Translations by Pearl

The feeling of having survived the ordeal still felt a bit surreal.

Ayer: Why do you keep pinching your own cheek?

By the time I snapped out of it, I realized the monster from before had not only vanished without a trace, but it hadn't even left any ashes behind.

Fan You: ...What is this?

Ayer: The mental realm of a mindless vampire.

Ayer: It's simply returning to its original state now.

I only half-understood his explanation, but either way, he was the one who saved me.

Fan You: Thank you...

Fan You: Ow, my face hurts!

Ayer: What are you doing in my bedroom anyway?

Fan You: Hey! Shouldn't you be a little more concerned about why there was a vampire inside the villa?

Fan You: You don't care about anything!

Fan You: You only care about yourself!

Ayer: I did care. I've been watching it ever since it broke in.

Fan You: Uh... thank you then.

Fan You: Wait, then why did you wait until just now to save me?

Fan You: You were up on the fourth floor earlier...

Ayer: I suddenly remembered it was time to water the flowers. It might be a mental realm, but when it comes to things like that...

Ayer: Once I remember, I can't just stand by and do nothing.

Just as I was about to complain, he spoke up again in a slow, deliberate voice.

Ayer: Next time you encounter something like this, remember to shoot.

Ayer: Instead of screaming my name.

(Huh? Did I call out to him?)

(Right, just now I mistook that vampire for him.)

(So it was just a misunderstanding on my part.)

(The vampire that tried to kill me wasn't him at all.)

(He's always been the villain boss in the game...)

(I never expected he'd be the one to save me.)

(And looking at him like this, he actually looks pretty handsome.)

Ayer had short black hair and deep, dark red eyes.

In the dead of night, he looked both fierce and terribly lonely.

He carried an aura that kept everyone at arm's length, but my feelings toward him...

Was it resistance, or familiarity...?

Or perhaps it was some other emotion entirely.

(It felt a bit like all of the above.)

Ayer: [He hands the small silver pistol to me] Keep a firm grip on it.

Speaking of the pistol, I remembered Mr. Villain's ending was...

To be shot straight through the heart with a silver bullet by the heroine, dying on the spot.

Though I hadn't played through to the very end yet, I knew about this conclusion from spoilers.

The heroine's marksmanship wasn't even good.

Judging from the plot lines I already knew, the heroine was able to kill him...

Probably because he loved her.

Ayer: Don't just stand there dazed. Come over and help me clean the balcony.

Fan You: Huh? But there's nothing on the balcony at all.

Ayer: There's dust.

Fan You: ?

Ayer: Besides, you're the one who lured that vampire into my bedroom. You need to take responsibility.

Forget it, he did save my life after all, and I was a pretty easy person to get along with anyway.

With that, he naturally pulled up a stool, sat down, and watched me clean.

Fan You: This is seriously too much!

After working hard to wipe away every speck of dust I could see, I finally felt justified enough to speak up.

Fan You: By the way, isn't it about time to upgrade the villa's security system?

Ayer: No need.

Fan You: Why not? What if another vampire breaks in next time!?

Fan You: Aren't you afraid a vampire will quietly show up and take you out?

Ayer: No.

Fan You: You shouldn't be blindly confident.

Ayer: It's not blind confidence.

Ayer: I live on the third floor, and you live on the second floor.

Ayer: If a vampire breaks in, it'll go to your floor first.

Ayer: If anything goes wrong, your loud voice works much better than any alarm.

Fan You: ...Gee, thanks.

Fan You: But I'm still scared.

Ayer: This has nothing to do with a security system.

Ayer: Unless we set up a blood array specifically designed to catch vampires.

Ayer: But for that sort of thing, we have to apply through the Guild.

Ayer: Going through the application process is a massive hassle.

Ayer: It's also very expensive.

Fan You: ...So what you're saying is, my life actually is pretty important.

Ayer: You're right. You absolutely cannot die.

(Well, at least he has a bit of a conscience.)

Ayer: If you're gone, there won't be anyone left to do free labor for me.

Fan You: ?

Ayer: This vampire was very strange.

Ayer: Its target was very specific.

Fan You: Are you saying it came here specifically to kill me?

Ayer: [He rests his chin on his hand] Fan You, did you do something?

Fan You: It's a bit hard to explain.

Ayer: Hm?

Fan You: But I definitely didn't do anything bad!

Ayer: For now, I don't think you even have the capability to do anything bad.

Fan You: Still, if you really want to know, I can explain it to you.

Ayer: No need. Just tell me on your own when you're ready.

Ayer: I don't like forcing people.

He certainly said that, but he had just forced me to help him clean up the place.

Fan You: If this kind of thing happens again...

Fan You: Is there any way to save myself!?

Ayer: Practice your shooting.

Fan You: Anything else?

Ayer: Buy some time, then call my phone.

Fan You: Huh? You actually have a phone?

Fan You: Why didn't I think of that just now??

Ayer: ...?

He thought I was acting a bit strange, so he felt my forehead to make sure I didn't have a fever before helping me put away the broom and dustpan.

Could my chance at survival really rest on this villain?

But could he truly protect me forever?

After all, given the upcoming plot... he was supposed to cross paths with the heroine very soon.

An incoming text!!

System: Ah, sorry about that! I just went to grab some black bean noodles and completely forgot to text you back. Fan You: Cut the crap. Fan You: Since when can a system even eat black bean noodles? System: Why can't systems eat black bean noodles? Fan You: Do you even deserve them? System: Waaaaah, how cruel! System: But hey, congratulations! You survived yet again. Fan You: When exactly am I going to be out of danger? System: Once you reach the endings for all three of them. Fan You: Which three? System: The male lead, the female lead, and your Mr. Villain. Fan You: That's going to take forever! System: The rolling waters of the Yangtze River flow east, never to return... System: Time flies like an arrow, and in the blink of an eye, your hair turns white! Ah!!! Fan You: Enough already. System: By the way, let me get a little gossip. System: Ayer just saved your life. System: Did you fall in love with him? Fan You: Am I even allowed to? System: Nope, not at all, my dear player! Otherwise, the plot would fall into utter chaos. Fan You: Then why the heck are you even asking? Fan You: Right, you mentioned you wanted me to restore the original storyline. Fan You: But I don't remember some of the plot points very clearly. Fan You: Can you give me some hints? System: I can give you a general idea. Fan You: So, what happens next in the story? System: The heroine is going to transfer schools soon. System: So, I have some quests to issue to you here~ Fan You: I get it now. Fan You: It wasn't that you suddenly remembered me after finishing your black bean noodles. Fan You: It's because you actually have work for me to do! System: I really did eat black bean noodles, though. System: Look, there's still a bit of green leaf stuck in my teeth. Fan You: I don't want to look. Just hurry up and tell me what the quests are! System: There are two quests. System: The first one is to make sure the heroine earns the affection of her classmates. Fan You: and the second one? System: The second quest... System: Is to ensure the heroine successfully meets Ayer. Fan You: Understood. System: Consider this a reward for successfully surviving. System: From now on, I'll be giving you regular hints regarding the plot lines~ Fan You: Fine. System: Don't be so cold~ System: Also, don't try to change any other parts of the story. System: Otherwise, your situation will become even more dangerous. Fan You: I'm not stupid.

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Chapter 06

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Kagetoki-san cut down Yoritomo-sama.

Immediately after it happened, I brought the news back to the Shogunate camp—even as my mind remained entirely unable to comprehend the situation.

(......How on earth did things ever turn out this way?)

Morinaga: There are undeniably bloodstains left behind here......

Shigehira: ......That also matches the eyewitness testimony saying Yoritomo-sama and Kagetoki-san walked off in this direction.

Having been summoned by a messenger, the two of them had rushed over from a different campsite, their faces completely pale.

Yoshino: They are currently searching the river down below. But......

Morinaga: It is going to be incredibly difficult in this darkness.

Shigehira: Why would Kagetoki-san do this!?

Shigehira-kun clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, nearly drawing blood.

Morinaga: I don't know either.

Morinaga-san quietly bit his lip as well, casting his eyes downward.

(Even these two couldn't have predicted Kagetoki-san's betrayal.)

Morinaga: —Alright. Let us simplify what needs to be done.

(Morinaga-san......?)

Morinaga: The fact of the matter is that Kagetoki cut down Yoritomo-sama, and as a result, the status of my lord's survival is currently unknown.

Morinaga: There are three things we must do. First, search for Yoritomo-sama through the night. Second, retreat once dawn breaks.

Morinaga: Third, pursue Kagetoki as a traitor.

Shigehira: ......!

Morinaga: Information regarding Yoritomo-sama's survival heavily impacts the morale of our troops.

Morinaga: If he is not found, or...... if it turns out to be too late, the Shogunate will be in no condition to fight.

Morinaga: Besides, we won't be able to hide Yoritomo-sama's absence from the enemy for very long anyway.

(So that means we have no choice but to retreat?)

Shigehira: But, if we don't find him, wouldn't retreating mean...... abandoning Yoritomo-sama?

Morinaga: ......Realistically speaking, if he isn't found, the chances of his survival are hopeless.

(No......)

Perhaps Shigehira-kun understood that as well, as he bit his lip and looked down at the ground.

Morinaga: The enemy will show absolutely no mercy in exploiting the Shogunate's agitation. It is our duty to protect the soldiers in Yoritomo-sama's stead.

Morinaga: If Yoritomo-sama were here, he would command us to do so above all else.

Shigehira: ......Understood.

Shigehira: Regarding Kagetoki-san as well...... I will try my absolute best to separate my personal feelings from this.

Shigehira: To be completely honest, I don't feel confident that I can do it at all, though.

Morinaga: That is perfectly fine.

(......I am so glad the two of them are here.)

Thanks to Shigehira-kun, who shares the same internal conflict as me and isn't afraid to speak it aloud, and Morinaga-san, who guides us with a mature composure......

I was able to pull my heart back, just a little, from the edge of absolute despair.

Morinaga: Shigehira, let us search downstream as well. I have already left Tamamo in charge in case anything happens back at the other campsite.

Shigehira: Yes, sir!

(I really want to join the search too.)

Just as he began to walk away, Shigehira-kun turned back to look at me.

Shigehira: I'm sure everyone else has already told you this, but Yoshino-san, you must absolutely wait here!

Morinaga: Yes. If anyone gets injured during the night search, we will need an apothecary.

Morinaga: Even if you are feeling restless, could you wait here for us until then?

Yoshino: ......Please let me know if there is anything at all I can do.

(Right now, those are the only words I can manage to say.)

(Kagetoki-san...... what could he possibly be thinking at a time like this?)

Yoshino: Please be careful, both of you.

Once they heard my reply, the two of them quickly departed.

(I need to head back to the campsite.)

—I wonder how much time has passed.

As I sat alone inside the tent, my thoughts racing, the shouting voices of the sentry soldiers suddenly reached my ears.

Yoshino: What is that......?

Feeling a sense of unease, I stood up and stepped outside the tent.

???: Ah, perfect. This saves me the trouble of searching all over for you.

Yoshino: Huh......

(Who is this person?)

A man dressed in elegant robes completely unsuited for a battlefield stood in the middle of the campsite.

—My eyes widened as I took in the sight of the sentry soldiers collapsed at his feet.

Yoshino: What did you do to them......?

(I have no idea who he is, but...... this man is an enemy.)

???: Their lives aren't in any danger. I simply had my companion knock them out for a moment.

Yoshino: Your companion......?

Footsteps echoed from behind the listlessly smiling man.

Boy: It has been a while, Yoshino. You have a wonderful look of complete confusion on your face.

Yoshino: You!?

The boy I had met in Kyoto stepped up to stand beside the man.

He let out a clinking sound as he slipped off the bracelet adorning his slender wrist......

Ibuki: You don't have time to be wallowing in grief, kitsune princess. Come on, it's time for the second act to begin.

(......This person, if I remember correctly, his name was "Ibuki".)

There was a single, definitive change to his otherwise familiar appearance.

Yoshino: An ogre......

I stared blankly at the two horns protruding from his flowing, beautiful golden hair.

Yoshino: ......The man at the court noble's estate and the child I met in the streets of Kyoto, they were both you, weren't they?

Ibuki: Meeting for a third time makes it fate. Wouldn't you say?

???: I would say that crossing paths with the leader of the ogres three times qualifies as nothing short of pure misfortune.

Ibuki: Don't be so boring, Akihito.

The man called Akihito lightly shrugged his shoulders.

(What on earth do these people plan to do with me......?)

The very instant I thought about running away from this spot, Akihito-san grabbed me by the wrist, as if he had read my mind.

The exact moment he did, an incomprehensible chill shivered straight down my spine.

Akihito: Forgive me, won't you? I cannot let you escape.

Akihito: "—Sleep, Yoshino."

(......! Ah......)

My vision reeled violently.

It felt as though the dark, dense air had forced its way into my mouth, causing my body to grow incredibly heavy.

(No......)

(What is this power......?)

Before I knew it, a portion of Akihito-san's hair had turned golden, swaying softly.

(......The exact same color as Ibuki's.)

But my thoughts refused to piece themselves together, and the very instant I tried to force my heavy eyelids back open......

Akihito: "Do not think about anything, just sleep. Deeply......"

Having been pressed further, my consciousness sank even lower......

Akihito: That's a good girl.

......Hearing Akihito-san's whisper within the absolute darkness was my very last memory.

And with that—Yoshino's body collapsed as her consciousness completely cut out.

Ibuki: ......Whoops.

Catching Yoshino, Ibuki easily lifted her up onto his shoulder.

Ibuki: That is quite the gentle way to put someone to sleep, isn't it, Akihito?

Akihito: Well, she is a very important guest, after all.

Akihito: Come, let us go, Ibuki.

As they began to walk away, Ibuki suddenly cast his gaze toward Akihito.

Ibuki: By the way, why did you bring me along with you anyway?

Akihito: Eh? To carry the luggage, of course. I cannot lift anything heavier than a pair of chopsticks.

Ibuki: You certainly have some nerve.

—

—A few days later, within the palace in Kyoto.

Yasuchika: It seems they never actually recovered Yoritomo-sama's body.

Kagetoki: The river was flowing rapidly, so I expected that would be the case.

Inside the room, Yasuchika and Kagetoki sat facing each other.

Yasuchika: The Shogunate called off the search for Yoritomo-sama the following morning and retreated.

Yasuchika: They gave up much more easily than I expected. Considering how many soldiers adored Yoritomo-sama, I thought they would hold out longer.

Kagetoki: Morinaga likely managed to placate the troops effectively.

Yasuchika: Ah, Mori-san does seem like a tough opponent in more ways than one.

Yasuchika: I really wish the rebel army had pushed themselves harder and followed through.

Yasuchika: They say the Shogunate's losses were kept to a minimum, thanks to Shige-chan and Tamamo-cchi fighting as the rearguard to let the troops escape.

Kagetoki: That is only for the time being. The rebel army has surely not returned to Hiraizumi and is instead preparing for the next battle.

Yasuchika: So that fell within Kage-san's predictions as well.

Yasuchika: It is true that compared to the Shogunate, which is tightly securing its defenses in Kamakura......

Yasuchika: The rebel army is staying in an allied province, preparing to strike Kamakura in the near future!

Yasuchika: It is a shame they did not fall easily, but a grim situation certainly persists for the Shogunate.

Kagetoki: The death of the Seii Taishogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo, is a slow-acting poison.

Kagetoki: The Kamakura Shogunate has been maintained solely by Yoritomo-sama's charisma and administrative capability.

Kagetoki: His influence was far too vast. To put it conversely, a Shogunate without Yoritomo-sama is incredibly fragile.

Yasuchika: Well, yes. Which is exactly why we brought you, Yoritomo-sama's confidant, over to our side.

Yasuchika: Thank you for your hard work! How does it feel to betray the Shogunate?

Kagetoki: Not much of anything, really. It is business as usual.

Yasuchika: Aw. How boring.

Yasuchika: But...... it is true that Kage-san did not even change his expression when he cut down Yoritomo-sama.

Kagetoki: —You speak as though you witnessed it with your own eyes.

Yasuchika: I did watch it, you know?

Kagetoki: ..........

Kagetoki's calm gaze pierced straight through Yasuchika, who wore a plastered-on smile.

Yasuchika: That talisman I secretly handed you in Kyoto—it was actually a marker for surveillance.

Yasuchika: The downside is that the precision isn't very high for the amount of effort required, and it is only useful for a short period of time......

Yasuchika: But I used a shikigami to observe your actions that night.

Kagetoki: I expected you had some means of verification, but I am surprised that Onmyodo can accomplish such a feat.

Yasuchika: Normally, it is impossible! But I am a genius, you see. Of a different variety than you, Kage-san.

Yasuchika leaned forward slightly.

Yasuchika: However, thanks to that, I got to see something rather interesting.

Yasuchika: Of all people, the Shogunate's witness turned out to be Yoshino-san.

Kagetoki: —I figured it would be convenient if someone witnessed it, so I left the approaching footsteps alone.

Kagetoki: Even if that person happened to be Yoshino, it does not alter what I had to do.

Yasuchika: Really?

Kagetoki: .......

Yasuchika: For someone who claims that...... you certainly spent a long time talking to her when you parted ways.

Yasuchika: I could not hear the exact dialogue, but I wonder what you two were discussing?

Kagetoki: Who knows. I have forgotten.

Yasuchika: It is impossible for you to forget anything! Well, I will not press the matter.

Yasuchika: By the way, Kage-san. Do you think I trust you?

Kagetoki: As much as I trust you, Yasuchika-dono.

Yasuchika: In other words, not at all.

Suddenly, every trace of a smile vanished from Yasuchika's face.

Yasuchika's supple fingertips tapped lightly against Kagetoki's chest.

Yasuchika: —I am sorry, but I am going to have to put a leash on you.

Kagetoki: ..........

Yasuchika: From here on, I am going to cast my special technique on Kage-san.

Kagetoki: A technique?

Kagetoki stared fixedly at the dangerous fervor igniting within Yasuchika's eyes.

Yasuchika: Did you know? Akihito-sama was born with the power of a curse.

Yasuchika: I have been researching for years to see if I could do something with it, but it has been quite difficult.

Yasuchika: The only thing I managed to extract was a truly tiny fragment.

Taking a small black wedge out from his robes, Yasuchika placed it preciously onto the palm of his hand.

Yasuchika: It is a crystal of a curse, processed through Onmyodo. I will skip the details since explaining them is a hassle.

Yasuchika: If this wedge is embedded into your body using Onmyodo, your heartbeat can be stopped under a certain condition.

Kagetoki: And what is that condition?

Gaze fixed unblinkingly upon Kagetoki, Yasuchika's eyes were a dark shade resembling a starless night.

Only the corners of his well-shaped lips curled upward slightly, forming the shape of a smile.

Yasuchika: If you do anything that goes against Akihito-sama's interests from this point forward...... you will die.

Yasuchika: The pain will gradually consume your chest, breathlessness will wash over you, the tips of your limbs will grow cold—

Yasuchika: And just like when one swallows a slow-acting poison, your heart will slowly stop beating.

Kagetoki: —That sounds like a very useful technique for interrogations.

Because Kagetoki responded entirely unfazed, the tense atmosphere loosened slightly.

Yasuchika: It is a valuable thing, you know. It exhausts me as well, so I do not want to cast it so easily. Kage-san is sp-e-ci-al.

Yasuchika: By the way, this technique cannot be cast if Kage-san refuses, but—

Yasuchika: Do you dislike it? It is fine, right? After all, it is just a matter of you living for Akihito-sama's sake, is it not?

Kagetoki: It cannot be helped, then. Please, do as you wish.

Yasuchika furrowed his brow at Kagetoki's casual response.

Yasuchika: I really hate how unreadable your thoughts are.

Kagetoki: The feeling is mutual.

Yasuchika: Well, whatever. I am going to cast the technique now, so...... relax and take it easy.

Exhaling, Yasuchika carelessly pressed the wedge against Kagetoki's chest.

Yasuchika: It might hurt just a tiny bit, but Kage-san is a samurai, so you should be perfectly fine.

A sinisterly rising purple light wrapped itself around Kagetoki's body.

Kagetoki: ......!

The sakaki branches adorning the four corners of the room shook, even though no wind was blowing.

The shide hanging from the shimenawa rope rustled all at once, creating a collective whispering sound......

Kagetoki: ......This is......

Yasuchika: Did I startle you? It is a difficult technique, so I have to set up a variety of things in the ritual space.

Kagetoki: Onmyodo is unexpectedly inconvenient, isn't it?

Yasuchika: Well, obviously! There are limits to what a human being can do when they aren't an ayakashi, after all.

As if to signal the end of the small talk, Yasuchika sharply narrowed his eyes.

Yasuchika: "......A restraint upon the covenant. By the time that breath is bound and that blood is frozen, the serpent has already coiled around the ribs."

Kagetoki: .......

As if responding to Yasuchika's words, the purple light was slowly absorbed into Kagetoki......

Yasuchika: "The wedge is cast. Corrupt life with poison, and once the flesh has rotted away, nothing but the truth shall remain."

Kagetoki: ......! Ah......

A small breath of agony leaked from his thin lips.

Kagetoki managed to swallow the pain tightening around his entire body, showing it with nothing more than a slight knit of his brow.

...

(Where on earth are they taking me now......)

Ibuki: We are almost there.

Akihito: Yes. Thank you for your patience during the journey, Yoshino. I am sorry for making you endure such cramped travels.

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Chapter 22

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(......Oh, look at that, they're both completely normal.)

I knew it. Love potions don't actually exist, and they just drank regular wine.

I'm so glad—just as I was about to say those words, I was suddenly pulled tightly into a pair of shoulders......

Mitsuki: ......!

Leonardo: I'm completely fine....... It's just that I can't help how much cuter you look to me than usual.

Leonardo-san's large hand gently patted my head.

While I stood there in a daze, the Count's fingertips hooked under my chin, tilting it upward......

Comte de Saint-Germain: Yes, I'm perfectly fine. It's just that I'm in the mood to spoil you even more than usual, Mitsuki.

He gave me an exquisitely sweet smile.

Caught right between the two of them, my breath caught in my throat.

(......They aren't normal at all!)

Sebastian: ......I see. So the love potion was indeed the real thing, then.

Mitsuki: Sebastian......! Please stop taking notes for your great men observation journal and help me figure out what to do!

Sebastian: Figure out what to do? Honestly, now that it's come to this, there's only one solution.

Sebastian: We have no choice but to wait for the potion's effects to wear off.

Sebastian: Since they're both pureborn vampires, the potion should pass through their systems fairly quickly.

Sebastian: While I would love to stay and continue observing them, I must head out to the wine supplier to secure a fresh batch.

Sebastian: Mitsuki, I'll be looking forward to your report.

Mitsuki: Sebastian......!

My coworker strolled right out the door...... leaving me behind with two incredibly dangerous adults.

(............I guess I can only rely on myself now. I just have to do my best and hang in there until the potion wears off.)

Somehow, I managed to dodge their gazes and finish up my chores around the mansion......

I sat down on a chair in the dressing room, which was lined with row after row of gorgeous gowns.

(......Even if those two are acting like that, there's no way I can skip out on the ball tonight.)

Everyone living in this mansion had been invited to the gala hosted by the Count.

While such glamorous affairs always made me feel a bit self-conscious, I couldn't help but feel genuinely thrilled at the thought of wearing a beautiful dress.

I reached behind my back, trying to tie the decorative ribbon on the reverse of the gown, but......

Mitsuki: ......Huh?

I just couldn't seem to get it right.

As I was struggling, a pair of hands gently brushed against my back......

Leonardo: ......Heh, you really are clumsy, aren't you?

Mitsuki: Leonardo-san......!

Leonardo: Sorry, Topolina. The door was open and I caught sight of you, so I couldn't resist...... ya know?

Leonardo: Here, let me have a look. I'll tie it for you......

Mitsuki: Thank you so m—wait—......!

The very next moment, his tongue swiped across my bare back, causing my entire body to shudder.

Mitsuki: ......Wh-Leonardo......san?

Leonardo: ......A love potion's a terrifying thing, isn't it, Topolina?

Leonardo: Seems like my emotions are completely outrunnin' my reason right about now......

As his tongue traced teasingly across my spine, a slow, throbbing heat began to spread through my body.

Mitsuki: ......Ah..., you can't......

Leonardo: ......What're you sayin' with a sweet look like that on your face?

Leonardo: Besides, your back is a weak spot for you, isn't it......?

Mitsuki: ......!

Just as I pressed both hands over my mouth to stifle a gasp......

Comte de Saint-Germain: Now, who might be misbehaving with our sweet girl......?

(Huh......?)

Leonardo: ......Hey, what are you doing crashing the party?

Comte de Saint-Germain: Normally I would sit back and watch from the sidelines, but today I simply couldn't help myself. I suppose I can blame the potion for my lack of patience.

Comte de Saint-Germain: Besides—it's just about time to head over to the venue, isn't it?

Leonardo: ......Sheesh. You sure know how to make an excuse sound reasonable.

Leonardo-san let out a long breath, as if finally shaking off the haze and regaining his composure......

Leonardo: ......Alright, Topolina. I'll tie it properly for real this time.

He neatly finished tying the ribbon with a practiced touch.

Mitsuki: .......Thank you, Leonardo-san.

Leonardo: It's nothing worth thanking me over.

Leonardo: ......I only did it for the pleasure of taking it off you myself later.

Mitsuki: ......!

He whispered the words right against my ear, sending a sweet, thrilling shiver straight down my spine.

(......He is so much more dangerous than usual.)

As I let out a silent sigh to myself, the Count called my name.

Comte de Saint-Germain: Mitsuki, you forgot to put on your earrings.

Mitsuki: Oh......

Comte de Saint-Germain: .......Come here, let me put them on for you.

The Count's elegant fingers lightly brushed against my ear.

(......He's only putting on my earrings, so why......)

It might have just been my imagination, but his hands felt incredibly warm, making my heart flutter with nervousness.

Comte de Saint-Germain: Mm...... Yes. Lovely.

Admiring the earrings now adorning both ears, the Count leaned down and softly whispered.

Comte de Saint-Germain: They suit you perfectly....... You are so beautiful, I doubt I could find anyone more captivating if I searched the whole world over.

Mitsuki: .......Th-Thank you, Count.

(......I know it's only because of the potion.)

(But with both of them spoiling me even more than usual, it's really, really...... terrible for my heart.)

...

......Under a night sky adorned by a beautifully sharp crescent moon, a carriage carrying the three of us rattled forward.

We were bound for the venue where the ball was being held.

Leonardo: ......Heh, looks like she drifted off to sleep. Our Topolina.

Comte de Saint-Germain: Leonardo, that is likely because you kept exhausting Mitsuki with your behavior, is it not?

Leonardo: I'm pretty sure you're one to talk, aren't you......?

While Mitsuki slept peacefully, breathing softly beside them, Leonardo was the first to break the silence.

Leonardo: ......Hey, Count. Has the potion's effect worn off on you yet?

Comte de Saint-Germain: My, I wonder......

Comte de Saint-Germain: I have lived for a very long time, but this is the first time I've ever drunk a love potion.

Comte de Saint-Germain: I must say, I am quite delighted to find that there are still firsts left for me to experience.

Leonardo: ......Tsk, always dodging the question.

The Count's gentle smile met Leonardo's amused, daring smirk.

Comte de Saint-Germain: Tell me, Leonardo.

Leonardo: Yeah......?

Comte de Saint-Germain: If the potion's effects had actually worn off long ago, and yet I still chose to pursue Mitsuki......

Comte de Saint-Germain: What would you do?

After a brief pause...... a low laugh escaped Leonardo's lips.

Leonardo: ......What a foolish question.

Leonardo: I told you once before, didn't I? Do whatever you want. Hit on her if you feel like it.

Leonardo: No matter how hard you try to win her over, she belongs to me.

Comte de Saint-Germain: .......I see. I shall keep that firmly in mind then.

The moment I opened my eyes, a dazzlingly brilliant scene was waiting for me.

(......No matter how many times they bring me to an event like this, I still get a little nervous.)

Leaning against the wall, I let out a soft sigh to steady myself.

Leonardo-san and the Count were likely surrounded by crowds of people right now, exchanging pleasantries.

(I wonder if they're holding up okay under the effects of that love potion......)

(Then again, when we crossed paths with some ladies at the entrance, neither of them seemed out of the ordinary at all......)

Right as those thoughts crossed my mind......

Mitsuki: ....?

A lively, yet exquisitely elegant melody began to drift through the ballroom.

As if beckoned by the music, the guests throughout the hall began taking each other's hands.

(Oh...... It's time for the dancing to begin.)

Just then, a shadow fell directly in front of me—

???: —......Mitsuki.

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Leonardo Ending | Comte Ending

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About ten days after my house arrest at the palace began—

(I am a statue, I am a statue, I am a statue......)

Gazing out at the garden from right beside the window, I could feel a persistent gaze being directed at my back the entire time.

Kanbei: ..........

(Ugh, he's still staring right over here.)

When I stole a quick glance back, my eyes locked immediately with Kanbei-san, who was leaning his weight against the writing desk with one elbow.

His gaze carried a strangely intense presence, causing me to instantly dart my eyes right back to the garden.

(Could it be that he's actually waiting for me to speak to him first?)

(But even if he wants me to become the symbol of this utopia, it's just going to cause nothing but trouble. I should definitely just clear my mind completely and become a statue after all.)

In reality, it might actually be much better to have a proper discussion with Kanbei-san.

If I could gain a deeper understanding of the Shogunate's way of thinking, it should make gathering information much easier for me from here on out.

(Besides, since I have absolutely no idea what the current situation is right now, I want to pry as much information out of this man as I humanly can.)

Ever since arriving here, Kanbei-san hadn't shared a single update regarding any recent developments, and completely cut off from the Oda army's movements, my anxiety had been growing worse by the day.

(But...... even if I try to speak with Kanbei-san, I have absolutely nothing but confidence that he will completely outtalk me.)

(If I clumsily open my mouth, I can see absolutely nothing but a future where I'm hoisted up as their symbol before I even realize what's happening.)

By now, everyone in the Oda army is undoubtedly worried sick about me.

I wanted to return to Azuchi as quickly as humanly possible, but rather than moving blindly, it felt much wiser to observe the situation closely and make a proper judgment.

Just as I was attempting to turn back into a completely silent statue once more......

Kanbei: .......You certainly are incredibly persistent. Shall we prepare a specific cure for that then?

Kanbei: No, perhaps a potent poison would be more fitting?

Mai: W-What on earth do you mean by a potent poison......?

Kanbei: Hehe......

(Ah, shoot. I actually spoke out loud.)

The exact moment I instinctively covered my mouth with my hands, a subtle smile broke across Kanbei-san's lips.

Kanbei: I believe it is already a bit too late for that.

Mai: Y-You don't seriously intend to use some kind of strange drug on me, do you?

Kanbei: Even without resorting to such measures, I will make sure you thoroughly enjoy yourself.

(Ugh, the absolute moment he tries anything, I am going to run away with every single ounce of my strength.)

Bracing myself with the distinct feeling of a prey trapped in a snare—

Kanbei: Shippumaru, come here.

(Huh?)

The moment he called out toward the garden, a pure white mass came rushing out from the depths.

Well, it rushed...... but its steps were incredibly clumsy and slow.

Kanbei: There we go, you've finally arrived.

Once it finally made its way right in front of us, it let out an adorable "baa" in a lovely voice.

Mai: Is that...... a lamb?

Kanbei: It is indeed. His name is Shippumaru.

(The gap between his actual movement and that name is way too massive!)

Kanbei: Shippumaru, go ahead and greet Mai.

Shippumaru: Baa.

(Wow...... He looks exactly like a living stuffed animal.)

My eyes were utterly stolen by his large black eyes and his fluffy, natural wool coat.

Mai: Where on earth did this little guy come from?

Kanbei: I happened to find him wandering lost in the mountains in the middle of a battle. I thought it seemed entertaining, so I brought him back home with me.

The moment Kanbei-san patted his head, Shippumaru looked thoroughly delighted and began to vigorously wag his tail.

(He's incredibly attached to him, how completely unexpected......)

Kanbei: It isn't unexpected at all. If you shower them with plenty of affection, animals will naturally grow attached to you.

Mai: Please stop having regular conversations with my internal thoughts.

Kanbei: I can't help it when your thoughts are written completely across your face. More importantly, go ahead and try touching him.

Kanbei-san effortlessly scooped Shippumaru up in his arms and held him straight out toward me.

Mai: Is it really alright?

Kanbei: As a strategy to win your favor, it's not a bad opening move, is it?

Mai: ......I am absolutely not going to be won over by something like this.

Kanbei: Shall we put an end to that little show of bravado right there?

(Whoa......!)

The instant Shippumaru was placed in my arms, his incredible softness and warmth sent my heart leaping straight into my throat.

Mai: ......Ah, he's so cute......

Kanbei: I knew exactly what you would say.

Kanbei: However, you should probably be careful. If he bites you, you might very well lose a finger.

Mai: Huh! Are you completely serious?

Kanbei: Hehe...... Terrifying, isn't it?

(......I think I am finally starting to understand him a little bit.)

This man without a doubt thoroughly enjoys watching me get shocked and completely flustered.

Mai: Come to think of it, he's still a baby and a herbivore on top of that, so there is absolutely no way that's true.

Kanbei: What a shame. You've completely seen right through me.

Wears a look that didn't seem disappointed in the slightest, Kanbei-san simply smiled.

(I'm completely trapped in Kanbei-san's pace. I really need to make sure I don't let my guard down any further.)

Even as I thought that, the sheer cuteness of Shippumaru caused my wariness to completely soften against my will.

As if Shippumaru had taken a complete liking to me as well, he nuzzled his cheek against me and remained perfectly still.

Mai: By the way, the person who gave him that name was......

Kanbei: It was me. You saw the way he ran just a moment ago, didn't you?

Mai: He didn't resemble a swift wind in the slightest though......

Kanbei: That exact contradiction is what completely tickles my fancy.

(I seriously don't understand his sense of humor at all......)

Kanbei: Shippumaru, here is your reward for making Mai happy.

Shippumaru: Baaa.

After munching down the dried hay he was given, Shippumaru seemed completely satisfied and trotted right back out into the garden.

Kanbei: Now then—

(W-What is it?)

The moment we were left entirely alone, Kanbei-san leaned his body close to whisper to me, causing me to jump in startle.

Kanbei: It has already been ten days since you arrived here. You've been forced to endure all sorts of things, haven't you?

Kanbei: Let's give a special reward to you as well for working so incredibly hard.

Mai: .......I'm telling you right now, I am absolutely not going to eat dried hay.

Kanbei: Of course not. Your reward will be a personal tour of the utopia, guided by me.

Kanbei: Staying cooped up in the palace must feel incredibly stifling, and I'm sure you want to see the outside world, don't you?

(The outside? This place is completely suffocating, and I do want to go out. But......)

Such a sudden proposal made it seem like there was undoubtedly an ulterior motive behind it.

Mai: What exactly are you plotting?

Kanbei: Absolutely nothing?

Mai: The fact that you can declare that so completely bluntly makes it incredibly suspicious, so I will have to pass.

Even though I knitted my brows together tightly, Kanbei-san's demeanor remained perfectly calm and entirely unchanged.

Kanbei: Is that really wise? When you eventually attempt to escape from the palace, if you don't know left from right, the only one who will be in trouble is you.

Kanbei: If you can imprint even a little bit of the building layouts and the map into your mind, it will certainly come in handy when the time comes...... Don't you agree?

Mai: So you're operating under the complete assumption that I will escape.

Kanbei: I told you before, didn't I? I can't help it when your intentions are written completely across your face.

The urge to flee from this place had washed over me countless times already.

However, Kanbei-san's surveillance was incredibly strict, and I hadn't been able to find even the slightest opening.

(It's completely frustrating, but he's exactly right. Staying shut away like this isn't going to change a single thing.)

(Right now, it's definitely best to gather as much information as humanly possible.)

(Even though having this man along makes me feel completely and utterly anxious......)

Fully conscious of the fact that I was being swayed by his logic, I steeled my resolve.

Mai: Alright. I will go with you.

Kanbei: You are so desperately adorable.

As if he had completely seen through every single one of my thoughts, Kanbei-san let out a thoroughly amused chuckle.

Kanbei: Take a look. This is the utopia.

(It isn't quite as bustling as Azuchi, but it's still lively......)

Buildings lined the streets in perfect order, and every person passing by wore a serene expression.

The food displayed at the shopfronts looked fresh, showing that their supply lines were well-managed.

Kanbei: Quite different from the scenery you pictured, isn't it?

Mai: It really is......

Until now, my image of the Shogunate was completely ruined, associated only with ominous letters and sudden kidnappings.

(I expected the people living here to be cold and rough around the edges......)

(But it's peaceful, almost shockingly so.)

Kanbei: This is one of the main thoroughfares. Allow me to show you around.

As I walked down the wide street alongside Kanbei-san—

Townsman 1: Kanbei-sama! Thank you so much for the other day.

(Hm?)

A townsman at a storefront ran over to us with a bright smile.

Kanbei: Ah, it's you. Have you settled into life here yet?

Townsman 1: Yes, my entire family is alive and well solely because of you, Kanbei-sama.

Townsman 2: Please let me express my gratitude as well! If you hadn't saved us, I don't even want to think about where we would be by now......

More people gathered one after another, quickly forming a small crowd around Kanbei-san.

Some even pressed their hands together as though paying respect to a deity.

(They all seem to deeply adore him.)

Townsman 3: Oh, who might the lady beside you be?

Mai: Oh......

The curious gazes of the crowd turned directly toward me.

In that moment, I realized just how precarious this situation was for me.

(What should I do? If he introduces me as the Princess of Good Fortune right here......)

Once my name and face became public knowledge, the rumors would cement my identity, making it even harder to escape.

(......Was this Kanbei-san's plan from the very beginning?)

Tensing up, I bit my lip and looked up at him—

Kanbei: I assume you were all hoping she was my lover.

Kanbei: However, she is a guest of the Shogunate. I am merely showing her around the utopia since she is unfamiliar with the area.

(.....!)

Kanbei-san introduced me to the crowd with a polite, easy demeanor.

Townsman 3: Ah, I see. Forgive my rudeness, I had no idea you were a guest. Please enjoy all the wonderful sights our town has to offer.

Mai: Y-Yes, thank you......

(Kanbei-san hid my identity......?)

(I thought he brought me out here just to parade me around, but I was wrong.)

Kanbei: Come, let's continue the tour.

Once the townsfolk dispersed, Kanbei-san started walking again.

Hesitating for a moment, I hurried to catch up and walked beside him.

Mai: Um...... Why didn't you tell them I was the Princess of Good Fortune?

Kanbei: Were you disappointed that I didn't introduce you?

Mai: No! But I was certain you would announce it without my consent......

(It should have been the perfect opportunity for him......)

A soft smile broke across Kanbei-san's lips.

Kanbei: Doing something like that before you are emotionally prepared would only be a burden to you.

(So he actually considers my feelings to some extent......)

(I thought he didn't care about my well-being at all, but perhaps I misjudged him.)

The heavy tension in my chest began to ease slightly.

Mai: Um...... Thank you.

Mai: It might sound strange to thank you for this, but it helped me a lot.

Kanbei: Hehe...... You are far more resilient and honest than I expected.

Whispering the words, Kanbei-san came to a sudden halt—

Mai: Ah......

Kanbei's firm, slender fingers cupped my cheek.

Kanbei: You make me want to dote on you even more.

(Why is he doing this......)

Despite my reluctance, the spot where he touched me burned hot.

Mai: W-What are you doing?

Kanbei: I simply felt like touching you since you are so endearing. Stay like this just a moment longer.

(That's your reason? Does a justification like that actually pass for acceptable in this era?)

Mai: Ugh...... No!

I quickly pushed Kanbei-san's hand away and scrambled backward.

My heart hammered against my ribs so loudly I could feel it, forcing me to cast my eyes downward.

Mai: No matter the era, it's wrong to touch someone without their permission!

Kanbei: What an amusing perspective. Needing permission to touch someone.

Kanbei: And the fact that you think such logic would work here. You truly are delightful.

Without a hint of anger, Kanbei-san lowered his hand......

Kanbei: ........

His golden eyes stared straight at me through the fringe of his bangs.

(His aura...... changed.)

The sudden look of an emotionless ruler caught me off guard.

Kanbei: I will give you two choices.

Mai: Two choices......?

Kanbei: First—you become the property of the Shogun right now and serve as the symbol of our utopia.

Kanbei: I introduced you as a guest earlier, but if you agree, I will make an official announcement immediately.

Kanbei: Once you belong to the Shogunate, the solidarity of the Ashikaga army will grow even stronger.

Mai: ...... Wait a moment, what do you mean by the property of the Shogun......

The blood drained from my face at a proposition I couldn't possibly accept.

Mai: I told you before that I refuse to become your symbol.

Kanbei: Which is precisely why I am offering you these options.

His flat, unyielding voice pierced through my chest.

(Calm down...... I have to listen to what he has to say right now.)

Mai: Then...... what is the other choice?

Kanbei: Before you become the property of the Shogun, you will remain under my personal custody.

Mai: What.......!

Kanbei: Ah, there is no need to be frightened.

Kanbei: It simply means providing a grace period until you willingly desire to become a part of our utopia.

Kanbei: Yoshiteru will surely understand.

Kanbei: More than anything, I have taken quite a liking to you myself, and I wish to keep you close.

A serene smile played on Kanbei-san's lips.

(In other words...... my own wishes won't be respected either way.)

(It's a choice between becoming a tool for the Shogunate or a toy for Kanbei-san.)

Mai: I decline both. I won't accept either of them!

Kanbei: A third choice does not exist for you. Refusal is out of the question.

Kanbei: Now, choose your path forward.

My body trembled slightly under the weight of the choices forced upon me.

(If I agree to become the symbol, it will only put me at a greater disadvantage.)

(If that's the case......)

Mai: I......

As I desperately forced the words out—

Woman: Kanbei-sama! Thank goodness. I am glad you are still nearby.

Mai: .....!

A young woman ran up to us, completely out of breath.

Kanbei: She is the daughter of the man who spoke to me earlier.

Kanbei: Do you have business with me?

Woman: Yes, my father asked me to deliver this to you. It's just a small token of our appreciation.

Inside the bamboo basket she held out were several mandarin oranges.

Kanbei: Forgive me for making you run all this way to catch up.

Woman: Not at all, I'm just glad I could hand it to you directly.

(Kanbei-san is surprisingly pleasant with them. Even though he was just threatening me a moment ago.)

Still, I felt relieved that her interruption bought me some time before having to give my answer.

Woman: Kanbei-sama, thank you again for everything.

Woman: Not a day goes by where my family doesn't feel deeply grateful to you.

The woman bowed low, her expression on the verge of tears.

(I wonder what happened to them.)

Kanbei: Are you curious?

Mai: Oh...... Well......

Kanbei: She and her father only recently arrived in the utopia with their family......

Kanbei: Where they used to live, they suffered from severe poverty and disease. When they tried to flee the province, they were attacked by bandits.

Apparently, just as they had prepared for the worst, Kanbei-san happened to pass by leading the Ashikaga army on their return from battle.

Woman: If you hadn't saved us then...... we wouldn't be alive today.

Woman: On top of that, you welcomed us into the utopia and provided us with a home, food, and medicine.

Kanbei: There is no need to dwell on it. Saving the thousands who suffer is the very foundation of our utopia.

Kanbei: It is only natural to share what we have to give.

Kanbei-san smiled, showing no signs of arrogance or acting as though they owed him a debt.

Woman: I must be on my way now. I hope your guest enjoys her time in our utopia as well.

Mai: Ah, yes, thank you......

Kanbei: Give my regards to your family.

The woman bowed repeatedly before walking away.

(I still can't accept that letter sent to the Oda army, or the way Kanbei-san kidnapped me.)

(But it's a fact that there are people whose lives were saved by living in this utopia.)

Kanbei-san's demeanor toward the vulnerable and oppressed was incredibly gentle.

(It's just like what I thought when I spoke to his subordinate before......)

..

(Though their methods and ideologies may differ, both sides possess their own sense of justice, their own principles, and people who have been saved by those convictions.)

(Just because Kanbei-san kidnapped me, deciding that the people of the Shogunate are nothing but pure villains......)

(Might be completely wrong.)

..

Witnessing someone he had saved right in front of me made my resolve waver.

That woman and her family would have lost their lives if Kanbei-san hadn't reached out to help them.

(The Kanbei-san who offered me a deal that treats me like a toy is the exact same person who saves lives.)

(Where do his true feelings and motives lie?)

(What is he thinking as he works to rebuild the Shogunate?)

Staring at Kanbei-san's unchanging expression, my chest tightened with unanswered questions.

(If he were just a textbook villain, it would be so much easier to hate him.)

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Chapter 4 Premium Story

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Landlady: Welcome back, you two!

The moment we returned to the inn, the landlady was right there to greet us.

Landlady: Thank you so much for your help today. I will absolutely never forget your kindness.

You: Oh, not at all, I'm just incredibly glad we could be of some assistance.

Landlady: It's really not much of a token of my appreciation, but I've gone ahead and reserved the hot springs entirely for your private use......

Landlady: Please go ahead and enjoy a long, relaxing soak together!

You: Huh!

Tokugawa Ieyasu: That is incredibly generous of you.

Completely opposite to my sheer shock, Ieyasu-sama was wearing a thoroughly delighted smile.

Landlady: Come along now, right this way.

You: Oh, um......

Tokugawa Ieyasu: It would be a shame to waste her kindness, let's go.

(B-But, I haven't had a single second to mentally prepare myself for this......!)

Without giving me a single second to mentally prepare myself, I found myself soaking in the hot springs together with Ieyasu-sama before I even fully realized what was happening.

(The hot springs are supposed to feel incredibly relaxing, but......)

Honestly, I was in absolutely no position to be leisurely enjoying the water.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Stop staying so far away over there and come over here.

You: But...

Tokugawa Ieyasu: If we were a normal married couple, I'm pretty sure that's what we would do.

You: ......Bringing it up like that is completely unfair.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Y/N.

You: !

Before I could even fully register my name being called out so suddenly, he took hold of my hand beneath the water and pulled me right into him.

As I settled into his embrace, Ieyasu-sama's bare skin brushed directly against my back.

(My heart is beating incredibly fast, but...... his warmth feels so wonderful.)

It was a little bit unsettling, but being able to feel Ieyasu-sama so close completely filled me with pure happiness.

Every once in a while, taking a bath together like this might actually be nice.

You: Having a soak after helping people out feels absolutely wonderful, doesn't it?

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Cut it out.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Every single one of them flat-out refused to listen to a word I said and worked us completely to the bone...... Just thinking back on it makes me absolutely furious all over again.

You: Hehe. Since getting to see you cook is such a rare sight, Ieyasu-sama, I thought it was incredibly lovely.

The corners of my mouth softened as I pictured his face back in the kitchen—a side of him I would absolutely never get to witness back at the castle.

(......But we're heading back tomorrow, aren't we? Our time spent as a completely normal married couple is already coming to an end.)

(Oh, that reminds me......)

Suddenly remembering something specific, I opened my mouth to speak.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: What is it?

You: I actually have one thing that I really want to do.

The next day.

Ieyasu-sama and I arrived together at the matchmaking shrine that had caught my attention.

Living up to its reputation as a popular shrine, a massive crowd of people formed a long line just to offer their prayers.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: You aren't seriously suggesting we stand in this line, are you?

You: Um......

(I didn't think the line would be this long. What should I do......?)

You: .......I'm sorry. Perhaps we should go somewhere else after all?

When I made the suggestion out of sheer guilt for dragging him along, Ieyasu-sama let out a small sigh.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Let's just hurry up and get in line before it gets any longer.

You: ! Yes......!

After standing in the queue for a while, our turn to pray finally arrived.

Tossing in a coin, I clapped my hands together.

(I pray that Ieyasu-sama and I can live happily together as husband and wife for many long years to come......)

Reciting the honest wish that surfaced in my heart, I concluded my prayer.

Afterward, we strolled around the shrine grounds for a little bit.

You: What kind of wish did you make, Ieyasu-sama?

Tokugawa Ieyasu: I didn't make a wish.

You: Oh......

(I see....... It feels like a bit of a waste, but I suppose that is just like him.)

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Instead, I made a vow.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: That I would keep the person standing right next to me beaming and laughing for the rest of her life.

You: .....!

His phrasing was typically sharp, but the underlying sentiment was undoubtedly the exact same as mine.

(Since we both wished for the same thing, I'm sure......)

I already felt as though our wishes had completely come true.

After finishing the inspection, we successfully arrived back at the castle without any trouble.

You: Sakai-sama, these are some sweets we brought back as a souvenir. Please, have some.

Sakai Tadatsugu: Oh, my word! Thank you very much!

Tokugawa Ieyasu: So? Did anything happen while we were away?

Sakai Tadatsugu: No, everything went completely smoothly without a single hitch.

Wearing a thoroughly delighted, beaming smile, Sakai-sama finished up his detailed report and turned right toward me.

Sakai Tadatsugu: So, Y/N-dono. How did the inspection go?

You: Um......

(Why is he asking me?)

If he wanted a proper report on the inspection, it would certainly make much more sense to get it directly from Ieyasu-sama.

As I stood there completely flustered, Ieyasu-sama spoke up with clear irritation in his voice.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Hey, stop asking pointless questions.

Sakai Tadatsugu: Oh? I hardly think asking about the details of the inspection counts as a pointless question, but......

In stark contrast to Ieyasu-sama, who was knitting his brows in a deep scowl, Sakai-sama pressed on looking entirely amused today.

Sakai Tadatsugu: Did anything particularly enjoyable happen during your travels?

You: Well, let's see......

While nothing inherently resembling an official inspection really came to mind, there were plenty of things that had been incredibly fun.

You: A festival was being held in the village, and wandering around looking at all the stalls was absolutely wonderful.

You: On top of that, we helped out with a wedding for some of the locals, and we even visited a shrine that brings blessings for marital harmony.

You: And then—

After listening to the whole entirety of my story, Sakai-sama wore a deeply satisfied, glowing expression.

Sakai Tadatsugu: Hoho, I am incredibly glad to hear that it turned out to be such a fulfilling trip.

Sakai Tadatsugu: If the bond between husband and wife has deepened, then this inspection was an absolute, resounding success.

You: ......Huh?

(A bond between husband and wife......? How does that have anything to do with an inspection?)

Tokugawa Ieyasu: You're talking way too much, you bald old fool......!

The exact moment the question formed in my mind, Ieyasu-sama lunged his hand straight toward Sakai-sama's head.

Sakai Tadatsugu: Eek! W-Well then, I shall be taking my leave right this instant.......!

Rushing out the words as fast as he humanly could, Sakai-sama bolted from the room as if fleeing for his life.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: ......That absolute idiot, running his mouth about things he shouldn't have.

(Could it be that this inspection was actually....... all for my sake?)

Even I couldn't help but piece it all together after listening to Sakai-sama's words and seeing Ieyasu-sama's frantic reaction.

(He brought me along on this trip because he was thinking of me......)

You: Thank you so much, Ieyasu-sama.

When I conveyed my gratitude out of sheer happiness, Ieyasu-sama awkwardly averted his eyes with a deeply embarrassed look on his face.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Drop the subject already. More importantly, I'm starving.

You: Hehe, alright. I'll go ahead and get dinner started for us right away.

Finding his reaction to be completely endearing, I started to stand up—

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Here, use this.

Along with those words, a small bundle wrapped in a traditional cloth was held out directly to me.

Opening it up at his silent prompting, I found a matching pair of tea bowls tucked neatly inside.

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Epilogue

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After finishing our date and returning to Crown Castle, we decided to spend the evening relaxing peacefully together, just the two of us in our room.

Alfons: ......Kate-san.

Alfons: In your entire life so far, what has been the absolute most enjoyable moment for you?

Perhaps because it was the final day of the world, it felt like Alfons-san had asked me this exact same question several times during our date today.

(......The most enjoyable moment, huh.)

A countless number of memories with Alfons-san came rushing through my head.

But still......

Kate: ......Right now, I think.

Alfons: Right now?

Kate: Yes, right now is the absolute most fun!

Alfons: We aren't actually doing anything right now, though.

Kate: Just being able to talk with you and laugh together like this—this exact time is the happiest moment of all for me, Alfons-san.

Alfons: ......Is that so?

After that, the two of us chatted about trivial memories and playfully fooled around together, and before we knew it, the time completely flew by—

Alfons: The date is just about to change, so shall we get some sleep soon?

(Huh......?)

The suggestion brought up at the very end of the final day was completely uncharacteristic of Alfons-san.

Kate: Um...... We're actually going to sleep?

Alfons: Yes, you must be exhausted, aren't you?

Kate: Well, that's...... true, but......

Alfons: I thought so. Come now, let's head to sleep.

(Knowing Alfons-san, I was completely certain that......)

(I figured he would say something like, let's make love until the exact moment the world ends.)

As I got ready for bed while reflecting on all of today's memories, the doubt inside me kept growing and growing until......

I suddenly realized a certain possibility.

(Could it be that...... Alfons-san is......)

I had absolutely zero proof, but once the possibility crossed my mind, I couldn't shake it, so I decided to find out the truth.

After the two of us got into bed, I pretended to be asleep. Exactly as I had predicted, Alfons-san quietly got up without making a single sound and gently brushed my hair aside, exposing the nape of my neck.

(......I knew it.)

Kate: I saw right through you!

I sat right up with a start and tightly bound Alfons-san's hands together with the rope I had prepared.

Alfons: ......! Kate-san? What exactly is the meaning of this......

Kate: You were just about to show me an illusion, weren't you?

Kate: You wanted to make sure I could pass away inside a joyful fantasy on the final day of the world.

Throughout the entire day today, Alfons-san had been constantly asking about the absolute most enjoyable moments of my life.

He did that so he could show me a wonderful illusion the exact moment the world ends.

(Always worrying entirely about other people's suffering right until the very end...... Leave it to Alfons-san to be exactly like this down to the final moments.)

My beloved illusionist, who had spent his entire life offering sweet dreams just to rescue others from their agonizing realities.

(You've completely gone and made me realize all over again exactly why I love you so much because of who you are.)

Alfons: And so, you went and tied me up just to prevent me from showing you an illusion.

Alfons: But are you completely sure about this? The final moment of the world might be incredibly painful and deeply agonizing, you know.

Alfons: I...... I want you to pass away while smiling happily.

Alfons: Don't you think it would be much better to welcome the final day of the world while completely drowned in an illusion?

Kate: If I'm the only one who gets to be happy, the real you will be left entirely behind, Alfons-san.

Kate: I absolutely refuse to be the only one who finds happiness. If it's going to be painful and agonizing, I want to be right there with you......!

Alfons: ......!

Kate: Besides, I've already decided that I'm going to turn your life into a comedy!

Kate: I can't just stay inside an illusion all by myself without witnessing your final moments in reality.

When I stared straight at him to show that I had zero intention of backing down...... Alfons-san burst out laughing.

Alfons: Hehe, ahaha! You really are quite something......

Alfons: ......I completely surrender. I'll give up on showing you an illusion.

Alfons: Instead—

With midnight fast approaching, Alfons-san pressed a deep kiss against my lips.

Alfons: With my body, I will make sure you pass away while filled with pure happiness.

My only wish was to turn Alfons-san's life into a comedy right until the very end.

And Alfons-san's only wish was to make sure I remained entirely filled with joy during the final moments of the world—

In order to fulfill each other's desires—the final night began as we shared the warmth of our skin.

——

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IkeVil Masterlist

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Fan You: Damn it! This system is actually playing dead!

Fan You: Looks like I'll just have to find a way on my own now.

Fan You: I can't just sit here and wait for death.

Fan You: Let's find something for self-defense first.

Fan You: A crucifix...

Fan You: No idea if it'll actually work.

Fan You: I'll just bring it along for now.

Fan You: Staying in my room might not necessarily be safe either.

Fan You: Even though there's a vampire outside the door.

Fan You: Mr. Villain is out there too, and he's a vampire hunter.

Fan You: As long as I can find him, I should be able to escape this disaster.

Just as I was trying to drum up enough courage to go out...

My body suddenly walked over to the bed, as if possessed.

[Flips over the pillow]

To my surprise, a small silver pistol was lying right under the pillow.

Fan You: [Picks up the pistol] Is this... Fan You's weapon?

Fan You: But I don't know how to shoot a gun!

[After thinking it over, decides to bring the pistol along anyway]

Fan You: All right! Time to go out!

The villa was dead silent.

I could only hear the sound of my own breathing and footsteps.

It was as if everything that happened before was just my imagination.

(I remember this villa has four floors in total.)

(The first floor has the main hall and the kitchen.)

(The second floor has the office, and I live on the second floor too.)

(Mr. Villain's room is on the third floor, but I forgot which one it is.)

(As for the fourth floor, I have no idea what it's used for.)

(At this hour, would Mr. Villain be in the office or his own room?)

(There was such a huge noise on the second floor just now...)

(If he were in the office, there's no way he wouldn't have heard it.)

But just as I was weighing where to go first, I realized something even more terrifying.

(Wait, that's not right. Mr. Villain is a super powerful hunter.)

(How could he possibly not notice that a vampire snuck into the villa?)

Fan You: ......

(I actually forgot that he's a two-faced man!)

(At night, it's possible for him to transform into a vampire!)

(If the shadow I saw earlier belonged to him...)

(Then it makes perfect sense why there'd be a vampire in the villa.)

(Wait a minute.)

(If I think about this even more deeply...)

(I always found it strange why he was the first person to discover the corpse when Fan You was killed...)

(The later plot only revealed his identity as a two-faced man after "my" death.)

(But that doesn't mean he wasn't a two-faced man before "I" died.)

(And since "I'm" the only person close to him, it's highly likely I knew his secret about being a two-faced man.)

(So, he has every motive to kill me!)

(If that's the case, everything adds up!)

Fan You: ......

(Then... should I still go look for him right now?)

While I was mulling it over, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a suspicious figure inside the office.

Fan You: !!!

(I can't stay on the second floor. I need to sneak away while he's not paying attention!)

I chose not to go downstairs because escaping Moonshadow Villa at this hour wouldn't do any good anyway.

Didn't "I" end up dying outside in the original story?

It'd be better to find a place to hide first and wait until daybreak.

(Besides, there's still a tiny part of me that hopes my judgment just now was wrong.)

(As long as he's in his room right now, then my theory is wrong.)

[Tries pushing open the room doors one by one]

I planned to find an unlocked room on the third floor to hide in first.

(Why are they all locked!)

Just when I was completely at my wit's end, I managed to push one of the doors open.

[Steps inside quietly]

It was an incredibly luxurious bedroom.

There was also a door leading out to an open-air balcony.

Fan You: It's Ayer's room.

Fan You: He really isn't in his room. Then that shadow on the second floor must've been him.

Just as I was thinking this, my breath suddenly caught, and a wave of chills rushed from my head down to my heels.

Because, without me realizing it, that monster had followed me here.

Right now, it was standing quietly right behind me!

Fan You: !!!

I couldn't back up, because that monster was right behind me.

Aside from the defensive item, the things I rummaged up in the bedroom earlier also included a small silver pistol.

But I didn't even know how to shoot a gun.

Plus, I didn't dare turn around to look at the monster.

Closing my eyes, I desperately swung the defensive item I picked up, but it didn't seem to have any effect at all.

Dropping the weapon, I decided to make a run for it.

The open-air balcony in front of me was my only way out!

[Dashes toward the open-air balcony]

[Pushes open the door leading to the balcony]

I rushed into the bright moonlight, but that monster followed me out.

But this time, I really had nowhere left to run.

Of course, I could jump down, but what then? Where else could I even escape to?

[Takes a deep breath, then turns around to face the monster]

With its limbs contorted and looking incredibly hideous, it really was an abominable vampire.

So, what exactly is the turning point in this game that can keep me alive?

If this vampire is actually Mr. Villain....

If he still has a single shred of sanity left...

Fan You: ...Boss.

Fan You: We're good friends, right? Hurry up and wake up.

The monster's eyes were crimson, and it had absolutely no intention of letting me off the hook.

Fan You: Ay... Ayer.

The monster kept closing in on me, and I felt complete, utter despair.

I tremblingly raised the gun in my hand, but I just couldn't pull the trigger.

[Lowers raised hand]

Fan You: [Smiles helplessly] Forget it. Dying here is as good as going home.

I thought everything was over.

Suddenly, someone dropped down from the sky.

[Vaults over the fourth-floor window frame, leaping straight down onto the third-floor balcony]

Fan You: Huh?! Boss!

[Walks straight over to my side]

[He grabs the hand holding my pistol and raises it up]

Ayer: I taught you how to shoot.

Fan You: I... I don't remember.

Ayer: Then I'll teach you one more time.

[His gaze sharpens as he grips my hand, pulling the trigger along with me]

The gunshot echoed through the night sky, and immediately after, the monster crashed to the ground.

The bullet's impact kicked up a faint breeze, scoring a direct hit on the monster's vital spot.

I looked sideways at Mr. Villain, his hair at his temples swaying gently in the wind.

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Chapter 05

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Everlasting Blossoms The flowers bloom the same year after year, yet the people are no longer the same.

Youran: Oh... has this flower shop closed down?

Youran: I actually really liked their store...

Victor: It is hardly surprising. Cut flowers carry too heavy a premium and offer very little additional value.

Youran: But they can make your living environment feel so much more vibrant.

Youran: Besides, the florist always put so many unique, thoughtful touches into the arrangements and wrapping.

Victor: ......

Victor: There are still plenty of flower shops operating in the Huapu District.

Victor: You can go there next time to squander your "surplus funds" to your heart's content.

Youran: What about you then? Don't you care to appreciate this kind of "additional value"?

Victor: I appreciate "value" itself.

—

The Greater Picture He always seems to stand at the very peak of the grand scheme of things, dictating the direction of every wind.

Youran: ...Speaking of which, how is the current progress on your offshore financial center?

Victor: There have been a few unexpected developments, but the situation is manageable overall.

Youran: If it really gets built, will it directly impact the landscape of Loveland City?

Victor: Yes.

Victor: However, LFG has always influenced Loveland City.

Victor: It was true in the past, and it will remain true in the future.

—

A Moment of Relaxation Some forms of relaxation and tranquility do not seem to require sharing.

Youran: Then... aside from cooking, is there anything else you've been doing lately to unwind?

Victor: Morning runs, golf, and tennis.

Youran: That certainly sounds like a healthy balance of work and rest.

Victor: Yes, I told you as much before.

Victor: I also opened a bottle of a rather excellent vintage a few days ago.

Youran: How did it taste?

Victor: I can give you the vintage and the brand. If you are interested, you might as well track down a bottle and try it yourself.

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Chapter 3-16

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Abruptly, Kagetoki-san started to reach his hand out toward my hair...... before stopping himself halfway.

Kagetoki: By the way, Yoshino.

Yoshino: Yes?

Kagetoki: Shall I tell you something good?

(Something good?)

Kagetoki: Do you remember the jar that became the reason you became my servant?

Yoshino: Of course I do! When I saw that crack in it, I completely panicked.

Kagetoki: The part about it cracking because of you—that was a lie.

Yoshino: Huh?

(What does he mean......?)

Kagetoki: That crack was there from the very beginning.

Kagetoki: After all, it was designed that way.

(Wait, then what was the point of me becoming his servant...?)

Yoshino: You tricked me!?

Kagetoki: You were the one who jumped to the conclusion that you broke it first, were you not?

Yoshino: Kagetoki-san, you absolute villain......!

Kagetoki: I simply thought it was the perfect opportunity to make a feisty hound obedient to my tastes, so I couldn't resist.

(Listen to him... He doesn't feel guilty about this at all.)

(But if I hadn't become Kagetoki-san's servant, I wouldn't have been able to stay by his side like this......)

Feeling completely torn between being angry and letting it go, I tightly pressed my lips together in a pout.

Yoshino: Even so...... why did you suddenly feel like telling me this now, of all times?

Kagetoki: —Because it is no longer necessary.

A thin twig placed in the fire snapped and popped loudly.

Yoshino: It's no longer necessary?

(Does he mean he doesn't need a servant anymore because we're at war?)

Kagetoki: Yes. Thank you for your hard work up until now, Yoshino.

But as he said those words, I felt as though a shadow momentarily fell across Kagetoki-san's face......

And it caught in my mind terribly.

(It was just the flickering shadows from the bonfire...... right?)

...

A short while after Yoshino had headed off to the banquet......

Yoritomo: .........

Kagetoki approached Yoritomo, who was standing still on top of the cliff.

Yoritomo: What is it, Kagetoki?

Kagetoki: I simply figured you would be by yourself at a time like this anyway.

Kagetoki extended a tokkuri filled with sake toward Yoritomo.

Kagetoki: Hearing them talk about the banquet made me want to have a single drink. Would you care to join me?

Yoritomo: It is rare for you to be influenced by others. —Especially on a battlefield.

Kagetoki: It is fine every once in a while, isn't it?

Pouring the contents of the tokkuri into two sake cups, the two of them quietly drained them.

Yoritomo: Did you talk to Yoshino about the banquet?

Kagetoki: Whatever makes you think that?

Yoritomo let out a low laugh at Kagetoki's deflection.

Yoritomo: You are in love with her, aren't you? With Yoshino.

Kagetoki: ..........

Kagetoki: What a terrible joke.

Yoritomo: You can analyze the hearts of others, yet you remain entirely oblivious to your own. You are a difficult piece of work, Kagetoki.

Kagetoki: I believe it is far too early for you to be acting like a rowdy drunk.

Kagetoki: I hold a favorable opinion of Yoshino. In the exact same manner that I do toward any capable and intriguing human being.

Yoritomo: Well, if you say so.

Yoritomo: Though it wouldn't surprise me if some sudden catalyst finally forces you to admit it to yourself.

Kagetoki: I wonder when my lord took a liking to romance gossip like a bunch of flighty town girls.

Yoritomo: It is the love life of none other than my savior. It is only natural that I would be curious.

Kagetoki: You are bringing up something from a very long time ago.

After that, the two of them continued to drink in silence for a while......

After a short pause, Kagetoki quietly let a few words slip.

Kagetoki: Nights on a battlefield like this always remind me of the day I first met you.

Yoritomo: In the mood to reminisce? That is rarer still.

Kagetoki: Yes.

Kagetoki: A great deal of time has passed since then. You haven't changed a bit, Yoritomo-sama.

Yoritomo: But you have.

Kagetoki: My core remains exactly as it was back then. Switching masters purely out of calculation, pursuing my own self-interest.

Kagetoki: That is who I am.

Yoritomo: Do you intend to switch masters and abandon me as well?

Kagetoki: —Perhaps.

Yoritomo: ........

—In the darkness, Kagetoki placed his hand upon the hilt of his sword.

Seeing this, Yoritomo's brow furrowed slightly.

...

Yoshino: Excuse me. Do you happen to know where Yoritomo-sama and Kagetoki-san went?

Soldier: I saw both of them walking off toward the cliff over there a little while ago.

Yoshino: Thank you so much!

Having slipped away from the banquet to prepare for tomorrow, I had realized......

I had missed checking a portion of the inventory for the wound medicine distributed to each unit, and I wanted to have a brief consultation with them tonight.

After walking behind the campsite for a short while, I came across the cliff the soldier had mentioned.

...

(Kagetoki-san and Yoritomo-sama are...... There they are!)

Spotting the two of them standing still on top of the cliff, I began walking toward them.

(I wonder what they're talking about? The atmosphere feels incredibly heavy for some reason......)

Just as I was considering turning back so as not to disturb them, fragments of their conversation drifted over to me.

Kagetoki: Thank you for everything you have done for me up until now. I am truly grateful.

Yoritomo: ......You.

Kagetoki: It is time to say goodbye, Yoritomo-sama.

(Huh?)

Something white and brilliant slashed through the absolute darkness.

Yoritomo: ......! Ka... getoki......

—Kagetoki-san's blade had cut deeply into Yoritomo-sama.

Yoritomo-sama's body wavered before falling over the edge, plunging like a doll into the depths below the cliff.

Yoshino: Just now...... Why......

I couldn't fully comprehend the scene that had unfolded right before my eyes.

My emotions couldn't keep pace, and I could only stare blankly, my eyes wide with shock.

Kagetoki: —Ah, Yoshino. You were here.

Kagetoki-san locked his gaze onto me, his eyes completely dyed in the darkness of the night.

Yoshino: Yoritomo-sama! What about Yoritomo-sama!?

Kagetoki: If you were watching, you should already know the answer to that.

Blood continued to drip steadily from his crimson-stained blade.

I rushed over to the edge of the cliff and peered down into the abyss.

(......It's too dark, I can't see anything.)

The only thing that could be heard was the roaring sound of a swiftly rushing river.

Kagetoki: It is pointless. With that much blood loss, and from this height, there isn't a single chance he survived.

(Is this person really Kagetoki-san......?)

With my thoughts spinning wildly out of control, I asked him, barely able to breathe.

Yoshino: What in the world happened......? There is a reason for this, right? Please tell me there is.

Kagetoki: A reason?

(Please, say something.)

Kagetoki: I have a certain place I wish to go, and I needed Yoritomo-sama's life as a parting gift to bring with me.

Yoshino: A place you wish to go......?

Yoshino: Don't tell me, the rebel army—

Kagetoki: No.

Kagetoki: The Imperial Court.

(......!)

My eyes widened in sheer turmoil.

(But Kagetoki-san even fought against the mercenary groups hired by the court nobles for the sake of the Shogunate......)

Yoshino: Just how long have you been planning to betray the Shogunate......!?

Kagetoki: Ever since I visited Kyoto with you.

Kagetoki: We went our separate ways on the final day, did we not? I received an invitation at that time.

(Since way back then......!)

I finally managed to squeeze out my next words.

Yoshino: Why......

Kagetoki: I met someone who seemed rather interesting. So, I switched masters and abandoned Yoritomo-sama. It is as simple as that.

Kagetoki: Oh, and by the way, Yoshino. I am grateful to you as well.

Kagetoki: After all, it is entirely thanks to you that I was able to keep my plans hidden until now.

Yoshino: What are you talking about......

Kagetoki: Back when we were at the palace, you cleared me of the suspicion that I was colluding with the enemy, remember?

Kagetoki: Because my innocence was proven back then, I was never suspected a second time.

Yoshino: ......No way.

A terrible sense of foreboding rang through my head like a sickening, buzzing noise.

Kagetoki: At that time, I instigated Kanazawa-dono to try and frame me.

Kagetoki: I personally leaked information that would fan the flames of hostility toward me......

Kagetoki: And then, I simply made use of Kanazawa-dono, who took the bait and walked right into the opening I had intentionally created.

(What is this man...... what is he even saying?)

Yoshino: Are you telling me that everything was set up by you, Kagetoki-san......?

Kagetoki: Exactly.

Kagetoki: It lacks credibility to clear your own name by performing the act yourself, so it was ideal to have a third party prove my innocence.

Kagetoki: And given your personality, I anticipated that you would move to clear me of suspicion.

Yoshino: ......That's a lie.

Kagetoki: Unfortunately, it is the truth.

Yoshino: You're lying!

(I was so desperate back then.)

(I thought, even if he didn't want me to, if I could just be of use to Kagetoki-san......)

(—It was all a mistake.)

A sudden wave of dizziness washed over me.

I forced strength into my legs almost subconsciously to stop myself from collapsing.

Kagetoki: You were committing an error from the very beginning.

Kagetoki: You should have never tried to understand me. You should have never trusted me.

The words I received from Kagetoki-san as a reward for clearing his name, those bittersweet moments we shared—

Every single one of them was painted in deception.

(—I am such a fool.)

I had thought that even if nothing came of it, I wouldn't be hurt.

But I hadn't considered a future where he would betray us, not even for a fraction of a second.

(It hurts, my heart hurts so much. I want to scream out loud right this second.)

Even though the thought crossed my mind, nothing but raspy breaths could escape my throat.

Even the romantic feelings I had realized back then had now turned to poison, slowly eating away at my chest.

Yoshino: ......I will never forgive you.

The exact moment I finally forced the words out, tears began to fall without end.

Kagetoki: .........

Through my tear-blurred vision, Kagetoki-san's expression was nothing but a smear.

So, it must have been a trick of my imagination that Kagetoki-san looked taken aback when he saw my tear-stained face.

Yoshino: I will never, ever forgive you.

Kagetoki: —Is that so? That is the best news I have heard all day.

Yoshino: ......!

Kagetoki-san pressed the tip of his blade against my throat.

My breath caught in my throat, my entire body freezing in terror.

Even so, I refused to look away, keeping my eyes locked on him in a fierce glare.

(Even if he kills me, I don't want to show a trace of fear to the man who betrayed us.)

Kagetoki-san's thoroughly frozen gaze felt as though it was iceing over my pounding heart.

Kagetoki: If you pursue me, I will cut you down.

Kagetoki: Goodbye. Do try not to get tricked by bad men in the future.

The tip of his blade pulled away, and Kagetoki-san's presence receded.

Turning his back to me, Kagetoki-san walked away without looking back even once.

—Leaving me behind, completely helpless and utterly alone.

...

Having left Yoshino behind, Kagetoki immediately allowed his form to melt away into the darkness.

Kagetoki: .........

Kagetoki: ......To only realize it after seeing her tear-stained face, I truly am beyond saving.

Yoshino remained entirely unaware that his expression was twisting with a certain emotion.

Kagetoki: —It is a good thing I only admitted it to myself just now. Since there is no turning back for me anymore anyway.

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Chapter 21

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—......The mansion's peaceful daily life was completely shattered by a single letter.

Sebastian: Please take a look at this. It's a letter from our wine supplier, but......

As I scanned the words on the page, they read—

(Let's see... Due to an error, a love potion may have been mixed into the wine......?)

Mitsuki: So wait, does that mean the wine we just brought in has a love potion inside it?!

Sebastian: It's difficult to believe, but I highly doubt anyone would send such a letter just as a practical joke......

Mitsuki: Yeah, and there's absolutely no reason for someone to play a prank like this anyway.

Sebastian and I looked at each other, our brows furrowed.

Sebastian: For now, our top priority should be recovering the bottles.

Mitsuki: Right! Let's go check the dining hall.

(......Please let it be that no one's drunk any of it yet.)

Holding onto that prayer, I flung the dining hall doors open, and standing there was......

Leonardo: What's the deal, Count? A meal consisting of nothing but a baguette and wine seems a bit dry, don't you think?

Comte de Saint-Germain: I take it that's your excuse for having "that" as your own lunch then?

Leonardo: I'm a creature that can't even breathe without a cigarette, you know.

Sitting right there at the table were Leonardo-san and the Count.

Placed squarely right in front of them was the exact bottle of wine I'd brought over—the one that supposedly had the love potion mixed inside.

Mitsuki: ......Wait! Don't touch that wine!

Leonardo: Huh? Little mouse......?

Comte de Saint-Germain: Is something wrong, Mitsuki?

I lunged forward and snatched the bottle away before they could touch it.

Sebastian: Are either of you experiencing chest palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or intense bouts of hyper-excitement?

Mitsuki: Sebastian, shouldn't we ask them if they've actually drunk any of it first......?

Sebastian: Apologies, I got a bit carried away in the moment.

Mitsuki: ......Honestly!

Comte de Saint-Germain: ......Mitsuki, Sebastian?

Leonardo: What kind of game are you two playing? Looks fun, count me in.

Comte de Saint-Germain: ......Leonardo, stop fooling around and complicating things.

The Count looked back and forth between Sebastian and me, then gently asked us what was going on.

Comte de Saint-Germain: What on earth is all this commotion about......?

After that, we explained the entire situation to the two of whom.......

Leonardo: .......I see. So you were rushing around because there's a love potion mixed in the wine.

Mitsuki: Yes....... We don't know for sure if it's true, but I'm just so glad neither of you drank any.

The moment I let out a sigh of relief, my boyfriend, Leonardo-san, got a wicked look on his face for a split second......

Mitsuki: Oh......!

He snatched the wine right out of my arms.

Leonardo: A love potion...... huh? How incredibly fascinating.

Leonardo: Hey, do you mind if I give this a taste just to see?

Mitsuki: ......Wh-What are you even talking about!

Leonardo: What's the big deal? It's not like it's poison. It's not every day you get a chance to drink a love potion, right?

Mitsuki: I'd prefer it if there was never a chance to drink one......!

Ignoring my protests, Leonardo-san stared at the wine like he'd just laid hands on a rare toy.

Once the "Universal Genius, Leonardo da Vinci" gets curious about something, I have no idea how to stop him.

(My only choice now is to have the Count stop him...... I guess.)

Clutching at straws, I turned to look at the Count, Leonardo-san's old friend, but right then......

Comte de Saint-Germain: .......Now then, I suppose these glasses will do.

Leonardo: Oh, look at you, all prepared. Did "this" catch your interest too?

Comte de Saint-Germain: Yes, it's quite intriguing.

(Not the Count too......!)

While I stood there completely dumbfounded, the wine was poured into the two glasses.

Comte de Saint-Germain: Leonardo, I have a quick question for you......?

Leonardo: What is it?

Comte de Saint-Germain: Let's assume this actually works.

Comte de Saint-Germain: What would you do if I ended up making a move on Mitsuki?

Mitsuki: Huh......?

For a second, my eyes locked with the Count's.

Leonardo: Do whatever you want. Hit on her if you feel like it.

Leonardo: It'll just give me the pleasure of seeing your frustrated face when you realize it was a total waste of time.

Comte de Saint-Germain: My, you certainly talk a big game......

(W-Wait a minute......!)

Mitsuki: ......Wh-Please wait, Leonardo-san, Count! You're both out of your minds for trying to use yourselves as guinea pigs!

Mitsuki: Besides, the Count is hosting a ball tonight......

Leonardo: It's fine since he's the host, isn't it? The host is basically the king of the castle for the night.

(Oh...... I guess that's true.)

(Wait, no...... Why am I letting myself get swept along by his plausible-sounding excuses?)

Mitsuki: Sebastian, don't just stand there quietly, help me stop them......

Hoping for a shred of a chance, I glanced over at Sebastian, only to find him wearing a strangely detached expression.

Sebastian: Mitsuki. It is completely impossible to stop those two once they get like this.

Mitsuki: ......Why?

Sebastian: Because I have witnessed situations like this countless times before. An adult's curiosity is a terrifying thing, you know.

Sebastian: I believe it was right around the time I first arrived at this mansion......

Sebastian: The two of them got into an argument over whether a tiger or a cheetah was faster......

Sebastian: Insisting they wouldn't rest until they saw it with their own eyes, they dashed out of the mansion—

Leonardo: Well then...... what should we toast to?

Comte de Saint-Germain: Let's see...... To this utterly mysterious love potion.

Leonardo: Sounds good. Well, cheers.

Completely ignoring Sebastian as he stared off into space recalling his bizarre story, the glasses clinked together with a crisp chime.....

Mitsuki: Huh......?

The two of them downed the wine in one gulp.

Leonardo, Comte de Saint-Germain: ......Cough, cough......

Mitsuki: Leonardo-san, Count! Are you alright.....?

I rushed over to the coughing pair, but they just smiled at me with their usual expressions.

Leonardo: .......Yeah, I'm fine.

Comte de Saint-Germain: I'm alright, Mitsuki. I'm sorry for making you worry.

(......Oh, look at that, they're both completely normal.)

I knew it. Love potions don't actually exist, and they just drank regular wine.

I'm so glad—just as I was about to say those words, I was suddenly pulled tightly into a pair of shoulders......

Mitsuki: ......!

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Part 2

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(Kyoto is really completely surrounded......)

Looking at the town cut off by the towering walls, I found myself entirely overwhelmed by the bizarre sight.

Kanbei: Everyone who lives in Kyoto calls that place a utopia.

Kanbei: Inside that utopia, no one oppresses anyone else, and conflicts absolutely never occur.

Kanbei: It is a sanctuary created by the Shogun so that every single citizen can be happy.

Sitting right behind me on the horse, Kanbei-san spoke to me in a gentle, reassuring tone.

(In the end, I never got a single chance to escape the entire time we were traveling here.)

I had been trying my absolute best to find an opening, but Kanbei-san simply didn't let his guard down.

His golden eyes kept a constant watch over me, and before I knew it, I was always safely within his line of sight.

(So that's their idea of a utopia......)

Mai: It sounds like a place founded on wonderful ideals.

Mai: If that's the case, doesn't tricking me and dragging me all the way out here go completely against those very principles?

Kanbei: ......You remind me of something. Ah, yes, a little kitten with its fur standing completely on end.

(Ugh......)

The soft, chuckling sound of his voice tickled my ear, sending a sudden flush of heat directly to my face.

Mai: Please stop brushing me off!

Kanbei: I can't help it when you give such an incredible reaction.

(This man is without a doubt acting so much worse than he did when he was pretending to be a traveling merchant!)

I glared at Kanbei-san in pure irritation as he narrowed his eyes with utter amusement.

Mai: No matter what you tell me from now on, I am absolutely not going to believe a single word you say.

Kanbei: In that case, you should try speaking with someone other than me.

(Huh?)

The moment Kanbei-san pulled the horse to a stop, a formal procession came into view further down the road.

Mai: What is that......

Kanbei: It's a welcoming party.

Dismounting from the horse along with me, Kanbei-san casually raised one hand in the air.

As the procession drew closer, the man leading the group dismounted from his own horse as well.

???: Welcome back, Kanbei.

Kanbei: I sent a letter ahead, but you've arrived incredibly early to greet us.

???: It's only natural to show the utmost courtesy to the "Princess of Good Fortune," isn't it?

Wearing a thoroughly approachable, friendly smile, the man walked right over to us.

???: I am truly sorry for taking such harsh measures with you. Even so, we desperately needed you here.

???: The utopia completely welcomes your arrival.

(Even if you tell me something so incredibly selfish......)

When I refused to take his outstretched hand, the man let out a somewhat lonely chuckle.

???: I understand. It's completely natural to feel confused and overwhelmed when arriving at an unfamiliar place.

Mai: You're wrong. I'm not confused, I am furious.

(I never wanted to come to a place like this to begin with......)

(Wait. With so many people around, maybe I can actually escape right now.)

If I can just slip into the mountain path off to the side, I should be able to hide myself easily.

(I want to go home, I have to go back...... Everyone is probably worried sick about me.)

Mai: ......Gah!

Completely unable to hold back the overwhelming rush of emotions swelling up inside me, I bolted from the spot before I could even finish the thought.

???: Oh, my. You certainly have a lot of energy left for someone who just arrived all the way from Azuchi.

???: But I'm sorry. —Saizo.

(Huh......?!)

The exact instant the thickets rustled, a sudden gust of wind swept past, and a figure completely blocked my path right in front of my eyes.

Saizo: I-I-I'm so incredibly sorry that someone like me had to block your way!

(Ugh...... Where on earth did this person even materialize from?!)

The exact moment I ground to a halt in front of him as he stood there holding his arms out with an utterly apologetic look, the other man's laughter echoed out right behind me.

???: Saizo, bring the princess over here.

Saizo: T-That's completely impossible, Rikyu-san! I can manage to block her path, but forcing me to actually haul her over there is just way too much to ask......

Rikyu: That appears to be the case, Hisahide.

Hisahide: I suppose it can't be helped then. Kanbei, I leave it to you.

Kanbei: I understand. Come along, Mai.

Mai: .....!

His low, quiet voice carried an intense, commanding weight that sent a sudden shiver straight down my spine.

(This man...... He really is completely different from when he was pretending to be a traveling merchant.)

(This is who Kanbei-san truly is.)

In an instant, the tension in the air completely skyrocketed, causing me to swallow hard.

Mai: W-What would you do if I said I refuse?

Kanbei: It would certainly cause a great deal of trouble for everyone here.

Kanbei: I believe it would trouble me as well. After all, I truly have no desire to handle you roughly.

Rikyu: In that case, should I be the one to handle her roughly?

Hisahide: You need to keep quiet.

Saizo: I am so incredibly sorry for being completely useless......

(......Now that my escape route has been entirely cut off, causing a scene here isn't going to solve anything.)

(It's going to be okay. I'm absolutely certain I will get another chance to run away later.)

Letting out the breath I had been holding in, I turned right back to face Kanbei-san.

Mai: I understand. I will cooperate for now.

Kanbei: That's a very good girl. Since you're being so cooperative, let's go ahead and introduce you to him as well.

Mai: Him......?

Leading me along, Kanbei-san guided me straight up to a magnificent palanquin.

The exact moment a nearby retainer carefully raised the bamboo curtain—

Mai: .....!

???: ......

Inside, there sat a stunningly beautiful man who brought to mind an artistic marble statue.

Hisahide: Yoshiteru-sama. This is Mai, the Princess of Good Fortune.

(Wait, Yoshiteru-sama...... Could it really be......)

If I remembered correctly, the Shogun's name was definitely Ashikaga Yoshiteru.

Yoshiteru: ......I see.

Yoshiteru-sama cast a thoroughly listless gaze over in my direction, his eyes completely unreadable.

(He's staring right at me. I wonder what he's about to say to me......)

Yoshiteru: .......Tell me, just how long do you intend to stand there like that?

Mai: Huh?

Hisahide: You should feel incredibly honored. Yoshiteru-sama has given you permission to ride alongside him.

Mai: Ride alongside him...... You can't possibly mean......

Kanbei: Come along now, everyone is waiting.

(Whoa......!)

Being firmly pushed forward directly into the palanquin, the bamboo curtain dropped completely shut right behind me.

Suddenly being left entirely alone with the Shogun I had only just met sent a rush of intense nervousness straight through my body.

Yoshiteru: ........

Yet, Yoshiteru-sama's expression didn't change in the slightest.

(I had been planning to demand answers from this person the absolute moment I met him.)

Why on earth had he sent a letter demanding they hand over the Princess of Good Fortune?

Why had he threatened to permanently exile us from Hinomoto if they refused?

(But......)

Completely overwhelmed by the intense aura surrounding Yoshiteru-sama, my throat felt entirely blocked up, and the words simply wouldn't come out.

Kanbei's Voice: Well then, we're heading out.

With a gentle lift, the palanquin set off, carrying us directly toward the utopia.

Before long, we arrived at the palace, and I was shown into a grand hall completely on my own.

Surrounded by absolute silence, my eyes were utterly stolen by the gorgeous craftsmanship and luxurious interior.

(It's a truly magnificent building. But didn't Nobunaga-sama completely burn Kyoto to the ground during the previous battle with the Shogunate?)

(I couldn't see very well through the bamboo curtain, but the town also had buildings lined up in perfect order.)

(Which means, just like those towering walls, every single bit of this was newly built from scratch, wasn't it?)

..

Nobunaga: It is exactly as you say. A colossal power capable of making the impossible possible.

Nobunaga: It means that despite losing it once before, Yoshiteru has managed to seize it all over again.

..

(It's exactly as Nobunaga-sama said.)

(The Shogunate might possess a great deal more power than anyone realizes.)

And I had been dragged straight into a place like this.

The absolute moment I thought about what was going to happen to me from here on out, my body began to tremble uncontrollably.

(But...... there is absolutely no point in being pessimistic.)

(Kanbei-san intends to send a letter to Nobunaga-sama claiming that I've consented to remain in the utopia.)

(But there is no way Nobunaga-sama or any of the warlords would ever believe a word of it.)

Mai: Someone will definitely...... come to save me. That's why I absolutely refuse to let my spirit break.

As I straightened my posture as much as possible to keep my resolve from crumbling—

Kanbei: Sorry to keep you waiting, Mai.

Kanbei-san entered the grand hall along with the others from earlier.

Finally, Yoshiteru-sama glided in with a silent flutter of his sleeves and took his place at the seat of honor.

Kanbei: Waiting all by yourself must have felt incredibly lonely.

Mai: Not at all.

In order to keep from flinching, I locked my eyes directly onto his with a defiant glare.

Rikyu: Ha, now that's a great reaction. It would have carried a lot more weight if your face wasn't completely pale, though.

Hisahide: I'm going to have to ask you to stop teasing her. She is an incredibly precious guest of ours.

Hisahide: First, let us formally introduce ourselves. I am Matsunaga Hisahide. I serve as Yoshiteru-sama's chief administrator.

Hisahide: If there is anything at all you don't understand, please feel free to ask me anything.

A man wearing tinted spectacles leaned his arm directly on Hisahide-san's shoulder, throwing his weight against him.

Rikyu: I'm Sen no Rikyu. If you ever want a delicious cup of tea, just say the word. I'll secretly lace it with a bit of absolute bliss for you.

(Wait, Sen no Rikyu...... as in, the Sen no Rikyu?!)

(This incredibly shady-looking person is supposed to be that legendary master of tea?!)

Kanbei: Hehe, I can tell exactly what you are thinking as if I'm reading it straight from the palm of my hand.

Rikyu: Were you completely shocked to find out that a celebrity like me is actually this incredibly refined?

Hisahide: Stop talking absolute nonsense. More importantly, Saizo is here too, isn't he?

Brushing Rikyu-san's arm off his shoulder, Hisahide-san turned his face toward a folding screen for some reason.

Saizo: Ugh, ah, um...... I'm here.

(Someone just poked their head out from behind there!)

The man peered out from the edge of the folding screen with only his face visible, but he immediately zipped right back into hiding.

Kanbei: That is Saizo. He's just a little bit painfully shy.

(A little bit? I highly doubt that......)

Hisahide: And lastly......

Everyone's gazes naturally converged onto a single spot, where Yoshiteru-sama sat.

Yoshiteru: The thirteenth Muromachi Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru. The utopia completely welcomes you.

Though his voice wasn't incredibly loud by any means, it resonated straight through the grand hall, vibrating against my eardrums.

(I can feel a certain magnetic pull about him, though it's completely different from Nobunaga-sama's......)

He possessed an aura that quietly but entirely overwhelmed others, the exact same vibe I had sensed when we were riding in the palanquin together.

Hisahide: Right now, the Shogunate is being run entirely by the people standing in this room.

Hisahide: I intend to do absolutely everything in my power to ensure your stay here is as comfortable as possible.

(This chief administrator, Hisahide-san, at least seems like someone I can actually reason with.)

Being offered such a gentle smile, the emotions I had been desperately holding back completely spilled over.

Mai: I have absolutely no intention of staying here. Please return me to Azuchi this instant.

Mai: Above all else, even if the public completely insists on calling me the Princess of Good Fortune, I possess absolutely no such power.

Mai: I am just an ordinary human being.

Kanbei: I see. However......

Kanbei: I wonder if you can actually prove to us that you are just an ordinary human being?

Mai: Huh......

Kanbei: You completely lack the ability to prove that you aren't the Princess of Good Fortune, don't you?

(T-That is nothing but a completely baseless accusation.)

As Kanbei-san let out a soft chuckle, I clenched my fists incredibly tight.

Mai: I can prove it. Because I have absolutely never performed a single miracle in my entire life.

Kanbei: But a miracle has already occurred. You appeared completely out of thin air and saved Nobunaga from the midst of a roaring inferno, did you not?

Mai: That was......

(The only reason I saved Nobunaga-sama was because a wormhole happened to warp me straight into Honno-ji by complete coincidence, but......)

Even if I tried to explain that to them, there was absolutely no way they would ever believe me.

Kanbei: In reality, whether your power to bring good fortune is genuine or not doesn't matter in the slightest.

Kanbei: The masses perceive you that way, and you command their deep devotion. That is what is truly important to us.

Rikyu: The utopia is still very much in its growth phase, after all.

Hisahide: Yoshiteru-sama commands an incredible amount of devotion himself, but we are still quite short on people who can serve as an absolute emotional anchor for the citizens.

Hisahide: That is why we want you to play a part in this and become the ultimate symbol of our utopia.

Mai: So in other words, you fully intend to deceive the public?

Kanbei: You are incredibly sharp, aren't you? But we aren't deceiving them; we are simply making them believe.

Mai: If that's the case, then I have even less desire to lend you my strength.

Suddenly, Yoshiteru-sama opened his mouth to speak—

Yoshiteru: So what. Your feelings don't matter in the slightest.

(Ugh......!)

It was a completely ruthless tone, sharp enough to snap anyone's resolve.

Rikyu: It's incredibly rare for Yoshiteru to chime in like that. Did she actually catch your interest?

Kanbei: He probably didn't expect Mai to take such a thoroughly resolute stand against us.

Hisahide: As the Shogun, Yoshiteru-sama merely stated what was absolutely obvious from his position.

Hisahide: I am truly sorry, Mai-sama. However, once you come to understand our ideology, I am certain you will eventually come to sympathize with our cause.

Hisahide: Until that day comes, we will have you stay here at the palace, and as for your caretaker, I shall personally......

Kanbei: I will take responsibility for being her caretaker.

Mai: Huh...... Ah!

My arm was pulled so suddenly that I completely lost my balance, sending me tumbling straight into Kanbei-san's chest.

Rikyu: Oh? First Yoshiteru, and now even Kanbei has taken a liking to this woman?

Rikyu: Perhaps you're actually a bit of a femme fatale after all.

Mai: Please do not say such incredibly rude things!

(But being held like this is...... so completely embarrassing!)

Kanbei-san refused to let me go, narrowing his golden eyes with utter amusement.

Kanbei: I believe I am the perfect man for the job. After all, I am the one who investigated her and took her away to begin with.

Yoshiteru: You actually want to look after her......?

Kanbei: It sounds incredibly entertaining, doesn't it?

Hisahide: Fine, I understand. As long as you don't neglect your duties as our strategist, I will leave her in your care.

Rikyu: Once Kanbei gets bored of her, how about I become her caretaker next, Hisahide-chan?

Hisahide: I would sooner leave her to Saizo than trust you with the job, Rikyu.

Saizo's Voice: Eeeeek......!

(A thoroughly anguished cry echoed right from behind the folding screen......)

(But seriously, why on earth are these people so incredibly selfish?)

(Not a single one of them are even attempting to listen to what I have to say.)

A mix of sheer panic and pure frustration washing over me, I firmly pulled my body away from Kanbei-san's chest.

Mai: I-I'm telling you right now, I am absolutely not going to be easily broken by any of you.

Kanbei: You certainly are brave, aren't you? I wonder if that exact personality is how you managed to wiggle your way into Nobunaga's inner circle.

Kanbei: It makes perfect sense that people started calling you the Princess of Good Fortune, considering Nobunaga took such a liking to you that he dragged you all the way out to the battlefield, and your face was right there every single time he achieved a victory. However—

(Ugh......!)

His face closed in right before my eyes, and he lifted my chin with the tip of his folding fan—

Kanbei: Good fortune will absolutely never find its way to you now that you are entirely alone. Your reputation will simply go on existing without you.

Kanbei: Ah, but there is absolutely no need to despair. You are already surrounded by pure luck—solely because you happened to cross paths with me like this.

Kanbei: I will make sure to guide you so that the princess who brings happiness to everyone else can finally find happiness for herself, Mai.

Reflected in his golden eyes was the sight of my own pale, completely bewildered face.

—Perhaps a god who had willingly descended to the mortal realm would wear an expression just like his.

He seemed so entirely convinced of his own words that he made me think exactly that.

—

A few days after my life at the palace was forced upon me—

(I've been given a truly magnificent room, and as long as Kanbei-san is with me...... I'm completely free to wander around the estate without any restrictions.)

(The meals are incredibly luxurious, so I know I'm being treated exceptionally well.)

Even so, Kanbei-san's room was located right next door to mine—

Kanbei: Good morning, Mai.

Mai: Good morning......

The sliding doors partitioning our rooms had been completely removed, leaving me under his constant surveillance day and night.

(How long is this kind of life going to drag on for?)

No matter how exceptionally well I am treated, I absolutely refuse to accept their proposal to become the symbol of this utopia.

Even though we spent all our time together, I only exchanged the absolute bare minimum of words with Kanbei-san.

Kanbei: Mai, I'm heading out for a little bit. I expect to be back by evening, but......

Kanbei: I'm leaving a subordinate here in my place, so if you run into any trouble at all, feel free to ask him for help.

Mai: ......Understood.

Kanbei: Hehe...... This conversation feels just like we're a married couple.

Mai: Ugh, we are absolutely not a married couple.

Kanbei: Ah, yes, you're right. Shall we start out as lovers first then?

Mai: We are absolutely not starting anything!

Kanbei: You're incredibly cute when you're being this feisty.

(Oh, my goodness...... What is even the point of this conversation? I seriously only want to speak to him when it's absolutely necessary......)

Completely unbothered by my reaction, Kanbei-san gestured with his hand, and a male subordinate stepped into the room from the corridor.

After bowing deeply to see Kanbei-san off as he left the room, the man turned right around to face me.

Kanbei's Subordinate: Princess, it is an honor to be at your service. If I can be of any assistance at all, please do not hesitate to command me.

(......If I ask this person, I wonder if he'll actually give me a straight answer.)

Mai: Um, there's something I've been wanting to ask. Do you deeply respect Kanbei-san?

Kanbei's Subordinate: Huh?

Mai: You bowed so incredibly low just a moment ago, it really made it seem that way, but......

(Was I completely mistaken......?)

Though the subordinate looked a little bit surprised by my question, a soft smile appeared on his face.

Kanbei's Subordinate: Every single person who serves the Shogunate holds the utmost respect for that man.

Kanbei's Subordinate: I was previously subjected to horrific treatment by the lord I used to serve, and the local citizens were all left completely starving.

Kanbei's Subordinate: The Shogunate intervened and stripped that lord of his power, which caused a great deal of people to lose their livelihoods.

Kanbei's Subordinate: However, the Shogunate absolutely refused to abandon the citizens who had nowhere left to go.

Kanbei's Subordinate: It was Kanbei-sama, leading the charge as our strategist, who completely welcomed us into this utopia.

Kanbei's Subordinate: Everyone firmly believes that we are only able to work like this today instead of starving to death solely thanks to Kanbei-sama.

Kanbei's Subordinate: We deeply hope that you, too, will enjoy your time here in the utopia and become our Princess of Good Fortune.

Kanbei's Subordinate: This is a truly wonderful place. I am absolutely certain you won't regret it.

Mai: .........

The sheer warmth and goodwill filling his eyes made it perfectly clear that his words came straight from the heart.

(I've had all kinds of experiences myself since being warped into this war-torn era.)

(Nobunaga-sama and the other warlords completely accepted me, and together with everyone, we managed to survive the massive war against Kennyo-san.)

(Even after that, we were subjected to attacks by Kicho and Motonari's faction, and I experienced some truly terrifying days.)

Having witnessed so many different ways of life with my own eyes and ears, a specific thought crossed my mind.

—In this war-torn era, conflicts are not simply fought between pure good and absolute evil.

(Though their methods and ideologies may completely differ, both sides possess their own sense of justice, their own principles, and people who have been saved by those convictions.)

(Just because Kanbei-san kidnapped me, deciding that the people of the Shogunate are nothing but pure villains......)

(Might be completely wrong.)

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Chapter 4

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Landlady: Oh! You two showed up at the perfect time!

You: ?

Tokugawa Ieyasu: ......

As we stood there exchanging looks, the landlady came rushing over to us.

Landlady: I am so incredibly sorry to ask a favor like this of our guests, but......

Landlady: Could you please find it in your hearts to lend me a hand?

You: Oh, um......?

Tokugawa Ieyasu: I'm sorry, but I highly doubt there is anything in particular we can do to help—

Completely unbothered by Ieyasu-sama's clear attempt to cut the conversation short, the landlady pressed right on with her story.

Landlady: There is a wedding taking place at a house nearby tonight.

Landlady: They had ordered the catering from us because of it, but one of our chefs completely threw out his back......

Tokugawa Ieyasu: ......Is that so.

(If she's in a bind, I really do want to help her out, but......)

But right now, we are strictly in the middle of an inspection.

You: Um, I would truly love to be of some help, but I'm with my husband right now, so......

Landlady: Oh my! Your husband can cook too?!

You: Huh?!

Tokugawa Ieyasu: ......What?

Perhaps because she was completely driven into a corner, the landlady didn't even bother to listen to the rest of what I had to say and just jumped straight to conclusions.

Landlady: You are absolute lifesavers! I will definitely find a way to repay this debt to you.

Landlady: Everyone, please show the two of them right into the kitchen!

You: Wait, oh, um......!

Tokugawa Ieyasu: H-Hey......! Let go of me......!

Without giving us a single second to clear up the misunderstanding, we were completely hauled off to the kitchen by the gathered crowd.

Woman 1: Please feel free to use any of the ingredients you see here!

Tokugawa Ieyasu: No, um......

Woman 2: We'll start delivering them to the venue the second they're finished!

Tokugawa Ieyasu: That's why I'm telling you, we......

Woman 1: Well, we have other chores to attend to, so we'll leave it to you!

Ieyasu-sama tried to say something, but he was completely overwhelmed by their intense pressure.

In the end, without giving him a chance to speak a single word, the women busily hurried out of the kitchen.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Those women...... I swear I'm going to round them all up and slice their ears off.

You: ......

(O-Oh dear, what should we do......?)

Putting myself aside, Ieyasu-sama isn't exactly a chef.

You: Um, let me go ahead and talk to the landlady......

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Don't bother.

You: But......

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Just forget it. Let's get this annoying nuisance over with as quickly as possible.

Despite showing clear signs of irritation, Ieyasu-sama took his place at the kitchen counter.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Come on, hurry up and tell me what needs to be done.

You: Oh, right!

I did a quick scan of the ingredients before selecting what we would need to use.

You: Alright, to start off, could you please wash these vegetables for me?

Tokugawa Ieyasu: ......Fine.

Despite the utterly displeased look on his face, Ieyasu-sama washed the vegetables with absolute care.

Accepting the clean vegetables from him, I began chopping them up.

I had to work as efficiently and swiftly as possible.

(I feel incredibly bad for dragging Ieyasu-sama into this, but...... doing things like this is actually a little bit fun.)

Tokugawa Ieyasu: What are you looking so happy for?

You: Huh? No, it's nothing like that......

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Yes, it is. The corners of your mouth are completely twitching into a smirk right now.

You: Gah......

Having it pointed out to me, I hurriedly tried to fix my expression, but it was already far too late.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Does being able to cook really make you that incredibly happy?

You: It's not that I'm happy just because I get to cook......

You: I'm happy because I get to do it together with you, Ieyasu-sama. It makes us feel a bit like a real marr...... Oops!

Catching myself right before accidentally spilling my true thoughts, I clamped my mouth tightly shut.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: What did you just say......

Woman 1: Excuse me, an extra batch of vegetables just arrived......! Please take care of preparing these as well!

Because the kitchen instantly devolved into complete chaos all over again, we didn't have a single second to spare for further conversation......

And so, we poured all of our focus into the cooking directly in front of us.

We somehow managed to finish all the cooking without any trouble—

Helping out the short-handed staff from the inn, Ieyasu-sama and I carried the dishes all the way to the estate where the wedding was taking place.

You: Thank you for waiting! We've brought the food.

Woman 1: Thank you so much.

By the time we delivered the food, it looked as though the wedding ceremony had only just concluded.

People who appeared to be helpers were busily bustling all around the inside of the estate.

You: It looks like we managed to make it in time somehow.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Whew, I'm exhausted.

The moment I let out a sigh of relief that we had made it in time, a wave of fatigue instantly washed over my entire body.

Even so, as the banquet successfully got underway and I watched the newly married couple receiving everyone's blessings, my face naturally softened into a gentle smile.

(The two of them look so wonderfully happy.)

Finding the sight of the bride and groom exchanging smiles to be somewhat blinding, I involuntarily averted my gaze.

(I need to pull myself together. After all, I am the wife of a warlord...... I am Ieyasu-sama's wife.)

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Hey.

Hearing his voice, I startled and looked up.

You: Yes?

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Now that our business here is finished, we're heading back to the inn.

You: Oh, but......

Taking hold of my hand as I stood there in confusion, Ieyasu-sama led me straight out of the estate.

On the way back to the inn.

You: Are you sure it was alright for us to leave without saying anything to the inn staff?

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Why wouldn't it be? We're the paying guests here to begin with.

(I suppose that's true......)

Nodding in agreement with his words, I followed a short distance behind Ieyasu-sama.

After we had walked a bit further in that manner, Ieyasu-sama began to speak quietly.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Pick up where you left off earlier. Let me hear it.

You: Earlier......?

Tokugawa Ieyasu: You were about to say something back in the kitchen.

(Back in the kitchen......)

..

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Does being able to cook really make you that incredibly happy?

You: I'm happy because I get to do it together with you, Ieyasu-sama. It makes us feel a bit like a real marr...... Oops!

..

(......But is it really okay for me to say it?)

Earlier, I had just been so happy to cook together with him that the words slipped out by accident.

But realistically, it's probably something I shouldn't be saying.

You: Um, well......

Tokugawa Ieyasu: What? Is it something you can't tell me?

You: No, it's not that.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Then say it.

With Ieyasu-sama pressing me while keeping his back turned toward me, I reluctantly started to piece my words together with a bit of hesitation.

You: It's just, well...... I was really happy that we got to do something so normal for a married couple.

You: Getting all excited over something so minor isn't very fitting for the wife of a samurai house, is it? ......I'm sorry.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Sigh......

Hearing Ieyasu-sama let out a sigh, my shoulders automatically tensed up.

(I must have completely exasperated him......)

As I stood there looking utterly disheartened, Ieyasu-sama exhaled yet another sigh.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: You really don't understand a single thing, do you?

You: ......!

Ieyasu-sama stopped in his tracks, turned right around to face me, and locked his eyes onto mine with an incredibly direct gaze.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: What I need isn't some formal Tokugawa matriarch.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: It's a carefree wife who beams and gets happy over every little minor thing.

You: !

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Stop putting so much useless pressure on yourself. It's not like you're clever enough to pull it off anyway.

Ieyasu-sama's completely unvarnished words sent a gentle, comforting warmth spreading straight through my heart.

(I see...... Ieyasu-sama just wants me for exactly who I am.)

Just like how I only wanted Ieyasu-sama for exactly who he was.

(Titles and social status don't matter at all......)

You: I feel...... exactly the same way.

You: I also wanted us to become husband and wife simply because you are you, Ieyasu-sama.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: You don't have to spell it out every single time, I already know.

Carried along on the night breeze, the lively, bustling sounds of the wedding banquet drifted over to us.

In the midst of it all, looking somewhat self-conscious, Ieyasu-sama pulled me into a wonderfully gentle embrace.

Tokugawa Ieyasu: You just need to stay exactly as you are forever.

You: Hehe, I understand.

Feeling a soothing lightness completely wash away the weight in my chest—

Underneath the faint, soft glow of the moonlight, I leaned into Ieyasu-sama's kiss.

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Ending

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(I don't really feel like dealing with this stupid system anymore.)

Fan You: Back when I was playing, this game was packed with danger at every turn. It was hard enough just to beat it.

Fan You: Let alone trying to orchestrate everyone else's destiny? That's way too hard!

Fan You: First things first, I need to piece together the plot lines I actually know.

Fan You: Along with every character background I can remember.

The game's main menu had a phrase that really stuck with me. I don't quite understand why I remembered it, especially since it didn't make any sense at all.

It said, "Piecing together the chaos for the sake of a new future."

And then there are certain monsters in this world that are all enemies of humanity.

The most brutal and terrifying monsters are vampires, followed by the magical beasts they can control.

They're all incredibly ferocious species, making it very difficult for humans to fight back.

Fan You: If I hadn't transmigrated, Fan You would've been killed by a vampire.

Fan You: But which vampire actually killed her... the original story never really made clear.

(My own theory is that one of the male lead's subordinates did it.)

Fan You: The goal was probably to teach Mr. Villain a lesson.

Fan You: After all, Mr. Villain... has another identity.

Fan You: Speaking of the male lead.

The male lead of this game is actually a vampire.

The male lead's name is...

Fan You: It's... what was it again?!

Fan You: Why can't I remember anything at all!

System Notification: You haven't met this NPC yet. Related memories cannot be unlocked!

Fan You: ???

Fan You: What the hell! Isn't this just raising the difficulty on purpose?!

Fan You: If that's how it works...

Fan You: The only memories I can unlock right now should be Mr. Villain's.

The master of Moonshadow Villa, Ayer, is the villain of this game.

He's an exceptionally talented vampire hunter.

Despite his young age, he holds the number one spot on the hunter leaderboard.

Of course, the reason he achieved this—aside from his hard work...

Is also thanks to the fact that... he's half-vampire.

Fan You: Come to think of it, he probably isn't number one just yet.

Fan You: I remember him climbing to the top of the ranks only after "I" died.

Fan You: Back then, he took part in the Hunter Guild's four trials and defeated every single opponent.

Fan You: Let me think about his earlier backstory...

Game backstory introduction: because of his impure lineage when he was a child, the vampires planned to burn him to death.

At the critical moment, he was saved by an old hunter.

But the old hunter was heavily injured and unfortunately passed away.

Before his death, the old hunter gave him a map to his residence and entrusted Ayer to go live in that place.

So, Ayer took the old hunter's relics and returned to human society.

However, the other hunters could tell at a single glance that Ayer possessed vampire lineage.

They all believed that the old hunter had actually been killed by Ayer.

Even though he escaped from the vampire world...

Ayer still suffered through other people's cold shoulders and disdain, and sometimes his life was even in danger.

To survive in human society, he went so far as to defy his vampire nature.

He never drank blood, not even from small animals.

This was probably the terrifying part about him—a person capable of going against their own nature.

As time passed, Ayer gradually grew up... Now, he's completely like a human.

Moreover, his abilities became more and more outstanding.

Every single mission would be completed flawlessly.

Even though he's perfect, there's only one person who's close to him.

And that's "me," Fan You.

Fan You: Speaking of which, the reason why Ayer is the villain...

Fan You: Is because this guy is a two-faced person.

Fan You: Just from the plot lines I know...

After "I" die...

He occasionally transforms into a true vampire at night.

As a vampire, he has a completely different appearance and personality compared to his human self.

After transforming into a vampire, he did a lot of irreversible, terrible things.

And... as a human, he's unable to retain any memories from when he was a vampire.

Fan You: But his ending is...

I recorded all the plot lines I could think of in my notebook.

Suddenly, a massive shadow seemed to drift past the window in front of me.

Fan You: What was that?

(Did I just hallucinate because I was focusing too hard?)

Right after that, the shadow drifted past right under my nose once more.

Fan You: !!!

Fan You: It... it has wings...!

I'm incredibly familiar with this shadow. I've seen it many times in the game, and they're also the cause of death.

Vampires have wings and can fly, while magical beasts don't have wings.

Fan You: It's a vampire!

Fan You: This is Moonshadow Villa! How could there be other vampires on Ayer's turf!

Fan You: I've got to tell him right away!

I got up immediately, getting ready to open my bedroom door.

[The hand gripping the doorknob suddenly stopped]

Fan You: ... [Listens closely]

Fan You: What's that sound outside the door?

I heard the sound of heavy stomping on the floorboards outside the door.

Suddenly, a massive thud echoed from the door I was holding onto.

Fan You: !!!

Fan You: Who... who is it! Is that you, Boss?

There was no response from outside the door.

Right after that, an even louder slamming sound came through, far more deafening than the last one.

[Lets go of the doorknob, stumbling back a few steps]

Fan You: What's going on?

Amidst the sheer terror, my blood had practically run cold.

While I was panicking, the pounding on the door abruptly stopped.

But I didn't dare breathe loudly, terrified that it'd start up again the moment I relaxed.

[Gulp]

Honestly, even I thought this move was pretty gutsy of me.

After all, in horror movies, something always pops out of the peephole.

Fan You: .....

Fan You: [Sighs in relief] There's nothing there.

But one thing was for sure.

It's incredibly dangerous here right now.

Fan You: ... I don't remember any plot line about vampires invading Moonshadow Villa tonight...

Fan You: If it wasn't in the original plot...

Fan You: Then there's definitely a reason the story changed.

Something in the earlier plot must've changed.

Which caused the subsequent events to shift as well...

Fan You: And by transmigrating here, I actually only changed one single thing.

Fan You: "My" death.

The "me" who was supposed to die is still alive right now.

An incoming text!!

Fan You: Come out right now! Fan You: Help! System: What's wrong? Fan You: There's something I absolutely have to ask you! System: Go ahead. Fan You: Honestly, the plot of this game isn't actually that easy to change, is it? System: You can't really say that. System: As long as the right turning point comes, it'll change. System: Otherwise, why would we need your help? Fan You: A turning point? That's way too abstract! Fan You: Is it possible for something like this to happen? Fan You: Like... Fan You: No matter how hard I try to change the plot Fan You: The story will always find its way back to the starting point System: What do you mean by that? Fan You: Didn't I just escape death? Fan You: So, is it possible... Fan You: That the danger hasn't actually left me yet. Fan You: That after going in a big circle Fan You: I'm still going to end up getting killed? System: It's possible. Fan You: ??? System: Because the game has a self-repair function. System: It's impossible for every single plot line to be changed. System: Maybe you changed point A System: But by the time you get to point B, the plot will just loop right back on its own Fan You: ..... Fan You: If I die right now, can I leave the game? System: Dear, I don't know. System: But we really don't recommend trying that out! Fan You: Then what am I supposed to do?? System: I think you can just stand tall and proud. System: At least that way, it'll look a bit more dignified when we send you off. Fan You: ? System: I didn't expect you to transmigrate into Fan You's character either~ Fan You: So that's why when I asked about Fan You's character earlier Fan You: You said it wasn't your business, right? Fan You: Because you think... Fan You: There's a really good chance I'll still die Fan You: Hello? Anyone there?

.

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Chapter 04

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Youran: Don't worry. While ratings have experienced some fluctuations recently, they are entirely within a normal, reasonable range.

Youran: The market has been shifting lately, and our company will be adjusting our overall production direction and approach accordingly.

In the meeting room, I crisply handled the questions raised by the representatives from several firms, easing the anxieties of these partners who felt the future was looking a bit uncertain.

After several hours of back-and-forth negotiation, the lengthy meeting finally reached a conclusion.

I let out a soft, brief sigh of relief, gathering my things before heading back to my office.

On my desk, a neat stack of documents awaiting my approval was already piled up.

A few proposals for interviews focusing on law and finance had been submitted, and the follow-up coverage regarding the high school student suicide incident was proceeding in an orderly fashion.

As I reviewed the files, I took a few quick bites of my cold sandwich, shaking my head with a faint, amused smile.

Youran: If Victor called right now and said he was free to talk, it would actually be my turn to be unavailable...

It felt like I was being a bit childish, trying to compete with Victor.

I wanted to create something truly worthwhile, and I wanted him to see the results—as if doing so would prove something.

I sighed, turning to the next page of the document, but my entire body suddenly froze.

A sudden chill crept slowly up my spine to the back of my neck, as though someone were casting a hidden, watchful gaze over me.

My heart tightened, and I instinctively whipped my head around, but there was nothing behind me except the familiar wall.

Unease continued to surge within me, and my mind almost automatically flashed back to everything I had experienced since returning to Loveland City.

Days that seemed ordinary but relatively calm appeared to have danger lurking beneath them at every moment.

Youran: I wonder if Zehn is still reliable right now, and if I can get him to look into this thoroughly...

While I was lost in thought, the phone beside me suddenly vibrated, the ringtone echoing as the screen displayed the caller ID: President Cen.

President Cen?

I searched my mind for a long moment before a vague memory surfaced from a distant corner; she seemed to be the general manager of a new energy enterprise.

We hadn't been in touch for ages, so what could she possibly want with me now?

Filled with doubt, I pressed the answer button.

President Cen: Hello, Director Youran, sorry to bother you when you must be so busy. Youran: Hello, President Cen, it really has been a long time. President Cen: It certainly has. I used to think how wonderful it would be if we could collaborate with the Evolver company again, and I never expected an opportunity would actually come up recently.

I blinked, momentarily confused by her words.

President Cen: However, this matter happens to involve President Li going to court. Are you free? Why don't we meet and talk in person?

Hearing the keywords "Victor" and "going to court," I couldn't help but furrow my brows.

Even though my instincts told me something was off, the stakes were far too high, so I immediately opened my schedule.

Youran: I have half an hour this evening. Would it be possible for us to meet today?

The warm gold of the wall sconces blanketed the entire room in a quiet, luxurious ambiance. The tapestries covering the expansive walls were thick and heavy, as if completely sealing off all sound from the outside world.

Resting in an ice bucket on the long walnut table were two bottles of ice wine that practically radiated an exorbitant price tag.

When I stepped into the private room, two people were already seated inside. Aside from the smartly dressed President Cen, there was an unfamiliar man.

The man was dressed impeccably in a suit, yet his build was exceptionally robust, and a distinct scar ran along his jawline. He looked far from an ordinary businessman.

Almost instantly, my nerves tautened. I could sense that these visitors harbored no good intentions.

President Cen: Director Youran is here! Let me introduce you. This is Mr. Gao.

Youran: Hello.

Mr. Gao: A pleasure. I assume Director Youran is a busy person, so I will get straight to the point.

As the man spoke, he placed a pair of smart glasses, a twenty-four-inch suitcase, and a controller-like device onto the table with a sharp thud.

Then, he reached out and crisply flipped the suitcase open—inside, neat stacks of hundred-dollar bills were piled high.

My heart jolted slightly. Suppressing any outward reaction, I swallowed hard and quickly cast another glance at the two of them.

Their eyes were filled with an unfathomable, dark intensity, as if they were sizing up an opponent, or perhaps staring down their prey.

Youran: What is the meaning of this?

Mr. Gao: I want to discuss a partnership with you.

Mr. Gao: Consider this a small token of our sincerity.

President Cen stood up and pulled out a chair for me.

This invitation carried the implicit weight of a hint, but it felt far more like a form of coercion.

At this moment, a faint realization dawned on me: from the very second I stepped through that door, this was a chair I had no choice but to sit in.

The gazes of both individuals remained locked entirely on me. Only after I took my seat did Mr. Gao offer a slight nod of approval.

Mr. Gao: We have noticed the influence of the Evolver Company in the film and media sectors for quite some time now.

Mr. Gao: A single show or a single announcement from your company is enough to shift the direction of public opinion.

President Cen chose that exact moment to lift the wine from the ice bucket, deftly removing the cork.

President Cen: The Evolver Company and LFG have always elevated each other. However, from an outsider's perspective, we cannot help but feel your company is a bit too restricted by others.

President Cen: After all, while President Li possesses great foresight, many of his concepts and approaches are actually rather conservative.

She continued to speak with absolute certainty, grandly lecturing me on the future trends and prospects of the market, but an underlying current of malice had already begun to seep through her words.

Youran: What exactly are you trying to say?

Mr. Gao: Within our commercial blueprint, we can offer you dividends and market share that far exceed anything LFG provides. We can even transform the Evolver Company into a truly international media enterprise.

Mr. Gao: But if we are to expand our business, we must first clear the field. And if we are to cooperate, we must first ensure that we are all truly of one mind.

As the man spoke, he gave a casual wave of his hand. Instantly, the faint hum of mechanical operation resonated through the room.

Following the man's movement, the surveillance cameras positioned in every corner of the room swiveled in unison, pointing directly at me.

Mr. Gao: The only thing we require Director Youran to do is to find an appropriate opportunity during this upcoming court hearing, just like this...

Replacing the conclusion of his sentence was a clean, sharp hole that suddenly pierced straight through the table in front of me.

I could even feel a violent, distinct wave of heat radiating from it, as if in the very next second, the object would be tearing through my own head.

My breath caught instantly, and my heart rate spiked to its absolute limit. Yet, I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to betray no sign of fear.

Youran: What is the meaning of this.

Mr. Gao: Exactly what you see, Miss Youran.

They were forcing me to abandon LFG, to cooperate with them, and to bind myself to their ship by assassinating Victor.

Rather than anger, a profound sense of absurdity and bewilderment flooded my heart simultaneously.

Youran: What makes you think I would ever agree to this?

Mr. Gao: Does Director Youran feel that her personal safety cannot be guaranteed, or is the price tag simply not high enough?

Mr. Gao: These are all matters that can be resolved quite easily.

Youran: It has nothing to do with those things.

President Cen: Then what else could you possibly want?

She furrowed her brows, looking at me as if I had truly rejected a magnificent business proposition, while Mr. Gao's expression darkened beside her.

Mr. Gao: Director Youran, since you have already sat down, let us not waste a perfectly good opportunity for a win-win scenario.

Inside the room, that slow mechanical hum echoed once more, serving as a bleak reminder that this "transaction" was never fair from the very beginning.

Given the current trajectory, if I did not agree to their terms, it would likely be extremely difficult for me to leave this room safely today.

For them to speak so flagrantly about taking a life, they must have prepared extensively.

Perhaps adapting to the situation on the fly was the best course of action for now.

After all... only by securing more information would I possess greater leverage and a stronger voice in the matter.

Recalling the expressions Victor made whenever he negotiated with others, I flashed a faint smile at the two individuals across the table, lightly tapping my fingers against the surface.

Youran: I care far more about long-term returns than empty promises right in front of me.

Youran: Pack up your things.

Youran: As it stands, your current chips do not seem sufficient to make me render an immediate decision.

The pale wine caught the light, casting a soft shimmer inside the crystal glass. I gripped the stem tightly, staring at the reflection of my own face on the rim, desperately pretending to be composed.

The conversation I shared with Victor a few days ago in front of that chaotic abyss slowly surged within my chest, as if it could still grant me the strength to keep moving forward.

Victor, does this count as moving forward by resolving the problem?

Two hours later, after returning home from the clubhouse, my heart was still beating a little too fast, and even the warm light of the bedroom could not dispel the lingering chill that hung over me.

Those two had spent quite a bit of time talking about the vast resources at their disposal, and if this had been nothing more than an ordinary business collaboration, it would have indeed been incredibly tempting.

But I truly could not comprehend exactly who was backing them from the shadows, giving them the confidence to so flagrantly place a human life on the negotiation table as a mere bargaining chip.

Why did they so easily assume that I would betray Victor for the sake of profit, let alone take his life?

Furthermore, their every word seemed to imply that a significant number of enterprises had already chosen to join their ranks without a single shred of hesitation when faced with such massive gains.

As for me right now... am I even considered safe?

I couldn't help but let out a long sigh, wondering if this ridiculous, absurd situation was somehow connected to how strange everything else around me had become lately.

I buried myself deep within the soft blankets, and after a moment of thought, I fished out my phone and dialed Victor's number.

"Beep— Beep—"

The repetitive ringing echoed in my ear until the mechanical female voice informed me with absolute lack of emotion that "the user you have dialed could not be reached."

I stared at Victor's profile picture in my contacts, unable to stop myself from poking at it viciously.

Youran: Victor, the situation is incredibly urgent right now!

Youran: Do you have any idea that your life is currently entirely in my hands!!

Yet the phone remained stubbornly silent, leaving nothing but his avatar to stare back at me.

—

The day of the court hearing arrived quietly.

I entered the courtroom on schedule and took my seat in the gallery.

The proceedings advanced in a highly organized and orderly manner. The side door swung open, and Victor stepped confidently into the courtroom, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit.

It was as if he had not come to attend a trial, but was simply passing through to finalize a routine corporate contract that should have already been settled.

His gaze swept lightly across the room. When his eyes found me, he visibly froze for a fraction of a second.

His handsome brow furrowed slightly as his eyes cut through the crowd, silently questioning me.

Victor: Why are you here?

The gavel struck with a sharp thud, echoing solemnly through the space.

As the trial was officially called to order, I put on the special glasses and sat quietly in my seat.

The lenses clearly projected the live feed captured by the surveillance cameras directly before my eyes. Even though I was seated behind Victor, I could still witness his perfectly calm and composed demeanor.

He kept his eyes fixed straight ahead on the presiding judge, resolute and entirely silent.

The harsh glare from the courtroom overhead lights sculpted the angles of his face with exceptional sharpness, making him look as unyielding as a solid rock.

It seemed as though no matter where he sat or what he was facing, he would always remain in absolute control of the situation.

One procedure followed another in rapid succession, and a vast amount of evidence was submitted to the court.

When the hearing transitioned into the courtroom debate phase, the presiding judge nodded toward Victor.

Presiding Judge: The prosecutor may present the public prosecution opinion.

Prosecutor: Presiding Judge, the defendant in this case utilized the convenience created by signing an investment agreement, and in the absence of any genuine intent to invest...

Prosecutor: Improperly obtained the complete set of core technical information belonging to the Guangying Company. Although this information has not yet been disclosed or utilized, it can still be determined that significant losses have been caused to the victimized entity.

Presiding Judge: The defendant may now present his self-defense.

In an instant, every single gaze in the room shifted in unison toward the solitary figure seated at the front of the courtroom.

Victor cast a calm look toward his defense counsel, stood up without the slightest hint of haste, and slowly surveyed his surroundings.

Victor: Respected Presiding Judge, regarding the so-called "criminal facts" alleged by the public prosecution organ in this case, I believe they are entirely fabricated out of thin air.

Victor: Right here, I have three questions that I would like the public prosecution organ to answer.

Victor: First, the prosecutor accuses me of infringing upon a "trade secret."

Victor: However, the core details of this technology had already been publicly discussed by that very company's own former employees prior to their departure.

Victor: Under such circumstances, can it still be classified, in a "legal sense," as a "trade secret" that is not known to the general public?

His tone was not heavy, and he had even slowed his cadence down slightly compared to before. Deliberate and unhurried, his words fell like the ticking of a clock, leaving absolutely no room for doubt.

Victor: Second, LFG signed a non-disclosure agreement strictly in accordance with industry standards.

Victor: All commercial activities were conducted inside the specific meeting rooms designated by the opposing company, which were fully equipped with surveillance cameras.

Victor: At the same time, regarding the subsequent leak of this information—

Victor: Aside from the unilateral testimony provided by personnel who share close financial ties with the opposing company, there is absolutely no evidence proving that it was executed by our firm or authorized by me personally.

Victor: Finally, and this is the most critical point.

Amidst the absolute silence, Victor's gaze slowly swept across the courtroom once more, the corners of his lips curving into a faintly mocking arc.

Victor: The prosecutor accuses our firm of lacking a genuine intent to invest, but the reality is precisely the opposite.

Victor: Financial audit reports and other investment agreements signed by LFG during the same period can explicitly confirm that our firm possesses the complete economic foundation and capability to invest.

Victor: While negotiating the transaction with Guangying Company, normal investment and trading behaviors were simultaneously carried out with multiple other corporate enterprises.

Victor: If this constitutes a crime, then I must ask...

He tilted his head slightly, his eyes drifting seemingly at random toward a corner of the gallery. There was no clear target to his gaze, nor did it carry any overt threat.

Yet, with just that single glance, the air inside the entire courtroom abruptly tightened.

Victor: Does this imply that before deciding whether or not to invest, all investment institutions can only blindly trust the unilateral claims of the opposing company?

Victor: Otherwise, the moment an investment falls through, anyone could find themselves sitting in the defendant's chair?

As his voice faded, a silent tremor radiated outward from him as the epicenter, spreading solemnly through the room.

He alone remained standing peacefully at the center of the vortex. He even offered an elegant nod toward the judge before returning to his seat.

I held my breath slightly. Even as my heart shuddered in awe, a faint trace of vindictive satisfaction rose within me.

How could anyone ever truly hope to destabilize Victor?

Presiding Judge: The defense counsel may present the defense opinion.

Defense Counsel: The defense counsel contends that the public prosecution organ's accusation of the defendant infringing upon trade secrets is based on unclear facts and insufficient evidence. The charges cannot be sustained.

Defense Counsel: As previously stated...

Victor's lawyer spoke with resounding authority, while Victor himself merely shook his head as if he were entirely accustomed to such trivialities, looking as though he were simply waiting for this farce to draw to a close.

I couldn't help but recall the "business" that Mr. Gao and President Cen had wanted to negotiate with me.

Judging from the current state of the case, the president of Guangying was highly likely involved in their web of interests as well.

Even though all the judicial procedures continued to advance in an orderly fashion, my throat grew dry at the thought of the various schemes targeted at Victor that would follow this trial.

Meanwhile, the controller they had handed to me was currently resting silently at the bottom of my coat pocket.

Defense Counsel: The defense requests the court to declare the defendant innocent, and to transfer the clues of this case in accordance with the law to investigate the relevant responsible individuals of Guangying Company for malicious prosecution, framing, and extortion!

As the defense counsel's words echoed through the room, a cyan reticle suddenly flashed across my vision. At that exact moment, a message popped up on my phone.

Unknown Number (SMS): Seize the moment.

In the next second, a nearly imperceptible sound blended into the silence.

"Sizzle!"

The overhead lights inside the courtroom suddenly began to flicker erratically. The surveillance cameras that had been operating silently moments before began emitting sharp, piercing static noises one after another, swiveling blindly from left to right without any pattern.

The court bailiffs instantly grew alert, immediately utilizing their walkie-talkies to instruct security personnel to investigate the situation and maintain order within the courtroom.

The presiding judge struck the gavel, but it failed to fully suppress the whispers scattering through the crowd.

Amidst the commotion, no one noticed that the surveillance cameras around the room were tilting slightly at highly unusual angles—

Save for one, every single camera had locked firmly onto the defense stand.

My heart skipped a beat.

What was happening?! They had explicitly stated before that to avoid harming the innocent, this operation would only utilize a single camera.

A terrifying deduction suddenly surged into my mind. As if in response to my thoughts, another text message flashed on the screen in the next instant.

Unknown Number (SMS): Too many monks and too little gruel. Do not let this golden opportunity slip away.

There were other people here who had been bought out by them!

A sudden chill washed over my fingertips.

I knew they wouldn't place an absolute amount of trust in me, but I had vastly underestimated their sheer determination to eliminate Victor.

I instinctively stood up amidst the rowdy crowd, my hand reaching for the signal jammer I had prepared in advance—

The exact moment before I could press the button, a commanding and razor-sharp gaze seemed to pierce straight through the lens, staring directly at me—

Youran: ...!

Those beautifully shaped eyes curved into a razor-sharp arc. The right hand that had been resting loosely on the armrest slowly drifted upward, as if pointing out a target for me—

He tapped his brow with quiet, deliberate provocation.

The surrounding chaos remained unresolved, and the crowd's attention was scattered in all directions. Yet, he continued to sit firmly in his chair, completely calm, and possessing a rare, almost unseasonable arrogance.

It was as if... everything remained entirely within his control.

Victor: If you have already decided what it is you want...

He stared directly into the gloomy depths, making no attempt to hide. Though that low, deep voice sounded like a challenge, it felt much more like a warning.

Victor: Then by all means, try and see if you actually have the courage to take it.

My heart pounded furiously against my chest. Watching his almost lazy movements and his unhidden, razor-sharp eyes through the lens, even my fingertips couldn't help but tremble slightly.

Was he... speaking to me?

Did he know that the person behind the lens was me?

The lights inside the courtroom continued to flicker erratically, and the surrounding whispers of the crowd grew restless, yet it only made it harder to pull my eyes away from him.

The reticle was no longer a signal of threat. Instead, it had become the sole anchor for my vision, and I could only fix my gaze entirely upon him.

Victor: Your time is running out.

Victor: Are you still not ready?

That mocking, disdainful smile remained playing at the corners of his lips, and his eyes even held a strange, dark current of anticipation.

It was as if I were the one who had been marked as prey.

Yet, nothing seemed to happen.

The quiet stillness seemed to draw his deep gaze back to me, as if this sudden deviation from the script was slightly unexpected, causing his eyes to narrow just a fraction.

After lingering for a few seconds, his demeanor returned to its usual composed state as he turned his attention back to the presiding judge—

Following another sharp click, the lights inside the courtroom quietly returned to normal.

There were no gunshots, no explosions, and no terrifying incidents. It was as if everything that had just transpired truly was nothing more than an accidental power failure.

At almost the exact same moment, the live camera feed projected onto my lenses vanished.

In its place was the perfectly clear courtroom, along with the words SIGNAL LOST floating in midair.

Not far away, Victor's relaxed figure remained seated firmly and steadily at the defense stand.

Looking around, the surveillance cameras that had previously been locked onto him now hung limply, motionless.

Yet, the icy chill of the controller against my fingertips served as a grim reminder that within the span of just a few short minutes, the man standing at the defense table had just brushed past death itself.

My back was already drenched in a cold sweat, while he, perhaps, had been assured of his victory from the very beginning.

The crisp strike of the gavel echoed through the room, declaring the hearing adjourned.

Victor stood up with absolute composure at the bailiff's signal. Just as he was about to step out the door, he turned his head for reasons unknown, casting a resolute glance in my direction.

Those eyes were as deep and unfathomable as always, but the dark undercurrents swirling within them were far too complex for me to decipher.

It was deeper, far more heavy.

The crowd flowed like a river, their noisy whispers refusing to scatter.

Yet everything around me was suddenly pulled away into the distance, leaving only the locked gaze between him and me, frozen in this very moment.

Until a bailiff took a step closer to his side to lead him forward, blocking his figure from view and cutting off whatever unuttered response remained between us.

This time, Victor did not look back again, his steady steps blending into the dark corridor.

The world began to turn once more, and this farce under the guise of a trial finally drew its curtains to a close.

By the time I walked out of the court gates, the horde of media outlets that had swarmed the entrance to interview Victor had mostly dispersed.

Yet, before I could even take a few steps forward, I caught sight of Victor still standing near the steps.

At this moment, he was saying something to the chauffeur beside him, appearing as though he had no immediate intention of leaving.

...Why is he still here? Could it be that this matter isn't over yet?

Just as I was filled with doubt, I saw his gaze drift toward me from a distance, and the very instant our eyes met, he began walking over with long, unhesitating strides.

Victor: You didn't move against me. Why?

He spoke with absolute certainty, as if he had already seen through everything from the start, yet still harbored a single shred of doubt that awaited confirmation.

I froze for a moment, temporarily struggling to keep up with his line of questioning.

Youran: ...What do you mean, why?

Victor: You agreed to their terms and took the controller, yet you refused to cooperate with them.

Victor: Why?

Another why crashed against my thoughts, leaving me somewhat dazed and causing my voice to rise slightly despite myself.

Youran: You don't actually believe that I could be bought out by someone, do you?

He didn't offer a direct denial. Instead, his brows furrowed with a touch of impatience.

Victor: I don't believe you would be foolish enough to lose the greater picture for the sake of the small, focusing only on immediate gains rather than long-term planning.

Victor: However, considering that the opposing party was bound to offer exceptionally lavish conditions, it is only natural that I would have some doubts.

Victor: There is no such thing as a one-hundred-percent secure contract in this world.

His words drifted lightly into my ears, uttered with such casual indifference and as a matter of course, yet they left me feeling somewhat caught in a daze.

I stood frozen in place, my throat so dry that I could barely make a sound.

Youran: Victor... is that really the kind of person I am to you?

He fell silent.

I stared at him in utter disbelief. For a moment, I didn't even know whether I should defend myself out of a sense of grievance, or demand to know with absolute fury what on earth he was thinking.

After a long while, a drawn-out sigh fell softly beside my ear.

Victor: ...No, it isn't.

Victor: Many things are subject to change these days.

Victor: Sometimes, when I look back at the decisions I made in the past, I find it difficult to believe those were actions I would ever take.

His brow furrowed deeply, his tone sounding even heavier than usual.

Victor: How am I supposed to guarantee that you are still exactly the same as the person in my memory?

The world grew completely hollow for a single second following the departure of his words.

All the surrounding noise seemed to recede entirely, leaving behind nothing but the fading remnants of his voice.

At this exact moment, I finally caught a glimpse of a familiar softness hidden beneath his exceptionally cold and rigid exterior, reading a trace of irritation, and perhaps even a faint shadow of doubt.

Something previously unbreakable had been struck, carving out a flaw that could no longer be ignored.

I gazed at him, attempting to locate an answer within the depths of his eyes, or perhaps find the same hesitation that was currently shaking me.

Youran: Victor, so there are actually times when you feel uncertain too?

Victor: Why ask that all of a sudden?

He raised his eyebrows slightly, appearing somewhat perplexed by my question, yet he still offered his response with a hint of restlessness.

Victor: Yes.

Victor: Anyone can have moments of uncertainty.

My gaze carefully traced the contours of his face, taking in his knitted brow, the questions swirling in his eyes, and the tense line of his lips.

I lowered my head and let out a deep, heavy breath, taking a firm and resolute step forward.

Youran: Are you free right now?

The voice emerging from my throat wasn't particularly loud, yet it carried far more stubbornness than before, refusing to yield even a single step.

Youran: Let's have a talk.

Victor: ...How long will this talk take?

I tilted my head slightly, lifting my eyes to meet his gaze.

Youran: Let's make it the exact amount of time it takes to walk from here back to your house.

His adam's apple bobbed slightly. Finally, he stopped rushing to reject the idea, merely pressing his brows down even lower.

It seemed a bit helpless, yet it also looked as though he finally intended to lay many matters out in the open.

Victor: I have a cross-border meeting at six-forty this evening.

Victor: Let's go.

Even though autumn had already arrived, the sunlight over the past two days remained strangely oppressive. The air wasn't exactly cool, and the distant, rhythmic chirping of cicadas could still be faintly heard.

Nevertheless, a subtle hint of crispness had finally arrived, loosening the suffocating grip of the intense heat.

We walked slowly along the road back home.

The old street alleys we passed through couldn't be described as spacious, with laundry poles extending from between the windows, swaying gently with clothes hanging from them.

It wasn't quite dinner time yet, but one could faintly catch the subtle aroma of various households preparing their ingredients.

Victor had taken off his suit jacket and draped it over his arm, remaining at a distance where I could have reached out and held his hand.

If it weren't for his gaze resting on me—which remained somewhat cold and even tinged with scrutiny—I might have mistakenly felt like we had truly returned to the most ordinary of walks from our past.

Youran: Victor, did you already know they were planning to move against you?

Victor: Yes. While the number of colluding enterprises and individuals is substantial, making it impossible to clear them all out at once, the commotion they made wasn't small.

Victor: It wasn't difficult to guard against, merely troublesome.

Youran: ...That's good then.

Youran: I couldn't get ahold of you at the time, and I was worried to death.

He lowered his gaze, casting an exceptionally deep look over me, his tone still flat.

Victor: I am capable of taking responsibility for my own safety.

I pouted slightly, though the tightness in my chest eased considerably because he was standing right in front of me, completely safe and sound.

Youran: ...But next time, answer my calls promptly.

Youran: If a similar situation ever happens again, I can notify you at the very first moment.

Victor: I will try my best.

Youran: Only try your best?

The murmur that slipped past my lips was quiet, yet he caught it nonetheless.

Victor: I won't promise you something I cannot perform.

Victor: Furthermore, I can take responsibility for my own safety.

He repeated himself, his low voice solid and certain. It didn't sound like a mere comfort, but it felt as though some sort of promise had been made.

I let out a long sigh, looking up slightly at the drifting clouds across the sky. I simply changed the subject, speaking about whatever crossed my mind.

Youran: I've been doing a lot of work lately too.

Youran: Planning columns, filming shows, conducting interviews—one thing right after another.

Youran: However, a lot of the ideas I insist on end up facing opposition from my colleagues...

Youran: I just feel a bit at a loss as to what I should do.

Victor: Are you hoping I will resolve it for you?

Youran: Not at all.

As I spoke, I somewhat childishly kicked a small pebble by my feet to the side.

My gaze followed the pebble, landing on a cluster of tilted and messy flowerpots by the corner of the wall. Looking at that disorganized and slightly neglected greenery, a faint sense of vexation suddenly welled up within my heart.

Youran: Why has nobody bothered to pick up those flowerpots when they've fallen over?

Victor: That belongs to someone else, and it isn't blocking the path. What does it have to do with you?

Youran: It just looks wrong.

Youran: Someone has to do a good deed once in a while to make things around here a little better.

Even though I knew full well it was completely unnecessary, I still reached out to pick up the fallen flowerpots one by one.

He didn't lift a finger to help, but he didn't stop me either. He simply stood by with his arms crossed, watching me with that same cool, detached gaze—as if he were observing some baffling little animal.

Victor: I was under the impression that you were quite busy lately.

Youran: You're busy too, yet here you are, walking and talking with me.

Victor: I can leave right now.

Victor seemed completely cornered by my stubborn logic, tossing a thoroughly exasperated look in my direction.

Despite his words remaining as cold as ever, catching that long-lost expression on his face brought a faint smile to the corners of my lips.

Youran: What about you then?

Youran: What exactly have you been up to lately?

Youran: All I know is that you've been working non-stop...

Victor: Negotiating licenses for offshore settlement operations, holding successive meetings with the heads of several central banks, and preparing for those countless, tedious lawsuits.

Victor: Chairing shareholder meetings, reviewing financial statements and strategic proposals, and signing off on contracts. My schedule is entirely booked out for the next few months.

I took a few steps back to admire the neatly arranged flowerpots, rinsing my hands under a nearby faucet before turning my head to look at him.

Youran: Even though you told me before that you were busy, I never imagined you had quite this much on your plate.

Victor: Now you know.

As the words left his lips, his brow knitted slightly once more, as if yet another incomprehensible problem had just been added to his list.

Victor: But what exactly do you intend to do with that information?

Youran: Oh, I can do plenty of things. For instance...

I dried my hands and stood firmly in front of him. Looking at the faint lines constantly knit between his brows, I reached out and touched his head, giving it a very light, gentle pat.

His hair brushed against my palm, surprisingly soft.

Youran: You've been working hard.

Victor's eyes suddenly widened a fraction.

He instinctively lifted his hand, but the moment his fingertips were about to touch mine, he paused. The motion froze into a somewhat stagnant gesture, as if he were tentatively accepting my comfort for the time being.

The subtle ache that had been lingering in my heart was inexplicably diluted, ultimately dissolving into a somewhat complex smile at the corners of my lips.

Youran: You've really been working hard, Victor.

Victor: I wouldn't call it hard work.

His voice sounded stiff and dry, like someone who had been forcibly dragged away from his own territory, yet remained stubbornly and rigidly determined to maintain his authority nonetheless.

Victor: I manage my time reasonably.

Victor: My daily sleep schedule is perfectly stable, and I even made a bouillabaisse last Saturday.

Youran: Pfft... that's not what I meant at all.

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head.

Youran: Of course you'd keep yourself living perfectly well. After all, you're Victor.

Youran: But I think even if someone is Victor, they probably still need another person to say to them: you've been working hard.

I finished speaking to myself, not looking at his expression or expecting him to offer any sort of reply. I simply faced forward into the sunlight, continuing to walk through the rest of this old alley.

It felt as if by doing this, this conversation could keep going a little longer, and this road could stretch out a bit further.

Youran: By the way, I haven't had the chance to mention it yet.

Youran: Lately, while I've been doing interviews all over the place...

As I spoke, I suddenly realized that the man beside me had stopped a few paces behind.

The sinking evening sun fell behind him, casting a silent shadow over his quiet countenance.

His eyes were far too calm, yet they seemed entirely filled with the lingering traces of passing time, holding the reflections of our figures coming and going over the years.

He glanced at the flowerpots I had just set upright, and finally looked at me, breaking into a stride forward.

Before I could even react, a sudden wave of warmth settled on my shoulder.

It was his hand, resting against me.

Victor offered no explanation, and he didn't even apply any pressure.

His gaze cast downward, sinking into a moment of deep, heavy contemplation. It looked as though he were staring at me, yet also as though he were staring at his own palm.

Ultimately, just as abruptly as he had touched my shoulder, he withdrew his hand without warning and walked forward.

Victor: Continue. What happened while you were doing your interviews?

Youran: ......

I was left momentarily dazed, rooted to the spot.

Victor's back moved ahead of me, his steps remaining unhurried as he walked amidst the lively, everyday atmosphere of the neighborhood.

Yet the warmth radiating from my skin and the scent belonging to him were entirely too familiar, and from the corner of my eye, that figure remained a mere half-step away.

He was like a quiet, warm bonfire; merely drawing close was enough to thaw a journey through endless wind and snow.

Victor: What are you standing there blankly for?

Victor turned his head. He stood there quietly, waiting for me.

Almost in the very next second, I instinctively ran over to him.

Youran: Victor, were you just comforting me a moment ago?

Victor: Is this what your interviews are like?

Youran: No, no, what happened during my recent interviews was...

Just like old times, I couldn't help but talk his ear off, painting the picture for him without stopping.

The autumn wind swept across our long shadows, kicking up the words he had hidden away—though it was a pity for him that I caught them on the breeze anyway.

"You've been working hard too."

I was absolutely certain that I heard Victor say those words.

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Chapter 3-15

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Meeting Incidents

Incident 1 This day, Gu Shiye had business and needed to go out. Before departing, he raised his hand to cast a barrier, confining me inside the room, and then turned and left without leaving a single word behind. Around dusk, when he returned, I spoke up to him—

“You left, and right after that, a demon came by. It said it could see me, and it wanted to eat me.”

“The barrier was almost broken by it, too. You should just bring me along next time.”

Gu Shiye directed a faint look toward me, remaining noncommittal toward my words as if he completely disbelieved every single word I said.

The next day, I told him the exact same thing. He sat behind the desk sipping his tea quietly and merely raised his eyes slightly, sweeping a faint gaze over me.

I was just about to ask him if he had no plans to go out today, but before the words could leave my mouth, I saw him stand up smoothly, his cool voice cutting through the silence.

"Let's go."

Incident 2 After realizing that I had turned into a wandering soul and that Gu Shiye was the only one in this world who could see me, although I talked tough and claimed I didn't care, I still couldn't help but feel a sliver of indescribable loneliness deep down.

Tonight happened to be the Lantern Festival, and I walked side by side with Gu Shiye through the bustling streets.

Suddenly, a few items on a vendor's stall caught my eye, and I couldn't help but stop to admire them closely.

Gu Shiye stopped beside me as well.

Seeing him linger in front of the stall, the vendor eagerly spoke up to drum up business—

"Young master, on such a beautiful festival night, how come you're wandering around all by yourself?"

"Could it be that you want to pick out an item to buy and bring home for your wife?"

The vendor didn't care whether Gu Shiye responded or not, maintaining an enthusiastic sales pitch as he introduced the exquisite items on the stall one by one, trying to spark his interest.

In reality, Gu Shiye had secretly cast a restriction barrier, and within that barrier, all the noise from the outside world was completely cut off.

I pointed at one of the items and said—

“I want this one. Everyone says gods are benevolent, so you shouldn't refuse such a tiny request, right?”

I felt uncertain, unsure whether he would actually agree or not, so with a bit of nervousness, I turned my body slightly to sneak a look at his expression.

Gu Shiye didn't even give me a single glance, but after a moment, he reached out his hand and paid for it without hesitation.

Incident 3 I was feeling quite bored staying inside the house, so to make the time pass a bit faster, I casually flipped open the book scrolls Gu Shiye kept on the bookshelf to pass the time.

As my gaze wandered, I spotted a thin booklet on the upper shelf of the bookcase, and my eyes lit up, wanting to take it down and look through it.

Right now, I was nothing more than a wandering soul, my body as light as nothingness, so I figured jumping up to grab that booklet shouldn't be too difficult.

To my surprise, after hopping up several times in a row, the booklet remained firmly out of reach. Unwilling to give up, I was just about to try again when my back suddenly bumped into a wall of warmth.

Turning my head and looking up, Gu Shiye's face was right there, crashing directly into my line of sight.

“You're back.”

I tilted my face up slightly, the corners of my lips curving into a faint, soft smile.

As I spoke, my warm breath brushed gently against his neck.

His eyelids lowered slightly, his gaze lingering on me for a brief moment before he spoke in a deep voice—

"What are you doing?"

I raised my hand and pointed toward the booklet on the shelf.

He barely used any effort at all, simply lifting his hand slightly, and the booklet fell steadily into his grasp.

I took it from him and softly thanked him.

Incident 4 Gu Shiye's life in the modern world was still very dull. Every day he was either reading or writing, and when he stayed in the house, he was incredibly sparing with his words, barely uttering a single syllable for half the day.

It happened to be a night with a full moon, the clear moonlight spilling everywhere. On a sudden whim, I pulled him along to sit down in the courtyard and spoke to him—

“The moon in the mortal realm goes through a cycle roughly every thirty days. Tonight is the fifteenth, the time when it's at its roundest in the entire month.”

Hearing this, he merely gave a faint acknowledgment.

"Mm."

I seized the opportunity to ask him what he had done or experienced over these past several centuries.

"You want to know?"

“Mm.”

I nodded slightly, fully expecting him to explain it to me in detail. To my surprise, he simply raised his hand gently, performing a quick spell.

In the next instant, the blood snake on my wrist, which had been resting quietly, suddenly grew restless.

Immediately following that, scenes that were either entirely unfamiliar or carried a slight sense of familiarity flashed rapidly before my eyes.

I instantly realized that these were all the landscapes he had once gazed upon, the people he had encountered, and the events he had lived through.

Once it ended, I gently leaned close, planting a soft kiss on the corner of his lips, and then leaned in against his ear to whisper playfully—

“Your life has been so boring all these years, Gege. Now that I've suddenly come to find you, you must be really happy, right?”

Incident 5 On a night of pouring rain, I returned from the outside. After entering the house, I didn't waste a single second and walked straight into the bathroom to wash up.

Afterward, while rubbing a towel through my damp hair, I walked over to stand in front of Gu Shiye and handed the hairdryer to him—

“Help me blow-dry my hair.”

He raised his eyes to look at me.

Meeting his gaze, I spoke in a soft, gentle tone—

“I'm a bit tired, and my body feels a little uncomfortable too. Can you help me dry it?”

He paused for a moment, his face expressionless, showing no intention of taking the hairdryer from my hands.

Just when I thought he wasn't going to agree, he gently lifted his hand, and a warm current of air instantly enveloped my hair.

In the blink of an eye, my hair was completely dry.

I ran my fingers through my suddenly dry hair and lay down on the bed, preparing to sleep.

As the night grew deeper, I started to feel freezing cold all over. My casual complaint from earlier had turned out to be a prophecy, and I really had fallen sick.

My body shivered uncontrollably from the chill. In my dazed state, it felt as though something coiled around me, and a comforting, warm heat slowly seeped into my body bit by bit.

Once my body recovered slightly, I subconsciously wanted to hold onto the serpent tail wrapped around me to keep sleeping.

To my surprise, it suddenly pulled away, refusing to let me move recklessly, and wouldn't let me hold it no matter what.

————

Card Story

Story 1

The weather was beautiful today, making it the perfect day to step outside.

I asked Gu Shiye to go for a walk with me. He was originally reading a book in the quiet room, but he could not resist my persistent coaxing and eventually stood up to accompany me outside.

Today there were quite a few tourists out, likely because it was the weekend, and the streets were mostly filled with young men and women walking together.

We strolled leisurely along the lakeside with no set direction, simply wandering wherever our feet took us.

A crowd suddenly passed by us, a tour guide leading a group toward the museum and explaining the history behind the newly reconstructed wooden tower standing before them.

The guide said that a serpent demon once fell in love with a human and committed a defiant act against the heavens, causing the tower to collapse and the waters to flood Jinshan.

Tour Guide: Afterward, this serpent demon....

I was listening intently when the surrounding noise was suddenly stripped away, and all at once, nothing but absolute silence remained by my ear.

I knew Gu Shiye had cast a restriction barrier, cutting off every sound around us.

I grumbled quietly at him.

Me: Why did you cast a restriction barrier?

Me: I hadn't finished listening yet.

His eyes were ice cold and he completely ignored me, as if he had absolutely no interest in the story and merely found it noisy.

We came to a stop just outside the museum.

Right at that moment, fat raindrops began pouring down without a single warning. The sky had been completely clear just a second ago, yet in the blink of an eye, a torrential downpour arrived.

Pedestrians who hadn't brought umbrellas rushed toward the shelter of the overhanging eaves, and seeing this, I started to step in that direction as well.

Gu Shiye, however, suddenly opened an umbrella, subconsciously tilting it toward my side.

So, I behaved myself and stayed put, hiding beneath his umbrella.

The freshness of the rain mingled with his unique scent, wrapping around me until a tiny ripple stirred in the quiet lake of my heart, and I couldn't help but take his hand.

He didn't pull his hand away, instead quietly allowing me to interlock my fingers with his.

I looked up and smiled at him.

Me: It doesn't look like this rain is going to stop anytime soon.

Me: If we keep walking like this, our pants are definitely going to get soaked.

G: Let's go back.

Me: All right.

I returned to the house and went into the bathroom to change my clothes. When I came out, I saw Gu Shiye sitting at the desk reading his book again.

A thick, black serpent tail wound slowly across the floor. Seeing me approach, he forcefully pulled me into his side with his tail.

The cold, textured scales rubbed gently against my skin, gradually tightening. I took the cue and sat down on his tail, extending my hand in front of him.

I pointed to the "blood snake" on my wrist and voiced the question that had been spinning in my mind for a long time.

Me: The blood snake is actually still here.

Me: Does that mean the energy you injected into me before is still there too?

Gu Shiye looked down, giving it a careless glance.

Gu Shiye: It is.

Me: I've already returned to my own body, so what use is this energy now?

Me: Does it mean I can use magic too?

Gu Shiye: You can try.

I raised my hand to test it out, but everything around us remained completely still, making it impossible to see any kind of effect.

After thinking it over, I figured that perhaps because I returned to my body and then came back to the modern world, the energy had been depleted.

I blinked, looking straight into his deep, quiet dark eyes. I reached up to hook my arms around his neck and pressed my lips against his.

Then, I tilted my head slightly, giving him a sly smile as I whispered in his ear.

Me: It must be that the energy is running low.

Me: Gege, why don't you inject a little more into me?

The moment the words left my mouth, I felt a sudden tightening around my waist as Gu Shiye lowered his head and kissed me back.

—

Story 2

My return to the town with Gu Shiye wasn't completely fruitless.

There were plenty of fresh and interesting things to find in town, so I bought some pastries and drinks to bring back and enjoy.

After we got back to the wooden cabin, Gu Shiye ignored me just as he usually did, sitting to the side to quietly read his book and write.

I had grown used to him acting like this, so I didn't find it unusual at all, sitting by myself inside the room to eat the pastries and sip my drinks, occasionally propping up my chin to admire the view outside the window.

Halfway through, Gu Shiye gave me a single warning.

Gu Shiye: Drink less.

But I felt the pastries were completely dry, and without drinking something, they were really too hard to swallow. So I didn't listen to him and gulped down the entire bottle until it was empty.

It grew late, and the night turned thick and dark.

Drowsiness gradually washed over me, and my eyelids became heavy. I simply leaned forward against the table, closed my eyes, and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Later, I sensed someone stepping into the room. He lifted me up in his arms and walked with steady paces toward the bed.

I had a dream that was both sensual and absurd.

The moment I lay down, a black serpent tail immediately appeared and wrapped itself tightly around me.

The "blood snake" on my wrist, obeying its master's command, bound my hands to the headboard.

Fragmented kisses fell upon me, forceful, cold, and unyielding.

My senses were completely blurred, making it impossible to tell what was real and what was a fantasy, yet the strange sensations all over my body felt entirely real.

When I woke up from my dream, it was already broad daylight. My body felt warm and cozy. After a good night's sleep, I didn't feel quite so tired anymore.

I got up and stepped outside to take a look, just in time to see Gu Shiye walking over from a short distance away, looking as if he'd just returned from somewhere.

Wasn't he inside the room last night?

With that thought in mind, I walked over to ask him about it.

Me: Where did you go?

Me: You're just getting back now, did you stay out all night?

His deep, dark eyes looked at me ice-cold, and he ignored my questions, continuing to walk forward.

The moment I got close to Gu Shiye, my body shifted from a soul back into a physical, flesh-and-blood form, just like before.

I wanted to tug on his sleeve to get him to wait for me, but then I noticed that two faint, barely visible rope burns had appeared on my wrists at some point.

I stared at the marks, and as the memory of last night's dream came rushing back, the question I was about to ask found its answer right then and there.

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BtW Masterlist

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