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Prisoner: Captivated by Two Lovers Chapter 1 - Leonardo

Will start to post Leonardo's JP story events here because of Ikevamp EN announcement. Please note that I only used a translator for this, so the accuracy is low. I also named my MC, Nefer.

I was drawn into the other side of the door together with Leonardo.

Leonardo: This is interesting

Two Leonardos!?

My hands were held by the man who had pulled me through the door, and by the man who was trying to help me.

Other Leonardo: Let go of that woman. She's mine now.

Leonardo: That's not for you to decide. Hell, we have the same taste in women, not just in looks.

Nefer: Leonardo, what is this?

Before I could ask the one who already seemed to have a hunch, the other one spoke up.

Other Leonardo: This is a different world from the one Nefer and her friends lived in. I am the Leonardo da Vinci of this world. I didn't expect another me to come along, but I managed to draw Nefer into this world. Now all that's left is to win Nefer's heart.

Leonardo: No, you'll have to get along with Nefer in this world. I'd love to say that but the fact that you've brought a woman here...

Other Leonardo: Yes. There is no Nefer in this world.

Nefer: But if I don't go back to my world, I'll end up worrying everyone.

Other Leonardo: You're a kind person. I like that about you. In recognition for your kindness, I'll give another me a chance.

Leonardo: Huh?

Other Leonardo: Tomorrow is the festival. At the end of the festival, is a famous event where couples dance together. Let's have a duel. If you win, I'll show you how to return to your world. But if you lose, of course...

Leonardo: You want me to give you Nefer?

Leonardo can do anything but dancing is the one thing he's avoided because it's not his style.

And yet it's suddenly a contest...

Leonardo: I guess I have no choice but to accept it.

Other Leonardo: That's a good thing. I'll let Nefer decide the outcome.

Nefer: Eh...

Other Leonardo: I want you to tell me honestly who you had more fun dancing with. You can't fool my eyes, you know?

That night, I was staying at the mansion and practicing dancing with Leonardo.

This is terrible.

But Leonardo of this world was so intimidating that I couldn't say anything back...

As I was thinking about this, my foot bumped into Leonardo's.

Nefer: Sorry. I messed up.

Leonardo: Nah, don't worry about it. It's time for a break.

Guided by the railing, I look down with him at the familiar yet beautiful scenery.

Leonardo: Sorry to keep you up late, even though it's already a bit of hassle just coming to another world.

Nefer: No, I'm not good at dancing either, and I feel more energized when I'm doing something. But you seem to be pretty relaxed.

Leonardo: Hmm? Well.

Even the steps still look awkward.

Nefer: Do you really think that you can't give up on me?

Of course, I don't really doubt his feelings.

I pretended to be angry and puffed up my cheeks, but I was poked.

Leonardo: I don't think so... I won't let anyone else have you. Even if it was another me.

His gentle narrowed eyes take on a slightly serious look.

Leonardo: If I look like I'm relaxed, it's because of you.

Huh...?

Leonardo: He took you without consent, and this was a one-sided challenge, but if I can win, I'll be a real man. Don't worry, leave it to me tomorrow.

It's not that I don't have any worries, but...

Those reassuring words sank into my heart, and I felt sure that everything would be okay.

And the next day-

Leonardo: We need to get something to eat before the match. I'll go get something, so you stay here.

Nefer: Thank you

As I was ploughing through the excitement of the festival, I heard that same low voice calling to me.

???: Nefer

Other Leonardo: I wanted to talk to you for a bit, but it seems like you have something to say too.

Nefer: Um, why did you decide to make the competition a dance?

Other Leonardo: Don't ask such a strange question. I'm betting on you, so why not target your opponent's weaknesses?

(After all, he suggested it knowing that Leonardo is not good at dancing)

Other Leonardo: You think I'm a lowly man? I don't care. For me, this was the quickest and best way. I couldn't just sit back and wait.

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Victor pirate moobies are the best!!! 🖤💀

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Alfons' drawing of Victor. 😆🥰 I think it's adorable.

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Agree, but hoping the same energy for romanticized brutalization and (sexual) degradation of women present in the series too. 🤷🏻‍♀️ That's why I can't accept the "it's fiction excuse" if it's an occurrence in reality. (Talking about the general fandom tho, not specifically to OP)

this is a vent about one aspect of victor's route i really disliked. if you want to avoid negativity (also some spoilers) please skip this

I have a whole lot of bones to pick with the game's repeated use of the phrase "a country where the sun never sets", especially within the context of the route where it is always used to mean "a developed and prosperous country where everyone is happy". Because the inspiration for that is "an empire where the sun never sets" and it certainly means no such thing; it refers to an empire that is so large that it is always daytime in one of its colonies around the world, and very frequently used in reference to the british empire.

this is already incredibly thoughtless at best, but it becomes much worse in my eyes when put in the context of victor's backstory. he says he was born at the end of a period of extended war that devastated england, left graves lining the country, etc. the vast majority of conflicts that england was involved in during this period were all conflicts in the overseas colonies, which all fed into the machine of imperialism that benefited the british empire at the expense of its colonies. the game also never ever refers to the british empire at all, only ever talking about england as a country.

i honestly wish the game had gone full fantasy setting for this. there are already some obvious inaccuracies that are jarring enough (why is there a statue of an unspecified "goddess" in what is presumably a christian church? why is there a restaurant in london that overlooks the sea?) but coupled with the unfortunate implications of the words they choose & the backstory they gave victor, the apparent co-opting of actual historical imperialism and colonialism leaves a very bad taste in my mouth.

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His POVs are superb!!! And the last part here 🥺🥹😭

Victor's Main Route: Mad Love Chapter 21 + His POV Story

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The next day, the front page of every newspaper in the country was dominated by the story of the queen’s rescue.

After being abducted on the day of the parade, Her Majesty was saved by persons associated with the palace last night. According to our sources, Her Majesty is unharmed. Eyewitnesses at the scene of the abduction revealed that an explosive had been thrown from somewhere in the crowd gathered to see Her Majesty. As a result, the carriage she had been riding in had been overturned. The guards tasked with keeping Her Majesty safe were injured in the blast and unable to mobilize. Her Majesty had emerged from her carriage to check the situation, and was captured and forced into a carriage that had suddenly appeared and quickly fled the scene. Multiple people were seriously injured by the explosion, and a number of deaths have been confirmed. Given the methodical nature of the kidnapping, it is assumed that an organized group is responsible. Her Majesty is greatly saddened by the incident, and expresses her deepest condolences to the relatives and friends of the injured and deceased. She will provide the greatest possible support to the bereaved.

I put down the newspaper, letting out a sigh. A day after the kidnapping, the palace was still in an uproar. It was discovered that the group that had kidnapped the queen was a terrorist organization masquerading as a group of republicanism advocates. As the group’s methods were similar to those used during multiple bombing incidents a number of years ago, Parliament had convened an emergency session to decide how to crack down on the group. Victor had been stuck in meetings since the morning, as he needed to make an appearance as the queen’s aide to make some superficial decisions.

(But he’s been acting in secret.)

This morning, Her Majesty had given Crown an order:

“Condemn the nobles associated with Nox Liberator.”

Nox Liberator was the name of the group of republicans responsible for the prior incidents. Victor had obtained the name when he was kidnapped last night. It appeared that the predecessor of this organization had already been taken care of by Victor and William in the past. But at the time, the name Nox Liberator did not exist yet. They appeared to have adopted the name as their members grew, and they became more radical.

(And then they deliberately began performing more conspicuous actions.)

Although their modus operandi of targeting crowded public spaces resembled the serial bombings of prior years, According to Victor and William, their current leadership was far more advanced than before.

(And why did they choose to kidnap instead of assassinate the queen?)

By killing the queen, that would be the end of the monarchy and they would have been able to establish a republic. Given their goals, it would have made more sense for Nox Liberator to kill the queen on the spot rather than kidnap her.

(Even thinking about the possibility makes me sick.)

The death of the queen meant the death of my beloved. The man who I loved and whose happiness I wished for more than anyone else in the world.

(If he died…)

I stopped myself before I completed the thought and shook my head.

(I need to do what I can right now.)

I tried to change the mood, but then–

???: Kate? Are you there?

When I opened the door, Liam and Harrison were standing outside.

Harrison: We’re here to pick you up. Ready?

Kate: Yes, ready.

Liam: Then let’s go!

As I followed after them, a decorative shelf in the corridor near my room caught my eye. I thought back to last night.

-----

After the queen’s rescue had succeeded, and after I had spoken with Victor in that church… We walked back, hand-in-hand, to Crown castle.

Kate: Thank you for walking me back.

Victor: It’s a disgrace for a gentleman to let a lady walk home alone at night.

My heart skipped a beat at his words, but then recalled the other tone of voice he used.

(I wish I was the only one who could hear him talk like that.)

Whenever he spoke directly, it contrasted with his usual gentle, polite speech, and drew attention to his more forceful side. It just made him even more attractive, and I couldn’t help but fall for him harder.

(If he talks like that all the time, I don’t think my heart could take it…)

[TL note: This entire section is basically Kate fangirling over 俺 'ore’ mode Victor, and the contrast between how manly/tough 俺 feels compared with his normal speech]

Victor: I’ll escort you to your room. It’s been a long day, so make sure to rest well.

As I looked towards him about to ascend the staircase, I suddenly realized something and stopped walking.

Victor: Kate?

Kate: Um, Victor, your bedroom is in the palace, right…?

Victor: It is, yes. Why do you ask?

I recalled the simple black bedroom, hidden away behind a shelf in his office. And the glimmering music box with its broken cylinder. That lonely, barren room was where Victor lived.

Kate: I’m really happy you want to walk me to my room. But you’ll have to go all the way back to the palace, so…

It would take some time for him to return to his bedroom to rest himself.

(Of course I’m happy to spend time with him, but am I taking away his personal time for it?)

I had always thought that he lived in Crown castle. Whenever he walked me to my room, I just assumed he was doing it because it was on the way to his own room.

(But he has to go so far out of his way every time…)

Feeling bad, I looked away. But I raised my head when I heard him laugh lightly.

Victor: Don’t worry, my bedroom is connected to a lot of different places.

Kate: Huh?

Arm in arm, we began walking up the stairs. Victor’s eyes lit up with something like excitement.

Victor: That room is a little bit like a secret base. Victor: There are a lot of secret passages linked to it. You could think of it like the heart in a human body.

As we walked down the hallway, Victor began counting off on his fingers.

Victor: My office, the audience chamber, the queen’s bedroom, they’re all linked to my room by secret passages that only I know about. Victor: This castle also has a number of passageways built into it, so it won’t take me long at all to return to the palace. Victor: So don’t worry about me.

Kate: …Should you be mentioning this to me?

I felt like I was learning another national secret and apprehensively asked Victor whether this was okay. He simply turned to me with a smile.

Victor: I know you won’t go telling anyone my secrets, am I right?

His grin turned sneaky, the confidence in his expression was mesmerizing.

Kate: …Don’t say it that way.

[TL note: He uses 俺 again here.]

My heart was racing as I looked to him. He just laughed again.

Victor: All right, we’re here.

We were standing in front of my room. Reluctantly, I let go of his arm.

Kate: Thank you.

But before I could say ‘good night’, Victor spoke first.

Victor: There’s something I want to ask you to do.

Kate: What is it?

He reached into a pocket of his coat and pulled out a note.

Victor: Ignis, Aqua, Caelum, Terra.

Kate: Huh?

Victor: When I was captured, I learned the names of Nox Liberator’s leaders. Victor: These four are all nobles, and central figures of Nox Liberator.

He continued speaking with a serious expression on his face.

Victor: Starting from tomorrow, I intend to send Crown on missions to deal with them. Victor: I want you to join them, and record their condemnations as Fairytale Keeper.

He looked me directly in the eye as he handed me my assignment a little bit early.

Victor: I’m sorry to say, you’ll probably be very busy starting from tomorrow.

He looked apologetic, and dropped his gaze. Seeing him like that, I…

In that case…

It’s okay.

Leave it to me. (+4/+4)

Kate: Leave it to me. I’ll be sure to record everything.

Victor: I had a feeling you would say that. Victor: I’ve always liked that about you.

He looked better after I gave him my answer, and took a few steps towards an ornamental shelf a little bit down the hallway from my room. He put his hand to its side. The shelf then began to shift, revealing a hidden passageway.

Victor: I’m headed back to my office to get everything ready for the missions tomorrow. Victor: You should go to bed. Tomorrow will be a very tiring day.

I stood there for a while, watching him walk away.

Kate: That shelf is a secret door…

-----

Liam, Harrison, and I arrived at East End. The mission assigned to both of them was to eliminate Aqua. Aqua had apparently been part of the original group that later became Nox Liberator, and was in charge of recording and managing their activities. He was out of the country during the bombing incidents a few years ago. As a result, there was not enough evidence of his involvement, and he escaped punishment. But recently, he returned to London and resumed his record-keeping duties. …Along with something else.

Liam: This is it.

He stopped in front of a building. It was a workhouse run by Aqua to provide support to the poor.

Kate: It looks empty.

The door was half-open and there was no hint that anyone was inside it. It seemed abandoned.

Harrison: Liam.

Liam: Yup, I’ll take a look.

Liam vanished and went inside. Harrison and I stood guard outside, waiting for him to return. The door swung by itself, and Liam reappeared.

Harrison: How was it?

Liam: I couldn’t find anyone. Inside it looks just like how it does from the outside, completely abandoned. Liam: But there is a door leading to a basement. There might be something in there.

Harrison and I exchanged a glance and nodded.

Harrison: Kate, you remember what our mission is?

Kate: To condemn Aqua and retrieve his records.

Harrison: Correct. We don’t know what’s in that basement. Harrison: So make sure to be careful.

He pulled out his gun and entered the building. Following Liam’s directions, we entered the basement. The sunlight grew fainter and fainter as we progressed, replaced by cool stale air. The deeper we went into the basement, the worse it began to smell. I had to cover my mouth and nose. Liam, who had been walking in the lead, spotted a door.

Liam: I’ll turn invisible.

And with that whisper, he faded from sight.

Harrison: …I’m opening the door.

Kate: Okay.

As Harrison carefully pushed open the door with his gun at the ready…

Kate: …What…

A girl was lying on the floor. A sea of blood spread from the hole in her chest.

Kate: !

Harrison: Hey!

I ran to the girl, but she was already dead.

???: Oh dear, oh dear. I didn’t have any plans to receive guests today….

A man carrying a hunting rifle cocked his head as he looked at me. There were a few people near him that looked like his comrades, all of them carrying a weapon I had never seen before. And in the corner of the room was–

Kate: !

–a group of shivering children and piles of corpses, sitting in pools of foul-smelling blood.

(The smell was coming from the corpses.)

I bit my lip as I realized what the smell had been.

Man with gun pointed at the children: Lord Aqua.

The man with the rifle–Aqua–kept his eyes on us, his head tilted in confusion.

Aqua: …You aren’t part of Nox Liberator. You’re in plainclothes, so you’re not from the Yard or the royal guard. Aqua: Ergo, you’re either sent by someone to kill me, or you have a personal grudge. Which is it?

He began loading rounds into his rifle.

Harrison: That’s a pretty impressive weapon.

Hiding his pistol behind his back, Harrison walked closer.

Aqua: Isn’t it? I ordered this from abroad and was just testing it out.

While working as Nox Liberator’s secretary, He had also been in charge of distributing smuggled weapons to different groups.

Kate: Why…

There were so many children in the pile of corpses. There was even a pregnant woman’s corpse, a hole blown through her stomach.

Aqua: I needed to test out these weapons, and thought I’d do a bit of cleaning, too. Aqua: I figured why not kill two birds with one stone–or a dozen poor and useless children with one gun, hah!--and had them rounded up. Aqua: And, well, it had just been so much fun. Before I knew it, there was that mountain over there.

I stared in disbelief as Aqua laughed.

(!)

I noticed Harrison making a signal with the hand behind his back.

(Now’s not the time to get depressed.) (Because there are still survivors here.)

Harrison: Wow, that sounds great. I’ve been wanting to try out a new weapon. Hey, if I join up with you, will you let me hold it myself?

Aqua: Oh, if you’ll join our group, then I’d be happy to.

When everyone turned their attention to Harrison and stopped watching me, I moved closer to the children. And just as I got reached them–

Harrison: That’s a lie.

Revealing his gun, Harrison smirked.

Harrison: If you want to lie, try telling a better one. Harrison: Well, I was lying too. I don’t need any new weapon.

Blood suddenly spurted from the necks of the men holding guns.

Liam: Kate!

Kate: Everyone, over here! Quickly!

Liam appeared suddenly, slicing the throats of some of our enemies. Harrison quickly covered him, shooting at anyone who tried to attack Liam. While everyone else was occupied with the battle, I took the children and hurried to the exit.

Kate: Hurry-

Aqua: Please wait!

Immediately after I pushed the last of the weakened children out the door, I saw Aqua lifting his gun in my direction out of the corner of my eye.

(Uh oh!)

I had to at least make sure the children were safe. I slammed the door shut, and then–

Liam: If you leave even a single scratch on her, we won’t forgive you.

Aqua: Aargh!!

Liam’s knives sliced deeply into both of Aqua’s arms.

Harrison: And there’s someone who’d be even worse than us, you know.

He aimed his pistol, then blasted both of Aqua’s knees.

His POV Story: I Am Mad For You

After our talk at the church, we returned to Crown castle, hand in hand.

Kate: Thank you for walking me back.

Victor: It’s a disgrace for a gentleman to let a lady walk home alone at night.

(I would never make you walk back by yourself.)

And more importantly, I didn’t want to let go of her hand.

Victor: I’ll escort you to your room. It’s been a long day, so make sure to rest well.

Just as we were about to start walking up the stairs, for some reason, Kate stopped moving.

Victor: Kate?

Kate: Um, Victor, your bedroom is in the palace, right…?

Victor: It is, yes. Why do you ask?

I wondered if she had something to say about my room. What she said was unexpected.

Kate: I’m really happy you want to walk me to my room. But you’ll have to go all the way back to the palace, so…

(Did she assume that I lived in Crown castle?)

It wasn’t an unreasonable thought. I came here every day to eat with Crown in the dining hall and chat with them in the common room. That must have led Kate to think that I lived here. And that every time I walked her to her room before, it had been on the way to my own room. She looked so adorable when she was apologetic that I couldn’t help but laugh.

Victor: Don’t worry, my bedroom is connected to a lot of different places.

Kate: Huh?

Arm in arm, we began walking up the stairs. I began explaining about my secret passages, like a child would excitedly chatter about something top secret.

Victor: That room is a little bit like a secret base. Victor: There are a lot of secret passages linked to it. You could think of it like the heart in a human body.

As we walked down the hallway, I began counting off on my fingers.

Victor: My office, the audience chamber, the queen’s bedroom, they’re all linked to my room by secret passages that only I know about. Victor: This castle also has a number of passageways built into it, so it won’t take me long at all to return to the palace.

My bedroom was connected to various locations in Crown castle.

Victor: So don’t worry about me.

I told her that I used the secret passages to visit Crown castle every day.

Kate: …Should you be mentioning this to me?

The timid way she asked multiplied her cuteness yet again. I smiled, and decided to change my tone for my response.

Victor: I know you won’t go telling anyone my secrets, isn’t that right?

Her cheeks instantly reddened.

Kate: …Don’t say it that way.

She looked embarrassed while sneaking a look at my face. I laughed again.

Victor: All right, we’re here.

When we arrived at Kate’s room, I let go of her hand.

Kate: Thank you.

But before she could say ‘good night’, I started talking about missions.

(I know this is asking a lot of you. But I would like you to make detailed reports of the next missions, as Crown’s Fairytale Keeper.)

I knew she would agree without hesitation.

(You aren’t the only one who needs to be prepared.)

Looking into her earnest eyes, I steeled myself as well.

Victor: I’m headed back to my office to get everything ready for the missions tomorrow.

I made my way to the shelf in the hallway near Kate’s room, pulling the lever in its side. The shelf shifted, revealing a hidden passageway.

Victor: You should go to bed. Tomorrow will be a very tiring day.

Kate’s stunned face made me want to laugh. Her mouth was hanging wide open, eyes as wide as saucers. I waved to her, and she wordlessly waved back. Holding back my laughter, I turned around and left through the passageway.

Victor: Haha, her eyes nearly fell out of her head.

Once I reached my bedroom, I stopped holding back my laughter.

(I bet she never expected there to be a secret passageway there.)

When I saw her the moment the shelf started moving, I felt the satisfaction of a successful surprise.

Victor: If I told her that I only finished it a few days ago, I wonder what she would say.

I had told her that there were multiple secret passageways in Crown castle. But not that that particular exit had only been added a few days ago. She would probably be even more surprised.

(The fact that I had its construction started the day you arrived will be my secret.)

My actions were meant to let her return to her old life, in the end. But in reality, I wished that Kate would choose to stay here forever.

(I want to see you again. Even if just for a single second.) (If my past self knew that was the reason I built a new passageway, he’d be shocked.)

Until I met Kate again, It had been enough for me to see her out on the streets of London, happy and healthy.

(I’d pass by the post office sometimes to check on her before leaving.) (Those moments had been the happiest ones of my life, back then.)

Seeing her work diligently had filled my days with reassurance.

(But ever since you came here, I haven’t been able to control my desires.)

During our third meeting, I told her this:

“If you want to return to your old life, you must not fall in love with them.”

It was also a warning for me.

(I have to let go of Kate, so I can’t indulge in these feelings.)

But contrary to my expectations, she fell in love with me. Even I had never thought it would happen. I continued behaving as though she could never be happy unless I pushed her away, but… Regardless, she just wanted me to be happy.

(You have no idea how much I’ve been holding back.)

But, maybe it was time to stop.

Victor: Because, from the very first day we met– Victor: I couldn’t help but love you.

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Victor in this ponytail!!! 🖤🖤🖤

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Gorgeous 😍

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Happy birthday my Ikevil love! Let's drink to your birthday! 🖤���🎂

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See you in EN next year 🖤

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Let me romance Victor the malewife already!!! 🖤🖤🖤

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My Victor! 🥹🖤 I will always choose only you anyday 24/7/365.25

The Grim Reaper Awaits Only One Person Beyond the Bad Ending

My translation of Victor's bonus 95k love point story for Part 2 of the Fractured Fairy Tale event

I've also translated the letter that comes from one of the event sets here

Note that this is very bittersweet.

--

Tonight, I must guide another soul who has wandered into the world of fractured fairy tales.

Victor: Welcome to the world of fractured fairy tales... Victor: We have one new guest, ya~~y!!

Kate: T-this is... I... Just now, I was in the bookstore, and now...

To calm down the postal worker who had gone astray as she was in the middle of a delivery, I explained this world to her. As soon as she finished listening, her expression changed, her lips pressed together with determination.

(She's a sharp one.)

As soon as the signal bell tolled out, I made my usual declaration.

Victor: May you find your happiest ending, Miss Kate. Victor: ...Now, welcome to the world of fractured fairy tales.

In place of the woman who had been drawn into the story world, a single book fell to the ground.

Victor: It seems you've chosen 'Alice in Wonderland' first. Victor: Will you be able to reach your happily ever after?

...

Kate: Huh...? What- what was I doing...? Kate: I feel like I've been asleep for a long time...

And from there, Kate continued to search for the "missing piece" in every world, meeting bad end after bad end. Even though her memories of the fairy tale worlds were erased each time, she never let it discourage her, and always chose to open the next book to search for that "missing piece".

Victor: Ah, back again.

I followed along with her story. The stories of the world of fractured fairy tales were not like normal books. When someone entered that world, the text would begin to unfurl and a new story would be written.

Victor: At any rate, this is the first time I've seen someone return so many times.

Kate never gave up despite the number of bad endings she met, always drawn into the book to try again.

Victor: I've spoken with Harrison, and I think that you may really be the key.

In this story, Kate was being tormented by her wicked stepmother, and while she was walking in the woods, she slipped and tumbled off a cliff. And that was the end of that story.

Victor: ...How many times is this now?

And then she re-entered the fairy tale world.

Victor: Next is... Little Red Riding Hood, is it? The last time this happened, you met your end at the hands of the Big Bad Wolf before you made it to your grandmother's house.

Once again, I took the book she had entered into my hand. The world of fractured fairy tales will never end until the "missing piece" is found.

Victor: If you truly are the key... Victor: Then you must realize yourself that you are in fact that "missing piece".

What was missing from every fractured fairy tale was this: the protagonist.

Victor: A Wonderland without an Alice, a story with no Snow White, a tale where Sleeping Beauty disappeared without a trace. Victor: Without a protagonist, of course a story would end up fractured and twisted.

Once again the story stopped. I realized that Kate had met another bad ending, and put the book back. And then I prepared to meet her once again, to repeat the declaration I had made countless times already...

Victor: Welcome to the world of fractured fairy tales... Victor: We have one new guest, ya~~y!!

Kate: T-this is... I... Just now, I was in the bookstore, and now...

(I do wonder, why you keep coming back.)

I wasn't like Harrison, but my heart ached just a little upon seeing her back here again. I once again explained about this world to her, but--

(Huh?)

Just as I realized that there was something different than usual about this meeting, she began to speak.

Kate: U-um.

Victor: What is it?

Kate: I feel like I've met you somewhere before.

Victor: What?

This was something that had never occurred in the endless number of loops I have gone through. I couldn't stop myself from voicing my surprise.

Kate: A-ah, that probably sounded really weird-

Victor: Don't worry, it's quite all right.

Kate shook her head as if panicking, so I urged her to take a deep breath to calm down. As she did so...

(Every last memory of everything she experienced in the fractured fairy tale world should have been erased from her mind.) (Is it because she's returned to this point so many times that an impression of me has somehow remained?) (But that's never happened before...)

Bashfully, Kate smiled, just a little awkwardly.

Kate: Your hair is so beautiful, I guess I thought it might have left a deep impression on me.

The sight was radiant, something I could never find in a story: her beautiful smile.

Kate: I hope I'll be able to find that "missing piece".

Opening the book, she once more departed for the world of the fairy tale. Left behind, I turned and headed for the library full of fairy tales, so I could check on how she was doing.

...

(She's going to return again.)

I didn't follow along with the story she had been drawn towards.

Victor: If you can return the story to its original path, and find your happiness in that world... Victor: Nothing would make me happier.

But it wasn't because of all the past experiences that made me think she would meet another bad ending this time.

Victor: Perhaps you are the one I've been waiting for all this time.

From the depths of a bookshelf I retrieved a book with a faded cover. That untitled book was the one Kate had picked up first on the day at the bookstore, where she was whisked away to the world of fairy tales.

Victor: So many people have stumbled into stories just like you. Victor: But different people chose different books.

For some people it was Cinderella. For others it was the Little Mermaid.

Victor: The only person who ever took this untitled story in their hand was you.

For all that I wished that she would find her happily ever after as soon as possible, a single flicker of hope flared in my heart.

Victor: Kate, did you know?

A story of hope that I had given up on.

Victor: That book that you first held that day, it was mine.

Stroking the spine of the book that Kate had entered, I sat down.

Victor: It was my fairytale that drew you into this world. Victor: There has never been a single person like you before. Victor: But I didn't believe it. That you could be the key.

Opening that ancient cover, the book's title appeared, illuminated by the light of the candles.

Victor: I had thought that you would be the protagonist of some other fairy tale, setting it right. Victor: I never thought that that you could be the key to mine.

That fairytale contained an anomaly that was impossible to fix, one that no one had entered since it first fractured. Or rather, one that no one could enter.

Victor: But it appears as though this story doesn't need you, not yet. Victor: Even if I want you.

How many more bad endings will you go through, before my story finds its way to you? That old, faded story that began with a cliche line:

Victor: "Once upon a time, in a land far, far away..." "Over and over again, the wounded girl took Death's hand." "But that path led only to destruction. There was no hope for anything approaching a happy ending." "This is a story that leads to death. A story of beautiful ruin."

Letting out a breath, I closed the book. With my eyes closed, I imagined Kate and her slight, shy smile. I reached out for her light, far removed from destruction, but my hand met only air.

Victor: May you find your happily ever after soon. And may you not notice me, waiting here.

But, I wish--

Victor: ...that you would take my hand...

The words that left my lips, and the movement of my hand through empty air, extinguished the light of the candles. In the silence, I took the faded fairy tale in my hand, and pressed my lips to its cover.

Victor: Show me a happily ever after, Kate.

[nefernankh-nezu]

Awwwwww!

[nefernankh-nezu]

This man... really gorg... really beautiful... 🖤🖤🖤😭

[nefernankh-nezu]

Got him! Yaaay! 🥹🥳

[nefernankh-nezu]

Is he blushing in the last pic? Awwww 😚 And they kissed already (accidentally tho but still...)!

Only Look At Me CE: Victor

This is a fan translation only. Not 100% accurate, so please expect grammatical errors. Cybird owns everything. Re-blogs are appreciated, but please do not post my translations elsewhere. Dividers: @/natimiles. Thank you for your support! ☾.

There was a large long box  with a handle that was placed in the lounge room.

(It’s big enough for someone to fit inside, but I wonder what it’s going to be used for.)

Just as I tried to open it -

Victor: Seems like it’s been found.

Surprised by his voice I let go of it, he approached with a bitter smile on his face.

Kate: What is this?

Victor: It’s a new magic trick gadget!

Opening the box revealed nothing, but a dark empty space.

Kate: It looks like an ordinary box…..what sort of magic tricks can it do?

Victor: I’m glad you asked!* It’s a magic trick you can use to escape from an ordinary box.

Kate: Oh, I’ve seen that before!

Victor: Since Vogel is here, I was thinking of performing a magic show as a welcome reception.

Victor: I wanted to take the opportunity to try something new.

Kate: Well, they did say they wanted to deepen our friendship.

Kate: I should also speak to and get to know them!

(I know what Harrison said, but it’s important to get to know the person.)

I suddenly noticed Victor staring at me…..

Kate: What’s the matter?

Victor: You’re such a kind-hearted young lady, but I want you to know more about Crown.

His shoulders were slumped down, and he seemed lonely,

Victor: And of course, about me too.

I could tell by his playful wink, that he really didn’t mind.

Victor: Now, in order to regain Miss Robin’s attention, I shall monopolize your time!

Victor: First of all, I’d like for you to help me practice some magic tricks, okay?

I was happy when he said that he wanted me to help him practice, so I gave a BIG nod.

Kate: Please just leave it to me!

Once I entered the box, I found that it was spacious enough for one person to fit inside.

Victor: There is a mechanism inside, and if you touch it, the back plate comes off.

There wasn’t any switch in the box,

Victor: The manual should be around here somewhere, but…..

He leaned forward, half way inside.

As I watched his hands search for the switch earnestly,

Kate: Oh, isn’t this it?

Victor: THAT’S IT!!

I found a slight protrusion, and he happily pressed it.

The next moment,

Victor: Huh?

Kate: Woah.

The door suddenly closed and we were trapped inside the box.

Victor: That was surprising….are you alright, Kate?

Kate: Yea, I’m okay……

(What should I do, we’re super close…!)

With our bodies close together, I could hear our breathing in a way I normally couldn’t.

There was a small gap between us thanks to his hand against the wall, but in this darkness, with the slightest movement we’d be pressed together.

Kate: You know how to open it from the inside, right?

I asked trying to hide my nervousness,

Victor: …….I don’t know.

I never expected him to say that.

Victor: I thought the switch from earlier was for the escape door.

Victor: We might have to wait for someone to open it.

Kate: To wait for…..

(I was thinking that if we pressed the switch again, it would open.)

Kate: Let’s press it again! It’s around here….

Victor: Woah.

My fingers touched his side and he let out a sound I’ve never heard before.

Kate: S-sorry!

Victor: It’s okay, I was just a little surprised.

He bent his arm as it seemed to be getting tired.

I gasped as we grew closer, his glossy hair brushing against my cheek.

His soft voice, his scent of a cold night, I felt heat run to my cheeks where his hair touched.

(We need to get out of here soon….my heart can’t handle this.)

I placed my hand against the door to get out as quickly as possible.

Victor: Kate?

Kate: If I keep touching it, I might be able to find the switch.

Victor: That’s right, I’ll look for it too!

Kate: Kyaaa.

As I moved, the box shook causing me to loose my balance.

I quickly try to stand, but ended up straddling his lap.

Victor: Sorry, I’ll move if you lift your hips a little.

Kate: Just give me a moment, hng.

No matter what I did, I couldn’t change my position in the narrow box.

His knee pushed up between my legs, rubbing back and forth.

(My body’s reacting, what should I do?)

My toes twitched as his knee rubbed against my sensitive spot, while I clutched his shirt to brace myself.

Kate: It’s alright, please don’t move.

Victor: [Gasp]!

I hear a gasp as his knees push my body up.

Victor: ……I’m sorry.

When I looked up I saw an apologetic look on his face, there was a crash and my lips hit his beauty mark.

Kate: Ah, it’s open…..?

Normal scenery came into view, I stumbled a bit when I exited the box, and collapsed in relief.

Victor: Are you hurt?

I looked up at him as he held out his hand worriedly

(Come to think of it, I kissed Victor in the end…..)

Feeling both sorry and embarrassed, I took his hand without making eye contact.

Kate: …..I’m not hurt.

Victor: If we’d been trapped any longer, I think my heart would’ve exploded.

He spoke in a cheerful tone as he turned towards the box, and I suddenly noticed something.

(That…?)

Amidst his glowing black hair, his ears were slightly red.

(Did I see that wrong? But, I guess he’s aware of it too…..?)

Victor: Kate?

His voice somehow sounded lustrous as he called my name, and the heat that I felt inside that narrow box lingered.

Tagslist: : @sh0jun @theimaginativelyreticent @sapphire-323 @letter-from-afar * I was torn between this line. It seems like it could also be rendered as [I'm glad you were to listening!], implying that no one gives Victor the time of day when he talks about magic, but I chose to render it as I did above.

Vivi is so cuuuute! His little ear blush!!

[nefernankh-nezu]

That will require (obvious) robbing of the real king for the 2nd time again.

The king who has been robbed last year is back with revenge!!! Back to back #1 REAL VAMPIRE KING!

[nefernankh-nezu]

Ring is adorable. He reminds of me of SLBP Jinpachi as villain version for some reason, sans the easily blushing part. He can be far second to Victor as my ikevil hubby.

Translations may not always capture the exact nuances or tone of the original text. Expect grammatical errors and inaccuracies.

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