𓊆ྀིmrs. jazzaྀི𓊇

Time and again, I imagined that moment, repeating to myself, "It's too soon for that.”

So….What about now?

[Transitions to Ballroom]

Kate: Will!

Snapped back to reality by the voice calling my name, I saw Kate in my arms, wearing a slightly disgruntled expression.

Kate: What’s wrong? You looked so troubled.

William: I was simply wrestling with a few vexing thoughts about you.

Kate: About me?

I offered only a smile in response to the look on her face that clearly said I want to know, then lifted her by the waist and twirled her around.

Kate: Kyah…pfft… Goodness, Will.

Glancing around, I could feel the curious gazes of the crowd clinging to us.

The throng gathered at the charity ball for the Royal Hospital was not only fascinated by the Earl who briefly made headlines for the murder of Marquis Avarus, and the Tower of London incident.

But also Kate, who was laughing and dancing in his arms.

(Kate is officially known as my partner.)

The lover of the Self-Righteous Monarch, who had sworn to give her life to save mine from a fate of ruin.

Today too, she smiles gleefully at the edge of the abyss.

As for me, who was supposed to meet his destruction without ever forming a loving bond with anyone, I’m reminded of something everyday—

Of the beauty and the terror of the joy of loving one another, which grows with every passing moment.

After the dance ended, something occurred during the buffet party.

Postmaster: Kate…..Is that you?

Kate: …Postmaster? Will, this is postmaster Everly, my former boss.

Everly: M-my apologies, Earl Rex. Please forgive my rudeness in suddenly addressing your partner.

William: Think nothing of it. It’s not as if I’m Kate’s owner.

Kate: It’s been a long time. How have you been?

Everly: Oh, haha...Well, I'm getting by, I suppose.

(Hm, something seems to be troubling him.)

Kate: …..Is something wrong?

Everly: Beg pardon?

Kate: Whenever you look away and stroke your beard like that, it means you’re in a bind. I'm happy to help in anyway I can.

Everly: Haah... Honestly, I sometimes resent Her Majesty for taking you away.

As he explained the situation, it turned out that torrential spring rains had caused landslides, delaying mail coaches from outlying areas.

Deliveries within London were piling up, and to make matters worse, a round of personnel transfers had caused a mass exodus of veteran staff.

Everly: If I could just get someone who knows London as well as you do to help out for even a single day...

Everly: But the sheer volume of work is.….Well, I'll just appreciate the sentiment. Please, forget I said anything.

(…I see.)

I glanced at Kate’s profile. The look of determination I saw there was all the reason I needed to make up my mind.

William: If the volume of mail is the issue, what if I act as a letter carrier for you?

Kate: Come again?!

Everly: L-Lord Rex, I couldn’t possibly ask you to do something like that…!

William: Why not?

William: Delivering people’s feelings is an important work. There’s no need to be modest and call it ‘something like that.’

Kate: ….Will….Delivering the mail!?

Next to the Director, who was blinking in sheer astonishment, Kate’s eyes sparkled with delight.

(......Absolutely adorable.)

(If I get to see that face over and over while making deliveries, that’s reward enough for me.)

True to my desires, my mind had already begun to ponder how I could savor this golden opportunity that had come my way.

(This is an excellent chance. I want to see Kate’s old life with my own eyes too.)

[Transitions to the City of London]

Smiley Woman: Kate, dearest?! Long time, no see!

Smiley Woman: Hold it! Who’s that handsome chap next to you, huh?! Hey, everyone! Kate brought some dreamboat along!

Bellowing Man: She what?! Quick, hold him there. I’m gonna give him a good wallop to see if he’s got any grit!

William: Ahaha, you’re truly loved, aren’t you?

Kate: I’m so sooo sorry!

[Transitions to another Delivery]

Curly-haired Young Man: Miss Kate…?! Wa-Wait for a second….

Curly-haired Young Man: I’d been planning to give this to you if we ever met again.

William: Unfortunately, it seems that accepting gifts from specific clients violates company policy.

Curly-Haired Young Man: Huh? Who’s that?

Kate: My boyfriend! Well then, if you’ll excuse us!

[Transition to Alley]

Kate: That's a huge puddle.….The alley is completely submerged from end to end.

William: What did you used to do in situations like this?

Kate: Unfortunately, it's a dead end up ahead, and there's no way around it.

Kate: It’s a choice between taking a desperate leap, or simply getting my shoes soaked.

Kate: Basically, as long as the mail doesn’t get wet, that’s all that matters.

William: ....I think I understand why you don't break under a little adversity.

William: However, for today….

William: Let us go with a third option.

I shift the mailbag slung over my shoulder to the back and lift Kate up into my arms.

Kate: Will?

William: This way, neither the mail nor you shall get wet.

Kate: You have a point but….

William: In my case, I don’t need to leap. I can just step right over it.

Kate: A-Are you being mean?

William: Not at all? It's just a bit of sophistry to get my own way.

William: ...I just don't want my precious partner to have an unpleasant experience.

Kate: ……

Flustered and at a loss for words, Kate knit her brows in distress, flushing crimson to the tips of her ears.

(She’s so adorable.)

Watching that flustered look on her face has been a hobby of mine for a long time now.

I plant a quick kiss on her lips, and desire begins to seep into the depths of her glistening eyes.

Kate: ….We’re in the middle of a delivery, you know.

William: I am simply a temp acting out of goodwill. It wouldn't hurt to take a break.

As if to tempt her desires, I brought my lips close to hers once more, stopping just short of touching them.

Kate resigned herself to the moment, and wrapped her arms around my neck.

[Transitions To Another Delivery]

And then, just as we were about to deliver the final letter, an incident occurred.

Red-Faced Man: Get the hell outta here!

As soon as he cracked the door open and saw the envelope Kate was holding out, his face flushed vermillion with rage as he bellowed.

Blue-Eyed Woman: Stop it! That letter’s for me!

Red-Faced Man: What good is school for a girl! You’re taking over the family business!!

Blue-Eyed Woman: But I got accepted! So I need to apply for a scholarsh—

Red-Faced Man: SHUT UP!!

A slap across the cheek sent the woman crashing to the floor.

(Ah….)

(So this was your everyday life, back then.)

To deliver people's emotions, she would run all over town, sometimes getting her shoes soaked in muddy water.

In just this one day, I came to understand painfully well just how much she was loved for her work.

And now, I had learned something else, too.

Here is just a glimpse into those days when she was tormented by feelings of helplessness and guilt.

(I wonder what Kate will do now.)

Kate: Um, excuse me.

Her first words came out in a voice that was unexpectedly clear.

Kate: Are you saying you intend to prevent me from delivering this letter to your daughter?

Red-Faced Man: ….Can’t you bloody hear, lady? That’s exactly what I’m sayin’!

Kate: In that case, you would be obstructing the delivery of mail not addressed to yourself.

Kate: That constitutes a criminal offense in violation of the Postal Act.

Red-Faced Man: Hah…?

William: ……..

Kate stared straight at the man.

Deep within her eyes burned a quiet anger and a steely resolve.

Kate: Should I call for the Yard?

Red-Faced Man: T-The bobbies….?!

William: …Pff- Ahaha!

William: I tell you what, I’ll go call for one myself. I'm pretty certain there's a constable on patrol just down the street.

Red-Faced Man: Wait!! Damn it... Hey, don't think I'm letting you off the hook!!

Blue-Eyed Woman: ……[Sniffles]

Kate: Here you go….the letter for you.

The woman, who seemed to have been shoved by her father and tumbled out onto the porch, clutched the envelope to her chest, her eyes brimming with tears.

[Transitions to Tree-Lined Path]

Kate: It’s a good thing we managed to deliver everything in the end.

William: I doubt there are many cases where the handling of mail within a household results in a conviction for violating the Postal Act, though?

Kate: True, buuuut ordinary citizens aren't well-versed in the Postal Law, or its case laws.

Kate: I was so furious…..so I turned that fact to my advantage.

Wearing a mischievous smile, Kate peered proudly into my face.

Kate: I’m perfectly suited for my Self-Righteous Monarch now, aren’t I?

(Indeed.)

William: Yes…Kate.

More today than yesterday; more tomorrow than today.

The love I feel for her is steadily growing within me.

(You, who have become so deeply steeped in this world of darkness….in these days of loving and being loved by me...)

(You are so incredibly precious to me... it’s enough to drive me mad.)

The more we love each other, the more fitting Kate will surely become as the tragic catalyst—my beloved partner—who will bring about the destruction of this Self-Righteous Monarch.

William: As expected of my little robin.

Kate: Hehe, I'm honored by your praise.

Kate giggled happily.

It was as warm as the sunlight filtering through the leaves of the trees.

And I found myself closing my eyes.

I had imagined it countless times.

That moment when her voice, her will, and her life would forever be extinguished.

The immense agony that would overwhelm my heart.

And each time I told myself repeatedly:

It's too soon to despair while embracing her corpse.

(So…what about now?)

(Have I loved you enough to agonise over your loss…?)

Kate: Will!

As I lifted my eyelids at the sound of a voice calling me, sunlight still dappled through the trees.

Kate: We should be heading back soon, or Victor will start to worry.

William: You’re right….

William: Let’s return to where we belong.

The words repeated in my heart will turn into a prayer before long.

Let the final double bar line still be far off.

[Sequel Master List] [Chapter I]

Jude: C’mon, on yer belly, lil’ Miss Loon.

Kate: Y-you won’t do something that hurts…right?

Jude: Depends on you, don’t it.

Kate: Hngh, mmmn, ahhh!! (｡>﹏<)

Jude: Quit makin’ weird noises. People are gonna think I’m some kinda scummy pervert violaitin’ a woman at the beach in broad daylight.

The slap of a cold towel made me let out another yelp of pain.

(I can’t believe I’ve gotten this sunburnt….)

The backless one piece swimsuit I was wearing offered my skin zero protection from the harsh sunlight.

Literally, "one piece" is used here. I decided to go with swimsuit since the usual katakana for "dress" is not being used, but "dress" can also be used for "one piece".

Beneath the beach umbrella, Jude placed a wet towel on my sunburnt skin, and looked down at me with a mocking sneer.

Jude: Hah, that’s what’cha for gettin’ carried away.

Kate: And it’s a rare holiday for us too….I’m sorry, Jude. ｡°(°¯᷄◠¯᷅°)°｡

Jude: Ain’t like frolickin’ in the ocean’s the only way to have fun ya know.

Kate: You mean like making rounds to open up new sales channels.......

Jude: Why the hell would we be workin’?

After an exasperated sigh, his voice drifted down to me.

Jude: Oy, look here.

(Hm?)

Jude: Whaddya think these are, hm?

In his hand were two sheets of high-quality paper with gold-foil lettering.

Jude: ….It’s ‘em tickets ya were dyin’ to get yer hands on.

Kate: Wh-what……REALLY?! (ˊᵒ̴̶̷̤ ꇴ ᵒ̴̶̷̤ˋ)

Jude: Snatch ‘em from me, and they’re yers.

The dark clouds that had been hanging over my heart instantly cleared, and everything began to shine.

Kate: Juuude!! ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

Jude: Yer bein’ too loud. Shoulda held off a bit longer before showin’ ‘em to ya.

Jude: Ya were all meek an’ dejected just a moment ago.

Jude: Sucha easy woman t’please.

As I threw myself into his arms, Jude held me tight, sunburn and all….

...and I let out another scream of pain.

[Master List]

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]