reia.

► INDIVIDUAL GAME MASTERLISTS

▻ Ikemen Villains イケメンヴィラン

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⤷ NOTICE: I'm currently working on editing the honorifics used in the stories e.g. change from "Lord Yoshitsune" to "Yoshitsune-sama" and fixing the translations for certain terms e.g. "yin-yang magic" to "onmyō techniques", so I apologise for any inconsistencies.

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I went to Ring’s room after receiving a letter that read “I have a secret request to ask of you”.

Kate: Ring, what’s this request about…? 

(Could it be that he wants me to touch him?) 

Right now, any of the Cursed who I made direct physical contact with would become overwhelmed with pleasure — a strange feeling described as “melting / meromero”. 

And Ring was no exception. 

(If Ring wants to feel good too, I’ll touch him as much as he wants!) 

Ring: Even now, my head’s full of the thought that I’m dying for you to touch me. 

Ring: At this rate, I won’t be able to focus on missions, and when it comes a time when I need to protect you… I can’t do it. So… I want you to train me!

(Train him!?) 

I felt embarrassed for having assumed he was going to ask for something else, but I nodded anyway. 

Kate: A-Alright. Of course I’ll help you. What kind of training do you have in mind?

Ring: Let me think… I want you to touch my body and help me get used to being in a state of “meromero”. 

Alas I hath given up on translating the word メロメロ. It’s an onomatopoeic word, used to describe e.g. turning into a goofy little puddle at the sight of someone you love… something like that. Or stupidly in love, kinda. 

Ring: No matter what you do to me, I’ll endure it. … If I don’t lay a hand on you at all, then the training will be considered a success. 

Ring shrugged his jacket off in one swift motion.

Ring: Come on, give it your best shot! 

Kate: I can see your resolve. … If we’re doing this, we’re going all the way! 

I pushed Ring down onto the bed, straddling him — then my hand slid to the hem of his shirt. 

Ring: Wha—!? 

Ring: Haa…

As I slowly lifted his shirt, my fingers brushing against his bare skin, his breathing immediately grew unsteady. 

Ring: … W-Wait! Hold on a second! 

Pinned beneath me, with his face bright red, Ring let out something that sounded almost like a shriek. 

Ring: Wouldn’t this turn a little too lewd if you take any more of my clothes off!? 

Kate: Bare skin heightens the effects for your training, okay? Hands up.

Ring: … ggh

Perhaps realizing I had a point, Ring reluctantly lifted his arms and let me pull his shirt off. 

(Wow… Ring’s body is seriously amazing…) 

Ring: Don’t stare at me like that… it’s embarrassing…

Kate: You stare at my body just fine, though?

Ring: That’s because you’re so beautiful. There’s nothing great about my body. 

Kate: That’s not true! For example,— 

…

[ Option 1: Touch Ring’s Face ]

Ring: Nngh, aah… No, this is bad. When you touch me… I feel weird.

Kate: I only touched your cheek… I love your face and all the expressions it makes. 

Kate: Your serious look, the tenderness when you look at me — all of them. 

Still straddling him, I cupped his face in my hands. 

We stared into each other’s eyes as I gently stroked his cheeks with my thumbs. 

Ring: Haa… Kate… don’t look at me while saying such adorable things… 

Even though I was only caressing his cheeks, his eyes told me he was already melting under my touch. 

Kate: Ring, hang in there… This is part of your training, remember? 

Ring: … Haa… but… I didn’t think it’d feel this good… 

Ring: You’re so cute, I love you… I love you so much… my heart’s beating so fast it’s going to burst…! 

Kate: It’s okay, Ring. … Let’s get you even more used to this, shall we? 

Ring: ugh… 

Kate: … You’re being trained right now, so you’re not allowed to use your tongue. Got it?

I closed the distance between us and pressed my lips to his. 

I gave him soft, repeated kisses, my tongue lightly tracing his lips every so often.

Ring: Mm… fuhh… 

Ring desperately held himself back from using his tongue. 

That effort looked so endearing, I depended the kiss, and— 

Ring: Nn… haa… ahh…! 

… 

[ Option 2: Touch Ring’s Chest ]

Ring: Ah, nn… 

Kate: — I like this (chest) part of you. 

Kate: When you hug me, it makes me feel safe. When I snuggle up against you, its firmness and warmth makes me think “this is Ring~”. That’s why I love it. 

I slowly traced a finger along the contours of his chest, pressing lightly against the firm muscles and enjoying how springy they were. 

Each touch seemed to send waves of pleasure through him, his breathing gradually becoming irregular. 

Ring: W-Wait. N-Not there… hhngh, I can’t… 

Kate: Not here…? You touch my chest all the time, though? 

Ring: T-That’s true… but your hands are so warm… they give me a weird feeling…

Ring: S-Sorry, but can you… maybe pick another spot to touch…? I- I can’t take this any more! 

(How should I turn this in a proper training session?) 

(… Oh! That’s right!) 

After a brief moment of hesitation, I reached up and undid the ribbon of my nightdress. 

Ring: …!? W-Why are you taking off your…!? 

Kate: I was thinking… if we touched skin to skin, the pleasure would be more intense, and more suited for training. 

Stripping my upper body naked, I pressed myself tightly against his chest. 

Through the contact between his flushed skin and mine, we could feel each other's hearts pounding hard in our chests. 

Ring: … K-Kate…! Oh no, this level of stimulation… haa… it’s too much, I’m going insane… 

…

[ Option 3: Touch Ring’s…? ]

Ring: Nngh, haa… keep this up, and I’m… I’m going to have to… you… 

Thinking that something stronger might be more effective than micro-dosing the pleasure, I went straight for his most sensitive spot. 

Ring let out a desperate, strained voice. 

(At this point… maybe it’s better to continue with this drastic move.) 

I shifted slightly where I straddled him, and slipped my hand under the waistband of his trousers. 

Through the fabric of his underwear, I slowly stroked his hot erection. 

Ring: …!? N-No, Kate… not there… 

Kate: This is a training session, isn't it?

Ring: Haa… ggh…! 

…

[ Common Ending ]

His breathing grew increasingly ragged, his face flushed bright red. 

And yet,— 

Ring: … I can't. I must… endure… 

Ring endured it with sheer willpower. 

Kate: … Training complete! You did amazing, Ring. You were totally melted / in a state of “meromero”, and you still managed to hold yourself back! 

(Things got a little risky, but Ring didn’t give into his impulses…) 

(That means he successfully resisted the “meromero” feeling, right?) 

After straightening out my disheveled clothes, I reached out to pat his head as a reward. 

Ring: Haa…

In that instant, the haze in his eyes cleared and his gaze sharpened like a predator. 

Ring: — Sorry. I can’t take it anymore. 

The next thing I knew, I was pinned down onto the bed. 

Ring latched onto my breast, sucking and sinking his teeth into the soft flesh. 

Ring: Haa… K-Kate… 

Ring: Take responsibility… for putting me in this state… 

He devoured me with his desperate kisses — on my neck, chest, waist… everywhere. 

Kate: Nngh… haa… R-Ring… 

(Does this mean… he failed the training?) 

(But the way he wants me this badly makes me so happy…)

And so, I gave in to the desire overflowing from him, and the two of us melted into each other once again…

If life were a fairytale, then after the happy ending is —

"And they lived happily ever after."

But such things only exist in fiction.

Good and evil. Life and death. Love and hatred. Happiness and sorrow—

This balance lasts only for a fleeting moment before it falls apart, inevitably.

We both dozed off in the carriage and slept through the night. By the time dawn came, we finally arrived at the safehouse. 

(I can’t stop thinking about Ring’s response saying he’ll “put that on hold”…) 

(But we’re supposed to spend today like the world will end tomorrow, and I don’t want to do it with a heavy heart.) 

Putting the depressing feelings aside, I shared a simple breakfast with Ring. 

Just as we finished doing the dishes, Ring spoke, 

Ring: If today really were the last day before the end of the world… is there anything you’d regret not doing? 

Ring: As long as it’s within my ability, I’ll help you fulfil your wishes. Go ahead and tell me, don’t hold back. 

Kate: Hmm… I can’t quite think of anything immediately.

Ring: … Nothing at all? 

Kate: Yeah. I’m sure if I really gave it some thought, maybe I could think of something…

Kate: But if it’s something I absolutely have to do before the world ends, I can’t think of an answer right now. 

I’d always been the type to act on things I wanted to do as soon as I felt the urge to, so nothing specific came to mind as “unfinished”. 

(Yet I was the one who suggested we “do what we’d regret leaving undone”…) 

Kate: I feel like it’d be such a waste if my real last day on earth were to end with me worrying about what to do. 

Ring lowered his gaze and pondered for a moment before heaving a small sigh and relaxing his shoulders, smiling. 

Ring: Then let’s make sure it won’t end that way. Want to go for a walk together? 

Ring: We can look around the village and talk to the people. Maybe that’ll give you ideas. 

Kate: That’s a great idea! … Oh, but are you sure about this? Don’t you have things you’d regret not doing too…? 

Ring: On our last day on earth, the one thing I want to prioritise would be to fulfil your wishes. 

His eyes were clear and gentle like the surface of a calm lake, and it felt like it’d be rude of me to refuse him.

Kate: … Thank you, Ring. 

(Even if today were really our last day on earth, as long as I have Ring by my side, I’m sure I’d be satisfied enough to disappear without regrets.) 

— And so, in search of the one thing I might regret leaving undone, I went out for a walk with Ring. 

… 

The first thing that caught my eye was a small flower shop. 

Kate: Wow. Look, Ring. This flower arrangement looks lovely… 

Ring: Yeah, it does. The colours are different, yet they complement each other so well. 

Kate: They kind of make me feel… that I want to be surrounded by beautiful flowers when I die on my last day on earth. 

Kate: I also think it’d be much more special if they were flowers we grew together. 

Ring: … That sounds nice. I’d want to be surrounded by flowers we planted and nurtured together too. 

Kate: Then perhaps “growing flowers together” is one thing we’d regret not doing before the end of the world. 

Ring: Yeah. … It’s a pity we can’t fulfil that wish today. 

Kate: Why don’t we pick out some flowers we like and take them home for now? 

After buying flowers at the shop, we continued our walk. 

Kate: I’m glad we found such lovely flowers. 

Ring: Yeah. … Kate, watch out! 

Ring suddenly pulled me towards him. 

— A large dog dashed right past where I’d been standing just seconds ago. 

Kate: Whoa, that scared me…! 

Kate: The dog has a collar. Maybe it broke off its leash while on a walk…

Ring: It does look like it. Kate, can you hold onto this for a second?

Ring handed me the flowers and ran off. 

After a while, he returned with the dog, firmly gripping the dog's collar.

Ring: Good boy. Now calm down. 

Obeying Ring’s instruction, the dog that'd been sprinting wildly suddenly stopped. 

Then, a man came running up to us. He appeared to be the dog’s owner. 

Man: I-I am so incredibly sorry. I tripped, and he took the chance to bolt… 

Ring: Dogs are smart animals. Go easy on them and they’ll take advantage of you. 

Ring: He’s cute, but you should train him well for the sake of everyone’s safety. 

Owner: O-Of course. Thank you so much for your help, you’re a lifesaver! 

The dog’s owner bowed repeatedly at Ring before leaving with it. 

Ring: Come to think of it… when I was younger, I used to dream of riding on the back of a big dog with Nica. 

Ring: But we were stuck in Haus, so it was nothing more than a fantasy. 

Kate: Then does that make it something you’d regret leaving unfulfilled? 

Ring: If I were still a kid, maybe. If I tried that now, wouldn’t I crush the poor thing…?

Ring: But… yeah. I still love big dogs. 

Ring: Once I’m done with the things I need to do, and I’m ready to take responsibility for another being’s life… I’d like to have a dog of my own someday. 

…

As we continued our walk, we happened to run into Ada, who had looked after us before when we were living in the village. 

Ada: It’s been a while. Great to see you two are still as chummy as ever. 

Kate: Long time no see, Ada! 

Ring: How have you been? If there’s a broken shelf, leaking roof, anything at all… let me know, and I’ll fix it. 

Ada: Thank you. Nothing of the sort for now, but… we’re getting older. There’s no knowing when it’ll be time for us to say goodbye. 

Ring: Don’t… don’t say such things. I want you to stay healthy and energetic for a long time. 

Ada: At the very least… I hope to live long enough to see you two get married. 

Ring: …… 

Ada: And if I were to be greedy, I’d like to see your children too. I wonder when that will be? 

Kate: W-Well… 

Ring: J-Just make sure you live a long life! If you do, I’m sure everything will work out somehow! 

While we fumbled awkwardly for an answer… something came to my mind. 

I remembered the cameo necklace Ring once gifted me. 

It was a precious gift he gave as a symbol of his proposal. 

(Back then, I felt heartbroken because I thought my feelings never reached him…) 

Because of that, I couldn't bring myself to wear it, and so it was currently sitting on a shelf at the safehouse. 

(But—)

At night, we boarded the carriage Ring had prepared, and set off toward the safehouse where we used to live. 

We’d stop by that town from time to time on days we didn't have work, but we’d both been so busy lately that we hadn't been able to visit at all.

Ring: When I heard the world was ending… 

Ring: It was like everything went dark in front of me… because I was thinking — we’d only just met not very long ago, I finally have hopes and dreams because of that, and yet all of it was going to end… 

Ring: So on the last day, I wanted to spend it without leaving room for regrets, doing everything I haven’t done yet. 

Kate: And one of those things is spending time with me at the safehouse. 

Ring: Yeah. … Oh! That’s only what I wanted, though. If there’s anywhere else you’d rather go, we can go there instead. 

Ring: Sorry, it's my bad. I only thought about myself… 

Kate: It’s okay. The place I want to be most on my last day in this world is by your side, Ring. 

Ring: Ugh…! How are you this good at making me happy… 

His cheeks turned bright red as he clutched his chest, letting out a frustrated sigh. 

Ring: … Back then, I used to suspect you were a Cursed One whose ability makes people’s hearts race. 

Ring: Even though now I know you're not, I still sometimes doubt that. 

(He’s still thinking about that…) 

I knew he reacted so strongly to me because he wasn’t used to being around women, but it made me a little happy to also know that he’d been aware of me even before he fell in love. 

Kate: If I really were a Cursed One who can make your heart race, then that would make you one who warms people’s hearts… 

Kate: And one who makes my heart race too. 

Ring: Y-Your h-heart… races because of me too…? 

Kate: Always. Want to check it yourself? 

Ring: M-Maybe not right now… i-it’s embarrassing… 

Ring: Let’s stop this conversation here. At this rate, my heart will end before the world does. 

Ring: There’s still a long way to go before we arrive. You should get some rest. 

Ring gently supported my body to lay down on his lap. 

(… I remember I’ve fallen asleep on his lap like this before.) 

Feeling nostalgic, I had a sudden thought. 

Kate: Ring. About how we’ll spend our time at the safehouse…

Kate: Since we have the chance, why don’t we act like today’s really our last day in this world? And try everything we’d regret leaving undone.

Ring: Like simulation training… it's true that if we're prepared beforehand, we might be able to remain calm if ever the end of the world really comes. 

Ring: Got it. We’ll do it your way. 

Kate: …By the way, why did you choose that location for the safehouse? 

Ring: Mainly because it’s perfect for when you need to lay low. 

Ring: And… I thought it’d be nice to live in a quiet village surrounded by nature like that if I were born like everyone else, instead of a Cursed One. 

— I slowly closed my eyes and pictured it in my mind. A version of Ring living in that village, a life that he “could’ve had”. 

(… I’m sure he’d get along so well with the villagers, spending his days happily.) 

I found myself wanting to step into that imaginary life too. 

Kate: … Ring. 

Kate: If the world doesn’t end… and Cursed Ones and humans can live together harmoniously… 

Kate: When the day comes, will you live in that village with me? 

Kate: … Let’s stay together until the moment we say our final goodbyes forever. 

Ring: … 

My words made Ring instantly blush bright red.

But the colour drained from his face just as quickly. 

(… Huh?) 

Ring: L-Let’s put that on hold for now… y-your suggestion, I mean. 

Kate: …… Oh. Okay, I understand… 

The unexpected answer had me pausing for a moment before responding. 

(Put it on hold…) 

It wasn’t that I was being conceited, but I’d always felt how much Ring loved me — so why couldn’t he say the words “let’s live together someday”? 

I couldn’t bring myself to say anything else afterwards. 

Ring too, seemingly lost in his thoughts, said nothing. 

Surrounded by an uncomfortable silence, we continued our ride toward the village. 

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Even as word about the world ending spread amongst the people like wildfire, Crown continued its operations in the shadows as ordered by Her Majesty. 

And so when Liam and I stormed the hideout of a scam syndicate during one of our missions, what greeted us was — 

A small mountain. Made entirely of unconscious scammers. 

Liam: Whoa… they’re all out cold. 

Liam crouched down, poking at the cheeks of the unconscious men with visible amusement. 

Kate: H-How did this happen…? 

And then, from behind the pile of bodies, Ring casually popped his head out. 

Ring: Oh, you’re here. Kate and… Mr Sparkly Pink. 

Kate: Wah! You scared me… did you do this, Ring? 

(Vogel assisted with the investigations midway because there was a possibility of Cursed Ones being involved.) 

(It’s not strange that Ring would know the date of our mission or the location of this hideout, but…)

Liam: Why did you complete a mission for Crown, Ring? Could it be… you’re thinking of joining us? 

Ring: No, it’s not that. I came to pick Kate up, but I got here too early, so I decided to take care of the problem first. 

Kate: Pick me up…? Did we have plans for today? 

Ring calmly shook his head in response to my question. 

Ring: We don’t. It's just — the world’s ending tomorrow. 

Ring: I want to be with you on the day the world ends. 

Ring: That’s why I’m here.

Ring’s sincere gaze made my heart race, but… one thing he said etched in my mind. 

Kate: Umm… the world’s really ending? 

Ring: …… Huh? 

Ring: Wait. Don’t tell me… that whole thing about the world ending was lie…!?!? 

… 

After the mission, Ring was brought to the lounge, and upon being told that the “world is ending” thing was purely a false rumour… 

He turned bright red with embarrassment and shrunk into a corner of the room. 

Roger: You can tell it's false just by looking at Darius. He’s not the least bit panicky about this. 

Ring: B-But Dari grabbed my hand, hung his head, and told me… “make the most of whatever time you have left”! 

Ring: Nica too! He turned away and said, “don’t worry about me, go spend it with the Little Robin”…!

Alfons: Head lowered, face turned away — sounds like both of them were trying very hard not to laugh. 

Ring: Ggh… I got tricked again…! This is so embarrassing… 

Kate: It made me happy, though. You came straight to me when you heard this was the last day before the world ends, right? 

Ring: … Yeah.

Kate: The fact you chose to spend your final moments with me truly means a lot. 

Kate: So please don't stay hiding in a corner. Will you come out now? I want you next to me. 

When I took his hand and gave it a small tug, Ring hesitantly stood up and shuffled to my side. 

Alfons: So, Ring, how were you planning to spend your final day on earth with Kate after whisking her away?

Liam: OMG. Were you thinking of spending the whole day with Kate, doing— 

Ring: C-Cut it out! Fine if you want to have dirty ideas about me, but you’re not allowed to fantasise about Kate! 

Ring hid me protectively behind his back. 

Liam: “Dirty ideas”~? I haven’t specified anything yet, though?

Alfons: You gave yourself away with that. 

Ring: It’s really not like that, Kate! Mr Sparkly Pink and that perverted mirror guy set the mood with their inappropriate nonsense, and it got to me…! 

Ring: I-I thought about it only for a split second! I’m not always— um, not never, but not right now! I’m not thinking about that stuff right now! 

Roger: … Don’t tease the poor guy too much. Dogs aren’t meant to be bullied, you’re supposed to dote on them. 

(That’s rich coming from Roger, who messes with Ring PLENTY…) 

Liam: AWWWW, but now I’m curious how red his face can get! 

Liam was practically vibrating with curiosity. 

Ellis: … Since it's already come to this, why not the two of you spend the whole of tomorrow together? 

— Ellis threw Ring a lifeline with that. 

Ring: Huh!? But it turned out to be a lie… 

Ellis: Didn’t you finish all your pending work so you could spend the last day on earth with Kate? 

Ring: Y-Yeah… I mean… 

Ring nodded and turned to me. 

Ring: Although the “end of the world” was fake… will you still spend the day with me? 

Kate: Yes, of course. 

There wasn’t a single reason to refuse. 

And so, on the day Ring believed would be the last before the world ended… we spent the entire day together, just the two of us. 

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Jude: What a load o’ bullshit. 

Kate: What’s wrong? 

One night, during a dinner gathering held at the palace both for socialising and exchange of information— 

The moment I took my seat at the dining table, the sound of that irritated muttering reached my ears. 

Ellis: Ah. Look at this, Kate. 

Seated across from me, Ellis pointed down at the table. 

William: All major newspapers and magazines are putting this news on their covers. 

I lowered my gaze to the papers spread out on the polished surface. 

“X Day Approaches”

“The World Will End in X Days”

“What Will Cause The End of The World? Debate Intensifies.” 

Kate: The world is… ending? 

Liam: That’s the rumour going around these days. 

Alfons: It’s like a passing epidemic. People simply can’t stand the monotony of a neverending daily life.

Darius: That said, perhaps we can’t say for certain that it's 100% false. 

Kate: … What do you mean? 

Nica: Wouldn’t your “leader” over there know more about that? 

The members of Vogel, who had arrived late to the dining hall, cast pointed looks at Victor. 

Victor: … In some very old records of the Cursed, tucked away in the royal library, there was mention of a Cursed One who “prophesied the end of the world”.

Ring: I see. It sounded like a baseless rumour at first, but…

Elbert: If this information actually came from that Cursed One— 

Roger: Then we can’t exactly call it a lie anymore. 

Kate: T-That can’t be… 

Victor: — Just kidding! Did I scare you? 

Darius: Realistically speaking, chances of a Cursed One being involved in this are close to zero. Which means the credibility of the rumour is also zero. 

Darius: This is just another one of you humans’ pointless ways to kill time. 

William: … Indeed. The idea of everyone coming to a stop in three days is unrealistic. This rumour being spread around is likely an attempt to provoke the mindset “live like it's the end of the world tomorrow”. 

William: “Memento Mori” — a thought experiment humanity keeps coming back to. 

Victor: … That said! As an apology for scaring all of you, I’m going to perform a new magic trick I just learnt! 

Nica: Ugh, I’ll pass. I don’t want to see it. 

Victor: Come help me, Harry! 

Harry: Do it yourself, you old geezer. 

(“If the world were to end tomorrow”.) 

(If that were really true…)

(How would “we” spend our final day together—?) 

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【 PALACE GATES ; EVENING 】 

Yoshiteru: — Behold. 

Mai: ! 

Yoshiteru turned and gestured to me with one hand, presenting me to the crowd. 

(… Don’t shrink away. Don’t even flinch.) 

Even as thousands of eyes turned to look at me, I forced myself to stand tall.

Yoshiteru: Standing next to me is the famed Lucky Charm Princess. She was rescued from the war-torn Azuchi and brought to safety here in this Utopia. 

Murmuring rippled through the crowd. 

Citizen 1: For the Shogunate to rescue her from it… is Azuchi in such a bad state…? 

A voice was heard amongst the bustling. 

(No. I didn’t come here because I wanted to be “protected”.) 

The truth threatened to spill from my mouth. 

I clenched my fists tightly, forcing it back down. 

(If I go against the Shoguante, the situation will worsen tenfold for everyone in Azuchi.) 

The absolute trump card — the ability to change the past using wormholes — laid in their hands. 

(I can’t act on impulse.) 

The crowd settled down, and Yoshiteru addressed them once more.

Yoshiteru: … The princess grieves for the chaos of the world. 

His ethereal face glowed in the fading light of the setting sun, and the flickering torches. 

(Up till now, I never could tell what Yoshiteru’s thinking…) 

The shadows cast by the amber light only deepened the mystery in his expression. 

I could just feel the people holding their breathes, trying to move closer to his heart. 

(Their emotions are being swayed by his every word…) 

The Yoshiteru standing before the masses radiating with authority as Shogun, and the Yoshiteru who remains unreadable when among Rikyu and the others — which is the real him…?

Yoshiteru: If her face were to be tainted with even the faintest of sorrows, the fortune meant to bless this land will be cast into the shadows. 

Mai: …! 

A hand rested against my back, dragging my mind back to reality. 

(This is bad. Even I’m being captivated by Yoshiteru.) 

Yoshiteru: We — the Muromachi Shogunate — only wish for her gentle smile to return. 

His gaze was beautiful as he spoke, yet deep and unfathomable as a bottomless spring. 

Citizen 2: How divine… 

Citizen 3: Yoshiteru-sama is truly the only one we can depend on…! 

The voices in the crowd sounded as though the people were in a trance. 

(The members of the Shogunate are the very same ones who took my smile away.) 

And yet, unaware of the truth, the people looked to Yoshiteru full of hope. 

(These people are being deceived in some way too…) 

The people of Kyōto living in this so-called Utopia had no way of knowing that history was tampered with to create it. 

(No. They’re not the only ones. Almost every single person from this time period…)

I knew the truth, and yet had no way of bringing it to light.

(I made my choice to stay in the Sengoku period. I’ve done the best I could in my own way…)

But standing before an opponent as big as the Muromachi Shogunate, I was forced to realize how small and powerless I truly was. 

My mouth went dry. 

Yoshiteru: The luck that once belonged to the Oda now rests in the palm of my hand. 

Yoshiteru: What else would this be, if not a divine oracle? 

His voice wasn’t loud, but the dignified tone of his words was clear and unwavering. 

Silently, yet unmistakably, the crowd began to grow more passionate. 

(… I have a bad feeling about this.) 

I shouldn't listen to what comes next.

My instinct sent a chill down my spine as Yoshiteru lifted his head to stare straight ahead. 

Yoshiteru: — The time has come. 

Yoshiteru: A beautiful paradise where no one lives in suffering. We will spread this vision of an utopia from Kyōto to the rest of Japan. 

Yoshiteru: And to subdue the Oda forces who disturb the peace of this world, I hereby declare that I shall personally intervene in this domestic war. 

Mai: …!? 

(Subdue the Oda…!?) 

I stared at Yoshiteru in utter disbelief. 

Citizen 1: (Battle cry)

Citizen 2: Yoshiteru-sama! Our Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru-sama! 

Mai: ggh… 

The crowd roared, so loudly it was as thought it might rip through the sky. 

Citizen 3: Defeat the Oda!

Citizen 4: Crush the Oda and bring peace to Japan! 

Their cries begging for the downfall of the Oda rose like a massive wave crashing all the way up to the platform we stood on. 

(This is what the people of Kyōto truly want…)

The blood drained from my face. 

Right then and there, the people I treasured had become enemies of the Shogunate. 

(To spread this idea of an utopia all across Japan, the Muromachi Shogunate is serious about overthrowing Nobunaga and unifying the country themselves—) 

Rikyu: …

Mai: !

(Rikyu…!?)

When did he get in there?

In the middle of the wildly enthusiastic crowd, there he was. 

Rikyu: …… :) 

When our eyes met, he bared his teeth in a wide, delighted grin. 

(Is he saying something…?) 

I read his lips as he seemingly mouthed some words to me— 

(The… best…?) 

(… You must be kidding me, calling this situation “the best”.) 

(This man isn’t just twisted, he’s downright vile.) 

I forced down the anger boiling up inside me as I thought,

(Rikyu is a member of the shogunate, there’s no way he didn’t know exactly what would be said in the speech.) 

(He knew, and still dressed me up like this…) 

The feeling of his hands gathering and styling my hair came back to mind. 

(I don’t want to think of that right now.) 

Those hands were gentler than expected. 

Rikyu: … 

Still watching me from the crowd, Rikyu looked thoroughly satisfied. 

[ Flashback ] 

Rikyu: Has anyone told you how stupid you are? Life would be a hell lot easier if you just shut up and went with the flow.

Rikyu: Try telling yourself things like “things are already so bad, I have no choice but to obey”, or “it’s better to kill my pride and play nice”.

Rikyu: Honestly, it’d be way smarter to convince yourself that those are true, instead of fighting everything that comes at you like your life depends on it. 

Mai: … I don't agree with you.

Rikyu: … Ah?

Mai: No matter how hard, no matter how painful it is, I’ll resist.

Mai: Surrendering would be an insult to the people who care about me and believe in me.

[ Flashback End ] 

(I told Rikyu I’d resist with all my heart…) 

Citizen 5: We will follow you, Yoshiteru-sama!

Citizen 6: Please lead Japan into becoming an utopia! 

The voices of the crowd grew louder, reaching their peak. 

(What am I supposed to do now?) 

(Even if this “utopia” is nothing more than an illusion—)

(The Muromachi shogunate might eventually give form to that illusion.) 

A wave of dizziness hit me, causing my footing to stumble. 

It felt like I was being swallowed whole by an invisible vortex. 

And I was so small and weak, I could barely stand properly, let alone resist it. 

(… Yeah. This is how powerless I am.) 

My body threatened to give out, but I somehow managed to hold myself together out of sheer spite. 

Yoshiteru: … 

Yoshiteru was still addressing his people. 

But under the sky where darkness was slowly melting away the light of the setting sun… his words merely went in one ear and out of the other. Not a single one registered in my head. 

【 PALACE GATES ; NIGHT 】 

Hisahide: — Mai. 

(Ah…) 

A voice called out from below the platform, snapping me back to the present. 

Before I realised it, night had fallen, and it appeared that Yoshiteru’s speech had already ended. 

Yoshiteru: Come, Princess. 

He gestured for me to step down from the platform, but whether it was from the feeling of meaninglessness or something else, my body refused to move. 

(It’s like this body isn’t my own…) 

Yoshiteru: …

When Yoshiteru took my hand to guide me, the crowd whispered words of admiration amongst themselves. 

(… Even this kindness is only a part of his act.)

Yoshiteru: Hisahide. I leave the princess to you. 

Hisahide: Of course. — It seems the princess has been deeply moved by the hearts of the people who wish for peace in Japan. 

Hisahide stepped closer, supporting my body as I continued standing there in a daze.

Then he leaned in, whispering into my ear.

Hisahide: Get walking. The people are watching you. You’ve now become the symbol of utopia. 

Mai: … 

(A symbol… of utopia…) 

[ Flashback ]

Yoshiteru: I will make you the symbol of utopia. 

[ Flashback End ]

Yoshiteru’s words from the day we first met resurfaced in my mind.

(To the people gathered here, I’m the princess their shogun rescued from the war-torn Azuchi…)

The utopia was meant to be a place of refuge for the weak. 

Now, I've been presented to them as a living proof, a symbol of that. 

(… But I don’t care about that right now.) 

Too much had happened in the past few days. 

(I don’t want to think about anything anymore… I can’t.) 

My feelings had been brutally torn to shreds, my heart was left empty, and I didn’t even have any more tears to cry. 

【 PALACE GARDEN ; NIGHT 】 

Kanbei • Saizo: …… 

Supported by Hisahide, Mai followed behind Yoshiteru as they returned inside the palace.

Even after the gates closed, the crowd’s cheers for Yoshiteru didn't cease. 

Mai: … 

She was walking on her own, but Mai’s eyes remained vacant and unfocused. 

Kanbei: She looks like she might collapse any moment if it weren't for Hisahide holding her up.

Saizo: … Yeah. 

As he watched Mai disappear into the building, Saizo’s frowned with concern. 

Saizo: She really did care a lot about the Oda. I wonder if she’ll be okay… 

Kanbei: I suppose. It’d be best if she gives up on Nobunaga and the others sooner rather than later, and finds her own happiness outside the Oda. 

Saizo: Huh? Is that how it works…? 

Kanbei smiled and placed a hand on the confused Saizo’s back. 

Kanbei: That’s why we should make sure the Oda suffers a proper defeat. 

Kanbei: That way, that girl won’t have to worry about her former comrades ever again. 

Saizo: … 

Kanbei’s voice sounded gentle and almost soothing, but despite the smile on his face, there was something unsettling hidden beneath that facade. 

Saizo: … Kanbei-san, you tend to say scary things in a nice way, you know? 

Kanbei: Oh? 

Rikyu: — That’s not exactly news. 

Rikyu, who went to listen to Yoshiteru’s speech, cut in with an exasperated sigh. 

Saizo: Ah, Rikyu-san. Welcome back. 

Rikyu: Yo. 

Kanbei: If you’re looking for Mai, she’s already gone inside with Yoshiteru and the others. 

Rikyu: I figured. 

Kanbei: Still, I must say that I take offense to what you just said. 

Rikyu: Ah? Saizo said on the outside you act like a saint with a gentle voice, but underneath all that you’re rotten as hell. 

Rikyu: I’m with him on this one. 

Saizo: H-Hey! I didn’t didn’t go that far, okay…!? 

Rikyu: The meaning’s pretty much the same. 

Kanbei: Fufu. I simply want to dote on as many people as possible. 

Kanbei: That includes the two of you too, Rikyu and Saizo. 

Rikyu: Heh. 

Rikyu laughed like he always did, but this time, his reaction felt oddly distant and his words were fewer than usual. 

Saizo: Nope, nope, nope. A person like me doesn’t deserve to be doted on. If anything, I should apologise for even being alive. 

Saizo: Instead of doting on me, I think you’d be a hundred times better off feeding random starving stray cats and their kittens… 

Kanbei: There, there. Come here, Saizo. Let me pat your head. 

Saizo: Y-You’re not plotting something again…?

Kanbei: Fufu, who knows? 

Saizo: Ueeee… that “benevolent” smile looks too real…! I don’t know what to believe anymore! 

Kanbei chuckled at Saizo’s response, then shifted his gaze to Rikyu. 

Kanbei: So, Rikyu. Did her reaction satisfy you? 

Rikyu: Beyond satisfying. I had a front-row seat too. 

Saizo: … Yikes.

That fleeting look on Saizo’s face, like he’d just witnessed something he shouldn't have, didn’t escape Rikyu’s eyes. 

Rikyu: What’s with that look? 

Saizo: I-It’s nothing. I mean… like Hisahide-san said, you really do seem interested in her, Rikyu-san. 

Rikyu: Yeah, kind of. 

Rikyu: She’ll be drowning in despair after this. That means she’ll stay nice and quiet while the war’s going on. 

Saizo: … The war against the Oda’s really happening… ugh, I feel sick just thinking about it. 

Saizo held his head in his hands, and Kanbei gently pat his shoulder encouragingly. 

Kanbei: I’m looking forward to see what you’ll do. You’re the kind of kid who delivers when it matters. 

Saizo: I-I’m not…! I-I mean, of course I’ll do what I’m assigned, but— 

Kanbei: I’m counting on you too, Rikyu. 

Kanbei: As a member of the shogunate, you’ll need to continuously supply us with provisions and intelligence throughout the war. 

Rikyu: Hah, I don’t need you to tell me that. 

Saizo: … She’ll be staying here in Kyōto during the war, right? 

Saizo had a sudden thought. 

Kanbei: That’s right. Rikyu’s coming with us to the battlefield, so he and Mai will be apart. 

Kanbei: Will you miss her? 

Rikyu: … :0

Rikyu blinked, caught by surprise for a brief moment. 

But that look vanished just as quickly as it came, replaced by his usual bewitching smile. 

Rikyu: Why would I? 

Rikyu: People who’ve fallen into despair lose their spark and aren't fun to toy with anymore. 

Rikyu: The face on Mai I saw tonight was the absolute best. 

But despite his words, there was an uncharacteristic lack of vigour in his voice that not even Rikyu himself noticed. 

…

The morning after Yoshiteru’s speech— 

【 MAI’S ROOM, IMPERIAL PALACE 】 

I sat alone in the room prepared for me within the imperial palace, lost in my thoughts. 

(Even after coming back to my room last night, I couldn't fall asleep at all…) 

Still, perhaps exhaustion had caught up to me, I drifted off at some point and it was already morning by the time I woke up. 

(It wasn’t much, but I guess that little bit of sleep helped. My head feels clearer than it was yesterday.) 

I took a sip of the strong tea I brewed to chase away the lingering sleepiness, and lightly clapped my cheeks with both hands to pull myself together. 

(… What should I do now?) 

[ Flashback ] 

Yoshiteru: — The time has come.

Yoshiteru: A beautiful paradise where no one lives in suffering. We will spread this vision of an utopia from Kyōto to the rest of Japan.

Yoshiteru: And to subdue the Oda forces who disturb the peace of this world, I hereby declare that I shall personally intervene in this domestic war.

[ Flashback End ]

(Even if I were to go persuade Yoshiteru now, there’s no way I can stop this.) 

The Muromachi shogunate was moving to seize total control of the country. 

Now that their plan has been set in motion, it won’t stop until a definite winner emerges from the conflict with the Oda forces. 

(There’s nothing I can do.) 

I’d already had that fact shoved in my face over and over again yesterday. 

(……… Is that really true?) 

I took another sip of tea, calming my emotions and gathering my thoughts. 

(Is there really nothing else I can do?)

I thought about everyone struggling to suppress the unrest back in Azuchi. 

(Nobunaga and the others would never surrender, no matter the circumstances.) 

Although I had physically been captured by the shogunate, my heart remained with the Oda forces. 

The faces of everyone who sent me off the day I left for Kyōto surfaced in my mind. 

(They were all worried about me, and yet… they still respected my decision.) 

I wanted to live up to the faith they had in me. 

(As a member of the Oda forces, I must resist till the very end.) 

(If that’s my decision, then…!) 

I shot to my feet and left the room. The place I headed for was—

…

【 RIKYU’S ROOM 】 

Rikyu: — This is the first time you’ve come looking for me on your own accord. 

Though visibly surprised by my arrival, Rikyu let me into his room. 

Mai: I apologise for the sudden visit. 

Rikyu: So? What do you need from me?

Nica: — You can take the blindfold off now, Little Robin. 

Kate: O-Okay… 

I carefully slipped it off. 

Kate: Where is this place…? 

The walls of the room were covered with thick layers of newspaper clippings, memos, portraits, photographs — pieces of information pinned together like a large web. 

Nica: One of Vogel’s secret meeting spots. 

Nica: You never know who’s listening in on your conversations at the palace. 

Nica shrugged nonchalantly. 

Nica: Anyway… where do we start? 

Ring: Nica. Before we get into our current situation, can I first say something?

Nica: Hm? What is it? 

Nica: If it’s “the Little Robin and I are dating”, save it. That one’s obvious. 

Ring: I-It’s not that! Kate and I are just friends. 

(Ring looks… bothered.) 

(Does he hate the idea of being misunderstood as a couple that much…?) 

The pain of that rejection was sharp, like swallowing something small with spiked edges. 

Kate: H-He’s right, Nica! Us dating is out of the question! 

I quickly interjected before he could go any further. 

Ring: “Out of the question”… I see… 

Nica: … Wow. This turned out way more interesting than I expected. 

Nica: Oh well, I’ll have Ring explained all that to me later. What else do you want to talk about? 

Ring: I want to know what went through your head after we left Haus. 

Ring: Without knowing that… I don’t think I can move forward from this point. 

Nica: ……

While Nica remained silent, Ring spoke about their past and everything he felt back then. 

Ring: — I want you to answer me honestly. 

Ring: Did you stop smiling because I was a burden to you? 

Nica: That’s… 

Ring: You don’t need to hold back for my sake. I’m not a weakling who needs your protection anymore. 

Ring: No matter what you say you felt, I’ll accept it. 

Nica: … 

Nica propped his cheek against his hand, looking slightly irritated — like he didn't want to be asked that question, or he felt the timing was wrong. 

Nica: … I know. You used to be Darius’ perfectly loyal dog.

Nica: But the moment you chose on your own to run away and protect the Little Robin, I knew you weren’t weak. 

Nica: So let me make this clear. 

Nica: The reason I turned out like this has nothing to do with you. 

Ring: But…

Nica: You don’t have to be Harrison Gray to tell I’m not lying. You understand me, don't you, Ring?

Just like they did as children, they stared searchingly at each other. 

Ring: You… don’t look like you’re lying. 

Nica: So stop worrying about it. You don’t need to feel responsible for anything. 

Ring: I… I see. 

Despite Nica’s lighthearted attitude and smile, Ring’s lips remained pressed tightly together. 

Nica: Honestly, I don’t even get what you mean by “I stopped smiling”. 

Nica: I feel like I smile just fine. 

Nica lightly tapped a finger on his smiling lips. 

From where I stood, it indeed looked flawless—

Ring: …… 

(Ring still looks troubled.) 

His silence might’ve meant that wasn’t Nica’s “real smile”. 

But Nica simply shrugged it off like it wasn’t anything worth his concern. 

Nica: You don’t look convinced. We’re not kids anymore, you know? 

Nica: Of course we’re not going to smile and laugh the same way we did before. 

Nica: And seriously, being sensitive to every little facial expression I make then guilt-tripping yourself over them? That’s so depressing. 

Ring: D-Depressing… 

Nica: You’ve been around him long enough, Little Robin. You must've noticed what a depressed guy he is by now. 

Kate: That’s not… — I’ve never thought of Ring that way. 

Nica: Oh…? Still hiding your fangs and playing the good boy, huh? 

Ring: D-Don’t say anything weird! I can't have Kate hating me…! 

Nica shot me a sideways glance, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. 

Nica: Are you perhaps into depressed guys like him? No wonder you’re not falling for me. 

Ring: Wait a second… Nica… are you trying to seduce Kate!? I thought you just wanted to be friends!

Nica: Oh, come on. Asking a lady out is basic courtesy. 

Ring: That’s not a thing! Even I can tell that’s a lie! 

Nica: Wow~~ look at you. You’re a big boy now, Ring. 

Ring: And that thing you said about proposing to the person you kiss was a lie too…!

Nica: Wait. What? You seriously still believe that? 

(So that came from Nica too…) 

I stood there in silence as the brothers went back and forth. 

It wasn’t an actual fight, instead it felt like watching two large dogs playing rough with lots of barking but no real biting. 

The scene was kind of endearing somehow, bringing a smile to my face. 

Nica: Alright, now that the air’s gotten lighter, let's get back to business. You two know Riverford’s on the run, right? 

Ring turned serious the instant he heard that name. 

Ring: Yeah. We saw it in the papers and came back to London to track him down. 

Ring: Do you know anything about where Riverford is, Nica? 

Nica: Yeah… I know he’s been sending letters to Darius from whatever hole he’s hiding in, begging for help. 

Ring: … Why Darius? Does he secretly have connections with Riverford? 

Nica: Not directly. This time, it was Riverford who prepared his manpower and weapons himself. 

Nica: The two of them just happen to have the same goal — Crown. 

Nica: So he probably only reached out to Darius, thinking it was still better than nothing. 

Kate: … Will Darius actually help Riverford?

Nica: Hmm, I doubt it. 

Nica: Riverford’s already failed once, and lost all the power he had. 

Nica: There's no benefit to keeping him around. 

(To Darius, Riverford’s already “finished”…) 

Nica: Even if Darius does do something, it’ll only be fanning the flames a little and pushing the already cornered man to cause chaos. 

That’s still just as unsettling, but at least we now understand the current situation. 

Ring: I understand now. I’m going to directly ask Darius where Riverford is. 

Nica: … You serious? 

Ring: Wouldn’t posing as Darius’ messenger be the most reliable way to meet Riverford in person? 

Nica: Theoretically, yes, but… 

Ring: …

Nica held Ring’s serious gaze for a moment, before heaving a long sigh. 

Nica: … Sigh. Fine. I’ll go smooth talk Darius and arrange a meeting with Riverford. 

Ring: Are you sure? 

Nica: It's not like we have any better options. I don’t think you would be able to have a calm negotiation with him. 

Ring: Ugh… 

Nica: I’d rather not have you two at each other’s throats. Dari’s my winning horse, and you're a fine sword. 

Nica: Both of you are my key to money and power. 

Ring: … Thanks, Nica. 

Nica: Instead of thanking me, you and the Little Robin should get to work too. 

…

After parting ways with Nica, Ring and I walked along the bank of the river Thames. 

Ring: Still, “get Crown’s support”… 

I thought back to Nica’s words from earlier on. 

[ Flashback ]

Nica: I need you two to get Crown’s support. 

Ring: … What do you mean? 

Nica: You saw what was in the news, right? The Queen’s imposed large scale restrictions on transport to capture Riverford. 

Nica: Riverford’s on high alert right now, arranging a meeting with him the normal way and he’ll just send a stand-in. 

Nica: But if you tell him “we can loosen up the restrictions and help you flee the country”— 

Ring: — Riverford himself will show up. 

Nica: Exactly. To pull that off, you’ll need the Queen on your side. 

Nica: That’s why I want you two to get Crown onboard. 

Ring: … Got it. We’ll go to Crown’s castle and talk to them. 

Nica: I don’t think it’s going to be easy, but go ahead and give it a try. 

Ring: Why not? 

Nica: The two of you have been missing for quite some time. 

Nica: Within Crown, you and the Little Robin are basically considered to be dead. 

Nica: Now here’s where the problem starts. Crown was secretly searching for the Little Robin, but…

Nica: Word got out to the Privy Council that “Crown’s very precious and valuable Fairytale Keeper has gone missing”. 

Nica: Afterwards, a bunch of imposters started showing up and claiming to be you.

Kate: I-Imposters…!? 

Nica: Probably the Privy Council trying to plant someone within Crown for their own benefit. 

Nica: Now, anyone who shows up at Crown’s gates claiming to be Kate gets turned away. 

Nica: So the first and most important thing you need to do is prove you’re the real deal. 

[ Flashback End ]

Ring: … I was thinking just seeing your face should be enough proof that it's really you. 

Ring: From what Nica said, there’s a chance we’ll be turned away before we can even make it through the castle’s gates. 

Kate: Right… we need a way to prove I’m really me. 

From the start — Crown and I belonged to entirely different worlds. 

That was why, once our connection was severed, I no longer knew how to reach them. 

And if we did manage to make contact, whether or not they’d agree to work together with us was another matter altogether. 

(Crown has their own way of meting out punishment to those who sin.) 

(If they learn that we’ve already tracked down Riverford — they might want to deal with him themselves.) 

As long as Riverford was arrested, it shouldn't matter what the method used was… but it does matter. 

(We’ve come this far. I want to see this through with Ring.) 

(If only I could convey this to Crown…) 

Ring: Kate… I have an idea. 

Ring: What do you think about sending a letter to Crown? 

Kate: A letter…? 

Ring: Yeah. It won’t be easy to meet them face-to-face and explain everything that’s happened.

Ring: Especially when… I’m bad with words. 

Ring: But if it's a letter, I feel you can put all your thoughts into words even better. 

It felt like a beam of light had cut through the darkness, lighting up the path ahead. 

Kate: That’s RIGHT! That might actually make everyone at Crown believe me…! 

Kate: I’ll write it as soon as we get back to my place!

We planned to stay at the apartment I used to live in while we were in London. 

Ring: Y-Yeah… let’s do that.