#silvio chapter 24

[baby-bunny-san]

Confess love moment (in Silvio's route - Chapter 24)

This is one of my most favorite part in Silvio's route

Everything below belongs to Cybird

Translation not correct 100%

Emma: Do you have any injuries other than your head?

Silvio: No…..

Emma: That’s good

After that, I jump into Silvio’s chest.

Silvio: Oiiii….!

Ignore Silvio, who blushed as usual, I pressed my forehead against his chest.

For the first time in the long time, I was surrounded by a gorgeous scent, and my tense breath spilled out.

(Thanks God, you are fine…)

(Because when I heard the story in the carriage, I wasn’t in the mood)

In fact, when I saw him bleeding inside the ship, I thought my heart would stop.

Emma: I have a lot of things I want to say, but… Thank you very much for protecting the Rhodolite--- No, something important to me

Silvio: ….I didn’t protect it. However, when I think about the future, I just assume that it would be the national interest. For your sake… don’t make any strange misunderstandings.

Emma: Was it a misunderstanding?

Silvio: .…...

Silvio is at a loss for words. The two-faced tyrant was easy to understand.

Emma: ….Since Prince Silvio risked his life to protect me, I also make up my mind

I move my body slightly away and touch the collar. Now that I know Silvio’s heart, even the collar that I thought I hated, it’s not bad…. it’s strange because it makes me think that

Emma: You’ve wanted me to be your “thing” for a long time, haven’t you?

Silvio: For that reason, did you go out of your way to prepare a letter to get such a big tittle?

Emma: no?

(I’m not going to be a “thing”)

---------- Flashback -----------

Silvio: I’m not trying to buy your heart. I’m asking you to give me your ownership.

(Prince Silvio said that before….)

----------------------------------

Emma: What Silvio really want is not my ownership, right?

Silvio: If you don’t need my heart, then you should have simply followed the king’s orders.

Silvio: …,.ch..

The neat face is distorted. In those eyes, you can see the fluctuation.

Emma: I don’t sell my heart for money. But, I will give it to Silvio specially

(This heart was the weapon that hurt Silvio, so there were times when I was depressed-----)

-----------Flashback-------------

For the first time, Rio, who finished talking about the strategy in the carriage, finally told me with a big smile.

Rio: Emma. Until now, I’m a coward who was afraid to even make something precious… From now on, I think I will keep holding it properly. I won’t let anyone take it away, and I won’t let anyone destroy it.

Emma: What is Rio’s most important thing?

Rio: Of course it is. It’s just the way you smile when you say you are happy!

-------------------------------------

(sorry, Rio….. But, thank you)

Once again, I jump into Silvio’s chest

Emma: Hey…. I’ll make sure you take responsibility for making me fall in love with you!

Silvio:….

Emma: umm….

Silvio: ……

Emma: Something… please tell me.

(ha….. I’m about to die from being shy!)

My face is hot…. the tip of my ear is hot.

(I don’t know what to do. Ugh… I’ve told you my feelings, should I go back to my room now?)

I don’t know what kind of face silvio, who has no words, looks like now. Are you stunned? Are you flabbergasted, are you reluctant, are you shy?--------

(i’m getting scared to know)

Just as I was about running away, something soft touched the top of my head.

(.…what now….?)

When I lifted my head, my eyes met at a close distance with his sea-colour eyes-----

By the time I noticed, our lips were overlapping as if they were being pulled together. The same vivid feeling as before is engraved with the short sound of water. Silvio, who put his hand on my cheek and put our forehead together.

Unlike any expression I imagined, it was earnest.

Silvio: …Ahh, how did I get caught by such an impertinent woman? She is not cute, and she doesn’t even know how to kiss.

Emma: Wow, I’m sorry! for not cute and not good at it…

Silvio: That kind of thing… Ahh shit!

This time, Silvio hugged me as hard as he could.

My hair was messed up like usual, and I thought I would raise my voice in protest. But... When I saw his face, which seemed to be redder than mine, my words vanished.

(The heartbeat also turned out to be amazing)

Silvio: You know what is like to be a fiancee, don’t you?

Emma: I understand… It’s also a prince from another country, so I’m sure there must be a lot of trouble

Silvio: At least, you can’t stay in the Rhodolite

Emma: I know that too… I have never see the ocean before and I’m looking forward to it!

Silvio: Is it the case that you’re saying something carefree?

Emma: Ah, by the way, my position as a noble lady is real. As an additional reward for Belle, Sariel-san gave me a status.

The status of the aristocractic daughter that Sariel improvised to deceive the eyes of the prices of another countries. It is meticulously forged so that there is no problem even if it is investigated.

(When I consulted with Silvio, he told me to use that status)

Silvio: Even so, the common people’s habits haven’t changed

Emma: I’ll do my best to become a noble lady

Silvio: The I’ll buy you as many clothes as you like. Tell me everything you need

Emma: That is-----

Silvio: Are you my girl?

Finally, Silvio smiled. It wasn’t his usual arrogant smile, but rather an amusing smile.

Silvio: I’ll tell you, I don’t know how to love other man than to spend money

Emma: Well then, let’s start from now on. I don’t like money, so it’s tough

Silvio: …. I know as you hate that kind of thing

Looking at his softened expression, I put my hand around Silvio’s neck and kiss him lightly

(Last time, it was just painful, but…)

The inserted tongue gently strokes the inside of my mouth. There is no tyrannical violance in the kiss. The unfamiliar sound of water made my body heat up. Breathing unsteadily, and I heard a voice that didn’t seem to come out of my own mouth

Silvio picked me up and laid me down on a nearby bed

Silvio: Come to think of it, what did you say about your first time in prison?

Emma: Uh, I’m not lying. It was my first kiss!

Silvio: Idiot, that doesn’t go into the kiss.

(No…)

Silvio: This is what it means to “take the first time” for real

Silvio, who laid me down, set up a deeper kiss than before

Emma: …hmmm…ahh…

Of course, I have never experienced a kiss that would drown me if I didn’t get mixed up. I grabbed his shirt without knowing how to handle it properly… The buttons on my blouse were loose, exposing my skin...

Emma: Wait a minute-----

Silvio: It’s like to be engaged. You said you knew, didn’t you?

Emma: …Let me at least prepare my heart…

My blouse was rolled up, then his electric hand wrap around my breast. When I was gently treated and loosened, I was dominated by a different feeling of kissing

Silvio: You told me to take responsibility, didn’t you?

Emma: ah… It’s not like this.

The tip of the budge is crushed with a finger, and my waist jumps. I was so embarrassed that I felt like crying

Silvio: After all, an engagement won’t work without it, right?

Emma: …I won’t say that

If I let my guard down, I feel like I’m about to let out a sweet voice, so I desperately try to calm my breathing. I catch the heat-filled gaze emitted by sea-colored eyes from the front

Emma: Because I’m a bad girl. Even if Silvio doesn’t like it, I was going to proceed with the engagement

When I smiled with confidence, Silvio made a troubled face… and lowered his eyes.

Silvio: For a bad girl..... You are always too cute, you idiot

With the fading voice of the proud tyrant, the petals of the rose that secretly told the time fell.......

Everything below belongs to Cybird

Translation not correct 100%

When Silvio freezed after hearing Emma said she fell in love with him, I laughed so hard 🤣🤣 especially the time he was at loss for words and made a ridiculous face

[ga-yuu]

My Very HONEST Opinions on Clavis's route!

Let me first tell you one thing if you don't know! I did play this game on the day of its jp release. I was excited to play a new title from Ikemen series, after my most favorite game of all time Ikemen genjiden. I expected Ikemen prince to be much better than Ikemen genjiden BUT unfortunately....I didn't like it :(

My first route was Chevalier and I didn't enjoy it like I thought I would. I thought I would feel all sorts of emotions but I didn't. Then I played Yves route and...it was fine, but it still wasn't enough to make me wanna continue playing this game. Then I started some routes here and there but didn't go past chapter 1. I uninstalled it and after some time when heard the news that it's getting an eng ver. instead of Ikemen genjiden---I admit I WAS SUPER SALTY!! I didn't play the game anymore after that.

Now, there's no exciting news from Ikemen genjiden and the next route will be coming out in late Apr or early May. I had free time, so I thought I would revisit the other Ikemen games I once stopped playing and you guys voted me to play Ikemen prince. I did. I played Clavis's route and OMG! IT'S FUCKING CUTE!!!

Clavis's route is really really cute and it's really sad that this wasn't the first route in Ikemen prince because if it was, it would have left a great first impression on me. I loved the overall theme of his story. A story about a loser working hard every day and trying his best to be like his perfect brother but he still can't beat him but he doesn't give up!! It's so perfect. The whole time I played his route, I was like "YOU CAN DO IT CLAVIS!! JUST THINK OUT OF THE BOX!! YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BEAT CHEVA IN THE BATTLE OF SWORDS, BUT IF YOU COME UP WITH SOME KIND OF PLAN THAT EVEN CHEVA CAN'T PROCESS, THEN YOU CAN BEAT HIM!!!" Yeah, that was me! And he did, at the end of his route. He took him off guard and stabbed Cheva!! YAYY!! I was cheering wholeheartedly because it's so beautiful to see a person's hard work pay off in the end. It was such a satisfying ending. I truly enjoyed it. I enjoyed it because it didn't feel like a love story.

But in the end, I realized that this is a romance game and it was chapter 24 or 25 something which means, according to Cybird's rule----"Sex scenes happen at chapter 24 or25. If any male lead tries to have sex with MC in the earlier chapters, the MC's male friend will come and cockblock the male lead." I'll talk more about their relationship afterward.

I was so focused on Clavis getting his win that I forgot about Emma. Emma for me was 50/50 in this route. In the earlier parts, she is annoyingly stupid and unfunny, but in the later parts, she does things that are commendable. Like encouraging Clavis to get up back onto his feet when Clavis was ready to give up, trying to bargain with Chevalier to get information about Clavis, going to the enemy territory illegally, and most importantly facing Mr. Obsidian without shivering. She did a great job so it wasn't a complete letdown.

Also, she's tsundere. The whole time she's like "No I'm not in love with you! STop looking at me like that! I don't love you! I'm not falling in love with you! I will NEVER FALL IN LOVE WITH A SCOUNDREL LIKE YOU!" The whole time I was rolling my eyes because I know every MC says this but they end up falling in love anyway. Has there been any one MC that has actually stuck to her words? (*thinking hard* Yoshino? Nah! she too falls in love with Ibuki after promising that she would run away from him).

Another thing I wanna say is that if Clavis's route were to be the first route of this game then it would have left a good impression on me! I would have not uninstalled the game at all. The new characters introduced---Gilbert, Silvio and Keith...they did for me! They brought something into this game which I have been looking for the whole time and that was the feeling of tension! Gilbert is a threat. His appearance out of nowhere every time in this route is like a bomb and that enhances my experience because I get more interested in the game. Gilbert is a very intelligent character and fascinating as well. I'm 10000000000% sure that this guy knows everything about Emma and he also knows that the King is dead. Like I'm very very very sure that this guy has more than enough evidence to expose Emma's identity but is simply holding back because it's fun to watch Sariel and Emma trying to cover up by lying. It's really interesting, that's why whenever he shows up, I always end up laughing out loud because I know that he knows that Emma is Belle. Also, Sariel and other princes (except Cheva) naively thinking that Gilbert is still 'suspecting' about Emma being Belle is just stupid. How long are they gonna keep lying? Gilbert can simply place all the evidence on the table if he wants to. What will Sariel do at that time? So yeah, thanks for adding three new villain characters Cybird, you made me wanna play this game now.

Things that I liked:

I loved Clavis's mischievous personality and how he's so positive when everyone else is actually running away from him. I love how he makes pit traps for Yves and Licht, throws smoke bombs at Sariel, knows sneaky tricks like unlocking a lock etc. I loved how he used those tricks as a weapon to beat Cheva. It's cute. He may not be the textbook definition of a prince, but hey, he's the prince who would protect his own people at the cost of his life. So you can blindly trust him.

I loved how they showed his relationship with his people and his mother. Even if it's only for one chapter, it was still good that they showed it, because it made me like him even more. It made me wanna root for him more. Also revealing what is inside his room, made me almost cry.

His relationship with Cyran. I loved it! They are cute! They're like buddies! I love their relationship. It's great!

The humor. Clavis has a good sense of humor. I wish Emma could have matched that. Unfortunately, she couldn't. Tsundere MC didn't match Clavis, maybe a much more fun-loving, considerate, and straightforward could have worked better. She could have played along with him and catch him off guard sometimes. Clavis and Emma's relationship, to be honest, it was fine. But I wish they were more like partners in crime rather than lovers. I wish they were more like best friends than lovers. I wanted Emma to be like a, how should I put this, kinda like a second mother to Clavis. I wish she was shown to be enjoying Clavis's little pranks and laughing it off. But all the time she sees Clavis as a scoundrel. I mean doesn't she like to have fun? Whatever. I wished they were best friends rather than lovers because I wasn't getting sexual tension between them at all.

Things I didn't like:

Other male leads feel like side characters. Other than Chevalier, who is Clavis's nemesis, the other princes don't have much of scenes other than Emma simply asking "What would they do if they become the king?" Nockto had two scenes and in one of them, he didn't even have any lines. If it hadn't been for these two scenes, I would have forgotten his existence. Leon only had one scene and that was him answering Emma's question. Emma just ask this one question and that's it! Done. After that, the whole route is about Clavis. I know he's the main lead, but it would have been nice if they had more scenes about them talking about their ambitions and stuff, but the scene just cuts to black all the time.

I think that's all I have to say about this route. It was a fun experience for sure. I enjoyed it!

[caffedrine]

Keith Howell - Chapter 24 Romantic - Summary

I pretty much have no idea what I’m doing. I don’t trust me, and you shouldn’t either. This summary is not guaranteed to be accurate, it’s mostly written for myself to follow along with the route.

Once Keith defeats his uncle and proves himself innocent of attempted patricide and therefore not a failure prince, he wants Emma to confess her full feelings to him.  Emma points out that they already had this talk, but Keith insists that they didn’t. Back then, they had acknowledged their friendship, but by now both of their feelings of affection for each other have gone way beyond that.

Licht interrupts to ask Keith’s intentions. Is he planning on taking Emma to Jade with him? Keith admits that he’s not sure yet, he wants to make that decision with Emma after they talk through their wants and feelings. After the trial.

Emma’s heart pounds as she realizes that Keith isn’t simply planning on acknowledging their feelings and then parting ways. He is hoping for a future together with her.

Without her saying anything, Keith understands what she means – why he wants to be with her. He explains that he realized his feelings after his uncle kidnapped her. He couldn’t stand it, and at first, he thought he was just upset that his uncle was committing crimes against people in his life. Then he realized that it was more than just anger at injustice, he was angry that it was Emma specifically.

Once, Keith had told Emma that he would be content finding out what her feelings for him were, good or bad. But now he realizes that he won’t be satisfied just by listening to her confession and walking away from everything.

Emma points out that she’s not really a noble woman, and the worlds they live in are far too different. Keith asks how she can say that when they’re right here together. He holds out one of his large hands to her. Emma reaches out and holds his hand, thinking that this solves none of the problems they’ll face. Yes, they feel light and airy right now, but this isn’t an easy road they’re facing.

Since Emma is so hesitant, Keith is going to start being proactive in wooing her. Once he settles things with his uncle, he’ll be confident enough to be open about pursuing her romantically. Looking deep into Keith’s eyes, Emma slowly nods, thinking that she doesn’t want to run away from Keith and the feelings between them anymore.  

(Licht's still in the room)

Keith’s newfound resolve to confront his uncle has also motivated Emma. She doesn’t want to stand on the sidelines being protected, she wants to help him. Emma asks Keith to let her speak to his father. Almost immediately the atmosphere changes and Keith’s expression stiffens. He asks Emma why.

Emma admits that while there is a big possibility that the King of Jade won’t listen to her, with the backing of the King of Rhodolite, she can be a witness to Fernand’s crimes. Though, she is worried about relying on Leon, as there would be political complications with announcing that he’s king in the middle of Jade’s Court.

Licht assures her that there won’t be any problems, his brother’s have already started notifying the other nations about Leon’s ascension. Specifically, Nokto was already giving official notice to Silvio, the only other ally who would take offense. So, it’s fine if they give Jade official notice that Leon is King.

Emma wonders if the princes have anticipated this situation back when she was first kidnapped. Rhodolite really has an abundance of amazing and talented princes, and she’s lucky they’re mostly on her side.

Keith mutters to himself that Leon is the chosen king. Louder, he agrees that with the backing of the King of Rhodolite, Emma will be heard as a witness, but he still doesn’t want her to come to court. His uncle has no problem hurting or even killing Emma to hurt Keith. Even in the middle of the court, ostensibly under the protection of the King of Jade, he would hurt Emma and-

Emma cuts him off, she wants to fight for Keith. Just as he doesn’t want to lose her, Emma doesn’t want to lose him. She looks into Keith’s serious face and holds his gaze.

Suddenly Keith breaks into a smile. He knows that he shouldn’t be happy with the developments, but he can’t help but smile.

Reminding them that he’s in the room, Licht points out that he’s also here. He doesn’t mind being Emma’s bodyguard during the court proceedings, and he’s confident enough in his skills that Emma won’t be in danger.

Keith admits that Licht’s promise is very reassuring. His golden eyes, which had been wavering with indecision, settled down. He formally asks Emma and Licht to lend him their support.

This is the kingly kindness Emma recognizes in Keith. And it’s that kindness that makes her want to do her best for him.

Later in the Jade Palace, Liam finds Leon in a corridor. Leon shouts after Liam gives him the update, and Liam hurriedly hushes him. Much quieter, Leon apologizes, and they go over the new developments.

Keith is coming to the Jade Court, expected to arrive either late tonight, or early tomorrow morning, and he’s bringing Emma with him. Leon is relieved, they no longer have to rely on the King of Jade to search for both Keith and Emma. He had been growing worried with Fernand whispering that she and Keith must have committed a double suicide by now.

Liam adds that Emma is planning on reporting directly to the King and the Trial about what Fernand said while she was kidnapped. Leon understands he needs to vouch for Emma’s character using his own authority. Once the true mastermind is revealed, none of the noble beasts of Jade will be able to stand still.

Liam offers his full support to Leon; he will do anything to ensure that the slander against Keith’s name is cleared. But Emma will only be able to testify to what happened to her, she won’t be able to testify against the attempted patricide charge.

Leon admits that the situation is grim; he has been speaking to the nobles in court and Keith has no support from them. It seems inevitable that Keith will be found guilty without Emma’s testimony, and even with her testimony the outcome is uncertain at best.

Liam agrees, which is why it must be an absolute secret that Keith is returning to court tomorrow. Once Keith and Emma arrive, they will need to hide so they can use Emma as a surprise witness. The current plan is that tonight Keith and Emma will arrive in the throne room-

Leon cuts him off, how will they get to the throne room?

Liam explains; there’s a secret passage from the throne to the city. Keith decided to use it since the throne room should be unused and empty at night, and even if someone were to be out and about at night, they would need special permission to enter the throne room.

Leon doesn’t like the idea of Emma waiting in an area that, while supposedly empty, is very public and wouldn’t be that unusual for someone to visit. Especially with Lord Fernand looking for her; it would be easy for him to find her and kill her. Until he knows whom in Jade he can trust, he cannot depend on Jade to safeguard her. But he cannot enter the throne room himself without permission from the King of Jade.

Liam comes up with a compromise. Currently, Keith’s rooms are unused, and no one can come near by happenstance. Beyond that, Leon can stay with Emma in them. Leon agrees and tells Liam to contact Keith with the updated plan. Liam bows and both men leave.

Neither waited long enough to notice a third person slip out of the corridor.

The secret passage leading from the city to the royal throne room was a closely guarded secret known only to the royal family of Jade. While Emma would like to include herself in the group of people who know about it’s existence, that wouldn’t be the entire truth.

In reality, the secret passage was connected to the city’s waterway and was formed like a maze. Without Keith leading her, Emma would have been lost hours ago, and if she were to have to find her way alone, she would fail. After what seems to be a million years, Emma is standing in the Jade Throne Room, surrounded by the refreshing scent of plants. The moon is high in the sky, its light casting a pattern with the windows and shadows from the high ceiling.

Keith admits that he never expected to sneak into the Jade Palace, so he’s happy that he could work out the reverse way through the passage. He asks Emma if she’s tired from walking and if she’s feeling okay.

Emma is fine, but she’s worried about Keith. He’s the one who was nervous the entire walk up. Actually, now that she mentions it, Keith is feeling quite embarrassed. He didn’t realize that it was that obvious to her. Emma laughs and tells Keith that she can see everything about him.

As she expected, Keith’s expression softened at her false bravado, and he laughed a little. He tells her that if he can’t hide anything, then he won’t bother trying, and thanks her.

Walking together, Emma and Keith make their way to the throne room’s exit. She thinks about Keith’s plan, and as they come to the closed doors, she can see a figure waiting in front of them. No one should have business in the throne room this late, and Keith notes that it’s impossible for someone to be waiting for them.

With a haughty smile, Fernand notes that Keith is first-class in boldness to call him impossible. Keith thanks him for the compliment, adding that to him, Fernand is first-class in terms of being shameless. Emma has to check to see which Keith said that. It’s still Nice!Keith.

Fernand was not expecting that, and his eyebrows furrow uncomfortably. He calls Keith a thief and a murderer, pointing out that he tried to murder his own father. Keith reminds Fernand that they’re alone in the throne room, and Fernand can stop lying.

Fernand asks what the lie is.

Right now, Keith is being accused of a crime that he has no recollection of committing. The person who carried out the assassination attempt mentioned his name, and related documents were ‘discovered’ in Keith’s room. He’s quite disappointed, he didn’t think that Fernand would be so obvious about it. If Keith really wanted to assassinate the King, would he have made the attempt so obvious? Even as fabricated evidence goes, couldn’t Fernand have put in a little more effort?

Honestly, Emma had never heard the details of the assassination attempt before. And, from what Keith and Fernand are saying, it sounds very unnatural for Keith to be the primary suspect. What kind of country is this that swallowed Fernand’s words without doing a proper investigation?

Keith continues; in addition to flimsy evidence, what are his motivations to kill the king? The throne will go to him if he just waits for a little, an assassination would be too much risk with no extra reward. However, Fernand’s situation is different. As Emma can attest, he wants to be King of Jade.

Emma agrees, reminding Fernand that he had threatened to kill her if Keith protested his own death. And he has plenty of motives to want the King dead and Keith branded as a traitor.

Fernand points out that she hasn’t considered something; she doesn’t need to convince him, she needs to convince the nobles of Jade. And between the two of them, whom would they believe?

Keith points out that Emma would have the backing of Leon of Rhodolite. Denying Emma’s words is tantamount to declaring Rhodolite an enemy. Which would be foolish for the neutral country of Jade. Fernand only laughs; why should they care what some small country thinks?

Emma is enraged, not only is Fernand denigrating Keith, but he is also insulting Rhodolite. She cannot see herself forgiving Fernand, who is against everything she loves.

Is Fernand aware that what he is saying is going against the will of the King of Jade? Keith reminds him that the King is proud for Jade to be neutral to all. Fernand only shakes his head; it is impossible for the king and the governmental officials to agree on everything. What he is saying isn’t a sign of rebellion, just his personal opinion.

Keith points out that it’s Fernand’s personal opinions that are leading him to rebel. After all, needs the backing of the throne in order to join forces with Obsidian.

Once, Keith had mentioned to Emma that he had a trump card that he could play at the trial, but he hadn’t explained what it was to Emma or Licht.

Fernand asks what Keith is talking about.

During his stay in Rhodolite, Keith had looked into a ‘money tree’ that Jade was planning on exporting. Upon hearing Keith say ‘money tree’, Fernand’s expression blatantly changes. He demands to know how Keith heard about it.

Keith has an acquaintance who is very good at business opportunities.

(As long as you're not related to him, he's actually a pretty great guy)

From what Keith heard, he was able to figure out the ‘money tree’ was a plant the King of Jade had banned from even being cultivated. It’s a plant that needs express permission from the King of Jade to be grown in quantities worth selling and exporting to Obsidian. To be clear, they’re talking about a new poison.

A few years ago, Jade was trying to cultivate and grow a medicinal herb to be used in a universal panacea. It had been a national project that had many reports and hopes placed on it. However, they discovered that if it is cultivated in certain conditions, the plant becomes an odorless, tasteless poison. The perfect drug for assassinations.

The risk of the plant used for assassinations was so high that the king had stopped the development entirely. It was too much of a double-edged weapon for them to risk, even with the potential health benefits.

Keith personally agreed with the King’s decision, but Fernand obviously did not. Instead, he was planning on commercializing the poisonous plant and making a profit. And in order to do that, he would need to be king.

Fernand has tried to kill Keith in the past, but with this potential for profits looming over him, he has redoubled his efforts. Fernand was the one who ordered Keith to go to Rhodolite to investigate rumors, and used his absence to try to murder the king and fabricate evidence against him.

Fernand tells Keith that the fabrication is Keith’s wild guesses about the plant. He has no evidence to back up his claims.

This is Keith’s true trump card; he has already found the fields where the plant is being cultivated under Fernand’s orders.

Fernand shouts that there is no documentation for those fields. Keith points out that he never said anything about documentation, and with those words, Fernand has just admitted the existence of the fields.

Fernand tells Keith that he is truly an idiot. In the end, he is still a failure, one who is going to die right here and right now. He’ll tell the King that he tried to apprehend Keith, but unfortunately, it became a fight where he had to kill Keith to survive. That’s believable enough.

If Fernand is going to kill him either way, Keith asks him to confirm what he said as true. Fernand neither confirms nor denies Keith’s words, instead he raises his hands and claps a few times. The doors behind him burst open, and soldiers pour in. They’re not wearing the official imperial uniforms of the Jade court, but all have Fernand’s personal emblem. They’re Fernand’s private soldiers, and they’re not here to apprehend Keith and Emma alive. No matter how good Keith’s swordsmanship is, there are too many for him to fight at once.

Fernand tells Keith that if he was any smarter, Emma wouldn’t be dying with him. Keith only shakes his head, for some reason Fernand hasn’t noticed that Keith is no longer that frightened boy whose brother has just been killed. He hasn’t noticed that it’s Fernand who is in the trap.

Leon and Licht call out from behind the soldiers, asking if this is the time for their grand entrance. Emma feels reassured by their voices, even though she knew enough of the plan for it not to be a surprise.

Keith calls out an apology to Leon and Licht. His uncle was being very disrespectful towards Emma, a noble from their country. Leon assures him that they don’t blame him.

Licht has a more pressing question; how far can they go in this fight? Keith asks them to not kill anyone, if possible. There are many things he would like to ask them and have them testify to. But they’re welcome to hurt the soldiers until they feel more afraid than Emma felt during this entire ordeal.

Leon positions himself behind the soldiers, and Licht slides up to stand next to Keith’s side, both with their swords bare. Keith unsheathes his own sword, pointing it at Fernand.

Fernand almost laughs, what does Keith hope to accomplish with three people? Keith asks instead, what does Fernand hope to do with this paltry number of soldiers? He would need at least five times as many to stop them.

Fernand calls out to his soldiers to stop Keith and save everyone in the palace, and the fight begins. From now on, there is a battle in the truest sense of the word.

Beyond the existence of the forbidden plant, the only other evidence of Fernand’s involvement is Emma’s testimony. She desperately needs to turn the tide so that Fernand and not Keith is the one on defense.

With the sound of swords clashing together ringing in her ears, Emma turns to the stairs leading up to the throne and begins to rapidly ascend them. Even with all the extra people below, the fight has the entirety of their attention, and no one has noticed the extra person present. She pauses briefly to catch her breath before approaching the throne and bowing.

Before the King of Jade, Emma introduces herself as Belle, the person who is to choose the future King of Rhodolite.

The King of Jade is a middle-aged man with the same olive hair as Keith. He very slowly opens his eyes and looks at her. His gaze is fraught with tension and pressure, and the strength of it makes Emma feel like there is a sword being held at her throat. But the King is also very pale, he hasn’t fully recovered from the poisoning attempt.

Before she and Keith had snuck into the throne room, he had entrusted a letter to Liam for the king, begging him to sit unobtrusively on the throne this night. The fact that he was here was proof that he hadn’t completely abandoned Keith, and they had a glimmer of hope left.

The King admits that he heard about her from the Black Lion. Looking down at the battle, he asks Emma what she has seen of his son, using the eyes of Rhodolite’s Belle.

Keith will become a king who is loved and adored by the country. She would choose him as King.

The current King of Jade points out that Keith is far too kind to be king. Emma agrees that Keith is kind, but she points out that he’s not exactly fangless. She gestures towards Keith, who is stalking towards Fernand, bloody sword in hand, and a ferocious expression on his face. He casually knocks away a soldier who tried to jump him and hurls the soldier’s sword at Fernand. The sword rams through the wall, inches away from Fernand’s face.

Keith asks why Fernand hasn’t drawn his sword to join in on the fight. He often says that if the opponent is a failure, there’s no need to be afraid.

With a malicious grin, Fernand pulls the sword free. As expected, Keith truly is an idiot.

Behind Keith, just out of sight, a soldier creeps towards him without making a sound.

Normal Story – Give Me Your Love

Without turning, Keith uses his own sword to stab the sneaky soldier. Emma is impressed, it is obvious that Keith has a level of training beyond that of any of the soldiers.

Fernand never cared enough about Keith to find out about his hobbies. Ever since Tio was murdered, Keith has devoted himself to training with the sword. Does Fernand understand how angry Keith is now?

Fernand drops the sword and tries to run. Swiftly, Keith reaches into a hidden pocket and pulls out a knife, throwing it at Fernand. It hits Fernand’s arm, slamming it against the wall. Fernand immediately collapsed, his face contorting.

Keith hates this underhanded dirty way of fighting. But, after talking with him, he’s grown to understand that being too kind won’t protect anyone. He’s handled Keith’s weakness up to now, but it’s time that Keith stops relying on others to cover for him.

The knife currently lodged inside Fernand was coated in poison. Poison that Keith happens to have the antidote to, with him right now. Pulling out an amber vial with a liquid inside it, Keith tells Fernand that he’ll give it to him if Fernand tells him where the plant is being cultivated.

Fernand snorts and asks if Keith was lying when he said he found the field earlier. Keith was, Fernand was too good at hiding his wrongdoings even from Keith.

Fernand’s breathing is becoming erratic, and his face is growing discolored. Faced with his eminent death, Fernand does not hesitate. The plants are being cultivated at a viscount’s villa bordering the country of Tanzanite. The plants need a tropical environment to become a marketable poison. Keith hands over the antidote.

Fernand asks what the point of this even was. Even knowing where the plants are located, Keith cannot prove his involvement. Keith asks if Fernand is going to ever notice his surroundings.

The battle is over, the area is silent except for the people wailing in agony, Leon and Licht have already sheathed their swords, and are watching them. Then Keith sheathes his own sword, a signal that the fight has ended. The three of them turn to look at the throne, where the King of Jade is standing next to Emma.

The King takes a deep breath, noting that it was worth it to drag himself out of bed. He tells Keith to jail his uncle.

The next day, a shock runs through the Jade Palace as the events of the previous night are revealed. It becomes known that the culprit behind the attempted assassination is not the King’s son Keith, but his younger brother Fernand.

The aristocrats who were part of Fernand’s faction have pale faces as they discover their leader had been arrested and was currently undergoing interrogation. None look as distressed as the Duke who helped Fernand kidnap Emma.  Everything should have been settled and handled, and peace should have returned to the castle.

So why is this happening?

In Keith’s room, with Emma on his lap, Keith would like Emma to explain a few things to him. His face is close to hers, and his gaze is straight and steady. Emma is tempted to flee, but she can’t since Keith is holding her, trapping her against him.

Emma tries to distract him, pointing out that this is the first time she’s seen his room. She asks about the plants, and the tree.

(This is the only view of Keith's room Emma can get)

Keith refuses to be distracted. He is usually bottomless in his kindness, but right now none of that is to be seen. Earlier, he had spoken with the doctor.

In a world with no doctor-patient privacy, Keith had received the full medical report on Emma, and in particular, her injuries. He asks about a ‘magnificently large bruise’ on her abdomen that she never told him about.

Emma admits that when she fell into the river after jumping out of a window, she actually did get a little hurt. Just a little bit, and besides, the pain gets better every day, and even the doctor didn’t think she did any lasting damage. In fact, after hearing the story, the doctor demanded to know how she was still alive and not even more hurt.

Maybe Emma is just really tough?

Keith reminds Emma about their conversation just after their carriage was attacked back in Rhodolite. Just as she wanted to know so that she could worry over him, he wants to know so that he can worry over her. He doesn’t want her to hide injuries from him.

In the face of Keith’s anger, Emma apologizes. She has nothing to say to defend herself, and Keith’s anger is understandable.

Keith does not accept her apology and refuses to forgive her. Instead, he tells Emma to look into his eyes. Emma does, and the act alone makes her squirm. She feels her face and body grow hot. Nothing else happens, and she begins to ask Keith what he’s intending.

This is Emma’s punishment for hiding something important from him. And it’s working since this is making her feel so flustered.

Emma feels her heart begin to pound with the eye contact. Beyond that, she is also thinking about this newfound sadistic streak of Keith’s. Ever since the confrontation with Fernand in the throne room, Nice!Keith is becoming a little less nice, and a little more like Alter!Keith. Maybe he was originally like this, and his lack of self-worth was blocking this aspect of his personality. Well, Nice!Keith is still Nice!Keith, and separate from Alter!Keith.

And how much longer must she look into Keith’s eyes? And is his face getting closer?

Emma can’t escape, she can’t close her eyes, all she can do is endure this sweet tension between them. Before long, she can’t see anything other than Keith’s face. All she can feel is Keith on her lips.

Keith jerks back as if he just came to his senses. He immediately apologizes; he didn’t want to go this far; he was just trying to emulate Alter!Keith. He’s the worst, the worst and the lowliest of all weeds. No, that’s an insult to lowly weeds!

Emma is stunned, did she just get kissed? Is this her first kiss with Nice!Keith?

Emma cuts off Keith’s apologies, he isn’t the worst, and she doesn’t like it when he says that. In the first place, she came to Keith’s room originally to confess to him. And normally she would have, but Keith had been fixated on her medical report and didn’t give her an opening to say anything.

Anyways, tomorrow Leon and his ‘delegation’ are returning to Rhodolite, and she wants to talk to Keith before they leave. Keith also wants to talk with her, since he’s no longer the failure prince, he wants to confess his feelings to her. But, he thinks that they already know how the other feels. If he’s right, he would like Emma to close her eyes.

Emma closes her eyes.

The lips tenderly pressing against hers was not a surprise. As if to test her reaction, Keith gives her gentle pecks, all of which Emma accepts. The last one is not a peck and grows deeper. The hesitation between them disappears, and the angle of the kiss changes and deepens.

Eventually, Emma has to pull back and place a hand over Keith’s mouth, or there would be no end to the kiss. As if in protest, Keith’s tongue licks Emma’s hand.

Keith wants her to think of him forever, even when they’re apart. So, he would like it if Emma wouldn’t stop him. He apologizes, it’s his idea to convey their feelings without using words. He begs Emma to let him be selfish for a little longer. Emma warns him that if he does, he’ll forever think of her even when they’re apart.

Emma meant that as a threat, but Keith just laughs happily at her. He tells her that she’s too late, all he can do is think about her. With heat bleeding from his golden eyes, Keith removes Emma’s hand from his face.

[judesmoonbeauty]

Rambles Post: Includes spoilers for Gil’s route kind of.

Wants to write, but is too tired. Wants to translate, but is too tired. Wants to play LBC White Day Event….yeah, too tired. This is my punishment for allowing Gilbert von Obsidian control my life for the last 22 hours. Hopefully, after a good night’s rest we can get back to other things, but…..

I played Gil’s route on JP, so I pretty much knew everything, still I’m so happy we finally have it on EN server. I remember crying for Gilbert when I played in JP, and I’m so glad that I didn’t this time round. That’s mostly because I was focused on a specific goal. Tbh, I haven’t even read through all the premiums, side stories and epilogues. I’ve got to go back to those tomorrow or something.

Anyway, I think one of the things I enjoy about Gilbert/his route is that is allows you so much interaction with HIM. Idk, I feel like sometimes with the other LIs you do get to interact with them as often or rather, another side character takes over. Example: I feel like Rio overran Silvio’s a little too much. That’s just my opinion though. But with Gilbert’s route, you get to have Gilbert glued to you 24/7. He goes away for like half chapter once or twice, but that’s it.

NGL, I’m also quite sad that Gilbert is here because that means we are going to entering the realm of Act 3 or the Sequel routes for the princes, which means, the newer foreign princes are on their way too. I mean, yea, it’s not gonna happen tomorrow, but I feel like Gilbert is the crescendo that marks the finality of the original princes and ushers in a new era. So, while that’s exciting, it’s also a little sad in a way because I find myself wondering things like:

I wonder when Cybird is going to stop expanding the world of IkePri? Are Azel, Kagari and Matthias it? Will there be more? If not, for how long will the game continue? I mean it could be planned for a while, but then you wonder: Will they pull the plug on it like they did IkeRev, if let’s say, IkeVil becomes the greater moneymaker? I mean I probably is by now.

Ok, I’m gonna stop now. Exhaustion is setting in and I’ve truly started rambling.

[violetsystems]

Silvio Gesell hated money. A German entrepreneur who moved to Argentina for business in the late 19th century, he witnessed a massive financial crash in 1890 that convinced him that money was behind the world's economic problems: poverty, inequality, unemployment, stagnation.

The problem, Gesell believed, was that money served two roles that often came into conflict: It was a way for people to store wealth, and it was the thing everybody needed to conduct business. The fact that money could store wealth meant its holders had a reason to cling to it, especially in crises like the one he saw in Argentina, when opportunities to safely put that money elsewhere looked grim. It was a typical story. When people got scared, they hoarded cash and brought business to a standstill. It led, Gesell said, to a situation of "poverty amid plenty."

Gesell wanted to create a new kind of money — a money that would "rot like potatoes" and "rust like iron" so no one would want to hoard it, a money that was "an instrument of exchange and nothing else." And the crazy part is that he did create it. Through a series of pamphlets, articles and books, Gesell inspired a worldwide movement that introduced a completely new form of money. It's one of the most fascinating, and largely forgotten, stories in economic history.

But after 70 years of obscurity, Gesell is making a comeback. All of a sudden, this obscure radical from another age has his name and ideas popping up in unlikely places — like speeches of leaders at the U.S. Federal Reserve, research papers of the International Monetary Fund and the pages of the Financial Times. As the industrialized world grapples with stagnation and as markets signal another recession, policymakers are struggling to figure out what to do. Could Gesell provide an answer?

Money with an expiration date

Gesell was born in 1862 to a German father and a French mother, and he was raised in what is now Belgium. Back then, it was part of the expanding Prussian empire. At 24, he moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he worked as an importer and manufacturer and did well for himself. On the side, he taught himself economics.

In 1891, hoping to end the depression in Argentina, Gesell published his first work, "Currency Reform as a Bridge to the Social State." He proposed a new kind of paper money that would have an expiration date. To avoid expiration, the bills would have to be periodically stamped for a fee. With no new stamp, they would become worthless. In this system, saving money would cost you money. Savings, in other words, would have a negative interest rate. Only by spending or investing it would you be able to avoid stamp fees.

Gesell called it "free money" (or Freigold) — "free" because he believed it would be freed from hoarding and also because it would encourage bankers to lend money without charging interest. The logic was this: If you're holding on to something that's dropping in value, you'll happily part with it — even if it means that it won't make you more money than you started with. It's like a game of hot potatoes. You want to pass it on. Gesell believed this would keep money whizzing through the system, preventing future depressions and increasing public prosperity.

It was a completely radical idea, especially during a time when nations were on the gold standard. That system latched money to the stable value of gold, which meant currency was a pretty safe place to store wealth. Gesell was saying he didn't want money to be like gold. He wanted it to be like most other objects, which decay and rust and go bad. Of course, many people hated this idea, especially people with a lot of money.

In 1899, Gesell began moving back and forth between Europe and Argentina, spreading the gospel of free money and writing extensively on other matters as well. He had a bunch of eccentric views, criticizing monogamous relationships and advocating free love. He lived in a vegetarian commune near Berlin for a time. He was a bohemian utopian who advocated for peace between nations. He was critical of big business and finance, but he believed in individual freedom and market competition. And he was a committed anti-racist. As fascism rose in Germany, Gesell would call the scapegoating of Jews for the nation's problems "a colossal injustice."

Wikimedia Commons

After World War I, Gesell watched Europe descend into political and economic chaos. In 1919, anarchist revolutionaries in Munich, Germany, took the helm of the short-lived Bavarian Republic, and they persuaded Gesell to become their finance minister. Led by pacifist poets and playwrights, it has been called "one of the strangest governments in the history of any country." Gesell began pursuing a program that included land reform, a basic income for women with children and, of course, stamped money. But the job lasted less than a week — ending after another group of revolutionaries, this time led by hard-line communists, overthrew the anarchist poets and playwrights. A year later, after the German government reasserted control, Gesell was tried for treason. But, successfully arguing that his only role and purpose was to rescue the Bavarian economy, he was acquitted after a one-day trial and went back to writing.

Free money becomes real money

For decades, money that expired unless stamped was mostly a theory. It took the Great Depression to make it a reality. As the economy went into a free-fall, people scrambled to find solutions. And in towns scattered throughout Europe and the United States, they found their solution in Gesell. The money reformer, who died in 1930 of pneumonia, would not live to see it.

In 1932, in the small town of Wörgl, Austria, a town leader, Michael Unterguggenberger, got Wörgl to issue stamped money as a way to combat skyrocketing unemployment and business closures. The town used it to pay the unemployed to do public works, and by all contemporary accounts, the system worked to lift the town out of misery.

The press dubbed it the "miracle of Wörgl," and it was one in a series of local experiments with stamped money. These experiments inspired many other struggling cities, like Hawarden, Iowa, and Anaheim, Calif., to do the same. It was around then that Gesell's work was finally published in English. With classical economics discredited by the prolonged depression and with leading economists scrambling to figure out what to do, many were inspired by Gesell. Among them were Irving Fisher and John Maynard Keynes, two of the most influential economists of the 20th century.

In 1933, Fisher wrote a short book inspired by Gesell's ideas called Stamp Scrip. Fisher was an economist at Yale University, and he's now somewhat unfairly remembered for making overly optimistic predictions before the crash of 1929. He lobbied Congress to institute stamped money to provide relief to a distressed America. U.S. senators introduced a bill (S. 5125) that would have issued a billion dollars of stamped money to be distributed nationally. But it did not end up becoming law. Perhaps that's because that year was already seeing huge changes, with newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt implementing the New Deal and taking the U.S. off the gold standard.

Keynes, in 1936, dedicated five pages to Gesell in a concluding chapter of his magnum opus, The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money. While critiquing some of Gesell's overall theory, Keynes concluded, "The idea behind stamped money is sound."

Why do we care about this now?

After World War II, the industrialized world entered a remarkable period of economic growth. And central banks, now off a rigid gold standard, played a greater role in managing money to ease the ups and downs of the market. Negative-interest money lost its allure, and Gesell was mostly forgotten.

But the world's central banks are now thinking about how to keep money moving again. When the economy enters a downturn, they usually cut interest rates to encourage spending. But interest rates are already close to zero, which could be a huge problem in another recession. For a long time, economists believed rates couldn't go negative for a simple reason: If saving in places like a bank costs people money, they will instead just hoard cash, which won't cost them money. Cash becomes a roadblock to economic stimulus. One way around this is higher inflation, which devalues or "taxes" money in real terms, but central banks like the Fed have been showing that they have much less power to increase inflation than previously thought.

Central banks in Europe and Japan have been experimenting with teeny-tiny negative interest rates as a way to stimulate the economy, but the issue still remains that people will start hoarding cash if rates go significantly negative. It's why serious economic thinkers consider Gesell relevant again.

In our technological age, a Gesellian system of unhoardable cash wouldn't actually have to involve stamping paper bills for a fee. It could involve high-tech physical cash, such as magnetic strips that allow the government to impose a "Gesell tax" on holding cash, as one economist proposed some years ago. Harvard University's Kenneth Rogoff has been advocating we get rid of paper money altogether and move almost completely to a system of electronic cash. He believes it could give central banks the power to impose negative interest rates deep enough to rescue our economy from future recessions. In all of this, Gesell was a pioneer.

Silvio Gesell has been called everything from a "libertarian socialist" to an "anarchist" to a "free spirit" to a "crank." John Maynard Keynes had a much more affectionate term for him: a "strange, unduly neglected prophet."

[segadores-y-soldados]

“Supersoldier” redirects here.  For other uses, see [Supersoldier (disambiguation)].

“Enhancement program” redirects here.  For general human augmentation, see [Human enhancement].

The Soldier Enhancement Program, also known as the initials SEP, was an advanced medical and military training program conducted by the United States Army Special Forces and the Central Intelligence Agency from January 2047 to July 2047.  The exact details of the program are still heavily classified, but the original purpose was to “genetically and phenotypically enhance selected recruits and soldiers of the Special Forces and develop a new programmatic military and tactical training to resist and counter Omnic forces and Omniums in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.”  Selected Special Forces candidates, officially called “candidates” or “soldiers” within the program, or colloquially called “supersoldiers” by the general public, developed increased physical and mechanical strength, faster and more flexible agility, longer periods of sustained endurance, rapid innate biological healing processes, and higher stores of biochemical energy levels.  

---------------

This is one of the most intelligently written stories I’ve read in a long time (and I mean including published fiction), not just because of your psychotically impressive attention to detail in military exercises, but in the way you write people too. Your characterization is complex and layered and so believable, and manages to expand upon what we know from OW while remaining true to the source material— little things like Reaper uses twin shotguns, so making Gabriel left-handed and thus ambidextrous is fucking perfect. There are a lot of very good falling-in-lust fanfics out there but very few pull off believable, true-to-character bonding the way you have. And I love how you’ve explored Jack and Gabriel’s different strengths/levels of experience, giving them opportunities to learn from each other while keeping them both fairly confident.

TL;DR - Your work is fucking awesome, and you better write a full novel (or at least get a Patreon account) so I can pay you for it with more than just my time.

---------------

[In military science, Force Multiplication is an attribute or a combination of attributes that multiplies the effectiveness of a soldier or weapon, giving a small number of troops or individuals the ability to accomplish greater tasks than without it.]

Jack Morrison is 26, just completed the first half of his Special Forces "Q-Course," and just got airdropped to a secret base in the snowy mountains of Idaho along with the other "supersoldier candidates."

[Common force multipliers are: terrain, geographical features, weather]

He doesn't really know how to feel about his new "number" (76) or the fact that he's joined a program that will "genetically and phenotypically modify him, as well as train him extensively, to survive better against the bots."

[Training and experience]

He never thought he was particularly "special" (though he'll be the first to admit he's always hoped for an adventure worthy of legend).

[Tactics and intelligence]

And he thought SEP would just be more training

[Morale]

Until he met "Soldier: 24"

[Friends]

Gabriel Reyes

[Inspiration]

And Jack experienced a revelation

And they changed the course of history.

---------------

I'm devastated I can only kudos this once. Your writing is wonderfully fluid and descriptive and a joy to consume. Thank you for this story

---

I swear I count down the days until a new chapter comes out. I love the writing and feel so happy after reading despite anything else that may have been going on. Thank you for that and for the great content. Both are so wonderful!

---------------

Only a few individuals have claimed or acknowledged their parts in the program publically, including: [Jack Morrison], the Strike-Commander of Overwatch; [Gabriel Reyes], the Crisis-era Strike-Commander of Overwatch and the eventual commander of Overwatch’s “Special Operations Division”; [Monique Carter-Tsang], former Secretary of Defense; [Riya Naidu], former director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention; and [Felix Ochoa-Morris], former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The commander of the USSOCOM when the program was active was General [Sofía Flores].  A number of individuals have denied being part of the program, despite claims from known and other likely members listing them as being present when the program was active.

---------------

Gabriel watches him closely, before asking quietly, “The end justifies the means?”

“Hmm, not even,” Jack hums contemplatively, “The means justify themselves in this case.  You can try doing something simply for the sake of trying.”

Gabriel’s expression is difficult to read - almost a scowl, but not in anger or frustration, just in intense concentration, as he says, “That argument doesn’t hold up in peacetime, and it only barely works in war.”

“Hmm, I don’t know what specific examples you’re thinking of, Gabe,” Jack says slyly, “But we’re not in a war, and we’re definitely not in peacetime.”

Gabriel’s scowl twists into bewilderment as he asks, “What do you think this Crisis is?”

Jack looks him dead in those beautiful, dark obsidian eyes, like smoke backlit by raw molten sunlight and fire -

And Jack states brightly:

“It’s the apocalypse, sir -”

And with an easy flick of his right arm -

Jack hurls the knife straight into the bark of the tree

As he hums lightly:

“And it’s time to try everything.”

---------------

---------------

“Truth is, none of you are ready for the roles you’re going to get, plain and simple.  180A’s and 18Z’s have seven to ten years on you as you are now,” Guerra states to them unapologetically, “So go on, show me your leadership.  Show me your prowess.  Literally nothing is preventing you from joining the others in a cell for a week.  Feel free to take some goddamn initiative and show us that you’re willing to put yourselves on the line for them.  Show them - and us - that you can walk your goddamn talk.”

Guerra locks those abyssally dark eyes with Gabriel, staring him down

And a part of Gabriel’s anger boils over.

He won’t put himself on the line for them, nor the directors, nor this godawful program -

Nor his own miserable wreck of a country.

...But he will put himself - has put himself - on the line for what precious few people he has in his life: his parents, his sisters, his uncle

His old team

Carlos

Luisa

Carolina

...Silvio

And now

For the small hours - too much and not enough, never enough - he has

Where Jack smiles under golden firelight and sweet lanternlight and snowy starlight.

...And it takes all of his willpower not to stand up and march out of the room.

(“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that he does not become a monster in the process.”)

---------------

---------------

The program is widely considered one of the most controversial projects undertaken by the United States military and CIA, but even in 2076, 72% of American citizens polled still regarded the program as “crucially necessary” to America surviving the Crisis, with 61% of all individuals polled calling the candidates “heroes during the Crisis.”

---------------

You know what they say about the best time to plant trees, right?

Well, guess what?

It’s the same thing people say about “24X76: Force Multiplication.”

You probably should’ve started reading 20 years ago four days ago.

But don’t worry!

The next best time is to start reading now!

(Mainly because the “slow burn” part just ended, lol.)

24X76: Force Multiplication

Current Chapters: 24

Current Word Count: 352886

Updated once a week.

Because let’s be honest:

You really, really want an Overwatch story that feels like a badass action-adventure military movie that also has a deep, slow burn romance, uses full references and legit sources, uses actual canon/in-game quotes by the characters, is super dedicated to the main canon while still being grounded in the real world, and updates consistently.

...And you’re also really, really, really tired of waiting for the SEP Soldier: 76 skin.

(Last self-promotion post for a long while, I promise!  I’m just super excited to see the feedback on Force Multiplication and I never know how to promote myself or my stuff, so I figured I’d give it whirl and see how it goes.)

[viatagrinner]

Many of you write such interesting theories about Gilbert.

I want to participate too... (Lol, the route will be out in less than 24 hours.)

But my theories usually don't come true and I pay attention to unnecessary things.🤣😅

Here are some thoughts on Gilbert's route.

Childhood.

1. I don't get the feeling that Gilbert was born in the palace and lived there originally.

It seems to me that his situation is the same as Jin's. Lived somewhere far away until father found out/remembered he had a son. Perhaps Gil lived in an orphanage or a place with lots of kids. Maybe the foster parents had a lot of children.

Why?

He's good with kids (communicating with little Luke as well as the kids from the Christmas event), the kids trust him, he knows tricks, how to entertain the kids and how to communicate with them.

Yes it is manipulative, but a man who grew up in the cold and cruel court of the emperor could hardly have found common ground with such ease.

2. (I get a sense of deja vu, as if I read this in someone else's post a long time ago.)

He is not the emperor's son at all.

Gil is from a captured kingdom. And the emperor adopted him.

国王 - kokuou - king.

This title, for example, was used by Silvio's father.

"王" (ou) means "king".

But Obsidian is an empire.

皇帝 - That's what Gilbert calls his father.

皇子 - ouji - imperial prince.

But "王子" is used to describe Gilbert.

A traumatic accident.

The implication is that Gilbert used to be ordinary, perhaps somewhat like Emma in his kindness.

1. What happened to the prince? The answer in the "More Love with the Beast" event.

In "More Love with the Beast," Chapter 2, there was an episode when Gilbert saw a book with a "sinister black cover" in the bookstore where Emma worked. The girl does not know what country it is from, but it is written by a promising author.

The darkness of the imperial court was depicted in detail, a very realistic description of the darkness of the human heart.

But she liked the main character.

Gilbert was interested. (Even the heroine paid attention to it.)

What did she like about the character? She liked his unwavering conviction, and whatever intrigue he faces, he insists on his innocence.

Even in the face of great evil, the hero never gives up, sticks to his convictions.

Emma wants to emulate this hero. Gilbert remarks that this character is like a girl. "Honesty and purity." And he asks her never to change.

2. In the recent event, (The Prince is a bodyguard.)

I think we will meet this character again.

???: Listen, Gil. I'm on your side no matter what.

???: I promise. I won't leave you alone. So... okay?

It's a male.

Because he used 俺 - ore. For women, that's rude.

3. In Clavis' dramatic ending, Gilbert notes that he and the 3rd prince are similar.

Both don't trust people. People are tedious until they "break".

So, my guess:

It doesn't take a genius of deduction to figure out that the book describes the court of Obsidian.

А) The main character in this novel is Gilbert.

This man, who told Gilbert that he would be at his side, ended up betraying the prince.

From that moment on, Gil's behavior changed.

There used to be "honesty and purity" in him, but not anymore.

B) And you know, while I was writing, I remembered something else... Clavis' dramatic ending again. (Chapter 24)

Gilbert: People can be controlled by fear, and there's no fear more effective than love.

Perhaps the main character was this unknown man who promised not to leave the prince, but the fear of losing this man made Gilbert give up on him and everything good about himself.

Current Situation.

Again, thanks to the story of Clavis and a bit of Silvio, we know that there are two factions in Obsidian: the Imperial faction and Gilbert's faction.

The Imperial faction is brutal, corrupt, and "rotten".

The emperor and his men spare no one.

Again the story of Clavis, and again the Dramatic ending: Liden, the head of the area where Emma and Clavis ended up, was the Emperor's man brutally suppressing the resistance (I don't remember very well what he was killing people over).

Thoughts about what happens next.

1. Why is the prince in such a hurry? Maybe he found out that his father wants to go to war again with Rodolite, Benitoite, and Jade?

He doesn't want to let that happen. And he needs to take the throne. Why then is he hanging around in another country? He wants to get to know a future ally and then maybe an enemy.

2. It's not a violent game after all. It is unlikely to show or tell that Gilbert killed his father. More likely to send him off somewhere and take the throne (second CG.)

I think the art where we are shown a "gothic" Emma, and where Gilbert said that "bad guys don't care if they're loved or not" (sorry, I don't remember his exact words, and I'm too lazy to look) is the dramatic ending. The prince hasn't changed. He remains a sinner, will "repaint" the heroine in darker shades, but will be happy with her. Here he became an emperor, perhaps a slightly better version of his father.

3. The prince sometimes (though in events) calls himself a sinner, and he kills people very easily, but does not repent of it. Perhaps even for him, killing his father (even his adopted father) is a sin.

4. Does Gil have a second eye?

I wish... And a different color. 😍😅 But most likely the eye is lost. Perhaps it was a punishment from the emperor. Maybe it has something to do with that unknown man.

5. Yves & Gil

This is where I looked. Because I didn't really remember the plot.

The only thing I found.

Willow's mother was a princess (English version) and 王族 - Royalty (Japanese version).

What does that give us?

Imperial family - royalty

Difference between 皇族/王族.

皇族: Emperor's (天皇's) family

王族: King's family

Yves' mother may have been a member of the royal family of the fallen kingdom.

It is unlikely that Yves is the son of the emperor. But he could be related to Gil.

[viatagrinner]

Silvio Ricci. Romantic route. Chapter 24

The quarrel with Rio continues.

Rio: Was my effeminate brother trying so hard to get along with MC just because he wanted to piss me off?

Rio realized a long time ago that MC likes Silvio.

Rio: ..... MC is kind.

Rio: She's kinder to others than she is to herself. That's why she keeps a lot to herself.....

Rio: She never tries to be vulnerable to others.

_________________________________________

Rio tells Silvio that:

1.... Wants his brother to rely on him more and be kinder to him.

2. Silvio is "ruthless" to him.

3. He'd never seen MC smile so happily.

Rio makes it clear to his brother that he accepts the fact that the heroine will not be with him...

4. "Not necessarily" Rio should be there for her.

_________________________________________

Rio: Maybe my brother can be "kind" to MC, too.

Rio: You can say whatever you want to say, cry when you want to cry, talk to me normally when you have problems...

Rio: If those things come up, I shouldn't be the only one around MC.

However...

Rio: MC can't be trusted with a guy who can't tell you what she likes.

Silvio: What? Do I have to get some kind of permission from you?

Rio: Of course, because it's something you can't easily refuse.

Finally, eyes the color of the sky and the color of the sea meet.

Rio: I know all too well the fear of having something I treasure taken away from me.

Silvio: .........

Rio: This time I want to protect the important things properly.

Silvio: Then you shouldn't have left her to me anyway.

Rio: I want MC to be the happiest person in the world.... That's the one thing I won't compromise on.

Rio asks his brother to tell the plan.

Silvio asks Rio not to tell MC anything.

Silvio: In spite of everything...

Rio has a bad feeling, but agrees to help.

_________________________________________

In the morning, Rio asks MC out on a date. The heroine hopes she can keep up the conversation, despite the fact that she wants to sleep.

In the carriage.

Rio tells MC everything - that Silvio has decided to oppose the king and that Rio and the girl had better stay away for now.

The heroine doesn't believe it, is it possible to change your mind in 1 day.

Rio suddenly says that the girl was crying yesterday. Her eyes are red. Did his older brother make her cry?

MC realizes that she bears some of the responsibility for Silvio's decision.

Rio tells her what's going on. Silvio has arranged a meeting with the leaders of other countries. At it, he will propose an alliance between the four countries.

_________________________________________

A few days before. Meeting Room.

Keith: Union/Alliance?

Chevalier: ..........

Gilbert: That's different from what I've heard, isn't it?

Silvio pulls out a parchment with a set of union/alliance rules.

Silvio: I would like to discuss making two kinds of treaties of non-aggression and trade rights, keeping the balance between the four countries as before.

Gilbert: I don't see how that could be beneficial to us.

Gilbert: Everybody here knows that Obsidian is an aggressor country, right?

Gilbert: When it comes to military power, our country is the best. It would be more profitable to conquer you than to make an alliance with you.

Silvio: You can wait. What do you think of Jade and Rhodolite?

Keith: I'm going back to my country for a while, but I don't think it's a bad idea myself.

Keith: I think it's a good idea for the four countries to share the benefits so there's no unnecessary tragedy.

Chevalier: I don't agree with this project, but I'm willing to consider it.

Chevalier: The only country that would have a problem with it is this one.

Gilbert: ........

Chevalier realized that Silvio was right. The prince of Benitoite agreed, for "merchants do not enter into useless negotiations without a chance of winning."

_________________________________________

But the alliance of the four countries was not beneficial to the king of Benitoite. The monopoly of trade with Obsidian would disappear. Besides, despite the treaties, Obsidian could conquer the entire continent.

Benitoite wants to surrender sooner.

_________________________________________

Evening.

Silvio kicks in the door to the meeting room.

Silvio: What the...?

There were so many sweet dishes on the table that someone could have gotten heartburn. The food was not for one person, but for ten or more. But Gilbert was the only one sitting at the table eating.

Gilbert: Hmm. They made a lot of food for us today.

Silvio: You're not going to the party?

Gilbert: I'm not.

Silvio: ...... Why so many sweets?

Gilbert: It's a secret.

Silvio: ....... Well, okay.

Silvio pulls out a document. There are different numbers in them.

Gilbert: And you're a more meticulous person, despite your looks.

Silvio says that Benitoitе will provide new tariffs and trade plans. The document stipulates the inviolability of the secrets of the obsidian industry.

Gilbert was leafing through the documents and bending the corners of the pages. He wasn't entirely happy with the agreement. Silvio says that equality is still not enough.

Gilbert notes that Silvio has stopped "using" the king.

While Silvio is correcting the document, Gilbert says that another reason he came to this meeting is to show sincerity toward Benitoitе.

Silvio: And the real reason?

Gilbert: ...To let me know if you want to be my friend.

Silvio: ...In other words, an alliance with Benitoite is not your main goal.

Gilbert is waiting for a better offer. His country wants to find "friends" to "fraternize with."

Gilbert: Jade and Rhodolite are not invited. But you say you want to get along with everyone.

If something goes wrong, Silvio plans to make amends out of his own pocket.

Gilbert: Ah, let the money talk again. It's a national deal, and if something goes wrong, it could strip you of all your assets.

Well, Silvio will make more money.

Gilbert smiled, putting the cane beside him.

Even if Silvio has a lot of money, he's not drowning in riches. Gilbert knew that Silvio would side with Miss Bunny even if he had to quarrel with his father. There was a reason he was "teasing the dog." [Rio].

Silvio: ..... Was that your plan all along?

Not really. But on the whole, Gilbert is happy with the better deal.

Gilbert notes that Silvio turned out to be more "white/pure" than expected, and the Prince of Obsidian decided to support him.

Silvio: .........

Gilbert promises that the Emperor will support the alliance.

Silvio is surprised that it is so simple.

It is simple, but there is one condition.

_________________________________________

In the carriage.

Rio notes that this is the first time Silvio has gone against the king. Disobeying the king is a sin.

But what now?

_________________________________________

Prison. Embassy of Benitoite.

The King had already heard of the alliance.

Silvio is placed in "prison."

The prince says he should be commended for being able to coordinate four countries.

King of Benitoite: Who gave this order?

The King understood that sooner or later Silvio would do something.

Silvio replies that Chevalier is still considering the possibility, and Jade has already returned the draft. Obsidian is interested, but what if the country that offered it refuses and walks away. The country will lose its reputation, it will be branded.

The king is talking about how insubordination is a sin, a crime. Now that Valerio is back, Silvio is not needed.

Silvio: Aren't you ready to get rid of an unwanted dog. But do what you want, you can't turn this wheel back.

Silvio: Give it up this time, old bastard.

Silvio was defiant, even though he sat with his hands tied in the prison.

The king struck his son and began to crush his head with his foot.

"Perhaps because the prince hit his head hard, his indigo hair turned red."

Soldiers: But...

The King of Benitoite: Don't worry. First of all, it's a fake who doubts whether he's my son or not.

The King of Benitoite: I don't think there's room in Benitoite for a poorly trained dog.

Silvio: ..........

Everyone freezes, not immediately understanding the meaning of the words.

King's words stopped time.

Old King of Rhodolite 🤝🏼 The King of Benitoite🤝🏼The Obsidian Emperor. Another bastard instead of a father.

There is still hope for Jade.😅

_________________________________________

???: Wait, please... Stop.

???: My mistress says you are in the way.

A strangely lively voice echoed through the dungeon.

A young man with azure eyes and a Rhodolite butler's uniform and a young lady wearing a collar with several blue stones flew into the room.

_________________________________________

MC sees her man's head being crushed by his own father. The king seemed kind to her, but in reality he is not. She is enraged, but she needs to restrain herself.

The King is surprised. But Rio asks to begin by removing his father's leg from his brother's head.

The King kicks Silvio.

The King of Benitoite: This shows an unsightly side.

The King says the two of them have no business here, but the heroine refuses. She is bound to Silvio.

The prince is angry and tells her and his brother to get out of here.

Even at a moment like this, Silvio is not thinking about himself. But the girl and Rio must hurry. The heroine pulls out a letter with the royal seal of Rhodolite.

_________________________________________

A few days ago. In the carriage.

MC asks what will happen to Silvio if he is arrested. At best he will be expelled from the country, at worst he will be executed. But before that, he will be tortured. But this is only an assumption, the heroine asks with horror.

Rio: Perhaps, but the king will do it.

But even without Silvio, an alliance will be made.

Rio and MC must return to the palace. And Rio must honor the agreement his brother exchanged with Gilbert.

Even for a wealthy merchant, this could be a huge loss.

Rio retold what his brother had asked him not to tell her.

Then they talked together: What foolishness.

They must hurry because the king might send them to Benitoite.

And Silvio has no allies, for even helping in this matter is a crime.

Then the heroine will become a criminal and help Silvio no matter what.

It is possible to help Silvio, but the price can be very high.

But the girl is ready, because the prince will risk everything to help Rhodolite.

MC: That's what it means to be a bad girl, right?

The heroine looks into his face and sees that he is almost crying.

Rio is ashamed that his loved ones want to sacrifice something, then he shouldn't sit on the sidelines either.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Prison.

MC talks about the rumors going around town about her:

1. she is a "flower admired" by Lord Silvio.

2. the girl for whose attention Rio and Silvio are vying for.

3. she is Silvio's fiancée.

The latter, by the way, came about thanks to Clavis. Because of these rumors, the men turned their backs on her.

She turned to the king.

MC proposes an engagement to Silvio. The Chevalier approves [accordingly, gives her a title of nobility].

Everyone is silent and in shock.

Silvio's Masterlist

[viatagrinner]

Keith Howell. Chapter 2 & 3 + Letter.

The chapters are too long, knowing myself, I understand that the route will come out faster in English than I translate everything. But the important (in my opinion) conversations will be translated. The translation is not perfect. All rights and CGs belong to Cybird.

Chapter 2

Keith anxiously and fearfully grabs a notebook from the table.

The letters are sloppy on one side, neat on the other. The handwriting is similar, but different. "This person" acted while Keith "slept".

Liam, Keith's butler, came in.

Keith: Good morning. Looks like I've been "asleep" for two days after my tea party with Ms. MC.

Liam: Yes. ..... It seems the shift hours are getting longer again.

The other Keith doesn't seem to have caused any worries or problems.

However... what about MC?

Liam: I don't know, we weren't together 24/7. But for the time being, I don't think there are any problems.

Liam: Compared to the goodwill party Lady MC seems to be less wary of Lord Keith.

Keith: I see... I'm relieved. Really.

Keith wonders why the Rhodolitian princes and Mr. Gilbert like this girl.

Keith reads the documents. "Arms smuggling in Rhodolite and Obsidian..."

Then, distractedly, the prince tells Liam that he doesn't believe MC has anything to do with the rumors that are circulating in Jade.

Keith: I..... don't think she would do anything wrong because she was a good-hearted and sweet woman.

Liam:.... I'm still not convinced.

Keith: If the three nations form an alliance, even the neutral nations can't just wait and see. I don't want to, but....

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

It's time to get ready to go for a walk with MC. He doesn't want to, because he's afraid of drawing a lot of attention to himself and being the black sheep.

Keith: No. Don't be a wuss.

Keith: Even weeds are struggling to survive every day until they are exterminated. I have to do my best, too.

Liam: Is this encouragement to yourself?

Liam also says that there are rumors about his master and MC.

Keith doesn't care, but it's bad for MC. Even though it's only been two days since their tea party. How could a rumor come out in two days?

Liam: For better or worse, you are perceived as having dark roots.

Keith: For better or worse, there's nothing pleasant about having dark roots.

Despite his strong and large body, Keith's eyes look lost, like a child's.

Keith: Could you tell me about this rumor?

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━ MC wants to perform interviews with the guys in Leon's faction.

She tries. But Jin attacks her with questions about Keith. He says it's love at first sight because of Keith's rave reviews. MC didn't know about the rumor. She told them about Silvio and Keith's help.

Leon: If someone has a problem, he's the one who will help. There's nothing wrong with that.

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

How Yves and Licht met Keith:

When Prince Keith was at the castle on a refugee protection issue, he was terribly hungry, so Yves invited him over for tea. Keith loves sweets... So they had a lively conversation and became friends.

Jin also has a sweet tooth, but he is no longer invited. The first time they met, he talked about his muscles. [🤡]

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

Jin: Keith has an odd way of getting down, but he's soft-spoken and reserved.

Leon: That's the kind of guy you like, even though it's only been a few days since you met him.

Leon: That got people's attention in court and became a rumor.

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

MC recalls meeting Keith recently. They discussed books. He likes to read everything, regardless of the genre.

Keith: Even though you're busy, I thought you were so cute, I wanted to see more of you.

(Keith's direct words, bad for my heart.)

(Smart or pushy...)

(Does he really have an aggressive side too?)

(I don't think he really fell in love at first sight and launched a furious attack... absolutely impossible.)

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

Leon informs MC that Keith was taken by the court apothecaries and apothecaries. There is nothing wrong with the prince. The apothecaries just want Keith's opinion on herbs and medicines.

MC watches Keith answer questions.

He looks like a teacher or a scientist.

The girl even gets curious.

(Lord Keith is so interested right now, I can feel it).

(Maybe next time I'll read a picture book at the library about plants.)

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

A pleasant fragrance diverts MC's attention.

It is a beautiful flower with white-pink petals.

She gets closer, but Keith won't let her smell it. And takes her away from the flower.

Keith: This flower has a strong soporific effect even among plants, so be careful.

Keith: The smell is unusual at first, but as you keep sniffing it, your brain will perceive it as a sweet scent......

Keith's breath tickles her ear, a soft and low voice whispers something, a warm arm around her waist... And Keith himself smells of something woody. The girl feels that she is about to lose her strength.

Keith finishes his lecture on the flower.

1. I'm so embarrassed i'm about to collapse.✔

2. It's red because of the sun.

3. Do you know why it is red?

Keith: There's nothing to be embarrassed about.

Keith: This medicinal herb is difficult to grow, it's in the rare category, so it's only natural that you wouldn't know about it.

(That's not what I meant...!)

MC: If Lord Keith will let me go...my red face will calm down.

Keith: Let you go?.....

Keith: *sounds of panic*

He's blushing.

Keith: *sounds of apology*

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

Suddenly he changes the subject.

Keith: And the flower is beautiful, right?

The girl agrees, but the initial interest is because it is a medicinal plant. Keith talked very interestingly about herbs. She couldn't take her eyes off him.

Keith: ..........

The guy has low self-esteem so he's trying to convince MC that someone else would have told things more interesting, etc.

He's not used to being praised, the heroine concludes to herself.

Keith: But I'm glad my story interested you at least a little bit.

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

Why is the heroine here? Is it time to go to town? She talked about Leon's words about Keith getting to the farcicals.

Keith: Leon is a humorist, but he is also surprisingly evil.

A valuable herb was stolen from the warehouses and used to make an expensive medicine. So the pharmacists turned to Keith for advice.

About Jade:

Jade is said to be an agricultural country because of its rich nature, farming and livestock. Among these are the plants used in medicine, medicinal plants that especially stimulate the economy.

MC confesses that he doesn't know much about Jade.

Keith: Even if you don't understand something, I don't want you to get upset because you haven't learned enough.

Keith: You are in the process of learning. Take your time, just learn at your own pace.

Keith: Yes. If you want to learn something about Jade or any of the plants that interest you, I'll tell you.

(Keith's kindness is as warm as sunshine and even makes me feel comfortable.)

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

Chapter 3

Keith apologizes for keeping her waiting.

MC replies that no apology is needed, she has learned a lot about plants and Jade.

She asks him if he knows any rumors.

The third eruption of apologies is ready to begin.

Keith: ....Even I realize this is too much.

MC notes that he sounds like he's talking about someone else.

But the prince hopes she will remain his guide.

Once again MC can't find the strength to ask Keith about his change.

Once again she feels Keith's intense gaze.

1. Stare back ✔

2. Pretend not to notice

3. Look away

Keith: .....Ah.

Keith: ........

MC: ....What's wrong?

Keith: I thought you weren't wearing that hair ornament when you came to the infirmary.

It was a little ornament that was reflected in the glass of the carriage window.

Keith: It suits MC very well. It's pretty.

Also, Keith noted that MC had changed her hair style.

(Cute how he tries to communicate using both hand gestures.)

Her hair has to do with the fact that she met the chief fashionista of all Rhodolite, Yves, and he pointed out that if she is going out with a prince, and especially from another country, she must look good.

Keith: It's an honour to go out with you dressed up more than usual.

Keith: I think I've spent all my luck to get you.

MC blushes again. And so is Keith.

The girl avoids the center of the capital so no one will accidentally recognize her.

She was remembering where she'd been and what to answer if she met someone she knew.

The girl's head was filled with thoughts and....

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

Keith rescued her from the carriage.

Keith: You're welcome. I'm sorry... for hugging you again.

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

They are standing on the doorstep of that store where little Keith bought the bookmark when he was first in Rhodolite with his father and when he got lost.

A girl helped him and took care of him.

Keith apologizes a lot for remembering a lot.

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

The biggest bookstore in the country.

Keith picked up the book.

Keith: I recently read this book, and it was really interesting. Have you read it, Ms. MC?

MC: Yes. It's the book we already talked to you about.

Keith confusedly agrees. And quietly says.

Keith: ........I taught "him" correctly...and that's the worst part.

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

They discuss their favorite writers.  There are a lot of them... But they both like the author Sonja. Keith likes her very first story.

Keith: It's nice to see that we like the same writers.

He may have been quite happy, his body swaying slightly and his sweet movements producing an involuntary smile.

Lifting the boy up, Keith helped him get the book. But the child lost his wallet, Keith headed for the cash register with it in his hands. And he paid for the boy's purchases.

There is no awkwardness with the child, and Keith seems very used to it.

She asks if he has any brothers, but then remembers that he is the only heir. Keith reacts strangely to this question.

━━━━━━━༻❀✿❀༺━━━━━━━

Letter

(Letter rolled up and thrown away)

Keith Howell.

I think I already told you this, but I wanted to convey it to you in writing as well.

I am sorry that I frightened you by forcing you to be my guide.

If I ever misbehave again, please feel free to run away. If you want, you can hit me when you leave.

I'm just saying you shouldn't act like that in the first place...

I can't see myself being conscious...

I wish the guide had continued, even in this case. I'm sorry I was so selfish.

I know it's too late to talk about it now, but I enjoyed the tea party.

I couldn't even tell you a single funny story, but you were kind to me and pleased with the sweets I made for you. I don't want to sound presumptuous, but I was happy to make you smile with something I enjoyed....

Hopeless. The narrative is inconsistent. Even if she gets the letter, she is the one who will be stumped.

I don't know what to do.... I should probably not write... Stop it. I wasted the paper.

Sorry.

Keith Howell

Keith's Masterlist

[viatagrinner]

Silvio Ricci. Romantic route. Epilogue. Part 1

Silvio and Gilbert meeting.

This meeting takes place during chapter 24

Gilbert: The Obsidian Empire gives its permission for a four-nation alliance.

Silvio: ....Is it that easy? Even if you do, changing the will of a battle-mad emperor is...

Gilbert: I can do it. This is a contract. If Silvio has shown his sincerity by cutting himself [?] open, I'll show mine.

Gilbert: However, I have a condition.

Silvio: You're still here... What the hell?

Gilbert: That's...

Gilbert: I want you to take the throne.

As time passes.

Silvio: If I could have, I would have never seen you again.

Gilbert: Don't be so gloomy. Congratulations on your accession to the throne.

Silvio: I'm still in the process of taking over.

Silvio: ....I mean, we haven't announced it to the rest of the world.

Gilbert: Heh, I mentioned that my hobby is developing stealth/spy education.

Before taking the throne, Silvio wants to "thoroughly clean" the castle.

Silvio brings the documents with the tariffs. Gilbert signs them.

Silvio: ...How could you want me to be king?

Silvio: What good would it do you if I became king?

Gilbert: Well... Have you ever guessed what I really want?

Silvio doesn't know.

Gilbert: You might want to think about it.

Blood-red eyes look at Silvio.

A stinging tension mixes in the air, even though he is smiling a cheerful, good-natured smile.

Gilbert: I, you know, I like beautiful/pure things.

Silvio: ....Huh?

Gilbert: On the contrary, I hate dirty things!

Silvio: It's not just about you, it's a generalization.

Gilbert: Yes, that's true. But I have my own criteria for what I call "pure/beautiful" and "dirty/sneaky"....

Gilbert: That's a little different from the conventional wisdom, isn't it?

Silvio: ....

Gilbert: By that standard, Silvio... You're a "pure person".

Gilbert: But your dad is "black/dirty". Not so much black, but I don't like it.

Silvio: ....What about it?

Gilbert: Hmm, what do you do when you find something dirty, Silvio?

Gilbert: You clean it up, right? I don't want other clean things to be dirty, too.

Silvio: ...........

_________________________________________

Gilbert: If the Benitoites broke their alliance with Rhodolite...

Gilbert: I was going to get Rhodolite and then absorb Benitoite.

Gilbert: Give up? That can't happen. A country that gives up a reliable Rhodolite doesn't stand a chance.

_________________________________________

Gilbert about his father.

Gilbert: The Obsidian Emperor is the epitome of a liar. He is very good at reneging on his promises.

_________________________________________

Gilbert recalls a battle from ten years ago. But if Silvio "works a miracle," he will give time.

Gilbert: There are many more places that need cleaning up besides the 4 countries.

_________________________________________

Silvio: This is a very selfish reason. The whole continent should be subordinated to your aesthetic sense.

Gilbert: And why not?

Gilbert: Anyway, until you become "black," I'll postpone it.

Silvio: If it stays "pure/beautiful," you won't have to clean it, right?

Gilbert: .....Beautiful/pure things get dirty sooner or later, no matter how hard you try.

_________________________________________

About the Little Bunny

Silvio wrinkles his forehead and pulls out another parchment for Gilbert to sign.

Gilbert: Yeah. Be nice to the miss Bunny.

Gilbert: She's pure/beautiful too... I'm afraid she'll be affected by the darkness of the court.

Silvio: She won't stain.

Silvio: ......I won't let anyone, including you, desecrate her!

Gilbert: Hmm... If that's the case, I'm relieved.

Gilbert: Because I really like Ms. Bunny.

Gilbert: I hope this declaration isn't a lie...?

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