#elbie deserves happiness 🥺

[kurishiri]

09 . . . main story

— this translation may not be 100% accurate or may contain creative liberties. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost or claim these as your own!

— cw: invasion of personal space, maybe some questionable behavior from servants, flashbacks from that chapter with a lot of warnings.

Several days had quickly gone by since making contact with the ‘Bernard Company.’

Harrison: Elbie, you’re eating nothing but that again?

Elbert: …? Mn, that’s right.

Roger: I feel like I’m about to go dizzy just by watching you.

Liam: But, don’t you feel like Lord Elbie’s eating more these days?

Elbert: …Is…that so?

With a beautiful gesture, Lord Elbert brought the lemon salad on his plate to his lips.

I ended up leaving a discreet memo to the chefs that ‘Lord Elbert seems to like citrus fruits as well.’

The memos I have for my job as Fairytale Keeper have probably also increased.

And most of them were about Lord Elbert.

Of course, we just had a lot of opportunities to spend time together, I was also aware myself that my eyes would often follow Lord Elbert.

(But…)

—— Flashback ——

Alfons: Anyway, I would suggest putting some distance between you two. Before you find yourself unable to escape from a dire situation.

A: Let me just warn you, though — the more you wish for happiness, the more Elbie will try to hurt himself.

—— End flashback ——

The words I heard from Alfons had been stuck in the corner of my mind since.

(Just what is the sin… that Lord Elbert is trying to atone for?)

William: By the way, Elbert. Has there been any development regarding that “personal deal” with the arts dealer? 

Elbert: …

For a moment, Lord Elbert appeared a little nervous.

(A personal deal with that arts dealer…)

—— Flashback ——

Host in a silk hat: Thanks to you, the painting is saved. Please, by all means, take this painting.

Host in a silk hat: And—

Elbert: ...Alright.

—— End flashback ——

—— Flashback ——

Kate: No, I’m fine... What were you talking to the art dealer about just now?

Elbert: Ah... he was offering a personal deal.

Alfons: In other words, he was scheming to make Lord Elbie, who has no eye for beautiful things, into a client.

A: If that art dealer is a member of that organization, the mission is a big success. Isn’t that great?

—— End flashback ——

(He must be talking about that time when he was offered a deal.)

Elbert: Yesterday, a letter came…

E: …requesting that the deal take place at my manor house.

(Lord Elbert’s manor house…?)

(I see, since Lord Elbert is a count… he must own land.)

William: I see, so the other party doesn’t want to show their hand.

W: Before inviting you to their land, perhaps they want to verify that you are, indeed, a ‘collector.’

W: At the place where you were born and raised.

Elbert: …

Lord Elbert’s hands, which had been moving to pick up food on his plate, had stopped completely.

The more I looked, I saw that his expression was clouding over.

(Is there something making him uncertain…?)

I remembered a similar thing had happened back at the party.

There, his expression had also become more dark.

(And the reason for that must be——)

—— Flashback ——

Middle-aged gentleman: Truly, your beauty is second to none.

Green-eyed lady: Elbert, turn toward me as well… My, are you a little short on sleep, perhaps?

Elbert: …I’m fine.

White-haired lady: Are you sure? You aren’t so scared you can’t sleep, aren’t you? I can sing you a lullaby again.

Elbert: …Thank you.

—— End flashback ——

(…To be making that expression even when he’s going back home…)

There was something in Lord Elbert’s manor, that hurt him.

I couldn’t stop that unsettling feeling bubbling up from within me.

(What a selfish guess… there may be some other reason at play, too.)

(But, no matter the reason, if it was something that made him make such an expression…)

(…I want to be by his side.)

William: Kate.

Kate: Hm? Yes, what is it?

William: You should accompany Elbert on his personal deal at his manor.

Elbert: … [surprised]

Kate: Me… accompany him?

(That… if that means I can stay by his side and watch over him, that would make me happy, but—)

Kate: Is that alright? If a stranger suddenly came by, would that not raise suspicion…

K: In the first place, how much do the people of the manor know?

Elbert: …They don’t know about Crown, or about the Cursed.

William: The manor’s employees only know that Elbert is working at the palace.

W: If someone who looked like a secretary was by his side, it would not be that strange.

W: And, you must have seen the arts dealer while accompanying Elbert to the party.

W: So, even if you are at the deal as well, I imagine it wouldn’t raise suspicion.

W: Ahh, I forgot to ask something important.

W: …What do you, yourself, want to do?

As if peering into my heart, William smiled.

(Maybe he saw that I was worried about Lord Elbert.)

I straightened my back, sitting more deeply into the seat.

Kate: If it’s alright, I would like to go, too.

William: So she says. What will you do, Elbert?

Elbert: ……—n’t.

It looked like Lord Elbert was trying to say ‘you can’t.’

Kate: Please, Lord Elbert.

Elbert: … [surprised]

Without thinking, I had avoided that answer.

(I’m sure of it now. As I thought, there is something in his manor that will make me sad.)

(When Lord Elbert wanted to distance something from me… he was always like this.)

(And it’s because of this, that I want to be by his side.)

Elbert: …Alright.

Lord Elbert was kind, and so he didn’t go against my wish.

William: Then it’s decided. When you’re at the manor, the topic of Crown and the Cursed are not to be mentioned.

W: Take care not to let the secrets you hold slip out.

Kate: Yes, of course.

(His family should be at the manor, right? Do they also not know about Lord Elbert’s curse?)

I was a bit curious, but it was probably rude to pry.

I didn’t ask anything, instead finishing my breakfast and rising from my seat to leave.

——A little while after Kate left.

At some point, the only people left in the dining room were William and Alfons.

Without minding table manners, Alfons rested his chin on his hands, looking toward the direction Kate and the others had left.

William: You look like you have something to say.

Alfons: To incite something like that…

A: Whatever becomes of Kate in the coming month she promised to stay here, will not be my problem.

His slightly languid tone revealed none of what he was feeling.

As if looking for his true intentions, William looked at him with a side eye, letting out an easygoing laugh.

William: ‘Whatever becomes’ of Kate and Elbert will depend on their will.

W: I simply gave them a little push they needed.

Alfons: This is the first time I’ve heard that you have some attachment toward Elbie and Kate.

William: …I was always curious, about what Elbert is like when the shoal he wears wavers.

W: Whether he wants to sink into the depths of the water, or rise up to the beach’s shore… I want to know what he truly wishes for.

W: I simply want him to fulfill his own desire, no matter which it is.

W: And I suspect Kate will be the one to pull the answer from him.

It was as though he was waiting for a story’s ending.

William’s eyes shone with anticipation and exaltation.

Alfons: …You are quite evil yourself, if you ask me.

William: Ahaha, well, it’s too late to realize that now.

And then, the next day came — Lord Elbert and I, along with Alfons, arrived at the manor.

(So this is Lord Elbert’s manor.)

The exterior did not betray its interior: every corner was filled with things. It was indeed a beautiful manor.

(But, even though everything is pretty, it feels kind of cold for some reason…)

Elbert: …

Lord Elbert hadn’t said a word since we were in the carriage.

Even when greeted by the servants of the manor, he hadn’t uttered anything.

Butler-looking man: Welcome back, Lord Elbert, Lord Alfons. …And you must be Miss Kate.

A strict-looking butler whose hair was snugly brushed back bowed his head politely, and the others followed after him.

Jeffrey: I am the head of the butlers, Jeffrey. …It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Kate: It’s a pleasure, my name is Kate. Please take care of me.

In response to Jeffrey’s polite greeting, I bowed my head in turn.

After that, Jeffrey introduced some of the butlers and maids.

(Is his family… not here right now? Could it be they are out somewhere…?)

Perhaps because he hasn’t returned in a while, everyone welcomed Lord Elbert modestly and warmly.

Young butler: I have been waiting for your return, Lord Elbert.

Nearly elder butler: I heard that you have returned for work-related reasons, but regardless we are truly delighted that you have returned.

Maid with glasses: How do you wish to spend your time before your work? Your wish is my command.

Elbert: …Please attend to her so she feels comfortable.

E: Other than that… there’s nothing really.

The butlers and maids surrounding Elbert seemed very happy.

But in contrast, I noticed that Lord Elbert had not smiled once, this entire time.

(Maybe it’s because he hasn’t been back in a while, so he’s nervous…?)

Elbert: …

E: I’m sorry but, I want to be alone.

I could pick up his voice, which came out as a trembling whisper.

(‘Alone’…?)

Jeffrey: Now don’t say that, Lord Elbert. We have all missed you so much.

Elbert: …

(I don’t know how long it’s been since Lord Elbert returned.)

(But the arts dealer won’t be arriving until tomorrow, there is still time…)

Kate: How about we talk after a small break?

When I chipped in the conversation, Lord Elbert turned toward me.

Elbert: … [surprised]

(…? Why does he look so surprised…)

——Was that uneasy feeling I had, just my imagination?

The butlers and maids paid no mind to Lord Elbert’s words, continuing to smile at him.

Elbert: …Could you move away, please?

It seemed like he was sweating when I looked at his profile.

(…It’s not hot in here, but he is sweating?)

Lord Elbert didn’t seem to be trembling, per se, but rather he was frightened of something.

That uneasy feeling I had felt before we left the castle came up again.

(Just what is it… that makes him make that face?)

Jeffrey: …Everyone, let us leave it at that. It appears Lord Elbert is unwell.

Upon Jeffrey’s words, the others gave Lord Elbert a look as though they were reluctant to part, before they backed away.

Jeffrey: While Lord Elbert is taking his break, please show Miss Kate to her room.

J: Lord Alfons, too. I will bring a change of clothes and something to drink for you.

Alfons: Ahh, as usual, don’t pay mind to me. I will just be wandering around as I please.

Jeffrey: …As you wish. Then, Miss Kate, that maid will show you to your room.

Kate: Ah… alright. Lord Elbert…

(He said he ‘wanted to be alone.’)

(But is it really okay to leave him alone?)

When Lord Elbert met my eyes, a smile played on his lips.

Elbert: I will rest a little in my room, so… you make yourself at home, too.

E: I don’t think there’s anything very interesting here, but… feel free to do what you will with the things here.

His gentle tone had the opposite effect on me, making me feel uncertain.

(It’s as though he’s holding back so he doesn’t worry me.)

Kate: …Thank you. Then, I’ll see you later.

Maid with glasses: This way, Miss Kate. Be careful to watch your step.

Being led by the maid, I left the parlor.

Jeffrey: Lord Elbert, we have prepared your room. So, please rest as long as you need there.

Elbert: ……I understand, thank you.

As the door closed behind me, I could no longer hear their faint conversing.

Kate: …It will be alright, right, Alfons?

Alfons: …

When I asked in a small voice to Alfons, who left the room with me, he was unusually quiet.

Kate: …Alfons?

Alfons: Whether you choose to see it or not is up to you. I would recommend the latter, though.

Kate: Eh…?

(To see… what, exactly?)

Alfons: You see, for better or worse, there is no ‘master’ of the manor who would punish guests who wander on their own.

A small laugh escaped his lips, and Alfons took a step ahead of me.

Alfons: This will be the third time I’ve said this now, but I would suggest you not dig too deep.

A: I won’t warn you anymore — so don’t take it the wrong way.

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