cantstoplovingjude

[cantstoplovingjude]

To Steal You Away: Elbert Greetia Bitter

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Thanks to the map, we were able to find a route home.

Now all we could do was wait for the rain to stop.

Kate: "I toasted the bread that was left in the kitchen."

Elbert: "...Oh, thank you."

Although he smiled, he didn't reach for the food I put in front of him.

(He doesn't have to force himself to eat, but going hungry isn't healthy for him.)

(Oh, I know...)

I remembered the candy I found in the cupboard and took it out.

Kate: "Would you eat candy?"

Elbert: "...I'll eat it if you're offering it to me."

(Well, at least that's something.)

(I guess there's no reason for me to say no.)

Happy he agreed to eat, I unwrapped the piece of candy and held it between my fingers.

Kate: "It says it's apple flavored. Oh-!"

Suddenly, Lord Elbert grabbed my wrist and put the piece of candy in his mouth... along with my fingertips.

His wet tongue tickled my skin as he slowly took the candy from my grasp.

Elbert: "Mm. It's delicious."

Kate: "I-Is it? That's good..."

(My head's not been on straight the whole time we've been here... I just feel so nervous when he stares at me like that.)

Every time he caught me in his gaze, my mind became a swirling mess, just like the ground that was muddy from rain.

I fixed my gaze out the window so he wouldn't pick up on my nerves as I spoke.

Kate: "It doesn't seem like it's going to stop anytime soon. I guess I'll have to give up on going to the play."

Elbert: "What are you more sad about?"

Elbert: "Not going with Will? Or not being able to see the play?"

(Well...)

Kate: "Maybe both."

Kate: "Going to the theatre is one of our few shared hobbies. I always have a great time when we go together."

Elbert: "He's very knowledgeable... and he knows exactly how to make someone have a good time."

Kate: "Yes, but that can be tough sometimes too. William stands out wherever he goes, after all."

Kate: "The last time we went, people were watching him more than the actors on stage."

Elbert: "Hm..."

Elbert: "...I'm jealous."

Kate: "Of what?"

Elbert: "You smile a lot when you talk about Will."

(Oh, I guess I do, but...)

Kate: "Do you really think so...?"

Kate: "I think I'm remembering happy memories more than I'm thinking just about William."

Elbert: "I want to see you smile more as well."

Elbert: "And I... want you to... smile at me..."

(Huh?)

But then, without warning, he toppled to the side and I frantically darted out to support him.

Kate: "Lord Elbert?!"

(He's burning up and struggling to breathe. I wonder...)

Kate: "Was there something in that candy?"

I remembered Victor saying the baron had obtained various sleeping pills and aphrodisiacs.

Perhaps it was some kind of drug, or at worst... poison.

(But if it's poison, what should I do? Lord Elbert could...)

I forced myself to take a deep breath before my panic took over.

(Calm down. We're the only ones here. If I panic, there's no one to save him. So, calm down and think...)

Once Roger had told me that if someone was poisoned and there was no antidote, you could force them to drink water and induce vomiting.

Kate: "Lord Elbert... I'm going to bring you some water. Just hold on."

==========

I copied exactly what Roger had instructed as best as I could, and once that was over, I put Lord Elbert to bed.

(It's already midnight.)

I stayed by his side the whole time, worried sick that his condition could worsen.

Elbert: "Nngh..."

Kate: "Lord Elbert..."

His eyes opened slightly, long lashes fluttering. And just as I peered into his face with concern-

(Ah!)

My vision flipped as he tugged on my arm and pulled me down onto the bed.

Elbert: "I won't let you go home."

Kate: "What...?"

Elbert: "Even when the rain stops, I won't let you go home."

(It's those eyes again...)

His sea-blue eyes seemed dark and almost vacant, yet he was staring only at me.

I was so mesmerized I forgot to breathe as he rested his forehead against my neck.

Elbert: "Stay here with me. Don't go back to Will."

And with that... he fell asleep on top of me.

I let out a shaky breath as I felt the weight of him on me.

William and I didn't have that kind of relationship.

But I knew no matter how much I protested, Lord Elbert wouldn't hear of it.

(Why is he saying he won't let me go home?)

(And why is he staring at me with such a dark look in his eyes?)

Maybe the medicine made him feel weak...

Or maybe he had a nightmare.

Or maybe...

(...Maybe he has feelings for me.)

Would I think that was a good thing or a bad thing?

I lay there silently in bed, listening to Lord Elbert breathe.

I couldn't believe this beautiful man was asleep on my chest.

(There's no way I can fall asleep like this...)

I gently slipped out from underneath him, careful not to disturb him.

I smoothed back his silky hair as I touched his forehead.

(His fever seems to have broken.)

If he had feelings for me, I think I would be... honestly happy.

But I couldn't stop thinking about his dark gaze.

(Right now, I need to prioritize his health. I can't let myself think about that.)

I gently wiped his forehead with a cool towel.

==========

His condition improved right around the same time as the rain stopped.

Kate: "Lord Elbert, would you like some water? Are you in pain at all?"

Instead of answering, he let out the softest, smallest laugh.

Kate: "Huh?"

Elbert: "I'm sorry. You must've asked me that a dozen times by now."

Kate: "Oh..."

Elbert: "I'm fine now, thanks to you."

His smile was soft and gentle, like a blossoming flower.

(I'm so glad he's smiling again.)

Elbert: "By the way..."

Elbert: "I have this feeling that... I said something strange when I was feverish yesterday."

Kate: "Hm? No, don't worry about it."

Elbert: "Really?"

Kate: "Yes, it was nothing."

(I'm sorry for lying to you, Lord Elbert.)

But honestly, I didn't know how I could ever face him again if I told him what he did the night before.

Elbert: "Hm..."

Elbert: "I did cause you trouble, but..."

Elbert: "Perhaps it was a good thing I had that poison."

Kate: "What?"

Elbert: "Because this way, I didn't end up hurting you..."

(Hurting me...?)

(What does that mean?)

Elbert: "Well... shall we head home?"

I had no idea what he was talking about.

I wondered if I would understand what he meant one day when I got to know him better.

I wanted to know more, but at the same time I was scared.

And with that... Lord Elbert and I left the rain-soaked mansion behind.

End Bitter.

[cantstoplovingjude]

To Steal You Away: Ellis Twilight Bitter

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Ellis: "Kate..."

Ellis: "We'll have to spend the night together."

Since we were stranded, we decided to spend the night inside the stopped train.

Many other people who were stranded had the same idea, so the train was a little noisy.

==========

Kate: "Good thing we have a towel and something to eat."

Ellis: "No kidding."

We sat down in our seats and Ellis picked up the towel.

Ellis: "Your hair's dripping wet. Let me help dry you off."

Kate: "You're wet, too, Ellis. You should wipe yourself down first."

I was about to pick up another towel when I noticed his right sleeve was torn.

(Hm? Why is it torn like that?)

(No, it's not torn... It's been cut with a knife.)

(Wait...)

Kate: "Ellis. I'm going to take off your jacket."

Ellis: "...Huh?"

I took off his jacket and saw a cut on his arm that was still bleeding.

(Something did happen while he was away.)

There were so many things I wanted to ask.

But right now, the first thing I want to do was stop the bleeding.

I took out my handkerchief and pressed it against the wound, then tied it tightly.

Ellis: "I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

Ellis: "One of them was following us around the whole time. They were going to kill us."

The reason why he took me to a busy place in public and was so late coming back...

...and how quickly he'd identified their base all made sense now.

Kate: "So you went off by yourself on purpose."

Ellis: "Yes... I know you don't like scary things."

I blinked in surprise, his words hitting me hard.

Once again, he only considered my happiness and not his.

(Even when he wrote that message on the padlock.)

-Flashback-

Kate: "Hm? You're already done writing, Ellis?"

Ellis: "Yes. I put 'May Kate be happy'."

-Flashback Ends-

(Now I understand.)

I wondered why I was always so late to find out the truth, even when it involved myself.

(I want Ellis to value his own happiness more.)

Kate: "Thank you for protecting me."

Kate: "But from now on, I don't want you to off on your own like that anymore."

Ellis: "You don't?"

Kate: "No. Being by yourself is lonely, right? And you should be happy too."

Surely, there were many ways both of us could be happy.

Ellis: "What do you think it means for two people to be happy together?"

Kate: "Well, it can mean a lot of things."

Kate: "But whether you're having a hard time or feeling sad or happy, you can share those feelings with someone else just by being close to them."

Kate: "Don't you think so?"

Ellis: "Hm, I see."

Ellis: "Hey, can I borrow your lap?"

Kate: "Huh? O-oh, sure."

He leaned over and rested his head in my lap.

(...I wonder if this is Ellis's way of being close to me?)

I hesitated for a moment, then lightly stroked my fingers through a few strands of his curly hair.

(Or maybe he's in pain? It doesn't feel like he has a fever.)

As those thoughts ran through my head, I heard Ellis's voice mixed in with the sound of the rain.

Ellis: "Kate?"

Kate: "Yes?"

Ellis: "...Thank you."

(Aww...)

Kate: "You're welcome. And thank you too."

The rain continued to fall. The sound was as comforting as a lullaby, and I fell right to sleep.

==========

Railway Staff: "This is our last stop, Miss. Excuse me. Miss?"

(Nngh...)

Ellis: "Mm..."

Ellis: "Oh, this is our station."

Kate: "Yeah..."

The rain must've stop and the train departed in our sleep.

Ellis: "Your lap was so comfy, I just fell asleep..."

Kate: "You were so warm I dozed off, too..."

Ellis: "Hehe. Guess we're both guilty. Well, shall we go?"

Kate: "Wait, umm..."

Ellis: "What?"

Kate: "...I can't stand up."

Ellis: "Uh-oh, your legs must've gone numb from me lying on them. Sorry."

Ellis: "I'll give you a piggyback ride."

Without waiting for my response, Ellis effortlessly hitched me onto his back and began walking toward the platform.

Kate: "Ellis! Please don't overdo it. You're injured."

Ellis: "It doesn't hurt anymore. I'm fine."

==========

With the morning sun shining softly upon us, Ellis carried me to the platform.

Even though it was early, there were still people around who stared at us curiously.

Kate: "You can put me down now, Ellis."

Ellis: "Nope, not yet."

Kate: "What?!"

Ellis: "I'll let you down only if you answer my question."

Ellis: "Who makes you happier? Harry or me?"

(Oh, right...)

-Flashback-

Ellis: "Just think about it today, and tell me at the end of our trip."

Ellis: "Tell me who you're happier with."

-Flashback Ends-

(How should I answer?)

Ellis: "I'll carry you all the way back to the castle unless you answer me."

Kate: "Ellis!"

Ellis: "...Haha."

(Ugh, it's not fair for that laugh to be so cute.)

Ellis: "Because I think I already know."

Ellis: "I like making you happy, but I also like teasing you."

Kate: "Is that so..."

He turned to look at me, smiling softly.

Ellis: "Is it okay if I keep teasing you, Kate?"

I didn't have to answer for him to know what I was going to say.

Both of us knew he'd already found a place in my heart.

End Bitter.

[cantstoplovingjude]

To Steal You Away: Alfons Sylvatica Bitter

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Alfons: "Since Liam's away, this is the perfect opportunity to do all sorts of shameless and indecent things to you."

Alfons: "Now that our mission is done, we can extend our date. The excitement's only just begun."

Alfons smiled and took me somewhere I never would've guessed.

==========

Kate: "Is this a night market?"

Alfons: "Yes. They hold it a few times a month and sell everything front fresh fruit to strange and exotic animals."

Alfons: "I heard they even secretly sell people's... company for the night, if you get my drift."

(Wow, that's pretty scandalous...)

Kate: "Oh, Alfons! Look at that pretty candy over there!"

Alfons: "You're really bad at changing the subject, did you know that? Well, I suppose that's how you managed to survive so far."

Regardless, just as Alfons said, the night market was filled with all sorts of things.

And many of them were things I'd never seen before. Just walking around looking at everything was exciting.

But for some reason, the fear and anxiety that lingered in my heart was holding me back from truly enjoying myself.

(It's frustrating that I can't enjoy myself here.)

(I wish I were better at just shrugging things off and forgetting about them...)

Alfons walked ahead at me and pointed at something.

Alfons: "Look, Kate. There's some kind of crowd gathering over there."

I followed his gaze and saw a crowd of people next to a signboard.

Kate: "...'Bring Your Beau! Chow Down Challenge'...?

Organizer: "Well, aren't you two easy on the eyes! You interested in the contest?"

Kate: "Um, no... We were just looking."

Mean Man: "Oh, please! They both look so frail, a stiff gust of wind could snap 'em in half! They could never beat us. Right, honey?"

Mean Woman: "That's right, darling. You two should go home before you embarrass yourselves."

A nearby couple that seemed to have entered the contest suddenly accosted us.

(Uh-oh. I have a bad feeling about this...)

Kate: "Alfons, let's just go."

Alfons: "Brilliant idea, Miss Kate."

Alfons: "Can we participate in this contest?"

Kate: "What?! I didn't mean go THAT way!"

Organizer: "Yes, of course! The more the merrier. Come on!"

Kate: "W-wait, Alfons. Are you even listening to me?!"

Kate: "Are we seriously going to participate?!"

Alfons: "Luckily, they're flexible and allow last-minute entrants!"

The couple who tried to pick a fight with us were now sneering.

(Oh, no... Can't I just forfeit?)

Alfons's smile only deepened when he saw my nerves.

Alfons: "You know how much I love having fun."

(...I really wish I didn't.)

Meanwhile, we were instructed to sit down at the table.

There was a bunch of tomatoes piled up in front of us.

Kate: "We have to eat all of those?!"

Alfons: "Seems like it. Ooh, they're fresh off the vine. Look how juicy and red they are."

Alfons: "Ahha, as red as your face when you get angry."

Kate: "Listen, this is no time for jokes! It says over there the losers have to pay a fine!"

Organizer: "Behold, the Great Tomato Eating Contest begins now! Winner takes home a fabulous prize! Loser pays the price... literally!"

Organizer: "One match, fair and square. Three, two, one, go!"

At the signal, the participants all started chowing down on the tomatoes.

They ate with such fervent gusto I could only stare in amazement.

(...Whoa.)

(There's no way Alfons and I can eat like that.)

I let out a sigh of resignation and turned to look at the tomatoes.

Kate: "H-huh? Half the tomatoes are already gone! Where did they go?"

Alfons: "In here, of course."

Alfons pointed to his stomach and grinned.

Alfons: "Didn't I tell you? Not only did I have a very refined upbringing, but I have a very robust stomach."

Mean Man: "...That stringbean is gaining on us! Hurry up and eat!"

(...Maybe we can actually win this!)

Kate: "Okay, I'm gonna dig in, too!"

Alfons: "Ahha. Be careful not to go too crazy."

Both of us frantically stuffed the tomatoes into our mouths.

Organizer: "And the winners are... our last-minute entrants!"

I looked up in surprise and heard the cheers from the audience.

(We did it... We won!)

Kate: "Alfons, we won... Pfft!"

Alfons: "What?"

Kate: "Ahaha, do you have any idea what your face looks like right now?"

Alfons: "Go look at your own face in a mirror and then see what you have to say, my dear."

Alfons: "You're just as much of a mess as I am."

Kate: "Am I really?"

I hesitantly wiped my mouth and looked down to see my hand covered in red tomato juice.

(Well, I guess I did get a little carried away...)

Alfons: "You look terrible."

Kate: "Well, that makes two of us!"

Organizer: "And the prize for our winning couple is... a year's worth of tomatoes!"

Kate: "...You've got to be kidding me!"

Alfons: "Oh my, how in the world will we bring that home?"

Kate: "Hahaha, right?"

(Oh...)

(I'm smiling and laughing...)

All of a sudden, I realized the fear and anxiety that had been weighing down my heart had disappeared.

==========

We boarded a carriage filled with tomatoes and headed home toward Crown Castle.

As I gazed at the scenery that passed by, I couldn't stop thinking about something.

(Maybe the real reason he took me out was to cheer me up?)

(He's so elusive. I can never tell what he's really feeling.)

-Flashback-

Alfons: "Liam needs to forget about reality sometimes."

Alfons: "You're starting to pick up on that fact, aren't you?"

-Flashback Ends-

(I don't think he's the kind of person who would neglect someone else's feelings...)

Maybe it was my own misunderstanding, or maybe I was just trying to attach meaning to things.

But I felt like I would regret it if I didn't say something.

Kate: "Thank you for taking me out tonight."

Alfons: "Oh, goodness me."

Alfons: "I'm not sure if you've misunderstood, but I was just having fun."

Alfons: "Well, no matter. You're free to think as you please."

Kate: "...I will, then."

He raised an eyebrow as he gazed back at me.

Kate: "So please... Tell me more about yourself. I want to get to know you better."

Kate: "Deeper."

Alfons: "You want to get to know me more deeply, do you?"

Alfons: "Oh dear, have you fallen for me that quickly?"

Kate: "What?!"

Alfons: "Because that's what your eyes are saying."

Alfons: "Poor, sweet Liam, having to be dragged into this tangle of lust."

Alfons: "I am a pacifist, you know."

Kate: "Oh, give me a break, Alfons."

Alfons: "Heheh. I have a feeling we're going to have even more fun together from now on."

The more I reached out to him, the more elusive he became, like shadows slipping through my fingers.

The closer I got to him, the more it felt like he was pushing me away.

(...So why can't I stop thinking about him so much?)

End Bitter.

[cantstoplovingjude]

To Steal You Away: Elbert Greetia Premium

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Kate: "The rain just won't let up, huh?"

Elbert: "...It seems that way."

There was a small garden at the baron's estate.

After we ate lunch, we thought we shouldn't stay cooped up inside for too long, so we grabbed an umbrella and headed out for a walk.

Elbert: "...Are you in love with Will?"

Kate: "Huh? What?!"

(Where did that come from, all of a sudden?!)

Kate: "We don't have that kind of relationship..."

Kate: "It's just... he's the one who gave me the courage to be honest with my feelings, without worrying if they were good or bad."

Kate: "So I really appreciate that."

Elbert: "Is accompanying me on this mission a good thing?"

Kate: "Oh."

He tipped his head to the side with a somewhat anxious look on his face, and I couldn't help but smile.

Kate: "Yes. Of course, it's a good thing."

Elbert: "I see..."

(He looks kind of happy now... It's rather cute.)

My heart fluttered at the soft, pleased expression on his face.

I wondered why my heart felt so moved the more I caught glimpses of his kindness, his strength, the expressions I didn't ordinarily see...

And that dark look in his eyes.

Elbert: "...I almost wish it wouldn't stop raining."

His murmur sounded like it was inadvertent.

Kate: "You don't want to go home?"

Elbert: "Once we go home... you'll go back to Will."

His deadly serious gaze was fixed right on me, and in that moment, I was very aware that my heart was racing.

(It's like he doesn't want me to be with William.)

Kate: "Why do you care about that, though?"

(What am I even asking him?)

Elbert: "Because..."

Lord Elbert trailed off, almost like he was frightened by something.

Elbert: "I can't tell you."

Elbert: "Because if I admit it, then-"

Just then, the rain grew stronger against the umbrella, drowning out the sound of his voice.

Kate: "Hey..."

Kate: "What did you say there, just now?"

(And what kind of answer do I want to hear?)

My heart pounded faster, echoing the increased intensity of the rain.

I couldn't tear my gaze away from his eyes that were as blue as the deep ocean.

Elbert: "Please..."

Elbert: "Don't look at me with those eyes..."

Kate: "...Oh!"

Lord Elbert grabbed me and pulled me into his arms, hugging me to him.

The umbrella slipped from his hands and fell into a puddle beside us.

Kate: "Lord Elbert...?"

Elbert: "No, you mustn't..."

Elbert: "Don't look at me... Don't say anything."

He hugged me tightly, one hand caressing my hair and pressing my head against his chest.

(It's like he's afraid of my gaze.)

I was trapped in his arms, unable to move.

Even though Lord Elbert was forcibly holding me there...

...the way he clung to me, as if in fear, felt inexplicably endearing.

Kate: "Lord Elbert..."

He said he didn't want to take me home.

And when I asked why, he evaded my question.

There was a reason for it.

And whatever it was, wasn't good.

(What's wrong with me...)

My pulse raced and all I could think about was wanting to hug him back.

(Does that mean having him tell me he doesn't want to take me home is a good thing?)

Elbert: "Oh..."

Just then, his arms relaxed around me.

And I noticed I didn't feel the rain on my skin anymore.

(The rain...)

I looked up at the sky.

There were still a few scattered raindrops here and there, but the clouds were thinning and the end of the rainstorm was drawing near.

Kate: "It looks like the rain's finally going to stop."

Elbert: "Yes..."

(It should be a good thing that the rain stopped. Because now we can go home.)

(So then, why do I feel so sad?)

(Huh...)

Without waring, my vision became distorted.

And I began to feel very dizzy.

(Wh-what's going on...?)

Elbert: "Kate...?"

Kate: "I'm sorry, but... I feel dizzy..."

Elbert: "What...?"

And just like that, I lost consciousness.

==========

The next time I woke up, I was back at Crown Castle.

Roger explained that the wine I drank at lunch must've been laced with sleeping pills.

It was probably something the baron used in his crimes.

Apparently I'd drank quite a dose, because I'd been asleep for two days after I collapsed.

(I was able to walk back to my bedroom, so the effects seem to have worn off by now, though.)

After I collapsed, Lord Elbert found a route home and carried me back.

(I want to thank him.)

But at the same time, I couldn't forget how he'd said he didn't want to take me home and hugged me so tightly.

My heart skipped a beat, making me pause.

Just then, I heard a knock at the door.

Kate: "Yes...?"

Elbert's Voice: "Roger told me you'd woken up. Are you all right?"

(Lord Elbert...)

I could hear the concern in his voice. I forgot my hesitation and opened the door, inviting him in.

Kate: "Thank you so much for carrying me home. I'd doing just fine, thanks to you."

Elbert: "...I'm glad to hear that."

He smiled faintly, filling my heart with warmth.

(Seeing him smile makes me feel so happy.)

Kate: "I was just about to come thank you."

Elbert: "You don't have to thank me."

Elbert: "The reason I helped you was... because of an ulterior motive."

Kate: "What do you mean?"

(Hearing him say that feels so strange.)

Kate: "What ulterior motive could you have possibly had?"

Elbert: "...It's a secret."

My heart fluttered again when I saw the fleeting, troubled smile on his face.

And I heard another knock at my door.

Kate: "Yes?"

William's Voice: "I heard you're awake."

Kate: "William?"

I felt Lord Elbert grow still behind me.

William's Voice: "I was about to go to that play, so I wanted to see how you were feeling."

(Oh, right. Today's the play.)

Kate: "Um..."

I wasn't sure how to respond, but before I knew it Lord Elbert reached out and hugged me from behind.

Kate: "H-huh?!"

(Lord Elbert?!)

Elbert: "If I tell you not to go... will you stay here with me?"

Kate: "What...?"

He whispered into my ear, filling me with bewilderment.

My heart was beating so fast I could barely think straight.

Elbert: "You smile a lot when you talk about Will."

Elbert: "I want to see you smile more as well."

(I can't believe he's saying that...)

(What should I do...??)

William's Voice: "It's all right if you don't feel up to it. I know the effects of the sleeping pills only just wore off."

William's Voice: "You can take it easy tonight. There'll be more chances."

Kate: "Umm..."

I felt Lord Elbert's hair tickling my neck.

The feeling of his warmth rubbing against me reminded me of our night together in that mansion, of lying together in bed.

I thought of his warm kindness, his melancholy profile, his arms hugging me tightly in the rain.

(What do I want to do?)

(I just...)

(I can't bring myself to leave him behind.)

Kate: "...I still feel kind of groggy."

Kate: "I don't want to get sick in the middle of the performance, so we can go another time."

William's Voice: "All right. That's fine."

William's Voice: "You should listen to the voice inside your heart."

William's voice seemed to suggest he knew exactly what I was thinking, which only made my heart pound harder.

Once his footsteps faded away, I slowly turned around.

Elbert: "Kate."

Kate: "Lord Elbert..."

(Now what should I say?)

The air between us felt so delicate, like it might crumble from even one word.

He stared at me silently too.

But then...

My stomach growled.

Elbert: "......"

Kate: "Not again..."

Kate: "Come to think of it, I guess I haven't eaten in two days?"

Elbert: "...Haha."

Elbert: "Shall we have tea time, then?"

Kate: "Yes please!"

And with that, the tense atmosphere melted away, filling me with utter relief.

Why did he stop me? And why did I stay behind?

Both of our feelings still felt vague to me.

But for now, I just wanted to stay like this... immersed in the joy I felt when we smiled at each other.

End Premium.

[cantstoplovingjude]

To Steal You Away: Elbert Greetia Ch.2

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

The next morning, our clothes were finally dry when we woke up, so we changed into them and decided to search the estate.

There was still a heavy downpour outside. The curtains were drawn throughout the mansion, making it feel like it was still night.

Elbert: "How are you feeling?"

Kate: "I'm fine. I stayed warm last night... thanks to you."

Elbert: "I'm glad."

(Am I the only one feeling self-conscious about it?)

(If so... somehow, that's kind of disappointing.)

He seemed totally normal and it caught me off-guard.

(Wait, what am I thinking?)

Kate: "All right, let's search for evidence of the kidnappings."

Elbert: "I bet Will would be able to find it right away..."

Kate: "Haha, that's true."

Kate: "I wonder what kind of training he does to stay that sharp all the time?"

Elbert: "Hmm..."

Elbert: "In Will's case, I think he was just born with it."

Since we weren't blessed with William's perception, we carefully walked around the baron's large mansion and searched the various rooms.

Kate: "What would evidence regarding the kidnappings even look like?"

Elbert: "We'll look through his belongings for signs of human trafficking like contracts, order lists, and so on."

Elbert: "And worst case scenario, se could find the victims themselves..."

Lord Elbert opened a heavy iron door and then paused.

Kate: "What is it?"

Elbert: "...I found the evidence."

Kate: "What?!"

He was blocking the entryway so I couldn't see inside.

Elbert: "It's the worst case scenario. You don't have to look."

Kate: "You mean, they're dead?"

Elbert: "...It's even worse than that."

His face was turned slightly toward mine, the color drained from it. An uneasy feeling stirred in my chest.

He always protected me from traumatic things like this.

And he tried to warm me up even though he didn't like to be touched.

(Even though he looks like he's in so much pain.)

(His heart and his body are always so vulnerable.)

Kate: "...Why?"

Elbert: "What?"

Kate: "Why do you always protect me like this?"

Elbert: "Because..."

Elbert: "One day, you will leave that castle. And I don't want you to be tortured by sad memories."

Elbert: "Those kinds of memories... can easily kill people."

Lord Elbert's special ability was that he could revive someone's saddest, darkest memory and torture them with it.

(Maybe that's why he's so empathetic to other people's sadness?)

I was tempted to jump to a simple conclusion, but I sensed there was something more urgent in his melancholy profile.

I had a feeling it wasn't just because he'd used his abilities to condemn evil for Crown, either.

(It's more like...)

(Maybe he made someone important to him very sad and ended up killing them.)

The more that theory resonated true to me, the more the sorrowful expression on his face made my heart ache.

Kate: "But isn't it sad for you too, Lord Elbert?"

Elbert: "Hmm...?"

Kate: "I appreciate that you're trying to protect me, but I don't want you to be the only one who has to carry the burden."

Kate: "You tried to bear the burden of pursuing the kidnapper and driving him to his death alone."

Kate: "But I can tell by the look in your eyes that seeing this is making you sad as well."

Kate: "And I don't want you to bear it alone. Please, at least for this mission... share it with me."

Elbert: "But why?"

Kate: "Because if we share it, it's easier to bear than carrying it alone."

Kate: "And maybe it'll give you a little more space in your heart to feel something other than sadness."

(I...)

Kate: "I want you to smile, Lord Elbert."

Saying it out loud helped my feelings become clearer.

(I'd like to be there for him when he's sad. Just like he's there for me.)

That was how I honestly felt.

(And it's thanks to William that I'm able to express my feelings like this.)

Elbert: "You're so strong and kind..."

Kate: "Huh...?"

Elbert: "When I told you not to be sad yesterday, you forced a smile on your face for me."

Elbert: "And even now, you're choosing to face this terrible sight for my sake."

Elbert: "So you're strong... and kind."

Kate: "I was just thinking the same thing about you."

Kate: "Because you're so kind, I wanted to give you kindness in return."

Elbert: "Kate..."

Elbert: "I feel the same way."

Kate: "You do?"

Elbert: "Yes. I want you to smile."

Elbert: "Because when you smile... it's captivating."

Elbert: "I feel like I could stare at it forever."

It almost sounded like a confession of love, and it made my pulse race.

But his eyes were gloomy, filled with some kind of bottomless darkness.

A shiver ran down my spine, as if to reprimand my heart for pounding in my chest.

Kate: "Lord Elbert...?"

He blinked once, very slowly.

Elbert: "And that's why... I can't show you this."

The darkness that had made my heart pound disappeared into his smile.

(What was that look on his face?)

He was different from usual.

Lord Elbert was such a kind person, but I found myself feeling frightened of him.

Kate: "...All right. I understand. Thank you."

Elbert: "Mm."

==========

Kate: "Then, we just have to wait for the rain to stop and find a route home."

Elbert: "I have a map of the area around the mansion, so I'll try to find a route."

I glanced out the window, but it was still raining.

Kate: "I hope I'll make it home in time to keep my promise to William."

Elbert: "What promise?"

Kate: "He invited me to a play, because he got an extra ticket from the theatre."

(I'd feel sad if I didn't make it, but I'm sure there are plenty of people who'd love to go to a play with him in my stead.)

(He's an easy-going person, so I'm sure he won't mind and will enjoy himself nonetheless.)

Elbert: "When is it?"

Kate: "Hm? Um, the day after tomorrow, I believe."

Elbert: "I see..."

He turned his gaze to look out the window...

Elbert: "I'll go find something we can eat for lunch. Wait here."

He left the room without waiting for my response.

The rain continued to pound against the windows.

==========

Elbert: "I couldn't say 'I hope the rain stops soon'..."

Elbert murmured to himself in the hallway, where only the sound of the rain echoed.

Elbert: "Because..."

Elbert: "I don't want to let her go."

End Ch.2

[cantstoplovingjude]

To Steal You Away: Elbert Greetia Ch.1

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Kate: "-Wait!"

Elbert: "Stay back, Kate...!"

Man: "Get away from me!"

The man we'd been chasing ran across a bridge through the pouring rain.

The wooden beams were already slammed by the murky, swollen river and couldn't hold the man's weight.

Man: "Huh? N-noooo!"

The bridge snapped, sending the man plummeting to the raging current below - his shouts and his body swiftly swept away.

Kate: "I can't believe it..."

Elbert: "...Don't look."

I was stunned by what we'd just witnessed, but Lord Elbert pulled me protectively to his chest.

Elbert: "Don't worry. You didn't do anything wrong."

Elbert: "Forget everything you just saw..."

We'd gone to a remote estate that stood deep in the forest for our mission.

Normally I worked with William, but this time I was sent along with Lord Elbert.

We were in pursuit of a baron who was the suspected ringleader behind a number of kidnappings happening nearby.

-Flashback-

Victor: "The culprit seems to only target and kidnap couples."

Victor: "Our suspect, the baron, has an estate deep in the forest separate from his main residence. He won't even let servants go near it."

Victor: "That's where I'm sending you."

Victor: "We have information that he's secretly obtained sleeping pills, aphrodisiacs, restraints, and various other items."

Victor: "And I want you two to ensure there will be no more victims."

-Flashback Ends-

The estate had been completely vacant. But when we followed the footprints out the back door...

As Lord Elbert held me tightly, I peeked past him to look back at the muddy river.

Kate: "Why did he run away like that, before we even had the chance to talk to him?"

Elbert: "Perhaps he knew we were onto him. We asked about the estate back in the town at the foothills."

Kate: "This is the bridge we crossed to get here though, right? So..."

(That means we can't go back home, at least not easily.)

Elbert: "It's too dangerous here right now... Let's go back to the estate to get out of the rain. Once it stops, we will look for another route."

And that was how we ended up spending the night waiting out the rain in a vacant mansion deep in the forest.

It was just Lord Elbert and me... all alone together.

==========

Kate: "We're soaking wet... We need to dry off quickly."

As soon as we'd gotten back to the mansion, we looked around for firewood, but were only able to find a small amount that wasn't soaked.

(It won't last long if we make more than one fire. It could even run out overnight...)

Elbert: "Shall we stay in this room together while we're here?"

Lord Elbert must've been thinking the same thing. I nodded in response to his suggestion.

Working together, we struggled to light the fireplace. But once it was finally lit, he paused to look down at himself, then at me.

Elbert: "I think our clothes will dry faster if... we take them off."

Kate: "You're right. Leaving these wet clothes on will just chill us to the bone."

Elbert: "...All right. Let's undress, then."

Kate: "Ah, wait...!"

Lord Elbert began peeling off his heavy, waterlogged clothes without a moment's hesitation.

He looked so vulnerable in just his thin undershirt I couldn't help but avert my eyes.

Elbert: "I'll turn around, so you can undress now."

Kate: "Oh. Thank you."

Elbert: "Once you take off your clothes, wrap yourself in that blanket there to get warm... And then, you won't need to be so self-conscious."

Kate: "That's a good idea, thank you."

My cold, wet clothes clung to my skin, and I knew I couldn't stay in them all night.

I turned around and stripped down to my undergarments, then wrapped myself up in the blanket.

(William was the one who'd suggested I come along on this mission...)

(Although I have a feeling it's because he knows I've been wanting to get to know Lord Elbert better.)

The Cursed are destined to commit sins and meet a tragic end.

I'd braced myself for the worst when I first heard that.

But honestly, the members of Crown were just like everyone else, with their own feelings and desires.

(I want to know what drove Lord Elbert to join Crown and why he does these missions.)

(Out of everyone, he's the last person I expected to be a member of Crown. So, what's going on in that head of his?)

(William told me to be honest with my desires, and that's why I came along on this mission.)

(But I certainly never expected it to turn out like this.)

Elbert: "...Is something the matter, Kate?"

Kate: "N-no..."

Elbert: "...When you're done, come over here by the fireplace."

(I know I'm covered with a blanket so he can't see me, but being in my underwear makes me a little nervous.)

I carefully sat down next to Lord Elbert.

(I have to admit, staring into the crackling fire is really soothing, though.)

As we sat there in silence, my mind wandered to what happened earlier.

Kate: "Do you think he was really behind those kidnappings?"

Elbert: "I don't know yet."

(Whether he was the one responsible or not...)

(It was still very shocking to see someone fall to their death right in front of my eyes. And it was because we were chasing him.)

My heart still ached at the memory.

Elbert: "Kate... You didn't do anything wrong."

Elbert: "This happened on a Crown mission. You have no responsibility or blame for any of it."

Elbert: "So please... don't look so sad."

Lord Elbert reached out and lightly caressed my cheek, almost as if he were trying to wipe away my sadness.

He had a pained expression on his face, like he was being crushed by guilt.

(He's so kind... Kind and sensitive to other people's pain.)

(Earlier, he grabbed me and tried to shield me from the sight to save me from shock.)

A warm feeling welled up inside me.

I smiled through the turmoil in my head, wanting to show him I appreciated the gesture.

Kate: "Thank you, Lord Elbert."

Elbert: "...Of course."

Kate: "Tomorrow, let's search the mansion properly and see if we can find any information about the kidnappings."

I noticed he was staring at me without a word.

Kate: "...Lord Elbert?"

Elbert: "You..."

Just then, the sound of my stomach growling interrupted our conversation.

Kate: "Sorry..."

He blinked at me in mild surprise.

Kate: "Might... you be a little hungry, too?"

Elbert: "I apologize, but I don't really feel hungry often."

(Oh, right. He never has an appetite...)

(That just makes me feel super greedy though!)

Elbert: "...Haha."

Kate: "Huh?"

(D-did he just laugh?! It was so soft... and rather cute.)

Elbert: "I'll find us something to eat. Wait here."

Kate: "I-I'll come with you!"

(I'm not sure why, but...)

(For some reason, hearing him laugh made me feel happy.)

Luckily, the estate was well-stocked with lots of preserved food, probably because it was in such a remote location. It was enough to last a week.

Now my stomach was full, but my hair, undergarments, and of course my clothes were still wet.

Kate: "I want to get a bit of sleep... What should we do?"

(It would be rude to just wear clothes I found here without permission.)

(But if I go to sleep wearing just my undergarments, I might catch a cold.)

And if I was going to sleep, I'd at least like to sleep in a bed.

Elbert: "...Do you want to sleep together?"

(...Umm, what? Did I hear him correctly?)

Elbert: "If we lie close together, I don't think we'll get sick."

Kate: "But..."

(Lying against Lord Elbert in bed... in our underwear?)

My face burned just thinking about it.

Elbert: "Don't worry... I would never do anything that made you feel uncomfortable."

I could tell he was trying very hard to be considerate.

I remembered that time we were at a party a while back.

Everyone had been touching him, and the image of the color draining from his face came to mind.

I had a feeling he really disliked it when others touched him.

(Despite that, he made that suggestion for my sake.)

Elbert: "...Kate?"

Kate: "I don't want to make you uncomfortable in any way either, Lord Elbert."

Kate: "Are you sure you're okay with this?"

Elbert: "Yes."

Elbert: "I think it'll be fine... as long as it's with you."

My heart skipped a beat. It sounded like he trusted me, and I dearly wanted to show him I felt the same way in return.

"Be honest with your feelings."

Those words William always whispered in my ear echoed through my head.

Kate: "Okay. Then... let's sleep together."

Elbert: "...Mm."

And so, we climbed into bed next to one another.

His beautiful face, so perfect it reminded me of a porcelain doll, was close enough to feel his breath against my skin.

Elbert: "Are you too cramped?"

Kate: "No, I'm fine."

(Should I have agreed to this?)

My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might fly out of my chest.

Kate: "Um... how close do you think we should be?"

Elbert: "You can come closer."

Kate: "Okay..."

He pulled my body close, wrapping an arm around my waist, and held me against him.

I felt his warmth from every point of contact we shared, and it only made my pulse race faster.

(We're not doing anything wrong.)

(We're just sharing each other's warmth.)

I had to keep telling myself that so my thoughts wouldn't run wild.

Elbert: "Are you warm?"

Kate: "Yes. Are you?"

Elbert: "Yes... I'm very warm."

(That's good...)

Kate: "Good night, Lord Elbert."

Elbert: "Good night, Kate..."

Even though I didn't feel like I could fall asleep like this, my body was exhausted.

And before I knew it, drowsiness overcame me and I fell asleep in his arms.

Kate's hand rested on Elbert's chest as she slept.

Elbert: "Even when we're touching like this, it doesn't make me feel bad..."

Elbert: "It's so strange. Because when I was touched like this before, back at the manor..."

Elbert: "...It was so awful it made me sick to my stomach."

Elbert: "...I wonder what's different?"

End Ch.1

[cantstoplovingjude]

To Steal You Away: Ellis Twilight Premium

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Ellis: "Kate..."

Ellis: "We'll have to spend the night together."

==========

We were stranded due to the heavy rain, so we went to a nearby inn.

Innkeeper: "Oh, more customers? We sure do get more business when it's raining outside!"

Kate: "Excuse me, but do you have two rooms available for tonight?"

Innkeeper: "Unfortunately, I only have one room left."

Innkeeper: "But it's perfect for a couple like you two! Now, just write your names in the ledger."

Kate: "Huh? Oh, um..."

Innkeeper: "And here's your key. You make sure to lock up before you go to sleep, you hear?"

==========

Before we could protest, the kindly old innkeeper took us to a small room... with only one bed.

(You've got to be kidding me...)

Ellis: "Kate."

Kate: "Y-yes?!"

(Oh no, my voice squeaked...)

Ellis: "Hehe. You're so cute. Don't be so nervous. I won't do anything to scare you."

Ellis: "Want me to dry off your wet hair? I don't want you to catch a cold."

Kate: "That's sweet of you Ellis, but..."

I was going to say I could do it myself, but then he gently began to dry my hair with the towel.

(His hair is soaking wet too.)

Kate: "I don't want you to catch a cold, either."

I reached up to dry his hair off and brushed against his arm.

Ellis: "Tss!"

He flinched when I touched him.

(Wait a minute...)

Kate: "Let me take a look at your arm."

I took off his jacket and saw that he had a cut on his right arm that was still bleeding.

(Something must've happened while he was gone after all.)

I'd had a strange feeling about it, and it seemed like my hunch was right.

There were so many things I wanted to ask him, but the most important thing was to stop the bleeding.

Kate: "I'm going to stop the bleeding, okay? It might hurt a bit."

Ellis: "...Okay."

I took out a handkerchief and pressed it against his cut.

Even though he was the one injured, my heart ached seeing him bleed.

Ellis: "Aren't you going to ask what happened?"

Kate: "Knowing you, you were just trying to protect me."

Ellis: "Well, I know you don't like scary things... so I wanted to take care of it."

Ellis: "I'm sorry for not telling you."

(He wrote on the padlock that he wished for my happiness.)

(And that's what inspired my message too.)

"I wish for Ellis to be happy."

He always put other people's happiness before his own.

Once again, I thought about how lonely that had to be.

Kate: "You're always thinking about happiness, and that's helped me a lot."

Kate: "But I won't be happy unless you're happy too, Ellis."

Ellis: "...What?"

Kate: "I don't want to be the only one who's happy. That would make me sad."

I wanted both of us to be happy.

Kate: "So from now on, let's be happy together, okay?"

Ellis: "Kate..."

Kate: "And thank you for protecting me. That's really sweet of you."

Ellis nodded, accepting my words.

Ellis: "Kate, to tell the truth... It actually hurts a little."

Kate: "I'm almost done. Just hang in there."

Ellis: "Heheh. Okay."

The rain continued through the night. We decided to go to sleep after we took a bath.

(Why is this bed so small, though...)

Ellis and I were lying shoulder to shoulder in the cramped bed.

Each one of us had volunteered to sleep on the sofa, but the other refused to allow it.

(He's injured, so I can't let him sleep on the sofa. There was no other way.)

I rolled over on my side with my back to him.

Ellis: "Hey, Kate?"

Ellis: "...Have you ever slept with Harry like this?"

Kate: "Absolutely not! There's no way I could."

Ellis: "Then I'm the first one."

It sounded like he was smiling, then I felt a soft touch on my back.

Kate: "Ellis?"

He slipped his arm around my stomach, cradling me against his chest as his breath touched my ear.

Ellis: "You made me so happy earlier."

Ellis: "You know, when you said, 'Let's be happy together'."

Kate: "Did I?"

Ellis: "You always think about my happiness."

Ellis: "And that makes me happy, but... sometimes it makes me feel confused."

Kate: "Hm? Why?"

Ellis: "........."

Kate: "...Ellis?"

Kate: "Ellis...?"

I repeated his name, but when there was no answer, I looked over my shoulder to see that he was fast asleep.

He looked so boyish and innocent with his eyes closed, I couldn't help but reach out and stroke his soft hair.

(Sometimes, it seems like he suppresses all of his own desires.)

(I wonder why?)

I tried to think, but couldn't come up with the answer. Only he knew that.

As I gazed at his sweet, sleeping face, all I could think about was how I wanted him to smile.

I couldn't sleep that much last night, because I was so caught up in thinking about Ellis.

==========

Kate: "Ellis, our station's next."

The next day, the inspection was over and the trains started running again, so we departed for London.

As we stood near the door, Ellis murmured softly.

Ellis: "I wish I could spend more time alone with you."

Ellis: "And there's something you haven't told me yet."

Kate: "What's that?"

Ellis: "Kate..."

He reached out and caught my wrist.

Ellis: "Tell me. Who makes you happier, me or Harry?"

-Flashback-

Ellis: "Just think about it today, and tell me at the end of our trip."

Ellis: "Tell me who you're happier with."

-Flashback Ends-

The way he stared intently at me coupled with the way his hand wrapped around me like soft thorns...

...told me that he wasn't joking around or being playful.

(How should I answer?)

I searched for the right words, but then we arrived at our station and the doors opened.

Kate: "We have to get off, Ellis."

Ellis: "No. I won't let you go."

Ellis: "If you don't answer... Can I just take you away somewhere?"

Kate: "What?!"

The doors were about to close.

But then, Ellis grabbed my hand and pulled me off the train.

The train departed from the station, leaving us behind.

Ellis: "I'm sorry for bothering you."

Ellis: "But the fact that you don't know how to answer means that you were happy with me, right?"

The sweet moments I shared with Ellis had definitely been engraved deeply into my heart, I couldn't deny it.

Kate: "Yes..."

Ellis: "Good. I'll just have to try harder, then."

Ellis: "I want you to think about me even more from now on."

Kate: "...Okay."

Ellis: "Even though I said I'd support you if you preferred being with Harry..."

The sight of his smile made me feel a tender pang inside me.

It was then that I realized... Ellis had already found his way into my heart.

End Premium.

[cantstoplovingjude]

To Steal You Away: Ellis Twilight Ch.2

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

(Hm?)

Ellis: "What is it, Kate?"

Kate: "Um... I feel like someone is watching us."

I looked around, but didn't see anyone particularly suspicious.

Ellis: "I think everyone's looking at you because you're so cute."

Kate: "Th-that's not it!"

Ellis: "It is. You're just unaware of it."

Kate: "...Stop teasing me."

Ellis: "Haha. Now you're scolding me."

I looked around again, but still didn't see anything out of the ordinary.

(Maybe it's just my imagination...?)

==========

A crowd of people were gathered on top of a hill overlooking the city.

A gentle breeze played with our hair as we went closer to see what was going on.

Ellis: "Look at that over there."

Kate: "Padlocks?"

There was a fence with a bunch of padlocks in all sorts of shapes and colors fixed to it, with a crowd of people around it.

Kate: "That sign says to engrave a message on the padlock and hook it on the fence with someone you want a deeper connection with."

Kate: "It says if you're lucky, your wish may come true and you can be with your special someone forever."

(So it's some kind of local superstition, I guess. If Harrison saw it, he'd say...)

Harrison: "If you put a lock on a fence your wish will come true? Talk about a load of rubbish. Sounds like something you'd like, though."

(And he'd act all cool about it, but then wouldn't protest actually doing it. Haha, I can see his face now.)

Ellis: "Hey. Who are you thinking about right now?"

Kate: "Huh?"

Ellis: "Is it Harry?"

Kate: "Um..."

Ellis: "You're so easy to read. It's adorable."

Ellis: "I thought it would be fun to do this together, but maybe you should save it for when you and Harry come back."

Kate: "But this is something a couple does together. I wouldn't do that with Harrison..."

Ellis: "Then would you do it with me? I'd like to, since you're someone I want to have a deeper connection with."

(...How can I say no to that?)

I nodded and Ellis went to the shop to buy a padlock, two pens, and a card.

(The engraver will put whatever message we write on the card. But what should I put?)

Kate: "Hm? You're already done writing, Ellis?"

Ellis: "Yes. I put 'May Kate be happy'."

(He just made a wish for me?)

Kate: "Thank you, that's really sweet."

He always put his own happiness aside for the sake of others.

But I got the feeling that he didn't think very much about his own happiness.

(In that case...)

Just as I was about to write down my message on the card, I noticed Ellis staring at me.

Kate: "Don't watch me, Ellis. It's embarrassing."

He laughed softly but nodded, graciously humoring me by looking away.

We had the engraver put the messages on the padlock, then attached it to the fence.

Ellis: "Could you wait here for a moment, Kate?"

Kate: "Where are you going?"

Ellis: "The lavatory. If you're feeling lonely... wanna come with me?"

Kate: "...Umm, I'll wait right here."

Ellis: "Okay. I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere."

I looked around at the various couples while I waited for Ellis to return.

==========

Meanwhile, Ellis walked down from the hill and entered a dark alley by himself.

Ellis: "Hey. It's about time you showed yourself."

Man in Dark Coat: "Ah!"

Ellis turned around, and the man in the dark coat trembled.

Man in Dark Coat: "...How long have you known?"

Ellis: "I saw you at the platform at Paddington Station."

Man in Dark Coat: "Then why'd you wait all this time?"

Ellis: "Because Kate doesn't like scary things."

Ellis: "I was waiting to take her to a public place where it was safe, that's all."

Man in Dark Coat: "Don't make a foot out of me. You're with the police, aren't ya?"

Ellis: "Not exactly."

Man in Dark Coat: "I was given orders to kill you guys here."

The man took a knife from his pocket and swung it wildly, grazing Ellis's right arm.

Ellis: "Nngh...!"

Ellis ran at full speed, kicked off the wall, and jumped up high.

Man in Dark Coat: "Wh-whoa! What the hell?! Ahh, my hands! My hands!"

Ellis touched the crown of the man's head and used his cursed ability to restrain his hands.

Ellis: "You think you can kill me? Try it."

Man in Dark Coat: "Ee...eeek!"

Ellis took out a jet-black knife and placed it against the man's neck.

Ellis: "I'll spare your life if you answer two questions for me. First, what's your objective?"

Man in Dark Coat: "They'll give me a promotion if I bring your heads to them."

Ellis: "...You know, Jude often says that people who are driven by ambition are the most troublesome."

Ellis: "Now the second question. Your base should be one of these three locations. Tell me which one."

The man's face turned pale as Ellis handed him the piece of paper with three locations written on it.

The blade dug into his skin as his mouth opened and closed in vain.

Ellis: "...Tell me."

Man in Dark Coat: "I-it's the cargo warehouse! This one's our hideout."

Ellis: "I see. Thanks."

Ellis: "Well, goodbye then."

Man in Dark Coat: "Huh? But-arrghhhh!"

Ellis: "I doubt someone who would give up information so easily wouldn't tell their friends about us."

Ellis: "I don't want Kate to be scared. Sorry I lied."

==========

(Ellis is taking forever.)

(I wonder if something happened...)

Ellis: "Kate."

Kate: "...Ellis!"

Kate: "I was worried something happened to you!"

Ellis: "I sorry I took awhile. I won't leave you again, I promise."

(He doesn't seem to be injured... Surely nothing happened, right?)

Kate: "It's fine. I'm just glad you're okay."

Ellis: "This is to apologize for me being late."

Kate: "Huh?"

He pulled out a piece of paper with the location of the smuggling operation's base on it.

Ellis: "I found someone who's familiar with the city and asked them about it. This is the one."

Our mission was to identify the location of the smuggling operation.

Kate: "That means..."

Ellis: "That's right. Our mission here is done."

I was surprised at how quickly it went, but then a soft feeling of relief flooded my chest.

(I'm really glad Ellis wasn't in danger.)

Kate: "I'm sorry I didn't do anything to help. Thank you, Ellis."

Ellis: "You're welcome. Let's go take a look at some souvenirs."

Kate: "That's a good idea! Oh, but..."

Ellis: "What?"

Kate: "Don't those clouds look a bit dark over there?"

==========

In no time at all, the weather took a turn for the worst.

Thunder rumbled and we were soon drenched by the heavy rain.

Ellis: "Stay under the eaves, Kate. I'll go buy the tickets."

Kate: "Okay."

A few moments later, Ellis returned with a frown on his face.

Kate: "What's the matter?"

Ellis: "There's been a landslide due to the heavy rains, so they're inspecting the tracks and won't be done until the morning."

Kate: "You mean the trains have stopped for the day?"

Ellis: "Yes."

(So then...)

Ellis: "Kate..."

Ellis: "We'll have to spend the night together."

End Ch.2

[cantstoplovingjude]

To Steal You Away: Ellis Twilight Ch.1

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

The platform of Paddington Station was packed today.

Ellis and I wove our way through the crowd as we walked toward the doors of the passenger train.

Ellis: "Is your suitcase too heavy? Want me to carry it for you?"

Kate: "Thanks, Ellis, but I can manage on my own."

Ellis: "Are you sure?"

(Aw, he looks a little disappointed.)

(Oh, I know!)

Kate: "We have some time once we get on the train. Should we buy something to eat?"

Kate: "Here, how about you hold my suitcase while I do that."

Ellis: "Sure, of course."

Obviously, Ellis and I weren't going on a trip for leisure.

We were on a mission to investigate a smuggling organization based in York, a city quite far from London.

Originally, Harrison and I were supposed to go on this mission together.

However, another urgent mission with William came up, so that was where Harry was now.

I was told this morning that Ellis would be going to York with me instead.

Ellis: "Oh, that bread over there looks delicious!"

Ellis eagerly pointed out the food he'd spotted.

Kate: "Your favorite is baguettes, right?"

Ellis: "You remembered. That's really sweet of you."

Kate: "Of course I did. Wow, there's so many different kinds. What should we get...?"

Ellis: "Heheh..."

Kate: "What?"

Ellis: "Nothing, it's just cute to see you smiling so much."

Ellis: "So cute, in fact, that maybe I should just buy the whole bunch..."

Kate: "Hey, that's not fair! I want to buy a bunch too!"

==========

The moment we settled into our seats, we dug into our freshly-baked bread.

The decadent aroma filled the cabin and paired with the beautiful scenery out the window, making me bubble with joy.

(Come to think of it, it's been a long time since I took a trip...)

Ellis's gentle voice called me out of my reveries.

Ellis: "How's the bread?"

Kate: "It's delicious! How's yours?"

Ellis: "Mine's delicious too. You made a great decision."

Ellis: "I'm glad I asked Victor and Jude to go on this mission with you at the last minute."

Kate: "...Huh?"

Ellis: "Jude did say I'd have to work more hours when I get back to make up for it..."

Kate: "Then why did you go to all that trouble to come on this trip with me?"

Ellis: "Oh, there was just something I wanted to check on with you."

Kate: "What's that?"

Ellis: "Tell me, Kate... who are you happier with? Harry or me?"

His question was so unexpected my eyes widened like saucers.

Kate: "Why are you bringing up Harrison now?"

Ellis: "Well, you spend a lot of time with him, right?"

He was right; I spent most of my time with Harrison since becoming Fairytale Keeper.

(He's the one I rely on the most out of all the members of Crown.)

But I wasn't sure how to respond. Just then, I heard Ellis's quiet voice again.

Ellis: "No matter what your answer is, I'll make you happy."

Ellis: "If you're happier with Harry, then I'll support you."

Ellis: "And if you're happier with me... then I'll stay by your side."

Ellis rose from his seat across from me and then sat down beside me.

(Huh? I have no idea where this is coming from.)

Ellis: "Just think about it today, and tell me at the end of our trip."

Ellis: "Tell me who you're happier with."

Ellis was always incredibly kind to me, and treated me like he'd treat his girlfriend.

He was sweet, considerate, and affectionate.

But he was kind to everyone, so that didn't necessarily mean I was special.

(So even if he's asking me like this, I shouldn't jump to conclusions... right?)

Maybe it was like asking if you wanted lemon or sugar in your tea. Just a simple preference.

Kate: "Okay. I'll think about it during our trip."

Ellis: "And I'll do my best to make you happy."

Kate: "And I'll do my best not to cause any trouble for you."

Ellis: "Even though you don't like scary things that much?"

Kate: "Are you teasing me?"

Ellis: "Haha. Was it obvious? Oh, you've got crumbs on your mouth."

He reached out and wiped something from the corner of my mouth, then licked his fingers.

The sudden contact made my heart skip a beat, but he just smiled faintly at me.

Ellis: "Hm, do you think you'd call this time between us an illicit love affair?"

Kate: "What?! No!"

Ellis: "Hehe. Are you sure?"

I spent the train ride at the mercy of Ellis's teasing, failing to hide the blush on my cheeks, and then we finally arrived in York.

Ellis: "We're here. Let's go, Kate."

==========

(Wow...!)

Unlike the familiar hustle and bustle of London, York had more of a countryside feel to it.

It seemed like time passed more peacefully here. The scenery was refreshing and just standing here felt exciting.

Ellis: "...I'm glad."

Kate: "Hm?"

Ellis: "You just look really happy."

(Oops, I forgot we're on a mission. This is no time for fun! Get your game face on, Kate.)

Crown had received information that a prolific smuggling operation had a base in this city.

The smugglers were lining their pockets by secretly importing illegal drugs and selling them to other countries.

Our mission was to go around to three locations and investigate them...

...to identify which one was their base.

(This is a short mission to make sure they don't catch onto the fact that we're investigating them.)

However, the negative part about being so far away was that we couldn't call for help immediately.

At any rate, I braced myself and decided to take on the challenge.

Just then, Ellis reached out to take my hand.

Ellis: "Shall we walk around for a while?"

Kate: "Th-that would be nice, but we have a mission to do."

Ellis: "Oh, there's plenty of time for that. Can't we walk for just a little while?"

(Argh, those eyes... Why does he have to be so cute?)

I silently waved the white flag of surrender as he squeezed my hand.

Kate: "Will you promise me that it'll just be for a little while?"

Ellis: "I promise."

Kate: "Okay, then."

Ellis: "Hehe. I feel like a little kid asking for a favor."

Ellis: "There's a crowd gathered over there. Shall we go see what's happening?"

He started walking, still holding my hand.

Despite what he said, his large hand and the tall figure that strode in front of me certainly didn't seem very childish.

(Hm?)

Ellis: "What is it, Kate?"

End Ch.1

[cantstoplovingjude]

To Steal You Away: Alfons Sylvatica Premium

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Warning 🔞

Alfons: "Since Liam's away, this is the perfect opportunity to do all sorts of shameless and indecent things to you."

Alfons: "Now that our mission is done, we can extend our date. The excitement's only just begun."

Alfons smiled at me and then took me somewhere quite unexpected.

==========

(Scala?)

He'd brought me to Scala Theatre, where Liam performed.

(But why here?)

Alfons: "Look, there's a poster of Liam."

Alfons: "It says he's going to star as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Kate: "Oh, you're right!"

Liam had a slightly reserved look on his face as he smiled in the poster.

Curly-haired Woman: "I had no idea Liam was filling in tonight! How lucky are we?!"

Freckled Noblewoman: "Surely, it means our love is reaching him! Ahh, he's so dashing..."

Alfons: "He certainly lives up to his reputation as Scala's star performer. He's so popular he could take over all of England."

I tried to imagine Liam taking over England, but it was so unsuited to his personality I had to laugh.

Kate: "Why are we here, though? We don't have tickets to tonight's play."

Alfons: "That's not a problem. William's a very valued patron of this theatre, remember?"

Alfons: "All we have to do is drop his name and I'm sure we can get one or two seats in the royal box."

Kate: "What- w-wait, Alfons!"

Alfons rushed off to secure the tickets, his glossy raven colored hair swaying as he moved.

I didn't think I would ever understand why he did the things he did.

But perhaps that was why I wanted to get to know him better, and often found myself thinking about him.

(Maybe I should just go along with him?)

My favorite place was the theatre, after all, and coming here was a treat.

At the very least, it would soothe my nerves, and take my mind off the gunshots echoing in my mind and the sight of blood pooling on the floor.

Alfons: "I got us two tickets, courtesy of our dear Lord Rex."

Alfons waved the tickets as he walked back over to me.

Alfons: "You do like going to see plays, don't you?"

Kate: "Well, yes..."

Alfons: "Then, what's the problem? Let's enjoy ourselves, Miss Robin."

==========

Our tickets were indeed for the royal box, a seat I'd only dreamed about before.

As I marveled over the luxurious seats, an announcement indicated the play was about to start.

A spotlight flashed on the stage.

(Oh, it's Liam!)

Liam leapt, jumped, and spun across the stage as the fairy Puck.

The entire audience was mesmerized by his performance. I could hear soft chuckles here and there.

Under normal circumstances, this would've been enough to help me forget my troubles and I'd enjoy the play to the fullest.

But the anxiety and fear that lingered inside me was still holding me back.

The more I tried to forget and focus on the play, the more those dark feelings held me captive.

(This is so frustrating. Liam is acting his heart out up on that stage...)

(Everyone at Scala worked so hard on this play and I want to enjoy it.)

It was incredibly painful to have darkness casting a shadow over something I loved.

Guilt eating away at me, I sighed and lowered my gaze to my lap.

Just then, Alfons reached over and slipped his fingers through mine.

(Huh?)

The cool sensation of his black leather gloves intertwined with my fingers, and his thumb stroked along the back of my palm.

I was about to look over at him when a soft whisper brushed against my ear.

Alfons: "Don't take your eyes off the stage. You should be focused on what's going on in front of you, right?"

(Well, yes, but...)

I leaned toward Alfons and whispered faintly, so as not to disturb those near us.

Kate: "Why are you holding my hand?"

Alfons: "I told you already. There's nothing more thrilling than stealing away someone else's love interest."

Alfons: "So, I thought this would be the perfect place to do it in."

Kate: "Why?"

Alfons: "You love plays, and Liam-whom you trust and like very much-is up there on stage. So no matter what I do to you..."

He lifted our linked hands up to his mouth and pressed a kiss to my fingertips.

Alfons: "...You have no choice but to be quiet."

Kate: "This is a theatre! Stop joking ar- Mm!"

All of a sudden, he leaned closer to me and kissed my ear instead.

The wet tip of his tongue traced the outline of my earlobe, and then he blew softly into my ear.

Kate: "...Ah!"

He softly nipped at my ear, making me jolt in my seat.

Alfons: "Shh... I told you to keep your eyes forward. You don't want Liam to notice, do you?"

My breath caught in my throat. I had to bite my lip to keep myself from making anymore noise...

The moment I turned my gaze back toward the stage, I felt his hand slip between my thighs.

His fingertips traveled upward, lightly scratching at my skin through the bundled fabric of my skirt.

He seemed to be thoroughly enjoying my reaction, because his fingers then settled, rubbing at the sensitive spot right between my legs.

(O-ohhh... We really shouldn't be doing this, but...)

Alfons: "Ahha, does it feel that good? It's okay to let yourself feel good, you know."

Alfons: "Just forget everything else and let yourself enjoy."

His hand crept up my skirt, and then his gloved fingers stroked my wet and delicate bud through my underwear.

My thighs quivering, it was all I could do to keep myself from crying out so no one would notice.

He teased and stroked me over and over again, giving me such sweet pleasure I forgot where I was, the lights on the stage turning to stars.

==========

The curtain fell to cheers and applause.

The moment the play was done, I leapt to my feet, smoothed down my skirt, and angrily turned to Alfons.

Kate: "Alfons!!"

Alfons: "What is it? Was the play so wonderful you're just overcome by emotion and want to shout it out loud?"

Alfons: "I'll shout with you, then. It sounds like fun."

Kate: "Will you stop it already?!"

Alfons: "Oh, you want me to stop? Does that mean you're ready to go bid congratulations to Liam?"

Kate: "Stop changing the subject. Why did you do that to me?"

Kate: "Why, right here in the theatre with all these people around? With Liam right there in front of us?!"

Alfons: "Ohh, that's what you meant."

Alfons: "It looked like you couldn't concentrate. So I just thought I'd treat you to a good time."

(He... knew I was having trouble focusing?)

(I tried so hard not to show it on my face.)

I was feeling guilty for not being able to enjoy the play, because I was caught up in my own negative emotions.

And I was frantically trying to make sure no one else noticed, because I was ashamed I couldn't break myself out of it.

(But Alfons noticed...)

So was his cheeky little prank actually to distract me from my feelings of guilt?

Honestly, I couldn't decide. But I had to admit that... it made me feel good. And it worked. Because of it, I'd stopped focusing on the guilt entirely.

Kate: "...Thank you."

Alfons cocked his head to one side and blinked, staring at me for a moment.

(Wait! Why am I thanking him?!)

Alfons: "Ahha! I had no idea you were such a little minx!"

Alfons: "Not only did you let me take you to that run-down horror house, but then I did all those naughty things to you... and you thanked me?!"

Kate: "Why do you insist upon always teasing me? Didn't you already have your fun, huh?"

(He's so elusive. I can never tell what he's really feeling.)

-Flashback-

Alfons: "Liam needs to forget about reality, sometimes."

Alfons: "You're starting to pick up on that fact, aren't you?"

-Flashback Ends-

(But only someone who was very sensitive could pick up on something like that.)

Just like I'd wanted to protect that old man's dreams of living with his wife again...

Alfons must've felt the same way.

Kate: "Did you have a reason for teasing me like that and dragging me around all day?"

Alfons: "Humans like to give reasons to everything to make sense of it all."

Alfons: "Whether there was a reason or not doesn't matter. I just want to have fun, that's all."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

Alfons: "My, my, what's that expression on your face?"

Alfons: "Oh dear, have you fallen for me that quickly?"

Kate: "Alfons..."

(Wait... Why can't I deny it right away?)

Alfons: "Oh, look! There's Liam."

Alfons: "He spotted you. Just look at the smile on his face. How darling."

I wanted to find out Alfons's true feelings, but couldn't find the words. Meanwhile, he gave me a wicked, teasing grin.

Alfons: "Well, this is where I bid goodbye."

Alfons: "Do let me know if you ever want to fool around behind Liam's back again."

(Ugh... Why am I always trying to give him the benefit of the doubt??)

And then, Alfons's back melted into the darkness and disappeared like a haunting illusion.

I kept staring after him, trying to hold onto any traces of his lingering apparition.

End Premium.

[cantstoplovingjude]

To Steal You Away: Alfons Sylvatica Ch.2

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Kate: "We don't have to hold hands, but... can I just hold onto your sleeve?"

(He's definitely going to tease me now...)

Alfons: "Of course. Whatever you wish."

I looked up at him, surprised by his kind response, but then saw a smile curving on his lips.

Alfons: "Did your heart skip a beat just now?"

Alfons: "You can grab me anywhere you like. Go on."

Kate: "This is fine. Thank you."

Alfons: "Are you sure? Such a reserved little robin. You should be more demanding sometimes, you know."

His reply was lighthearted and airy. However...

I noticed he was walking slower than usual.

(Is he matching his pace to mine?)

If he was indecent and dishonest and the stuff of nightmares, then I should keep my distance.

(So why does he make it so hard for me to do just that?)

I kept those feelings to myself as we began looking for any stolen items that might've been stashed away here.

Alfons: "This place is just packed with things. It looks like Elbie's room!"

(This is what Lord Elbert's room looks like...?)

I had to admit that this sort of light chitchat was the best way to stay calm in dark, scary places like this.

But I felt the fear creeping up on me again and blurted out the first thing that came to mind, as if to ward it off.

Kate: "Liam told me something the other day."

Kate: "He said you two often go out together late at night."

Kate: "What in the world are you two doing together?"

Alfons: "Do you what to know because Liam's involved? Or because of me?"

(There he goes again, teasing me.)

Kate: "I'm the Fairytale Keeper, so I thought I'd ought to know."

Alfons: "What a boring, trite answer. However, I'll indulge you just this once."

Alfons: "Due to his curse, Liam must satisfy his curiosity on a regular basis."

Alfons: "Which just so happens to align with my hedonistic views, as I love a good time."

Alfons: "So before we knew it, we both started looking for new thrills to satisfy our curiosity together."

Kate: "What exactly does that mean...?"

Alfons: "Well, we have a game where we jump from rooftop to rooftop while drunk. If you fall, you're out."

Alfons: "There's also a game called Chicken where we race horses to the edge of a cliff."

Kate: "That's definitely beyond what I'd imagined."

Alfons: "Oh, I'm pleased to hear that!"

Alfons: "There are other delightful things we get up to as well, but I shouldn't share those with others. Would you like to tag along next time?"

Kate: "Sorry, but I think I'll pass."

Alfons: "Ah, what a shame."

Alfons chuckled and picked up a dusty marble that lay at his face.

Kate: "Hm?"

It let off a dull glow as he held it in his hand.

Alfons: "Liam needs to forget about reality sometimes."

Alfons: "You're starting to pick up on that fact, aren't you?"

Kate: "Yes... I had a feeling."

Liam wasn't just satisfying his curiosity because of his curse.

When I was having a hard time or was feeling sad, he always the first person to come to me.

He generously gave me his time to try to cheer me up.

I had a feeling the reason he was so good at doing so was because he empathized with people's pain and sadness.

So, there must have been a lot of suffering and sadness in his past.

Maybe he was keeping himself going through his dark and dreary everyday life by coloring it with curiosity.

That reminded me of what Alfons had said to me before.

It was the first time he'd used his ability to rewrite perception on me.

-Flashback-

Alfons: "Life is a tragedy. There are many painful realities that can't be changed even if we try."

Alfons: "So what's wrong with escaping into dreams?"

-Flashback Ends-

(Back then, I was so confused about what he was doing that I didn't think too deeply about what he meant.)

But those words had lingered uncomfortably inside my heart.

Alfons was a thrill-seeking hedonist who loved having a good time and enjoyed making people see illusions.

However, now he told me that he was aware Liam had something he wanted to forget, and that was why he went out with him at night.

(Maybe it's just convenient for me to think this way because it's what I want to believe.)

(But what if...)

(What if Alfons really is showing people illusions to help them escape from painful realities that plague them?)

Just then, I heard a noise from the back of the hallway and exchanged glances with Alfons.

Kate: "Is it the culprit?"

Alfons: "I suppose we shall find out. Get behind me, Miss Kate."

I turned and peeked over Alfons's shoulder, but saw someone very unexpected.

==========

Elderly Man: "...Who are you young'uns?"

An old man with white hair was settled deep in an armchair.

(Somehow I have a hard time believing that man's a thief and a murderer...)

It certainly looked like he was the owner of this house.

Alfons: "Our cat wandered in here, so we came after it. Terribly sorry to come in without permission."

Elderly Man: "Oh, I see... I thought you were another one of those fools barging in here again."

Alfons: "What do you mean?"

Elderly Man: "Well, some lads have been sneaking in here at night without my permission."

Elderly Man: "Just because I had a spare room, they thought they could take advantage of me and make themselves at home."

He lived here alone and seemed to be turning a blind eye to the criminals using this place without permission.

(But why are they leaving him alive?)

It was definitely risky to keep him around.

All he had to do was tell one person who'd call the police and that'd be the end of it.

They'd supposedly already killed before, so it wasn't because they were hesitant to kill...

Elderly Man: "Oh, I'm sorry. I was so absorbed in my guests I forgot about you."

(Huh? Is there someone else here?)

I looked around, but we were the only ones in the room.

And then, I realized he was speaking to a portrait of a woman on the wall.

Elderly Man: "Will you forgive me? Yes, I know. You've always liked guests."

I was confused, but then heard Alfons whisper into my ear.

Alfons: "Oh, I see. He's senile. That's why they kept him alive."

Alfons: "What should we do about him, Miss Kate?"

Kate: "What do you mean?"

Alfons: "If I use my ability, I might be able to bring him to his senses."

Alfons: "That way we can get his testimony and our mission will be easier."

I wasn't sure how the old man viewed what was happening here.

But I did know that he looked blissfully happy as he gazed at the painting.

Kate: "I..."

==========

We decided to seize the stolen items we recovered as evidence and move forward with the condemnation at a later time.

That way, we wouldn't cause any harm to the old man who lived in the house.

Alfons: "Why didn't you want to bring him out of his dreams back into reality?"

When he'd asked me before, I told him I wanted to leave the old man alone.

Kate: "He needs that dream in order to survive. So I don't think it's a bad thing."

Kate: "Even if the dream was just a convenience."

Kate: "Also..."

Kate: "I thought that's what you would do, if given the choice."

Alfons stared at me for a moment.

Then without warning-he pulled me toward him and hugged me against his chest.

The next thing I knew, I heard a gunshot ring out. A nearby potted plant in the garden exploded from the bullet.

(What's going on?!)

Man with Stubble: "You think you can just barge into our hideout, huh?!"

A man loomed before us, his eyes fixed on the stolen goods we'd confiscated.

(He's one of the culprits!)

Man with Stubble: "I can't let you outta here alive now. I'm gonna kill you!"

Alfons: "That's pretty rich, considering you're the one who trespassed into someone else's home."

Alfons swept behind the man in a flash and twisted his neck, rendering him unconscious in an instant.

Alfons: "Whoops, I forgot that we trespassed too. Oh, well."

Alfons: "Shall we confiscate him, too?"

==========

After we safely delivered the stolen items to Jude's warehouse, we walked through the city at night.

(Oh...)

Only then did I notice my hands were trembling slightly.

The sound of the gunshot brought back memories of the previous night.

(I hate this... I just want to forget about last night and get rid of all this fear inside me.)

(I don't want it to control me forever.)

I clenched my hands into fists to try to stop shaking, and then Alfons tapped me on the shoulder.

Alfons: "Miss Kate. Miss Kate...? Do you have more time to spare?"

Kate: "Huh? Oh, yes. I don't have any other plans for tonight."

Alfons: "That's a relief. How about staying with me a bit longer, then?"

Kate: "For what?"

Alfons: "Since Liam's away, this is the perfect opportunity to do all sorts of shameless and indecent things to you."

Alfons: "Now that our mission is done, we can extend our date. The excitement's only just begun."

End Ch.2

[cantstoplovingjude]

To Steal You Away: Alfons Sylvatica Ch.1

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Yesterday, I'd witnessed a very gruesome incident during a Crown mission.

Alfons: "How are you feeling, Miss Kate?"

Kate: "Oh, Alfons."

Kate: "Um... I'm fine, just like I always am."

Alfons: "Well, well, is that so? ...Oh, now whose chocolate pudding is this that's sitting out?"

Elbert: "...Hm, I don't know."

Alfons: "There's no name written on it, either."

Alfons grabbed a spoon and scooped up the pudding into his mouth without a moment's hesitation.

Kate: "Is that a good idea? If it's out here, it has to it belong to someone else."

Alfons: "Goodness, you're always so serious! The reason it's so delicious is precisely because it's someone else's."

Alfons: "Now, would you like to do something bad together? Let me see your mouth."

Alfons: "Come on, then. Open wide."

Kate: "Huh? Wha-Mmph!"

Alfons: "Heheh. Now you're my accomplice. What a naughty girl you are, Miss Robin!"

Kate: "Y-you're the one who just shoved it into my mouth without asking first!"

Harrison: "Hey. Oh, I didn't know you were here, Kate."

Kate: "What's going on, Harrison?"

Harrison: "I got a message from Liam. He says..."

Liam: "I have to fill in for someone else during the play tonight. I'm sorry we can't go on our date."

Liam: "I wanted to take you to the traveling carnival tonight, so we could have fun together."

Harrison: "He wanted to tell you in person, but you know if he saw your face he wouldn't be able to leave you."

Harrison: "So he asked me to relay it instead."

Kate: "Okay. Thanks for letting me know, Harrison."

Harrison: "Sure. Also... he's worried about you. He said he thinks you might still be feeling down."

Elbert: "...Oh, about last night?"

Elbert: "I heard it was quite a horrible sight for you."

Last night's mission with William was one of the bloodiest I'd experienced since becoming Fairytale Keeper, if not the bloodiest.

I really thought I'd gotten used to it by now, but the scene was still burned into my mind.

(Liam didn't say anything about it, but I have a feeling that's why he invited me out tonight.)

He was a kind person who always showed extra care when something like this happened.

Elbert: "...Are you all right?"

(Uh-oh... I don't want everyone to worry about me.)

Kate: "Yes, I'm fine. Please don't worry."

Elbert: "Are you sure...?"

Alfons: "Now you're being tactless, Elbie."

Alfons: "If Kate seems a bit down, it's probably because she can't go on her date with Liam anymore."

Alfons: "Isn't that right?"

Kate: "N-no-"

I started to deny it, but on second thought, maybe it was best to have everyone think that instead.

Kate: "Well, maybe... Liam's always by my side during times like this, after all."

Alfons: "I see. Well, in that case..."

Alfons: "How about you go on a date with me instead? If you leave it to me, I guarantee you'll have a splendid time."

Kate: "Go on a date with you...? Where'd that come from, all of a sudden?"

Alfons: "I told you earlier. Just like how the pudding tastes more delicious when you steal it from someone else..."

Alfons: "There's nothing more thrilling than stealing someone else's love interest!"

(I had a feeling he was going to say that. What a ridiculous reason. Besides...)

Kate: "Liam and I aren't like that, Alfons."

Harrison: "Hm? Has anyone seen the pudding I left here?"

(Oh no, it was Harrison's?!)

Alfons: "Yes, it's currently in Roger's stomach. He licked the entire dish clean, the brute."

Harrison: "Mm-hm, that's a lie. Did you forget I can tell when people are lying due to my curse?"

Alfons: "Hm? Oh, forgive me, it was an honest mistake. Perhaps Elbie was the one who ate it?"

Elbert: "...Did I?"

Alfons: "Come, Miss Kate, we villains have to escape while we can!"

Kate: "Huh? Wh-where are you taking me, Alfons?!"

Harrison: "Hey, get back here!"

==========

Alfons took me to a very unexpected place.

Kate: "Wait, this is..."

Alfons: "Liam was planning on taking you to the traveling carnival, wasn't he? This is just as thrilling."

Alfons: "The thick forest, a gloomy atmosphere, tension hanging in the air... All the best things about a haunted house!"

I'd come to understand something about Alfons during our time living together.

He was both indecent and dishonest... and, sometimes, the stuff of nightmares.

(Maybe... No, surely it can't be...)

Kate: "This isn't a date or anything, right? It's just a mission?"

Alfons: "Haha, there's no need to pout. I find solo missions so sad and lonely."

Kate: "Yeah, right. You just wanted a toy to play with."

Alfons: "Oh, so you at least recognize you're a toy? I suppose I should expect nothing less from Crown's dear robin. So talented."

(...I should know better than to try to argue with him, because it only makes it worse.)

But since I was already here, I had no choice but to fulfill my duty as Fairytale Keeper.

Besides, I really didn't want to have to walk home all by myself.

Kate: "Fine, I'll come with you. What kind of mission is it?"

I looked at the run-down house before us and wondered what kind of incident had taken place there.

Alfons: "There's been a rise in robbery-homicides occurring within this area, where thieves not only steal valuables but also murder their victims."

Alfons: "The rumors suggest that the perpetrators may be unlawfully entering this house and using it as their base."

Kate: "I see... Well, it's true no one would ever think to look for them here."

Alfons: "First, we'll check to see if there are any stolen items in the house."

Kate: "But what if we run into one of the culprits while we're looking?"

Alfons: "Then I shall protect you, of course. Rest assured that nothing like last night will happen."

(Why does it sound so suspicious coming from him?)

Still, part of me was relieved to hear that even if I didn't want to admit it.

Alfons: "Now, how about we step into these exciting ruins and forget about our day-to-day troubles?"

Alfons: "Oh, oops, my apologies. I nearly forgot I was making a move on you in Liam's absence."

Alfons: "Would you like to hold hands? You could slip your fingers right through mine, or hold onto my arm. Whichever you'd prefer."

He reached out and grabbed my hand.

Alfons: "My goodness! Your hand's freezing. Don't tell me you're frightened?"

He flashed me a teasing smile as he squeezed my hand, bringing heat to my cheeks.

Kate: "I-I'm not scared at all. I don't need you to hold my hand, either. Let's go, we don't need to dilly-dally."

Alfons: "You certainly like pretending to be tough, don't you?"

Kate: "...What?"

Alfons: "Nothing."

But in fact... I would eat my words a few seconds later.

==========

(Eeeek!)

The run-down house was eerily dim inside. The paintings on the wall were off-kilter, and the furniture was covered in a thin layer of dust.

(We need to find those stolen items and get out of here as soon as possible!)

Alfons: "...Boo."

Kate: "Aaaaaaah!"

Alfons: "Ahha! What kind of noise was that?!"

Kate: "P-please stop joking around! My heart's about to explode..."

Alfons: "Oh, not to worry. If it explodes, I can bring you back to life."

Alfons: "But what method shall I use...? Some sort of passionate artificial resuscitation, mouth-to-mouth, perhaps?"

Normally I'd go tit for tat with him, but my mind and heart weren't in the right place for it now.

(Being vulnerable in front of him feels so frustrating.)

Kate: "Um..."

Alfons: "Yes?"

Kate: "We don't have to hold hands, but... can I just hold onto your sleeve?"

(He's definitely going to tease me now...)

Alfons: "Of course. Whatever you wish."

End Ch.1

[cantstoplovingjude]

Underneath the Black Veil: Victor Bitter

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Victor: "Will you marry me, Kate?"

Kate: "......"

Kate: "What...?"

Victor: "I said, let's get married."

Kate: "Um, I..."

Victor: "The followers will wake up soon, right? They think the wedding ceremony is going on as planned this afternoon."

Victor: "But if the bride and groom suddenly disappear, alongside their leader..."

Kate: "They'll be anxious."

Victor: "Exactly."

(I misunderstood for a moment. Ugh, I wish I could crawl in a hole and die...)

Victor: "I have your wedding dress. Go on and change."

Kate: "O-okay!"

==========

A few hours later, I stood in front of the chapel doors wearing the black wedding dress.

(Beyond this door is...)

Followers: "Congratulations!"

I walked down the aisle toward the altar.

The followers stood on either side, smiling broadly at me.

And then Victor stood at the end of the aisle, smiling reassuringly at me.

Victor: "You look so beautiful, Kate."

Victor: "Just as I imagined... No, you look even more beautiful than I imagined."

Kate: "Thank y..."

I was about to thank him, but then I gasped when I saw a minister standing at the altar.

(But how...?)

Victor: "Don't worry. This is the new minister I brought with me."

Kate: "A new minister?"

Victor: "The followers here just believed in a man who said love is eternal."

Victor: "Worship isn't a bad thing. It can give you emotional support and a community."

Kate: "Victor..."

Victor: "From now on, this place will be somewhere that can truly support couples who are looking for eternal love."

Minister: "Ahem. Shall we move onto the vows now?"

Victor and I looked at each other and laughed.

Victor: "Oh, of course."

Kate: "Yes, of course."

Minister: "We'll start with the groom."

Victor: "Kate..."

Victor: "I swear to protect you for the rest of my life."

Victor: "You'll promise eternity to me, won't you? My darling bride."

There was such a serious look in his eyes that my heart skipped a beat.

(I know this is a fake wedding, but...)

Victor: "Will you promise yourself to me?"

Kate: "Yes! Of course. I promise to love you forever."

Victor: "Ahaha. Thank you for that enthusiastic reply, Kate."

Minister: "I hereby acknowledge their true love and bestow unto them eternal love. Now, exchange a kiss to seal your vows."

(...A kiss?!)

I looked around and noticed how fondly the followers were waiting us.

(There's no backing out now...)

(What should I do? I don't want to embarrass Victor.)

Victor: "Turn this way, Kate."

Kate: "O-okay..."

He grabbed my waist and tugged me closer.

(Victor?!)

He tipped my face upwards with his gentle fingertips.

And then, with us turned away from the followers...

...he covered my mouth with his hand kissed it.

Followers: "Yay! Congratulations!"

Follower in Glasses: "So wonderful! What a beautiful couple!"

Brunette Follower: "Aren't they? May the two of you have eternal love!"

(From their angle, it looked like we really kissed...)

I glanced over at Victor, and he shot me a mischievous grin.

Victor: "Save the real kiss for the person you actually marry."

Victor: "All right! Now, I'd like to thank you for hosting such a beautiful wedding for us!"

Follower in Glasses: "Thank us?"

Victor: "Everyone, may I have your attention?"

Victor: "I'm going to shake this jacket like this..."

Victor flapped his jacket.

It felt like everyone in the church was holding their breaths.

Victor: "And then..."

Victor: "Look, it's a white dove!"

As promised, a white dove flew out from his jacket.

Victor: "I did it! I really did it!"

Kate: "Pfft, ahaha! Victor, since it's a dove, I can't tell if it was a success or a failure!"

Victor: "Hey..."

Followers: "Ahaha!"

Victor: "One more time! Let me try just once more. Hm, what should I do this time?"

Once again, everyone around Victor was smiling.

They were all laughing and having fun.

I was smiling too, but now when I looked at his profile, I felt something a little... different.

==========

Once the lively wedding ceremony was over, Victor invited me out to the garden at night.

Victor: "That was a fun wedding, wasn't it?"

Kate: "It was. Your magic tricks were really popular."

Victor: "They're probably just being nice. But I'm glad that everyone was smiling and laughing."

Kate: "Me too."

A slightly chilly breeze tousled his long hair.

I remembered what he said earlier as I stole a glance at his profile.

-Flashback-

Victor: "I've experienced a lifetime's worth of pain and suffering, Kate."

Victor: "And I got tired of being held captive by it..."

-Flashback Ends-

I wondered what had caused him to suffer so much that he grew tired of it.

Whatever it was, all those days and nights led him to be the person he was today.

And that's why he was always laughing and having fun with everyone.

(But...)

(Just because he's used to bearing it doesn't mean he doesn't feel pain or sadness.)

Kate: "Victor, can I ask for a reward successfully completing the mission?"

Victor: "Hm?"

Victor: "Sure, of course. I, Victor, shall give you anything your heart desires!"

Victor: "Now tell me. What do you want?"

Kate: "The right to listen to you when you go through something sad or painful."

He hesitated, blinking at me slowly.

Victor: "Kate..."

Kate: "Oh, um. I won't force you or anything. I'm sure there are things you don't want to talk about."

Kate: "But when there are days you think you can't get through on your own, will you come to me?"

Kate: "I might not be as good at listening as you are, but for anything you tell me, my lips will be sealed like a vault!"

Victor: "Pfft, ahaha! Like a vault!"

Victor: "You're much too cute to be like a cold, steel vault."

Victor: "But I really appreciate it."

He smiled sweetly, then nodded.

Victor: "So I can call on you anytime then?"

Kate: "Yes! Of course, Victor."

Victor: "Ahh, just what am I going to do with you?"

He crossed his arms and stared at me.

Victor: "If you keep being so cute, I'll have to drag you down into the darkness with me."

His expression was so captivating I almost forgot to breathe.

My heart thundered loudly in my chest.

Victor: "Just kidding."

Victor: "It was such a lovely day, I'd hate to head home. Shall we play together a little longer first?"

End Bitter.

[cantstoplovingjude]

Underneath the Black Veil: Harrison Gray Bitter

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Harry pulled a gun out of his breast pocket and pointed it at the man.

Harrison: "I gotta tell the bride something real important after all this is over."

Harrison: "So let's make this quick."

-BANG! The sound of a gunshot ripped through the air, and the man crumpled to the floor.

Harrison: "Just kidding. Lucky for you, this is just a tranquilizer gun."

Kate: "Wait, so is he just asleep?"

Harrison: "Yup. Huh, I didn't think Victor's weapon hoarding would come in handy like this."

Kate: "I take it that there's a reason why we're keeping him alive?"

Harrison: "Yeah, we're handing him over to the police."

Harrison: "All of the couples that he killed died at the peak of their happiness. But what about the families?"

Harrison: "It's up to them whether they want him to apologize, or die for what he did. So he doesn't get to die here."

(So that's why. Harry always does think about everyone involved before coming to the kindest solution he can.)

Kate: "I think that's for the best, too. But what should we do with him in the meantime?"

Harrison: "Victor and the others are working out how to handle it. It's not just him we have to worry about, after all."

Harrison: "Most, if not all, of the other members of the organization have most likely been brainwashed."

Harrison: "The plan is to take them to the hospital Will oversees to recover."

Kate: "So this means our part is over, then."

Harrison: "Exactly."

Harrison: "So... mind if I steal you away?"

==========

Kate: "Oh wow..."

To my surprise, the place Harry decided to "steal me away" to was an extremely upscale hotel.

Harrison: "Can't enjoy you in that wedding dress back at the castle, can I? Now I have you all to myself."

Although he said it casually, it was clear that this wasn't somewhere you could just walk into and book on a whim.

Kate: "...You were planning to bring me here from the star, weren't you?"

Harrison: "Hm? I have no idea what you're talking about."

(Oh, I know that look. He's not going to give me a straight answer no matter how many times I prod.)

(But I know he had to have planned this in advance.)

Still wearing the jet-black wedding dress, I took a seat on the bed before Harry came to sit next to me.

Kate: "So what was the important thing you wanted to tell me?"

Harrison: "There's a reason I asked if you were sure about going through with all this."

Kate: "Huh?"

Harrison: "I was asking if you were really okay with your first wedding being just a cover for our mission."

Harrison: "You're the kind of person who treasures their firsts, right?"

His mint-green eyes bored into me as I stared back, stunned.

Harrison: "Your first wedding shouldn't have to be for the sake of a mission."

Harrison: "You deserve to be happy and surrounded by your friends and family."

Harrison: "And don't you wanna choose who to invite, or what kind of food you want to serve to your guests?"

Kate: "I'd... Yes, I'd like to."

Harrison: "Right?"

Harrison: "Though on the topic of food, as long as there's a huge cake, I'm good."

(So all this time, he was just... wanting me to have the best wedding ceremony I could ask for.)

(And that's not all.)

Kate: "You... were thinking about us getting married??"

His mint-green eyes met mine again and he laughed, almost sheepishly.

Harrison: "You're just realizing this?"

Harrison: "Do you think I'm the kinda guy who'd let you go now?"

Kate: "I'd like to think not."

Harrison: "Well, you're right. I'm not keeping you down here in the darkness with some half-hearted attitude like that."

Though his tone was casual, I could still feel a warm tenderness seeping through his words.

(Harry, you really are far too sweet for your own good.)

(The man I love cares about me so, so much...)

(Does he have any idea of how happy this makes me?)

Harrison: "Hey, Kate."

Harrison: "C'mere. Look at me."

I turned to face him.

Harrison: "I'll make all your dreams come true."

Harrison: "So let me book us an actual wedding, okay?"

Harry reached out to lift up my left hand.

Harrison: "You're the last woman I'll ever love. So let's get married in the future."

And with that, he gently pressed his lips to my ring finger.

My heart squeezed in my chest. It was such a tender, loving kiss, that it felt like he was making a binding promise to our future.

(I never thought someone would ever actually say all this to me.)

Harrison: "...And so."

Harrison: "I'd kinda like to hear your answer, you know."

It was then that I noticed Harry's fingers were trembling ever so slightly.

(Is he... nervous?)

Harrison: "Hm?"

But he still wore the same easygoing smile he always did.

(Oh, geez...!)

I threw my arms around him and squeezed tightly.

Kate: "Of course! I'd love to!!"

Harry's eyes widened before he burst out laughing.

Harrison: "Pfft-haha! You don't need to get THAT excited. Though I'll admit, I thought my heart was gonna stop for a second there."

Kate: "Oh, sorry! I was just so happy that I-"

Harrison: "Don't let go of me."

Kate: "I-If you're sure."

Harrison: "I'm positive. Now then."

I clung to him as he shifted and pinned me down to the bed.

Harrison: "I think it's about time to enjoy this blushing bride both in her wedding dress, and out of it."

(Blushing bride, huh?)

Kate: "Yes, please."

(But he's not the only one who's going to enjoy this.)

Harrison: "Oh? No hesitation today, huh? Not bad, not bad at all."

But just as we closed our eyes to kiss...

Kate: "Oh, wait, I almost forgot."

Harrison: "Wait? You want me to wait?"

Kate: "Listen, there's something important I wanted to tell you!"

Kate: "Harry."

Kate: "You're also the last man I'll ever love. So I'm going to do everything I can to make sure this love lasts forever, okay?"

Kate: "I want to love you as long as I live."

Harrison: "Look, I can tell you're lying."

I stared at him, stunned. He had the ability to tell when others were lying, so that meant something coming from him.

Kate: "What?! No, I'm not!"

Kate: "I really mean it... I love you so much, and I really am going to do everything I can to make sure it lasts..."

Harrison: "And now THAT was a lie. Got you."

(Oh, now he's just being a tease.)

Harrison: "Sorry, I was just happy that I wanted to make you say it again."

Harrison: "Are you mad?"

Kate: "I love you so much it hurts."

Harrison: "Haha, what's that supposed to mean?"

Harry laughed before leaning in to give me a gentle kiss.

It was an extra sweet and tender kiss to mark the promise of a future together.

End Bitter.

[cantstoplovingjude]

Underneath the Black Veil: Victor Premium

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

(The mission's all done. And now...)

Victor: "Will you marry me, Kate?"

Kate: "......"

Kate: "What...?"

(Huh?)

She blinked at me, her eyes wide and darling.

Victor: "I said, let's get married."

Kate: "Um, I..."

Victor: "The followers will wake up soon, right? They think the wedding ceremony is going on as planned this afternoon."

Victor: "But if the bride and groom suddenly disappear, alongside their leader..."

Kate: "They'll be anxious."

Victor: "Exactly."

She finally understood what I meant and nodded.

Victor: "I have your wedding dress. Go on and change."

Kate: "O-okay!"

==========

A few hours later, I stood in the chapel where we originally planned to have the wedding.

Followers: "Congratulations!"

The door opened and Kate appeared, wearing a jet-black wedding dress.

She looked as if she walked with the night trailing behind her. I couldn't take my eyes off her.

Victor: "You look so beautiful, Kate."

Victor: "Just as I imagined... No, you look even more beautiful than I imagined."

Kate: "Thank y..."

She was about to speak but then looked startled.

She was looking at the minister who stood by the altar.

(No wonder she's surprised.)

The man wore a veil over his face just like the leader from earlier.

Victor: "Don't worry. This is the new minister I brought with me."

Kate: "A new minister?"

Victor: "The followers here just believed in a man who said love is eternal."

Victor: "Worship isn't a bad thing. It can give you emotional support and a community."

Kate: "Victor..."

Everyone had the freedom to believe and live for whatever they wanted.

Victor: "From now on, this place will be somewhere that can truly support couples who are looking for eternal love."

Minister: "Ahem. Shall we move onto the vows now?"

(Oops.)

Kate and I looked at each other and smiled.

Victor: "Oh, of course."

Kate: "Yes, of course."

Minister: "We'll start with the groom."

Victor: "Kate..."

Victor: "I swear to protect you for the rest of my life."

Victor: "You'll promise eternity to me, won't you? My darling bride."

Of course, the vows we said were all the false.

But whoever gained the privilege to exchange them with Kate for real one day was truly someone lucky.

Victor: "Will you promise yourself to me?"

Kate: "Yes! Of course. I promise to love you forever."

Victor: "Ahaha. Thank you for that enthusiastic reply, Kate."

(Even though it's a fake vow, it still makes me happy.)

Minister: "I hereby acknowledge their true love and bestow unto them eternal love. Now, exchange a kiss to seal your vows."

(Oh, a kiss... Now what should we do?)

A kiss was a part of the vows. And even though our wedding was fake, this was no exception.

I looked at her and noticed her body was tense and anxious.

(She's so serious, honest, and adorable.)

Victor: "Turn this way, Kate."

Kate: "O-okay..."

I hugged her and pulled her close, turning us away from the followers.

Then I covered her mouth with my palm and kissed her over it.

Followers: "Yay! Congratulations!"

Follower in Glasses: "So wonderful! What a beautiful couple!"

Brunette Follower: "Aren't they? May the two of you have eternal love!"

Victor: "Save the real kiss for the person you actually marry."

I whispered that to her and gave her a smile.

Victor: "All right! Now, I'd like to thank you for hosting such a beautiful wedding for us!"

Follower in Glasses: "Thank us?"

Victor: "Everyone, may I have your attention?"

Victor: "I'm going to shake this jacket like this..."

I made sure to flap my jacket to draw everyone's attention to it.

Victor: "And then..."

Victor: "Look, it's a white dove!"

As promised, a white dove flew out of my jacket.

Victor: "I did it! I really did it!"

Kate: "Pfft, ahaha! Victor, since it's a dove, I can't tell if it was a success or a failure!"

Victor: "Hey..."

Followers: "Ahaha!"

Victor: "One more time! Let me try just once more. Hm, what should I do this time?"

Kate smiled happily as the followers surrounded us.

(I'm glad she's smiling.)

Although I'm the kind of man who could never promise to love you forever...

(Right now, it should be all right simply to make you smile...)

==========

Victor: "That was a fun wedding, wasn't it?"

Kate: "It was. Your magic tricks were really popular."

Victor: "They're probably just being nice. But I'm glad that everyone was smiling and laughing."

Kate: "Me too."

A soft breeze tousled Kate's hair.

(The wind's getting chilly. I don't want her to catch a cold.)

(Maybe I should call for someone soon.)

As those thoughts ran through my mind, she began to speak softly.

Kate: "Victor, can I ask for a reward for successfully completing the mission?"

Victor: "Hm?"

(It's unusual for her to talk like this. It might even be the first time.)

But I wanted to give her everything.

Victor: "Sure, of course. I, Victor, shall give you anything your heart desires!"

Victor: "Now tell me. What do you want?"

She said she wanted a reward for successfully completing the mission.

She sat there in her jet-black wedding dress and spoke with a serious look on her face.

Kate: "The right to listen to you when you go through something sad or painful."

Victor: "Kate..."

(Oh, I see.)

-Flashback-

Victor: "I've experienced a lifetime's worth of pain and suffering, Kate."

Victor: "And I got tired of being held captive by it..."

-Flashback Ends-

(She was remembering what I said back then.)

Kate: "Oh, um. I won't force you or anything. I'm sure there are things you don't want to talk about."

Kate: "But when there are days you think you can't get through on your own, will you come to me?"

Kate: "I might not be as good at listening as you are, but for anything you tell me, my lips will sealed like a vault!"

Victor: "Pfft, ahaha! Like a vault!"

She was so serious, but I couldn't help but laugh.

So precious and adorable.

Victor: "You're much too cute to be like a cold, steel vault."

Victor: "But I really appreciate it."

Victor: "So I can call on you anytime then?"

Kate: "Yes! Of course, Victor."

She showed me the biggest smile so far today.

(Are you smiling like that just at the thought of helping me?)

Victor: "Ahh, just what am I going to do with you?"

Victor: "If you keep being so cute I'll have to drag you down into the darkness with me."

(I'm a man who could easily take everything away from you.)

(Should I just...)

Victor: "Just kidding."

I gave her my usual businesslike smile, and she smiled back at me.

(There are a lot of things I can't tell you. But...)

Victor: "It was such a lovely day, I'd hate to head home. Shall we play together a little longer first?"

End Premium.

[cantstoplovingjude]

Underneath the Black Veil: Victor Ch.2

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Now that we were free to do whatever we wanted, we continued pretending to be lovingly engaged and relaxed for a while.

Of course, that was only a front since we were investigating the facility when no one was watching.

And we learned two valuable bits of information.

One was that the bodies of the missing couples were hidden in the basement.

And the second was that the followers weren't involved at all; the leader was the sole perpetrator.

Victor: "Kate, I got some scones and some pastries! Ooh, and some wine!"

Victor: "I know it's still daytime, but how about a drink?"

Kate: "Haha. Well, if you're going to twist my arm about it!"

(Even though there's a sense of death in this place, the reason I'm not depressed is because Victor's with me to keep my spirits up.)

Victor: "I saw some children making bouquets for our wedding tomorrow."

Kate: "Really? Unfortunately for them, it's not a real wedding. But that's sweet of them."

Victor: "Hey, Kate..."

Victor: "Would you like to get married someday?"

He asked me that question in such a casual tone it was like he was telling me good morning or good night.

It caught me off guard at first, but then I pondered it.

(Do I want to get married someday?)

Kate: "I've never been caught up by the formality of a wedding, but I do think it would be nice."

Kate: "I'm sure it would feel really wonderful to wear a beautiful wedding dress and say your vows."

Kate: "Sorry, I know that's a boring answer."

Victor: "No, I think it's lovely. I might cry if I was at your wedding, you know."

A soft breeze tousled Victor's hair as he smiled at me.

Victor: "Before we went on this mission, I was wondering to myself why people get married."

Victor: "Is it a formality as you said, that simply binds two people together?"

Victor: "And why do so many people yearn for it?"

Kate: "And what was the conclusion you reached?"

Victor: "I thought that perhaps a wedding is a promise for two people to enjoy their futures together."

Kate: "A promise, huh..."

Victor: "Life isn't always sunshine and roses. Sometimes, it's cruel and bitter."

Victor: "You've experienced that, I'm sure."

His eyes softened when I nodded.

Victor: "So it's a promise to walk hand in hand, even on those days. To think about the good times you'll have again someday."

(Waiting for the good times to come back, together... It's wonderful, and it sounds exactly like something Victor would say.)

One of Victor's many talents was knowing how to create happiness for others.

He always brightened the room and made everyone smile. He was a really great person.

But as he said, no one was happy all the time.

His happiness now probably came from the experiences he had in the past.

Kate: "Victor?"

Victor: "Hm?"

Kate: "When you go through hard times, do you have someone to share it with?"

Victor: "Ah. Unfortunately, I don't have a lover and I'm not married. My ring finger's still naked, see?"

He fluttered his hand with a grin.

Victor: "But I'm fine."

(Hm?)

Victor: "I've experienced a lifetime's worth of pain and suffering, Kate."

Victor: "And I got tired of being held captive by it..."

Victor: "That's what makes me so strong now! Ooh, like these scones are delicious! Try some, Kate!"

Kate: "Th-thanks... Oh, you're right! They're so crispy."

Victor: "Aren't they? I wonder how they get them to be so crispy? I'll have to ask them later."

I was aware of how suddenly he'd changed the subject, but I pretended not to notice.

Even though I was sure he was well aware of what I was doing.

Victor: "By the way, Kate. There's something I'm planning on doing at tomorrow's wedding."

Kate: "What is it?"

Victor: "Come a little closer."

Victor: "Why don't we go tell a little white lie?"

==========

The next day, Victor and I stood in the chapel for our wedding ceremony.

But I wasn't wearing the jet-black wedding dress.

A man walked toward the altar wearing a veil over his face.

But when he looked around, he gasped.

Leader: "Where are all my beloved followers?"

Victor: "I bewitched them all with my words and made them believe me."

Leader: "What did you just say?"

Victor: "i told them the wedding was moved to the afternoon."

Leader: "Still, someone will notice something's not right here!"

Kate: "Well, we put sleeping medication in their breakfast, just in case."

Leader: "What?!"

Kate: "Don't worry. A former doctor friend of ours mixed up the perfect dosages, so they'll wake up in a few hours."

Leader: "Who are you people? The police? Or...?"

The leader pulled a gun from his pocket and pointed it at us.

Victor hid me behind his back before I could even brace myself.

(Victor...?)

Victor: "For someone who talks about eternal love, you certainly pulled out that gun without hesitation. It's almost like you're used to killing people."

Leader: "Grrr..."

Victor: "Oh, and there's no point in trying to shoot. You won't be able to kill me very easily."

Victor: "Because you'd be killed first. I apologize, but I'm actually rather strong."

(Wow... There's this incredibly intimidating aura coming from Victor...)

Victor smiled and spoke as usual, but the malice emanating from him was almost palpable.

It felt like he would crush the leader if he took even a single step.

The mood in the room was so tense that the leader couldn't even pull the trigger.

Victor: "Hmm. You know, it'd be easy to kill you right here, but that wouldn't be much fun, would it?"

Victor: "So how about you and I have a little competition instead?"

Leader: "A competition?"

Victor: "That's right. Whoever hurts the other person first wins! You can use that gun, or a knife or a spear, or whatever you want."

Victor: "I think I'll use this as my weapon."

Victor: "Kate, would you kindly lend me your lips?"

Kate: "Huh?!"

Victor smiled at me, and then gently rubbed his thumb across my lower lip.

When he pulled his thumb away, it was stained with my red lipstick.

Leader: "You've really underestimated me. You'll regret it once I shoot you dead!"

Victor: "You know, I actually like regrets. They help you grow as a person."

Victor: "Now, let's go. Let the battle begin."

All I could remember was Victor's long black hair swaying.

Because the battle was over in the blink of an eye.

Leader: "Huh?!"

Victor circled behind the leader in a flash and ran his thumb along his neck.

Victor: "There. You're dead."

His thumb had traced a line of red lipstick across the man's throat.

Like a death sentence.

Leader: "N-noooo!"

Victor: "Aw, are you scared?"

Leader: "I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

Victor: "Yes, I'm sure it's frightening. That's what it feels like to have someone strip your life away."

Victor: "And that's the fear you've caused many, many couples to experience."

Leader: "Ah... ah...!"

Victor: "You should repent in the depths of darkness until death comes to claim you."

Victor smacked the man's neck with his hand and easily knocked him out, just like that.

I watched the events unfold in stunned silence.

(I thought I was going to protect Victor, but boy, was I wrong...)

(Victor's strong. Like, ridiculously strong.)

His familiar profile suddenly looked different to me.

I slowly opened my mouth, trying to settle my bewilderment.

Kate: "What are you going to do with him?"

Victor: "William will come and collect him. We won't shed his blood here."

That meant in a few hours, this man wouldn't be alive anymore.

Victor: "Well then, our mission ends here!"

Victor clapped his hands as if to clear the heavy feeling in the atmosphere.

Victor: "But there's still one thing we have to do first."

Kate: "What's that?"

His eyes shone like jewels as he smiled at me.

Victor: "Will you marry me, Kate?"

End Ch.2

[cantstoplovingjude]

Underneath the Black Veil: Victor Ch.1

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Soft rays of sunshine illuminated the study in the palace.

The aroma of Earl Grey tea and freshly baked scones drizzled with honey wafted through the air.

While I ate, I proofread my report to Her Majesty.

Victor was the one who'd served me the delicious tea and scones, of course. And speaking of Victor...

Victor: "Oh, that Jude. He ripped another shirt of his!"

Victor: "Well, he is very well-acquainted with the edge of a knife, so I suppose it can't be helped."

Victor: "Ah! The buttons are coming off Harrison's jacket! He's so troublesome."

He was cheerfully sewing repairs into the clothes of the Crown members.

Kate: "Haha. I see you're hard at work, Victor."

Victor: "I certainly am! And when Jude sees his neatly repaired clothing. I just know what he'll say."

Jude: "Ya sewed it up for me? Not bad for Queenie's right-hand man. Appreciate it."

Victor: "Heheh, and then I'll get one of his rare smiles! And then Harrison will say..."

Harrison: "You're so considerate, Victor. How about I take you out for lunch sometime?"

Victor: "Heheh, and then we'll finally have a lunch date together! Just imagining it makes my heart race!"

(...I highly doubt either of them will say those things.)

Regardless, I was doing my job as Fairytale Keeper, working once again alongside the ever lively and cheerful queen's aide.

Being with Victor felt comfortable, and honestly it was the place I could relax the most.

The only problem was that his homemade sweets were too delicious, and I ended up eating way too much.

Victor: "Oh, that's right! I was just thinking I needed to alter something of yours as well."

Kate: "What?"

I widened my eyes when Victor snapped his fingers and produced a piece of clothing.

It was a beautiful, jet-black wedding dress.

Kate: "It's lovely!"

Victor: "Isn't it? It's a one-of-a-kind item, so it's not your size just yet."

Kate: "Hang on a second, Victor. I'm not following you here."

Obviously, I had no recollection of buying such a beautiful wedding dress, nor did I have the occasion to wear it.

Victor: "Hm?"

Victor: "Oh! I got ahead of myself there! I'm so silly!"

Victor shrugged and put the wedding dress aside, then gave me a serious look.

Victor: "There have been rumors circulating amongst couples in London about a certain organization called Amour."

Victor: "Supposedly, those who join the organization and get married at their facility can obtain 'eternal love'."

Kate: "This is the first I've heard of it. It sounds like fortune telling or a superstition. It's kind of laughable."

Victor: "Oh, I thought so too. Before the disappearances happened, at least."

Kate: "Disappearances?"

He explained the whole story to me.

Apparently, many couples who went to Amour's church disappeared.

Victor suspected there was something sinister happening, so he and William began to investigate.

The two of them discovered that the leader of Amour was behind it all.

Their theory was the man killed the couples to steal the money they'd been saving for their future together.

(That's horrible.)

I thought it was odd that Victor and William hadn't taken action yet, if they discovered that much so far.

Kate: "Is there any reason no one's condemned them yet?"

Victor: "Well, the leader doesn't usually show his face in public."

Victor: "He only appears at the wedding ceremonies."

(Oh, then that explains the wedding dress.)

Kate: "So in the other words, I'm going to have to pretend to be engaged to someone and infiltrate Amour."

Kate: "And when we have our wedding, the leader will appear and we can condemn him."

Victor: "Precisely! You're always so quick to catch on."

Kate: "So? Who's going to be my fiancé?"

Victor: "Well, as you can see by all these torn clothes, the members of Crown have been quite busy lately."

Victor: "Right now, I'm the only one who can accept the mission."

Victor: "In other words, Miss Kate..."

Victor: "Will you marry me?"

Kate: "Victor..."

Victor: "I, Victor, swear that I shall always protect you. I will never make you feel anxious or sad. So, what do you say?"

The way he looked at me with his eyes that sparkled like jewels made it difficult for me to say no.

Kate: "I'm the Fairytale Keeper after all, so I have no choice but to say yes. Please, let me go with you on this mission."

Victor: "Really?! Thank you, Kate! I'm so happy!"

Seeing how thrilled Victor was made me happy too.

(Come to think of it, this will be my first mission with Victor.)

(Except, wait a minute. If worse comes to worst... can Victor fight?)

He was fully competent with his work and household chores, but I'd never once seen him anything remotely close to combat.

And no matter how many times I tried to imagine it, all I could see was him happily skipping down the hallway.

(Well, that just means I'll have to protect him if anything happens!)

It would be a major incident if anything happened to the queen's aide.

Victor: "Now, let's give into the darkness of our wicked hearts. And also have a blast!"

==========

After we packed our bags, we headed to Amour's church.

Follower: "Welcome to Amour!"

The followers dressed in pure white clothes greeted us at the door.

We told them we'd like to have a wedding, and they all smiled brightly at us.

Follower: "Very well, then. First, we'll conduct a test to see if you two truly love each other."

(A test?)

(I guess I should've expected that, but... now what?)

I anxiously looked over at Victor, who firmly squeezed my hand.

It was like he was telling me it would be all right.

Victor: "Yes, of course. But you know, love is very difficult to prove since you can't see it with the naked eye."

Victor: "Therefore..."

Victor: "If I can make Kate smile in an instant, will you take that as proof that we love each other?"

The follower conferred with each other and then nodded at his suggestion.

Victor: "Thank you so much for being flexible, and for being so generous!"

Victor: "Now, everyone! May I have your attention, please?"

Victor: "I have here an ordinary jacket, but I'm going to shake it and make Kate's favorite flower appear!"

Follower: "...I guess he's doing some kind of magic thick?"

Victor: "Now, watch carefully. I'll shake the jacket and..."

Victor: "Ta-daaa!"

All of a sudden, a white dove flew out of Victor's jacket.

Followers: "Eek!"

Victor: "Whoa! Why doves?!"

Follower: "Open the windows! Quickly, open the windows!"

Kate: "I-I'll help you!"

Everyone quickly opened the windows, and the dove gracefully flew out and up to the sky.

(That startled me!)

Kate: "Heh..."

Victor: "Hm?"

Kate: "Pfft, ahahaha! Another dove?!"

Kate: "I swear, every time your magic tricks fail a dove appears! Ahaha!"

Follower: "Haha... That surprised me! I certainly wasn't expecting a dove."

Victor: "Well, all's well that ends well. She did end up smiling, after all!"

Follower: "A promise is a promise. We shall acknowledge that you two truly love each other."

Victor: "Wow, really? Thanks!"

The followers all chuckled with chagrin as they stood around Victor.

(I was afraid of what would happen if he failed, but he didn't only make me smile... He made everyone else smile too.)

Follower: "Well, then, let's hold the wedding tomorrow morning. Until then, you're free to do as you please."

End Ch.1