#div: cafekitsune; natimiles

[kurishiri]

25 . . . alfons main story — blind love finale

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— cw: none, hope you enjoy 🪞🤍

—— Alfons’ POV ——

If life were a fairy tale, finding happiness would be a simple thing.

Do not lend your ear to dangerous temptations.

Do not be misled by convenient illusions.

If you do that, an ordinary happiness filled with peace will await you, overflowing.

But——is such happiness not just nothing short of a bore?

—— Kate’s POV ——

Jude: Oi, ya pleb. Take it.

Kate: Hm? Wah— ...a letter?

This morning marked the third to last day before the promised month was over.

While eating breakfast, an envelope was waved before me.

And then, the one who had thrown it down before me proceeded to sit in his seat and open a newspaper without bothering to give any explanation.

Ellis: Your letter got mixed up with the ones meant for Jude.

Kate: Ah, I see, so that’s what happened.

Alfons: Well, isn’t this a sight to behold, to think Jude didn’t burn the letter that got mixed up to cinders and instead brought it to the recipient in person.

Jude: Ain’t gonna matter if it’s in the furnace or a plate, throwin’s still throwin’.

Ellis: Who’s the letter from?

Kate: Let’s see... oh, it’s from the head of the post office.

When I opened it, there on it said——

Kate: ‘If you are returning after your tenure at the castle ends, you’re always welcome back’... is what’s written.

(Returning, huh...)

I narrowed my eyes as the scent of the stationary and envelope from my life once upon a time wafted.

Kate: It’s a bit nostalgic... my time working as a postwoman seems like such a long time ago now.

Liam: Wait, Kate, you’re heading back? To the post office.

Kate: Huh?

Harrison: ...That’s up to Kate. We shouldn’t meddle with that.

Liam: But, Al’s curious too, right?

Alfons: As much as the next person.

Alfons slowly turned his gaze to me.

Alfons: If Kate is doing things she finds fun, is that not enough?

Kate: ——Yes, of course.

K: That’s exactly what I intend to do.

—— Time skip ——

Victor: Mhm, yep, it’s very well written.

V: I’d expect nothing less of Miss Kate, indeed. The details are all specific and it’s flawless.

Kate: Thank you, Victor.

Victor: In the first part, I can really feel your will to try and understand all the Cursed ones equally.

V: But then in the middle, you gradually put your research findings regarding the Mirror Curse to the end.

Kate: ...Although it’s embarrassing, I have no excuse to give...

Little by little, as I continued to write the report, just like within my mind,

it wasn’t long before Alfons appeared before me in this reality, encroaching upon me.

Victor: I’m sure Roger would be delighted if you were to give him this as a present.

(...Sorry about that, but actually, I did already give him this ‘as a present.’)

I shared the summarized version of the second half with Roger.

(I can’t really tell Victor how I leaked some of the report that was meant for Her Majesty.)

But I wanted to continue to be of some help to Roger.

After all, his knowledge and research was needed and imperative for the things I ‘wanted to do.’

——Is that not a bribe? I see you have no room to say anything about me now, do you.

(No, it’s not that. This is just... a bit of an investment for the future. Yes, an investment.)

I responded to the Alfons in my mind with patently empty words.

Victor: Tomorrow would mark the promised last day.

V: This past month, as per your contract, you have kept our secret and recorded their sins.

V: Should you make it through this night——you will be free.

V: So would you mind if I asked? How would you like to live from here on out?

Kate: I——

K: I would like to continue finding a way to escape Alfons’ fate, as fairytale keeper.

When I looked up, Victor quietly narrowed his eyes.

Their eyes as they gleamed in the darkness of the night——I recalled the day I first saw them.

I had thought to myself how much I wanted to run away, but now I didn’t want to leave this place.

After all, I had found something important to do, and I couldn’t do it anywhere but here.

Victor: ...And why do you want to?

Kate: The marks he had engraved in me, I don’t want to forget them. Not a single one.

K: If, by any chance, he dies before me——at that time I want to say ‘I most definitely will not forget.’

K: And, if possible... I don’t want those words to amount to a convenient illusion.

K: I want them to be the reality.

The fates of the Cursed ones were absolute.

But——I couldn’t simply give up without trying anything.

(And besides, above all...)

Kate: I’m going to spend my whole life to make Alfons, who thinks that doing so is impossible,

K: eat his own words, you can bet on it!

Victor: ... (O_O)

Kate: After all, if I were to reverse a tragedy on its heels, it would become the ultimate comedy, right?

I knew it was mostly a gamble.

It was a match that would last a lifetime.

And if I were to lose, only despair would await.

(But, I will definitely turn this into a comedy.)

(I won’t let that person dance upon the stage of a tragedy.)

Victor: ...A way to escape from the fates, huh. ...For sure.

V: That’s a wonderful goal. And I do have an inkling in me that, if it’s you——you will be able to do it.

V: You are free. You can go anywhere you’d like, and you can do whatever you want.

V: And whenever you feel lost... may you never forget that we are your allies.

Kate: ...Yes, I will. Thank you very much.

Victor: Well then, let me say once again——welcome, Kate.

V: I am sure the world of darkness will take you in with open arms.

—— Time skip; city at night ——

——I was on the way back after receiving permission to meet the head of the post office and submitting my letter of resignation.

Harrison was the one who accompanied me, and while walking a few steps behind me, he asked.

Harrison: Hey... are you really okay with this?

Kate: What do you mean?

Harrison: I’m pretty sure you know by now, but... Al is out somewhere in the night city again right about now.

Kate: ...Yes, I know.

Although we were now in a relationship, it seemed Alfons still continued with his ‘indulgent private life.’

Harrison: Here you are, having thrown your old life for this dark path, too...

H: But you’re okay with this?

Kate: ...I——

When I opened my mouth to answer, a single carriage stopped beside us.

(W-what...!?)

On my toes, the door to the carriage opened and——

Harrison: ——!

Kate: Eek—!?

An arm came out and pulled me inside.

(Who, what!? An enemy of Crown!? Or a kidnapper!?)

Alfons: Kate, it’s me.

Kate: A-Alfons!?

I didn’t even have time to be surprised as the carriage departed.

Kate: Ah, I need to let Harrison know...!

Alfons: The exterior shows it’s a carriage used by Crown, so I take it Harrison saw that for the most part.

(Oh, I see...)

When I realized I was the only one panicking, I felt a bit frustrated at that

as I looked beside me at Alfons.

(Ah, he isn’t giving off that fragrance today...)

On days he went out to play at night, like a symbol of his indulgent private life,

he would always be covered in the sickly sweet fragrance of night.

—— Flashback ——

Harrison: Here you are, having thrown your old life for this dark path, too...

H: But you’re okay with this?

—— End flashback ——

The words from just a bit ago flashed through my mind and——

[1] Were you in that shady room?

[2] Were you out drinking?

[3] Did you show illusions somewhere? (+4 / +4)

Kate: Did you show illusions somewhere?

Alfons: Well, I suppose so, something like that.

Seeing his nonchalant profile, I pushed my pent feelings down my throat.

My feelings felt vague, unsure if I wanted to press him further or if I was scared to, as they whirled in my mind.

Alfons: ...Do you dislike that?

But then, Alfons was the one to do the asking.

Kate: That... if I said I didn’t dislike it at all, that would be a lie...

I couldn’t bring myself to scold him for it.

(It’s not that I’m scared of being thought of as troublesome or anything like that.)

(Because, I...)

Kate: ...It’s because you do those types of things that I fell in love with you.

K: Whether you’re showing illusions in the slums, or you’re giving an escape at the back of the pub,

K: or something else entirely... Well, I don’t really know,

K: but what I do know is that there is a kind of pain there that makes you want to give such a space.

Alfons: ...

(I don’t have to see his face to know he’s stunned.)

But, it couldn’t be helped.

Kate: Anyway, it’s fine! Ah... but, at least...

K: When it comes to things like kisses or ‘giving love’ to others from your heart and whatnot... please leave that just for me.

Alfons: ... (O_O)

A: Well then——would it be safe to say that doing these kinds of things is alright with others?

Kate: ...?

Alfons’ palm wrapped around my waist next to him.

He pulled me in, and with no place to run, his hands traced my legs, causing my body to jump.

Alfons: Do you not want me to touch anyone other than you?

His other hand messed with my skirt, making their way from my back to my chest, playing with me from over my clothes.

I held back the voice that was about to come out, and he sweetly bit my ears.

Kate: hah, uh...

Alfons: Say, Kate,

A: just how far can I take it?

Kate: ah, ah...

When his fingers were about to slip beneath my undergarments, I couldn’t bear it anymore, and I rose a white flag.

Kate: ...N-no...

K: Shouldn’t that be obvious... ah...

Alfons: Hehe, you’re finally honest, I see.

And here I wanted to become an understanding lover, but when my true feelings slipped out, I felt tears prick my eyes.

Seeing me like this, he gave a slightly troubled smile.

Alfons: When it comes to playing at night, it does pain me to say, but I reckon I won’t be able to stop that. It’s my hobby, pleasure, and my life work, you see.

Kate: I...I know...

Alfons: The same applies to drinking and going around showing illusions——but.

A: I would very much like to try my best loving you back to the fullest.

A: So, when it comes to kisses, loving caresses, and sex... I won’t do it with anyone but you.

(I want to believe him, but...)

Kate: ...That’s... definitely a lie...

K: I know you do those kinds of things so I won’t end up in pain again or saddened——

Alfons: Ahha! So you don’t end up in pain? Why, hardly! I assure you I have not an ounce of such intentions.

A: ——You’re happy, aren’t you?

A: I am yours, and yours alone. I will do pleasurable things, only with you.

Kate: ...?

Was it the ‘truth,’ or ‘not the truth’?

Like a coin that continued to spin, there was no way to know the result.

Alfons: Even though there’s no way to know if these words are a truth or a lie, they are still engraved in the depths of your heart,

A: and surely, you will remember them every time I go out at night.

As though being cast by a magic spell, Alfons’ words were indeed engraved in my mind.

Alfons: You may end up tailing me yet again to see if it’s true or not as well, yes?

A: And then if you know them to be true, they will end up carving themselves ever more deeper within you.

A: Then just like that, I do implore you to aaaaaalways think about me.

His words made their way within me.

I was sure it was an evil spell that would root itself once again, intending to cause mischief.

Alfons: And I am not saying I will love you back to the fullest to make you feel better or anything of the sort.

A: I want to make your heart take me in deeper and deeper... so I can leave a scar that will never fade away.

Kate: ...uu...

I couldn’t take it anymore, and finally tears spilled from my eyes.

Alfons, as though comforting a child, wiped those tears with a smile.

Alfons: Aha, have I scared you?

Kate: No...!

K: This is... because I’m happy...

Alfons, who had hoped to disappear without leaving a single trace of him behind, now wanted to leave a deep scar.

And that was the undeniable proof of his love.

Kate: I’m crying... because I’m happy...

Alfons: ...If that’s so, then by all means cry more.

Those wicked hands touched me this time not to test my true feelings, but rather to love me.

Kate: ...But, in this carriage...

Alfons: You also said such a thing before, haven’t you.

A: And at that time, we didn’t go all the way, so——

A: ——Today, make me feel good as well, why don’t you.

That sweet yet dangerous temptation poured into my ear.

He didn’t need to show me an illusion, because I...

——I could no longer resist this voice.

We made love in the cramped carriage, unable to hold back our voices, and we fell into a short sleep there——

Kate: mn...

Alfons: ...Ahh, awake at last, I see?

When I opened my eyes, Alfons voice gently fell upon my eyes.

Alfons: So, how was it? Using my thighs as a pillow, that is.

Kate: ...It felt... really good...

Alfons: I’m glad to hear.

Letting out a giggle, his fingertips gently stroked my hair.

When I slowly lifted my body up, I realized my blouse came loose and was slipping off,

so in a panic, I picked it back up and hid my frontside, and Alfons let out a laugh again, saying ‘there’s no need to hide it at this point.’

Outside the sky started to paint itself in a light pink hue, and it seemed the carriage was parked in front of the entrance of Crown castle.

There was no sign of the coachman.

Alfons, whose back was to the window, was dimly outlined by the light,

and the morning looked as though it was bestowing its blessings upon him as much as the darkness of the night seemed a little reluctant to part ways with him.

He looked so beautiful, it took my breath away as I was drawn to the sight, and our eyes gently met.

Alfons: Say, Kate.

A: The things you ‘want to do’... actually, I was listening in on that.

(Huh...?)

‘I would like to continue finding a way to escape Alfons’ fate.’

What did he think of me then, when I had told Victor that?

Alfons: In all honesty, I thought it was nothing short of foolish.

A: After all, it’s called a ‘fate’ specifically because we can’t escape from it.

Alfons let out a small sigh——and then he smiled calmly.

Alfons: But——I happen to quite like that ever so serious side to you as well.

Kate: ...What do you mean, ‘quite?’ I think you mean to say you like it ‘very much.’

Alfons: .........

(Hm...?)

After a bout of silence — a rare happening to be sure — he gently took my hand.

(Alfons...?)

It was an unusually reverent gesture coming from him, and I was rendered speechless from surprise.

Alfons: ...Truth be told, I am a bit hopeless when it comes to these straight words of love.

A: Perhaps it’s because I’ve come to just throw these ‘I love you’s or ‘I like you’s around without putting my heart into it,

A: but the moment I say them, it feels like they become more of a lie than anything.

A: So, that’s why——I hope you may take this instead.

As though making a sacred vow, he gently pressed his lips on the back of my hand.

Alfons, whose gaze was pointed a bit downwards, seemed very much sincere.

If there was ever such a thing as a ‘true love’s kiss’ in this world,

then there was not a doubt in me that this very kiss would be exactly that.

Alfons: I will make you the happiest you will ever be... and someday, I will make you fall into despair.

I had no way of knowing whether his fate could be changed.

So, that was why, to him, this love may end up paving the path to a tragedy.

But——

Kate: ...I know you will make me the happiest I’ll ever be.

K: But, I won’t ever fall into despair.

Alfons: ...Goodness.

A: Somehow, I do end up feeling that, as long as you’re smiling in the end, any tragedy may end up becoming a comedy.

Kate: Hehe, that’s what I’m here for.

You can make me fed up all you want.

So that’s why, I want Alfons to smile from the bottom of his heart.

Kate: Your life, and my life too... I will turn everything into a comedy.

Alfons: Yes, yes, I hear you.

A: Perhaps we should enjoy this as much as we possibly can then, no?

Mirror, mirror on the wall, show me not a dream I long to see.

Though naught but sad things does reality enthrall...

Lay your truth down here before me.

In my heart, in my body, may you carve it all,

as nevermore upon this love will an illusion dare befall.

Fin.

Act 3 • The sacred kiss

← prev fin. epilogue → his side

masterlist🪞 ╱ ko-fi ☕️

END NOTES: what did you think?! i’m really weak when stories do that thing where they take the beginning and then put it in the end but with a couple minor changes to show that there was development in the story. i also really do like this end cg too. it’s a bit less dramatic than the mad love one, but i think this very kiss is something very important to both alfons and kate. there’s just a lot of meaning behind it which makes it so quietly beautiful to me.

i would say, if mad love made my heart beat more and had me on the edge of my seat, blind love definitely just made me feel really… happy and soft inside. i’m really proud of how far they’ve come! i hope you enjoyed this story! it was really fun to translate as well, so i hope i could convey this 🥹🫶

p.s. the gdoc i use to write up (unedited) translations before they’re published here… is at 96,396 words! wow!

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ tags🏷️ ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ @drachonia @.comment, send an ask off anon, or dm to be added or removed!

[kurishiri]

24 . . . alfons main story — blind love

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— cw: violence and death.

—— Alfons’ POV ——

(Were I to die here, I could prevent yet another tragedy.)

But then, Kate’s face, so red as she pushed my back, popped into my mind.

(But, something like the heroine of a tragedy...)

(...hardly suits someone such as herself.)

If I were to disappear here——

I reckoned she would meet somebody whom she could love, and be loved, to the fullest, and reach for happiness.

And then, when she met her time, she would be surrounded by family, and with the memories she made with people who have loved her in her heart, she would close her eyes.

It would be a trite ending, one filled with warmth and peace that could never possibly become a play acted out upon the stage.

(When I think about how you’ll forget me, and someday meet that sort of ending...)

(To the point nothing else could hold a candle to it——)

Alfons: ——I can’t even bear the thought of such a thing happening.

Lord Goa: ...What?

(No matter how much we loved each other, were I to lose my life here, at this very moment——)

(Those happy days would become an illusion, and she would succumb to despair.)

I knew that, and yet I still wanted to leave my mark on her.

One so deep, it could never disappear.

(With this happiness, so dangerous it could someday turn into despair——)

(I want to drive your life to the brink of madness.)

At some point, beyond what I had expected, I had found myself wishing strongly for such a thing.

The desire to inflict wounds was a far cry from feelings like kindness and affection,

——For now, at least, perhaps calling it ‘love’ may suffice.

Alfons: Goodness gracious... Miss Kate, the things you do to me,

A: making me carry this hassle of a burden... I will have to see to it that you take full responsibility for this.

A: Would you not agree?

Lord Goa: ...What you’re saying is beyond me. Are you sure you haven’t gone crazy?

Alfons: Oh, hardly. At the very least, between the two of us I am the lesser crazy one.

Reading my opponent’s moves, the moment I blinked, I unconsciously drew out my saber.

With the dance steps taught by the instructors at the Greetia household, I maneuvered around behind him.

Lord Goa: ...!

While in a state of confusion, the cold blade was already against the elder’s throat.

And the guards, afraid to hit their patron, were unable to pull the trigger, instead simply pointing their guns this way.

(Yes, that’s right, what good boys you are.)

His own fate was on a thin line,

Lord Goa spoke, seemingly to finally realize that he was being tried for judgment.

Lord Goa: ...W-what do you want from me... just... spit it out...

Alfons: Ahha! I’m sure you are well aware we are an assassination organization, no?

A: And when a member of such a group goes out of their way to come meet you, what else would they want——but your life?

Lord Goa: ...!?

(I didn’t pull out my saber just to egg them on to attack at this point.)

But as it would seem——

For just a little bit longer, I wanted to act out this commonplace tragedy, no matter when and where it ended.

—— Time skip ——

Elbert: ...Good work, Al.

Roger: Jeez... you didn’t hold back at all again, did you?

Alfons: I got a tad carried away, hence this messy killing scene.

Five minutes later, Elbert and Roger opened the door, to be met with several men who now looked more like lumps of flesh collapsed on the ground.

In the center was a single elder——Lord Goa was looking upward, an unnatural excitement riddling his expression,

and Alfons looked on at the scene with amusement.

Roger: And what about him? Why didn’t you kill him?

Roger chinpointed at Lord Goa, who had lost every ounce of sanity.

Alfons: Well, see, isn’t just killing him and calling it the end of that nothing short of a bore?

A: I made sure this was allowed as well, ‘as long as the organization ultimately met their downfall...’

A: So, I figured if that was the case, why not spend the rest of life mad?

Lord Goa: The cosmic god has manifested! We are all mere slaves to it.

Lord Goa: That’s why a sacrifice was necessary... yes, that’s right, I must let everyone else know!

Lord Goa didn’t even spare Alfons and the others a glance as he bolted out of the room, his expression filled with madness.

Roger: What in the world did you input in that guy...

Alfons: “The massacres in the East End is a ceremony to offer sacrifices to the cosmic god,”

A: “And the fact that you perpetrated it is an honor praised by all of mankind, who are slaves to this god.”

A: “Thereafter you must announce to the rest of the attendees of the dinner party this truth!”

With theatrical gestures as though he were in a play, Alfons recited the illusion he had shown Lord Goa.

Roger: I see now... so while making him confess to the string of incidents, you wanted to make the others involved think the old man’s gone bonkers.

Elbert: ...And if they see that, the lesser congressmen who were faithful followers will cut ties.

Roger: The old man’ll probably find himself behind bars or at a psych ward.

R: Even if the members of the ‘purification’ club wanted to continue what they were doing,

R: If they are regarded as that old man’s followers, it would get in the way. ...So they’ve got no choice but to lay low, basically.

Alfons: That’s the gist, yes.

Roger: That said, you can really spin these wild horror narratives, huh?

Alfons: Like the back of my hand, indeed.

Alfons’ smile deepened, his hand on his chest.

Roger: Well, glad you’re safe and sound.

Alfons: I hope you can accept my sincere apologies for having stolen your job though.

Roger: Nah, it’s no big deal. I was able to hear something good myself.

Alfons: And what might that ‘good’ something be?

Roger: That you thought of me as a ‘skilled doctor,’ yeah?

Alfons: ...I was just playing with words. Don’t let it get to your head.

Roger: Ho-oh? I did think this before, but I’m pretty sure from your reaction just now, it was genuine.

Alfons: Well, the respect I hold for your optimism is, indeed, genuine through and through.

As this meaningless conversation blossomed...

A low, calm voice murmured.

Elbert: ...Al.

Alfons: Yes?

Elbert: Was there that ‘wonderful thing’ in you...?

Alfons: ...

—— Flashback ——

Alfons: Hence, I would like to use this as a test.

A: One to see if the thing called love really is within me.

A: And whether it is such a wonderful thing that can make me want to cling onto this greed and live.

—— End flashback ——

Alfons: ...Not at all.

A: But——if we are talking about a troublesome replacement so awful I can hardly bear it... then yes, I do have that.

Elbert: ...I see.

I wanted to make a mess out of her, to the point it hurt her so much that she could never recover from it.

It would be a far cry to say this feeling was the same as whatever she was pouring into me, but

——That very thing was, without a doubt, there within me.

—— Kate’s POV ——

(I wonder if Alfons is alright... is he hurt anywhere?)

In the carriage, I was fidgeting the entire time as I awaited his return.

(...Maybe, like this, from here on out...)

(Many more nights may pass with worry while waiting for Alfons.)

But, even so... I wanted to believe that he would surely return.

As long as he had a place in my mind——and, if possible, forevermore.

When I clasped my hands together as though in prayer... I heard several footsteps.

(...Could it be?)

With trembling fingertips, I opened the curtain that covered the carriage window just a little and peeked outside.

(Ah——)

And the moment I found that figure, I opened the door and burst outside.

Kate: ...Welcome back! You’re not hurt anywhere, are you...?

Alfons: ......... ( : ౦ ‸ ౦ : )

Having been walking ahead, his raven hair wavered as he blinked.

Kate: Ah, wait. You don’t have to answer me. I can’t have you dodging my questions yet again.

K: I’ll be checking over your body, head to toe.

K: So take off your coat.

When I extended my hands to his clothes, all of a sudden Alfons burst out laughing.

Alfons: ...hehe.

Kate: ...? What is it...?

Alfons: No, it’s just... hehe, sorry, I... pfft, ahaha!

Kate: Wh—what’s going on!? Is something funny...?

Alfons: Haa... no, it’s just I was very much looking forward to what sort of naughty face I’d be greeted with...

A: ...only to be met with such a wholesome expression, about to be stripped without a shred of sexiness to be seen.

A: ...So, I suppose it’s just a bit anticlimactic, or funny, perhaps.

Kate: N.. ‘naughty face,’ you say——

—— Flashback ——

Kate: When you come back, I will give you a service you won’t forget.

Alfons: ...Come again?

Kate: I... I mean...

K: Weren’t you the one... who said ‘since I��ve made you hold back, I will have to compensate with a service to make up for it?’

Alfons: ...I see now. Indeed, it would seem like I’m left with no choice but to return, yes?

—— End flashback ——

As I remembered my words I had sent him off with, blood rushed to my face.

Alfons: Ah, I see you remembered?

A: Do give me that very service, okay?

Kate: !?

His whispers in my ear made my mind imagine many naughty scenarios,

even though, just before, I had gone pale worrying over his life.

Elbert: Service...? ∑(O_O)

Roger: Ho-oh? So the lil lady made such a promise, huh.

R: You’ve been tainted by Al quite a bit.

Kate: N-no, that’s... that’s not it, I think——

Liam: Oh, what’s this what’s this? Who tainted who?

Ellis: Your face is pretty red, Kate. Are you okay?

Kate: Ah, uhm...

I felt flustered with everyone on my case at the same time with curiosity on their faces.

Alfons: Well now, I do find myself ever uncertain on how to answer. ...Isn’t that right, Kate?

Kate: ...!

Indeed, Alfons was indeed this type of person.

—— Flashback ——

Harrison: Oh, what, so you already made a move on her, Al.

Alfons: Hehe, I do find myself ever uncertain on how to answer. ...Isn’t that right, Miss Kate?

—— End flashback ——

Ever since the day he first showed me an illusion that he was my ‘lover’ and spent the night with me, it had always been that way.

(Whenever he opens his mouth, nothing good comes out of it.)

(He played with my sincere feelings, making them spin upon the palm of his hand,)

(all the while keeping his true feelings to himself.)

One word was more than enough to make a mess out of my mind, and it would fill to the brim with thoughts of him.

But, in spite of all that——

He would take a space in my mind, driving away my pain and sadness,

and he was the fool of a man who showed me comfortable dreams, and then tried to disappear like that.

Indeed——that was the ‘truth’ of yours that I had come to so deeply love.

Kate: ...

Pulling on the lapels of his coat, I pulled Alfons in and pressed my lips against his.

Elbert & Roger: ... (□_□)

Liam: Wowie... (O.O)

Alfons: ... (O_O)

Kate: ...I’ve been tainted so much by you, I end up doing things like this.

Just as he wanted to leave marks on me, I, too, wanted to leave mine on Alfons.

Well, such a thing probably couldn’t even hold a candle to whatever he had carved in me.

Kate: And from now on... you’ll go on to taint me even more, won’t you?

My eyes filled with embarrassment, I shot a glare at him, to which he responded with an exasperated-looking smile.

Alfons: ...You truly are a fool, aren’t you.

A: If the picture from here on out turns out awful and you end up regretting it, it won’t be on me then.

[1] Even if it does, I won’t regret it.

[2] Who can say how it’ll turn out? (+4 / +4)

[3] Mixing the colors of that picture is what makes it beautiful.

Kate: But, who can say how it’ll turn out? Nobody knows.

K: Of course, the colors may end up becoming a mess,

K: but, it could also become something very beautiful, like a mosaic painting or stained glass.

Alfons: If said picture does turn out that way... I would very much like to lay my eyes on such a scene.

However many times, I will claw my way to his heart, and leave many marks,

because he was neither an illusion nor a mirage——right now, he was here before me.

——Or so I say.

Kate: ...

Now that I was before the door to his room, I felt my heart was going to break.

(I know I said I was going to give him a service he’d never forget, but that doesn’t mean I thought about what that entailed...!)

Unable to look at Alfons, who was standing beside me, I ended up staring at the door without much intention.

(Besides, Alfons seems like the type to have done a lot of different types of role play and whatnot up until now...)

(So what if he’s disappointed like, ‘That’s all you’ve got?’... then what should I do?)

Such thoughts spun in my mind.

Alfons: ...hehe.

Hearing his stifled laugh made my shoulders jump.

And when I slowly turned to look beside me, he was looking at me as though he were looking at something positively amusing.

It was like he had laid his eyes on a cat who got tangled in a ball of yarn.

Alfons: For someone who had so passionately come at me about ‘wanting to do things that feel good’ while drinking at the pub,

A: you’re quite meek today, no?

Kate: ...Um... well, at that time, I was drunk...

Alfons: So that was the influence from the liquor?

Kate: No, that’s not it...

K: Even when I got rejected, I couldn’t get rid of my feelings for you... no matter what I did...

The more I spoke, the more it seemed my limbs were getting more tangled in yarn.

Alfons: But now such is not the case, and so you cannot bring yourself to be that bold, yes?

A: It’s a story you could find anywhere else, isn’t it? One where all the passion poofs when all the obstacles are gone.

Kate: N-no, that’s not it! In fact, I like you even more than I ever did then...!

Alfons: Is that so?

His sensually beautiful smile filled my entire vision.

Kate: Ah...!

By the time I realized he had wheedled me into saying something embarrassing yet again, I found myself trapped in his arms——

Alfons: Well then... do tell me more about that, why don’t you.

With the hand that was behind his back, he opened the door, and while holding me, he invited me to his room like he was dancing.

(Ah...)

His fragrance became more prominent then.

The moment I felt that, my body felt hot.

Alfons: You won’t say something like how you’ll hold back tonight, will you?

to be continued…

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[kurishiri]

15 . . . alfons main story

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— cw: a bit of non-consensual touching.

Kate: ——mn...

When I opened my eyes, the scene before me drowned in darkness.

Alfons: Ah... Miss Kate, I see you’re awake?

Alfons was sitting on the bed, looking my way.

There seemed to be something in his hand that reflected a ray of light, that being a whisky glass.

Kate: ...Yes... good morning...

Alfons: Hehe, it’s a tad early for that, I’d say.

The lethargy that lingered in the air and the eyes that bore sensuality gave way to embarrassment, causing my eyes to wander about.

When I looked down at my own body, I saw my blouse was on, albeit somewhat clumsily, I felt a little relieved.

That’s right, I felt this way because, even for just a mere moment——

Man with a scar on his eye: Morning, lil robin... or was it somethin’ else?

(Wh... who——)

A man I didn’t recognize was sitting at the bedside, enjoying the same honey-colored liquor as Alfons.

Man with a scar on his eye: Well then, I’ll take my leave here. See ya, Al.

After flashing me a smile, he threw Alfons a meaningful look before leaving.

As he did, the fragrance of a perfume lingered behind.

(Huh, I feel like this is really similar to the fragrance in Alfons’ room...)

(...but, how should I put it... it’s a bit more potent... and a tad different.)

Kate: ...That person just now... is he one of your friends?

Alfons: Well, yes. But... hehe, I do feel ‘that person just now’ is an awfully cold phrase, don’t you think?

A: Especially considering he was the one who so lovingly shared a bed with you, you know.

Kate: .........What?

I couldn’t even blink, instead just staring back, rendered dumbfounded.

Kate: What... are you...?

Alfons: Why, of course, he was the man whom you had sex with while blindfolded.

Kate: Wh...

(No way... he must be lying...)

Kate: But I thought... I was doing it with you...

Alfons: And a foolish thought it was. I did say that I wouldn’t lay a finger on you until you realize what you’re feeling is naught but a delusion, did I not?

Kate: ...What... in the world are you saying...?

Alfons: Think back carefully... about the sensations of the tongue, the movements of the fingers. Could you say that was really me?

Kate: N-no... stop... you’re lying.

Shaking my head, I refused to accept his words.

(It has to be a lie, I’m sure...!)

(Because, that... those feelings——)

Alfons: Am I? Then what of how strong those hands held your back? And the heat inside your body? What was its shape?

Kate: I-I’m sure it was you...

(There’s no way I could mistake that... how could I mistake someone else for Alfons? That’s impossible.)

Alfons: Oh, yes, and before I forget, how was the smell? Actually, I applied the same perfume on him, you know.

As though cluing me into the truth, he faced me with a cold smile——

And before I knew it, I had Alfons pinned on the bed.

Kate: Just how bloody cruel can you get...!!

K: I don’t understand, why would you lie to me like this!? Just help me understand...

(I know Alfons would never hurt others for no reason.)

(I mean, yes, we don’t exactly see eye to eye on things like rationale or morals...)

But, even so, at the very least, I knew Alfons didn’t take well to seeing others saddened, or frightened, or hurt.

In fact, he loathed it, to the point he would use his Cursed ability — something that was meant to be kept a national secret.

Alfons: Lie about what now? I spoke nothing but the truth.

A: I know you hold quite an obstinate character, so I thought this to be the quickest way to make you understand.

A: And to see you deceived just like that——I see you don’t really hold that thing called ‘love’ for me.

Kate: ...!!

(And who does he think he is, to decide what I’m feeling?)

Kate: I... I really, truly—!

Alfons: Loved me? ...Or what, did you mean to say love?

(——The one who made love to me was Alfons. I’m sure of it.)

And that man from before just had a fragrance similar to Alfons.

Because that smell was so clearly different from the one that came from the one who did it with me.

Alfons was telling a lie as we spoke,

with those hollow eyes that veiled the truth.

Kate: Just why... would you do such a thing...?

K: Why do you have to reject me so much... just over me saying ‘I love you’?

(I——)

(All I ever wanted was your ‘truth’... even if it was only a single one.)

Kate: Not once did I say we had to be official.

K: All I wanted was to like you, and be by your side… and yet…

Alfons: …Because I find it a nuisance.

A: The fact you had fallen for me, and the fact you like me even now... all of it.

Those cold eyes reflected my dazed self.

Alfons: All this was meant to be was an entertainment that lasts but a month, and then letting it end the same way.

A: So, care to let go of me now?

Kate: ...!

[1] I don’t want to. (+4 / +4)

[2] Why should I?

[3] If that’s what you really want.

Kate: No, I don’t want to...

Alfons: Do you act like a spoiled child to trouble me like this?

As though to run away, he pulled his shirt away from my fingers.

Alfons: That said, with this I take it you finally understand now?

A: I do implore you not to seek something like my ‘truth’ and whatnot any further.

Picking up his tie, which had gone undone, he wrapped it around my neck.

And as though engaging in a dangerous play, the smooth silk tie tightened around me like a snake...

Alfons: Should you cease this fool’s errand of trying to find something that could never be there and find yourself seeking pleasure or a convenient diversion,

A: I will be more than happy to give as much of that as you’d like, yes?

Just like that, after he gave me those words meant to soothe me, he pulled his tie away.

Alfons: A carriage heading for the castle has been prepared for you downstairs.

And thus, without uttering a word about where he was going, he left the room.

—— Perspective shift ——

Before dawn broke——the doors opened, and the sound of a single pair of footsteps came in.

Roger: The lil lady came back looking god awful, you know?

R: All because of you, I’d guess.

While crossing his arms, Roger called out to the silhouette, stopping him in his tracks.

Alfons: .........

Alfons took a breath, seemingly having lost all interest.

Alfons: Such was bound to happen.

Roger: What bollocks. I do acknowledge that at first, Kate may have really needed an escape.

R: But no matter what, she would always face things with her own eyes, without getting discouraged.

R: At some point she should have grown out of playing around with you for pleasure.

R: But then you went and meddled even more, because that’s what you wanted. Or is that not it?

Roger poked Alfons’ chest with his index finger, telling him in the gesture to show what he was hiding in the depths of his heart.

Alfons: .........It would seem so. I will reflect on it.

A: ...is a response you’d be satisfied with, I take it?

Roger: You know that’s not what I mean...

Alfons: Now, if she were truly someone who had so much love in her to spare for someone without an ounce of it, namely myself,

A: loving my heart and my body, and pouring her time into me,

A: she would end up thinking, ‘Just who did I give my everything to’ in the end and whatnot...

A: Now isn’t that just a comedy to behold?

Roger: You…

Alfons’ words were laced with a derisive tone, causing Roger to fall silent.

Alfons: Reality is already positively stacked with tragedies like a mille-feuille as it is. I hardly have any intention of throwing more where that came from.

No matter what happened, he held no resentment or anger, and he had decided to be a bystander. This man, Alfons’ ‘truth’ seeped its way into his unpleasant tone of voice.

Roger: You could maybe change your fate, you know.

He had said these words countless times to those hollow eyes before...

Alfons: ‘So work with me on it’?

A: I would sooner do just about anything else but that. Now if you’ll kindly excuse me, I bid you a good night and sweet dreams.

...and as always, he left those words before turning his back on Roger.

Roger: ...Good lord.

R: He’s a handful if I’ve ever seen one.

The sound of their footsteps went in opposite directions——and then they faded into the darkness.

—— Kate’s POV ——

(I couldn’t sleep a wink...)

While sprawled on the bed, I listened to the merry singing of the birds outside.

I had ended up thinking long and hard about the reason why Alfons would speak such a cruel lie and try to push me away,

and unable to seek refuge in a gentle dream, morning ended up coming.

(Not only does my head hurt from all the alcohol, but also my heart as well...)

(Did he really despise me so much?)

—— Flashback ——

Kate: All I wanted was to like you, and be by your side… and yet…

Alfons: …Because I find it a nuisance.

—— End flashback ——

‘The fact you had fallen for me, and the fact you like me even now’——

Kate: He finds it all a nuisance...

Like a boat, those words seemed to lean and blanket over me, and I buried my face into my pillow.

(...I have to get up.)

(Otherwise, their trust in me as the fairytale keeper will be in the line.)

(Before I forget about what happened in the Docklands, I need to write a report on it...)

——‘Why subject yourself to such a thing? Just write whatever and you can be done with it, no?’

(But I can’t, because it’s my... job...)

When I realized I was talking to Alfons in my mind, I once again buried my face in my pillow, riddled with self-loathing.

Kate: Ahh... jeez...

The Alfons in my mind just wouldn’t leave me.

(‘Mind control’ and ‘brainwashing’...)

(Those were the characteristics of Alfons’ Curse... or that’s how it should be.)

(His Curse... come to think of it——)

Kate: He never did tell me what his tragic fate was...

Just when I murmured this, I heard a knock at the door.

(Who could it be?)

I got up with a start, and straightening myself up a bit, I opened the door.

Kate: Come in.

Roger: How’re you feeling, lil lady?

Kate: Oh, Roger, did you need anything?

Roger: Well, I saw you coming back looking pale as a sheet,

R: so I brought you some medicine to help with a hangover.

Handing me a pill case, I opened the door more.

Kate: Thank you for coming all this way... If you’d like, you can come inside. I was just thinking about brewing some tea to help with drowsiness.

Roger: Well then...

The moment I closed the door, Roger pushed against my shoulders.

Kate: ...Wh—Roger!?

I raised my head in surprise, only to find Roger’s face, close enough that I could feel his breath——

Roger: Even after getting hurt by that villain of a man, you just never learn, do you, lil lady?

to be continued…

Act 2 • The dishonest front of a mirror

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[kurishiri]

01 . . . alfons main story

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— cw: description of children’s corpses, a kiss scene that could be dub-con.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, show me not a dream I long to see.

Though naught but sad things does reality enthrall,

lay your truth down here before me,

lest upon this love an illusion shall befall. [1]

After having known the secret that was Crown, an assassination organization that operated directly under Her Majesty the Queen,

it was decided that I would be residing in their castle for one month’s time, fulfilling my role as a “fairytale keeper,” whose job is to record their sins.

That night, I could not sleep a wink before dawn broke.

(I have never wished for morning to come more than today...)

When I closed my eyes, the scene from last night, where red blood painted over jet black, popped, and the fear that crept up within me was enough to induce tears.

(But I need to get it together now. Crying won’t help anything.)

I washed my face with cold water, changed into a clean blouse, and tried to cheer myself up.

(I will earn their trust, and then I can go back to my normal life.)

(That is what I should be doing.)

I couldn’t afford to be petrified in fear.

Kate: I need to face the reality I’m in.

(And...)

Kate: When all this is over, I will go enjoy a play!

As it stood right now, that hope was the only thing keeping my spirits up.

When I left my room, I quickly managed to catch Victor in the lounge to ask some questions.

Kate: When you said you would be watching over me, what exactly does that entail?

Victor: Hmm, let’s see now. Not going out on your own would be the first thing.

V: Also, I’ll have you accompany some of the Cursed ones on missions so you can write a proper report. Other than that, you’re free to do as you like.

Though I had barged in with a pen and notebook in hand, Victor welcomed me with a bright smile and answered my questions the same way.

Kate: And anytime I do wish to go out, who should I ask then?

Victor: Anyone is a-okay! Whenever you wish to head out, you can call out to anyone who happens to be around or make a promise with them and whatnot.

Kate: Oh, and also, I didn’t bring any money with me... is that still alright?

Victor: Totally! After all, this is a job employed by an organization directly under Her Majesty the Queen.

V: We are willing to fund you with as much money you need to accomplish your job, and you also don’t have to worry about basic needs, too.

V: Are there any other questions? I take it that focus will be a struggle when doubts are clouding your mind... so don’t hold back and ask anything you want.

(Other things I want to ask...)

Kate: You mentioned before that I need to record the sins of the Cursed ones, but what does that mean, exactly?

Victor: The truth you see before your eyes, and anything you feel is a sin... if you can write those types of things down, that will do.

(So in other words, it’s a matter of my own judgment... it seems like this job may be more difficult than I initially thought.)

Just what makes a sin, well, a ‘sin’?

The basis which makes up a ‘sin’ is different for every person.

(But at least now I have a clearer idea of what a ‘fairytale keeper’ is.)

(I feel a bit more at ease now that I do...)

I noted down Victor’s words in my notepad while it was still fresh in my memory.

Alfons: I must say the sight of your earnesty is so admirable, it has rendered me in utter awe.

I turned around to the voice behind me, and I saw that at some point Alfons was standing at the entrance.

It was clear that he was making fun of me as he applauded.

Kate: Of course I am... my freedom hinges on this, after all.

Alfons: I can only hope that is not an attempt to put on a brave face to do away your fear.

(Gh...)

On instinct, my face stiffened at his words.

Alfons: Oh, dear me, have I perhaps hit a little too close to home?

A: Hehe, your expression so openly betrays your thoughts.

He seemed like he was having fun, as though he had found a new toy, as he approached me,

when suddenly a saccharine smell wafted to my nose.

Kate: Is that perfume...?

When I murmured this, Victor let out a wry laugh.

Victor: I see you went out last night once again, no, Alfons?

Alfons: Why, but of course.

A faint smile playing on his lips,

and veiled in that sickly sweet fragrance, bringing about a languid air——

(Gh, this fragrance... so it’s like that?)

He opened his eyes, and as though seeing right through me, he cast a glance my way.

Alfons: Hehe...

Kate: ...!!

Alfons: Ahha! You are so clearly alert, I see.

A: Why, you do so remind me of a cat who has yet to warm up to humans.

I slowly backed away, and he started calling out to me as though I really were a cat.

Alfons: Come now, you need not bristle so much. Why don’t we get along, yes? If we do, I can give you a treat.

Kate: Wha...!

Victor: Now, now, you two.

The one who put an end to this unproductive discussion was Victor.

Victor: I’m sure if it seemed like you were coming back in the morning, it would only be natural that Kate is on edge.

V: She’s a young lady, after all. Right?

Kate: Ah, umm, yes, that’s right.

(That’s right... I also didn’t get a wink of sleep last night, so that may have caused the blood to rise to my head for a moment there.)

(And Alfons might have infiltrated somewhere in Soho [2] for a mission.)

(Yes... it’s not good to hold any preconceived notions toward others.)

Kate: ...My apologies. I jumped to conclusions even though I don’t know you well.

Alfons: Your apology is quite unfounded, seeing as exercising caution would actually be in your best interest.

A: After all, the nightlife is my raison d’être.

Alfons gave a bow as if he were making a greeting at a party.

Alfons: And all that aside, your stay will last but a mere month, so getting to know me on any deeper level would be a fool’s errand. So, see, your apology is only wasted on me.

With exaggerated gestures, he walked toward me,

Alfons: Besides, I do like cats as well.

With a saccharine murmur, he blew on my ear.

Kate: !?

Shrugging his shoulders, he broke into an amused smile.

Alfons: Ahha! What a green reaction. You truly are an innocent, adorable little robin, aren’t you.

A: Why, to think I can have you as a plaything [3] for this coming month... this may become the best time killer yet, dare I say.

His fingertips made their way to my ears, tickling them, and on a reflex, I stepped away from him, covering my ears.

(Wh... wha...)

Alfons: Well then, I will be taking my leave here to go to bed. I bid you two a good night.

Victor: Good night, and sweet dreams, Alfons.

Alfons: I could really use the wishes for sweet dreams now.

Paying no mind to my reaction, Alfons left the lounge.

(Just who does he think he is——!?)

Kate: So, he sleeps in the morning?

Victor: Well, yes, it happens a lot with him.

(Forget about preconceived notions... Alfons really is dangerous.)

Though he dons a courteous air as a noble, I could practically feel the fragrance of corruption and an air of danger.

(For someone like William, who can manipulate people to do his bidding and kill them, it doesn’t take a detective to know he was dangerous, but...)

(Something tells me Alfons is dangerous as well — just in a different way.)

——An indulgent private life.

That was what popped into my mind.

And then, time passed by without a care, and before I knew it, night fell, and with it a “mission.”

The three people who were on this one were William, Roger, and Alfons.

William: I will carry out the assassination. Roger, I leave the perimeter to you. And as for Alfons... I suppose you will be something like a ‘smoke screen.’

(A ‘smoke screen’...? What does that mean?)

(Maybe if I know what their abilities are, his words will make more sense.)

Making a sound as I thought, William looked at me.

William: Now, this night will mark the anniversary of your first mission as the ‘fairytale keeper.’

W: Before we start, do you have anything you would like to ask?

Kate: ...Then, can I ask what Roger and Alfons’ Curses and abilities are?

William: Indeed. I believe it is better that the people in question answer though.

Roger turned to look at me, and he answered in a light tone.

Roger: My Curse is the ‘Betraying Hunter.’ I can hear sounds from up to a hundred yards away.

(D-did he just say a hundred yards!? That must mean his hearing is really good... and that must be why he was assigned to patrol the perimeter.)

Kate: Thank you. And Alfons...?

Alfons: It’s. A. Se. Cret.

A: Hehe, what a waste it would be to tell you what my ability is in a trivial situation such as this, no?

[1] You can keep it that way even then. (+4 / +4)

[2] Why put on the air...

[3] You’re pretty mean.

Kate: ...Actually, you can keep it that way even then.

Alfons: Hehe, you need not sulk on it too much, alright? I assure you that you will come to know in the best timing possible, sometime.

William: Well then, if there are no other questions on your mind, let us start.

While saying ‘it is time for the mission,’ red eyes looked up at the dark night sky.

—— Time skip ——

William: Here we are.

The place we arrived at——was an orphanage.

(It looks like a normal orphanage...)

In London, orphanages were not a particularly uncommon sight.

That went especially for the more impoverished parts of the city, where people were pushed to the edge of the city with a swelling population.

But the problem was not the orphanage itself, but what was going on within its walls.

According to what I heard before...

...allegedly, a literal massacre is taking place here.

(But... for that to happen at such a place?)

I wished it was all a lie, but the scene from last night seemed to glimmer from the back of my eyes...

Holding my breath, I followed after them.

And there, the first thing I saw was——

Kate: ...What...is this...?

William: This would be the reason why we have come here.

Before my eyes was something that looked like a black mountain.

Then, I realized the things that were piled atop one another were actually human bodies,

fear ran through my body, and a feeling of revulsion welled from the bottom of my stomach.

Kate: Ugh...

I felt a convulsion inside my stomach, and my vision started to waver.

This was, without a doubt, a vast amount of children’s corpses.

(This is just cruel... why would they do such a thing...)

Unable to look directly at the sight before my eyes, I covered my mouth with my hand and turned away.

But, even so, the rotten smell hit me with the harsh reality.

Alfons: Now, now, I imagine this should hardly be a shocking sight to behold, given that reality is always naught but a tragedy.

(Eh...?)

Kate: Al...fons...?

While holding my head, which was throbbing in pain, I looked up.

And when I did, something warm suddenly touched the back of my neck.

Alfons: ——All of what you are seeing is a mere dream. A most sweet and comforting dream, that is.

When I heard those words... my thoughts were suddenly hit with a sense of drowsiness...

Roger: ...Whoops.

Roger supported Kate’s body, which had collapsed, with one hand,

before shooting a glance at Alfons with a raised brow.

Roger: Hey now, don’t go stealing away her job like that.

R: She’s to look at our sins with her own eyes and record it. That was the condition to set her free, right?

Alfons: Why, but she does have a sin to record, no? She may simply write my sin of ‘interfering with her job’ and be done with it, I do so imagine.

A: After all, the sins she should be writing about are those of the ‘Cursed ones,’

A: rather than the sins that riddle London’s darkness as a whole.

William: Ahaha, you do make a good point.

W: I do, however, find it a shame that she will be unable to witness my sins here.

At that moment... in the dark basement, a new pair of footsteps could be heard.

Red-faced man: Who the hell are you guys—!?

Apparently, the head of the orphanage had sensed something amiss, and came running.

William: Do not move.

Before the man could even widen his eyes, he was given an absolute command.

William: We apologize for intruding so late at night. But there is no need to worry.

W: If you answer two or three questions for us, I will put you to sleep quickly. You have my word.

W: Now, answer my questions with honesty.

Head of the orphanage: E-eek...

—— Crown Castle ——

Kate: ...nn...hm...? Where am I—

As I dazedly looked around the surroundings I wasn’t familiar with, I remembered that this was the room Victor had prepared for me.

(Wait, when... did we return...?)

(——No, wait, when did I go out...and what did I do?)

I saw a comforting dream, but in an attempt to remember what happened before that, I pressed my hand on my forehead.

(That’s right, I was on a mission... it was my first time too... and then,)

(there was a mountain... it was black... it was a mass...)

Kate: ...!

The memories came back to me suddenly, and I jumped awake.

(Did I lose consciousness after I saw that...?)

Getting off the bed, I walked to the mirror with shaky footing.

(I don’t see any wounds on my body. ...Maybe someone saved me before I collapsed?)

Kate: What ended up happening after that...?

Maybe William had passed ‘judgment’ onto the person responsible for that terrible scene.

Just imagining it made my stomach churn, and I put a hand over my mouth.

(I have to record that? For a whole month?)

Thinking about it was enough to make me feel dizzy, and I plopped back down on the bed, when...

I heard a knock, and the door opened without waiting for a response.

Alfons: Good evening to you.

Alfons came into the room, his expression one of pity.

Alfons: Aww, to see you so pale, are you alright?

Kate: Alfons... yes, I’m al—

I was about to say ‘right,’ when I remembered something then and there.

(Wait, no... first things first, I need to apologize!)

(I don’t know what they’d do if they deem me unworthy of being fairytale keeper...)

Kate: I’m so sorry... I lost consciousness in the middle of a mission...!

K: I promise next time will be fine. I’ll perform my duties as fairytale keeper to the fullest.

When I bowed my head, a sonorous laughter rang in the room.

Alfons: Ahha! What an utterly earnest disposition you wear.

A: Such worthless things could obviously never warrant my coming here.

A: I was thinking you would be awake right about now, and I was worried. So, here I am.

Alfons walked toward me, step by step——

and I found myself trapped in his arms, with his face close enough that our lips might touch.

Kate: You were worried...?

Alfons: Indeed. It would be stranger if I was not, no?

His fingers slipped toward the back of my neck...

Alfons: After all——you are my lover.

Kate: Eh...

The moment his murmurs fell upon my ears, something in my mind warped.

(——Ahh, that’s right.)

(Alfons is... my...)

(He is the one and only person I can let my guard down around.)

(And my partner... who I can give my heart to...)

Alfons seemed to find his way in, filling the place in my heart where something seemed to be left out,

and my heart gradually melted from the inside.

Alfons: There is no need to show a brave face in front of me, Kate.

Kate: ...mn...

Gently caressing me, the thread of nervousness, which had been stretched to the brink, snapped just like that, and my vision was blurred by tears.

Kate: Alfons... I...

Alfons: Come now, it’s alright to cry. You don’t need to hold it in.

His gentle lips caught my tears, and that warmth found its way to my lips.

Kate: Mn...

(Why... is my heart racing so much?)

Since we were lovers, sharing a kiss was something that was supposed to be normal between us.

But my heart was pounding in my chest as though this was the first time.

(But, as much as my heart is racing like this, being touched by Alfons makes me feel at ease...)

Fear and confusion——the sweet pleasure his lips gave me slowly wiped those feelings away.

And showering kisses on me, Alfons continued to stroke the back of my neck.

Alfons: Now, let go of aaall that which scares you... how about we indulge ourselves in pleasure?

to be continued…

Act 1 • The miscreant illusion

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NOTES:

[1] the original lines are [鏡よ鏡、都合のいい夢を見せないで] (kagami yo kagami, tsugō no ī yume wo misenaide) / [たとえ、悲しいことばかりの現実だとしても] (tatoe kanashī koto bakari no genjitsu da to shite mo) / [あなたの真実を教えて] (anata no shinjitsu wo oshiete) / [この愛がーー幻になる前に] (kono ai ga maboroshi ni naru mae ni). This literally translates to: “mirror, oh mirror, don’t show me a convenient dream. / even if this reality is filled with sad things, / tell me your truth. / before this love becomes an illusion.”

[2] from Wikipedia: Soho is an area of the City of Westminster and part of the West End of London. Long established as an entertainment district, for much of the 20th century Soho had a reputation for sex shops as well as night life and film industry.

[3] Alfons says [貴女で遊べる] (anata de asoberu) here. He uses the particle で (de) to mark 貴女 (anata), which basically implies that he is “using you” (as a “tool” or “means”) to be able to play (遊ぶ asobu → 遊べる asoberu, the potential form). So he is literally saying he can “play with you” in the same way one could say “play with a toy,” but due to the ambiguity of the preposition in saying “play with you,” I opted to just say plaything instead. Just know he is a bit more... subtle in actuality.

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[kurishiri]

both ends clear . . . “ a convenient, happy ‘reality’ ”

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— 🤍 both ends cleared story for alfons. this is all told in his point of view.

— cw: alcohol consumption, invasion of personal space, awkwardly translated smut; you know the drill!

—— Alfons’ POV ——

—— Flashback ——

Having thought it would be infinitely better to die on the roadside, I had left the orphanage. And on that day,

a cat was crying in an alley.

That day, my lips got cut after a beating, so I still had dried bread that was handed to me in my pocket...

Alfons: ...Want some?

When I offered the bread, the cat slowly crept toward me, and then nibbled on the bread.

Alfons: ...You want to live that much?

A: Even though this reality isn’t even kind to you...

The kitten didn’t utter a sound, only continuing to eat.

Albeit foolishly and miserably so, it tried its very hardest to live.

Alfons: And if you want to live that badly... I guess I better help you then.

—— End flashback ——

Kate: I-I overslept again——!

Alfons: Ahha! First thing in the morning and you’re in ever high spirits, I see.

Still nude, Kate’s complexion paled as soon as she woke up. At this point, I’ve seen this so often one hand was hardly enough to count.

Alfons: Now now, why so bent on this? It’s not as though you are going to die.

A: I’m more than positive that if you apologize with all your heart, you’ll be let off the hook.

Kate: Wh—you do know this is your fault, don’t you!?

K: I even told you yesterday that I had a promise to keep so I needed to get up early today, and yet...

Alfons: And yet we did such naughty things, and it escalated to the point you ended up crying out, no?

Kate: ...!

Rendered speechless, she turned away and got off the bed,

and she pulled her clothes, standing ready in this room’s closet, and began to change.

Alfons: Goodness, what a cruel one you are, Kate, leaving your lover behind on the bed for a promise you made with another man.

A: Since when have you become so wicked, I wonder?

While sprawled on the bed, I placed my elbow on the pillow and looked on at Kate, whose lips were in a pout.

Kate: Well, I promised I was going to go and get the photo I took of you before,

K: so there’s really nothing going on I would feel guilty about.

Alfons: Hehe... there’s no need to deny it so vehemently; I assure you I know. After all, you——

Kate: ...I what?

Alfons: ——Well, your body just can’t bear it unless it’s with me, you see.

Kate: ...I was a fool to even ask in earnest. I’ll be going now.

Alfons: Yes, yes, have a good time. Ahh, and I think I will be coming back late.

Kate: Ah——that’s right, today... you have a mission, don’t you? Be careful and come back safely, alright?

Alfons: Worry not, for unlike a certain someone I am quite faithful.

Kate: That’s not what I meant...

K: If you go out of your way to get hurt and whatnot, I’ll... I’ll punish you...!

Kate’s face reddened as she declared this before turning and leaving the room.

(...‘Punish,’ she says...) (O_O)

Alfons: Pfft, ahahaha!

A: Ahh... dear me, what darling words.

A: Indeed, why are Kate’s parting threats always so cute like this, I wonder.

(Like how alcohol and staying up late was bad for the body, or how if I got hurt she would punish me...)

For threats those words were much too kind, and it was quite amusing to say the least.

The reason she was going out, and her worry, I knew they were all for my sake.

And yet, that heroic side of her, as astounding as it was, was so cute, I couldn’t help but be a little mean and tease her a bit: call it a bad habit of mine.

(Such a troublesome way of caring, and yet it’s the only way I know how. And perhaps, I may someday run out of love.)

My heart, long used to throwing away any notion of hope, still whispered to ‘let it become that way.’

But every time that happened, I would hear Kate’s voice in my mind.

——It won’t turn out that way!

(The Kate in my mind would never leave me behind.)

That was my convenient delusion.

And, to me, my happy illusion.

—— Time skip ——

(Now then... what sort of interesting things is the little robin up to now?)

When I had returned to the castle after the mission, I was told by Elbie that Kate had gone to the pub.

—— Flashback ——

Alfons: Why again, so late at night?

Elbert: Because when your missions end late, you often go to the pub.

E: So, Kate said that she would wait there...

—— End flashback ——

(There is no such person in that pub who would leave a woman there so late at night alone.)

I went down the familiar staircase and slipped into the lively pub——and as expected, Kate was being pressed by a ‘friend.’

Black-haired young man: Don’t be so stuck up now. How about we two lonely people get along and have a drink?

Kate: I’ll pass. Besides, I’m not really lonely.

Like a prideful cat, she had her face turned,

but perhaps in an effort to swallow her displeasure and fear, Kate’s hold on her glass tightened.

Black-haired young man: You waitin’ for Al? Not like you made any promise with him, right?

Black-haired young man: Leave him be. He’s a good-for-nothing who doesn’t have an ounce of love in him, you know?

(A good-for-nothing without an ounce of love... indeed, if one were to ask about me at this pub,)

(not a single person would answer with something other than that, I reckon.)

While I counted the words in the repertoire of words that were used as insults against me in my mind——

Kate, for the first time, turned toward the ‘friend’ at last.

Kate: I won’t deny that Alfons is the lowest of the low, with no morals or ethics to speak of, and a good-for-nothing,

K: but he does have much more than an ounce of love.

(...) (O_O)

Black-haired young man: Pfft, hahaha! A woman who’s so easily fooled like you doesn’t come around every day either. ...But in all seriousness, you really should let him go.

Black-haired young man: He’ll make a mess of your life, and it’ll be too late to regret anything after you’ve been through it.

My ‘friend’——Craig looked at Kate with narrowed eyes, slightly saddened, as though he was seeing someone else in her,

and he quietly reached out for those shoulders.

Alfons: You sure like getting hands on with others, don’t you.

Craig: Whoa—!?

Just before his hands touched her shoulder, I stopped him with my palm,

and Craig practically flew out of his counter chair.

Kate: Alfons!?

Craig: W-what the... what’s the big deal? Not like you ever had a special someone before.

C: So this time wouldn’t be any different from a whim of a relationship before fading right out, right?

Kate: ...

For a moment, Kate’s expression wavered with a bit of sadness.

Seeing that left a bad taste in me, and before I could think, my mouth moved first.

Alfons: ——Why, I beg to differ?

A: She’s such a darling toy, one I could hardly leave behind. After all, I very much am one with much more than an ounce of love.

Kate: ...!

Alfons: But putting that aside, Craig,

Craig: ...What is it?

Alfons: At least on the anniversary of your wife’s passing, I hope you may spend the rest of this night in a good mood.

I removed his gloves, and then gently touched the back of his neck.

Alfons: ——Tonight, shut yourself out those self-condemning notions, and go to sleep back home after another drink.

A: “And perhaps, you may see a nostalgic dream, rivaled by none other.”

—— Time skip: night city ——

Alfons: Goodness, to think you would go out to play at night and seduce another man... you naughty one, you.

Kate: No, it’s not that! I was thinking you might come by here, so I was waiting for you.

K: Like, maybe you would come for a drink after a mission so you wouldn’t feel as weary and whatnot.

K: And I wanted to be there too, if possible...

Alfons: None the more noble, I see,

A: as your partner is a man who gets told things like how ‘this is on a whim before fading right out.’

Kate: But I don’t think that.

Alfons: Even though you seemed rather saddened for a moment back there?

Kate: That... is because, I thought how even among your friend circle, there are those that misunderstand you.

Alfons: Aha, but it’s not a misunderstanding? I really am someone who will turn down nobody who comes to me, nor will I chase after anyone who leaves.

A: For you see, I’m but a piece of trash who would fade right out if things become troublesome.

Kate: But the people you spend time with are always those that are suffering, right?

K: So, even when you ‘fade right out,’ that is also for other people’s sake, isn’t it?

K: I can’t think of that as loveless. After all...

K: What else could the feeling of wanting to help others be called, if not love?

Alfons: ......... (O_O)

—— Flashback ——

Alfons: And if you want to live that badly... I guess I better help you then.

—— End flashback ——

If her words really were true...

Then what I had felt at that time was ‘love’——at least, that may be the case.

A single word from her was enough to make such a convenient interpretation feel like reality.

Kate: Before, I was really happy. When you said straight up how you wouldn’t leave me.

K: And the fact how, after that, you showed Craig an illusion...

K: In the end, I really do love you, Alfons.

Instead of falling out of love, she said such a thing with a casual smile.

(...To think that, more than this happy illusion in my mind and whatnot,)

(the Kate in reality is so much more convenient to me...)

Alfons: ...You are just full of surprises, aren’t you.

Kate: Huh? What was that?

Alfons: Goodness, you weren’t listening?

A: I said that tonight we’re going to do so many naughty things you won’t know what’s what anymore.

—— Time skip: Alfons’ room ——

Kate: Ahh...

Like a cat, Kate’s waist was lifted as she lied face down on the bed,

and when I pulled away from her, she jumped a little.

After climaxing again, she shivered at the lingering sound of her wet entrance.

When I inserted a finger in that stirred up area, she lowered her hips as though becoming frightened.

Kate: N-no more...

Alfons: Really? Because the inside of you seems to think otherwise around my fingers. ...See.

Kate: no, I—ah, ahh——

While kneading the swollen bud with my thumb, I moved my two fingers inside.

I went for the place she loved the most, where she squeezed my fingers, and together with a lewd sound, she squirted.

Alfons: Hehe... to think teasing you just a little was enough to make you come, your body has become quite the naughty thing, hasn’t it.

Kate: I... I wanted to look at the photo... together with you though...

The envelope she received, which contained the photo that had just been processed,

was left unopened on the side table.

Alfons: You can look at photos at any time... so how about looking at the real me here?

Kate: ...ngh... uh...?

I took her limp wrists and pulled her up,

And Kate, her eyes seeming to melt with intoxication, went along with being pulled.

(As usual, she’s quite defenseless, isn’t she...)

When would she realize that shaking her head the moment she finally realized that the place she was taken to was in front of the mirror

would have the opposite effect, I wonder?

My hand made its way behind her knee before lifting her leg up.

Kate: no... ah...

Alfons: See now, look here, won’t you. ...So that you won’t ever forget.

Kate: ...!

When I murmured those words, Kate tried to bear any sense of shame she had.

Alfons: How lewd it feels with my cock in your mouth.

Kate: hah... haa... ah, ahh——

Alfons: ...And also,

A: in what ways I love you.

Not wanting to forget me even after I died, she would record me,

and look straight forward while pushing down her embarrassment, engraving them into her memory.

(Kate, truly, what a pitiable, darling soul you are.)

(All that effort, even when I have no intention of dying before you.)

But, I had no intention of saying that to her either. In all likeliness, it would remain my secret for the rest of this lifetime.

(After all, seeing how your mind is filled to the brim with me, and how hard-working you are, brings me no end of amusement.)

(And, even if you were to find out this secret of mine——)

(I’m sure you would be exasperated and angry, but still you would love me after that.)

This may not necessarily amount to a convenient delusion,

but those teary eyes that looked at me through the mirror let me think that.

After we indeed felt so good we didn’t know what was what anymore,

Kate fell asleep, with me holding her. And suddenly, I felt a nostalgic rush from the silence of the night.

I remembered that very night, when I had fallen asleep while holding a small warmth I had found in an alley.

That was the first night I had ever felt such serenity in the silence.

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NOTE: thank you to everyone who has kept up with this translation and supported me (especially those who have commented or reblogged)! it means the world to me and makes these more-than-two-months worth it if you enjoyed it 🥹🫶 i plan to translate his side stories as well if i can, though they may be out of order.

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[kurishiri]

24 . . . “ service, pleasure, and the exposed mirror ”

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— 🪞 chapter 24 blind love premium story.

— cw: awkwardly translated smut; will put the nsfw scene in between dividers!

—— BG: Alfons’ room, with the cloth of the mirror covered ——

(Ah...)

His fragrance became more prominent then.

The moment I felt that, my body felt hot.

Alfons: You won’t say something like how you’ll hold back tonight, will you?

The one who was supposed to be ‘holding back’ was me.

That was my intention, at least...

Kate: ngh——...hah, ahh...

Our lips met, and the moment his hands started to trace my body,

I felt more sensitive than I had ever felt before, and panicking at my reaction to that, I raised my voice.

Kate: ——ah, wait—

But, the voice that slipped out of me served as nothing but spice to heighten the mood.

After all, my body was saying otherwise, that it didn’t want to ‘wait.’

The way he fondled my breasts was more than enough.

And how he lifted my skirt to caress my thighs was all that was needed.

(It feels hot... in all the places Alfons touches...)

The tips of my breasts and below my stomach felt so hot it almost hurt as they throbbed in anticipation.

Alfons: Aha... did you feel that even more than usual with how long it’s been?

Kate: ...m...hm...

I tried my hardest to nod——and his lips curved up in a crescent shape.

Kate: ah...

As though I were sent flying, I collapsed on the bed and he took off my clothes in a careless motion.

Whenever Alfons made love to me, he was always gentle like he was comforting or lulling me——

So when I thought about how this was different from the times we did it up until now, that was enough to fill me with excitement and make my body feel even more hot.

Kate: haa... hah... ah—

Alfons: Ahh... it really is the case. I haven’t even touched aaanywhere on you,

A: but see, your nipples, and here as well, they’re quite swollen now.

Kate: Eek—

When his fingers mischievously flicked that point between my legs, my back jumped.

Then, he lifted my legs like my body was folding——

Alfons: Can you see it? See, it’s twitching here, like it’s begging for me to put it in quickly.

Kate: no...

Alfons: But what a pickle, indeed. At this rate I fear you won’t be able to give me any service.

As though teasing me, those fingers tickled and fondled with that wet spot.

(I want Alfons to touch me more.)

It was just as Alfons said: I wanted his heat deep in me.

(But... at this rate I will be the only one feeling good, and I don’t want that.)

(This time, for sure...)

I don’t want to be the only one drowning in these convenient pleasures. I wanted Alfons to feel good too.

Kate: I... I will do it... the service...

Alfons: I hear you, but I wonder if you will be able to hold yourself back at this rate, yes?

Kate: I can... because... I want you to feel good too, Alfons.

Alfons: ...And how will you do that?

(‘How... will I do that’...)

When it came to the pleasurable type of ‘service,’ I only had Alfons as an example.

(The things that Alfons... did to me.)

Pushing my hand behind me down to try to lift myself up, Alfons let go of my legs, which he had been supporting.

Most of his clothes were still on and not much of a mess, but then, I reached out to his pants.

I was clumsy and slow taking off his belt, though, and I heard laughter from above.

Alfons: ...Is this your way of teasing?

Kate: ...

As he teased my clumsiness, I felt embarrassment stirring within me as finally, his pants loosened.

And when I saw his cock supported tightly by his undergarments, I suddenly felt a lot more aware of what I was going to try to do, and I let out a sound from my throat.

But I rid those feelings away as I pulled them down and held his cock.

Alfons: ...!

(...It’s hot...)

I slowly leaned in——and touched it with the tip of my tongue.

Kate: mn...

Alfons: ...hehe, Kate...

A: Just who did you learn such a naughty way to use your tongue from...?

When I looked up, Alfons was looking at me.

The hot breaths he let out, his relaxed eyes, his flushed cheeks... I felt so happy seeing how he was racing.

(Right now, I’m making Alfons feel good...)

A feeling of happiness I hadn’t felt before filled my heart.

(And I want to make him feel even better. To make up for the times he made me feel good, and many times more...)

Kate: mm... I’m just doing it... like you have done...

Alfons: Hah... so you took even that... as an example?

I covered it in saliva, licked it, and sometimes in a bout of mischief I would rub it more with my tongue,

and when I saw him react, I would fondle with it and tease there over and over——

I had always been the one taking it in, so I felt I could go crazy from the pleasure of giving to him.

Even though I was the one giving, I couldn’t help but remember the times when he would fondle with me,

and the wet and sticky fluid from within me wouldn’t stop overflowing.

I wanted to touch him, and make him feel good.

I wanted us to feel the pleasure, together.

Alfons: ngh, haa... ahh... Kate...

Kate: mn... ngh... hm...?

Alfons: Such a lewd face you’re making, aren’t you?

He caressed my cheeks with both his hands and lifted my face up.

The heat within me withdrew, and I felt I was forgetting myself to the point of feeling lonely.

Alfons: ...I suppose the fault of you being able to make such a face lies with me, no?

Kate: ...No, that’s... not it.

K: It’s because... I’m doing it with you... that it feels good...

Alfons: ... (O_O)

A: ...hehe, so I see.

A: At this point, the fault lies with nothing and no one then.

He stole my lips, wettened from saliva and other things.

And I didn’t even have time to process that I was pushed down onto the bed——when his cock penetrated me.

Kate: ah—— ...!?

Just like that, the pleasure came back to me in one go.

Alfons: ...haa... so tight... did you come a little, perhaps?

Kate: ngh, ah, ah, ahh...!

I knew he knew, but it would seem he had no intention of stopping.

He thrust within me, hitting the place where I felt the most pleasure,

and the height of it came right back again, making me dizzy.

Kate: ah, Al...Alfons...

K: I-it feels... it feels weird... ah, ahh——

Alfons: ——haa, hehe, and do you dislike that?

Kate: ha... haa...

Alfons’ eyes as he looked down at me seemed to melt with happiness.

(...!)

And when I saw that, pleasure ran through my spine, and the root of my mind throbbed sweetly.

Kate: ...n-no...I don’t...dislike it...

Alfons: Indeed, as I know you so very love things that feel good, yes?

Kate: No... I just like you, Alfons.

K: It’s because I’m doing it with you... that it feels... good... ah, mnn—

Alfons: Then, let’s make even more of a mess of each other...

A: So much so, you might go crazy from loneliness when I’m not in you.

A: By all means, go so crazy you might break, Kate.

With our bodies tangled together, he went on top of me,

and we melted in each other’s warmth so deeply, indeed, I may have really become broken——

—— Time skip ——

Kate: I don’t want to take a single step out of the bed today...

Alfons: Oh you poor soul, just who might have rendered my most darling plaything like this, I wonder?

Kate: ...Could it be, you’ve been really holding back up until now...?

Alfons: Hehe... well, I wanted nothing more than to make you feel good then, you see.

One could interpret those words as yesterday having been different from the other times, and I couldn’t help but feel happy about that.

After all, I could still feel his heat within my body... and that was the first time I had felt that way.

Kate: ...Won’t you take the cloth off that mirror?

Still laying on the bed, I suddenly saw the large mirror, covered by a cloth.

Alfons: Cloth? Ahh... you mean that?

The reason why everything in this room was so impeccably neat——

I had thought it may be because he didn’t want to leave a single mark of anyone having had resided here behind.

(Well, that’s just what I think at least...)

(...but, probably, I’m sure I hit the mark.)

‘Nobody had lived here at all. It was always an empty room.’

The unused mirror would leave such a message to anyone who found this room after he disappeared.

That was the creed he put into it.

It was his justice, just as it was his evil. But——

Kate: ...When I leave this room, it’s embarrassing when I’m a mess, so...

K: Please let me use that mirror.

Alfons: Indeed... if you don’t mind doing naughty things before the mirror, then by all means, be my guest.

Kate: Wh...!? W-what naughty play...?

Alfons: Why of course, what else would I mean but having it show how your expression seemed to melt with lewdness, or how you fondled it with your ton——

Kate: O-okay, I get it now! You don’t need to explain any more!

Making me remember all those shameless things, I pressed both hands on his mouth in a panic.

Because it was Alfons, were I to take off that cloth, I felt we really would do such a thing.

(And at those times... I will definitely feel so embarrassed I want to run away... but won’t be able to turn him down...)

(...But...)

Kate: ...Even so, it’s fine, so... you can take the cloth off.

Alfons: Are you sure?

A: If your body starts aching before that mirror, then it won’t be on me then.

A: ...That said, someday you will come to forget that was my fault.

Kate: ...hehe.

All of a sudden, I let out a laugh.

Alfons: ...? ( ౦ ‸ ౦ )

Kate: You’ve already rendered my body so hopeless without you.

K: So, at this point, adding one or two of your marks won’t change anything.

(Fill my memories with those of you.)

(That’s what I plan to do——carve me with marks of you so much, there is no way they could ever be lost.)

Alfons: ...You...

A: Truly——what a fool you are.

That day, the cloth was removed from the large mirror.

——All that said, a lot of things happened in the process, and as I clung onto the cloth, it slipped, or something like that, I suppose...

—— BG: Alfons’ room, with the cloth of the mirror exposed ——

Let’s just say, the only one privy to the finer points was the mirror.

to be continued…

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[kurishiri]

04 . . . “ an illusory lover and a night of dreams ”

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— 🌙 chapter 4 premium story.

— cw: dub-con (“consented” under the influence of a curse), awkwardly translated smut. i put the nsfw part in between dividers in case.

After the play, Alfons escorted me back to my room.

——On the way back, however, I was struck by a peculiar feeling.

(What is this? It feels unsettling...)

I had just returned from the theater that I had frequented often before, but for some reason, I felt as though we had walked a path I had never laid my eyes on before.

(And I can’t seem to recall having even gone to the theater with Alfons and Ellis in the first place...)

That very feeling seemed to grow within me, until it had swelled so much that, by the time I was in my room, I could not simply ignore it.

Kate: Umm... Alfons.

Alfons: Yes, what is it?

(It’s just... it would be strange to ask about this... wouldn’t it?)

Kate: .........To be sure, what I saw back there, was that really a play?

(W-wait what...)

The moment the question was out of my mouth, something in my head seemed to snap with a start, and I came to my senses.

Kate: Because, that can’t be true... can it? When you said ‘stage blood,’ it——was actually...

(So that’s why I felt so scared.)

(And that’s why I felt so anxious, and why I wanted it all to end as quickly as possible.)

(Everything was——)

Alfons: Alas, it would seem you have awoken already?

A: What a strong sense of self you hold, I see.

When I looked up, I saw him narrow his eyes, seeming somewhat exasperated.

Kate: That... it was real... all of that was reality.

My own voice weighed on my ears that heard it.

(The reality was that people were indeed being killed, and the one who had tried to stab Alfons with a knife had been meaning to kill him.)

Kate: And... and I...

I thought all of that was nothing but a play.

(——A play that I watched quietly.)

The truth of the situation was so shocking that all words were lost in my throat.

(But, it was true that I couldn’t stand watching it.)

(I was so scared, and that fear drove my want to run away.)

That fear then morphed into panic, and perhaps that was actually for the better, or I could have made a blunder of myself.

(But, even so...)

(I——that scene, I just...)

I could hardly believe that I had simply watched on without a single doubt, so I closed my eyes tightly and covered my ears.

And that was when I felt his warm hands wrap me in an embrace.

It was almost as though he was scooping me out of the deep, cold depths of the water.

Alfons: This is hardly your fault at all. Everything that happened—I will take all of the blame. Is that not the case?

Kate: But the one who stood there, watching that scene without thinking anything of it was me...

Alfons: There is not a shred of doubt in me that such a scene would not be bearable in any capacity lest it was all fiction.

A: Why, in fact, I was thinking that were it all in a fictitious environment, you would actually be able to enjoy such scenes...

Kate: gh...

I thought back to myself, when I thought everything was a play.

(I thought they were incredible, and I even applauded. Even though people were actually dying right before my eyes...)

(I really don’t have any right to say anything about him.)

I hung my head, and that’s when I heard a voice laced with pity.

Alfons: Truly, you seem to want to stay in reality so much, it only becomes naïvete at that point.

Kate: ...Well, yes, because I need to stay grounded in reality.

Alfons: Is it because of your duties as fairytale keeper, by any chance?

A: You may as well just burn that whole ‘fairytale keeper’ role to smithereens, seeing as it was a job forced on you because of an incident you didn’t have to see, no?

(My duties... of course, there is that as well.)

(Because, if I don’t fulfill my duties, I may end up being killed. However——)

Kate: It’s not just that... I need to stay grounded in reality, or the things that really matter will slip past me, right?

Alfons: Such as?

Kate: Such as the reason why such cruel things are happening, things like that, and...

Alfons: And watching that scene in great detail will only get you as far to your answer as a dead end.

Kate: And there may be people who are still breathing... those are people who could be saved, and...!

Alfons: Aha, saving people in the midst of a massacre? You would practically be asking to kick the bucket in the middle of that bloody mess.

Kate: But... if you or Ellis had gotten hurt in there, I...

K: I would have thought, ‘Oh, what a play’ and just stood there... when I could have done something to help!

Alfons: ... [surprised]

Kate: And I... that scares me... how could I not...

Feeling overstimulated by my own emotions, my vision blurred.

Was it from the fear I had felt toward that scene, or was it from the fear that I was the only one who was being protected in this illusory bubble?

The answer wasn’t clear, even to myself.

Alfons: .........

I thought Alfons was just looking on quietly at me being overtaken by emotions——when he reached out and gently stroked my hair.

It was almost as though he were actually my lover.

Alfons: Your ever so gentle heart shatters and hurts you so easily... and yet still choosing to face reality headfirst without seeking an escape...

A: ...I know no greater fool than yourself.

A: And you see, whenever I lay my eyes upon such a person, the urge to spoil you rotten gnaws at me until I can hardly bear it.

His fingers slid to the back of my neck.

(Ah...)

No, you can’t, I thought——but alas, it was a thought too late.

Alfons: So, come now, let us play together once more tonight... “my most adorable lover.”

Just then, a comforting sensation took over, almost as though I were floating.

With that, my body leaned forward into his arms.

(This feeling... from somewhere...)

The thought only started to form when it vanished with the sound of his voice.

Alfons: Everything is alright now. See... I am very much alive and kicking, aren’t I?

Kate: Mn...huu... Alfons...

Alfons: ...You need not make such a face.

A: I won’t stop with such a child’s play of a kiss... can you open up here?

Alfons murmured those words as his fingertips poked my lips.

Alfons: Come now... there’s no need to be shy.

Kate: Mn... ah...

I did as I was told and opened my mouth, and I felt his wet tongue slip through the gap.

Kate: uh...mn...ahnn...

Alfons: nn...hehe, that kiss felt good, no?

Our tongues intertwined deeply with one another, and I could feel the heart of my mind melting into a puddle.

(No, I can’t... something...)

(I feel like I’m forgetting something important... but...)

(It feels so good...)

My body was at the mercy of his tongue, and at some point, my back sunk into the bed, and...

...with all traces of rationale having melted away, the only thing I could think about now was making love with the one before my eyes.

Kate: Al...fons... my... my body, it feels hot...

Alfons: ...Where in your body?

Kate: ...I know you know... so don’t ask me...

Alfons: Oh, please... do tell me where in your body it feels hot.

A: Tell me where you want to feel pleasure... with those darling lips of yours, yes?

Kate: ah...

The ribbon behind my neck came undone, and my loose blouse came off.

When I tried to hide the bare skin below, though, he pinned my hand on the sheets.

Alfons: Why try to hide it? Let me see your body, won’t you?

A: Come now... where would you like to be teased?

Kate: ...

K: ...every...where...

Riddled with embarrassment, I averted my eyes to the side.

Alfons: ‘Everywhere’... so you say.

Stifling a laugh, he gave a light kiss on my burning cheeks.

Alfons: ——Such a greedy one, I see.

Kate: ...!

Alfons’ face approached my chest before he bit my nipples.

Kate: ...ah, ahh...mn——!

His tongue played with them over and over, lighting a flame in my body,

and from my nipples I felt a numbing sensation spread to a place below my stomach, and my knees rubbed against each other.

Alfons: mn... so you would like to feel good down here as well?

His fingers traced along my thighs, slowly making their way between my legs.

Kate: Alfons... ngh...ahh...

His fingers slipped in my underwear, and he rubbed the dripping wet spot in there in a teasing motion,

and with a slick sound, his fingers slowly made their way inside.

Kate: ah, ahh... haa...

Alfons: Goodness, you are soaking wet here. See, can you hear it?

Kate: No, I, ahh...

Alfons: Were you perhaps wanting to be touched here since the beginning?

As though to affirm his suspicions, the place his fingers were in sweetly squeezed around them.

Alfons: Now there is no need to squeeze so tightly like that. It is my full intent to pleasure you more.

Kate: Ahh——!

The thrusts of his fingers grew more fervent.

With his fingers playing around inside me, the inside of my stomach seemed to squirm and tightly squeezed around his fingers.

The first night we shared together, he had found my weak spot,

and his fingers, having done this many times before, knew very well how to drive me crazy.

Kate: Haa... ah, ahh... Alfons...

Alfons: Hehe, are my fingers no longer enough?

Kate: ...

Even though we were lovers, I felt embarrassed by the lewdness, and I couldn’t bring myself to nod honestly.

Alfons laughed once again in response, as though he found enjoyment in this.

Alfons: Come on now and say it... or is it alright? For you to come by my fingers, that is.

A: Though I do suspect you would come just like that if I so much as teased this spot.

Kate: Ah... ah, ahh... wait...

K: ...Not... not your fingers...

The words died there, as I couldn’t say any more, after all.

Alfons: ...You truly are a darling one, aren’t you.

The fingers that had been fervently playing inside me withdrew, causing me to jump with a start.

With heavy breaths, the rustling of clothes sounded——

And when I looked up, I saw that Alfons had just taken off his tie.

That sight alone was enough to make the inside of my stomach throb.

Alfons: ...

Removing his belt, Alfons looked down at me,

and as though looking at a kitten, he gave me a gentle smile.

Alfons: Let us make a mess of each other... until we forget every last thing, yes?

His cock stroked my lower part, before he sunk into me, to a place deeper than any finger could touch.

Kate: Nn... ah... ah... Alfons...

His thrusts intense, my sweet voice escaped from my lips and resonated in the room.

My entire body trembled with the pleasure that hit, and I clung onto his back in response.

(Embracing each other, touching each other, sharing our heat with one another from within...)

——Everything felt so good, I could not think of anything else.

(Right now, I just want to stay like this...)

I wanted to drown in the warmth of his arms. After all,

those very arms that embraced me were ever so kind,

and for a reason I couldn’t pin down, those eyes filled with something in between pity and affection were much more comforting than I could ever ask for...

to be continued…

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NOTE: i do use some more direct terms here than what the original text may have used. for example, when i say “nipples,” the text said [色づいた先端] (iro-duita sentan), which literally translates to “colored tips,” and when i say “cock,” the original text uses [欲望] (yokubō), which means “desire.”

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[kurishiri]

03 . . . alfons main story (with letter)

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— cw: fluff?? in alfons route??? guys pigs might fly in the sky next- /lh

Ever since I had become Alfons’ ‘mission-only exclusive fairytale keeper,’ I put my energy into keeping as much distance as I could possibly get away from him.

(No Alfons to the right... and no Alfons to the left either. Which means I can get through the day without being found by him.)

Or, that would be nice, but he was also much like an apparition, appearing in the most unexpected times and places, so who knew where he’d pop up next...

Alfons: A very good day to you.

Kate: Eek!?

He didn’t make so much as a footstep as he popped up behind me, blowing into my ear and making me jump.

Kate: My heart was about to fly out of my chest, Alfons!

As always, I glared at him whilst hiding both my hands behind my neck, and he — as always — donned a smile laced with amusement.

Alfons: Hehe, but I do find it quite endearing, seeing you stand on your hair as you are doing now.

A: But worry not, my intentions are nothing short of pure now, so come here, won’t you?

Well, my trust in him was nothing short of nonexistent.

Kate: No thank you... and stop following me.

Alfons: Oh dear, your words ring so cold.

——Like that, while continuing to be bothered by Alfons,

I got to know the other members of Crown little by little in order to fulfill my duties as a ‘fairytale keeper.’

For example, let’s take Liam.

Although he was such a brilliant stage actor, very sensitive and a wonderful person to boot,

his Curse made it so he couldn’t suppress his curiosity, and he would occasionally go out with Alfons, whom he considered a friend, to do dangerous games.

(And when I say ‘dangerous games’... I’m not sure I want to know what that entails.)

As for Harrison,

I had come to realize that beneath his somewhat curt disposition was someone who would often lend a helping hand to those who needed it.

He was also quick-witted enough to slip past even Alfons’ eyes at times, too.

(I heard he had the Lying Fox’s Curse... which sounds about right.)

(But, his lies come from a kind place... at least, that’s what I think.)

And then there was Jude and Ellis, who were often absent from the castle due to their work at Jude’s company.

Jude was rather unapproachable with his sharp tongue, and he bore the Curse of the Thirteenth Fairy.

Meanwhile, Ellis, who was always gentle and kind, bore the Curse of the Thorns.

William and Victor were both shrouded in mystery, and I could never seem to figure out what those two were thinking.

But when I had heard that these two were the cofounders of Crown, I was surprised, to be sure, but I also felt it was a strangely fitting narrative at the same time.

(Both of them give off the impression that they are the last two people in the world you would want as an enemy...)

And then, there was Alfons. If I had to say anything about him...

(Whenever I ask the others questions about him, they all say more or less the same thing...)

And that is, ‘He is someone who relishes in others’ reactions, and loves to do things that feel good.’

—— Time skip ——

(Hah... I’m so tired.)

Today as well, the sun had set as I was gathering information on Crown as the fairytale keeper.

(Nothing like a cup of tea for a break.)

As I was brewing a cup, all of a sudden a hand reached out from behind without any warning.

Alfons: I see you have worked diligently today as well. Good job.

Kate: Wh—Alfons!?

Alfons: For the hardworking little robin, how about I personally brew the tea for you?

(Okay, but when did he come into the kitchen...!?)

Kate: Thank you, but no thank you. I can do it myself...

Alfons: I daresay there are a great many other things those words are better suited for.

With that, Alfons took the teapot from my hands before he started to brew the tea with elegant mannerisms.

(Ah...)

His gestures were so refined that without thinking, I continued to stare at him.

Such refinement felt almost tangible enough to make me think that this was not a superficial act, but rather the real thing.

Alfons: Here, it’s done.

He placed the teacup and the saucer on the table, and in an attempt to hide the fact that I was bewitched by his elegance for a moment, I accepted it in haste.

Kate: T-thank you very much...

When I looked into the cup, though, my eyes widened.

Kate: Wait, what is this tea? It’s all blue...

Alfons: That blue color would come from a herb called blue mallow. If you let it sit, it will eventually and gradually turn purple.

As if to prove his words then and there, the deep blue color started to change color.

It was as though the deep blue of the dawn sky was being lightly blotted by vermillion.

Kate: You’re right... I’ve never seen anything like this before...

Alfons: Go on now, have a sip.

I took in the beautiful colors with my eyes before I brought the cup to my lips, taking a sip.

Just like that, the fragrance wafted up my nose and drifted apart.

Kate: ...It’s really good.

(How long has it been since I relaxed like this...)

Gradually, the feeling of caution I initially had seemed to loosen before I knew it.

Alfons: I am glad to hear. But there is one more possible but interesting change this tea can produce. Would you care to see it, by any chance?

Kate: An interesting change...?

With a few drops of whatever was in the small bottle he used, this time the blue mallow tea changed into a light pink color.

Kate: Oh my gosh... it’s so pretty...! It’s just like actual magic...!

The change was so vivid and beautiful, I felt in high spirits, as though I were a child again.

Alfons: Hehe.

Hearing stifled laughter, I looked at him to find him looking at me with a smile playing on his lips.

Alfons: I take it you feel a little more merry now, no?

Kate: Merry...?

K: ...Did you do all of this because I kept avoiding you?

Alfons: Why indeed, for you see, I was hoping to have more opportunities to talk to you.

Kate: ...!

He booped my nose, and my heart skipped a beat in response.

Kate: And you doing these types of things is exactly why I avoided you, so please stop.

Alfons: Now whatever could ‘these types of things’ be referring to is beyond me.

Kate: ...Actually, you know what, forget it.

The memories of the sweet sensations we exchanged as lovers was engraved in my body...

(So every time he touches me, my heart twinges...)

The suggestive traces of that troublesome illusion just would not disappear.

(But then he goes and touches me anyway, even though he probably knows... and it really is wretched.)

Alfons sat on the table as he drank his own cup of tea, and I gave him a fleeting look.

Kate: ...You do know it’s bad manners to sit on the table while drinking tea, don’t you?

Alfons: Oh? Did you perhaps expect better of me?

A: Am I to assume that you feel someone who deceived a girl the day after they met, namely myself, is the model of sincerity and manners?

I wanted to hide the turmoil broiling in me, so I tried to change the topic altogether, but Alfons just used my words to make fun of me instead.

[1] Don’t remind me of that night. (+4 / +4)

[2] Sincerity is anywhere but in you.

[3] That’s not very nice.

Kate: Please don’t remind me of that night...

Alfons: Oh please, I implore you to remember it every night.

A: After all, is it not better for your mind to be filled to the brim with pleasure and fun?

A: And I take it you have been conversing with the others, no? In which case, they must have mentioned that I very much fancy pleasurable things.

As though saying he had seen through what I’ve been doing, he flashed me a bright smile.

But——

(Hm? Wait a minute...)

When I looked at that smile as a whole once again, I suddenly remembered a feeling of unease.

(Up until now, I had been so dumbfounded by his words and actions that I hadn’t realized this, but...)

Kate: ...What you said just now... was that all true?

Alfons: Come again?

(Ah... just what am I asking?)

Even I thought it strange.

But, for some reason, I felt I couldn’t ignore this unease that suddenly bubbled from within my heart.

Kate: I don’t know, I mean, just now... you...

K: I felt you weren’t genuinely smiling.

Alfons: ......... [surprised]

Seeming taken aback, Alfons blinked for a moment.

(Ah... but this expression... feels more genuine.)

I leaned forward and stared into his eyes, as though I could reach somewhere further.

But before I could reach that point, it seemed to mysteriously crumble before me...

Alfons: ...Is that the me who you wish to see?

...and painted on his lips was that shady smile I was all too familiar with.

Kate: ...What?

Alfons: Would it be safe to assume you prefer the me who appears to be having fun, when in actuality I am but an empty shell of myself, who is not having fun at all?

A: Hmm... so I see.

Kate: Since when were we talking about my preferences?

K: Can you not dodge my ques...

My words were cut off by his lips falling on mine.

Kate: ...!!

Alfons: ...Hehe.

A: Like this, I do implore you to keep your mind filled to the brim with thoughts of me.

When his lips parted from mine with a small sound, I could only stare dazedly back.

With a charming smile, he left the kitchen just like that.

(Ugh, he’s the absolute worst! Bloody wicked! Lowest of the low!)

I wiped my lips from having just been kissed before downing the rest of the now-lukewarm blue mallow tea in one go.

(The whole ‘I very much fancy pleasurable things’... and that smile...)

(I do really feel like he did dodge the question about whether those were genuine or not.)

Kate: Forget it, I couldn’t care less anymore...

All I wanted at this point was to not be toyed around by Alfons anymore.

——But perhaps because I wished for this...

(...He’s not here today either...)

Alfons, who had — much to my chagrin — kept me company, suddenly disappeared off the face of the castle, and then several days had passed.

(It’s not as though I’m particularly worried about him or anything...)

Kate: ...Have any of you seen Alfons at any point these last few days?

Roger: Ahh, well this isn’t anything new.

Elbert: I believe he is somewhere in London... probably.

Hearing those uncertain words made me suck in a breath, and I remembered something Alfons had said before.

(I believe he said that he considered himself “something like Lord Elbert’s attendant”...)

...not that I knew what he was implying when he said ‘attendant.’

But if that meant something like a butler, then I could get past him being proficient at brewing tea.

Kate: I was under the impression that he was your attendant, Lord Elbert, so is it really alright to let him do as he wants like this?

His blue eyes slightly wavered, much like a sea being blown by the wind.

Elbert: I would not say ‘attendant,’ per se...

E: Al is more like a childhood friend with whom I spent time with since we were young... perhaps.

Kate: Oh, is that so?

Lord Elbert was an earl.

(And although I am not an expert when it comes to titles of nobility...)

(...he might have used the term ‘attendant’ because of Lord Elbert’s high social standing.)

Or maybe he has been with him like family or something along those lines?

Lord Elbert bore the Curse of the ‘Greedy Queen,’ and I came to know during my time getting to know the members that he was searching for beautiful things.

That, and Alfons was allegedly helping with that.

Lord Elbert always seemed to don a melancholy air about him, while Alfons seemed to have a perpetual smile plastered on his lips.

(These two are so opposite of one another that them being able to get along is a wonder.)

Elbert: So that is why... I hold no control over Al’s actions.

E: ...My apologies.

Kate: Oh, don’t worry about it! It’s fine, really. If he is not taking me along then I assume he’s not out on a mission right now.

K: But... about this ‘not being anything new’... does that mean you have some inkling as to where he is?

Roger: If I had to guess, probably either a pub, a social club, or some street corner.

Kate: Huh...?

Roger: His playmates could be women or men. Or something else entirely. ...What, you’re interested in that, lil lady?

Kate: N-not at all!

(It’s not as though I’m particularly worried or anything.)

But, I do find myself thinking.

(I wonder if Alfons shows a genuine smile in places like those...)

(Because if that’s the case, I wonder what it looks like——)

(...N-not that I’m really interested to know...)

Trying to calm my feelings, which wavered back and forth like a pendulum, I slapped my own cheeks a couple times.

Elbert: ...Are you alright, Kate?

Roger: You’re probably feeling a lot of things right about now, aren’t you? I’ll cut you a break.

Just like that, several days later, after being absent with not so much as a single word——

Alfons: It has been a long minute since we last saw each other, Miss Kate. How have you been faring these past days?

Having been notified by William that there was a mission, Alfons popped up in front of me, as though he hadn’t disappeared completely for some days right before.

to be continued…

It has been a while

What do you think of my strategy of pulling back if pressing you doesn’t work?

If the man who had been meddling you to the brink of annoyance suddenly disappeared just like that, I imagine you would think to yourself, ‘What happened to him?’ and your mind would become even more filled with thoughts of me, no?

Ahh, but by no means am I writing this letter as a means to shame you. Just that you seem to feel the tactics between men and women are a foreign concept, and you seem almost laughably inept at forgetting the partners with whom you spend a single night with, so worrying is but the natural thing you would do. I wanted to say these words to you, and that is ultimately what drove me to pen this letter.

By the way, word is that I have extremely bad handwriting... were you able to read through it?

Just imagining your face realizing that you struggled to read through this letter only to find out the contents are as nonsensical as my handwriting, brings me much amusement.

Well then, until next time.

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[kurishiri]

21 . . . alfons main story — blind love

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— cw: wound aggravation and general medical talk.

With the help of Roger and the others, who came running, Alfons was carried back to Crown castle——

And there, Roger started an emergency operation.

That night, which felt extremely long to the point one second felt more like one hour, finally started to melt into the dim morning...

And that was around the time footsteps coming up the staircase resounded to the tall ceiling.

Seeing Roger come out from the basement, I ran to him in haste.

Kate: ...How is Alfons?

Roger: I did what I could.

R: Fortunately, I managed to suture the most vital blood vessels where the bullet penetrated.

Liam: Wait, that’s possible?

Roger: Just as the skin and intestines can, the same goes for blood vessels.

R: ...That said, it’s thanks to the many years of research my father, who’s a town doctor, had put into this.

R: Afterward... I used Elbie’s blood for a blood transfusion, so all we can do now is pray that his blood is compatible.

Kate: Blood transfusion...?

It was the first I heard of many words Roger had used, so it was a bit difficult to understand.

Roger: It’s a method of receiving blood from others, to make up for what was lost.

R: But the rate of success in clinical trials is low, and it’s a risky method.

(It’s risky... then, when he said the only thing we could do is pray his blood is compatible...)

Kate: What would happen, then, if the blood isn’t compatible?

Roger: In the worst case... he dies.

Kate: ——!

Roger: ...But, if we didn’t do it, then Al would have definitely died during the night.

He said that when that much blood was lost, to an extent, surgery and blood transfusions were a gamble.

Roger: Whenever I had the chance, I would draw the blood of Cursed ones here and did some experiments,

R: and from what I observed till now, Elbie’s blood shared the most reactions with Al’s.

R: So that’s why, we bet on him being able to adapt. Sorry about that, Kate, for not explaining to you earlier.

Kate: ...No, it’s fine. I know you were doing what you could.

(Since Roger had been researching the Cursed ones’ abilities for a long time, he was able to dive right into the surgery.)

Kate: So thank you very much. ...I’ll also believe for the best and wait.

Roger: ...Sounds good.

R: If he keeps a pretty lady like you waiting and doesn’t wake up, that would make full-on make him the idiot of the century.

Ever since then, the flow of time seemed more vague.

I could hardly bear even a second away from Alfons’ side as he remained unconscious...

And the only times I left the basement were to eat and take a shower. Other than that, I would spend all my time by his side, where he slept on the bed,

as I was scared that, were I to take my eyes off him, he would suddenly disappear.

(...ngh... h-huh...? Oh no, I fell asleep—)

I was supposed to pass the time at his bedside once again today, praying for the best,

But it seemed that at some point, I fell asleep atop the sheets.

(How is Alfons...)

I propped my body up with a start to check on the sleeping face that had been like that every day for the past few days.

(——W-wait, huh...?)

Kate: ...No way...

For a moment, I couldn’t grasp reality, and my mind went blank.

Alfons’ complexion was far off from a normal sleeping person’s.

It was so pale, it looked as though no blood flowed through there at all.

His lips had also lost all their colors, and they were chapped.

Kate: A-Al... Alfons...?

In a panic, I leaned over him on the bed.

Albeit faint, the movement of his chest even after he had lost consciousness now did not move an inch.

Kate: No... I don’t want this... please, no...

The tears I had always dearly tried to hold back overflowed then, and on an instinct, I held tightly onto his chest.

I held onto a faint thread of hope as I tried to strain my ear for any signs, but I could not hear even a single sign of his heartbeat.

The sweet fragrance Alfons gave off softly wrapped itself around me.

(Not yet... please...)

(I don’t want to ever forget that this scent was your——)

Kate: ...?

When I thought this, the fool called I finally realized something was off.

(Hm...?)

—— Flashback ——

(“To die without leaving his mark on anyone’s memories”——such was Alfons’ tragic fate.)

(When Alfons dies... at that moment...)

(The members of Crown, the friends Alfons would play with, the people in the slums, me, anyone and everyone...)

(...will all end up forgetting about him.)

His name, what he looked like, the scent he gave off... and the fact he even existed in this world altogether.

—— End flashback ——

(Alfons... he looks deceased... but——)

Kate: I... I still——haven’t forgotten... about you...

The moment those words came out in a whisper——

???: ...Dear me, it would seem you’ve come to your senses more quickly than I anticipated.

???: Were it that I could witness more of your grieving and crying... truly, a shame.

Kate: ...——!!

At the voice I’ve grown more than familiar with, blood rushed through my entire body as I stood up with a start.

There, with a smile filled to the brim with genuine mirth was——

Alfons: Well, how was it? My acting as a dead person, that is.

[1] The worst! (+4 / +4)

[2] You’re so mean.

[3] You fiend!

Kate: The worst! The absolute, utter... worst... hic...

Alfons: Well, as I am sure you are more than well aware by now, I am indeed the worst.

A: But even so, you fell in love with me, even for that, did you not?

I wanted nothing more than to give him a slap, if not for the fact that even more tears spilled, so I couldn’t see what was in front of me.

Tears continued to spill one after the other, each teardrop staining Alfons’ shirt more.

Kate: The worst... of the worst... ๐·°(⋟﹏⋞)°·๐!

Alfons: Ouch——won’t you go a tad easier on me, the wounds are stitched there... ow, ow, ow...

I weakly hit his chest with my hand, and while laughing, he slowly sat up.

Kate: Just why... would you do such a thing...

Alfons: .........That is a very good question. Why did I indeed?

A: Say, have you ever thought that there is no bigger mystery to ourselves than our own heart?

Kate: Wh—stop dodging the question! Because I won’t forgive you until you give me an answer!

Alfons: Alright, alright, I understand. You can stop hitting my chest over and over now, yes? I can feel it even with the strength of a kitten.

When I did as he asked, he stroked his fingers gently through my hair, which hung from the nape of my neck, before he let it flow to my shoulders.

Alfons: ...When I awoke, I saw you, face down asleep on the bed,

A: and seeing the back of your neck out so defenseless like that... an impulse tickled me silly, you see.

Kate: Isn’t that a bit too mean for something that was supposed to ‘tickle you silly’ though...!

(Even if you thought about such a thing for a moment, you wouldn’t actually do it!)

(...Under normal circumstances, that is.)

Realizing that the words he said were far from the ones I’d normally hear, I glared at him through teary eyes.

Alfons: My, cut me some slack, why don’t you. Can’t you think of this as my revenge for having lost the bet and let it go?

A: You will become my plaything for life, won’t you?

(T-this man, I swear...)

He was frustrating, infuriating, and annoying to boot.

But——more than that, he filled my heart to the brim with happiness, and...

Kate: That goes without saying...!

I was a mess of tears as I hugged Alfons——

Alfons: ...Hehe, have you the heart to forgive me now then?

(His body, and his life... they are still here in my arms...)

(And the fact Alfons still has a place in my mind too——I’m so happy...)

Kate: ...If you promise me that you’ll take responsibility to the end,

K: and tear my life to bits and pieces, then I’ll forgive you...

Alfons: Ahha! What’s with that condition?

Kate: I don’t know either...

Up until now, the depths of my heart was in despair, but now I felt the happiest I’d been in my life, my heart a mess.

(But, despair, happiness, and everything else——)

(If these scars can be left on this body as memories of Alfons... I want to accept them all.)

(I want all of what’s inside me to be filled with the scars he leaves.)

From now on, and for as long as possible, forevermore.

Alfons: However foolish you may be, I am just as much so.

A: Well, if you say so, it cannot be helped.

A: I will make a mess out of your life, and fill your body with wounds so deep, they can never disappear again.

A: By all means, let me be the one to drive you to insanity… and make you regret it all.

Alfons murmurations sweetly melted.

Kate: Please do...

It was the worst confession of love——but that very one brought me to the peak of happiness.

While seeming fed up with my tears that kept falling, he wiped them with his bare fingers.

Alfons: ...Goodness, to think such awful words could render you a puddle of happy tears...

A: I am more than sure, even if I were to scour the entire world, you would be the only one.

To feel his warmth made me so happy, I rubbed my cheek on his palm.

(I want us to touch each other more... but.)

(First things first, I should have Roger check up on him.)

Kate: ...Wait here a moment, I’ll go get Roger!

Alfons: I would rather do quite literally anything else other than see that man’s face the moment I wake up, thank you very much.

Kate: And now’s not the time for that.

Alfons: Indeed, more than that, since we have decided on loving each other to the fullest now,

A: how about we do pleasurable things?

Kate: W-what in the world are you...!?

Those naughty hands slipped from my back to my waist——

And my body, long used to the pleasure, reacted on its own.

(Wait, I can’t get carried away...)

Kate: N-no, we can’t.

Alfons: But why? And here I thought you no longer needed anything else to blame.

Kate: It’s not that...

K: I-I also want to do it... feeling good with you, that is. ...But——

K: While I no longer need an excuse to do it... I do have a reason not to, so we can’t.

Alfons narrowed his eyes at that, seemingly interested.

Alfons: And what might that reason be, if I may ask?

Kate: Of course, what else could it be but because I hold you dear?

He widened his eyes in response, blinking two or three times.

Kate: You’ve lost a lot of blood, and you just had a big surgery done on you, and you were asleep for some days too.

K: So, until I know for sure that you are alright after being properly examined,

K: Those kinds of things are off limits, for both you... and me.

Alfons’ eyes widened as though he had just been told something ridiculous, before he started giggling.

Kate: W-what is it?

Alfons: Oh, sorry, it’s just... I was just wholeheartedly admiring you for how direct you show your love...

Kate: ...Are you sure you don’t mean ‘making fun’ of me?

Alfons: Aha, out of the box so soon?

As always, my feelings were being played by him like a toy.

(But even so, that’s alright... in the end, that’s what I always think.)

(And somehow... that makes me a bit frustrated...)

At least in a show of resistance, I turned my face away.

Alfons: ...Hehe, are you sulking, by any chance?

Kate: Hardly. Are you sure you’re not being too self-conscious?

Alfons: Goodness, to say such a thing to your lover, my heart might break.

Kate: !? What’s with that, suddenly calling me your lover and whatnot...

Alfons: Why, is this not what a relationship of loving each other to the fullest is called?

(Me, and Alfons...)

Just that one word made me feel as though all my frustrations would be pulled out of me, but I remained obstinate as I kept my head turned away.

Alfons: Are you not taken by it? Now that’s quite a sad thought.

Kate: No, it’s not that! It’s just, now’s not the time to be talking about this...

The body that had wrapped its arms around him was now in his, leaving me with no escape.

Kate: L-let go of me, or I won’t be able to get Roger...

Alfons: Absolutely not. ...Turn toward me, won’t you, Kate?

to be continued…

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[kurishiri]

22 . . . alfons main story — mad love

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— cw: not much i think! a lot of silliness again.

—— Flashback ——

Alfons: ...Then... how about we make a bet... the two of us?

Kate: ...? A bet...?

Alfons: If I die, then I win. I bid you adieu, and have a lovely rest of your life.

A: But, if I happen to survive this ordeal... then you win.

A: And, just as you so wish, I will love you back to the fullest——

A: And tear your life to bits and pieces.

—— End flashback ——

——Such was the bet we had made when death threatened to take him away to the abyss.

Kate: ...I won that bet.

Tears still pricked the edges of my eyes as I flashed him a smile, to which Alfons gently placed the palm of his hand atop my head——

Alfons: Now then, what is this about me ‘making a bet?’

[1] Pinch his hand.

[2] Step on his foot.

[3] Poke his wound. (+4 / +4)

Kate: .........

I didn’t say a word back, only poking at his bandaged wound, and the mask of a smile Alfons had plastered started to crumble.

Alfons: Ow, ow — I swear in the name of anyone above, it really hurts.

Staring at my pouting face, Alfons let out a giggle.

Alfons: I was only speaking in jest then. I do indeed remember our bet, very much so.

A: Oh, and also how positively adorable you looked while crying and clinging to me.

Kate: Okay, now that, you are more than free to forget...

I tightened my arms around him even more, and as though saying, ‘I surrender,’ he patted my back in response.

Then Alfons took my chin in his hand——and with so little distance between us that we could clearly see each other reflected in the other’s eyes, our gazes intertwined.

Alfons: All that said, though, I must say it is a tad beyond me what ‘loving you back to the fullest’ truly entails...

A: So enlighten me on that, will you, Kate?

Hearing the subtle heat contained in his voice, my heart skipped a beat.

Kate: ...O-of course I will.

K: For starters... how about you stop teasing and playing those who worry over you?

Alfons: Ahha! You’re ever so serious, I see.

When Alfons burst out into laughter——

Elbert: Al...?

(Lord Elbert...!)

Lord Elbert showed up at the dining room, his eyes filled with surprise as he stood where he was, seemingly petrified.

Kate: Lord Elbert, look! Alfons is fine now! He’s alive.

K: We won the bet.

Elbert: ...So we have, I see. ...I’m glad.

Seeing a broad smile blossom on Lord Elbert like a flower, I, too, felt so happy that I relaxed.

Alfons: ...Do my eyes deceive me, or have you two become awfully close at some point?

The two of us exchanged a look and smile, causing Alfons to tilt his head in bewilderment.

Kate: Yes, we sure have, while you were knocking on death’s door.

Elbert: Indeed.

Alfons: ...Well, I’ll be.

A: Well, you two are just so naïvely honest, so I suppose now that you say it, I can see it happening.

Elbert: I do feel there is something more in common we share though...

Alfons: ...And what might that be?

Lord Elbert gave me a short look, before a smile laced with mischief that I felt I had not seen on him ever before played on his lips.

Elbert: ...It’s a secret.

Alfons: Come again?

I had an inkling on what Lord Elbert probably wanted to say then.

(I think it may be how we both hold Alfons dear in our hearts.)

Kate: ...Hehe.

Alfons: Is this what they call ‘a secret only the two of you know’? And right before the man to whom you’ve pledged your love, to boot. Goodness, your cruelty breaks my poor heart, Kate.

Roger: ——And by the way.

All of a sudden Roger pulled Alfons away, grabbing him by the scruff of his neck.

It seemed he had finished at some point, seeing that the plate that had several pieces of toast was now clean.

Roger: Al, I don’t recall ever having said it was alright to get out of bed? What’s with that?

Alfons: Is that so? And I cannot say I hold any recollection of me needing your permission to do so?

I was sure Alfons knew that Roger was the one who had saved him,

but Alfons, seeming to feign ignorance, tilted his head in an unnatural motion.

Roger: Well, I was the one who did the operation on you. And last I checked, patients aren’t allowed to wander out of bed without the doctor saying it’s okay.

Roger’s tone was light in response, as though he was long used to such an attitude toward him.

Alfons: Well, I see no reason to do as you say, seeing as you have operated on me without my informed consent.

Roger: Nope, I’m not having any of that. You will be doing what I say.

R: Because as things stand, I wouldn’t be surprised if your heart stopped beating from an irregular pulse incurred by internal bleeding.

R: You even took out the IV on your own, didn’t you?

Kate: What!?

(He’s in such a critical condition and yet here he was, hiding and walking behind me!?)

Kate: Bed, now.

Alfons: Oh dear, how your words hurt me so, Kate. Just whose side are you on!?

Kate: Without a doubt, Roger’s!

Alfons took his own life too lightly, and Roger had saved him. The choice here was quite obvious.

When I gave a clear-cut answer, Alfons feigned shock, his gestures exaggerated and theatrical,

as he took out a handkerchief from his chest pocket and dabbed the corner of his eyes.

Alfons: No way... there goes my wholehearted faith...

Kate: ...I know this is all an act, but even so, I would take those words from anyone but you...

Alfons: ...Are you not lonely, Kate?

A: See, to think we had only just decided to love each other to the fullest, only for us to be separated right after...

Kate: O-of course I am... how could I not?

K: But, your life is the most invaluable thing, Alfons. So that’s why I’m holding back.

Alfons: ...!

Alfons looked on at me, blinking at me.

(W-wait, huh... was he still joking? I ended up responding back to that in earnest though.)

(Was he still teasing me...?)

Feeling more awkward, my gaze started to waver as I looked at him, but then his lips curved up into a smile.

Alfons: Hehe... well then, I will see to it that I spoil you rotten to make up for the time you have to hold back.

(Oh...)

Although the words he spoke were naughty, that smile was filled with affection——

Roger: I hate to cut in like this, but I’ll have to stop you guys here.

While I was at a loss of words, Roger once again grabbed the scruff of Alfons’ neck and dragged him out.

Alfons: Well then, Kate, let us talk once again sooon!

Roger: Yeah, and if you get out of bed — in your words — once again, I’m gonna be tying you down.

Alfons waved to me while being dragged away, and his words repeated in my mind over and over.

(When he says he’s going to ‘spoil me rotten’——I wonder, w-what would that happen to entail?)

Once again, my head was filled to the brim with Alfons.

And then, several days passed before Alfons was permitted to get out.

But before any ‘spoiling’ could happen——Crown had a mission to do.

As for the purification club members who had their eyes on Alfons,

allegedly, after they were interrogated by Crown for information, they passed judgment on them.

——After all, there was not a single sin Crown would forgive.

When the purification club had not heard back from the people who were after him, they went into hiding.

And according to Victor... Lord Goa had asked the Privy Council for further instructions, but it seemed he was left in the dust.

Victor / William: I suppose all that is to say, they have no more use for such pawns. [1]

Alfons: There’s not a shadow of doubt in my mind that the pride of that political figure must be sorely hurt, yes?

Alfons made a dramatic show of lamentation.

But the moment he sighed in pity, those lips curled up into an amused smile.

Alfons: ——Ah, I’ve just come up with a lovely idea.

A: What say you guys that we do the honor of putting a balm on poor Lord Goa’s wounds and fear?

—— Time skip ——

Kate: It’s finally time...

Alfons: Ahha! You’re so positively stiff as a stick as always, dare I say.

The plan that Alfons had come up with was quite simple——

Crown would pose as the Privy Council and invite Lord Goa to the castle, where they would condemn him.

Seeing that he had been completely left in the dust by the Privy Council, we were sure he would not want to let this chance at having been invited slip away,

so no matter how cautious of a parliamentary member he was, he would have no choice but to accept when summoned by the Privy Council.

Just as Alfons had predicted, Lord Goa accepted our invitation, and it was decided he would arrive at the castle tonight.

(And other things are proceeding as planned too.)

—— Flashback ——

William: There is one problem we need to address though. It is possible that the Privy Council may interfere, wanting to cause harm to us, or the police comes——

Harrison: And that’s why I gave some false information to the Privy Council, just to be safe.

H: So now they believe that Crown’s going to pass judgment to and confront the members of the purification club in a different place.

William: ——So he says.

(Wait, why did the Privy Council take Harrison’s word, just like that?)

I was curious about that——but William didn’t press any further, seeming to be in the know of the circumstances.

Alfons: I’m sure any- and everyone has a secret or two they loathe to share.

A: And Harrison is hardly an exception... yes?

Kate: ...Somehow, those words seem much stronger when you’re the one saying them.

Alfons: Ahha! I will take your words all to heart.

—— End flashback ——

And so, to account for the false information Harrison had given to the Privy Council, the members split into two teams,

where Harrison, Liam, Roger, and Jude would go to the other place.

And then William, Lord Elbert, Alfons, Ellis, and Victor made up the other team,

confronting Lord Goa directly.

(For this plan, using Alfons’ ability is imperative.)

He would use his ability on him, making them believe that those awaiting in the castle were ‘members of the Privy Council.’

(...In other words, only Alfons will be able to confront Lord Goa as is.)

Kate: ...You wouldn’t go off and do something strange again, would you?

Alfons: Well, the meaning of ‘something strange’ is positively beyond me.

A: Or do you perhaps intend to drown in excitement and do naughty things with me?

Kate: You know that’s not what I meant...

K: I meant to not provoke them and try to get yourself killed.

When I said this, he shot me an exasperated look.

Alfons: ...If that’s the case, then dare I say, I find the fact you are here more worrying, would you not say?

Kate: And why is that?

Alfons: Why, because your naïve honesty and single-mindedness may once again get me shot with a gun covering for you, you know.

(...That... I can’t argue back.)

The regret I felt then had been carved in my heart so deeply, I reckoned it wouldn’t disappear in this lifetime.

(But, I won’t let something like that happen again.)

Kate: It’ll be alright. Because I won’t let you do something like that again.

K: I’ll be protecting myself.

I lifted the hem of my skirt slightly.

Alfons: ——Well, would you look at that.

When I pointed at the pistol in the leg holster,

Alfons let out a whistle, seemingly poking some fun.

Alfons: You look positively sexy in that. Care to spend a night with me?

Kate: S-stop playing around.

I lowered my skirt hem again, hiding the pistol from sight.

Alfons: That said, are you familiar with the ways of a gun?

Kate: The head of the post office I worked at taught the basics of how to use it, saying ‘in this time and age, there’s no harm in women learning how to use a gun for defense.’

Alfons: Ahha! Goodness, I cannot help but wonder if he truly works for the post office?

Considering all of the shock I’ve been through by accompanying Crown, I had ended up forgetting,

but when I thought about it, perhaps this sort of story would be an amusing tale to Alfons.

Kate: Well, he had always liked venturing into new things. ...All that said, I can’t say I had actually used a gun before.

K: So that’s why, while waiting for you to regain consciousness, I had William teach me a little, as a change of pace.

Alfons: To think you’d take a fancy to such a morbid change of pace though. Oh, you poor little robin, you’ve been positively tainted by Crown, I see.

Kate: Haha, aren’t you just a pot calling the kettle black now?

(Whenever I talk with Alfons, it’s like my anxiety just goes off somewhere.)

Thinking back on it, it had always been like this.

(No matter how much caution I exercised, Alfons would always sneak up behind me and blow into my ear and whatnot...)

(Indeed, ever since we had first met, he would always wipe away all of my uncertainties and anxiety.)

When our eyes met, I managed to give a natural smile, despite the fact we were about to confront Lord Goa.

Kate: Anyway, what I was trying to say was... I won’t have you covering for me anymore, so you don’t need to worry.

My hand touched the gun from over my skirt.

(I still don’t want to forget you.)

I made my wish on this gun.

Alfons: To think that the you who had so clumsily clung to me with tears in your eyes when I had covered for you is now nowhere to be seen...

A: ...Whatever could be more unfortunate, indeed.

Above us, the shadows of the clouds slowly drifted.

On this night of judgment——light and shadow took their turns, illuminating Alfons’ pleasant smile.

to be continued…

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NOTES:

[1] The sprite shows Victor, but the textbox says William. So I’m not really sure who is saying this.

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[kurishiri]

10 . . . alfons main story

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— cw: 20% dub-con (will be in between dividers), 80% fluff.

In a panic, I tried to push myself away, but then at that moment he wrapped his arms around my waist,

setting me on his knees with a bright smile on his face.

Alfons: See, now... the fact that you are going through such pleasurable things in a place like this... you can blame it all on the shaking of the carriage.

A: And what a fine position you’re in... it does make it easy to spoil you in places you like the most.

Kate: L-let go of me... I’ll go back to my seat, so——

Alfons: ‘Letting go,’ you say... now that I won’t do.

He untied the ribbon behind my neck, and my blouse slipped down my skin.

And he gave me no room to resist as he quickly took my hands, putting them behind my back.

[1] Even so, I tried to resist. (+4 / +4)

[2] Plead with him to stop.

[3] Resign yourself.

Kate: N-no, please, let go, Alfons...

My voice came out more in a gasp, and it was then even I knew my voice betrayed my words, as it sweetly melted away.

Alfons: To me, all I can hear is ‘please don’t let go, do more,’ though.

A: Did I hit the mark, by any chance?

Kate: Ah——

Once again, the carriage shook, causing my body to lurch forward, with my chest pressing against Alfons’ face.

Kate: ...!?

My blouse had already slipped off me to the point he could see my bra.

Alfons: Aww... now wouldn’t you say this is just one naughty carriage?

And when my bra, too, slipped off, my nipples peeked into view before Alfons’ eyes.

His tongue made his way there, and——

Kate: eek... ah, ah...

He fondled with them mischievously, and the place that was pressed against him felt hot and seemed to throb in excitement.

Alfons: How about we indulge ourselves in pleasure until we return to the castle... Miss Kate.

I had every intention to turn away from him.

But, once again, the carriage shook, causing my head to bob up, rather than to the side.

Beneath the street lights of London and within the carriage, while atop his knees, my waist continued to shake...

——And the next morning, when I arrived at the dining room, once again it was vacant.

(Thank goodness I got up early. It looks like there’s nobody around...)

Feeling relieved, I nibbled on my toast with neither butter nor jam.

I just was not feeling it this morning, so I was sure no matter what I put on the bread, it would all taste the same.

(This, that, everything in between——it’s all Alfons’ fault.)

(...is what I would like to say, but I also feel as though my reality is slowly getting corroded away by Alfons.)

(It’s not as though he was showing me an illusion, and yet, yesterday, we...)

When I thought back with a clear mind of the morning, the only explanation I could come up with was that ‘I was swept up in his whims.’

(So much so, I’m not sure if Alfons was really enjoying himself...)

In the end, he was the one who pleasured me the entire way back to the castle,

leaving me unable to do much for him, and he didn’t even try to fulfill his own desire with me either.

And though I tried to think back on his expression then,

there was that captivating smile, and the hot tongue that stuck out from his teasing lips...

...and how he looked quite sexy with the way his slanted eyes would cast down.

Those are the only things I remembered, so there was no way I could really figure out how he had truly felt during that time.

(...And also, my face feels warm whenever I remember it.)

Ellis: Your face is red, Kate. Are you okay?

Kate: Wahh!? Ah, y-yes, I’m okay...!

I was so surprised I nearly jumped right out of my seat, and when I turned back, I saw Ellis take a seat next to me.

(S-since when though? I must be really out of it if I didn’t notice...)

And when I looked over him, there was Jude, a newspaper spread before him.

(These two are normally so busy, so it’s not every day I see them here in the castle in the morning.)

When our eyes met, I gave him a quiet ‘good morning.’

But Jude, seeming exasperated, simply gave me a look before going back to reading.

Jude: Leave it. Whatever she’s thinkin’ in that noggin’ of hers is probably for the birds.

Ellis: If you feel unwell, be sure not to push yourself.

Kate: I-I won’t... thanks.

(There’s no way I can say it...)

After all, there was no denying that my head was filled with embarrassing things.

Starting to feel guilty and apologetic, I was hit with an urge to turn and run away, when——

Alfons: Dear me, did I hear that you are feeling unwell?

Kate: Eek!?

His arms slipped around me from behind as though in an embrace, causing my body to jump with a start.

Alfons: Let’s see here... how about I check your temperature?

Kate: Ah... Al...fons...

When I turned around, his forehead pressed against mine, peering into me.

(Gosh, he’s so close, too close!)

It made my face burn up more.

Alfons: Hmm... well now, isn’t this quite a fever. I can give you a shot, if you so like?

Kate: N-no thank you, I’m just fine without it.

Alfons: Now that just won’t do. And here I was under the impression that you wanted to be my exclusive fairytale keeper, no?

——Well, I did promise him that last night, to be sure.

(But did he really need to bring it up here...!)

Alfons: And if so, I would like you in good health.

A: I do take it you’re more than aware of my tendency to go out to play at night. And if you don’t have the strength to keep up, you can forget about keeping up with me.

All  I could see in my vision was Alfons,

so though I was interested, I didn’t know what Ellis and Jude thought of all of this.

(B-but if it’s those two, I don’t think they would talk to others about th——)

Harrison: What’s all this about an ‘exclusive fairytale keeper’?

Kate: ...!

(It’s Harrison and Roger...!)

I was hoping to eat this one toast and head straight back to my room, but for some reason, it was like breakfast happy hour was apparently going on.

(And why is the day everyone comes to breakfast today, of all days...)

I mean, I was glad everyone was doing well, but frankly I would be just as glad to just leave the rest of the toast behind and book it out.

Ellis: It looks like Kate’s become Al’s exclusive fairytale keeper.

Harrison: What the? No way, are you serious?

Alfons: Why, indeed, for you see Miss Kate here had said yesterday herself that she wished to become my exclusive fairytale keeper.

Roger: For real? You’ve dug yourself a deep hole in a single day, haven’t you, lil lady?

William: You must be quite enthusiastic to want to spend time together around the clock.

Victor: What’s all this about an ‘exclusive fairytale keeper’?

Harrison: ...Has it ever crossed your mind to be a little more creative?

Ah, that’s right. I need to apologize to Roger for what happened yesterday... but while lost in my own thoughts...

The members of Crown all came filing in one by one, and the dining hall, which had been quiet up until moments ago, was now lively.

Alfons: Well, dare I say, it seems the nature of our relationship is far from a secret now.

Kate: Um, on second thought, I think ‘exclusive fairytale keeper’ was a bit reckless of me maybe...

Alfons: By golly, and here I was ever so happy to hear that, and now you mean to say that was all nothing but a lie...!?

(Wh—!?)

Elbert: ...Are you alright?

Lord Elbert, looking bewildered, tilted his head to the side.

Alfons: Elbie, from now on I am embarking on a trip down the boulevard of broken hearts. I implore you not to come search for me.

Alfons turned away from Lord Elbert, making a dramatic show of wiping away what was clearly fake tears.

Elbert: ...? ...Alright. If you plan on coming back, I have no problem.

Liam: Wait, Al is going somewhere?

Now that Liam had arrived, that would make all nine members of Crown present now.

Roger: If Al’s up and gone, you would lose your buddy to satisfy your curiosity.

Harrison: And not only that, Elbie’s collecting habits and diet would go haywire.

Elbert: ...And when will you recover from a broken heart?

Just like a game of telephone, when I rejected Alfons, he said he was ‘embarking on a trip down the boulevard of broken hearts,’

which snowballed into a bigger and bigger misunderstanding.

William: ...It would seem Crown’s peace hinges on you, Kate?

Kate: Urgh...

Alfons was still breaking down sobbing in Lord Elbert’s shoulder.

(And by that, I mean breaking down fake sobbing...!)

Somehow, I felt that if he really were to leave, he really would be gone for several days as a diversion.

Kate: ...gh... agh, jeez, fine...!

Breathing out a sigh, I reached out to him, grabbing his sleeve.

Kate: It... it wasn’t a... lie...

K: So please let me work... as your exclusive fairytale keeper...

Alfons: ...Really?

When he turned around, it was exactly as I thought: forget about tears, there wasn’t even a single stain on his cheek.

In fact, he was beaming, making his way to the back of my chair and putting his elbow on it, with his chin on his palm.

Alfons: Because I say you hardly had me persuaded. Won’t you repeat those words more cutely, like you’re apologizing?

Kate: Hey, don’t get too over-the-top!

Alfons: Oh, but that was hardly my intention, for I was simply assessing your sincerity, you see.

(I-I swear, this man…!)

Unable to retort, my mouth only flapped open and shut, and with Alfons looking down at me,

he gave me a broad smile.

Alfons: Aww… you truly are a darling one, aren’t you.

Kate: ...

(This smile... it’s real.)

(So this is Alfons’ true smile.)

I was sure that he enjoyed wrapping me around his little finger and playing me like this — from the bottom of his heart.

(And just seeing that alone... I feel like... maybe, just maybe, I don’t mind getting teased like this...)

(Wait wait, what am I thinking? Of course I mind!)

The reason seeing the smile he has when he truly enjoys something makes the deepest part of my heart flutter is probably, no, surely——

It was because of the illusory feelings of romance he had instilled in me.

A few days later——

Alfons: Come on now, my dear exclusive fairytale keeper. If you don’t keep up with me you will lose sight of me.

Kate: Wait a minute now... just where are we going today?

Alfons: That’s a great question, where are we going, I wonder?

Alfons had dragged me with him, pulling on my hand, and now he and I were walking side by side along London’s streets.

While walking down the streets, he would ask me for stories of my time as a postwoman,

and remembering this and that, I would give him stories in turn.

For example, I told of the time how, because of a single letter, I had to run around the streets of London until dawn broke,

and also of the time when a girl who wanted to send a love letter but wasn’t sure how,

so we thought of how to write one together, even though I myself had never written one before.

Alfons: Addressing each and every person so earnestly, I reckon you must have been positively run ragged every day.

Kate: Well——

???: Ah! Aren’t you the postwoman from before!?

(Hm...?)

When I turned to look around the streets, I found a familiar girl looking at me, surprise on her face.

Alfons: And who might this be?

Kate: She’s... the girl I was just talking about... the one who wanted to write a love letter...

It was such a coincidence that I, too, was rendered surprised as she ran toward us after whispering something to the boy next to her.

Girl with braids: Uhm, he’s the one I gave the love letter to! We’re seeing each other now...!

Kate: Eh, really!? I’m so happy for you!

Seeing her so happy, I couldn’t help but smile as well.

Girl with braids: Thank you, really... I’m really happy now, thanks to you.

Girl with braids: So I wanted to thank you... but anyway, I’m sorry for intruding on your date...!

Kate: We’re not——

‘We’re not on a date’ is what I wanted to say, but she left me no room to respond as she ran back to her lover’s side.

Alfons: Did she really have to struggle so much over a single love letter? Well, all that said, it seemed to have led to a wonderful turn of events.

Kate: Oh, did you not hear? They say love can make one timid...

K: And... about the time you were saying whether addressing everyone would run me ragged...

K: When happiness has been shared with me like this at times... I feel it’s not so bad to be run ragged either.

Seeing the girl disappear into the crowd, I turned back to Alfons to see exasperation mixed in his gaze.

Alfons: ...Truly, you are...

A: ...so straightforward, it’s honestly foolish.

The color of his eyes seemed to have a drop of affection somewhere in them, and as they narrowed, my heart skipped a beat.

(...If he looks at me like that, I...)

(For some reason, I get a bit giddy...)

So, I ended up averting my eyes.

Alfons, seemingly having paid no mind, once again began walking somewhere.

Alfons: Even so, would you not say that wishes often go ungranted?

Kate: ...You are right on that. I know I don’t hold the power to grant everyone’s wishes.

K: And even for that love letter, of course I can deliver it,

K: but I can’t do anything about how the other person feels.

As I walked beside Alfons, I weaved my feelings from when I was running around while holding letters into words.

Kate: But, if I can help even a little to deliver those feelings... then that makes me happy as well.

K: ...I suppose that I’m doing it for myself, but...

K: Are you not the same, Alfons?

Those words suddenly slipped from my mouth before I could think.

Alfons: ...Me?

Kate: See, you go out and use your ability, even when you’re not supposed to, and, you know... um, you have those relationships with a lot of people...

K: You say you do this because you enjoy them...

K: ...but the smile I saw at the slums and the pub... none of them seemed like you were really enjoying yourself, so.

K: I found myself thinking that maybe those actions themselves weren’t really enjoyable to you.

Alfons: .........

Kate: I wondered, even if you don’t have the power to change reality,

K: even if it’s temporary, or even just a moment,

K: maybe giving someone a place to escape is what makes you happy...

K: ...or am I wrong?

(...Oh, I see, I...)

(So that’s why, even though he did all those irrational and outrageous things... I still couldn’t bring myself to think he was the worst.)

(It was because... I knew a little bit about how Alfons was feeling.)

Alfons: I must say I feel quite vexed at how you seem to think I am not enjoying myself,

A: when, in fact, I live in order to enjoy myself.

Alfons smiled, seeming to evade the question.

(Yeah, I figured he wouldn’t tell me his true feelings. But...)

I felt within me that what I had just said was a firm truth.

Kate: ...Alright, you don’t have to answer me, that’s fine. I’ll just think of what I said as true on my own then.

Alfons: Well aren’t you an odd one. I do wonder just what is it you find so interesting about something like my motivations?

Kate: That...

(...I wonder that myself.)

Perhaps it was because I wanted to understand why I was so hung up on this little empathy.

Or maybe I wanted to understand him because I wanted to know the ‘truth.’

But then, why was I so hung up on finding his ‘truth’?

Realizing that I was doubting my own feelings, I grew more perplexed.

(That...)

When I looked into his ashy gray eyes, hoping to find an answer, he peered back at me...

Alfons: ——Actually, there is something I’m curious about myself.

Kate: ...? What is it...?

Alfons: When we are indulging in pleasure, I’m curious about how I look in your eyes.

Kate: .........Excuse me?

His outlandish question took away all my thoughts.

Alfons: Do I look like I find it all a bore? Or perhaps I’m not enjoying myself? Or maybe that I don’t feel any pleasure?

Kate: Um, that’s...

Just like back at the dining hall, whenever I tried to recall, my cheeks would burn up.

Kate: When we... do those things... I can’t tell...

K: So, um... I’m still not sure...

While becoming more flustered, I confessed honestly.

Alfons: ...aha—

But for some odd reason, he gave me an amused laugh, and as though to tell me I looked foolish, his lips twisted into a smile.

Alfons: So you say you’re ‘still’ not sure...

A: But you do realize that... saying that is one and the same as saying you wish ‘to do more to find out,’ do you not?

Kate: Wh...?

Alfons: Then today, you can do exactly that.

A: But... only after we enjoy this wholesome date of ours a little more first.

to be continued…

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[kurishiri]

17 . . . alfons main story

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— cw: mentions of child labor or abuse, implied animal torture and death, symptoms of dissociation and depression (?)

—— Alfons’ POV ——

After Kate had left the pub,

I stayed behind, drinking whatever and whenever I felt, playing around in the night streets, and by the time I returned, Roger gave an earful, much to my displeasure.

I spent time around the vicinity as I pleased before returning to my room and catching up on some sleep that playing around at night had robbed me of,

and before I knew it, morning had come around.

Alfons: ‘You went and meddled even more, because that’s what you wanted’...

Lying down on the bed, I ruminated over the words from last night, leaving a bad taste.

After all, they were words that rang too true.

Alfons: ...Indeed, I had so much fun playing around with her that at some point I found myself closer to her than I ever thought.

A: She never felt discouraged in the slightest, even when she followed me around to places that should instill fear in her, and on top of that she would even fight a battle within a fire...

A: Now that I think back, perhaps she really had grown out of needing a ‘convenient illusion’ like myself.

She was someone who could live in reality in earnest. She could give her love to someone, and she could find her happiness.

——She could realize what I could only ever dream of.

—— Flashback ——

Alfons: hah... hah...

I left the boy named Roger behind, running for the orphanage that had kicked me out.

‘To die without leaving his mark on anyone’s memories.’

In other words, the fact I had been born, and the fact I will die... nothing will be left behind. Such was the my life.

The moment I had heard those words, I thought of the corpses of those nameless children, thrown out like they were garbage——

And I was struck with a fear that shook me to my core.

(But, that cat will surely remember me.)

(He wouldn’t ever forget me.)

That was all I wanted to check on. I just wanted to feel that warmth on my fingers once more, driving me to run as fast as my feet could take me.

When I knocked on the door of the orphanage, which was in poor condition, the head nurse answered.

And from behind her——a cat approached.

Cat: What’s with the noise?

Alfons: Oh, thank goodness... hey, don’t you remem——

Cat: ...Wh—it’s you!

Before I could finish my question, though, the cat threw a punch at me.

Alfons: gh!? B-but why...

Cats couldn’t hit people.

Wait, no, in the first place, cats——could not wear clothes. Nor could they speak words.

(So why is this cat wearing clothes and speaking?)

A throbbing migraine hit me then and there, causing me to close my eyes.

And when I opened them again, there before me stood——

the director of the orphanage, with a foul look.

(Ahh... that’s right.)

(I remember now...)

(My cat had long been——)

—— Flashback ——

It had happened on a certain day when I had made a small mistake.

And the director, knowing I wouldn’t react the way he wanted even when harassing me, instead aimed for the cat I had held so dear.

Seeing the cat become more and more of a lump of flesh right before my eyes, I felt my head start to throb in pain.

(This isn’t reality. That isn’t my cat...)

I said to myself, ‘The one who’s being hurt is not myself,’ as I always did.

All to escape to a convenient dream.

Such a habit, at that time, cast upon me a convenient illusion.

(My cat would never be killed by the likes of that director!)

(It’s the cat...)

(Yes, that’s right... it’s the cat who killed the director.)

The director, seeing me suddenly becoming devoid of all emotions despite having broken down crying just before, approached with a nervous air about him.

——In my eyes, though, it was a cat that approached me.

Alfons: I knew you could do it, my kitty cat.

And then I gently pet the back of its neck, as I had always done.

Then, after having peeked into the room that had gone quiet, the head nurse let out a cry.

Meanwhile, the cat let out a purr as I pet it.

Perhaps, the scene that was reflected in the head nurse’s eyes was that of the director down on all fours, purring as I pet him.

Truly, what a pitiful scene it was.

But, even so, to me, the director was killed by the cat, while the cat still lived on.

—— End flashback ——

——That is, until the moment I woke up from that convenient dream.

Director: Did you come here to get beaten again!? You... you bloody monster——!!

(That’s right...)

(The cat had actually died.)

(And I... I couldn��t bear such a thing.)

(Just to run away from the suffering, to somewhere less painful...)

(I had made myself think that the cat had never died in the first place.)

Even though I wished that it would remember me, even when I died, because I loved it,

I also chose to forget about its death for my own sake, however heartless that may have been.

Besides that, I had also heard at some church sermon that ‘love was not meant to be given while seeking something in return.’

In the end, in order to forget all the pain and suffering, I may have only pretended to love.

After all, I had used that cat’s life as I found convenient before throwing it away...

...so how was I any different from the people at the orphanage, who would use others for their own gain before throwing them out?

I had no memory thereafter of where I walked,

just that when I had come to, I found that I had left the orphanage, and I was wandering around the night streets of London.

(If only I hadn’t returned to check on the cat... I could still believe ‘it’s still living, and it still remembers me.’)

(And then I could still stay as the me ‘who could love the cat.’)

(I would have rather just stayed mad...)

(If I didn’t find out what actually happened... if only...)

If you find reality to be unpleasant, you need only seek out an escape.

But if I couldn’t even escape from it anymore——

What other choice did I have but to fall into madness?

—— End flashback ——

Now that I thought back on it, perhaps it was at that moment I had given up on any idea of living in earnest and any prospects of wishing for that so-called happiness.

And as I wandered the streets of the city at night on a whim, I found myself showing the people I met the momentary dream they wished to see.

After all, in order to live in this world that knew no kindness, a place one could escape to was needed.

To those who gathered around me, I figured this hand that could cast a convenient illusion on them was that very place.

(Just what am I doing all of this for?)

(Maybe I thought at one point... I could feel like some savior, who used his Cursed ability to show a sweet dream to those with a weaker will?)

Whenever I would plaster a smile on my face, spouting things like ‘let’s forget about reality and indulge ourselves’ while touching the backs of their necks, I would hear my own cold voice.

I was positively fed up with the me who would cling onto a fake love, who saw no hope in change for the better.

(But, well... I couldn’t care less anymore.)

If I was going to just up and disappear from this world, forgotten by all in the end...

Just like a single piece of candy, wouldn’t it be alright to wrap myself in a sweet dream for as long as I was living?

And then, if I could, I wanted to disappear from this world without leaving even the smallest trace of myself in anyone’s heart.

After all, the more clear any trace I left behind became, the more that would leave behind an open hole in the heart that could never be filled.

Alfons: ...I think I’ve had just about enough of this blasted sob story.

—— Kate’s POV ——

(“To die without leaving his mark on anyone’s memories”——such was Alfons’ tragic fate.)

I had always felt a sense of fear as I listened to Roger’s story of the past.

It was as though a black darkness that would swallow everything in its path whole was creeping up toward me.

(When Alfons dies... at that moment...)

(The members of Crown, the friends Alfons would play with, the people in the slums, me, anyone and everyone...)

(...will all end up forgetting about him.)

His name, what he looked like, the scent he gave off... and the fact he even existed in this world altogether.

Roger: ...Among the testimonies of people who’ve experienced this unnatural memory loss,

R: there was an account of having always felt like in their heart that they couldn’t remember something very dear.

R: And when they had a sudden urge to go into the ‘empty room’ in the house, they said they shed tears the moment they entered the room.

Kate: ...!

Roger: If I had to guess, that person had been close with one of the bearers of the ‘Curse of the Mirror.’

(When I had first met Alfons, I was more than fine with forgetting all about him...)

But now, at this point, just imagining how each of the memories borne between the two of us could fall from my fingertips and scatter on the ground,

I felt a pain I could hardly bear.

Just then, I was reminded of——

[1] The blue mallow tea

[2] The pie-throwing festival (+4 / +4)

[3] The fact we had drank together

The pie-throwing festival.

(I had thought he was going to take me somewhere shady,)

(but it would have never crossed my mind that we would end up participating in this odd festival that was held in the park.)

(When I had talked with Alfons, when we laughed together, and even when we touched each other in that way...)

If he were to die, I would no longer be able to remember any of it.

(Is that why...?)

(So that’s why Alfons——would never step deep into anyone’s life. Nor would he let anyone into his.)

He never sought anything more than a fleeting relationship.

And he would never connect with any person or place.

It was all because if he had made himself at home by someone’s side, or in their heart, then someday——

That would be left behind as nothing but a blank space, with no way to remember what had filled it with color in the first place.

Even if I asked Alfons himself, I would think he would simply laugh it off and say something along the lines of ‘well, if that is what you think, then perhaps that may be so.’

But, thinking about that, I felt his speech and mannerisms had some coherency.

Kate: ...So, about his fate...

K: Is it really possible to change it?

Roger: I know as well as you do. That’s well beyond me.

R: All that’s still being researched.

(Roger was saying that he had been researching this ever since before he had met Alfons.)

Kate: ...And how long has it been that way?

Roger: ——From the time I was a five year old kid, up until today.

(Wow, that is a long time...)

Even while under Her Majesty the Queen, a place that perhaps had the most documents related to the Cursed ones,

Roger, who was also a Cursed one himself,

didn’t know of a way to escape from their tragic fates.

That truth seemed to weigh deeply on my chest.

Kate: ...Thank you, for telling me all this.

Roger: Well, it’s not as though I intend to go back empty-handed.

Kate: Huh? ...wah—

With one hand, he pulled my waist toward him, his lips at my ear.

Roger: With this, you owe me one.

Then when he subsequently kissed the lobe of my ear, I pushed back against Roger’s chest on instinct.

Kate: W-what do you think you’re doing...!

Roger: I brought you medicine to help with a hangover, didn’t I? You can just consider this payment for that.

R: Well then, catch you around, lil lady. And take care of yourself.

With a shrewd smile, he left the room, leaving me alone once again.

Kate: Alfons’ tragic fate...

He was just like an illusion whose surface I could only graze my fingertips upon, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he would fade away from my heart like an actual illusion?

He had no desire to live, and so perhaps he wouldn’t mind if such a day came around tomorrow.

And at that time——would the feelings I had for him fade away as well?

(...I would hate that.)

I should have been searching for a way to bury this love to the grave.

But, no matter how much anguish this heart of love inflicted on me, I didn’t ever want to forget.

I wanted to hold onto these feelings close to my heart forever——even now, I found myself deeply wishing for that.

(I don’t want these feelings to become an illusion.)

——Around the same time, in the corner of the castle, the gears of a certain plot had begun to move.

Surrounding an elderly gentleman donning a blue ring were the other members of the parliament, their faces seeming nervous as they spoke in low voices.

Parliamentary member Goa: ...Have those insolent twats who put out the fire of purification not been caught yet?

to be continued…

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[kurishiri]

16 . . . alfons main story (with letter)

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— by the way, if you want “alfons’ side” of this chapter, i would recommend giving the ecb story from roger’s past records a read! i copied and pasted some lines from there in this chapter as well.

— cw: mentions of child labor or abuse.

Roger: Even after getting hurt by that villain of a man, you just never learn, do you, lil lady?

Roger’s face was right there before me, so close I could feel his breath.

He was honestly a wonderful person, and I was sure if we had met at the bar, without knowing the circumstances, I would have happily gone along with his slightly rough invitation.

(But...)

Kate: I’m really sorry... but right now I’m not in a headspace where I can humor your jokes...

K: Besides, I thought you mentioned you choose your partners?

Thankfully, Roger withdrew his hand from my shoulders, albeit not without a wry laugh.

Roger: You’re right, I did mention that, but I would absolutely take a woman like you any day.

(Could it be he came here to cheer me up?)

My heart, having felt cold and hollow, now felt a tad bit of warmth.

(Oh, come to think of it...)

Kate: ...If I remember, you are doing research on the Cursed ones, right?

Roger: That I am, but what of it?

Kate: If it’s not too much trouble, could you tell me what Alfons’ tragic fate is...?

When I asked Roger what had been occupying my mind since before he came, he shrugged his shoulders, his movements stiff.

Roger: If he knew I was the one to tell you, he’d hate me more than he already does.

Kate: Then whatever you say here will stay between the two of us.

Roger: I mean, sure, but I’m pretty sure he’d still catch on even if you didn’t say a word.

R: Well, despite what I said, I’m more than convinced he couldn’t hate me any more at this point, so I don’t really mind.

(Now that we’re on this topic...)

I remembered I couldn’t help but feel the way Alfons acted toward Roger made me a bit uncomfortable.

[1] So you two go way back. (+4 / +4)

[2] Does he hate you?

[3] Which one of you is older?

Kate: So, I take it you two go way back?

Roger: And what makes you think that?

Kate: Well, I guess when you two were speaking, it looked like you weren’t pulling any punches on each other, so to speak... but also I felt you two were a bit distant...

K: So I thought something might’ve happened that made it that way, perhaps.

Roger: Well well? Look at you and your keen eye. But as for the reason he holds some deep-seated grudges against me——

R: ...It was because the one who had told him what his ‘tragic fate’ was so casually, was none other than me.

R: His life had always been a bit twisted, so to speak, but then I came in and wrung it more.

(Wha...)

Roger: You want in on it?

(If I nod here...)

The story that Roger was about to tell——

Surely, it would cover a part of Alfons that he would never let me so much as step in.

(...I wonder, will knowing more about him really do much?)

(Perhaps, knowing would actually make it harder to forget.)

I bit my lip slightly.

(But, even so——)

Even if it was just a tiny fragment, I wanted to grasp at his true form, however much of a mirage he may be.

Kate: ...Yes, please tell me more.

—— Flashback ——

The story I’m about to tell is neither a dream nor illusion.

It is nothing but the ‘truth’ that one can’t escape from——

Once, there was a boy who bore ashy gray eyes: an orphan from the East End.

And ever since the time he was aware of what was going on around him, he had been subjected to harsh labor at the orphanage.

The work environment was poor at best, and even a slightest mistake would result in corporal punishment.

However, this boy held a certain skill as well.

He knew the art of escaping from the reality that dealt him with hardships and rendered him famished and in pain by dreaming.

‘This isn’t me’——such were the chants of the boy who looked into his own reflection in the muddied water.

Whenever he did this, his consciousness would distance itself from him, going somewhere outside. And so, even if he was being punished, he felt nothing.

Not to mention, there were countless children who died as well.

...Children whose names he could no longer remember. And when the time came, it would surely be the same for him as well.

——But even so, there was but a single thing he had held dear in his heart.

Gray-eyed boy: Come here, won’t you?

Out in the alleyway, there was a trembling kitten.

He never had much bread in the first place, but nonetheless he split it with the kitten; he would fall asleep while hugging it to his chest on colder days; and he would pet it on the back of its neck.

Whenever he did so, his heart would calm down.

(That’s right, I’m different from those adults. Because unlike them, I have love in me.)

(And I’m different from those nameless kids too, because I’ve got this fella here.)

(This cat knows me, if no one else. It remembers me too.)

Thinking this helped keep his sense of self.

Gray-eyed boy: I love you... so that’s why, if no one else, you have to remember me, okay?

The kitten’s warmth, the feeling of its soft fur, and the small meows...

Surrounded by bricks that were on the verge of falling apart, that very place was the ‘reality’ he lived in.

—— End flashback ——

—— Flashback ——

Roger: Huh. A cat...

One fateful day, the young boy met another named Roger in the East End.

Roger appeared slightly older than the boy who was polishing shoes out on the streets.

And judging from his attire, he was probably not a noble, but more likely than not he had come from a relatively more well-to-do family.

‘I heard some rumors about the orphanage, so here I am,’ Roger had said, wanting in on the boy’s story, almost to an excessive extent for some odd reason.

Roger: So? What’s that cat doing now? After all, the fact you’re polishing shoes out here now is because you got kicked out from the orphanage, right?

When talking about the cat, the boy’s ashy gray eyes seemed to soften ever so slightly.

Gray-eyed boy: That fella’s still at the orphanage. Someone there’s probably looking after it, maybe?

Roger: .........And you? What’s your name?

His name——that young boy had an inkling that he had forgotten he even had such a thing in the first place.

Gray-eyed boy: ...Alfons, I think.

Roger: You think?

Alfons: Well, I heard it was written on the box I was in.

That alone was enough to hit home the fact that he had been abandoned the moment he was born.

He had no memory of the time before he found himself at the orphanage.

And that orphanage was the very one he had been recently driven out of.

Roger: Do you really not know the reason you were kicked out of the orphanage?

Alfons: How could I? It was so sudden, so...

—— End flashback ——

When the needles on the clock overlapped, I found myself back in the present time.

Roger: I had heard a certain rumor circulating around at the time, so that’s why I tried to get in touch with him.

Kate: A rumor...?

Roger: Yeah. A rumor where ‘the director of the orphanage was made into a cat.’

(Did he just say... he was ‘made into a cat’...?)

Kate: What in the world does that mean...?

Roger: At the time, I already knew I was Cursed, and I had already begun researching about Curses at that point.

R: Through my father, who was a town doctor, I searched around for any documents about patients who could possibly be Cursed.

R: And it was among those I found something particularly strange, that being rumors of a person who could ‘overwrite other people’s perceptions’——

R: And there were strange cases of amnesia where that came from.

(Am...nesia...)

When I thought of Alfons’ face, I stifled a breath.

Roger: White could be perceived as black, and vice versa——there are a great many who experienced that firsthand, thinking such things were reality.

R: But interestingly enough, none of them could remember who had made it that way. Their name, what they looked like, where they lived, everything.

R: And when I checked the registry of that area and any records... I was confident there was some unnatural ‘white space’ there.

R: It was clear as night and day that there was a single person who had just up and disappeared to thin air from both memories and records. ...Strange, isn’t it?

R: I was more than sure that person who held such an ability was a ‘Cursed one.’

At that moment, I had a bad feeling.

But nonetheless, I simply swallowed my breath and continued to listen.

Roger: So when I first heard the rumor that there was a ‘human who had turned into a cat,’ I thought he would be Cursed.

R: And at the time, I was hoping to find a Cursed one aside from myself in earnest.

R: ...That’s why I ended up doing something rash.

—— Flashback ——

Roger: You’ve got some strange ability, don’t you?

All of a sudden, Roger had asked this with a serious expression, causing Alfons to back away with slow steps.

Alfons: What do you mean, ‘strange ability’...?

Roger: You know, like by touching somewhere and whatnot, you can make people think any lie as the truth. Something like that.

Alfons: ...Any lie... as the truth...

Roger figured that since Alfons hadn’t asked what he was talking about, he probably was at least somewhat in the know.

Believing this without question, Roger took a step back before spreading both his arms.

Roger: So try something on me, won’t you? Anything’s fine.

Alfons: ...

After staring at Roger closely for a while...

Alfons: ...If you pay me, I could do it.

He made a proposal to the well-dressed Roger.

And from there, the two did this and that to test his ‘ability.’

After all, Alfons himself didn’t know how to activate it.

Roger: Looks like just throwing words out won’t do it.

Alfons: So then I’d have to touch you somewhere too or something?

And then, Alfons held Roger’s hand, touched his forehead and whatnot, and after a lot of trial and error——

Alfons: “This isn’t shoe polish, but your most favorite food.”

—— End flashback ——

Roger: When he touched the back of my neck, his ability activated.

Kate: ...And how did you know that?

Roger: Well, by the time I came to, I realized I was eating shoe polish, and he was there on the side laughing and pointing his finger at me.

(Gosh...)

Roger, laughing it off, continued the story.

—— Flashback ——

Roger: I knew it, you really are Cursed.

Alfons: Cursed?

A: What in the world are you saying, mister [1]? Just hurry up and pay me, will you?

Alfons’ eyes grew cold, and he extended his head, waving it.

And Roger grabbed both of his shoulders.

Roger: You have the ability to distort the minds of other people. You saw it yourself before, didn’t you?

R: And those who are Cursed will have to face a tragic fate as a price for their abilities.

Alfons: Wh... what’re getting all excited for?

There are those who were cast with a Curse since the moment they were born——such people are known as ‘Cursed ones.’

And at this point in time, Alfons still didn’t grasp such a meaning.

Roger: I mean the Cursed ones are born “to commit sins and meet a tragic fate.”

Alfons: ...Are you sure you shouldn’t go to a hospital, mister? There can’t be such a thing as a tragic fate and all.

Roger: I know it sounds like a lie, but it really is true! And I think in your case, it would probably be——“to die without leaving your mark on anyone’s memories.”

R: That’s the fate you bear.

Alfons: ——!

In exchange for an ability a normal person could never have, they were dealt the hands of a ‘tragic fate.’

Roger: But, I’m sure these fates can be changed. In fact, I’ll do just that.

R: After all, I was finally able to meet someone other than myself who’s Cursed! Hey, do you——

Alfons: .........get out.

All of a sudden, Alfons pushed Roger on his chest. Hard.

Roger: ...? What’s up with you? Looking pale as a sheet like that.

Alfons: Whatever, just get out of my sight!

Pushing Roger so hard he was almost sent flying, Alfons ran away——

never to return there again.

—— End flashback ——

Roger: ...And then a little while after that,

R: I heard a rumor around that ‘there was a kid who could show weird illusions over at the slums.’

I was reminded of how I had seen Alfons in the warehouse that had long become ruins, showing illusions to the people there.

—— Flashback ——

Alfons: I have been doing these things even prior to joining Crown, you see.

A: So I see no reason to stop, simply because I’ve been told to, or it’s a supposed ‘national secret’ and what have you.

—— End flashback ——

Roger: At the time, I was hoping he could work with me on my research...

R: But if I had to say, I got too caught up in talking about his fate, and as a result I had ended up pushing on him a reality he could never go back from again.

Just like that, I felt as though a hole had opened up beneath my feet.

The past I didn’t know of,

the day I had first understood what his ability entailed, and... the ‘Curse’ his body had ended up bearing.

(“To die without leaving his mark on anyone’s memories”——such was Alfons’ tragic fate.)

to be continued…

Acceptance is important, you know

Good day to you. How have you been faring?

...So I do ask, though I couldn’t really care less, if I had to be honest. But even so, do make sure to eat and sleep properly, alright?

After all, would you not agree that destroying your body and suffering because you had been pulled by the whims of some irresponsible hedonist is nothing short of a ludicrous tale?

The quickest way to overcome a lost love would be liquor and food, along with the discovery of your next love. Such is usually the case.

If you indulge in a delicious liquor, I imagine you will come to realize this love was naught but some silly affair. In fact, I’m more than certain of it.

Should you seek out a pleasure no deeper than the surface, then I will be more than happy to play together with you once more.

Well then, until next time.

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masterlist🪞 ╱ ko-fi ☕️

NOTES:

[1] Here, Alfons refers to Roger as [お兄さん] (onī-san), which literally means “big brother,” and it could be used to refer to someone else’s older brother, but here it’s used more in the context that Roger is a guy a little older than Alfons, so it’s just like a casual way to call someone you’re not super close with or don’t know the name of, not because they are blood-related in any way. Think of it kinda like “bro” in modern terms maybe?

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ tags🏷️ ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ @drachonia @.comment, send an ask off anon, or dm to be added or removed!

[kurishiri]

14 . . . alfons main story

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— cw: depiction of fire.

Kate: It seems like... I have fallen for you.

When I murmured this, though...

Alfons: ...Well that is nothing short of a nuisance.

When I heard an answer that shouldn’t have come, I let out a gasp.

Kate: Alfo... w-wait, you were awake...!?

Just a moment ago, his steady breathing indicated he had been asleep, but now his eyes were open, and in those ashy gray eyes,

a hint of exasperation seeped its way in.

Alfons: So you say you ‘have fallen’ for me... it seems this has taken a rather troublesome turn.

While sitting up in a languid motion, Alfons combed his fingers through his hair.

Alfons: Whatever you’re feeling, it’s nothing but a delusion, I’d say. A hallucination.

A: You simply happened to be saved while you were in a pickle by a man who had given you pleasure, mixing that up for feelings of romance, no?

Kate: Did you just say I was ‘mixing that up’...?

(How dare he say that when he knows nothing about the feelings I’ve been going through before I came to his room...)

I felt blood rise to my head then.

Kate: ...For the record, I don’t really mind if you don’t give me an answer...

K: But I sure would appreciate it if you didn’t act as though you know what I’m feeling...!

Alfons: ...And how would you know if something like feelings, which bear no tangible form, is really there?

His fingers made their way to my chin...

Kate: T-that...

Alfons: ...Yes, go on?

...and when he pulled on it, I felt his breath tickle my lips,

causing my body to throb involuntarily in anticipation.

It seemed like Alfons had expected this reaction, as a smile played on his lips.

Alfons: Until you realize you are mistaken, I’ll be keeping all things pleasure behind closed doors, alright?

A: Were I to touch you in such a way... I’m sure I would only end up feeding into such delusions, anyhow.

Kate: ...gh.

Alfons: Alright, enough of that. Would you care to let an injured person like myself rest some more now?

His hand let go of me just like that, and he distanced himself, no longer bothering to touch me further.

He refused to listen to a word I had to say, even though he was the one who had reached out to me so persistently in the first place.

(I knew it would come to this, and yet...)

The pain in my heart was cruel.

It hurt so much, I could hardly bear it.

Kate: ...I... I understand. Have a good night...

I left the room as if running away, the door closing with a bang that rang loud and clear.

Alfons: ...Hehe.

A: I actually do like you a lot myself as well.

A: But that’s why... it would be best if this all remained a delusion.

——His whispers, having no way of reaching anyone else, simply dissipated in the air.

—— Time skip ——

Based on the information Alfons and I gleaned from having infiltrated the hotel that was exclusively for members of the ‘purification’ club,

the name Lord Goa, a member of the parliament, came up as someone heavily involved in the incidents that had occurred in the East End.

With that, William and Victor were able to perform a thorough investigation on him and his faction.

Victor: ——In regards to the ‘confidential’ letter in question, inside was a check to a company with phenomenal business conditions.

Before the members of Crown gathered in the dining room, Victor shared the details surrounding the current circumstances.

Victor: As for the contents of the check itself, there weren’t any problems.

V: That said, though, it’s fully possible this is compensation for those who will carry out their plan to set fire to the Docklands.

William: This company that handles the flow of money has long been marked as a front company, very likely connected to a criminal organization.

Alfons: In other words, it was a blatant distraction, yes?

(But, even if we know that...)

Kate: I take it this check alone wouldn’t be enough evidence to be able to dispatch the police, right...?

Harrison: Yeah, seems right.

H: It isn’t enough to prove the ‘plan to commit arson’ itself is in the works, nor does it prove that Lord Goa is a part of it.

H: And even if the recipient company of the check were involved in the plan, it seems nigh impossible they’d believe us with just this.

Victor: That is all true. But, you see, Kate, it’s exactly for times like these that we are here.

V: In order to protect the prosperity of England, we ‘use evil to condemn evil’——such is our motto here in Crown.

Hearing Victor’s words, my head shot up.

Victor: I bring you an order from Her Majesty the Queen.

V: ‘Stop the arson incident in the Docklands, and condemn the faction of the ‘purification’ club which Lord Goa is a part of.’

His jewel-like eyes, filled with a darkness more deep than the dark itself, glimmered with a bewitching light... and it sent shivers up my spine.

Victor: ——By the way, Alfons.

All of a sudden, Victor turned to look at Alfons.

Victor: How is that wound from yesterday’s mission faring?

Alfons: I simply found myself a tad too caught up in a practical prank and made a blunder, if you will.

Kate: Wh—no, that wound is...

[1] I should be the one taking responsibility.

[2] He covered for me. (+4 / +4)

[3] ... (stay silent)

Kate: He ended up covering for me, so...

Alfons: I just so happened to be in a position to block the bullet.

(As if. There’s no way Alfons just ‘happened’ to be there when he was in the inner part of the room right before he was shot.)

(And he is still covering for me, so as to not make my situation worse.)

(And yet, he distances himself like that…)

I wish he wouldn’t be so kind, and yet I couldn’t help but feel happy too.

(…He is a liar, and a cruel person to boot, through and through.)

As ordered by Victor, the ones who were going to carry out this mission were:

Alfons, Lord Elbert, Roger, and for some odd reason, Jude and Ellis.

Victor: When it comes to the Ports of London, Jude is the one who’s most familiar with that area, I take it?

Jude: …Hah, ya can bet yer bottle I’m the most familiar outta this bunch.

Victor: And Kate? Do you think you’ll be able to go with?

V: I imagine going on missions day after day would tire you out, so don’t push yourself.

Kate: …No, it’s fine. This is my responsibility as fairytale keeper, so I’ll go with.

(…I truly am a fool, aren’t I.)

Here I was, going on about how it’s my ‘responsibility’ and whatnot, but my true feelings laid elsewhere.

(Even though Alfons does nothing but push me away… I don’t want to take my eyes off of him.)

After all, I had thought to myself that if I wasn’t looking at him, he would end up just up and disappearing somewhere.

(…And this feeling, just as Alfons said,)

(was a delusion——that’s how it needed to be, and yet…)

——Now that I had realized my feelings for him, I had no way of knowing how to bury this love to the grave.

In the Docklands, illegal immigrants were going to be punished by an ‘eternal fire.’

On the night the plan was going to take place…

Dirtied man: Who’s there!?

The silhouettes who were squirming about in the darkness of the port city made a stir upon the sudden arrival of visitors.

Jude: How goes it, ya lot? We’ll be here a while.

Ellis: I’d say there are around——seven? If I had to guess.

Dirtied man: Tch, they said if there are any witnesses the reward’s as good as gone. Get ‘em!

The men who had seemingly been spreading oil around wielded weapons and ganged up, lunging for the two.

Jude: Hah, swingin’ around those steel pipes… how ya all pulled the short end of the stick, not even gettin’ yer hands a gun.

Dirtied man: Wah!? W-what the—!?

Just when I thought Ellis jumped high enough to be above their heads,

the men’s wrists seemed to become bound by a rope unseen to the naked eye, restraining them.

Dirtied man: W-what the hell did you do!?

Ellis: Shh, quiet down a little… we don’t want to disturb the neighbors.

Jude: If ya lot were gonna be playin’ with fire for some bees and honey, ya may as well have all hit the hay instead, ain’t that right?

With that, Jude poked the restrained men’s foreheads with his index finger.

And the next moment, the men, who had just been shouting, collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Kate: …I take it those were their abilities?

Elbert: That’s right… Ellis has the ability to restrain the movements of those whose head he touches. And Jude can put others to sleep by touching their forehead.

Alfons: What a golden pair for interrogation and assassination, dare I say.

Jude had said, ‘If I wanted to get rid of illegal immigrants, I’d aim here,’ while marking down some places,

namely a corner of a residential area, an alleyway that lined the pubs, and the port city, and so Crown went to detain the to-be arsonists without a hitch.

(And this is the last place Jude had marked.)

(It would be nice if we could stop the incidents altogether though…)

Elbert: How is the perimeter looking, Roger?

Roger: …Two blocks away, there’s one at four o’clock.

Elbert: Their companion, perhaps?

Roger: Nah, I doubt it. It sounds pretty darn suspicious… and it’s heading straight this way.

Alfons: Coming to see what’s going on after hearing something suspicious is very much a fool’s errand, is it not.

A: Do leave this careless, poor witness in my care.

Saying that, Alfons left the storage room.

(——!)

—— Scene change; outside ——

While hiding myself in the shadows, I peeked outside…

Alfons: Good evening to you. What a lovely night it is, no?

…where I found Alfons, who had just discreetly touched the back of what seemed to be the witness’ neck.

Alfons: “You saw nothing that went down here. You are on your way home, dearly needing some sleep.”

I could hear how his whispers resembled that of a lullaby as they rode the zephyr of the night.

(He could have shown them something to scare them, or threaten them away, and yet...)

Whenever he used his ability, he always spoke words that calmed the heart.

(And if I asked him why that is... I’m sure he would say something along the lines of ‘it would be a load of trouble if they made too much noise.’)

—— Scene change; storage room ——

Alfons: Goodness gracious... I would have preferred them to choose a less conspicuous place at the very least.

By the time Alfons returned, Jude and the others had tied the perpetrators up with a rope.

Kate: ...I guess with this, we managed to stop the incident.

Spreading the map with the marks open, I made sure we didn’t miss any spots before letting out a sigh in relief.

Roger: Well, that’s assuming Jude hasn’t missed a place.

Jude: The hell ya gettin’ at?

Roger: And I’m going to make sure the number of people here match up with the heartbeats I’m hearing——

Just when Roger interrupted over Jude...

Kate: !?

Along with an explosion, a flame started from within the storage room.

The fire crawled outward on the floor, the heat burning my skin.

(W-why all of a sudden...!? I thought we had all of the perpetrators——)

Alfons: It would appear the oil scattered all over the ground has vaporized and some sparks have ignited this.

Kate: D-did you just say ‘some sparks’!?

Roger: As curious as that is, first things first, we gotta put out the fire. Elbie, let’s bring over the fire extinguisher from the carriage.

Elbert: On it.

Jude: Tch, there ain’t nothing worth more trouble than these scumbags burnin’ to smithereens before makin’ them spit out the tea.

Ellis: Jude and I will take the perpetrators out of here.

Making quick judgments about their current situation, the members of Crown started to move.

(I should help where I can as well...)

The next moment, I tried to run as though being struck by something, when...

(——Huh?)

What I saw before my eyes was an unbelievable sight, causing my feet to stay rooted in its spot.

Alfons: Kate, if you inhale any more smoke, you may end up burning your lungs. So if you could move a bit more——

Kate: Wait just a minute! Over there...!

Beyond the burning flames, when I squinted my eyes...

There, I saw a young boy crouched on the floor, his face filled with fear.

Alfons: ...Ahh, so that’s how it is.

A: It would seem while all his friends were captured, he was hiding with a bated breath, I reckon.

Kate: W-when you say ‘friends’...

K: Are you insinuating he was directly involved in executing the arson...!?

Alfons: Have a look at the boy’s feet.

When I did, I saw that scattered about his feet, illuminated by the flames, were what appeared to be matchboxes.

Alfons: That boy is said ‘sparks.’

A: I reckon he was hiding in the shadows, biding the right time.

(But why would such a child... no, I don’t have time to think about such things.)

(Right now, somehow saving him takes priority...!)

Kate: Stay right there! And be sure to stay low and try not to inhale the fumes...!

Alfons: ......... [surprised]

(At this rate the fire will block the way out... but if he jumps in just like that, he’ll suffer from severe burns.)

(I’ll need to somehow open a path for him to escape through...)

When I looked around my surroundings, my eyes stopped on some sandbags that were piled atop one another adjacent to the storage room.

(That will do...!)

Kate: ...gh!

I jumped straight in, somehow managing to hold the heavy sandbags and throwing them amid the flames.

Then I ran back, lifting up another sandbag.

(Urgh, it’s so heavy...)

Alfons: What in the world are you doing?

Alfons crouched down beside me, meeting my eyes.

Kate: That child might not make it by the time we can put out the fire with an extinguisher.

K: So I thought to stack these sandbags to create an escape route...

Alfons: The one who started this fire was none other than that child, you know.

Kate: Yes, but... this and that are two different things!

Alfons: ......... [surprised]

A: ...haa.

A: Just what am I to do with such a straightforward one like yourself?

(Ah...)

He let out an exasperated laugh before he took the sandbag from me before throwing it into the flames.

(Alfons...)

Alfons: Let’s get it together now. The boy won’t be living through this if you stand so idle.

And so, we carried the sandbags, trying our best to go back and forth,

when Roger and Lord Elbert came running while carrying the fire extinguisher from the carriage, starting to spray the vicinity around the sandbags.

——And at last, albeit small, we managed to make a path he could escape through.

Kate: It’s fine now! So come this way!

Young boy: ...

The boy, whose face was filled with fear still, stayed crouching down, trembling.

Alfons: He’s not coming, is he. Perhaps fear has him paralyzed?

Kate: If that’s the case, we have to go and get him...!

But the moment I tried to run in, he grabbed my arms from behind.

Kate: Wh—Alfons...!?

Alfons: Goodness...

Pushing me behind him, Alfons jumped into the fire through the small escape route,

and as though he were taking a stroll, he walked over to the young boy with light steps——and touched the back of his neck.

Alfons: Come now... “you feel neither the fear nor the heat.”

Young boy: ...gh...! ...?

The fear vanished from the boy’s face, replaced by a puzzled expression.

While holding the boy in his arms, Alfons returned with the same light steps he had went in with.

Alfons: Here you are. A delivery for a most good-natured little robin.

Kate: ...Everything’s alright now.

Young boy: huhu... waaah!

Perhaps he had felt so much fear, but it seemed the illusion cast upon his heart that he ‘wasn’t scared’ had quickly worn off,

and the young boy burst into tears in my arms.

—— Scene change; lounge ——

Apparently, that young boy had been living in poverty, and having been deceived by some bad adults, he was made to take part in this evil plot.

According to Roger’s examination, the young boy suffered from minor injuries. It was then decided that he would be transferred to a special ward in the Royal Hospital to recover.

(Thank goodness...)

Fatigue hit me right after relief, and my body, feeling heavy, sunk into the sofa like a boat.

Kate: What a long night it’s been...

Alfons, too, sat down in a place a little ways away from me.

Alfons: Good lord, I don’t even remember the last time I was subjected to such physical labor.

A: And now thanks to that, I’ve been rendered sore left and right.

Kate: Hm...? Is it really alright for you not to go, Alfons?

K: Just now, everyone else said they were going to interrogate the perpetrators...

Alfons: Such things are better left in the hands of those who know how to best — namely Jude and the others.

With a dismissive wave, Alfons laughed.

And all of a sudden, I remembered the way his back was lit up by the flames as he ran for the young boy.

Kate: And thank you... for saving that child.

K: It made me really happy.

K: But... I also had a feeling you would help anyhow as well.

Hearing my words after the ‘but,’ Alfons laughed, as though fed up.

Alfons: In the face of how oppressive your sense of justice was, I ended up doing what I did... but now regret is starting to plague me.

A: How I wish I could catch the look of despair on your face upon the realization the boy couldn’t be saved after all.

(I long knew those were not his true feelings.)

Kate: ...So you say, but then you go and show illusions because you can’t stand seeing such a face.

Alfons: I see nothing can convince you otherwise.

Kate: Yes, because to me, that is the ‘truth.’

I quite enjoyed the exchanges he and I shared that resembled something like banter, or perhaps just messing around in good fun.

——Having only realized this now, I felt a pang in my heart once again.

(I knew it, I really do like Alfons.)

(...There’s no way I can simply play it off as a delusion.)

Alfons: .........

He spared me a glance before he stood from his seat.

(He’s running away again.)

With such a hunch, my body started to move.

Alfons: Now then... I think I’ll go have a drink or two.

Kate: If that’s so, I will too.

I stood up and took a step, closing a bit of the distance between us.

Kate: Please take me with you.

to be continued…

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[kurishiri]

6.5 . . . “ talent as a plaything ”

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— 🍸 his side story, chapter 6.

— cw: dub-con (will put in between dividers), alcohol consumption.

Alfons: ...Hehe, following me aaall the way to such a place, such a naughty girl you are, aren’t you.

Kate: !?

This was a room in the back of the pub with an aphrodisiac-like smoke wafted, able to make one feel more sensitive.

I wrapped my arms around her waist; it was the perfect place to do naughty things, and she had followed me all the way out here without a care, foolishly so.

Kate: Wh—Alfons!

The moment Kate opened her mouth, it seemed she had inhaled a lot of the smoke, causing her legs to reel.

(I was aware that she was fuming about how she would grasp my weakness and whatnot so that I wouldn’t be able to just do as I liked...)

(But to think her naïve honesty would bring her all the way out here... to say I feel bad for her is an understatement: I’m just impressed at this point.)

Alfons: You could not be more painfully obvious in your tailing. Truly a hopeless little miss robin you are.

(It’s indeed true that I was thinking rather than remembering about the mission,)

(it was better to simply let your mind to be filled to the brim with thoughts of me, but——)

I didn’t mean it to be this much either, if I was completely honest.

Lady in a lingerie: Ohh, Al, who’s that?

Long black-haired lady: My, she’s just adorable... say, would you like to join in on the fun?

Shirtless man: You must’ve been through some rough patches, right? We can forget about all of it here.

Alfons: ...is what they all said.

A: Care to join?

As though intoxicated, Kate looked up at me with dazed, wet eyes.

(See... your eyes are wet as they were before,)

(but I much prefer this.)

I thought back to how she was trembling and petrified at a loss for words the night we were at the slums, where blood splattered and cries rang.

And——how while she was frightened, she had said she wanted to face reality, with those childish eyes filled with naïvete.

—— Flashback ——

Kate: But... if you or Ellis had gotten hurt in there, I...

K: I would have thought, ‘Oh, what a play’ and just stood there... when I could have done something to help!

Alfons: ... (O_O)

Kate: And I... that scares me... how could I not...

Her heart and body were so soft, just the small touch of a claw would probably hurt her,

and yet she insisted facing this thorny reality head-on——

She didn’t even have a moment’s hesitation to temporarily escape this reality.

(You can simply paint over all the memories of the night that’s left you so positively petrified in fear with pleasure.)

(And that goes twice for you, seeing that you were trembling to the verge of tears at the prospect of how ‘I might have been killed’ and whatnot.)

There was no point in shedding such tears, so...

Alfons: So, come now, let us play together again once more tonight... “my most adorable lover.”

—— End flashback ——

And just like that——I deceived the person who had worried about my life as we made love.

She seemed quite pure, hardly seemed used to playing in this way, so such an incident was so shocking, it surpassed the fear.

(Very fitting for a fleeting entertainment to forget reality.)

As proof of that, she was so caught up in chasing after me,

the fear and anxiety borne from that tragedy didn’t bother to follow after her.

(All you need to do is drown yourself deeper,)

(filling your mind with pleasurable, naughty things,)

(until you leave the castle a month from now.)

Kate: ah...

I slipped my fingers in the gap of her blouse, and Kate’s body reacted sensitively.

Her body trembled, my thighs pressed on hers.

Kate: ah...p-please...stop...

(Aha, I see you want to resist with all the strength you can muster... how I feel bad for you.)

(It’s truly a shame that I’m not the good-hearted man who will stop at that.)

Long black-haired lady: Hehe... what a green reaction... say, could I feel you as well?

A regular of this room and a ‘friend’ murmured.

Alfons: Now that just won’t do. You see, she’s a new favorite of mine.

Long black-haired lady: Ehh? That’s rare...

(I will only be involved with such an earnest one like herself for a month anyhow...)

(So I don’t have any intention of making her acquainted with playmates and going so far as to drive her life mad even after she’s been freed.)

My ‘friend’ reluctantly drew back before initiating a passionate kiss with another lady.

Meanwhile, Kate, perhaps due to the drug’s influence, seemed to become more sensitive, as she leaned into my arms.

Alfons: It’s as though keeping your guard up never crosses your mind.

I traced her outline, and when my hands crawled between her legs,

Kate’s waist started to tremble, as though she was anticipating the pleasure about to come.

(...Hehe, how pitiful.)

(To think you so willingly do as I wish...)

Kate: a-ah...hyaa...? W-why am I...

(It’s because you remembered the pleasure from being fondled here.)

Alfons: Dare I say, I’m quite intimately familiar with every spot that makes you tick. Every one, that is.

A: After all, our relationship has become something more... yes?

My fingers slipped in her undergarments, and I stroked that place, having been swollen from the expectation.

They became wet there, and with my fingers now doused in her fluid, it was easy to slip right in.

Kate: Mn, sto...ah, uhh... n-no...

Alfons: ...Aha, your lips say to ‘stop,’ and yet you’re quite wet here now.

A: Would it perhaps be safe to assume that when you were on my heels from the pub, you were anticipating this?

Kate: I wasn’t... anticipating... anything...

Alfons: Oh, is that so? Or is what I’m seeing before my eyes a mere facade...?

A: You see, the fragrance you inhaled is able to elevate a certain sensation to a certain extent——

A: So I reckon in your case, it’s simply spurring your obstinate nature, perhaps...?

(Well, all that’s bollocks.)

But Kate had no way of knowing such a thing as she unevenly panted in my arms.

Alfons: ——How about I bring out what is truly in your heart?

I looked around the bed.

Alfons: Ahh, look at what we have here. This will do.

While continuing to fondle with Kate, I grabbed a hand mirror that had fallen on the bed.

When I slowly lowered my arms, Kate’s gaze, in a daze, followed.

(She just doesn’t know what’s going to happen to her, now will she.)

Seeing her neither anticipating nor rejecting the obscene play was refreshing, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

(Truly, what a pitiful, darling little robin.)

I turned the mirror, which was positioned below her abdomen and between her legs, face up.

Kate: ——Wh, no...!

My fingers, which were wriggling in her disheveled skirt, was reflected on its surface, and seeing that, her body jumped.

Holding it down with my arms and body, I widened the gap of her undergarments and inserted my fingers into her wet spot,

and she trembled, her insides squeezing on them.

Kate: N-noo...

Alfons: So you say, but see here, you feel really, really good right now, no?

Seemingly in disarray as she panted, she couldn’t completely conceal her excitement,

and her fluids overflowed and dripped on the mirror.

(Hehe, so you enjoy this sort of thing as well, do you.)

(I must say... you do seem to have quite the talent as a plaything.)

Alfons: Now, how about you cease your efforts to search for something that does not exist at all, such as my weaknesses and whatnot. It is all futile at best.

A: Instead, give yourself in to pleasure, why don’t you?

Kate: ah, ah, ah...

No longer able to bear it standing, Kate collapsed onto the canopied bed.

Alfons: See, you would like to feel even more pleasure, don’t you?

I turned her body over and went on top,

and Kate stared me directly in the eyes.

(...?)

All of a sudden, the light returned to her eyes, which had just been dimmed by the shady smoke in the room.

The lewdness of her eyes was replaced by a somewhat pained, hurt look.

(Ahh... could it be...)

(She’s probably thinking how she ‘doesn’t want to make love on the same bed I’ve slept with other women on’ and whatnot.)

Kate: gh...

——As expected, she pushed me as though to send me flying.

Alfons: Whoops.

Kate: ...I-I’m heading back——!!

The moment she got off the bed, the hand mirror fell to the floor.

And as if this were a dramatic enactment of a scene, and with the feeling of a spectator, I heard the mirror break and shatter.

Alfons: My, is that so? Do be careful on your way back then.

(It seems she did come along with Roger and Liam, after all.)

(So even though she’s clearly still turned on, she will be picked up by them safely if she heads out to the city, I imagine.)

While I thought this as though I hadn’t been the perpetrator, I looked on at Kate’s back,

trembling like a small animal would, and as though mustering her will, she turned around.

Alfons: ...Did you need anything else? Or perhaps you have some lingering desire to continue where we left off?

Kate: I...

K: I wanted to say that you better cut back on the liquor, and don’t stay up all night. Unless you want to destroy your body. That’s all!

(.........What?)

While still surprised, Kate became red to her ears before leaving like the wind.

(She had just gotten caught up in such a naughty scenario, and yet she’s worried about me...?)

Alfons: ...Pfft, ahahaha!

Without thinking, I burst out into laughter, holding my stomach.

Alfons: Haa......... truly, what a fool you are.

Looking on at the door which had been loudly shut, I bit back my laughter.

Someone like herself was much better suited to find someone who could love her to the fullest, and end things on a happy note.

And when she someday left the castle, I was sure that, just like now——she would glare at me with her face red as she left.

(When that time comes, I wonder if she will still worry for me like she does now.)

(Or perhaps, I may be able to hear something even more colorful than ‘you devilish fiend!’)

Alfons: ...I do look forward to that time.

As if trying to rid the rest of my laughter with liquor, I reached out for the cocktail glass on the bedside and brought it to my lips.

Behind me, the merrymaking continued as it always did——

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[kurishiri]

23 . . . alfons main story — blind love (with letter)

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— cw: shakes al in tupperware /aff

Alfons: In which case——would you mind leaving the judgment of Lord Goa, the leader of the club, in my hands?

William: ...Alright. You don’t mind either, Victor, do you?

Victor: I had always left this case in Alfons’ hands. So of course it’s fine by me!

Alfons: Thank you. Oh, yes, there is one thing I would like to ask about.

A: As long as the purification club goes down, the method will not be questioned.

A: Such is Crown’s policy. I am not mistaken in this, yes?

At the inquiry, the two showed smiles so brilliant, it could freeze one’s heart.

William: ——Of course.

Victor: Complete the mission, following your evil.

Alfons: Duly noted.

Victor: Well then, let us move on to the details of the plan, shall we?

William: The Privy Council has probably already foreseen Lord Goa’s move on Crown and is trying to pressure the police into taking action.

W: Victor and I will continue watching over how the Privy Council proceeds.

W: When the police do take action, we’ll have Jude and Harrison stop them.

W: Ensure that they are unable to reach the place where we will meet Lord Goa.

Harrison: Will do.

Victor: And as for the one who will accompany Alfons——

Roger raised his hand in a quick motion.

Roger: I’ll do it. It’ll only spell out trouble if he dies from the blood transfusion and I can’t watch over his progress.

Elbert: ...I will go as well.

Victor: Indeed, you two fit the bill for this, I’d say.

V: And finally, keeping watch on the perimeter and eliminating any witnesses will fall on Liam and Ellis.

All of the Crown members were making their move to put an end to an organization.

(There is no better system than this: it is the ideal.)

(...That should be the case.)

But, even so——I couldn’t shake off the anxiety in me.

And then, on the night of the mission——

(Tonight, Lord Goa is attending a dinner party...)

Perhaps because we were close to the site, the wheels of the carriage came to a stop, and everyone stepped off.

In the end, it was just me and Alfons left.

Alfons: Well then, as we have planned, you will be waiting here.

This time, William told me right before that it was alright if I didn’t go directly to the scene.

And, I had thought that it was maybe something that Alfons had requested of him.

(It’s probably so that I won’t lay my eyes on a cruel scene... or it may be because it’ll only cause him more trouble with me there. I’m not sure.)

Kate: ...Actually, I think I’ll go with you.

It wasn’t that I was doing so as fairytale keeper, accompanying him on a mission.

Ever since we were told about the mission, though, an indescribably anxiety swirled within my chest.

But, he gently pushed me back down on the seat.

Alfons: Now that just won’t do. Don’t tell me you have already forgotten how not once, but twice have you tried to cover for me, only for me to do that and, in turn, get shot?

Kate: ...Was the second time not because you were going out of your way to die?

Alfons: Was it? That’s positively beyond me. (⌒▽⌒)☆

(...Jeez, this man.)

Kate: So then, this time, will you be okay for sure...?

Alfons: Why yes, of course I will. You can remain 120% worry free.

As always, I couldn’t seem to grasp his true feelings.

In all honesty, my worry was at 99%.

When I stared at him intensely, Alfons burst out into a fit of laughter.

Alfons: Hehe... it would appear your trust in me is all but here.

[1] You reap what you sow.

[2] I do trust you.

[3] Put a hand on your chest and think on it. (+4 / +4)

Kate: If you’re not sure why that is, you can put a hand on your chest and try to mull on it.

Alfons: Oh, I assure you that’s hardly needed for me to have one or two — or perhaps around 20 guesses up my sleeve.

Kate: .........I can’t trust you.

Alfons: ...So I see.

(Just because I won a single bet,)

(doesn’t mean that the despair and resignation to his fate that was rooted in his heart would go away so easily.)

Kate: But... that’s why...

K: When you come back, I will give you a service you won’t forget.

Alfons: ...Come again?

(You don’t have to look at me with those eyes; even I’m here thinking what in the world am I saying...)

Kate: I... I mean...

K: Weren’t you the one... who said ‘since I’ve made you hold back, I will have to compensate with a service to make up for it?’

My face turned red from embarrassment.

But, I had no regrets, since those words were not simply on a whim.

(If, to Alfons, the fact that I’m by his side can become fun,)

(then surely, he will return.)

With that line of thought, I figured that if I had something... anything to keep him entertained, I wanted to promise him that.

(That said, to suggest such a thing... this temptation, as if having been influenced by his naughtiness...)

(It’s like even my thoughts have been stained by Alfons, and I kind of feel like I want to be anywhere but here...)

Alfons: Pfft, ahahaha!

A: ...I see now. Indeed, it would seem like I’m left with no choice but to return, yes?

The smile Alfons had right now as he burst with laughter——seemed very much like a true one.

And to me, that gave me more concrete hope that he would return safe and sound more than a spoken promise ever could.

Alfons: I do so wonder what sort of naughty look I’ll be greeted with then.

Kate: Alright, enough of that, you can go now!

I didn’t think I could handle any more of his teasing, and so I pushed on his back.

—— Alfons’ POV ——

(Well then...)

I was quite used to infiltrating the manor where the dinner party was being held, and I masqueraded as another guest here by showing illusions to those who passed by.

And as for the Privy Council’s intervention... since that group is gathered here, there was not so much as even a fraction of a chance they’d allow it.

Though those congressmen had cunning from their age, they were not Crown’s enemy——it was an awfully simple bore of a mission.

Alfons: I imagine Lord Goa is about finished with dinner right about now and is smoking a cigar and whatnot in the lounge where the gentlemen gather.

Elbert: The people in the dining room were rather sparse... so perhaps so.

After brewing theories with Elbert and Roger, I called out to the two.

Alfons: When I’m alone with Lord Goa, may I ask you two to not interfere for five minutes?

Elbert: ...Why?

Alfons: There is a little something I would like to confirm, you see.

Elbert: .........

Roger: You’re not planning on running away from Kate, are you?

His question seemed to test my intentions.

(Goodness, it appears I will die on the hill of distrust.)

(Well, I suppose all that is to be expected. After all——)

Alfons: ——To this day, I still believe loving each other to the fullest is nothing short of a fool’s errand.

Elbert & Roger: ...

Alfons: All that said, though...

A: As I have come to realize as of late——I have taken quite a fancy to her sulking face.

A: See, she tries her very best to purse her lips in a pout, trying to pierce me with her darling chidings.

A: And... I suppose I would like to see that a tad bit more. ...Probably.

Even in the darkness, I could tell Roger was wearing a smile.

Roger: Saying stuff like ‘probably’ when it comes to yourself?

Alfons: Ahha! Would you not say that there is no bigger mystery to ourselves than our own heart?

Roger: .........Well, can’t argue with that.

R: ——At times we betray in ways we can hardly believe ourselves.

(...Indeed, those words do hold weight from the ‘betraying’ huntsman.)

(Just how many ‘betrayals’ has he committed up until now? Or so I say, but I hardly have an ounce of interest or energy to ask.)

Alfons: To be quite frank, it has never once crossed my mind to cling dearly onto life or try to love someone else in full.

A: Hence, I would like to use this as a test.

A: One to see if the thing called love really is within me.

A: And whether it is such a wonderful thing that can make me want to cling onto this greed and live.

Roger: And that’s why you’re heading straight into enemy territory all by yourself? Any other motive would’ve been better.

Alfons: Though it pains me to say, I agree.

Elbert: ...Alright then. We will wait here, only for five minutes.

Elbert, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, quietly conceded.

Those ocean blue eyes, which seemed to reach into the depths of my heart, looked straight at me.

Alfons: Your understanding is appreciated. Well then, au revoir.

I then turned around.

Before this sensible yet strangely cheeky childhood friend of mine changed his mind and said ‘I won’t let you go.’

(It seems that how Lord Goa meets his end——will depend on the situation when I see him.)

—— Neutral POV ——

Roger: Are you sure it’s okay to let him go like that?

Around the time Alfons’ back disappeared into the lounge, Elbert blinked at Roger’s question.

Elbert: ...? Yes, of course.

Those lips that were so beautiful they seemed manmade showed a smile.

Elbert: Because, it is within Al... I am sure.

E: But... I think Al just wants the proof to believe in it.

—— Alfons’ POV ——

Alfons: Lord Goa, I have a great many things to talk to you about, so would it be alright to move to a different room?

I slipped into the lounge, calling out to Lord Goa, who was making pleasant talk with his followers.

Lord Goa: And you are...? Have we met somewhere, perhaps? May I ask for your name?

The elderly gentleman looked at me, as familiar as a stranger, with a perplexed expression.

Well, that was to be expected. He had only heard about the appearance of the one who had intruded the hotel, so I was perhaps just another somebody to him.

Alfons: I suppose it would be better if I said to come with me, lest you want to make a show of disgrace here, yes?

A: Or do you not recognize me, perchance? You know, the one and only man who snuck into your hotel.

Lord Goa: ...!

Alfons: Several of your most wonderful acquaintances had come to see me as well.

A: Oh yes, and they have opened some rather charming windholes in this body, if I do say so myself.

Lord Goa looked around him in the vicinity before slowly standing up from his luxurious leather chair.

Lord Goa: ...Let us move elsewhere.

When the door to the other room closed, Lord Goa gave me a look as though appraising me.

Lord Goa: So I take it you are Alfons Sylvatica?

Alfons: Indeed, it is me, Alfons Sylvatica, also known as the one the Privy Council had told you this and that about, in the flesh.

Lord Goa: For someone who’s had ‘holes opened’ in him, you seem to be faring quite well.

Alfons: I just happen to have a skilled doctor for an acquaintance, you see.

Lord Goa: I do envy you for that. I would love for you to introduce me.

Lord Goa maintained a contemptuous air as he bit into his cigar with a smile.

He had the confidence of someone who very well knew that fear was the number one thing that would lead to one’s downfall in the battlefield.

Lord Goa: The ones who have made contact with you have disappeared, all of them. So I have no intention of beating around the bush.

Lord Goa: I can swear in my name that we will not go after you henceforth.

Alfons: That is a relief to be sure.

Lord Goa: So, we would appreciate it if you guys could pull back as well.

(So turning a blind eye to each other’s evils... a typical compromise coming from a politician.)

(Well, that said, we have no reason to turn a blind eye for them.)

Alfons: I’m sorely sorry to say, but... it’s hardly as though we killed every one of your acquaintances out of self-defense.

A: It was just that we had received orders from our superiors to put a stopper on your brutish activities.

Lord Goa: Are you mayhaps referring to the ‘purification’?

Lord Goa: I am unsure who this superior of yours is, but our activities are approved by the Privy Council, who advise Her Majesty the Queen.

Lord Goa: So I am sure that Her Majesty, too, is lamenting at the disaster of a state the East End is in.

Lord Goa: And so, we are simply cleaning the dirty, immoral and sinful stain that has blotted England in Her Majesty’s stead.

Alfons: ...Is that so?

If it was not the case I held any sort of chivalrous spirit,

then it would go to say that, just because the East End was something like my hometown, I hardly missed it enough to want to protect it.

The only reason I was here facing him here was because it was a mission for Crown, who provided my room and board.

(...is what I’d like to say.)

——But strangely, Lord Goa’s words gave me an unpleasant feeling, as though I had just swallowed a fishbone.

Alfons: Indeed, there is not a shred of doubt in my mind that Her Majesty is quite sick and tired of the lamentable situation in the East End——

A: That is to say, the massacres you have orchestrated.

As proof of such feelings, I couldn’t completely conceal the irritation that seeped into my words.

(Truly, the true form of one’s own heart is the biggest mystery of all.)

(Just where did this sense of justice bubble up from, getting angry at such a thing?)

Lord Goa: ...I would be careful with your words if I were you.

Confidence flared in the elderly gentleman’s eyes.

(As expected from someone who’s been in this world of politics, positively riddled with all sorts of demons, he has quite the presence.)

Lord Goa: Did you really think I would bring you to this room without any countermeasures?

At his signal, men armed with guns appeared, shuffling out from wherever they were hiding.

After all, when all was said and done, this was probably a safe room to escape to in cases of emergency.

(In this secret room, there is the man who wants to get rid of me, and his pawns.)

——It was the ideal situation to close the curtain on this humorous tragedy called life.

(Were I to die here, I could prevent yet another tragedy.)

Then, Kate’s face, so red as she pushed my back, popped into my mind.

(But, something like the heroine of a tragedy...)

(...hardly suits someone such as herself.)

to be continued…

I said to wait

Regarding this mission, you were told to wait in the carriage that was parked near the site.

Since noble congressmen, Lord Goa included, and high society are intermingling in this dinner party, I imagine it would be quite difficult for our ‘fairytale keeper’ here to mix in. And should you invoke any sense of unease in them that raises their guard, it could spell out this mission’s failure, no?

So, while it does pain me to say, please wait quietly.

Take care not to come chasing after me, shouting ‘danger ahead!’ and whatnot, alright? Well, not that I had any intention in the first place of doing anything dangerous.

I imagine you’re thinking ‘you liar’ right about now. If you thought you could hide it, you are sorely mistaken.

That said, I am more than well aware that I am hardly trusted. So go ahead, by all means, doubt me as much as you wish.

I am fine with that, as long as you very cutely apologize to me, saying ‘I’m sorry for having doubted you’ when I return safe and sound.

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