way, little lady, why're you puttin' so much effort into making up with me?
Kate: Eh...
Roger: Hate to say this but, I don't mix business and pleasure.
If you and I are fighting, it's not gonna affect your work, is it?
Kate: The reason why I want to make up with Roger isn't because of work...
Roger: Oh...?
Kate: I...I admire how Roger's researching curses and his diligent approach to treatment others.
Though I think it'd be nice if you were less pushy or mean...
I put my trust in Roger.
That's why I don't want to stay on bad terms with him.
(I'd never say to Roger himself because he'd tease me...)
Roger: So you wanna make up with me cuz you like me?
Kate: L-like...That's not it.
Roger: Whaddya mean? Ah...not like, but love?
Kate: Why's it getting worse...!
Then, Roger's hand grabbed my shoulder and pulled me in hard—
Kate: Nn...!
With practiced hands, he easily stole a kiss.
Roger: Any normal woman would keep her distance from a man who puts his hands on her.
But you never run away when I do and you say you wanna make up with me.
There's only one reason for that.
You love me so much you can't stand it. That it?
Why does the degree of love increase each time?
Roger's confident gaze pierced through me and I almost nodded because of it.
Kate: I...
(Roger's right...I want to make up because of a considerable amount of fondness I have.)
(But...it's not because of romantic love or true love.)
I can't explain what's different, but I can't say I'm in love.
Kate: I do like you. As a fairytale write, Roger!
I fixed my gaze on Roger to emphasize that it was only a working relationship.
Roger: Oh...?
Kate: Roger's worth documenting, that's all I'm going to say.
I tried to attach some non-romantic rationale onto the reason why I want to make up with Roger.
Roger: Even so, it doesn't matter. If you like me for my humanity, then all you need is to like me as a man.
As soon as he said that, Roger pinned me down on the bed.
Kate: Why are you going in that direction? Let me go...!
Roger: Why...Because no matter how many times I bully you, you always come back with your tail waggin'.
You really like me, but if you're gonna pretend that you don't...I'll expose you.
My hands were immediately pinned over my head.
I couldn't move because Roger was hovering over me.
Kate: Nn...
There was nothing I could do as Roger kissed me again.
Unlike last time, his tongue parted my lips and teased the inside, making my breathing ragged.
(Even though this is a dream and this Roger's an illusion, why does it feel so real?)
My kiss-addled mind couldn't comprehend it.
Kate: Nn...Nnn?!
I let out a muffled scream in Roger's mouth.
As expected, Roger's hand slipped beneath my underwear.
Roger: You're already so wet here...All this from kissing me?
A deep laugh rumbled in his throat and he moved his fingers, rubbing and pressing against my sensitive spot.
Kate: Do- Ahnn... Don't!
Roger: Not that convincing when you have such a lewd look on your face.
Well, I'd rather be inside you instead of makin' you cum like this.
Kate: In...side? Ah...!
The fingers that had been stimulating my bud entered me and I let out a high-pitched cry.
Roger: Mm, you're tight here, little lady. Well, guess you'll get used to it.
Roger's fingers continued pumping his fingers in and out, making obscene sounds as he stretched me out.
Kate: Haa....! I can't...Nn...
Roger: I'm gonna need to use 3 or 4 fingers here if I'm gonna fit, you know?
Kate: You're not going to...put it...in...
Roger: You're stubborn. Your body's being honest though, look.
Roger's fingers pressed against a specific spot inside me and stimulated it relentlessly.
Kate: Ah...?! Not there...Nnghaa...
Roger: I know. Tapping this spot feels good, doesn't it?
Regardless of how much I protested and tried to wriggle away, Roger didn't let me go.
(This is my dream and Roger's an illusion... I was supposed to practice making up with him...)
(Why is this happening...?)
But what confused me even more was my heart...
(Even if the real Roger pushed me around like this too...I'd still want to make up with him)
(I know he's going to do terrible things to me...Have I gone crazy?)
I show Roger the data I collected for Crown’s measurements.The other day, Victor asked me to go to everyone and I’ve been getting to them one after another.
Roger: It’s pretty detailed. It’ll be useful for researching curses.
Satisfied with the documents, Roger pats my head.
Roger: Well then, let’s get to my measurements.
Kate: Right. Now if you’ll excuse me.
I place the measuring tape against Roger when he removes his vest.
Roger: Oh? You’re pretty good at that.
Kate: I’ve been measuring the others so I’ve got experience.
(Anyway…Roger’s really muscular)
I was aware of his physique before he removed his vest, but it’s even more noticeable when he’s lightly dressed. Not just his abs, but his neck, shoulders, and back muscles are well-defined too.
(When do you use these muscles…)
I manage to finish taking his measurements despite being distracted by his burliness.
Kate: Next up is asking about your medical history. How much do you drink in a week?
Roger: Hmm…About this much?
Roger took a pen and filled in his response.
Kate: That much in a week?! Feels like a lot…
Roger: They say that good wine makes good blood, you know?
Kate: Only when it’s in moderation though? Sigh, next…the amount of sleep you get.
Roger: Sometimes emergencies come up or I have an assignment for Crown. And when I’m doing research, I don’t wanna interrupt it by sleeping.
Well…You can say I sleep when I can.
Kate: …
Roger: You look like you got something to say but don’t wanna say it.
Kate: I’d like you to go to bed at a reasonable hour and get a good night’s sleep. But…
I know that everything you do’s important.
So I can’t scold you for it.
Roger: Is that so…
Kate: But, physician, heal thyself…So please take care of your health as much as possible, okay?
Please be especially careful not to drink too much. If you don’t take care of your body, you’ll get weaker and weaker.
Roger: I’ll get weaker, huh?...How ‘bout we measure that too?
Kate: Measure what- Eep!
Suddenly, an arm wraps under my butt and lifts me up with ease.
(Ah, so that’s when he uses those muscles…Wait, that’s not what I meant)
Kate: W-what are you doing! Put me down!
Even when I kick my feet, they don’t touch the ground and all I hit is air.
Roger: Hey now, stop struggling. Want me to drop you?
Since you were worried, I thought I’d test my strength.
Roger casually walks around the infirmary with me on his arm.
Kate: …
Afraid of falling, I wrapped my arms around Roger’s neck and he laughed in amusement.
Roger: Not bad with one woman. Well…should I test lung capacity next?
Roger lowers me down on a bed and then pushes me back.
Roger: No breathing through the nose…
Kate: Nn…
Our lips meet and he kisses me deeply.
(Definitely a weird way to measure!)
Kate: Mmph…Nnnn
I slapped his chest in an attempt to resist, but he wouldn't budge.Rather, the grip on my shoulders tightened, as if chiding me for my actions.
Kate: …~~!
When I finally started to have trouble breathing, I glared at Roger. There was amusement in his eyes behind those glasses and our lips finally parted.
Roger: Giving up? Wouldn’t it be better if you strengthened yourself instead of worrying ‘bout me?
Kate: It doesn’t make sense to measure lung capacity in such a strange way.
Roger: I think it’s standard. Now then, let’s finally measure endurance.
Kate: Endurance…
Roger: We can use how many times we go at it to measure.
Don’t think it’ll be too accurate though since you’ll probably get worn out before me.
Roger lifts one of my legs and sets it on his shoulder.I knew what he was getting at without having to ask.
Roger: So, what do you wanna do?
I couldn’t break eye contact from Roger who was like a predator before his prey.
Kate: I’m just worried about you, Roger…
Roger: So why don’t we just check whether I’m healthy or not using your body?
I’m curious about you too.
After that, Roger brings my leg to his lips.
Kate: W-what…
Roger: Hm? Just a taste.
Roger’s tongue glides along the skin of my inner thigh.
Kate: Ah…
It tickles, but I also feel heat build up in my lower abdomen.
It was like my body was anticipating the stimulation.
Roger: Done resisting? Then I’ll keep going.
Kate: …I surrender! I know now. We don’t need to question your stamina…
Roger: Haha! You’re so honest.
While laughing happily, Roger finally lowers my leg onto the bed.
(Phew, that was close…)
Roger: You can take my booze away when you eat with me, and manage my sleep schedule by sleeping with me.
If you’re worried about my body, then keep an eye on me 24/7.
Kate: I’m good! You’re a grown man, so please take care of yourself.
Roger: Haha. You’re no fun.
(It’s so frustrating how Roger teases me all the time)
(But what’s worse is that…Roger only does that to me)
Though they couldn’t be considered friends or family, there’s an unspoken connection and trust.
—Well, except for a certain “pair”.
Alfons and Roger: Unbelievable.
Kate: Did something happen? You two said that together the minute you came back from the mission.
Today, Alfons and Roger were supposed to be chasing after a serial killer who had caused quite a stir.
Roger: Al, if you’d drawn him over, I could’ve sent him to the after life in a heartbeat.
Alfons: Wow, you’re putting the blame on another? Had I not chased after you, you would have dropped dead.
Roger: I’m gonna wrap those words with a ribbon and give them back to you.
Alfons: Then I’ll wrap that ribbon around your neck.
Kate: Um, so what happened to the criminal in the end?
Alfons and Roger: William happened.
Meaning William, who seemed to have gone ahead, took care of the criminal instead of these two who couldn’t work together at all.
Kate: Regardless, I’m glad the criminal was caught.
Alfons and Roger: I’m not.
Kate: Huh?
Alfons: Every time I go on a mission with Roger, my delicate heart gets another scratch. Ahhh, woe is me!
Roger: What delicate heart. A delicate guy wouldn’t come at you himself. (•̀ ⌓ •́)
(This sort of sight isn’t surprising anymore)
Alfons and Roger have known each other since they were kids.
Had they been old friends, they would’ve gotten along exceptionally well. However, it;s the complete opposite for the two of them.
(I have a feeling that these two have the worst relationship in Crown…)
Roger: Geez, I can’t deal with this anymore.
Alfons: Oh, then be my guest. Please leave Crown and live as you like.
(A Crown resignation emergency?!)
I look around, but unfortunately, I seem to be the only one around to intervene.
(What do I do, what do I do? Ah, I got it!)
Kate: You two! I won’t give you any chocolates if you keep fighting!
Alfons and Roger: Chocolate?
Roger: Oh yeah, it’s Valentine’s Day today, isn’t it? No wonder the city was bustling.
Alfons: I heard you were making “sweetheart chocolates” last night, Miss Kate.
Kate: How did you know?
Alfons: I’m the well-informed Mr. Sylvatica.
Last night I was baking sweets with the maids when they encouraged me to make some “sweetheart chocolates”.
(I was planning on eating them all myself…)
Roger: Sounds good. I was gettin' tired of fighting. Let’s have a contest, Al.
The winner gets Kate’s chocolates and serves the loser. How’s that sound?
Alfons: It’s the best of the worst of preferences. Yes, I like that.
Kate: Hold on, what is this?!
Alfons: So, what sort of contest are we doing? Anything beside a fistfight is fine.
Ah, how about this. We have two shots of vodka, one of which is poisoned. A game with no hard feelings that can be won immediately.
Roger: If one of us kicks the bucket, then there’s no point in the servant rule. Then-
The games the two kept suggesting were so outrageous that it made me dizzy.
(At this rate, a city or two is going to get blown up. What the heck do I do?)
Victor: O~kay my cute cursed ones! This nonsense stops here.
Kate: Victor!
Victor: You two fight the moment I take my eyes off of you. Bad, I say. Bad!
Victor: I’m not blaming anyone.
I don’t mind the contest, okay?
However, I don’t like negative games where the other dies from poison and things like that.
I can’t afford to lose either of you. That’s not cute at all.
Kate: ……Not cute?
Victor: So here’s my proposal.
Remember my friend, Viscount Morris?
Alfons: He’s the rich eccentric who owns a luxury cruise ship.
Victor: Yes, yes. The viscount’s beloved niece’s birthday is today.
A birthday party will be hosted in one of his estates.
The girl in honor has fled. I believe she went out of the country on vacation.
Alfons: She’s a runaway horse, isn’t she? Perhaps a consequence of being raised like a princess. A pity.
Victor: The viscount came to me in tears, so I considered going as her double…
Roger: If the lady suddenly became huge and burly, that’d make a failure of a party.
Victor: Therefore, Kate. I want you to pretend to be the lady.
Kate: I knew this was where the story was going.
Victor: Haha, you’re becoming more like Crown!
So, Alfons, Roger, I want you two to serve as Kate’s caretakers so that she doesn’t get exposed.
Roger: But what’s that gotta do with our contest?
Victor: Hm, that’s actually a good question!
How about you compete for “friendship points” while acting as caretakers?
Kate: What are “friendship points”?
Victor: Simple. You get a point if you’re friendly to the other.
Oh, and the judge is Kate of course.
Roger: So the winner’s the one with the most points and gets Kate’s chocolates.
The proposal was completely unexpected, but it sounds like a good way for the two to get along.
Kate: I think it’s a good idea. I’ll also help the viscount.
Roger: If the little lady’s fine with it, then I’m game.
Besides, it sounds like we’re gonna get kicked because of this pointless fight.
Alfons: I feel as if I’m being forced into something troublesome, but I’m fine with it.
I’d also like to put an end to this pointless fight. Well…
She and the chocolate will ultimately be mine.
Roger: You sure? I take what I want. You ready for that?
Alfons and Roger looked at me, and I blink in return.
Alfons, in an overly gentlemanly manner, shook Roger’s hand.
Alfons: Let’s have a fair, “friendly” match, Roger.
Kate: Ah. That’s one friendship point for you, Alfons!
Roger: What? Damn it, that was dirty.
Alfons wipes his hand, which had touched Roger’s, with a handkerchief.
Alfons: There’s nothing clean or dirty in this contest, is there Miss Kate?
Victor: Mhmm, it’s charming how they’re becoming fast friends. Fabulous!
I changed into a simple night dress to join high society and headed to the Weasley mansion with Roger.
Many well-dressed men gathered at the mansion.
At the center of the gathered guests was a stout man.
(That must be the head of the Weasley family)
(That must mean that the three beside him are ladies of the Weasley family)
Weasley Head: Gentlemen gathered here tonight. I’ve assembled you all here for one reason only, to meet our beloved princesses.
These days, women live wisely. They observe with their own eyes, gain experience, and hopefully find the best marriage partner.
Take liberty tonight! Close your eyes on a few things, wahahaha.
When the head of the family raised his wine glass, everyone cheered.
(At any rate, those three are so lovely)
Although they were different types, the three ladies were fairly attractive.
As evidence, the men in the room were very interested in them.
(I wonder if Roger will only talk to his type, even when looking for a test subject)
Roger: Alright.
Let’s eat first.
Kate: Huh?
Roger walked in the opposite direction of the ladies and piled up food from the table on his plate.
And then, without a care about what others thought, sat down and started eating.
Roger: I’m looking for a test subject, but got hungry.
It’s not like anyone will touch this anyway. I don’t like people who waste food.
Can’t be helped if you have allergies or some other issue, but unfortunately, I’m in good health.
The sight of Roger enthusiastically eating meat was so “typical” of him that I couldn’t help but smile.
Kate: I completely agree with you on that.
I also stacked food on my plate before it got cold and sat next to Roger.
Roger: Haha, nice. I think a woman who can join in at a time like this is a good woman.
Roger’s a pleasant person to be with.
He’s blunt and voices his thoughts as they are.
Above all, he gets the job done. Though sometimes…he can stand to be more sensitive.
(He must be a popular guy)
(Though come to think of it, Roger’s view on love is a mystery)
Kate: Assuming you find a test subject, does having to sleep with the other person…not bother you?
Roger: That’s a very roundabout way to ask.
Are you asking if I can get hard around anyone?
Kate: That’s one way to put it, but yes.
Roger: In short, yes. There’s individual differences, but it’s animal instinct.
However, just because you’ve slept with someone once, doesn’t mean you have any sort of feelings for them.
As you know, I don’t like trouble.
Kate: Even if you’re like that, isn’t it possible that the other isn’t?
Roger: I pick my partner first. If I’m unconvinced, then I won’t sleep with them and it won’t continue.
Roger’s too rational with his way of thinking.
It’s like a math equation.
However, I don’t think love and affection can be easily separated.
Kate: Roger, have you never been in love?
Roger: Love, huh.
To me, love’s something that can’t be proven. That’s why I don’t believe in it at all.
What you call love is a dysfunction of the brain or a misunderstanding caused by sexual desire. That’s my definition of love.
Kate: That’s a very Roger definition.
Roger’s right, love is an unknown thing.
I can understand his way of thinking, but for some reason, it makes my heart ache.
(Huh…?)
(Why do I feel so sad?)
(Ah, I see)
Roger’s teased me, kissed me, and did a lot of other things.
But I know that none of this is motivated by love.
(I…thought Roger was showing me some kind of affection)
(I feel embarrassed thinking I was someone special…)
Roger: Huh? Where’re you going, little lady?
Kate: Um, to the restroom.
To hide my agitation, I left Roger and let the night breeze cool my head.
After calming down, I headed back to Roger.
Immediately, I saw one of the ladies with her arms around Roger…
Eldest Weasley daughter: You’re wonderful. You’re the only one who didn’t jump on us right away.
Roger: Hmm, so you’re not into someone who’ll obediently wag his tail. That’s some work.
Eldest Weasley daughter: Hehe. Hey…My room’s upstairs. We can head up there if you like.
Seeing Roger’s lips close to her ear made my heart ache.
(Good. Now that he found a test subject, Roger’s research will progress)
(I’ll just head home by myself. That’s it)
(That’s all…And yet…)
I found myself grabbing the hem of Roger’s clothes.
I was like a whiny child whose precious toy just got taken away.
Roger: …O_O
Eldest Weasley daughter: What’s up with that girl?
Kate: Ah, sorry. I…
Roger: Sorry, she’s my woman.
Eldest Weasley daughter and Kate: Eh?
Roger: Not only that, but my fiancee too. Even a open-minded father wouldn’t let you hook up with an engaged man.
Eldest Weasley daughter: W-wha?!
Roger: Thanks for the invite and good luck with finding a groom. Let’s go, Kate.
Eldest Weasley daughter: What? What is this~~!
~~
Kate: Roger, please wait.
Roger suddenly stopped and leaned down a bit to look me in the eye.
Roger: Jeez, I lost out on a fine test subject because you were acting cute, you know?
(It’s really, really frustrating how I didn’t mean to)
(I was glad that Roger chose someone…)
Did I fall for Roger’s scheme to make me glad to take him up on his first suggestion?
Kate: I take full responsibility.
Roger: Hmm. And by that you mean?
Kate: I’ll take the aphrodisiac.
~~
Roger brought me back and we went to a room in the palace.
Kate: Why the palace?
Roger: The palace’s empty in the dead of night, so I thought it’d be the perfect place.
No one will bother us and Crown won’t hear you moaning.
Kate: Moaning. I’m not moaning!
Roger: Not yet. Here, Kate.
I was startled when I felt a vial be placed in my hand.
Roger: Wanna be my test subject for this (aphrodisiac)?
Kate: ...Excuse me?
While helping Roger organize his materials, I did a double take at his outrageous suggestion.
Roger: Remember how a few days ago, El and I took down a crime syndicate that was using aphrodisiacs to do some bad stuff?
Kate: Yes, of course I do. I wasn't with you, but I understand what happened.
The organization responsible for manufacturing the aphrodisiac was destroyed and the crime was put to a stop, right?
Roger: Yeah, and this aphrodisiac was confiscated.
Roger placed a pretty vial on the examination table.
(At first glance, it looked like perfume or something)
Roger: Aphrodisiacs claim to enhance libido, but the active ingredient hasn’t been medically proven.
Kate: So aphrodisiacs are fictitious?
Roger: Yeah, if something called an aphrodisiac existed…
Something that acts directly on the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus*…
It’d be a drug that stimulates the release of sex hormones.
So I looked into this aphrodisiac and found an interesting component.
Of course Roger, whose life’s work is researching curses, would capitalize on the “interesting component”.
Kate: You didn’t…
Roger: I already gathered data on the curse by having Liam drink it.
Kate: I knew it! Just because Liam’s too nice, you used him as your guinea pig again!
Roger: That guy was happy to satisfy his curiosity so I consider it a win-win.
Kate: Um, so…
You want me to take the aphrodisiac because you don’t have enough “human” samples?
Roger: You're quick on the uptake. Good, you're a fast learner.
Kate: I don't appreciate the compliment...
Roger: So, how ‘bout it?
Kate: Please don’t just offer an aphrodisiac like you would booze.
Roger: It’s nothing that serious. You’ll be quarantined so Crown won’t touch you.
And if you need to be taken care of, I can help?
Roger patted my head as if while saying that as if it was nothing.
Though it was a casual gesture, it was enough for my body to recall the lustful heat.
Of the times when Roger kissed me forcefully and touched my body.
And how easy it was for me to feel good.
(Hey, don’t get caught up in it)
Kate: I can’t just say “okay, sure.” I respectfully decline.
Roger: Hmm, how cold.
Guess I’ll just have to find someone else :(
Kate: Someone else…?
Roger: Once you’ve made up your mind, you gotta act, right? Let’s go.
Kate: H-hold on, Roger!
~~
I desperately tried to catch up to Roger’s casually long strides.
Kate: What do you mean by “find someone else”?
Roger: I’m looking for a woman whose biologically “human”.
Kate: No one would do such a thing.
Roger: Not if you got the money. There’s more self-sacrificing people in the world than you think.
Kate: But to have a person drink it…
Roger: What happens when they get excited?
Like I said, I’ll deal with it.
Kate: T-that…
Alfons: I can hear Roger’s deep voice echoing in my sleep-deprived head. Can you be a little quieter?
Kate: Alfons…
Roger: You’re still sleepy at this hour? Your circadian rhythm’s broken.
Alfons: You would like for me to bask in the morning sun and sleep at night? I refuse.
So what is it that you two are arguing so intimately about?
Did Roger finally lay his hands on you?
Kate: Um, no.
Alfons: Then, what is it? I haven’t the slightest idea.
Roger: Kate won’t take the aphrodisiac.
Alfons: Really! Stingy Miss Kate.
Roger: Right? I told her I’d help when she got too horny.
Alfons: Ah! Perhaps you would like a threesome? Though I’d rather not with Roger involved.
(I can’t be the straight man…)
Alfons: When you suggested that she test the aphrodisiac, Kate declined.
So now she’s desperately chasing after Roger the beast as he looks for other test subjects.
Kate: You know.
Alfons: I’m a clever man.
Ah, yes. Let me give you something nice, something interesting.
Alfons holds out an invitation card.
Roger: Which high society mansion?
Alfons: It belongs to the Weasley family, who owns large plots of land. A place to bring their daughters and men together, I’m told.
The father’s quite the strange fellow. “It’s best to experience a variety of men before finally choosing one,” he said.
Roger: Oh? There’s some strange ideas these days. And it’s tonight?
Alfons: I don’t plan on making an appearance so feel free to hunt as you like.
Alfons returns to his room with a yawn.
(Roger’s going to find a test subject in high society, isn’t he?)
(I…)
Roger: Kate.
Wanna come along as the “fairy tale writer”?
It’s obvious this isn’t a mission for Crown or anything.
Roger’s aware and he’s testing me.
(Something like “Follow me if you’re interested. I’ve got an excuse ready for you, okay?”)
I reflexively responded to his provocative gaze.
Kate: I’ll join you as the fairy tale writer to make sure you don’t misbehave.
Roger: Alright. Then-
Roger’s hand grasped mine tightly.
Roger: Let’s hold hands and be on our merry way.
Kate: Please let me go.
Roger: Nope.
*Here he says “the area libido is centered in the hypothalmus” but I had to do this
