𓊆ྀིMrs. Jazzaྀི𓊇

Even after holing up in the basement from morning until night, I couldn't find the kind of information Nica was looking for.

The only information related to him was the record concerning the previous white swan and black swan curses.

The two individuals who bore the white swan and black swan curses were twins, just like Nica and his brother.

The black swan met a fateful end at a young age, while the white swan reportedly lived a long life before passing away from old age.

It seems the black swan's death was triggered by a quarrel with their lover. However, records indicate that the black swan had harbored a deep resentment toward the white swan.

They would frequently tell their lover that the white swan was the source of their misfortunes — a grievance they simply could not forgive.

(Ring cares deeply for Nica, so I guess it’ll be okay….)

Still, the thought of how he might react if he learned that the misfortunes befalling them were caused by Nica’s curse is too painful to even imagine.

(I’m sure they’ll both be fine.)

I was trying to convince myself they wouldn’t meet the same fate as the twins of the past.

But ultimately, there’s no record of a cursed person dragging another into their own fate.

Despite not all records having been preserved, Nica was trying to do something unprecedented.

In other words, we have no way of knowing right now whether it will actually work out.

Kate: To think all I can do is hope...

(What was the point of shutting myself up in the basement and poring over those records?)

Dejected, I slumped onto my desk and accidentally pressed a typewriter key with my forehead. Quickly, I looked up.

Checking a hand mirror, I saw a round mark left on my forehead.

(...If I keep moping like this, my forehead is going to end up covered in key marks.)

Giving my cheeks a sharp slap, I spoke aloud to snap myself out of it.

Kate: For now, let's just be grateful for what I've managed to learn.

Even though I didn't get the specific information I wanted, I did manage to learn about the curse of black swan and white swan from the past.

(Perhaps this will lead to something else and help me get the information I need.)

I began typing to organize what I had learned so far.

Roger had given me permission to share the information about the curse of the white swan and black swan with Nica.

I didn’t want to reveal the true nature of Nica’s curse, but Roger seemed to more or less have guessed it anyway.

And he evidently decided that disclosing it wouldn’t bring any harm to Crown.

However, I couldn't simply hand over the raw documents, so I ended up compiling the information myself…..

(Roger seemed to have thoughts on the matter too….)

I don’t know how much of the true situation Roger witnessed when he visited Haus as a child.

Yet, he clearly felt something regarding the twins who were born and raised there.

Reasoning that it would be acceptable to share at least this much, he helped me search for any other documents containing information on the white swan and the black swan.

[Transitions to Kate’s Room]

Kate: Done….

I gathered the completed report pages together and punched holes along the left edge.

(It’s a bit childlike, but I suppose this will do?)

I threaded a pale emerald-green ribbon through the holes and tied it into a neat bow, pulling it tight.

(Well, Nica probably won’t mind how I organize them.)

Deciding it looked fine, I rose from my seat.

Kate: Oh.

At that moment, I remembered something, opened my notebook, and picked up the four-leaf clover I had tucked between the last page.

(I should move this to a fresh sheet of paper.)

Wanting to preserve this symbol of good luck like a pressed flower, I placed the clover between two sheets of paper and set it beneath the novel lying on my desk.

Kate: Time to go see Nica.

I arrived at Nica’s room with the report in hand, but unfortunately, he wasn't there.

(Door’s locked too….Given the nature of the contents, leaving it behind would be careless.)

(I'll just hold onto it until I can hand it to him directly.)

I turned on my heel and headed back the way I came.

As I walked, Nica was the only thing on my mind.

(Come to think of it, Nica’s room doesn’t get much sunlight.)

A room where one couldn’t even sense the sunlight during the day.

(I wonder if his place in Germany is like this, too.)

He had said he disliked bright light and considering Haus, I felt I could finally understand why.

(It must have been pitch-black.)

In a place so dark that you couldn't even see the light outside, he longed for voyages and dreamt of the seas he had never seen.

I imagine that the traces of a childhood spent like that still linger within him.

Lost in thought about Nica as I walked, I found myself back in the garden before I knew it.

(It started out the way it did, yet I never imagined I’d come to love him this much.)

Stopping, I looked up to see a vast, brilliant blue sky.

[Series of Flashbacks with Narrative]

Nica: Heh….what a cute expression.

It started with him making me blush with sweet words.

Nica: You know, you shouldn’t fall asleep so defensively around a guy, Spatzi.

Nica: Isn’t that basically saying that you don’t mind what happens to you?

He teased and laughed at me.

Nica: To think you’d believe such an obvious lie… you really are stupid.

Even after realizing I’d been played...

Nica: …You can laugh and call me a fool. And it’s okay to blame me too.

...I still couldn't stop loving him.

[Flashbacks End]

Despite being hurt and toyed with by Nica, I still loved him.

(But part of the reason my feelings won’t fade is because of Nica’s attitude.)

No matter what he said, he never truly pushed me away.

If he didn’t want me to like him, he would have told Crown about that incident without hesitation and put some distance between us.

But Nica didn’t do that.

(Though I can’t deny the theory that he still sees me as a toy he can use…)

Kate: If Crown were to set me free.…would that mean I’d never see Nica again?

If I were allowed to, I would want to stay by Nica’s side.

If I can help him find happiness by drawing Ring into his fate, then I don’t mind if my wish doesn’t come true.

It isn't because an ability has been used on me. It’s something I truly desire from the bottom of my heart.

And yet…I don’t think it’ll come to pass.

Kate: Haaa…..

Crouching down in front of the fountain I gaze at the sparkling surface of the water.

(Come to think of it, there was a similar passage in the sea voyage book I found in Nica’s room.)

Recalling the description of the twins who were captivated by the glittering sea, I clutch my head again.

(I’m thinking about Nica again…!)

Just as I was thinking it felt as though I was under the effect of his ability when I really wasn’t, I spotted a group of parliamentarians walking by whose meeting session must’ve just ended.

議員 - Member of parliament is used here. They are not the same as privy counsellors. I used MP for short though this may vary on official EN translation.

Bespectacled MP: By the by, regarding that murder case in town the other day…it seems everyone involved was German.

Recognizing the matter, I lent an ear to the conversation.

The parliamentarians continue their conversation, mildly exasperated.

Burly MP: Ah, are you talking about the speculation that a key figure from Germany is pulling the strings behind the scenes?

Kate: !

Lanky MP: Exactly. I mean, there are hardly any German immigrants here, are there?

Lanky MP: And yet, ever since those dignitaries arrived, it seems crimes committed by German immigrants have been on the rise in various areas.

Bespectacled MP: Given the increase in the immigrant population, it wouldn't be unreasonable to suspect some sort of connection.

(I had no idea things like that were happening...)

It’s true. The recent incident involving Nica had been the work of Monica and the other Germans.

(The mastermind funding them may have a far greater objective than killing Nica.)

After recalling Nica’s hypothesis and then hearing this conversation, I felt that the rise in crimes by immigrants seemed to lend it credence.

(What exactly are they planning to do in England?)

Realizing I won't find an answer just by thinking about it, I stand up as the members of parliament leave.

(They probably already know, but I should let them know anyway.)

(I’ll have Ring pass the message on to Nica!)

(Actually, wouldn't it be faster to just tell Nica directly?)

Worried that a clumsy explanation might accidentally reveal Nica’s secrets to Ring, I decided to tell Nica myself.

No matter who I ultimately tell, Nica is the one who needs to be most on guard regarding this matter.

(Something similar to what happened to Monica and the others might happen again.)

Believing he ought to know since he had already been targeted once, I turned around.

(I'll go find Nica right away.)

Just as I was about to leave the spot...

I heard the sound of something breaking behind me and turned around.

Kate: Hm?

Suddenly, the fountain started malfunctioning and a massive amount of water came surging towards me.

Kate: Kyaah!??

[Enters into a Neu. POV]

While Kate was getting soaked to the bone, a Vogel meeting was taking place somewhere in London….

Darius: Well then, let's call it a day.

Nica immediately stood up, intending to return to the palace, but Darius stopped him.

Darius: Oh, Nica. Stay behind, there’s something I need to discuss with you.

Nica: Finnneee.

He returned to his seat with a smile, making no effort to hide the fact that he found the whole thing a massive hassle.

Darius didn't reprimand him for it.

Ring then left the room, leaving the two alone.

Darius: How’s your injury from the other day?

Nica: Completely healed, thankfully. Roger Barel’s treatment was spot-on.

Darius: It really is wonderful having a cursed doctor treat you. I wish he'd come work for us already.

Nica: Didn't you say you were going to have that Cursed person you scouted get a medical license? Whatever happened with that?

Darius: Hmm, it looks like that's going to take a while. That's why I want someone who's already fully qualified.

The two of them looked at each other and smiled.

Nica knew full well that this wasn't the reason Darius had asked him to stay.

Nica: So, what’s this really about?

Darius continued speaking, his smile never wavering.

Darius: You're smart enough to know what I'm getting at, don’t you?

Nica: It’s about the spatzi then…..

Nica averted his gaze, wearing a guilty expression.

Darius: Don’t worry. I’m not angry.

Darius: But, as I'm sure you realize, family comes first.

Darius: If your infatuation with her were to disrupt my plans, though... I might have to reconsider things.

Nica: I wouldn't get in your way, Dari. Besides, I'm not exactly infatuated with her.

Darius: But you're only cooperating because siding with me means backing the winning horse... right?

Nica remained silent.

Darius: I’m not criticizing you. In fact, that demeanor is what suits you best, Nica.

Darius: Family or not, if there's no mutual benefit, you'd switch sides in a heartbeat... It's better for you to be heartless.

Darius: That’s precisely what makes Ring’s loyalty shine so brightly, after all.

Darius opened a tin of snacks, picked out a few biscuits, and popped them into his mouth.

He wasn't being careful about how he ate, though. He let the crumbs fall to the floor without a second thought.

Darius: You know this already, I'm sure, but I absolutely adore the Cursed.

Darius: So, as long as you don't interfere with my plans, I don't mind if you want her for yourself.

Darius: I could even arrange for you to keep her as a pet. I'll have a custom cage prepared and everything.

Nica: You’re joking, right?

Darius: Well, keeping a robin requires a birdcage and a contract, doesn't it?

Darius: And perhaps I’ll prepare a collar too, so everyone knows she belongs to you?

Nica retorted without changing his expression while Darius continued to eat his biscuits.

Nica: You don’t need to go that far, Dari. I’m not going anywhere.

Nica: Even if I were to get my hands on her, nothing would really change.

A sharp gaze fixed upon Nica.

Darius: It would change things for you, at least.

Darius: She’s become someone important to you, Nica.

Darius stopped eating and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

Darius: She might be even more troublesome than Ring. After all, Miss Fairytale Keeper is nothing more than a human.

Darius: A single little poke would probably kill her.

Nica: ….Dari.

Darius smiled brightly in response to Nica’s skeptical gaze.

Darius: Don’t worry, I won’t do anything.

Darius: As long you work properly….yes?

[Transitions to Palace Corridor - MC’s POV]

(I can’t believe that happened….)

Soaking wet, I was walking along the outer corridor of the palace.

The fountain suddenly started acting up, unleashing a torrent upon me with such force that it could only be described as a water torture.

I managed to protect the report, at least, but I was left completely drenched.

A gardener rushed over immediately, realized the fountain was malfunctioning, and shut off the water, but...

(Could this possibly be related to the white swan's curse...?)

That was the only explanation that made sense to me as I walked along, dripping wet.

Nica: Huh….?

I stopped at the end of the corridor, and our eyes met as he stood there looking at me with, surprised.

Kate: Nica!

[Master List] [Chapter 19 Premium] [Chapter 20]

——Nica's POV——

[BLACK]

The moment a rotten fruit had fell upon Kate's shoulder, I knew she had gotten too close.

[LONDON - BEACH SHORE - NIGHT]

(Ahh…tell me this isn't real.)

As I stared out into the quiet sea, I thought back on the stroke of bad luck that had fell upon Kate some hours ago.

When I had laid my eyes on her and that unexpected bad luck—

I had realized my true feelings, to which I held my head.

(See, this is why I didn't want add anything more dear to me…)

"Bad luck will follow those loved by the one who bears the White Swan's Curse."

(Ring had always been hit by bad luck— as he's the one I'm most close to.)

Before I knew the nature of my Curse, I had thought Ring was simply not lucky,

but I had since learned that in reality, I was stealing his luck away from him,

and in part to hide my Curse, I had gradually put more distance between us.

(Still, even if she's normally not the most lucky, it could still get pretty bad for her.)

Unlike Ring, Kate was a normal girl.

Even if she wasn't Cursed, it wasn't like she had received any special training.

She was a fragile girl who may as well have gotten injured at the slightest of shocks.

(That said, she's got a strong will on her.)

But that was more so a testament to her character than it was her physical strength.

Even if Ring could laugh his bad luck off, for Kate it probably wouldn't have been that casual.

(Like what would you have done if you had gotten hurt back there?)

There was a chance she would end up caught in a messy situation, or end up receiving serious trauma…things one could hardly laugh at could happen constantly, and yet—

Nica: …There's no way the likes of me can make you happy.

No matter how much affection she hit me with, I was nothing but a Cursed one who would only give Kate bad luck;

Cursed by the White Swan with the sin of narcissism, fated to be the only one who would find happiness…

The lowest of the low.

Nica: How did things turn out like this?

Since when did Kate get so close to me?

Was it since the day we first met? During the time I had been playing her? Or around the time she learned of my true nature and had been made a toy?

They all felt like the right answers; I couldn't believe myself.

(I wouldn't have even reached out to her if I didn't have some interest.)

She was a civilian in Crown, someone not in any document on them, with a special role called fairytale keeper.

I had gotten close to her to use her for information,

but now that I thought back on it, it would be more accurate to say I had done so for my own intelligence work than for fishing out Crown's secrets.

(She's a civilian who won't be in Crown for more than a month. There's no way she could tell even if she wanted.)

But I had tried to get information through Kate.

And since I had taken an interest in that pure, innocent robin in the den of evil,

I had ended up wringing my own neck instead.

Nica: …You're not too much better, though, Spatzi, are you?

(You should've snitched on me to Crown as soon as you could after telling me I'm the worst.)

If you had done that, you wouldn't have been made a plaything; you could just be a poor girl who got played by a frivolous guy…

(Well, I know you don't have the heart for that, so here we are.)

The documents Kate had snatched were nothing major,

but it was hard to believe that those documents were the only ones in the office.

(Chances are high that shrewd Queen's Aide left only those there on purpose.)

He had probably saw our movements and left only things that would be no problem if we knew.

That was more than likely the case.

It looked like she had always been scared of getting killed by Crown,

but looking from the side, it seemed she was quite well-liked, so I figured that wouldn't happen.

(At worst she'd either be bound to another month's work as fairytale keeper, or she'd be forbidden from making contact with us.)

Though I had purposely used words to rile up her anxiety, I also knew it wasn't really such a big deal.

(But then I just had to go and make her my plaything…)

Letting out a deep sigh, I crossed my arms while thinking of what to do.

I felt responsible for her.

Her, who struck me with her blindingly honest feelings,

who I had grown fond of, who at some point I had let in…I had brought this on myself.

(To think I'm a frivolous man who plays with love to no end, huh.)

Nica: Go fall in love with some other guy, you stupid robin.

I drew a line in the sand.

It was obvious a normal, good man was better for someone honest like her, who was loved by many.

Nica: So why did you fall for the likes of me of all people?

I talked to myself as I let out a dry laugh.

[BLACK]

(…I have to do something.)

So that no more bad luck befalls on her, so that she doesn't exert herself any more for my sake—

I couldn't let her go through the same things [1] as Ring had.

[LONDON - VOGEL MEETING ROOM]

That was why Dari's words were all the more convenient to me.

Nica: As for the three who tried to kill me, Mark Hoffman was their guardian.

Darius: One of the researchers at Haus, it seems. I'd guess he took some subjects with him after it closed down and continued his experiments.

Darius: And the one who dished out those orders was exactly as you guessed, Nica— Johannes Wolfgang.

Dari gave a bright smile, spreading out a map and pointing at Europe.

Darius: It seems Wolfgang is somewhere in Europe. His family back in Germany is searching for him now.

Darius: But said search's slow at best. They haven't reached any leads.

Darius: I figured you'd be able to pin him down faster, but…well, I guess it can't be helped.

Dari made a sad look, but that was when a certain idea occurred to me.

(This might be my chance.)

I could get away from this country— and disappear from the Spatzi with this.

(The next time she gets hit with a stroke of bad luck…I'll return to Germany and join the search for Wolfgang.)

I couldn't swear any eternal love or a happy future to her.

But, I couldn't help but want her, the one and only person in my life who had fallen in love with me for who I really was, to find happiness.

And to do that, there was one thing I could do.

[BLACK]

—I would let go of your hand.

t. b. c ⸝⸝

masterlist 🍒 ┊ ko-fi ☕️ ┊ comms 🤍

────────୨ৎ────────

NOTES:

[1] Nica uses the word [〜の二の舞] (—no ni no mai), which means "a repeat of something" but with the added connotation that what that "something" is was a mistake or something he holds more regretful feelings toward…in this case, he seems to be implying those feelings toward Ring.

────────୨ৎ────────

It’s something I heard someone once say.

That infatuation seeks the happiness of one’s self, while genuine love seeks the happiness of the other person.

When the two come together, it creates a give-and-take dynamic, and a relationship begins in which both partners can find happiness. Not just the one.

(So where does that leave me….?)

If I could say that it is 100% love, then maybe I would be considered a truly virtuous person.

But unfortunately, once you’ve fallen for someone, it’s impossible to completely shake off those selfish desires.

Because even the slightest word or action makes me hope, makes my feelings grow, and leads me to imagine a happy future together.

So I’m pretty sure the feelings I have for Nica right now contain a little bit of infatuation, and a vast amount of love.

[Kate’s Bedroom]

(Okay.)

Standing in front of the full-length mirror, I inspected my appearance and pulled my white cloth gloves snugly up my hands.

(You better brace yourself, Nica Schwartz!)

After gloving my hands to prevent Nica from using his powers on me if I ran into him, I confidently left my room.

[Transitions to Roger’s Lab]

Roger: This and this…..Oh, and this one too.

Surprised by the pile of documents being plopped down on the desk one after another, I tied my hair up.

Roger: You’re really fired up about this, huh?

Kate: Sure am, thanks for helping me out.

I picked up a document resting on top and turned a page.

The entire stack was a compilation of information related to curses.

[Flashback]

I want Nica to genuinely smile.

After leaving his room yesterday, I went straight to see Roger.

Kate: I’d like to see information regarding curses.

Roger seemed to grasp my intentions, so he replied with a smile.

Roger: First, you need to have a proper rest.

[Flash back Ends]

Doing exactly as he said, I rested well and then came here first thing this morning.

(Right, let’s get started!)

Roger brought over a chair, sat across from me, picked up some of the material and started flipping through the pages.

Kate: Are you doing research too, Roger?

Roger: Yeah. I’ve read everything here, but I thought I mind find something new if I reviewed it again.

Following suit, I carefully examined each of the pages.

The Interrelationship Between Curses, Impulses Driven by Sin, Fated Ends……

With every turn of the page, the lives of the cursed and their tragic ends unfolded before me.

(Killing a loved one and then taking one’s life, being killed under false accusation, being deified and then sacrificed….)

My heart ached at the accounts of such tragic endings, and I paused.

Kate: …Why do curses exist?

Thanks to Roger’s keen sense of hearing, my small murmur wasn’t didn’t go unnoticed…..

Roger: Dunno. I can’t say what the causality is behind it, but one thing is certain. Curses do exist in this world.

Roger: It could be the word ‘curse’ came about because of the curses in fairy tales.

Roger: And there’s a good chance that some of the people killed during the witch hunts in the Middle Ages were actually cursed.

Roger tapped his finger against a paper I was looking at.

There, it detailed a cursed fate: To lose one’s life by fire.

Kate: The curse doesn't have a definitive name, but since it frequently afflicted women, it's highly likely it was referred to as the Witches Curse….

Roger: Fairy tales are born from curses, right? That’s why many of them don’t have specific names.

Roger: It’s not uncommon to find descriptions that clearly stem from the same idea, even if the names differ from one record to the next.

Roger pulled a stack of papers from the pile and spread them out on the desk.

They all contained similar information.

Roger: There’s heaps of accounts like this about the cursed.

(I see... this is going to be a lot of work.)

Just as I was thinking about how exhausted I’d be by the time I finished analyzing everything, Roger’s eyebrows twitched.

Roger: Here comes trouble……

Kate: Huh…?

The next moment, the door to the basement blew wide open.

Victor: TADAAAA!! The ULTIMATE duo, William and Victor, have come to help!

William: If it’s not too much trouble, could you spare us a moment?

Though startled by their sudden arrival, Roger seemed to have sensed them coming and sighed.

Roger: So what brings the ultimate duo here?

Victor: We thought you might be interested in these records about the cursed.

With a grin of satisfaction, Victor placed a thick stack of parchment and several old scrolls onto the table.

Roger’s eyes widened.

Roger: These are….

Victor: The other day, while cleaning out the palace archives, I actually stumbled upon a hidden safe.

Victor: And that’s when I found these cursed documents written centuries ago!!

Kate: What?!

Roger: Oy, oy, are you serious?

The moment Roger unfolded the scroll, a sharp, musty smell hit my nose.

William: I never imagined there would be a records related to the cursed hidden in the palace.

Victor: Yes, I even leapt for joy.

Victor: I thought of asking for William’s assistance with deciphering it.

Victor: But it seems you both are already up to something interesting!

Victor: So I figured it would be more fun if we all worked on deciphering it together... and I went ahead and brought it along! ★

William: So that’s what brings us here. Do you mind if we join you?

Kate: Of course not! Uh, Roger….?

Roger: To think there was someone afflicted with the same curse back then just like today……

Roger could have been referring to his own curse, but I kept it generic because I couldn't tell 100%

Victor: Seems like he can’t hear us anymore.

The two of them shrugged as they watched Roger muttering to himself while staring intently at the documents.

With Victor and William taking their seats, the four of us were now gathered around the table.

Victor: All right, let’s get started!

The time I had set aside to deepen my understanding of curses turned into time spent deciphering the new documents.

(Hmm…)

About three hours had passed since I began the unraveling work.

(There’s a lot of overlap between these and what Roger gave me.)

It’s the same kind of information over and over. I can’t find anything new.

Victor: Did you find anything new?

Roger: There are a few things that caught my eye, but content’s mostly similar to what I already have. What about you, Kate?

Kate: Nothing in particular for me either….

William stopped flipping through pages.

William: I suppose that’s because there were fewer people who understood the cursed back then as there are now.

William: Humans are creatures that reject beings different from themselves. I suppose there were few people who would have stood up for them.

William tapped the parchment with his finger. It depicted a man impaled by multiple swords.

(“This man was feared for his supernatural powers. He was framed and executed….”)

It was a horrific picture, with the people gleefully looking around the lifeless man.

Every record detailing the fates of those who appeared to be cursed were tragic.

Just as sorrow started to sink in I noticed a passage about a pair of cursed twins.

“Depending on the region, twins might be reviled as abominations or revered as divine figures.

However, it is highly likely that most of the twins referred to as demons possessed supernatural powers.

Yet, they never shared the exact same ability; no matter how alike they were, distinct powers would manifest in each.

Their ends too shall come in different ways.”

My heart aches when I think of Nica.

(Is there no precedent for bringing another cursed person into one's own fate?)

But no matter how much I scoured the documents, I couldn't find the information I was looking for anywhere.

(“No one can escape their fate…”)

A breath escaped me as I felt the weight of that written sentence bear down on me.

Then, William looked up from a record and spoke up as if something occurred to him.

William: Come to think of it, the final day of your being fairytale keeper is almost here.

His words make me start.

(That’s right, it’s almost a month…)

I have only a few days left as a fairytale keeper. Once that’s over, I’m set to return to my old life.

(I don’t know if can return though….)

[Flashback Narrative]

After Nica used his ability on me, I stole confidential information from Victor’s office.

Even though they were reports written by myself, and even though Nica was already aware of its contents…..

Stealing them is unforgivable.

[Flashback Narrative Ends]

Roger: Ya know, you might be better off not knowing too much.

Kate: What?

Roger keeps his eyes pasted on the parchment while speaking.

Roger: You might find yourself unable to go back.

I offer a wry smile, acknowledging the truth of his words.

Kate: Either way, I can’t exactly go home with a clear conscience if things stayed the way they are…..

(Not just because he’s got dirt on me, but I can’t leave Nica behind and go back to my old life like this.)

(Now that I know the truth, I want to help…because I’ve fallen for Nica.)

Roger said nothing more, and so I turned my attention back to the records.

Believing that somewhere out there, a tiny shred of hope lies waiting to make Nica’s wish come true.

[Transitions to the Forest on Castle Grounds]

(There was nothing written about it at all….)

Victor returned to work, William went on a mission, and Roger is still glued to his documents.

As for me, I was beginning to feel despondent after page upon page yielded no promising information. So I decided to step out for some fresh air and took a walk through the forest connecting Crown Castle to the palace.

As I strolled along, breathing the fresh air deeply in and out, I spotted Nica in the distance.

Kate: Oh…!

I took a step forward, intending to call out to him, but stopped short as I remembered what had happened the other day.

(I want to speak to Nica, but he may not want to speak to me….)

Just as I was hesitating, something suddenly landed on my shoulder.

Kate: Eek!!

Nica: Spatzi?

Some kind of wet splat hit my shoulder, and I let out scream.

Noticing me, Nica came rushing over in a panic.

Nica: What happened, are you okay?

I tentatively touched my left shoulder and found a squashed piece of fruit...

Kate: Ugh, and it was a brand new blouse too….

Nica: Geez, that's the worst. I'd hate it if my new clothes got stained like that.

Nica: And that purple color doesn’t look like it’ll come out will it? My condolences spatzi, I really do feel for you.

Nica wiped the stain with a handkerchief, but it didn’t come completely off.

Nica: You should probably go change soon.

His tone was a bit blunt, but his hands were gentle as he tried to dab away the stain.

Nica: It’s a shame about your new clothes.

Kate: ….Actually, I think it’s rather lucky.

Noticing the handkerchief staining purple, I gently moved his hand away from my shoulder.

His brows furrowed with puzzlement as I lifted my arms.

Kate: I bought my usual size, but it's so tight around the shoulders that I can't lift them any higher.

Kate: I wore it anyway because it seemed like such a waste... but maybe this is a sign from above telling me never to wear it again!?

As I shifted the angle to show him how my arms wouldn't go up, Nica burst out laughing.

Nica: Hahaha! It really is tight. That’s definitely the size for a child.

With his brows lifted and a laugh that made him look like a little boy, he held a genuine, unfeigned expression.

Captivated by that smile, my heart began to pound loudly.

(Oh, I really do love you…..)

No matter how much he teases me or toys with me, whenever I sense his undeniable kindness and see his genuine smile, I’m convinced that I love Nica.

Nica: Here, I’ll give this to poor little you.

Kate: Oh, a four-leaf clover! Where did you find it?

Nica: It was growing over there.

Nica placed the clover into my hand and then gave a quick smile.

Nica: That’s the nature of my curse, you see.

A while back, I might have told myself I was only imagining the look of loneliness on his face.

But now that I know his past and understand the meaning behind that expression, I gently cup the clover in my hands.

Even though good fortune should be resting right there in my palm, I felt as though it were slipping away through the gaps between my fingers.

Kate: …I truly do love you, Nica.

His eyebrows twitched.

Kate: But it’s not that I want to date you or anything like that... I just want to make sure you don't have to shoulder everything alone.

Kate: I want to make sure you don’t have to keep struggling on your own.

Kate: So I’ll just keep doing my best on my own, in the hope that it will lead to a future where you can smile, even just a little.

(Deep down, of course, I wish you’d love me back and that we could end up together...)

But more than that, I want him to walk toward a future where he doesn't have to keep fighting all alone.

Don’t keep toying with things, hiding, and dancing on and on… Please don’t do anything that would ruin your life just to drag your brother into your fate.

(Because if you do that, you’ll never find happiness no matter how much time passes, Nica.)

Nica: You’re going to spend all your time on something that’s never going to happen, even though I’ll never look your way?

It would be easy to get angry at that condescending tone.

But my resolve remains unshaken.

Kate: I said it was for your sake, but the main reason is that I want to do it.

Kate: Please don’t try to stop me. And even if you do, I’ll just keep meddling anyway.

Nica looked annoyed and tried to scoop up my right hand and drop a kiss on it, but my hand was completely covered by the glove.

Kate: Too bad. I’ve already taken cautionary measures.

I deliberately curled the corners of my lips as Nica frowned.

Nica: What a pain…..

As he let go and walked away, I turned on my heel in high spirits, feeling a sense of triumph.

On the way, a maid handed me a fresh change of clothes. I changed and returned to the basement.

I took my seat and began reading through the materials Roger had given me once more.

There, I found a brief record concerning the person known as the one cursed by the white swan.

“People whom a white swan has taken a liking to often find themselves plagued by bad luck.

Having bird droppings land on one's shoulder, frequently getting splashed with water, or drawing nothing but losing lots — such piddly misfortunes are proof of being loved by a white swan.”

I recalled what had happened just moments ago.

The instant I spotted Nica, I had the bad luck of a rotten fruit falling onto my new blouse.

(That was the first time in my life something like that had ever happened...)

If this account was true, and I hope it is.

Then that bad luck would mean -

It’s the ultimate proof that I hold a place in Nica’s heart.

[Master List] [His Side Story @.kurishiri] [Chapter 19]

Roger:  Because of our current situation, we’re gonna have to put our research on hold. Let’s go, Kate.

Kate: Okay…!

Mirror Roger: Don’t leave me out. I’m coming too.

Roger: Suit yourself.

–

After leaving the basement, I thought we would head to his room or study to deal with this situation, but—

Roger headed outside, as if on a mission.

Kate: Where are we going?

Roger: We’re gonna meet the mirror’s former owner. We can probably get some new info about it.

Kate: There’s some kind of story behind it, isn’t there? Perhaps the previous owner knows something. Anyway, when did you even find out about the previous owner?

Roger: I asked Victor about it since I wanted to study the mirror anyway.

Roger’s and my hand naturally found each other as we talked.

Well the hand felt like Roger’s, but it came from the other side.

Mirror Roger: Don’t give me that look when we’re just holding hands.

Kate: Roger, the problem is…is that I already have a lover.

Roger: It gets confusing when you call us both “Roger”. How about we just call this guy “fake”.

Mirror Roger: We’ve already concluded that we’re exactly the same, so it’s pretty mean to call me a fake. I’m a Roger that exists to love Kate. So doesn’t that make me a superior version for Kate?

Roger: Just to be sure, what exactly do you plan to do as someone who loves Kate?

Mirror Roger: I’d give up all my research, drinking, and playtime with Ale to love Kate. “To love Kate in every way possible”—That’s the purpose of my existence.

Roger: Damn…So you’re nothing but desire below the waist, huh?

Mirror Roger: Just desire below the waist? Nah, I’d give everything up to love Kate. I was born the perfect being to love Kate; I’ve eliminated all the extra factors.

Roger: Perfect or not aside, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have a passion for research.

(Meaning, even if they do look alike, he’s nothing like Roger at all…right?)

Mirror Roger: I’m you. If you’re so in denial, then we can have the lil’ lady check.

Kate: Huh…

Mirror Roger suddenly pulled me into a hug—

Mirror Roger: Come on. Go ahead and touch me to see for yourself. You know my body pretty well, don’t you, lil’ lady? Wanna check if anything’s reversed…?

The moment he reached out to me, Roger slapped his hand away.

Roger: Don’t touch her. Let her go.

Mirror Roger: Just a little bit wouldn’t hurt.

Roger: Nope.

(As expected, they don’t get along at all…)

Their relationship was obviously complicated, but I also felt uneasy about myself.

(I want to reject Mirror Roger)

(But it’s frustrating how I can’t avoid him because they look so alike…)

Their identical faces make me hesitate for a moment…but not just that.

(His way of speaking and egoism are just like Roger’s)

(My heart subconsciously skips a beat…)

Kate: *sigh*

When I let out a sigh—

Roger & Mirror Roger: Kate!

Kate: Eek!

Right when the two Rogers yanked me toward them, roof tiles fell from above and shattered on the ground.

Mirror Roger: Kate, you alright?

Kate: Yes, thank you…Rogers…for protecting me.

After thanking them, Mirror Roger gave pleasant smile. 

The Roger from the mirror always tried to hold my hand or hit on me, but…

It was at the moment it dawned on me, his true nature was the same as Roger’s.

Kate: Once again, thank you for saving me, Roger. 

Mirror Roger: Which one are you thanking?

Roger: Both, I think.

It was like Roger’s smile toward his other self was much softer than a moment ago.

--

We then arrived at an inn where an acquaintance of Victor was at.

Inn owner: The mirror belonged to a deceased relative, and as you probably know, has a story behind it. When rumors about this inn being haunted started spreading, business took a hit and so we decided to sell it… I’m really grateful that Victor bought it at a high price.

Roger: Do you know how the rumors about its reputation started?

Inn owner: There’s really nothing much to it…I hear rumors from guests about a ghost that looks like them, or a doppelganger. I didn’t hear anything from my deceased relative either besides what I’ve already told Victor.

--

Roger: That was a bust.

Mirror Roger: Hey, do you really wanna get rid of me that badly? It’s simple, actually. Once I’ve slept with Kate, I’ll be satisfied and disappear.

Roger: How’s that simple? You think I’m gonna let you sleep with my woman that easily? If you insist, you’re gonna have to knock me out first.

Mirror Roger: You wanna continue our match from earlier? I’m down.

Roger: Ha…I've wanted nothing else. But even if you win, it’s really up to Kate in the end.

Mirror Roger: Do you plan on losing? Even though you’re me, you’re being pretty timid.

(Are Roger and his mirror self competing over me?!)

Even though the two Rogers are fighting, their directness, stubborn willpower, and strong arms are all the same. 

(When they protected me earlier, they moved pretty much at the same time)

I’m not sure how the competition will turn out. But if they, being the same, pressured me, I wouldn’t be able to refuse.