☆Daydreamer☆

Even now, a full night after he locked himself to the pillar of the side table with those handcuffs, Gilbert-sama sat on top of the bed opening his mouth wide with an "ahhh."

Suppressing the intense urge to bury my face in my hands, I tore off a small piece of bread and brought it to Gilbert-sama's mouth.

Gilbert: Mmh, it's freshly baked and delicious. If this jam happens to be handmade by the little rabbit as well, I would love to have some spread on top.

Emma: In that case, wouldn't you like to take those handcuffs off?

Gilbert: If I take them off, I might just run away, you know.

Gilbert: And if I run away, I won't be coming back. Would you truly be alright with that?

(......What a underhanded threat.)

Giving up, I tore off another piece of bread, spread a dollop of jam over it, and offered it to Gilbert-sama.

Perhaps the bite was a bit too large, as a trace of the red jam ended up smudged against the corner of his mouth.

Noticing it himself, Gilbert-sama swept it away with his tongue.

The gesture was so inexplicably alluring that I found myself completely unable to look directly at him.

(I mean, to begin with, the entire visual is just......)

Every single time Gilbert-sama shifted his weight, the chains of the handcuffs scraped loudly against one another.

Even though I wasn't the one who had bound him here, I couldn't seem to keep my eyes steady.

Emma: What do you plan to do about your official duties today?

Gilbert: I shouldn't have any work scheduled, but...... ah, then again, that selfish Roderic might be running around searching for me with a stack of documents.

Gilbert: He'll probably make his way here eventually, and if he happens to see the state I am currently in—

Emma: Ah! I will go and collect those documents from Roderic-san myself!

(Before he ends up jumping to some absolutely catastrophic misunderstanding!)

Gilbert: Ehh, I wouldn't mind even if he did see me like this.

Emma: If that happens, your period of silent treatment will be extended.

Gilbert: For someone claiming to be giving me the silent treatment, you sure are talking to me quite a lot.

Emma: ......In that case, I am officially banning you from hugging, kissing, and biting me.

Gilbert: Wow, how cruel.

Emma: Which one of us is the cruel one here?

(There is absolutely no way Gilbert-sama actually wants to remain bound like this forever, so......)

(At this point, it's a battle of endurance to see who cracks first.)

...

However, completely contrary to my expectations, Gilbert-sama showed no signs of throwing in the towel anytime soon.

Gilbert: Next, stamp your seal on those documents for me.

Emma: Wait, isn't this for the Emperor of Obsidian—

Gilbert: Stamp it.

Emma: ......Done.

Gilbert: Thank you. Alright, next are the documents over there.

Gilbert-sama reviewed the paperwork I had collected from Roderic-san, and I stamped the seals in his stead.

The sheer weight of stamping the national emblem of the great empire of Obsidian felt heavy enough to make me lose my breath.

(I was supposed to be angry with him, but before I even realized it, I feel like I'm being wrapped completely around Gilbert-sama's little finger......?)

Gilbert: Let's take a break, little rabbit. I'd love to read a book right about now...... ah, but I completely forgot that I can't move my hands right now.

Gilbert: I would love nothing more than to hear it read in that lovely voice of yours.

While running around frantically to take care of everything on behalf of the completely immobile Gilbert-sama, the sky unnoticeably changed colors to signal the end of the day—

Emma: Isn't this getting incredibly inconvenient for you by now? Don't you miss your freedom? You absolutely do, don't you?

Gilbert: Not at all. Being taken care of by you is the absolute best. More importantly, since I can't move, I'd love for you to dry my hair.

Emma: ......How on earth did you manage to take a bath the moment I stepped out of the room?

Gilbert: It's a mystery, isn't it?

(He definitely took them off once, and then locked himself right back up before I returned.......Good grief.)

Placed right near Gilbert-sama was a piece of clean linen, sitting there as if practically begging to be used.

Picking it up, I moved around behind him and began to gently dry his damp black hair.

(The key must be hidden somewhere on Gilbert-sama's body.)

(If I were to actually take that key away from him, then even Gilbert-sama would be completely stripped of his freedom in the truest sense.)

(......If I did that, he would absolutely never be able to go missing for a whole month without a word again.)

(He wouldn't suddenly vanish one day, leaving me completely crushed by despair.)

(But...... is his habit of disappearing really something that won't stop unless things are taken this far?)

Gilbert: ......Oh?

As if finding my sudden silence strange, Gilbert-sama tilted his head back and peered up at me, tilting his head to the side.

Gilbert: You have dark circles under your eyes.

(Eh......)

Gilbert: You weren't able to sleep, were you?

Emma: ......Of course I wasn't.

Emma: How could I possibly sleep peacefully while you were gone, Gilbert-sama?

(......The truth is, the only reason I threw such a massive tantrum earlier was because I felt like I wouldn't be able to muster up any energy at all unless I raised my voice.)

(Gilbert-sama has only just realized that now.)

(Though I had taken it for granted that he noticed right from the very beginning and simply didn't feel a shred of remorse about it.)

For Gilbert-sama, who usually possesses such a sharp, terrifyingly perceptive insight that sees through absolutely everything, this feels a bit out of character.

(Does this mean that since the moment he returned, he hasn't actually taken a proper look at my face......?)

Gilbert: Hehe, I am truly sorry. Did the handcuffs serve as a decent apology?

Emma: You know full well that I don't want to bind you down physically like this, Gilbert-sama.

Gilbert: But doesn't it bring you a little peace of mind?

Emma: Not even a little.

Gilbert: I see.

Carefully folding the damp linen, I sat down right beside Gilbert-sama.

When I deliberately forced our gazes to lock, the eyes that had been staring directly at me at first suddenly darted away.

(Just as I thought...... it looks like I completely misunderstood.)

(I thought Gilbert-sama didn't feel guilty at all, just like any other time, but......)

Emma: ......The truth is, you actually feel remorseful, don't you?

Gilbert: Eh, who does?

Emma: You do, Gilbert-sama.

Gilbert: Ahahaha, there is absolutely no way that's true, right?

Emma: But you are actively avoiding eye contact with me, aren't you?

Emma: That is completely unlike you, Gilbert-sama.

Gilbert: ......

(This is the very first time I've ever gotten this angry over something other than one of Gilbert-sama's actual, serious misdeeds......)

(So maybe it actually affected him, even if only a little bit.)

Gilbert-sama seemed to realize it immediately as well, closing his eyes tightly as if to mask his reaction.

Gilbert: ......I wonder if that's true.

Gilbert: If that really were the case—

Gilbert: ......If I truly, completely subconsciously, found myself trying to gauge your mood like that......

Gilbert: I wonder if that means I am being entirely dominated by you.

(......!)

The next time he opened his eyes, Gilbert-sama wasn't smiling.

My throat trembled from a sudden, sharp tension, feeling exactly as though a quietly sleeping beast had abruptly awakened.

(......Ah, this might actually be bad.)

Gilbert-sama was currently bound by handcuffs.

Even so, the moment I subconsciously tried to create some distance between us, the smile returned to his face.

However, it was only the smile that returned; the stifling pressure that made it difficult to breathe did not dissipate in the slightest.

Though my instincts screamed at me to flee, Gilbert-sama pinned me in place using nothing but his gaze.

Gilbert: I won't allow you to quit halfway through. After all, this is a game you started yourself, isn't it?

Casually, I hid my hands behind my back.

My tightly clenched fingertips were trembling ever so slightly, and Gilbert-sama offered a bright, cheerful smile, as if seeing right through absolutely everything.

Gilbert: Why are you trembling quite that much? I haven't even done anything yet.

Emma: I am not...... terrified.

Gilbert: Liar. But it's perfectly fine.

Gilbert: I'll make sure to shower my love upon a thoroughly pathetic, pitiable little rabbit as well.

(What I ended up touching upon...... might actually be a villain's absolute "taboo.")

(......Ah, and yet—)

(Even for someone like Gilbert-sama, being yelled at by me isn't something he can just easily brush off.)

(That undoubtedly isn't just conceit on my part; it's because he truly, genuinely loves me.)

(To feel this incredibly thrilled despite how terrifying it is...... it's completely out of place, but......)

Before I even realized it, a small smile began to surface on my lips, and the chains clattered loudly together—

Gilbert: Hey, why don't we make up for the time being?

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IkePri Masterlist

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A section of the wall that I had always assumed to be completely ordinary suddenly opened up exactly like a door.

Catching sight of Gilbert-sama appearing from within with a perfectly casual expression, I practically leaped out of my skin on top of the bed.

Emma: W-Wha...... W-Wha-Wha......

Gilbert: Oh, you hadn't noticed this?

Gilbert: Our castle actually has quite a lot of hidden passageways.

Gilbert: It seems that while the former members of the imperial family did nothing but accumulate a massive amount of resentment, they were all cowards at heart, so they wanted an escape route handy.

Gilbert: By the way, this passage connects to a spot right near my room, so you are more than welcome to use it too.

(I thought my heart was going to explode!)

Letting out a cheerful laugh, Gilbert-sama sat down on the edge of the bed as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Snapping completely back to my senses, I scrambled to my feet and put a healthy amount of distance between us, retreating all the way to the corner of the room.

Gilbert: My, do you still actually believe you can run away from me?

(Even though he must completely understand that I am angry, along with every single reason why.)

Turning my back to him, I reached my hand out toward the doorknob of the room.

However, for some unknown reason, it absolutely would not open.

(It's been locked from the outside. Exactly when did he......)

Gilbert: Because I can read your every move as if it were written right in front of me.

Emma: ......

Gilbert: One month.

As I spun around, Gilbert-sama held up his index finger perfectly straight.

Gilbert: I haven't had a proper chat with you in a whole month.

Gilbert: I've been wanting to hear your voice this entire time.

Adopting a thoroughly dejected look while visibly lowering his brows, Gilbert-sama was undoubtedly telling the truth.

(Somehow, this makes me feel as if I am the one doing something incredibly cruel.)

Emma: ......If that is the case, then why......

Emma: Why did you go and do something when you knew full well it would make me angry?

Though my declaration to give him the silent treatment had been broken almost immediately, I simply could not hold myself back from asking.

Gilbert: Because I am a villain.

Emma: That is not a real reason.

Gilbert: Oh, but it is. If you're asking whether I can actually tell you everything that happened over this past month...... well, you know?

(Based on the way he put it, this recent disappearance wasn't due to poor health, but rather because of his official work.)

Emma: At the very least, is it really impossible for you to leave a single word behind before you head out?

Emma: I swear I won't tell a soul.

Gilbert: Not even Walter?

Emma: ......If you explicitly tell me not to say anything, absolutely never.

Gilbert: It's probably impossible for you.

Emma: Why is that?

Gilbert: Because you are an untrained amateur. Everything registers completely on your face.

Gilbert: If you found out in advance that I was leaving, you would change color entirely and come rushing over to stop me, wouldn't you?

(......That's......)

(I might not actually be able to argue against that......)

Emma: Even so, at the very very least...... I want to be able to say "have a safe trip."

Emma: Gil—Gilbert-sama, whenever I send you off with a "have a safe trip," you always return back to me with a "I'm home," don't you?

Gilbert: Hehe, you've really managed to strike a painful chord there.

Emma: When you disappear this frequently, the person waiting behind is left in a state of constant, agonizing anxiety.

Emma: ......I want us to make a proper promise, at least.

Gilbert: Yes, I am truly sorry, okay?

(Even though he's apologizing, it doesn't seem like he has any intention of changing his ways.)

Gilbert-sama crossed his legs and rested his chin upon his hand over his knee.

Gilbert: If you don't want me to vanish on you, there is actually something you can do about it yourself.

Gilbert: If you manage to make me so utterly infatuated with you that I can't take my eyes off you for even a single fraction of a second, I probably won't disappear anymore, right?

(Is that...... really how it works?)

(I get the feeling Gilbert-sama isn't the type of person who could ever become quite that blind in love, though.)

Gilbert: I don't want to make you cry, I don't want to make you sad, I don't want to make you worry......

Gilbert: You need to properly domesticate me to the point where those are the only things crossing my mind.

(......That seems completely impossible.)

(But, having him stay right by my side forever......)

Suddenly, my gaze slid toward Gilbert-sama's military uniform.

The memory of a pair of handcuffs coming out of that very outfit previously was still entirely fresh in my mind.

Thinking for just a fleeting moment of using those handcuffs—which he mentioned all military personnel carry around—malicious thoughts flickered through my head, causing me to hurriedly shake my head side to side.

(That is absolutely not the kind of meaning I had in mind when I thought about keeping him here!)

Gilbert: Oh, I see. Fascinating.

Despite the fact that I hadn't uttered a single word out loud, Gilbert-sama clapped his hands together with a pop and pulled the handcuffs right out from his military uniform.

(How do you even know what I'm thinking......)

Gilbert: To think the little rabbit's thread of patience finally snapped, and she has finally awakened.

Emma: I have not awakened to anything of the sort! Please put those away this very instant!

Gilbert: But you see...... if we leave things as they are, it feels as though you are never going to forgive me no matter how much time passes......

Twirling the handcuffs around his finger, Gilbert-sama suddenly clicked one of the loops around his own wrist.

(!?)

Looping the chain entirely around the pillar of the side table, he proceeded to click the remaining cuff around his other wrist as well.

Gilbert: My, the little rabbit sure plays radical.

Emma: That wasn't me at all, was it!? What on earth are you doing, please take those off immediately!

Gilbert: I wonder exactly where I put the key.

Emma: ......You must be joking.

Gilbert: Oh dear, what should I do? I'm completely unable to move a muscle now.

Gilbert: But it's perfectly fine. The little rabbit will take wonderful care of me, won't she?

(......What happened yesterday must have been a dream......)

(I desperately want it to be a dream, and yet......)

..

Gilbert: Wow, is today's breakfast handmade by the little rabbit? I am so incredibly happy.

Gilbert: Ah, but I completely forgot that I can't move my hands right now. Would you mind feeding me?

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Part 3

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Into our peaceful daily life, the metallic sound of scraping chains blended in.

The one who was bound, however, was not me.

The one whose hands were securely restrained with handcuffs to the side table right near the bed was Gilbert-sama, and he offered a gentle smile to me as I let the linens slip from my fingers.

Gilbert: I won't allow you to stop halfway through. This is a game you started yourself, isn't it?

Casually, I hid my hands behind my back.

My tightly clenched fingertips were trembling ever so slightly.

Gilbert: I'll show my love to a pathetic, pitiful little rabbit like you, too.

(How on earth did things end up like this?)

The story retraced its steps to a short while prior.

Gilbert: Ah, I'm home, little rabbit. It's been a while, have you been well?

Emma: ......

Gilbert: Oh? You seem to be in quite a foul mood.

Emma: How many days......

Emma: Do you have any idea just how many days you've been away from the castle?

Standing right before Gilbert-sama, who had suddenly strolled back in looking absolutely no different than usual, I placed my hands on my hips and questioned him.

One after another, the passing soldiers stopped in their tracks, watching us intently from a distance.

Gilbert: Hmm, I suppose about a month has passed.

Emma: Exactly. And during that entire time, did you send a single message?

Gilbert: I didn't. After all, if I went and did that, you wouldn't worry about me, would you?

Emma: And what about a note?

Gilbert: Hehe, of course I didn't leave one.

Emma: ......We are officially through.

Gilbert: Oh? You and me?

Emma: Yes, I am officially through with you, Gil...... No, with you, Gilbert-sama!

Even though my head fully understood that pointing a finger at someone was incredibly rude, I directed my index finger straight at him as if issuing a formal declaration of war.

Emma: Until you properly reflect on your actions, I will absolutely never forgive you!

(Today of all days, I simply cannot take this anymore.)

(There have been plenty of times before when Gilbert-sama would suddenly vanish without a trace.)

(And I understand the reasons behind it too...... It's either because his physical condition took a turn for the worse, or because he was handling work he couldn't speak about.)

(It can't be helped that he can't get in touch when he's feeling unwell.)

(And when it's for work, he might not have the luxury to leave an emergency message.)

(Gilbert-sama's position is a special one, and an single careless move could directly cost him his life......)

(I've told myself that exact same thing over, and over, and over, and over again, and an entire month has already flown by.)

(But this time was simply far too long!)

I tried my absolute best to be understanding, and it wasn't as if I wanted to throw a selfish tantrum, but I wasn't the only one who felt like they hadn't truly been alive for the past month.

(Even the soldiers watching us from a distance right now have been completely on edge the entire time Gilbert-sama was missing.)

(......Wondering if we might never actually see him again......)

(And I haven't been able to sleep a single wink for ages now.)

Gilbert: I'm sorry. But since I'm a villain, a little misdeed like this should be rather cute, shouldn't it?

Emma: It is absolutely, entirely not cute at all!

Emma: For the time being, I will strictly be addressing you as "Gilbert-sama," and I won't speak a single word to you outside of that.

Gilbert: Heh, so you actually intend to lecture me.

Emma: Since nobody else will lecture you, I am going to be the one to do it.

(If I show understanding to Gilbert-sama regarding every single thing, it means I'll end up tolerating absolutely everything.)

(That's why, even if he has his reasons, I want him to feel at least a tiny bit guilty.)

(......Even though you promised you wouldn't make me feel lonely, you absolute liar.)

Turning my back on Gilbert-sama, I began walking back toward the castle.

However, as if to stay glued right by my side, his footsteps followed close behind.

Gilbert: Hehe, look at you, completely throwing a tantrum.

Gilbert: You're incredibly cute when you're throwing a tantrum, but being ignored makes me rather sad.

Emma: ......

Gilbert: ......I see. If that's how you want to play it, I suppose I'll have to come up with a strategy of my own.

Gilbert: I'm practically itching for the challenge.

(......It's infuriating just how much amusement he's getting out of this.)

(But I've already decided that I'm absolutely not backing down so easily this time.)Emma: ......

Gilbert: Thank you for worrying about me, okay?

Emma: ......

Gilbert: You're incredibly cute when you're throwing a tantrum, but being ignored makes me rather sad.

Emma: ......

Gilbert: ......I see. If that's how you want to play it, I suppose I'll have to come up with a strategy of my own.

Gilbert: I'm practically itching for the challenge.

(......It's infuriating just how much amusement he's getting out of this.)

(But I've already decided that I'm absolutely not backing down so easily this time.)

...

That night—I shut myself entirely alone in my room to manifest my formal declaration of war to Gilbert-sama.

Getting angry took an immense amount of energy, and I constantly had to restrain my own feet, which desperately wanted to carry me straight back to Gilbert-sama's side the very moment I let my guard down.

(The truth is, I want to talk to him so much.)

(I want to wrap my arms around Gilbert-sama's freezing cold body.)

(......If he only knew just how desperately...... I missed him.)

I curled myself up into a tight ball at the very edge of the bed, pulling my knees flush against my chest.

Resting my head right atop my knees, I let out a heavy sigh that melted entirely into the quiet night.

???: Did something terribly sad happen to you?

Emma: ......Yes, it did.

???: In that case, this little fairy will gladly listen to your troubles.

Emma: Really?

(......Wait a minute!)

I snapped my head right up with a start.

However, no matter if I looked to my right, to my left, or straight up at the ceiling, the owner of the voice was nowhere to be found.

(Huh?)

Emma: What in the world, it was just my imagination......

Gilbert: Ah, so you're the type of little rabbit who actually believes in fairies?

Emma: Uwahhhhh!?

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Part 2

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Ring "About that rumor Victor told us earlier… um, it sounds… interesting, doesn't it?"

It was after we had finished the mission and were getting ready for bed that Ring-kun hesitantly brought it up.

(The “rumor” is that coin-toss game where the winner becomes the King or Queen, right?)

(Could it be that he wants to play…?)

Neema "Shall we try it together?"

Ring "Is that okay!?"

Leaning towards Ring-kun, I clenched the coin tightly.

(I've never played a game like this either, but…)

(If it's something Ring-kun is interested in, I, as his lover, have to go along!)

Neema "Yes, let's do it, playing King and Queen…!"

As a result of the game, the golden coin showed the tails I had called.

Ring "Then from now on I'll be absolutely obedient to you."

Ring "Whatever you wish is my command, My Queen."

In a swift motion, Ring dropped to one knee, took my hand in his, and pressed a gentle kiss to the back of it.

(Knightly Ring-kun… so cool…)

Ring "It's okay. I train, so I’m confident in my stability.”

Neema “Well, um, I don’t know, but I don’t think it’s like that!”

Ring “…So how is it?”

Neema “What if we make it so that if you follow my orders and protect me you get a reward, and if you can’t, you get punished. Something like that!?”

Ring “If you say so, then I’ll follow. I will obey you absolutely.”

(Hmm, a reward… Ah, that’s it!)

I took out a lollipop that was handed out at the ball from my pocket.

Neema “If you're a good boy, I'll let you taste this.''

Ring “I see… you sound just like a queen.''

Neema “You really think so?”

Ring “So what do I have to do to be a ‘good boy’?”

Neema “Um… you should use honorific language.”

Ring "Understood, Your Majesty."

Neema "And… hold my hand."

Ring "With pleasure."

Ring stepped forward obediently and clasped my hand firmly.

A gentle warmth spread deep within my chest, bringing a sense of calm.

Neema "…Hehe"

(I can’t believe Ring-kun is listening to absolutely everything I say… It’s kind of cute.)

(I wonder what would happen if I ordered him to disobey my orders?)

A touch of mischief stirred within me as I looked at Ring, who was waiting obediently for the next command like a loyal dog.

Neema "Alright, here is your next order."

Ring "Wh-what is it?"

Neema "Ignore every order I give from this moment on."

Ring "…?"

Neema "You have to do the exact opposite of what I tell you."

Ring "I see…?"

Ring still didn't seem to quite understand it, so I gave him a command despite feeling a flutter of nervousness.

Neema "Don't touch me, don't hug me, and don't kiss me."

Ring "…!"

It seemed Ring finally understood my intent…

He pulled me into his strong arms, and our lips met in a passionate kiss.

Neema "Mmm…"

Ring "Is this… right, Your Majesty?"

Neema "Mmm… yes, that's right."

The moment I nodded, our lips met again… and Ring-kun's hands began to caress my body.

He kneaded my breasts through my sheer nightdress, and a slow, rising heat began to pool deep within my stomach.

Ring "…"

Ring-kun stared intently at my reaction, and I felt as though his gaze was devouring me.

Ring "What about this? Do you… not want me to do this?"

Neema "Ah… mmph."

He held my nipple between his fingers, rolling and rubbing it back and forth.

Neema "No, not that… please, stop…"

Ring "If you’re saying that… then that actually means you want more, right? Damn… I’m so confused…"

Neema "Aah!"

He squeezed down hard and I felt a wet, melting pleasure between my thighs.

As if savoring the sensation, his fingers played with my breasts for a while before Ring-kun slowly reached his hand down there.

Ring "Can I… touch here, too?"

Neema "……No. You shouldn’t touch it… and your fingers… you shouldn’t put them inside."

Ring "Ngh…Understood."

Neema "Ah… ha… mm…"

Following my order to “disobey”, Ring's hand pushed its way between my legs.

After he caressed my wetness with his whole palm, his fingertips began to roll over my sensitive nub.

A sweet, throbbing pleasure built up within me, but without a decisive touch… he left me feeling increasingly frustrated and desperate.

Neema "Ring…ngh, that's enough there…ah…!"

Ring "!"

I found myself pleading instinctively, completely forgetting that I had ordered him to "defy" me.

Rin "I get it. 'Touch here more,' right…?"

Neema "Huh? Ah, no, wait… Aah…!"

Ring “So you really like this spot here. I’ve learned something good.”

Ring-kun began to bully it with delight. His wet fingertips slid back and forth, tapping it lightly. His teasing fingertips kept searching for my reactions, letting that frustrating kind of pleasure swell even more.

Neema “No, wait, I don’t mean that…”

Ring “Oh, ‘don’t wait.’ I’ll just have to be patient and hold off entering you until you cum here first.”

I tried to deny it in a panic, but seeing Ring-kun’s eyes shining happily, I couldn’t bring myself to say, “Put it in already”…

Ring “Leave it to me, my Queen.”

And so, I as the Queen ended up being taught a whole new kind of pleasure by my guard dog, Ring-kun.

--

Notes:

Damn, Ring got that dog in him for real...

Ending the wedding ceremony with just the 2 of us without anyone's blessing, we returned to the hotel.

Kate: Ring. Can I take this cloth off already?

Since at the ceremony venue, I have been moving around with the cloth covering my clothes. That's because Ring has said he did not want anyone to see me in my wedding dress in the middle of the journey.

Ring: Ah, it's okay to remove it.

Ring hold his hand towards mine, helping me take off the cloth.

Kate: Thank you, Rin...

When I have finally taken it off and look up, there's a slice of sadness on Ring's face, and I hold my breath.

Ring: ...Sorry for making this a lonely wedding. Ring: You should have been receiving more blessings...but because of my jealousy, we didn't call anyone...

Kate: Come on, please don't worry too much about it. I do not regret a single bit though? Kate: It feels like only the 2 of us remain on this world, that I'm in no one's eyes except for Ring's...it was a very happy ceremony.

Despite the words that came directly from my heart, Ring's expression did not become brighter.

Ring: Flowers that bloom in sufficient sunlight and rich soil, when they're surrounded by friends, they live long and well. Ring: Yet, I... Ring: The first time I saw a flower (you), I took it down, wanting to put it by my side. Ring: Even if that would make the flower live shorter.

Kate: ...So that's why you keep holding my hand. So that I can be happy.

Ring: No, although I did hold you hand because I didn't want you to feel lonely, Ring: I was really just anxious that you could be changing your mind and running away from the venue, so I just caught you.

Kate: Ring... Kate: I don't feel lonely. Because I have found my favourite sunshine.

Wanting to sweep away the dark atmosphere, I approach the window.

Kate: L-look! Please look at this, Ring. The stars are beautiful.

Ring: ーDon't.

Rink yanked me from behind, pulling me away from the window and pushed me onto the bed.

Ring: Don't go near the window like this...I don't want anyone to see you being so beautiful in the wedding dress.

Kate: It's so dark, I don't think anyone can see me though?

Ring: ...The stars can see you.

His face is so sincere that I know he wasn't joking. Jealous of things that aren't even living, although I am happy with this proof of such deep love...

(If he's suffering because of how much he loves me, I want to make Ring feel more or less safer.)

Kate: ...Then now, can Ring please tear my dress? So that no one else can see me like this again.

Ring: ...hng

The next moment, Ring's fingers press into the chest of my wedding dress. Together with a loud noise, the pure white fabric got torn.

Ring: Right...No one else can see it. You only belong to me.

Ring ripped away the torn dress and threw it away on the bed, biting onto my shoulders and chest. Feeling both pain and pleasure, I gasped lightly.

Kate: Ah...! Haah.... Kate: I...don't want to be the only one...hng, Ring, too..."

Biting, trembling as my body feels sweetly painfully pleasured, I fumbled with Ring's tuxedo.

Ring: Ah...Let's become messy together, feel good together, Kate.

Ring, who seems happy to have his clothes messed up by me, said with a good mood. Licking like he's aware of the bite marks on my chest...then, harshly sucked on the tips of my chest. His other hand also started rubbing the neglected other side of my chest.

Kate: Mm...Haah...

Sometimes flicking the tip with his fingertips, which makes my body arch instinctively.

Ring: Haah...your breasts look like they feel everything...cute...

Kate: Nnh...It's because...Ring keeps fiddling...

Blaming the responsibility onto Ring as I feel shy, he laughed happily.

Ring: Yeah, you're right. Your body yearning this much for me...it's my fault. Ring: Here...here too, are all covered with my marks.

Biting my skin, sucking, blooming red flowers all over, Ring opened my legs widely. Under Ring's loving touch and kiss, my secret part quickly became hot and wet, and I feel something hot pushing against there.

Ring: Haha...your inside wants me so much that it's melting.

Kate: Nnh...haa..Ring...

Wanting to end the stimulation as soon as possible, I look up to him as if I'm pleading - the prettily-coloured eyes narrowed in happiness.

Ring: I also...want you.

Putting my arm around as a sign, Ring started moving his waist steadily.

Kate: Aah...! Haa..ahng

As my insides got rubbed steadily as if to try keeping an eye on how I am doing, wanting for more pleasure, I squeezed Ring's member.

Ring: Guh...haa...

Every time the spot deep inside me got hit, I feel a sweet fever.

With the gradually increasing intense middle layer, Ring pressed me against the bed, kissing me greedily.

A kiss with deeply interwined tongue, drooling saliva, my entire body feel weak.

Ring: Haah...I won't give you to anyone else...I'm never letting you go...

Sometimes moving and stopping, as he rubs my deepest parts with his hot member, he whispers at my ear.

Ring: I...Even in places where the sun won't shine on, if you're on my side, that's enough for me.

Kate: Ring...Me too..If Ring is here, I'd be happy...Aah!

Our bodies mixed with each other's nectar and sweat melt together.

Ring: More...Let me hear more of your voice. I will take in everything of you. Ring: ...I love you. You'll be mine forever.

I wrap my arms around him, and answer with trembling pleasure.

Kate: Yes...Please make me Ring's...

Darius: Pass auf dich auf, Ring.

Ring: … Alles klar. 

All I had to do was obey Darius’ orders.

I convinced myself to believe that by doing just that… I could atone for my sin of stealing Nica’s smile. 

But… 

…

【 PALACE HALLWAY 】 

Kate: I think you should tell him. There are things people won’t understand unless you say it to them directly. 

Kate: Ring, words exist for us to use to convey our thoughts and feelings to others. 

— The Robin’s words felt like a wake up call. 

I’d been so tightly bound by guilt that I couldn't bring myself to say a thing, and yet… I wanted to say it to Nica. 

(That I…)

…

【 NICA’S ROOM 】 

On a count of three, Kate and I threw open the door to Nica’s room. 

Kate • Ring: Nica, are you here!? • Nica, you in!? 

Nica: You two ever heard of knocking…? 

Seeing the exasperated look on Nica’s face made the words catch in my throat for a moment. 

But then… Kate elbowed me in the ribs, forcing me to pull myself together. 

Ring: I- I’m angry! 

Nica: … Huh? 

Ring: I’m angry you tried to leave without telling me a thing! 

Nica: I already explained it to you yesterday. 

Ring: I- I couldn't say it then… no — I haven't been able to say it for a very long time. 

(Because I was the reason Nica lost his smile… I felt I didn't have the right to say anything to him.) 

That’s why, for Nica’s sake, I began obeying only Darius’ orders. 

I picked up a sword, ignored the pain in my heart, and killed people whenever I was ordered to.

I killed, killed, and killed — 

(I thought as long as I obeyed Darius, I’d never do the wrong thing and hurt Nica again.) 

(But the truth is… I’ve always been worried. I’ve wanted to ask him this for the longest time, so long that it was driving me crazy.) 

Ring: I know you need the freedom to move around for your missions and investigations.

Ring: But it's always scared me whenever you left without a word. 

Nica’s eyes widened for a brief moment.

His sorrowful cobalt-blue eyes that looked so much like my own.

When did the two pairs of eyes that once held each other’s reflection within them begin to grow distant? 

(But… I don’t think that’s something to be sad about. Because Nica and I are separate people.) 

(Our thoughts, and the burdens we carry, are entirely different.)

(And that's why—) 

Ring: It’s fine if there are things you can’t tell me. You don’t have to talk about them if you don’t want to. 

Ring: But don’t just disappear without saying anything. At least leave me a note if you’re going to be away for more than a few days. 

Ring: I keep thinking what I should do if you got hurt out there… or what if you never came back? 

Ring: I… I hate waiting while worrying like that. 

— During our time at Haus, countless children were dragged away for experiments and never returned. 

Because I grew up in a place where the moment you said goodbye to someone for the last time could come any time soon… 

Even now, whenever I couldn’t find Nica, I would get uncontrollably anxious. 

(Is he hungry? Is he in pain? Is he suffering? Is he happy? … Wherever he was, I couldn't help thinking about him.)

(That’s why I want to know his whereabouts.)

(Because…)

(Nica is important to me.)

The prison that once confined us no longer existed — no more handcuffs, no more shackles. 

That is why I want to know where Nica is, and how he’s spending his days. 

So that if it’s late and he’s still not home, I can run to him and bring him back. 

Nica: … Was this your idea? 

Nica directed the question at the Robin. 

Kate nodded so enthusiastically that she might as well have shouted out her answer. 

Nica: Could you please stop making me look like a bad guy? Do you not feel even the slightest bit sorry for me? 

Nica: I mean, I guess it is partially my responsibility for letting you get this attached to me… seriously, whatever am I supposed to do with you? 

Nica pressed his hand to his forehead with a sigh. 

Then he straightened up and looked directly at me. 

Nica: Okay. I’ll do that next time. 

Ring: R-Really? 

Nica: Yeah. I know it’s my fault too this time. Sorry, Ring. 

Ring: Y-Your fault…? 

That word sounded so out of character coming from Nica that Kate and I instinctively glanced at each other. 

Nica: Can you two quit looking at me like I’m some monster who’s never reflected on my actions before?

Nica: Besides, it’s not like I’d ever abandon you. 

Nica: No matter what kind of lives we live, we’re still two halves of one whole. 

Nica: Wouldn’t it be weird if we separated now? 

His words warmed my heart. 

(We’re different people. The things we think about, the burdens we carry… they’re not the same.) 

(But despite all that, we’re still twins.) 

Realizing my brother had been thinking similarly filled me with joy. 

Ring: I won’t abandon you either. 

Nica: Good, because tracking you down every time you wander off is exhausting. 

Ring: Uhh… I’ll be more careful. 

(I know he’s not referring to me getting lost in the literal sense… he's saying I shouldn't lose my way in life.) 

— At that moment, it felt like the weight crushing my chest for the longest time had finally been lifted off ever so slightly. 

(Like Dari said, I made the wrong choices in the past and caused Nica to lose his smile.) 

(But maybe from now on, instead of blindly obeying Dari…) 

(I’ll try talking things out with Nica too.) 

As Kate watched us with an affectionate smile, Nica turned to gaze at her tenderly. 

Nica: What’s that face for? When it comes to you, it's definitely not a matter of someone being left behind. 

Kate: Eh?

Nica: No matter where I’m going, you’ll cling to my leg and follow me anyway. 

Nica: Honestly, I’ve already accepted that you’re basically attached to me like a koala. 

I pictured that scene in my mind.

(If the robin and I each grabbed one leg…)

(… Even this stubborn Nica might stop and think before doing anything dangerous.) 

I knew I couldn't do it alone, but it felt possible with the robin around. 

(And if you still decide to go ahead… then I’ll go with you.)