blegh

Nobunaga's habits almost go hand-in-hand with Mitsuhide's. He doesn't sleep a lot either and enjoys the thrill of seeking out new content in his sleepless hours during the night. Loves true crime podcasts, videos and series as well. Is also weirdly fascinated with historical dramas, especially after MC makes him watch a few with her. Points out the inaccuracies but does enjoy the alternative storytelling. He usually uses the same platforms as Mitsuhide, but he does have TikTok because of MC. He doesn't post, but he uses it frequently to watch those aesthetic candy packing videos. And when he finds out there are entire businesses vlogging about candy making, transportation and everything else, he feels like another world has opened up in front of him. He reads the news too. BBC and CNN becomes a staple. Lastly, he's weirdly offended you can't just start dealing with weapons on the internet... He doesn't get why that's illegal out of everything.

Mitsuhide has two sides: he either binge watches multiple seasons of series a day — it's not like he sleeps much, or at all —, OR he binges a true crime podcast, or specific video essays about crimes and serial killers. He actually likes the streaming platforms a lot. So much content for a small monthly deposit... He also watches some of these with Nobunaga, because he doesn't sleep a lot either lmao. He's weirdly fascinated with conspiracy theories as well and tries to debunk them with his knowledge. Also, he definitely looks himself up and what history thinks about him in this timeline. Articles, videos, Wikipedia and all that. It intrigues him, and later on he looks up the others as well. (Plus I headcanon he knows about the dark web... A little too much.) Needless to say, he feels one of the most comfortable with using the internet, since he finds it genuinely amusing.

Hideyoshi would fall victim to scams, false advertisements a lot. He just can't believe the concept of fake ads and how a product is so different on the picture and when it arrives. He's also a Temu/Wish/AliExpress victim. He gets fascinated by the creative little products or decorations he sees, but almost always gets disappointed when they arrive. Does not understand shipping costs and the fees he receives when he orders a package. Watches more ads than content, really. And is wary of the streaming services... He keeps a close eye on his lord and Mitsuhide. But is not intimidated by sketchy websites. Does not know what cookies are, that every site asks for... If he happens to find a mailing address he does mail them a small package with cookies and tea. (Kill 'em with kindness Hideyoshi wohoo)

Mitsunari would be absolutely fascinated with the amount of knowledge that one can find on the internet. I think he would gradually spend his time trying to find books, articles, official documents on topics he likes and is interested in. I also think he would get really good at pirating them quickly... (Don't tell Hideyoshi.) He would be just as hypnotized by reading such files as by a normal book, you would still have to try extra hard to shift his attention. Eventually he would need specific glasses with a blue light filter. I also headcanon that when he discovers the same thing with music — that basically he can listen to anything he wants —, specifically YouTube music, he would get hooked on lo-fi hip-hop. It literally turns off all his senses and he's able to concentrate only on reading — it's almost like he ascends. His learning capability becomes more powerful. I don't think he would be a huge fan of streaming platforms or movies and such, but on some occasions he would watch historical documentaries, not only about Japan, but about other countries. He would love to familiarize himself with knowledge from all over the world. Hideyoshi wouldn't let him have his own accounts, so in the end Mitsuhide would share his Netflix account with him... He would also introduce him to the concept of conspiracy theories and videos about them. And surprisingly he does get hooked. When Hideyoshi learns about it though... He will be furious at Mitsuhide. (+ He'd watch tons of short cat videos on YouTube shorts. I know we all get them on our fyp lol.)

Ieyasu would be surprised and initially incredibly cautious about the big library of knowledge the internet offers. However, slowly he does get himself into it. I think he would grow attached to National Geographic on the TV and would watch it day and night for a short while. He'd secretly grow interested in such people as David Attenborough or Jane Goodall, bringing nature closer to humans. (He would consider subscribing to their magazine service as well.) On the other hand I think he would be very interested in the scientific and professional medical side of the internet. Reports, articles, tests, experiments, development for new cures and remedies, the concept of vaccines and modern medications such as pills, etc. And while researching all this for his own pleasure he would accidentally stumble upon hospital dramas... Like Doctor House or Grey's Anatomy. And oh god. He would watch it, because of some kind of twisted guilty pleasure — he tells himself — but at the same time he hates it. He thinks it's embarrassing and they have no business making such ridiculous dramas in the medical field.

Keiji would looove the internet. I think if he was born in the modern ages he would definitely be some kind of famous persona on social media. Either from memes or reckless challenges, not really a well-crafted influencer, I think he would be someone who accidentally goes viral. But in a warlord sense, I don't think he would specifically search for such contents, he would just quickly get captured by it. He would definitely try to recreate a few modern challenges, sometimes with other warlords from the Oda forces or Kanetsugu (he's the only one who can make him do it.) His goal is enjoyment every time, and it doesn't bother him if he fails or perhaps gets hurt a bit... That's Hideyoshi's job. He hates to see Keiji coming and going with a new idea in his head. But Masamune and Ranmaru are almost always in. Mitsunari could be too, but Mamayoshi doesn't let him lol. And one time he succeeded in persuading Mitsuhide so his references are not bad. I think he would rather gravitate towards YouTube and shorter content forms, rather than streaming platforms with long movies and series. (Only if MC asks him.) However, I can see him liking reality shows, being fascinated and sometimes way too entertained by them. Either they're scripted or not, Love Island, Blind Love, Ninja Warrior and so on, he likes them all and definitely watches them with MC... and occasionally he does grow attached to some people starring in these shows. He would also love to post, mainly on TikTok, but he has to hide it from Hideyoshi so he doesn't get a heart attack... TikTok star Keiji when?

Yukimura, I'd like to think, ends up on the weirdest side of the internet... Thanks to Sasuke. Because he makes him share accounts with him on almost every platform. So he gets exposed to memes, Vines, crazy challenges and just overall weird internet content as well as some super confusing astrophysics and other scientific topics that he doesn't understand, so he's left with the memes again. The only account he has his own of is Instagram. He surprisingly has a profile but does not understand how posting works. He tried to choose a profile picture about 10 times but he still doesn't have one because he doesn't understand the weird instructions the app gives. (He also posted the same picture accidentally 10 different times too. He's struggling.) However, he's on the weirder side of Instagram again, and he gets too many scam messages. And he answers to all of them because he doesn't know they're bots. It takes him several weeks until he calls either MC or Sasuke for help and they have to completely wipe his account so that a new, fresh start will prevent the same mistakes from happening. It's somewhat a success, Yukimura is still struggling but way less after Sasuke and MC gave him a 3 hour lecture about internet and social media safety, and basic etiquette.

Sasuke is the weird kid. His lord and the others at Kasugayama castle always thought he used curious words and expressions in his speech sometimes. And he also seemed weirdly interested in specific scientific topics that felt impossible to understand for others. Astrophysics, was it? Well... Eventually as they saw and tried to understand the concept of the internet and the specific things Sasuke himself showed them, it certainly explained a few of his speech problems (said by Kenshin.) He's an avid user and has got it all: the memes, the carefully constructed for you page on every platform — again, either old Vines or super crazy scientific stuff. I think he also has a side where he sometimes indulges in conspiracy theories, but he doesn't really share it with the others. He also watches a lot of tech content — testing, comparison, repairment etc. He loves when some crazy tech channels take apart phones or cameras or other things. I can also imagine him liking a lot of GoPro content, when someone just puts it on themselves and goes skating, roller blading, long distance running, bungee jumping and so on, I can see this being his relaxing content rather than some chill r&b music.

I think Shingen would get hooked on the practical side of YouTube. Tutorials about anything and everything, but eventually he finds the carpentry side of the platform and he's even more fascinated. I'd like to think he tries out a lot of those things, in small ways at first, polishing his carpenter skills and then he just decides to try and learn anything else that comes up. Knitting, crochet, pottery and sculpting are some of his favorites. Unknowingly, he'd also encounter the same candy packing and candy making videos as Nobunaga, and he would also watch those in his free time. As well as those silly real or fake hyper realistic cake challenges, which he would almost always lose lol. He almost gets into cooking shows but then finds them too stressful, so he just goes back to aesthetic baking and pastry making videos — basically anything that has something sweet in it, Shingen would watch it. And eventually make MC watch it with him because it feels even sweeter with his goddess beside him. (His words, not mine.) I don't think he would be too into the streaming platforms, however he would like the idea of a shared movie night with everyone around — from Kasugayama, obviously. And last, but not least, Yukimura definitely requests to check his screentime and some of the content he watches, just to be cautious. He can't have too much of the best candy packing content lol.

Kenshin is not allowed to have any official accounts, only temporarily and burner accounts out of fear that he declares war in the comment sections of any post or announcement. He doesn't understand either why can't he start dealing with weapons on simple shopping platforms, nor does he understand the meaning of internet etiquette which sometimes results in cancel culture... He's a tough one to media train. However, with a little time he warms up to the idea of consuming more media and finding his favorite genres. Since he's not allowed to have his own phone or accounts one day he starts discovering the streaming platforms and TV. A few movies and series in the action category quickly catch his attention and he starts watching them with interest. Eventually he tries to reenact a few sparring scenes, debunking the movements whether they're possible or not, or sometimes he even makes up his own out of creativity. He finds new motivation to fight and spar with the others. (Poor Yukimura and Sasuke...) Also, another time he accidentally learns about the concept of the Olympic Games from MC, he becomes even crazier. You literally can't make him move away from the TV and he's very pleased to learn about successful Japanese athletes as well as the fact that Japan has hosted multiple games before.

Kanetsugu keeps an eye on Kenshin when Sasuke is not available. Or... Well, at least he tries. He doesn't get the concept of the internet entirely either, social media, posts, videos, reels and so on, but he's actually able to deter his lord from declaring anything dangerous in an innocent comment section. While he would mostly keep watch of Kenshin, in that other small portion he does discover his likings. Secretly he definitely shares some accounts with Keiji, or Keiji makes him download certain apps just so they can communicate better and send silly videos. I think Kanetsugu would definitely find the communication system more comfortable, although when he accidentally got his first call, he was very bewildered. And it was a scam call obviously. Again, Sasuke had to do some damage control. Honestly he's very fascinated about the fast networking of it all and actually how quick and easy the access is. When he discovers articles about himself and the others he gets insane whiplash though. However, he'd also be one of the tremendous animal content enjoyers. He needs media training between the false AI content but he quickly catches on. He also probably watches the same funny animal YouTube shorts like Mitsunari lol.

Yoshimoto is kind of like a nice, retired old man at heart. I think he would be fascinated, but at the same time bewildered because everything is locked behind a screen. He can't touch art, he can't examine it from a closeup (he has yet to discover zooming ig), it's simply not the same as real life and it throws him off. But I don't think he would be completely ignorant, however he's definitely disappointed he can't examine art the same. I think it would be interesting if eventually he'd read articles about the internet itself, as well as computers and smart phones. I imagine he'd be bewildered yet again to find out sneaky secrets like when taking a photo of someone warps the picture and people look fuller. Or how many tiny pixels each screen consists of and how it slightly changes colors and so on... And he's completely down in a rabbit hole. Eventually, I think he'd grow to favor the free music and streaming, so I think he would have a blast discovering many new genres and artists. Eventually, I see some immersive videos finding him on YouTube, when he spends time watching videos about the same things he reads articles about. And he's actually fond of the audiovisual characteristics of the platform. But YouTube is a bit cruel to him... A few immersive and nature videos later one wrong click and he finds himself on the dark side: ASMR. (But shocker, he weirdly likes it. It makes him relax.) And then an even crueler side of ASMR is the roleplaying type. Boyfriend, girlfriend ASMR and everything else. Audiobooks too, eventually, yeah, sadly even those ones— Once MC or Sasuke discovers it, they send him to a detox lol. He's going to need it.

Motonari is quite hard-headed and difficult to convince about the good and useful side of the internet. The whole concept of everyone, all over the world using it creeps him out tbh. He sees people touching their phones with bare hands in public, the huge crowds and so on... Well, let's just say he's not open to the whole modern world idea, let alone the internet. Public transportation specifically would make him run to the end of the world, BUT, anyways— He only interacts with the world wide web when he's with MC. Eventually he does get more curious about how things work, but in a very objective way. Still can't believe that this thing called Google knows the answer to just about anything you ask from it. He thinks it's some kind of scam. (Don't tell him about AI, he would hate it even more.) The only thing I see him slowly open up to is the trading and learning about how it works internationally and how big scale it is. (Starting from webshops lol.) And the technical side of sea transportation as well maybe, but that's all. Only occasionally can MC convince him to watch some kind of movie or series, which most of the time he doesn't end up hating but he's still not trusting the concept of streaming platforms.

Kicho is a tough one... He has knowledge about the future, but I imagine he would still be very cautious. I can low-key see him being one of those people that use VPN constantly, or incognito mode, checking their location and information at all times, their leaked or not leaked data, and refusing to pay for things online because their card might get stolen. The more background knowledge he gathers, the less he likes it. I imagine he would put a lot of time into discovering the whole story of the internet and later on big corporations like Meta, Microsoft or Google that dictate a big part of our lives. However, I think he'd also gather knowledge about the dark web pretty fast... And perhaps would trade with it as well? (It's a mystery how he does it really, but clearly nothing is impossible for his wits.) Would low-key love ragebait content and would gladly start wars in comment sections. (Kenshin better not know what he's missing out on...) I think he's also one of those who searches up their own name — and is very bewildered when he sees he's been recorded in history as a woman —, but later on everyone else's names as well, for fun. Plus, he's also an avid listener of true crime podcasts, because it helps him learn more about the future.

Kennyo, initially, would be quite unbothered about the concept of the internet. He acts like a boomer... If only he knew what that means, of course. He doesn't get the hype, so MC has to explain it multiple times from multiple different angles. If he does agree to look into it and try it, I think he would be quite intimidated by the fast-paced environment of it all. I don't think he would like streaming platforms, but he would dislike YouTube and other social media as well, especially TikTok, the fastest and shortest form of content consumption of it all. However, in preferred genres I think he would be similar to Ieyasu; he would like National Geographic's animal content. So, TV would be the only medium he would feel comfortable with after a long while haha. In some cases I can see certain safari or oceanic episodes would help him meditate. Also, another very indulgent headcanon of mine is that if he discovers free chill/relaxing music somehow... Lo-fi hip-hop addict no 2. Or those 8-9 hour long videos simulating rain outside your windowsill and so on. He says they also help him meditate better lol. + He would secretly love the Disney franchise and all the princesses who can talk to animals. He's also a Disney princess he just didn't realize it yet.

New characters are fully voiced for the prologue! Here is a link to a video of the prologue, so you can hear the voices and follow along!

If life were a fairy tale, what comes after the happy ending would be, “And they lived happily ever after.”

But everyone knows that such a thing can only exist in fiction. Good and evil, life and death, love and hate, happiness and unhappiness. It only takes one moment for the balance to crumble.

It happened one day, some time after I had stepped into the darkness and become a Fairytale Keeper. I had just finished a long report, and it was my first day off in a while.

In the Crown Castle dining hall, a luxurious joint banquet between Crown and Vogel began first thing in the morning. The dining table was packed full with dazzling dishes all handmade by Victor, including Beef Wellington, pies, finger sandwiches, and a seasonal fruit trifle. It was enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

Neema "It’s an extravagant feast today…!"

Victor "I wanted to reward everyone who’s been working so hard day and night. So I got a little excited."

Liam "There’s a huge selection of drinks, too. What would you like, Neema?"

Neema “I’ll have champagne to start.”

Liam “Okay, I’ll bring it over. Just take a seat.”

Roger “Ah, as your doctor I have to tell you, getting drunk in the middle of the day is bad for your health.”

Roger “So, Al, pass me a mug.”

Alfons “You’re a walking contradiction. Go get it yourself.”

Elbert “It’s right there. Why don’t you just get it for him?”

Alfons “Elbert, if you listen to this guy even once, it’ll be the end of you,”

Alfons “Have you forgotten that he’s a bespectacled egoist who gets carried away and forces his will on others?”

Victor “Now, now, let’s all get along and enjoy a delicious meal together…”

Victor “Woah, Harrison, where do you think you’re going? I’m not letting you go until you eat!”

Harrison “Ugh… you’re… too strong.”

Neema “Hehe… you're choking him, Victor.”

Harrison “Hey, you, stop laughing and give me a hand. Tsk… seriously…”

Liam “But Harry, it smells so good.”

??? “Seriously, smelling something like this is making me hungry~”

Liam “Really, teasing us with an aroma like this first thing in the morning, Victor’s such a bad man~”

Liam “Huh?”

??? “Hmm?”

(Wh… Who is that!?)

As if it were the most natural thing in the world, a mysterious man with a suspicious smile suddenly joined the conversation.

The flashy person, wearing a chinoiserie cloak, smiled and tilted his head, unfazed by the attention gathering around him. With every movement, his ornaments jingled softly.

Victor “Hello Euren, it's been a while.''

Euren "Hey, hey there! I figured everyone was probably missing me by now, so I decided to come back to England!"

Alfons "Another surprise visit, I see."

Liam "It’s rare to see you at the castle this early in the morning, isn't it? You’re usually doing dangerous business at night on the streets.”

(So, you all know each other… I'm surprised.)

William "Neema, he’s a broker who does business internationally."

Euren “My name is Euren~ Nice to meet you! I can arrange anything suit my client’s needs!”

Euren "From exquisite foreign carpets… to people and information, that is."

William "Victor and I have been doing business with him for a long time as a source of information."

Neema "So you mean… about Crown…?"

William “Ah, he knows. About the existence of the cursed ones, too."

William "It seems he’s even joined Liam and Alfons in their dangerous night time games a few times."

William "And then—"

Ellis "Oh? We have a special guest."

Jude “……Ugh.”

Euren “Ah!”

William “I hear he and Jude went to the same public school.”

Euren “Isn’t that Jude-senpai~? Yoo-hoo, how’ve you been~?”

Jude “Ugh, I’m hearing voices. Guess I need to go to the hospital. Well, see ya.”

Euren “As always, such a cold attitude♥ That’s our Jude-senpai for you♥”

Jude “Creep. Why don’t you choke on your tongue and die?”

Neema “……You two have a pretty unique relationship, don’t you?”

Alfons “Euren’s the type who gets more fired up the colder people treat him.”

Liam “If Jude were just a little nicer to him, he’d probably stop picking on him so much…”

Euren "Don't glare at me like that. Are you still hung up on the fact that I'm 0.3 inches taller than you~?"

Euren “Jude-senpai’s attitude is big enough to make up for his height, so it’s no problem at all! Right?”

Jude “How about I cut off about 3 inches right at your ankles?”

Alfons "Yeah… at this rate, it's a lost cause."

Victor “So, Euren, what brings you here today?”

Euren “Why, to meet the famous ‘Fairytale Keeper,’ of course.”

Euren “You’re the one everyone’s been talking about, right? I’ve been thinking about it for a while now…”

Euren “Yeah… You’re totally my type! Meeting you might just be fate!”

Neema “Huh?”

Euren “Hey, do you have a boyfriend? What’s your type? How about me? I’m rich, and I’d take good care of you as my girlfriend, you know?”

Neema "Huh? Uhh…?"

Roger "Hey now, that's enough pestering."

Roger "You'd better let the young lady go. Her stomach's been growling loud enough to hear all the way over here."

Euren "Huh, is that so? My bad, my bad—I didn't notice at all!"

Grateful for Roger stepping in to help, I quickly put some distance between myself and Euren.

As I watched Euren from afar, already moving on to pester another member of Crown, Lord Elbert sat down next to me and cast a concerned glance my way.”

Elbert “…Are you okay?”

Neema “Yes, I was just a little overwhelmed. Do you know that person too, Lord Elbert?”

Elbert “Ah, yes. We often run into each other at auctions for foreign antiques and art.”

Alfons "We’re constantly vying for the same items, though, so he sees us as a major rival."

Nica "Guten Tag, Crown and Robin—wait, what?"

Ring "…Is that guy the information broker?"

Nica, who had arrived late, blinked in surprise, while Ring openly displayed his wariness.

Darius "…Why is someone from Libra here?"

Darius furrowed his brows, making his displeasure obvious.

("Libra"…?)

Victor "My apologies, it was a sudden visit."

Euren “Sorryyyy. We won’t get in your way, so just think of us as a speck of dust in the corner! Okay?”

Darius "Dust doesn’t talk."

Euren “To have noticed that—wow, that’s just like you, Director. You’re really as sharp as ever today, aren’t you~?”

Nica “Flattery like that is actually refreshing when it’s taken this far, isn’t it?”

Neema “So you all know each other, too?”

Ring “Ah, Nica trades information with him from time to time.”

(So Euren has quite the network.)

Victor “Right then, now that we have a special guest, let’s get this party started!”

With Victor’s call, the atmosphere in the room turned cheerful once again.

And just as the party was in full swing…

Euren “Hey, hey, Neema-chan. Let’s go on a date sometime~ No? I’m the type who’ll do anything to dote on you, you know?”

Jude “You mean the type who clings to people like a leech, right?”

Euren, who had been wandering around and pestering various people, was trying to hit on me again when…

…A sudden new visitor appeared.

Euren "Hey, I'm serious here. Neema-chan, are you free this weekend—"

??? "Too late."

Euren “Ow!!?”

Neema “Eek!?”

Suddenly, a fist appeared from behind and slammed hard into Euren’s head.

Euren “Ouch~! You just caved my skull in!?”

??? “I don’t care. Drop dead.”

A man with a menacing glare and a criminal aura appeared from behind Euren, sending a wave of tension through the air.

(Is he someone Euren knows? That’s awfully rough treatment for an acquaintance, though…)

??? “…Huh? What are you looking at?”

As I was lost in speculation, he glared at me and I was struck by an instinctive sense of danger, as if I were being stared down by a predator.

(It would be unnatural not to look in a situation like this, but………!)

It wasn’t the kind of atmosphere where I could say something like that.

His gaze looked like he was about to kill someone, he was carrying a menacing-looking gun, and on top of that, I sensed he had other weapons hidden beneath his large, thick coat.

The instincts I’d honed during my time as Fairytale Keeper were telling me, “keep quiet.”

Victor "Hey, Zane! What brings you all the way out here?"

Neema "Huh?! You know him too?"

Alphons "Ah, is he the one?"

Elbert "The guy Victor tried to recruit for the Crown, only to get turned down outright…?"

(So, does that mean he's cursed too?!)

Roger "He's a skilled assassin, right? I've seen him at underground boxing matches."

Liam “What do you mean ‘underground boxing’? Is it some kind of illegal gambling?”

Ring “Just standing there, I can tell he’s no ordinary guy. That guy… he’s strong.”

Victor “Could it be that you’ve finally decided to join the Crown?”

Zane “……………….”

The man named Zane remained silent, giving Victor the middle finger and glaring at him.

(Giving Vi-Victor the middle finger…..)

Victor “You haven’t changed a bit.”

Euren “Hey, hey, Zane, you’re supposed to flatter and suck up to those in power so they’ll give you special treatment, right?”

Zane “Huh? I don’t give a damn about your trash business philosophy. Let’s go.”

With that, Zane grabbed Euren by the scruff of his neck and dragged him away.

Euren “Please keep favoring me~ Neema-chan, I’m not giving up, you know~~”

I watched Euren walk away, still maintaining his salesman’s smile even as he was being dragged along.

(Euren and Zane, huh……)

I thought I already knew quite a bit about the Crown and the Vogel… but…

An unknown darkness still stretched out before me. That was the premonition I felt.

Victor "Neema, wait a moment."

Just as the gathering was winding down and everyone was beginning to leave, Victor called out to me.

Victor "I’d like to have a word with you… if that’s alright?"

Neema "…Yes."

I nodded, sensing that this was likely about the visitors who had come earlier that day. Then, an unexpected person spoke up from the side.

Darius "I’d like to join you as well." Victor “………”

Darius “I think I can provide you with information that benefits you as well.”

Victor “There’s an international organization made up only of cursed individuals.”

Victor “That organization isn’t one like the Crown, formed by a partnership between a nation and its cursed individuals,”

Victor “Nor is it a research organization like Vogel, one that a nation created for the purpose of militarizing cursed individuals…”

Victor "They are a group of outlaws that the state has no collar on."

Victor

"Their name is Libra."

(Libra…)

Neema “What exactly do these people do?”

Victor “The Cursed are usually treated as criminals or the mentally ill and considered a danger to society…”

Victor "Do you remember what William told you earlier?"

Neema "Yes, of course."

Victor "Libra is an organization where the Cursed, people who tend to be outcasts in society, cooperate for their mutual benefit.

Victor “It’s a give-and-take kind of group."

Victor "They engage in charitable work for the Cursed, such as solving problems or providing support for daily life."

Victor "I hear they also mediate disputes between the Cursed."

Victor "Not everyone is actively involved in their activities, though. Some just receive support."

Victor "And apparently, quite a few members simply stay registered without doing anything, only consulting the organization for advice during emergencies."

Neema "So, Euren and Zane are members of it, too?"

Victor "That's right. You catch on quickly, Neema."

Victor "Their headquarters is in France, but they have bases all over the world."

Victor "Since the Crown operates in the UK, they haven't really interfered here much until now, but…"

Victor glanced briefly at Darius before fixing his gaze on me and speaking again.

Victor "It seems their leader has arrived in the UK."

Neema "Why is that…? Perhaps a British cursed one is in some kind of trouble and asked for help?"

(But if that's the case, it's strange that Victor hasn't received any information about it.)

Victor "We still can't figure out what their purpose is."

Victor "But… just as there is no such thing as pure evil, there is no such thing as pure good."

Victor "We've also received information suggesting that Libra has a hidden agenda."

(Libra's hidden agenda…?)

Darius “Why don’t you just tell her straight out?”

Neema “…!”

Darius “That behind the scenes, people are saying it’s ‘an organization dedicated to monitoring and killing the Cursed.’”

(Monitoring and killing the Cursed?)

Neema “……That’s the exact opposite of what Victor said their activities are just now.”

Darius “Let me tell you something, since you’re such a peace-loving person.”

Darius “People who are plotting something evil always approach you with a friendly face at first, right?”

(It’s convincing when Darius says it……)

Darius “Dying under mysterious circumstances or being killed because someone held a grudge against you… that sort of thing isn’t uncommon for the Cursed.”

Darius “If Libra is pulling the strings behind the scenes, that’s extremely infuriating, isn’t it?”

(Since I’ve only heard rumors from one side, I can’t really judge for myself.)

The fact that they have such conflicting reputations certainly suggests they’re not an organization that can be dealt with easily.

Victor “Until their true intentions become clear, I want you to stay on your guard. Got it?”

Neema “…Yes.”　

Leaving Victor’s office and walking down the hallway, I reflected on the encounters I had today.

If someone is targeting the Cursed, then the members of Libra must be met with caution.

Yet, from what I saw today, the people from Crown and Vogel both seemed to be interacting with them simply as human beings.

(I want to treat them as human beings, too.)

If you view things only through a broad lens, there are things that inevitably slip through the cracks. I had learned this firsthand from my work as Fairytale Keeper.

The incident occurred that very night. That night, fog was thick in the air, and the chilly atmosphere clung to my skin.

I had gone to the theater to see a play and make the most of my rare day off when…

(Huh…?)

On the city streets in the darkness of night I spotted William, along with Jude and Ellis.

Neema "Everyone… are you all perhaps on a mission??"

William "We've been spotted. Yeah, that's right, though it's a bit of a rough assignment for a night off."

Ellis "Seeing this lineup, you can probably guess what it is."

Jude "We're gonna crash a banquet, kick around some stuck-up nobles, pass judgment on 'em, and call it a day."

Just as there is no absolute evil, neither is there absolute good.

Those who sit in judgment of evil are, in the end, no less evil themselves.

Yet, here in London, Crown continues to "fight evil with evil" tonight. All to maintain the balance of this nation.

Neema "Since I happened to be here, I can hardly just go home now, not as Fairytale Keeper."

Jude "Huh? You went out of yer way to tag along to a bloody crime scene on yer day off? Have you lost yer mind?"

Ellis "What do you think, Will? This is supposed to be a dangerous mission with many enemies.”

William “If that’s what Neema wants to do, I’ve got no reason to stop her.”

For a dinner party, an eerie silence hung over the entrance hall.

Neema “It’s a pretty grand mansion, so it’s strange that there aren’t any maids in sight…”

Despite my hesitation, the Crown members stepped into the mansion.

And the moment they opened the dining room door, a scene so shocking it was hard to believe my own eyes laid before me.

Silent corpses lay scattered across the floor, surrounding the long dining table.

Neema “What on earth…?”

And there on top of the dining table lay a man and a woman, dead and entwined.

The man had a sword driven into the stomach of the woman who was draped over him. The woman, in turn, had plunged a knife into his chest.

What was eerie was that they had died with their lips pressed together, as if they had been longing for one another.

To my eyes, that scene looked as if two “lovers” had killed each other.

Ellis “…They’re dead, aren’t they?”

Jude “A dinner party for the dead? What terrible taste.”

??? “The dinner party is over.”　

Without warning, a voice echoed, and I snapped my gaze toward it.

Only then did I realize that a man was sitting alone at the head of the long dining table.

He was a man of striking beauty; though he was merely sitting there, gazing at me with his fingers interlaced, I felt a tension so sharp it was as if a blade were being pressed against my neck.

William “It’s been a long time, Lucien. I heard rumors that you’ve come to London, but I didn’t expect to meet you in a place like this.”

Lucien “You haven’t changed, William Rex.”

(Is this person… someone William knows…?)

Hearing the familiar-sounding greeting, Jude and Ellis glanced over to see if they recognized the man, but their eyes were fixed on him with wariness.

William "…It seems you still dislike small talk. Let me get straight to the point. Why were they killing each other?"

Lucien "Because it was foreseen that they would disrupt the order. There is no need to discuss any other reasons here."

His blunt words sounded devoid of emotion regarding the grave matter of death.

(The way he speaks… it’s as if he was the one who judged them…)

(Even though he doesn't have a single drop of blood on him.)

Why is he sitting calmly in this space in the first place?

(Was he sitting here, watching as they fought each other to the death?)

The moment I had that terrifying thought, our eyes met, and I felt a shock run down my spine.

Jude “…The target’s dead, so the mission is over. I’m heading back.”

Euren “Huh, you’re leaving already, senpai?”

(Huh? That voice…!)

When I turned around, two figures were standing at the entrance to the dining hall. One of them was Euren, the shady broker I met at Crown Castle.

The other person is Zane, who is rumored to be a skilled assassin and the one who punched Euren and dragged him away.

Euren “Since you’ve come all this way already, let’s chat a little more, okay?”

Euren "Right? You think so too, don't you, Neema-chan?"

Zane “…Why’s a woman even here? She’s in the way.”

The two showed no surprise at the scene before them, wearing the same expressions they’d had when we had met earlier that day.

Lucien "Euren, if you came here just to make idle chatter, then leave. You're an annoyance."

Euren “Ah, that’s so mean~. But that cold attitude of yours is still the best~♥”

Euren “Don’t worry, I was working hard, you know. Right, Zane? I did my best, didn’t I~?”

Zane "Shut up. Don't talk to me, you annoying piece of trash."

(Euren and Zane are both members of Libra and seem to know each other.)

(And then there’s that rumor William mentioned about someone visiting London. Could it be this man…?)

William "He is Lord Lucien Morsandre. A nobleman from a distinguished French family." William “He’s the man currently in charge of Libra.”

(Just as I thought…!)

According to what Victor had told me, Libra’s activities consisted of charitable work for the Cursed, solving their problems and providing daily living support.

But if they were involved in the scene before my eyes, I couldn’t possibly see them as a “charitable organization.”

William “Would you mind telling me why you came to England?”

Lucien “Why should I tell you that?”

Lucien “I came to do what needs to be done. That’s all.”

As Lucien answered with a few terse words, he stood up and walked over toward us.

As he came closer, I realized just how tall he was and I instinctively held my breath at his overwhelming presence.

William and Lucien’s gazes locked.

A murderous intent sharp enough to pierce skin lingered for a moment, then vanished.

William “If you’re going to operate in England, don’t forget that you’ll be under Crown’s surveillance.”

Lucien “Do as you please. I’ll do as I please, too.”

William “Since you’ve gone to the trouble of coming to England, shall I invite you to the castle sometime?”　

Lucien “If it’s necessary, we’ll come to you.”

As they finished this superficially friendly conversation, their tense gaze finally drifted.

At the same moment, I felt a cold stare fix upon me.

Lucien “I’m interested in you, too. ‘Fairytale Keeper’ Neema.”

(…Me?)

I widened my eyes, not expecting to be someone he’d be interested in as a human with no curse.

Immediately, William and the others stepped in between us, blocking his piercing gaze.

William “Unfortunately, she’s a top-secret asset of the British government.”　

Jude “Let’s go home, Neema.”

Ellis “…I’m sorry. You’ll have to give up on trying to investigate Neema.”

With the three of them shielding me, I left the scene.

Euren

“Wow, she’s really well-protected, isn’t she… Are you sure it’s okay to let her go?”

Zane “Do we actually need to find out more about that woman?”

Lucien “Leave it alone.”

Lucien "…We’ll be seeing each other again soon enough, anyway."

Libra- what exactly are they after?

Little did I know…

…Learning that would be the trigger to upset the balance of both Britain and of my own world.

In the pitch-black darkness, the sound of a broken clock’s hands echoes.

With cold fingertips, the man traces over the “list” that had been tossed carelessly on his desk and mutters to himself.

Lucien "They’ve grown too powerful."

Lucien "It’s time to close the curtain on this fairytale."

--

Notes:

I've been working on this for houuuurs but now I need to do some errands, so I'll add stills to the text later.

I loooove domestic Crown shenanigans! was just thinking about how Euren would probably annoy the hell out of Jude, and now it turns out they were classmates! Beast-boy Zane is huuuuge as a sprite. I think he and Euren are going to be my favorites from the new group, but I am always surprised with each character so maybe Lucien will grow on me more. That's why his titties are so big, they're full of secrets~ All I think when I see him is this.