#ikevil Jude jazza

[blue-inks]

🎉🎉🎉 Ikemen Villain is finally free from AppleGate!!!! 🎉🎉🎉 (like a few days ago)

My first impression of everyone through the bathroom meme

[zuhamuses]

jude is well aware of the effect you have on him. he gets more annoyed and snaps easily when you are around him. just how can someone be so happy and wear that shitty cute smile all the time? it pisses him off. you piss him off.

having to take care of you during a mission all the while cursing victor for sending you on such a dangerous task. what if you die? fuck. of course, he won't let that happen. but he's so mad, and his eyes are narrowed, and the cigarette is stomped on by his foot.

jude's lost.

he wants to help you and hates it when you cry. those tears shouldn't come out of your eyes, damn it! he thinks. the businessman wears that sadistic grin and tells you that “you are in my debt, princess” but he doesn't want anything in return. nothing other than you giving him a kiss or looking at him with the smile you were giving ellis earlier.

his heart beats so fast around you.

he hates you. jude hates you and he despises all you make him feel. what a troublesome princess you are, tch.

[natimiles]

Your beloved Jude (Jude x reader)

Summary: He knows you don’t want to celebrate your birthday. So Jude gives you something no one else can: his time and his love.

Words: 479

Tags: taking a bath together, but still sfw; swearing; soft Jude. 

Notes: @judejazza Happy Birthday, Mrs. Jazza! I hope you have a lovely day with Mr. Jazza! He might be a little OOC, but it’s your birthday and you deserve boyfriend!Jude as a gift 🤍

He knows you don’t want to celebrate your birthday. Jude didn’t start dating you last week; you guys have been together for almost a year, and he already knows you like the palm of his hand by now. So instead of a big party at Crown, a fancy birthday cake, or an expensive gift, Jude gives you something no one else can: his time and his love.

It was a shock when he told you that morning what he planned to do, and your cookie almost fell from your mouth. However, after a few curses from him, you realized it wasn’t a dream; it was really your boyfriend in front of you, proposing to pamper you the whole afternoon.

That’s how you end up in his bathtub, with Jude sitting behind you while he silently washes your hair.

His long fingers comb your strands in such a kind way, careful not to pull any knots and hurt you, that anyone would doubt this is The Jude Jazza. His pads gently massage your scalp, his nails sometimes scratch you, but not in a hurtful way — rather, in a relaxing one.

The love with which he touches you may seem weird to anyone outside your relationship. However, you know Jude very well, and you know he can be the best and most loving boyfriend when it’s just the two of you. Not romantic, no; you probably would never hear him professing his love at the top of his lungs or saying those corny things people say in books. But he’ll take care of you and make sure you’re good and satisfied — just as you do for him.

He twirls your hair and puts it in a bun atop your head, and his touch moves down to your shoulders. His warm hands squeeze and work on the knots there. His rough palms slide down your lower back, making you melt into his hands and almost become one with the water.

You close your eyes, and your head falls forward as he applies the perfect amount of pressure, a satisfied sigh escaping your lips.

“Oi, don’t fall asleep here, princess,” he speaks low and close to your ear, but in the silence, his voice resonates throughout the bathroom. It’d be intimidating if you didn’t know that’s not what he meant.

“I won’t,” you sigh again, lifting your head and looking at him over your shoulder. “But it’s really nice.”

“Of course it’s nice. Who do you think is giving you this fucking massage?”

You chuckle at his response, your body shaking lightly. “My beloved Jude.”

“Ha, that’s right.” He kisses your shoulder blades, and you can feel the smug smirk on his lips against your skin. “Happy birthday, princess,” he murmurs against you.

“Thank you,” you smile.

And he gives you a sweet kiss — the first of many more that come right after.

Masterlists

[nightghoul381]

Bound Together ~ Jude Jazza x Reader

Posting this one as another Happy Birthday celebration for @judejazza I love you!!!!!

Genre: Fluff CW: none WC: 2k

“Juuude!” you shout, bursting into his bedroom. It’s dark and you nearly stumble over the corner of the rug as you make your way over to the couch where he sits, reading.

When he doesn’t acknowledge you, you throw your arms over his shoulders and whisper in his ear, “Pssst, Jude… guess what…”

Letting out a quiet huff, Jude slips a bookmark in between the pages and closes the book, setting it on the table in front of him. The next thing you know, firm hands are wrapped around your upper arms and you find yourself tumbling over the back of the couch and onto Jude’s lap.

“You’re so loud,” he grumbles, looking down at you with no hint of the annoyance he’s trying to feign. You smile up at him and move to sit up, only to be held down against his taught legs.

“Juuude…” you whine, squirming in his grasp to no avail. “I wanted to show you what I got us.”

“That’s the last time I let Liam take you anywhere,” Jude sighs, his grip finally relenting and allowing you to sit up.

“Just how much did he give you to drink?” He added, cocking his head in concern.

“Oh, just five,” you reply happily, digging your hands into the pockets of your jacket.

“Yep… Last time.”

“Ooh! I found them!” you shout, pulling a couple of tangled chains out of your pocket and holding them up triumphantly.

Jude just looks at you, as though expecting an explanation.

You frown at the way the metal links seem to grab at each other while you’re attempting to untangle them, mouth twisting in a disappointed pout. Your fingers aren’t behaving either, each time you think you’ve found a good point to free the knot you’re working on, your fingers just seem to pull it tighter.

“Dammit,” you mumble, trying to get your eyes to focus more clearly.

Jude suddenly gets up from the couch and stalks over to the windows.

“Hey, wait! I’m almost done,” you insist, disappointment welling in your chest. You’re trying to keep your head from spinning when a sudden cool breeze blows past your face.

“Just opening the window, princess. Ought to help sober you up.”

With that statement, Jude reclines on the couch, closer to you than before and he offers you an open palm.

You reach out and return the high-five, or at least so you thought, only for Jude to scoff and grab your other hand, relieving it of the bundle of chains.

“Oh…” you giggle, feeling the crisp night air settle your nerves and bring you some peace as you watch Jude’s long fingers meticulously unwind each chain until both are completely free of each other.

“Necklaces?” He asks, glancing over at you.

“Mmhmm!” you declare proudly, “I saw them paired together at a cute little vendor’s stall and they said that they bind lovers together when shared. So I got us some! I made sure it wasn’t something too cutesy and girly, so you can still look cool, and we can match now.”

Jude stares down at the silver chains, simplistic in style, yet elegant and refined. You wait for his reaction with bated breath, only to exhale sharply when he doesn’t respond promptly.

You feel heat creeping up your cheeks—he must think you childish for wanting to wear matching necklaces. Why would a businessman like Jude ever wear a necklace?

You let your head hang, trying to mask the disappointment and shame that’s gnawing at your every nerve when you feel the gentle brush of fingers against your neck. The next moment, cool metal hangs around it.

“I… Jude, you don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to, I know it’s a stupid idea. I should never have—” your words are silenced by the firm grip of fingers turning your head to face him.

“It’s not stupid.”

“But it’s childish and you’re a man who has an image to maintain…” you start to protest, but the stern, pointed look that Jude gives you shuts you up instantly.

“If this little chain will make ya happy, it’s not stupid. You went outta your way to find something that would suit me even. Plus, it’ll be nice to be able to do this,” he smirks, hooking a finger under the chain and giving it a firm tug. Your lips meet briefly and you feel the tension in your body begin to melt away as his familiar smokey scent washes over you.

“Put it on me.” Jude’s command is quiet but you know better than to refute him, taking the metal, now warm from his hands and fumble to get the clasp secured.

When he sits back, the look on his face is heart wrenchingly tender and you feel your breath catch.

“I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into, binding yourself to me forever like this,” he grins, flashing you a smug look and letting his fingers continue to toy with the chain at your throat.

You nod your head excitedly, reaching your arms out and wrapping yourself around Jude, pressing kisses to his cheek and neck and chest. “Tch… Princess, you’re leaving lipstick marks all over my shirt,” He mutters, lifting your face to meet his gaze. The gentle affection so clear in his expression gives you all the reassurance you need to know that he’s not upset with you.

He helps you sit up before getting to his feet and offering you his hand once again.

“Come on, it’s bedtime.” You reach out and take his hand, letting him guide you over to the bed.

When you’re seated on the edge he begins to take off his shirt, tossing it haphazardly away. He slips into the bed and motions for you to do the same.

Happily, you oblige, ridding yourself of your jacket and dress before giggling to yourself.

“What’s so funny, princess?” Jude asks, cracking one eye open from his reclined position on the bed.

You reach down and pick up his discarded shirt, pulling it on and turning around with a flourish.

“Ta-da! I’m Jude now.” Jude lets out an uncharacteristic bark of laughter, shaking his head and hopping up before making his way over to you. “Well, Jude. It’s bedtime, and this Jude wants to hold his girl while he sleeps, so I’m afraid I’m gonna have to ask you to leave.” Jude’s voice is low and husky, sending a shiver through your body.

His hands slip around your waist, and he leans his head in. “You’re my princess now, right?” he whispers.

His warm breath ghosts over your lips and you let out a small squeak in reply. He smirks briefly before closing the remaining distance, pulling you close to his body and capturing your lips with his own.

The heat of his body draws you in, prompting you to cling to his arms. Despite how eager you are to deepen the kiss, Jude continues to move at a slow pace, savoring your mouth as though committing it to memory.

When you finally part, he rests his forehead against yours, rubbing his hands up and down your arms tenderly.

“I love you.”

His whispered words are nearly faint enough to miss but you wrap your arms around his neck and kiss him briefly in response.

“I love you too, Jude.”

Lifting you into his arms, Jude moves the both of you back over to the bed, pulling the covers up snugly around you before doing the same for himself.

Once he’s settled on his pillows, he reaches out an arm, inviting you to move closer. You lay your head against his chest, the beating of his heart lulling you into a trance like state.

Absentmindedly, you move your fingers to begin toying with the silver chain resting against Jude’s collarbones. There’s something about seeing the necklace against his bare chest that makes your head feel light. The metal is warm under your fingertips and you feel the soft rumble of laughter followed by Jude’s murmur.

“Are ya happy, princess?”

You hum happily in response, pressing a kiss against his chest and then letting out a contended sigh. Jude’s arms tighten around you and you feel his breath ruffle your hair before his lips press against you.

“Me too.”

~Four Days Later~

Today marks the fourth day in a row that you’ve seen Jude around the castle but haven’t seen the necklace you had bought. You tried to not let the disappointment show, but of course, everyone else was able to tell right away that something was wrong.

“You were so happy a couple nights ago, did something happen?” Liam asks that morning. He’s sat next to you in the dining hall, shoveling forkfuls of his omelet into his mouth between questions.

“Nothing happened,” you hurriedly reply, picking mindlessly at your own breakfast.

“You do realize you’re not hard to read, right? Maybe I can help you learn how to school your expressions a bit better if you don’t want people to know…” Liam muses.

Your attention turns to the door as it’s thrown open and Jude strides in confidently, Ellis at his heels. As your eyes meet his, you quickly look away, avoiding his gaze. You knew it was no use, you could already hear Jude’s scoff before slender fingers tug at the chain around your neck and you feel your patience snap.

“What are you doing?” You growl, glaring up at Jude pointedly. Taken aback, Jude gives you a dubious look before sighing.

“Figuring out what the hell crawled into your bed and died. You’ve been moping and avoiding me all week. Speak.”

“No thank you,” was the only reply you afforded him, instead shaking off his grip on your chain and leaving the room.

How could he not realize what was making you upset? Sure, he may find it childish and stupid, but he could at least have told you he wasn’t ever going to wear it. Your mind is racing as you stalk into Jude’s room, heading for the end table he surely would have left the necklace on.

However, you’re not able to find a trace of the gift anywhere in his room. You hear the door click closed behind you and swift footsteps approach you.

“You lookin’ for something, princess?” Jude grumbles, staying a few paces back and granting you the space he knew you would need right now.

“I was going to take the necklace back since it was a dumb idea anyway. It’s just a useless object collecting dust so I figured I could at least get my money back for it,” You choke out, trying desperately not to let your emotions take control.

“That’s what you’re mad about?” Jude asks, his voice is laced with genuine surprise and when you turn to glare at him you see him shrug out of his jacket.

Slowly, his hands move up to his shirt and begin unbuttoning the top few buttons. Tugging the collar to the side, you see the familiar glint of silver against his pale skin and feel your breath catch.

“You’re wearing it?” You whisper incredulously, fingers trembling slightly with confusion and relief.

“’Course I’m wearing it. Kinda pointless for you to be the only one wearing part of the set.” Jude’s words, while cold, are clearly full of affection as he watches you tentatively walk toward him.

You reach out a hand and feel the metal, warm from his body heat, and you let out a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding.

“I ain’t giving it back, princess. A gift’s a gift and this is mine. You’re bound to me forever, remember?” Jude murmurs, fixing you with his deep amethyst stare.

“I…” words escape you and all you can think to do in that moment is wrap your arms around him and hug him closely.

“What am I gonna do with you?” Jude sighs, chuckling softly as he embraces you, holding you against his body and smoothing your hair with one hand.

Taglist: @judejazza @aquagirl1978, @themiscarnival @abundance-pathchooser @xbalayage @maries-gallery @randonauticrap @queengiuliettafirstlady @candied-boys

[lichtluv]

✧˖°˚⚝˚°˖✧˖°˚⚝˚°˖✧˖°˚⚝˚°˖✧

𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒐𝒖𝒕, 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓...

𝒊'𝒎 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒎.

✧˖°˚⚝˚°˖✧˖°˚⚝˚°˖✧˖°˚⚝˚°˖✧

↬𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐣𝐚𝐳𝐳𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝.

[alice-revolution]

<Artist : koiranmira ┋ 柚>

Permission to post was granted by the artist.

Editing and reposting in any platform (FB, IG, TikTok, Pinterest, WeHeartIt, etc) are prohibited. Please kindly rate/bookmark/like their arts on Pixiv and Twitter.

○ Jude

-Admin Dahlia🌹

[gilbert-v0n-0bsidian]

No context.

[chevlvrs]

My feminist kings

[cozyfaee]

Yessss Jude 💚🏳️‍💚🏳️‍💚🏳️‍

[natimiles]

Ikemen Villains & Flowers | Jude

I’m not an expert in flowers. It’s all according to this site. And this one.

Wolfsbane (Aconitum)

caution, misanthropy, death, poisonous words, symbol of crime

Masterlists

[nightghoul381]

The Night is Far Too Long Without You ~ Jude Jazza (POV) x Reader

A little something I made for @judejazza a little while back because soft Jude

Jude Jazza x Reader Genre: light angst, hurt/comfort, fluff WC: 682

Another day passes and my head is filled with thoughts of you once again as I try to drink enough to get to sleep. I know I’d sent you away. Your month was up, you were meant to live in the light, not be tainted by my darkness; and yet I can’t seem to stop the ache in my heart when I remember your smile, your laugh, your voice.

I throw back the rest of my drink, roughly thumping the glass onto the table before moving to the window and finding a bright star you’d pointed out one night while we were cuddled together. It was your star now, at least in my mind. I would look to it whenever I needed reassurance that there was a chance we were doing something together. We could possibly be looking at the star at the same time.

I light a cigarette, eagerly inhaling the dark smoke and letting it pervade my body. I’m mad at myself and that has turned into being angry with the world. Why couldn’t I just tell you the truth. Why couldn’t I tell you that I selfishly wanted to keep you by my side for the rest of your life and never let you go despite knowing what would be best for you is anything but me.

A quiet knock at the door made the anger boil just a little hotter. Can’t even get a moment’s peace in the middle of the night now could I.

I stalk over to the door and throw it open, freezing in my tracks, eyes wide.

“Fuck, I’m hallucinating.”

I close the door again and shake my head attempting to clear the fog. Another set of knocks followed by the sound of a voice calling my name fills my ears and I can feel my lifeless heart roaring back to life as I once again open the door and find you standing there.

“What are you doing here?” I grumble, trying desperately to keep my excitement down, to keep my hopes from rising on the chance that you’re here to smash them down.

“Ellis told me everything, Jude.”

God I missed the sound of your voice saying my name, I hardly processed what you’d said, instead focusing on the way just seeing your face, the way you awkwardly fidget with your sleeves and chew on your lower lip.

“I missed you so much, and when he told me that you had become miserable since I’d left I had to come back, I needed—!”

I cut off your words with a firm kiss, pulling you into my arms and clinging tightly to you. I could feel emotions choking my throat—an entirely unfamiliar experience in my adult life. Is this real? Am I dreaming? I honestly don’t care, I just know I have you in my arms, my lips on yours and your soft moans flooding my ears and making everything stir to life.

“I was an idiot.” I say, finally releasing you from the kiss. Your lips are swollen and wet from my ravenous attack but the intense hope in your eyes breaks the last of my restraint.

Between kisses I tell you how angry I was with myself for pushing you away. I couldn’t seem to keep my hands off you, trying to memorize every curve and line of your body in case this dream was to end abruptly.

“I missed you too,” you whispered, breath heavy and panting as I pull you into my room and shut the door behind me.

I lead you over to the couch by the window and marvel at the sight of you once again in my room with the silver moonlight framing you like the most delicate painting.

Never again, I vow to myself. I will never again push you away.

I settle onto the couch and you don’t hesitate to curl up beside me, resting your head against my chest and moving my arm to drape across you.

I hear the contented sigh you breathe out and I finally feel at peace again.

Taglist: @judejazza @aquagirl1978, @themiscarnival @abundance-pathchooser @xbalayage @maries-gallery @randonauticrap @queengiuliettafirstlady

[mxrmaid-poet]

silly 😊

[rou-luxe]

you're welcome

there should also be a section that's "I'll stab them not if but when I feel like it"

[omkookie]

"I don't think we'll ever be done with you."

⌈ ⚠️ 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 ⌉ Smut, NONCON, gang rape, Oral, blowjobs, unprotected sex, cream pies, degradation, slapping, hand jobs, reader gets used as a fucktoy. NOT PROOFREAD

Your face hurts.

Your cheek stings because of how many slaps you've received tonight. You're not exactly sure who it is that's pounding you into the couch, but you might as well take a guess and say it's Jude because of how he was harshly tugging on your hair. 

His thrusts are ruthless, his hips slamming into you from behind and making your ass jiggle as he fucks his dick into your poor and abused pussy that's dripping with cum and your juices. You've orgasmed so many times tonight, your clit actually feels like it hurts because of how overstimulated it is. Jude's fingers haven't been slacking one bit, and he was rubbing your clit with such determination, you were starting to wonder if he ever planned on stopping. “Juuude…” You whine his name, feeling tears sting at your eyes because of the continuous overstimulation. “Tsk.. what?” He rasps out behind you.

“I can't take any more….”

"You're a slut so you can." He states simply as he gives your ass a harsh smack that makes you wince in pain.

Ellis opens your mouth to shove his fat cock in, meanwhile you lie down on the edge of the couch, your head feeling all light and fuzzy while your body is left feeling limp. You can’t do anything but focus on breathing while his cock slides into and out of your mouth.

After a few more thrusts into your pussy, you feel Jude slow down and then finally pull out, his cock once again spilling his cum inside of you.

Jude and Roger have completely destroyed your pussy at this point. They've turned you into a cum dumpster after relentlessly pounding into you. Who knows how many times the two of them have filled you with cum tonight? You’ve lost count. You can just feel the stickiness left between your legs now, along with your gaping pussy that still feels stuffed even though Jude pulled out.

“That’s quite the look” You vaguely hear Roger's voice remark, and then you feel someone cupping your breasts. “Isn’t she so pretty?” Ellis sighs in bliss from above you, as his fingers tangle into your hair, slowly pulling your head forward, so he pushes his cock down your throat. "Sweet...take it good girl, you know you can."

He coos at you as he hears you gag, letting out a low groan as he tells you how good you’re making him feel. Tears slowly spill out of your eyes again, and you try not to choke around his cock but the uncomfortable feeling of it hitting the back of your throat has you nearly throwing up.

Eventually, he pulls his cock out of your mouth so that Roger can pull you back up. "There, there. You might feel a bit sore tomorrow, but you're feeling really good right now. Isn't that right?"

You hiccup, feeling Roger's wet tongue lick at the tears on your cheek. He was the second person to try and give you false sense of comfort. If it weren't for him pressing your hand against the bulge in his pants right now, then you might have even thought that this was something you wanted, and not something that was forced on you.

"You poor slut" Jude degrades you as he chuckles at your pathetic state.

"You look so hot like this... Hey, give me your hand to finish me off... I wanna cum." Ellis mumbles, his large hand taking your smaller one and guiding it to his cock. Your hand wraps around his cock, and your other hand momentarily stops stroking Roger. You fist Ellis' cock as best as you can, and your hand job is sloppy at best. You're just too tired to even move your hand so that you can jerk him.

A harsh slap hits your cheek, and you blankly stare at Ellis as you blink for a moment, your brain trying to process that Roger just slapped you. He slaps you again, and this time you let out a little cry as your hand wraps around his dick. You try your best to jerk both him and Ellis off at the same time, but your face is still met with harsh slaps from the two whenever you don't manage to keep up with the pace that they want.

You start crying again. both of your cheeks hurt because of they continued hitting you, and Roger shoves his thick fingers in your mouth, ordering you to suck them. He shoves his fingers to the back of your throat, and you gag around them, spit running down the corners of your mouth because of him.

You wonder when this will be over....

"I don't think we'll ever be done with you." Ellis whispers, affectionately kissing your cheek before whispering your name in a breathy moan as he cums on your fingers.

[archiveikemen]

Jude Jazza 1st Birthday Campaign: Story (2023)

His POV

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection. I do not own any of the original content. Please support CYBIRD by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

❥･• Warnings and FAQ

Ellis: Jude, this is…

I had just returned to the castle after work when my assistant handed me a memo with an usually serious look on his face.

“Happy birthday, I have your woman with me.”

Jude: — Ah?

…

— A few hours ago.

Kate: Is it your birthday today?

Kate asked the moment she saw my face. Who knows where she got that information from.

(What a nuisance.)

Knowing what was going to happen, I ignored the question and left my seat.

I had just finished my breakfast, and it was time for me to leave for work.

Kate: I just happened to find out earlier on. Is there anything in particular that you need or want?

Jude: I don’t know, you can go ahead and sing a song or something. Oh, but do it when I’m not around.

Kate: Won’t that be meaningless?

Jude: Do I have to spell it out for you? I don’t need anything.

Kate had become significantly less wary of me, compared to when we first met. I dealt with her and put on my coat.

Kate: Are you going to work? It’s your birthday, after all.

Jude: Will it kill you to not keep asking questions day and night?

Victor: Oh? You’re working on your birthday again this year, Jude?

Victor: Make sure to come back in the evening this year. We’ll be waiting to throw a party for you.

Jude: More like a party for you. Last year and the year before, you threw a party even though I wasn't there.

Victor: Every year, I would wait for you to come back, until the day ended… *sniffle*

Roger: Let’s all get drunk and sing a loud “happy birthday” song in the garden.

Jude: Oi. Don’t put your arm over my shoulder, you quack.

Roger: I hope that this year’s party won’t be missing its main character.

(Tch… all the fucking annoying ones are gathered here since morning.)

Jude: I don’t have the culture of celebrating every little occasion. It’s sickening.

I brushed his arm off my shoulders and was about to finally leave the dining room.

Kate: Oh, Jude, is there anything you want…?

(Did I not say that I don’t need anything?)

Kate: I’ll really sing you a song later! Please don’t complain that it’s too ‘insignificant’!

Walking away from that persistent voice that carried a hint of resignation, I left the castle that morning.

…

(So this is the place.)

Instead of begging for their lives to be spared, those bastards who sent me that memo spat out all the information they had.

True enough, there Kate was— dolled up and lying unconscious at the altar, she appeared to have gotten herself ready for tonight’s ‘party’.

(... There’s this revolting feeling in my chest.)

The people who had taken Kate hostage seemed to have something against me.

It was either they were blaming me for their business going bankrupt, or it was just the usual petty grudges.

Kate only got implicated into this because of mine or Crown’s missions. It wasn’t the first time such a thing happened.

And yet, for some reason, I felt especially irritated this time.

(Crown forced a contract onto a woman who was coincidentally present at the scene of an assassination.)

(The Queen insisted that this woman go on our missions with us, despite knowing what dangerous situations she could possibly wind up in.)

(Even after having her life threatened on countless occasions, this woman still refuses to back down.)

(I myself have tested the sheer willpower and guts she had to keep following me around.)

— All of that disgusted me.

(Where’s the ‘happy’ in ‘happy birthday’?)

(Shit.)

Jude: … Oi, you pleb. Are you dead?

I spoke as I stood there, staring down at Kate.

With a groan, Kate stirred and turned to lay on her back.

The hair covering her face spilled onto the floor — revealing her swollen cheek and bloodied lips.

(...)

Something in the core of my mind turned cold.

Kate: … Jude…?

Jude: … What with that hideous appearance? This isn’t funny at all.

Kate: I’m… I’m sorry. I wanted to get you a birthday present, and when I went out to town after seeking permission…

Jude: Screw your apology and how you got captured. I’m asking how you got your face injured.

Kate: They threatened me for information about you, and when I refused to disclose any—

Jude: You could’ve just made some shit up about me.

Kate: I… I can’t do that. You’re always coming to my rescue before I get hurt. I can’t put you in danger because of me.

The response that was so typical of her only made me even more fed up.

(Ah… this woman is hopeless.)

(If I let her keep this up, she will really end up dead one day.)

In the first place, she was only in danger because of the selfish contract Crown forced onto her.

While I had the right to give Kate a piece of my mind, there wasn’t a need for her to feel any obligation towards me.

(I failed to see that.)

She was thick-skinned enough to still spout those pretty words at me, had a strong heart that became enraged upon being looked down on, and was stubborn enough to stand her ground even after being hurt.

I was self-aware that I didn’t hate those traits of hers.

(But… no one can laugh when their birthday present is the dead body of a woman who was innocently dragged into a mess she didn’t create, even as a prank.)

Jude: You seem to have quite a lot of trust in me, however—

Kate: … ggh?

Kate’s body stiffened when I placed my hand on her neck.

Jude: Do you seriously believe that I won’t ever let anyone kill you, or that I’ll always protect you no matter what?

Kate: ugh… haa���

(Oh, you poor thing.)

(You think that you can finally be at ease after being so terrified just now, huh?)

(But you’re wrong. Shall I teach you a little lesson?)

Jude: You haven’t experienced being strangled to the point of losing consciousness, have you?

Jude: I can make that happen, all I have to do is tighten my grip on your throat for about one minute.

I slowly tightened my grip, putting pressure on her pulsating carotid artery.

Kate: ahh… ugh…!

I pinned her struggling body to the floor of the altar.

Light shined in through the stained glass windows onto her hair and skin, making the scene look almost comical.

Jude: You never expected yourself to be strangled by the ally who just rescued you, did you?

Jude: But killing an ally who’s being an eyesore in the heat of the moment is so cliché.

Jude: You’re just a pleb who knows nothing, and yet you tried to go against those low-lifes with that stupid sense of duty of yours.

Jude: You’re a hundred years too early to do that.

Kate: —!

I felt a slight pain in the back of my hand and looked down to see Kate digging her nails into it.

Jude: Hah, look at you trying to fight back. You make me laugh. Even a little kitten can be stronger than you.

Kate: …!

(... What’s with that look?)

Despite the clear difference in strength between the two of us, the resilient look in her eyes never faded.

She was glaring straight at me, as if urging me for something.

Jude: … At this juncture, what is it that you want to say?

I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of things she would say—

The moment I loosened my grip, Kate forcefully shook my hand off.

Kate: Huff… huff…

Jude: … I’m not asking you to start huffing and puffing. I’m asking what you were glaring at me for.

Jude: I’ll go on if you can’t answer.

Kate: I… I…

Kate glared at me with tears in her eyes while desperately trying to catch her breath.

Kate: I’ve experienced horrible things like today’s incident many times, I’ve also witnessed multiple cruel acts; and every time, I would see you enjoying yourself…

Kate: I know very well that you’re a sadist with sick and twisted interests, a villain who finds joy in hearing the screams of other people.

Jude: You don’t say?

Kate: But I believe that deep down, you’re not heartless…

Kate: You may threaten and torment me like this often, and yet when you see that I’m about to die, you do whatever you can to save me.

Jude: You fantasise about me too much.

Kate: Then why do you always look upset whenever I go on missions with you?

Jude: Because you get in my way.

Kate: What are you trying to accomplish by ridiculing me for being soft-hearted?

Jude: That you're so happy-go-lucky that it's an eyesore and a hindrance.

Kate: ... Really?

Despite my harsh words, her eyes remained focused on me.

Kate: ... You show no mercy to people who are arrogant and take human lives lightly.

Kate: ... But looking at it from a different perspective, you save those who have been tyrannised by them.

Jude: The main point is that I enjoy tormenting those bastards. I couldn't care less about who gets saved.

Kate: Whatever your reason may be, doesn't the result remain the same? And that's why I trust you.

Jude: ... Hah, what are you talking about? Sounds stupid as hell.

Kate: But at the same time, I also get that you're not helping me because I value my life.

Kate: That's why, like what you said earlier…

Kate: I don't think that you'll 'always protect me no matter what'.

Her voice trembled with a tinge of loneliness for a moment.

Even Kate herself seemed to be surprised by what she just said and her eyes shifted.

She lifted her head, trying to cover it up.

Kate: What I want to say is that...

Kate: Even if I'll end up being strangled until I lose consciousness, it won't change the way I choose to act.

Kate: If I do get myself captured and threatened again, I won't say a single thing that would put you at a disadvantage.

Kate: That's all I have to say. If you want to go on with what you were doing... be my guest, do as you please.

(A person's life can be so fragile.)

(Trust is useless when you're faced with evil and murderous intentions.)

Some things can't be prevented, no matter how hard you try.

(That fact is more than clear to me.)

But even so, why was I dazzled by her unwavering determination to keep her trust?

Jude: ... I can do as I please?

Kate: ...!

Her shoulders shuddered when I placed my hand on her neck—

Jude: Pfft.

Kate: ...?

(Putting on a brave front when you're actually feeling afraid. Truly idiotic.)

I withdrew my hand from her neck.

Jude: Just as you said, that was a threat.

Jude: However... it's not hard to snap your neck off. Besides, the kind of people I deal with won't be so kind as to hesitate and warn you.

Jude: If you're aware that I'm keeping you at a distance on purpose, then you should know what to do if you're smart enough.

Kate: I thought of avoiding getting myself involved, but…

Jude: But?

Kate: That thinking changed after I noticed various things every time we complete a mission or run away from trouble together.

Kate: And I don't hate that change in myself.

(...)

Kate: Although being captured this time was entirely unintentional... look, I managed to snatch the identification document of the person who captured me.

Kate: If it was you they were after, then they must belong to some sort of organisation, right?

Kate: The ones who captured me were likely someone's subordinates... so perhaps this might serve as a lead to the mastermind behind this.

(... Geez.)

(This girl is truly a bold princess.)

Jude: Don't get too proud of yourself over such a tiny thing. You're like a dog playing fetch.

I took the ID and helped Kate up.

She then exclaimed, as if she suddenly recalled something.

Kate: Oh, right! There's something very important that I forgot to tell you.

Jude: Ah?

Kate: The day isn't over yet, right...?

Kate: Although I didn't manage to get you a present in the end... happy birthday, Jude.

Jude: …

The innocent and pure blessing fell onto my heart with a thud.

(You went through all that, and yet you can still bring yourself to say something so optimistic.)

(Aren't you going to say things like it's all your fault, or that you're no longer in the mood to celebrate?)

All sorts of insults came into my mind, but none of them came out of my mouth.

Nevertheless, the blessing remained warm in my heart, the same way she gave it to me.

Kate: A birthday song is all I can give you... but you don't need that.

Jude: ...

I detested the 'happy birthday' song.

It brought back memories of a dusty attic that reeked of mould and alcohol; I recalled the hoarse voices of 2 people who kept singing while coughing violently, disregarding my protests.

7 years had passed since then, my vengeance should've been long gone.

Yet every time I recalled that raspy voice singing the 'happy birthday' song, the hatred ingrained in me craved to hear the screams of its prey.

But, right now—

Jude: Fine, you can sing. I'm listening.

Kate: Eh? But... you said that you don't have the culture of celebrating every small occasion.

Jude: I changed my mind. I still don't care about the others, though.

Jude: Just yours is enough.

Kate: ... Huh?

Kate's eyes widened for a moment before her cheeks turned bright red.

Kate: H-Huh...?

Jude: ... Heh, what are you blushing about? You simple minded woman.

Kate: Wha... d-did you just tease me again!?

Jude: Who knows? It's obvious that you're very fond of me, though.

Kate: WHAT!? I am not...!

Jude: Yeah, yeah. So, are you going to sing or not?

Kate: ...!!

After being at a loss for words for a brief moment, Kate started to sing.

Her voice was too soft to echo through the church, but it lingered in my ears longer than any other blessing I had ever received.

Birthday Letter