#if this chapter doesnt convince you elbie and al got a thing going on

[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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