ミミの恋愛

CHAPTER 05

The winter sky is always beautiful, but the sky I looked up at after waking up today feels even prettier than usual.

After preparing breakfast as always, I decorate the dining room with the clematis flowers I received from Vlad yesterday.

Vlad “In the language of flowers...it means the joy of travelers.” MC “The joy of travelers...” Vlad “Right. Hey, Mimi. I want you to tell me your worries that you can’t say to your precious ones.” Vlad “If that could make you feel better, I wish for you to live your life to the fullest. Will you listen to my selfishness?”

(...I was very happy with the flowers and Vlad’s feelings.)

The fact that there is a person who accepts the emotion I locked up alone reassures me terribly.

As my lips curled into a broad smile while remembering Vlad’s gentle smile...

Arthur “Morning, Mimi. You’re still the cutest today.”

MC “Haha, yeah yeah. Good morning, Arthur. For breakfast...say, what’s with that ‘I don’t need it’ face?

Arthur “Hmm, *how very perceptive. I was writing until morning, but I can’t see the end of it...so can I just have coffee?”

(*ご明察 - so insightful, as you indicated/presumed. 

MC “Yeah, please wait then. I’ll bring it after I brew one.”

As I return to the dining room after pouring sugar free coffee into a cup...,

Arthur was looking over the newspaper with a serious expression.

MC “Here, thank you for waiting. What’s wrong, with that serious look. Was there any article that’s *bothering you?”

(*気になる - curious, wonder, catch one’s eyes

Arthur “I wonder if everything is to be concerned about. All the articles are nothing but dangerous. Here, take a look.”

On the spread front page, articles on theft and murder...those make me unconsciously looking away.

From the start, this world is not really peaceful and calm, but I can tell it from the *surface that it has become more dangerous just of late.

(*肌 - skin, body

(...There is an intense wealth inequality in this era. Helping hands are not extended towards those seeking aid and labor.)

Recently, there have been repeated cases of aristocrats are being targeted by dissatisfied citizens.

(...The boy who came to Vlad to buy flowers was also wearing worn-out/tattered/battered clothes. Also.)

The hands that grasp the coin tightly to buy the flowers was full of scratches and stained of pitch black, perhaps because he was working in a coal mine.

Somehow I want to do something about it, but I feel frustrated with the reality that I can't change it right away...

Arthur “It seems that various incidents are happening every day, but this incident is just strange...”

MC “...Strange incident?”

Arthur “Several corpses have been found in strange state, with every drop of their blood drained.”

Arthur “In addition, when they examine the body of the corpses, it seems that all of them are ‘having criminal records’ or ‘those who commits some kind of crimes’.”

(...In other words.)

MC “...Are people who have done bad/wrong things being punished?” 

Arthur “I'm not sure what it really means, but it seems that many people interpret it as you say.”

Arthur “It seems that some people deify him and call him ‘The Flowers of Evil’, like a novel world. It’s just...”

Arthur “In reality, it’s not allowed.”

Arthur’s large glass bead eyes are dyed in desperate shades.

Arthur “Different people have their own standards of what’s evil and what’s justice. If everyone judges by their own ethics, the world will go crazy.”

Arthur “That’s why law exists and there’s police force.”

Arthur unwraps his serious look, takes off his glasses, and then he surprisingly smiles.

(...?)

Arthur “So, you should be careful. You don't want to be attacked in the middle of a secret date, right?”

MC “Date...!?”

(...This is surely about Vlad, right? I don’t mean to keep my meeting a secret, but it’s somewhat embarrassing.)

(Here it is —)

(...Arthur is uselessly sharp, so the more you say something, the more it backfires.)

Arthur “Remaining silent, aren’t you? But unfortunately, if you shut your lips, all the more it gets me fired up.”

Arthur “Well then, why did I think you were dating...let me tell you the reasoning now.”

Arthur “First of all, the flowers decorated in the mansion have changing a lot these days. So I guess, the other party is a florist...?”

(He’s sharp...!)

Arthur “The second one, you went to meet the person every day. Recently, you often came back separately from Sebas.”

（ううう…！）(Uuu...!)

Arthur “And the third, you’ve become more and more cute lately. No more excuses with this.”

Arthur “I’m worried~ Can he protect Mimi from this dangerous world?”

All of the sudden, Arthur *squints and as he reaches out to me...

(*目を細め - to close one's eyes partly, to smile with one's whole face, to look fondly at

Arthur “...Hey, Mimi. After all, you should choose the strong and gentle mystery writer right in front of you...OUCH!”

Theo “You think?”

Vincent “Hehe, you won’t consider it, would you? ‘Coz Arthur is the most dangerous one.”

MC “Theo, Vincent...!”

Arthur “Hey...Theo. Don’t you have anything to do with your fist? What would you do if I get dumb?”

Theo “Maybe your cunning will stop working and you’ll become a little bit of a decent person.”

Vincent “Hehe, they are really close friends today too, right, Mimi?”

With a question mark floating in his mind, Theo shrugs his shoulders.

Theo “And there’s no need to be worried. Mimi will be with us for a while.”

Arthur “Oh, did you hold an exhibition for paintings of the artists that Theo take care of?”

Theo “Yeah, Nii-san’s paintings are included too, of course.”

MC “I’m going to help out for a few days before the exhibition opens.”

(...I’m a little lonely that I can’t go to see Vlad, but.)

(I want to do my best to help those two who always help me.)

Vincent “Thank you for your help, Mimi. It would be a little busy, but please take care of us.”

MC “Thank you for letting me help, Vincent, Theo.”

From that day, preparations for the exhibition began immediately...

Theo “Mimi, I told you to display the painting there at the top of the stairs, didn't I?”

MC “Sorry! I’ll fix it right away!”

Theo “Mimi, the artist Francis will bring his painting any time now. Please get it.”

MC “Okay...!”

As I move around in commotion, the outside dyed with night just like that.

(...Wow, I’m so unsteady. I already thought this would be difficult, but it easily surpasses my imagination.)

(But, Theo worked many times than this. This is not the time for complaints, I need to work harder.)

As I walk with enthusiasm, 

I find Theo looks over the painting at the wall in the art gallery, where everyone heads for home while being all listless.

Theo “...”

(His eyes seems like looking at treasures...)

As he shoots through it with pure and beautiful look, like a young boy aware of his first love, Theo’s gaze turns towards me.

Theo “Ah, thanks for your hard work. Did Nii-san go back already...?”

MC “Yeah, he said he would like to help and didn’t give it up, but he went back to mansion to continue with his paintings.”

Theo “Is that so?”

MC “Whose painting you were looking at...?”

Theo “New painting drawn by Nii-san.”

When I line up next to Theo and turns my sight towards the painting he looks at...

(Wow...!)

The scenery of rye field, where its golden heads shine in the sunlight, fills my field of vision.

At a distance, people doing farm work are vividly drawn, 

There’s also a downpour of dazzling light on it.

Just looking at the painting makes me feel calm and full of hopes, as if I’m amidst an early afternoon.

MC “...It’s a wonderful painting that it such a *waste to put it into words.”

(*もったいない - too good, more than one deserves, unworthy of

MC “It looks like a sort of painting that makes you stronger and kinder just by looking at it.”

Theo “...Yeah, I think so too.”

Theo “Nii-san used to draw a rye field, but this time it's a little different.”

Theo “Since he put special feeling into it.”

Theo “Nii-san told me, he drew this painting in the hope it could help and become a salvation for the people who live in this brutal era.”

(People’s salvation...)

(Really, that’s why it’s shaking my heart so strongly and intense...)

Theo “But the world will say this, you know? Paintings do not save people, since they does not satisfy necessities of life.”

Theo “When the world falls into turmoil, arts are discarded as unnecessary before anything else.”

Theo “But that’s...I don’t think it that way.”

When I ask him with just my gaze, Theo’s sea-colored eyes harbor a powerful heat as if wishing for a bright tomorrow.

Theo “This painting, Mozart’s music, and novel written by Arthur and Dazai...”

Theo “Arts sometimes save people’s heart with its absurd strength from unthinkable angles. ...Just like a miracle.”

MC “...”

Theo “Because I’m in such an era, those who want to give hope to people, the talents of those guys in the mansion —“

Theo “I want to cherish it...”

In a dark and hopeless world, people's hearts are easily worn away.

And with worn down hearts, people wounds many things.

At times they hurt the person closest to them, and they even hurt themselves. However —

Vlad “Go before the flowers wither. In flower language, gerbera means hope and progress.” Vlad “May you move forward with hope.”

I think people are also the ones who heal and protect.

CHAPTER 04.5

Why did Vlad-san going to the trouble of asking me to help his work...?

When I ask him the thing that I had been wondering for a long time, the person in front of me shows a charming smile.

Vlad “I don’t want to be hated by you. I’ll let you know···—”

Vlad “I thought...if only I could relieve the loneliness and anxiety in your heart, even just a little...”

MC “Huh...?”

Vlad “Since you’re a person who cherishes other people so much to the point you hold your own emotion alone.”

(That...)

MC “I don’t want them to carry along my sadness by showing my sad appearance.” MC “Since I want the people I love to laugh as much as possible even for a second.” Vlad “...” MC “Ah, I’m sorry. I just talked about myself —”

That day, in front of Vlad-san who I met again...I remember I just spilled my true feelings.

MC “...You remember such a trivial thing and met me every day?”

Vlad “It’s not a trivial matter.”

Vlad “I don’t want to put away your troubles as trivial things. And don’t think like that.”

Vlad “Because people lives by their hearts.”

(...What should I do? I’m about to cry a bit.)

The loneliness that I suppress in the depths of my heart feels as if being gently stroked by a hand, and the inside of my eyes are getting hotter.

(Why...)

MC “Why does Vlad-san is so kind to me even though we just met...?”

The crimson eyes are dyed with heat, as if he’s gazing at something nostalgic within me.

Vlad “As for me, for quite some time...for as long as forever, I’ve been keep searching for someone.”

Vlad “I thought of being kind to you since I feel like you and that person are somewhat very similar.”

MC “...”

Vlad “But, that’s really just the first chance. The more I spend time and come to know you...”

Vlad “It reached the point that I wish to know more about yourself and help you.”

Saying so in a voice without any hesitation, Vlad-san hands over something into my arms.

It’s a dazzlingly bright purple bouquet.

MC “This...”

Vlad “It’s a clematis flower.”

Vlad “This flower is often planted at the front door of a European inn. It heals the fatigue of travelers.”

Vlad “In the language of flowers...it means the joy of travelers.”

MC “The joy of travelers...”

Vlad “Right. Hey, Mimi. I want you to tell me your worries that you can’t say to your precious ones.”

Vlad “If that could make you feel better, I wish for you to live your *life to the fullest. Will you listen to my selfishness?”

(*君の全てで君らしく生きて - literally - like you to live with all of you fuh

It feels forceful, but his words hold kindness that is deep and wide like the bottom of the sea.

MC “Is there anything I can do...?”

Vlad “Hmm?”

MC “I feel so happy...I’m the only one on the receiving end, so I want to repay you somehow.”

(...Things I can do is limited, though.)

Vlad “Well then...”

Vlad “Call me Vlad instead of Vlad-san. Ah, let’s also stop all the formalities.”

(...I wonder if that's okay, but if Vlad-san wants it.)

MC “...Vlad.”

Vlad “Yes, Mimi.”

Smiling with satisfaction, his crimson eyes suddenly turn towards the sky.

Vlad “...Ah, the night will come soon.”

As I follow Vlad-san’s line of sight, the yellow sky gradually becomes darker...

Before long, the sky is dyed into a beautiful night.

When I look back, Vlad-san is still looking up at the sky.

His eyes are just like...full of deep affection that love everything in his sight, and it captivates me.

(...That day when I first found Vlad-san.)

(He felt very lonely and I thought he was detached from the world.)

— But now.

(I think he’s a person who embraces everything in the world tightly and gently.)

A somewhat mysterious person who directs his love towards everything, this beautiful world and people.

(And also, someone I want to know more and more.)

It's kind of frustrating that the distance is a little apart.

I certainly feel that faint emotions slowly sprout in me.

CHAPTER 04

MC “What are you doing, Vlad-san?”

Vlad “Ah, Mimi. I’m fixing ‘this’, look.”

Vlad-san has a violin with loose strings in his hand,

There are people who seem like a traveling troupe looking at it with concern.

Man from the traveling troupe “Yo, Nii-chan, you look like a florist, aren’t you? Can you really fix the violin?”

Vlad “Yes, my old friend is a man who plays violin. Every time it broke, it turned that I could fix it if I tamper with it.”

Vlad “...Yeah, I think this should be okay, though. Let’s play it for a little while as a test.”

As he quickly stands up, Vlad-san slides the bow on the just repaired violin.

At that moment, the particles of light with such a beautiful sound echoes through the clear blue sky.

(Wow...!)

The tone is so emotional and sensual that it instantly captivates people...,

More and more people gather as they are drawn to the sound.

Vlad “...Yeah, the sound it makes is exactly beautiful. Eh? What an amazing crowd.”

Man from the traveling troupe “Oi oi, it’s supposed to be our forte to make people happy, isn’t it?”

Vlad “Ahaha, sorry. Well, here you go. Will you make me even happier? Regarding the people here.”

Vlad “About the violin, I can't help but want it to be played by the owner.”

Man from the traveling troupe “Haha, you’re telling me! *Bring it on. Oi everyone, hold the instruments!”

(*望むところ - that’s what I want, that's what I'm hoping for, suits me well, could ask for nothing better, make my day

Before long, the sound that uplifts my heart fills the air...

As if invited by the sound, the people around me performing dance steps as they wish and the circle of dance expands.

Vlad “Hmm, isn’t this great? Everyone seems to have a lot of fun...”

(...His eyes look like as if he’s staring at such a lovely thing.)

It’s like a wide sea, like an endless sky...and I’m fascinated by his gentle eyes to the extent of invoking such affection. 

Vlad “Mimi, it’s such a waste not to devote ourselves in such a wonderful time. That’s why, here...”

Vlad “May I have your hand?”

As he holds out his hand directly, my heart can’t be helped but to be exhilarated.

(Erm, as Vlad-san says. I have to enjoy such a wonderful time!)

While taking his hand...

MC “Yes, please treat me well!”

Vlad “Ahaha, that’s a nice smile. Well then, leave yourself to me.”

The light music, with Vlad-san who smiles in front of me...I realized that I’m laughing out loud.

When I return to the mansion after a day’s work and about to go back to my own room, I hear a sound from the open balcony.

(...The sound of the violin?)

I peek into the balcony gently as I drawn to the beautiful tone.

There’s the Comte who’s playing the violin under the moonlit night, and Leonardo-san who’s listening to it with wine in one hand.

Leonardo “...The tone of the violin you play is still beautiful.”

Comte “Because it’s my partner that I’ve been playing all the time since I was a child.”

Comte “...Hey, Leonardo.”

Leonardo “Hmm...?”

Comte “The time of us pureblood and humans does not *overlap.”

(*重なる - occur at the same time

Comte “Even while we blink, humans run through lives in full speed.”

Leonardo “...Well, sort of.”

Comte “But, this tone would always be everlasting. I feel like I’m being saved by such a trivial matter.”

Leonardo “It’s fine, isn’t it? Even a human would keep on living as long as hopes exist. That’s the same for us too, right?”

Leonardo “You are saved by a trivial matter, so...again, like you, it’s all right if we just love those guys in the mansion and human beings.”

Comte “...Yes, you’re right, Leonardo.”

The words spilled at night slowly soak into my mind.

I wasn’t aware of it anymore but I, with Comte and Leonardo-san...by all means are different creatures.

I think no matter how much I imagine, I cannot possibly understand their loneliness.

(...But, I want to understand even if it’s not enough, since I think I’ll be able to do what I want to understand.)

(But, I wonder why...)

(I thought that Vlad-san’s eyes that I saw today are similar to the eyes of Comte and Leonardo-san.)

The next day, I make a declaration as soon as I meet Vlad-san.

MC “Please let me to help you properly today.”

(If things go on like this, it will be different from our first agreement.)

Vlad “This’s the first time I’ve been scolded for not entrusting any job to others.”

MC “Ah...I’m not angry!”

Vlad “Ahaha, it’s okay, I know that. Well, I think I’ll take advantage of your kind offer then. First of all —“

The moment Vlad-san picks up the flower on the wagon while giggling...

Child “Excuse me!”

MC & Vlad “...?”

When I turn myself towards the voice, a little boy wearing a newsboy cap stands with a serious expression. 

Vlad “Is there something you want, little customer?”

Child “I want you to make a bouquet of the most beautiful flowers in the world, since I want to give it as a present to a precious girl.”

Vlad “The most beautiful flower in the world...huh, this is a difficult task.”

Vlad “Well then, can you tell me a little bit about the person you’re giving to make the bouquet?”

Child “Huh...?”

Vlad “Anything is fine, things that she likes, how that girl’s reflected in your eyes, and so on.”

Child “That girl is always playing a piano by the window of a large mansion, so I think she likes piano.”

Vlad “How nice, I like piano too.”

Child “Yes, I also like piano...err, I mean the piano that the girl plays.”

Child “On the way home from working at the coal mine, I happened to hear the girl’s piano, if I could see her even for a moment...”

Child “I can’t say it well, but I think...I’m glad to be alive today.”

The world looks beautiful just by meeting the person, and a trifling day changes its appearance vividly into a special day.

(...Is she his first love?)

When I think how pleasant it is, a dark shadow casted on the child’s big eyes just after he talked in a lively way.

Child “That’s why I want to tell her I like meeting her...I really want to tell her, but it would be a bother/troublesome after all.”

MC “Why...?”

Child “Because that girl and I are of different social status. To the world I live in — she lives in an exact opposite world.” 

I’m surprised by his spilled straining voice.

This world...19th century France looks gorgeous at first glance, but the disparity of wealth is clear.

(*貧富の差 - wealth inequality, social inequality

In the course of a month and a little time since I came here, I knew the fact even if I didn't like it.

(I don’t want to simply say I understand and something that can be a temporary comfort. But...)

Right now, I don’t want this child’s feeling to be rendered futile as he desperately holds both arms tight in his chest.

I reflexively crouching down beside the child, and looking straight at him...

MC “Certainly...perhaps both of you are from different worlds.”

MC “But for that reason...I don’t think why you shouldn’t convey your feeling.”

Vlad “...”

MC “If you face each other properly, your feeling will surely be conveyed. That’s because both of you, all of us are the same, we are human beings. Besides —“

MC “The girl is the one that you comes to like. You have to believe in that first, right...?”

Child “!”

Then, Vlad-san presents a bouquet of yellow gerberas that looks like they are dyed in the sun.

Vlad “It's a gerbera flower. I don't know if this flower is the most beautiful in the world, but...”

Vlad “Look, when you hold it like this, it looks like the most beautiful flower in the world to me.”

Vlad's hand gently pushes on his little back.

Vlad “Go before the flowers wither. In flower language, gerbera means hope and progress.”

Vlad “May you move forward with hope.”

Child “Thank you, florist Onii-chan. Onee-chan...here.”

Looking at the coins that’s being held out, Vlad-san shakes his head.

The child bows deeply and starts running from the spot — to give his loved one a bouquet of gerberas.

Light footsteps going further, the little back getting smaller and smaller...and then his figure disappears.

As I stare at Vlad-san’s profile unintentionally, his eyes, full of affection, turns towards the child’s back.

(Ah, these eyes again. As if he’s loving everything...such eyes.)

Vlad “...? What’s wrong?”

MC “...Vlad-san really loves people, don’t you?”

Vlad “Huh...?”

MC “Your eyes always look like that, though.”

Vlad “...Yeah, I love them. I think human beings are lovely, as they live in earnest, like flowers that rejoice in their limited lives.”

Vlad “But Mimi, that’s my words.”

Vlad “You focus your attention at each individual’s feelings/thoughts and try to believe in it...Mimi, you are very kind.”

Vlad “I think you're a beautiful person. I really think so.”

Vlad-san's beautiful fingertips scoop my hair, which has been disheveled by the wind, and put it over my ears.

The crimson eyes gazing at me directly are so gentle that it makes me speechless.

(...Vlad sometimes looks at me with nostalgic eyes.)

(Staring at me...with such *passion, as if you were looking for someone within me.)

(熱 - fever, heat

I feel likes I want to know the reason, and it feels frustrating, while having such feelings,

I don't want to destroy this peaceful time, so I just smiled back at the beautiful person in front of me.

At dusk, when such a calm day continues, I sit on the bench with Vlad-san, who had finished selling the flowers.

Vlad-san didn’t let me to do anything to help him today too, and we’re just having a fun time together.

(At first, Vlad-san’s...)

Vlad “Right now, I'm selling flowers by myself, but I don't have enough manpower. That's why I have a request for Mimi.”

Vlad “Can you help me with my work?”

(He said that, but...)

Vlad-san’s adept in his work and didn’t seem to be understaffed at all.

(It's no use worrying about it alone. Okay, let's take this opportunity to ask...)

MC “Hmm...Vlad-san.”

Vlad “...Yes? What’s it?”

MC “Vlad-san asked me to help you because you’re short of manpower...”

Vlad “Doesn't it look like there’re lack of manpower?”

MC “...Yes...so I wonder if there is any other reason.”

Vlad “To tell you the truth...you’re a descendent of a royal family in a certain family. So I received an order to protect and escort you.”

MC “...Err, you’re joking around, right?”

Vlad “Yeah, exactly that.”

MC “Vlad-san...!”

Vlad-san laughs with refreshing voice and looks into my face —

Vlad “I don’t want to be hated by you. I’ll let you know···—”

CHAPTER 03

The man with crimson eyes “I found you ‘again’, after all.”

MC “Huh...?”

The man with crimson eyes “I’ve always wanted to meet you since that snowy day. I feel like I’ll find you if I keep wishing for it.”

The man with crimson eyes “Thank you for making my wish comes true.”

I lost my words in front of the smile that looks too happy, but I quickly pulling myself together.

MC “I’ve been looking for you too.”

MC “The other day, I received an armful of flowers, but I couldn’t thank you properly...”

(Uhh...was there anything I could give him as thanks?)

When I look inside the shopping bag, I realize I was buying wine.

(No, this is the wine that Comte and Leonardo-san are looking forward to...!)

After some hesitation, I took out the strawberries I had bought for my snack —

MC “Um, I’m sorry. I don't think this is enough to thank you, but please accept it if you like.”

The man with crimson eyes “...”

MC “Er...”

The man with crimson eyes “...”

(...What should I do, was it annoying?)

MC “Either way, I didn’t have much now —“

The man with crimson eyes “Can I really take it? Thank you, I love strawberries very much.”

His appearance with a carefree smile while receiving strawberries slowly warms my heart, and I can’t help but to smile too.

MC “Hehe...”

The man with crimson eyes “What’s wrong, is there anything amusing...?”

MC “Sorry, I’m laughing since I’m so happy. I’m glad you like it.”

(...I could never forget the lonely figure I saw on that snowy day. Oh, I see.)

(I wanted to meet this person’s smiling face...)

As I’m feeling extremely peaceful, the person’s hand gently takes my hand.

The man with crimson eyes “Then can I *take you away from now on?”

(*連れ去って - kidnap

MC “Eh......? Take-take me away!?”

The man with crimson eyes “Yeah, it's a waste to eat such delicious food alone, so let's eat it together.”

The man with crimson eyes “There is a place with beautiful scenery.”

(...Is that so? Since he said things like taking me away, so I interpret it strangely.)

MC “Yes, of course! Just, before that —“

The man with crimson eyes “Hmm...?”

When I turn my eyes towards the people in the city lining up to buy flowers, the person smiles softly.

The man with crimson eyes “Ahaha, I’m sorry everyone. I’m just absorbed in my own matter.” 

The man with crimson eyes “Hey, can you wait for me a little while?”

Smiling as if he’s getting relieved, the person reaches out to the colorful flowers.

His soft and thin silver hair’s shining sparklingly through the sunlight and swaying in the winter breeze.

(Ah, right...!)

MC “I just have one thing I want to ask of you.”

The man with crimson eyes “Yes...?”

MC “What’s your name...?”

He smiles as if he’s *reacting to my question with his whole body.

(*受け止める - accept, take

Vlad “Vlad.”

Vlad “...Hey, what’s your name then?”

After all the flowers are passed into the people’s hands, Vlad-san takes me to the shore of Seine.

Vlad “···— That’s what happened.”

MC “Oh, really...?”

Vlad “Yeah, that’s true. Ahaha, isn’t that weird?”

While eating strawberries side by side, Vlad-san tells me about himself.

He’s been picking flowers from his own garden and selling them on a whim.

He lives in an old castle a little apart from here, with 3 person live together, named Faust and Charles.

And many other things.

(...It feels strange. Or, how should I put it, he’s talking without hiding anything, but I can’t grasp it somewhere although it’s being transmitted.) 

(Or rather, he’s being mysterious.)

But, I don’t want to step more than necessary, because there’re always parts that people don’t want to touch.

Besides, there were many things I couldn’t say either.

(There’s no way I can say that I came to this world beyond time and space.)

Vlad “Hey, let me hear your story this time.”

MC “Huh...? Things about me?”

Vlad “Yeah, anything is fine. If it’s about you, I want to know everything.”

Vlad “If I’m not mistaken...you just came to this land a month ago, right?”

MC “Yes, for a trip a month ago.”

Vlad “A trip, huh? That’s nice. It's very important to actually see the scenery you've never seen before.”

Vlad “Then, does that mean you’re living in a hotel now?”

(Well...the fact that everyone in the mansion is resurrected great men shouldn’t be known, right?)

— Much less in saying that they’re vampires.

I look back into Vlad-san’s eyes as I choose my words with care.

MC “No. I received an invitation from a certain nobleman, and now I live and work in his mansion.”

Vlad “Live-in employee, huh. You’re very remarkable to work in an unfamiliar place.”

I shake my head and Vlad-san looks into my face.

Vlad “Hey...how long can you stay in this place?”

(That’s...)

Comte “Everyone, get down!” Napoleon “Mimi, come over here...!”

MC “Well, in fact, I couldn’t go back to where I was because of a slight mistake...”

Vlad “...”

MC “Oh! But, it’s okay. Rather, I think it’s great that my trip has been extended.”

MC “And everyone in the mansion cares a lot ···—“

Then, suddenly the words are cut short.

It may be because the city is so beautiful at dusk, or perhaps it’s because Vlad-san’s asking so that I could accept everything,

The emotion that had been sunk deep in my heart ever since the door’s closed is overflowing into my voice.

MC “...I’m all right but sometimes, things like anxiety suddenly fills my heart.”

MC “I know it’s okay if I really talk to everyone and laugh away, but I can’t do that.”

Vlad “Why’s that?”

In the evening, I think of kind and strong people who reside in the mansion.

MC “Surprisingly even for myself, I cherish everyone in the mansion...I like them so much.”

MC “That’s why it’s hard to confide and speak frankly when my heart feels gloomy.”

Vlad “...?”

MC “I don’t want them to carry along my sadness by showing my sad appearance.”

MC “Since I want the people I love to laugh as much as possible even for a second.”

Vlad “...”

MC “Ah, I’m sorry. I just talked about myself —“

When I look back at him feeling apologetic, Vlad-san’s eyes are gently narrowed...

Vlad “I’ve been having a hard time lately.”

MC “Huh...?”

As I was surprised by the words spilled without context, Vlad-san keep on talking without any care.

Vlad “Right now, I'm selling flowers by myself, but I don't have enough manpower. That's why I have a request for Mimi.”

Vlad “Can you help me with my work?”

MC “I want to help you but...I also have to work in the mansion.”

Vlad “I don’t mind with only an hour every day, though...”

(...He said it would be just around one hour, so I guess it’s quite hard. Alright, then!)

MC “Okay, let me help you on my way home from shopping then.”

Vlad “Thank you, then I'll be waiting at the place where I met you today.”

MC “Yes...!”

From that day on, as promised, I started going to see Mr. Vlad on my way home from shopping, but —

MC “Hello Vlad-san. Say, if there’s anything you need my help with —”

Vlad “Hey Mimi. Look over here. A kitten was just born in a customer’s house. See?”

MC “Wow, so cute...! Can I hug it?”

Vlad “Of course. Here you go.”

(...Yesterday I just played with Vlad-san and the kitten.)

(Today I’ll do my best to help him properly!)

Vlad “Charles told me that new strawberry sweets will be available from today at the café here.”

Vlad “I'm glad you came to see me. Let's order all the strawberry menus and *splitting evenly between both of us.”

(*はんぶんこ - halfsies

MC “Ev-everything...!?”

After that, Vlad-san just took me around on a whim without asking for my help.

(I have to work properly today. Eh?)

Vlad “...”

CHAPTER 02

The man with crimson eyes “...Have we ever met somewhere?”

Surprised by the sudden question, I reach back into my memory, but...

MC “...I don’t think we ever met, probably...”

MC “Because I just came to this place a month ago...”

(...At any rate, it just doesn’t seem that I’ve forgotten. I think I’ll never forget such a beautiful person if I ever meet one.)

The man with crimson eyes “Really...?”

MC “...? Yes...Ah!”

When I *get a hold of myself, I notice that there’s a wagon with flowers is placed beside the person.

(*領き返し - 領 means territory, reign, possession, something you acquired, get hold and owned, while 返し means return, put back and restore. It’s still in hesitation, but I put my own mixture and analyzation that the sentence means ‘something that you possessed being returned and restored’, hence getting hold of herself. But if other readers have better explanation, or perhaps better translation, drop in the comments or DM, alright?

The flowers are unprotected and exposed to the snow, dyeing the petals white.

(That’s not good...!)

MC “If we let them get hit by snow as it is, the flowers might be ruined, you know? Let’s carry it over there!”

I put my hands on the wagon and run towards the eaves of the confectionery in the snow.

(...They won’t get hit by the snow here, right?)

MC “...I’m glad they are all right. It would be sad if such beautiful flowers wither.”

The man with crimson eyes “...”

The moment I feel relieved, I realized the person is staring intently at me, as if to probe into my heart.

MC “...I’m sorry. Did I do something unnecessary...”

Then, the person in front of me gently shakes his head.

The man with crimson eyes “No...thank you.”

After saying that, he suddenly turns his crimson eyes towards the flowers in the wagon, and touches the flowers with beautiful gesture.

And then, the person makes a bouquet of colorful flowers in a blink of time, as if he’s using magic.

The man with crimson eyes “Hmm, this is fine. If it’s this big, it should fit in your arms.”

The man with crimson eyes “Here, as thanks for your help.”

A big bouquet gently jumps into my chest.

MC “...I can’t afford to receive such a big bouquet. I didn’t do much...”

The man with crimson eyes “Just accept it.”

The person untied his pursed lips and smiles sweet enough to captivate me instantly.

The man with crimson eyes “Since I was so happy.”

The man with crimson eyes “Well then, I’ll go with this.”

With a delightful smile, the person puts his hand on an empty wagon and starts walking through the snow.

MC “Excuse me...”

When the person stops walking, he looks up at the sky again...and draws an arc on his thin lips.

The man with crimson eyes “Oh...the snow will stop soon.”

(Huh...?)

Staring at the similar scenery as reflected by the crimson eyes, the snow gradually becomes sparse...

Then, the snow stops.

(...It was a sudden snowfall.)

As I look up at the sky, leaving behind only the signs of snow, a clear voice flows into my ears.

The man with crimson eyes “—··· I hope to see you again.”

When I look back in a sudden, there is no one there anymore, 

I feel like I’m dreaming while it was snowing...

(He was a beautiful person...)

(Somehow it seems that he’s a human, but sort of like not human too...he was such a person. Even so —)

I wonder why did he look at me as if we had met before?

(...Have we ever met somewhere after all?)

While I’m thinking about it, I heard footsteps right next to me.

Leonardo “I’m sorry to have kept you keep waiting, Mimi. Huh...? What’s with that big bouquet?”

Leonardo “Leonardo-san! To tell you the truth, just now —”

***

Leonardo-san grunts and stifles his laughter as I tell him the whole story of what happened while it was snowing.

Leonardo “I think he was happy with your kindness. ...Hmm?”

Leonardo's fingertips touch the light blue petals that bloom quietly among various kinds of flowers.

Leonardo “Forget-me-not flowers shouldn't bloom in such a cold winter. Is he growing them in a greenhouse? Or.”

Leonardo “—*Off-season flowering, huh.”

(*狂い咲き - 狂い means insanity, madness and crazy while 咲き means to bloom. Literally it means a crazy flower that’s blooming out of order

Shakespeare sets foot into an old castle and finds the lord of the castle in a beautiful garden.

Vlad “···— 𝅘𝅥𝅮 ···”

Wearing a coat that’s darker than the night, the figure that’s gazing on the flowers illuminated by the moon is so beautiful that you leave it as it is. 

Slowly approaching, Shakespeare stands next to Vlad and opens his lips.

Shakespeare “My lord, is there anything good happened to you?”

Vlad “Yeah, something really nice.”

Nevertheless...as he mutters, the pair of eyes with different colors directed his gaze towards the flowers that are blooming in the flower bed.

Shakespeare “Forget-me-nots shouldn’t bloom in this season, and this flower too. ...Ah, this flower too.”

Shakespeare “How on earth are you growing them...?”

Vlad “Rather than that sort of thing, it’s rare for you to come here, Will. Don’t you have something to talk about?”

Shakespeare “...”

Shakespeare’s expression becomes stiff when a straight gaze is directed towards him.

After a seemingly eternal silence, a faint shaking voice echoes through the night.

Shakespeare “In search for tragic real experiences for my creation, on that day I left the mansion...I joined hands with you.”

Shakespeare “I’m in pursuit of tragedy, while you’re trying to revive the great men for your ambition. Our interests were aligned.”

Shakespeare “My heart was certainly moved by the person you revived for your experiment.”

Vlad “...”

Shakespeare “But things like disregarding lives and treating them with disdain, I just can’t accept it no matter what.”

Shakespeare “...I understand that it’s a selfish excuse, but I don’t want to get my hands dirty anymore —“

Vlad “Hey, Will.”

Shakespeare “...?”

Vlad “Do you know why forget-me-nots came to be called by this name?”

Although confused by the sudden question, Shakespeare easily/leisurely repeats the words.

Shakespeare “Knight Rudolph tried to pick flowers that bloom on the river quay for his lover, but...he accidentally fell into the river.”

Shakespeare “I know it got its name from the anecdote that was left behind saying [Don't forget me] at that time.”

Vlad “Yes, that’s correct. As one would expect, a rare playwright has an extensive knowledge.”

Vlad “I think, the great men in the Count’s mansion look a lot like this flower.”

Vlad “Although their lives have ended once, they were afraid that their existences would disappear from this world.”

Vlad “That straightforward obsession so far as cruel and abnormal has brought them back to life again. Hey, Will.”

Shakespeare “...Yes.”

Vlad “They will surely be the cornerstone to grant this heartful ambition. That’s why I have to choose.”

Vlad “—··· A strong person to help me, right? I thought you understand what I wanted to do.”

His voice is calm like a calm sea, but the air Vlad’s cladded in is too sharp and ferocious...,

But Shakespeare raises his voice to encourage himself.

Shakespeare “I can’t dance in your palm anymore, but I’m the first one who took your hand.”

Shakespeare “If you want to kill me, do it then. Since for you...I’m an unnecessary flower.”

Vlad’s hands extend towards Shakespeare’s neck.

Shakespeare “— !”

But, the beautiful hands on his small neck move away on a whim.

Shakespeare “...Why...”

Vlad “’Cause it seems like a severe punishment for Will is to continue living and suffering. See you then, Will.”

When Shakespeare’s figure disappears, the footsteps of Charles and Faust echo in replace.

Faust “Is it fine to overlook the playwright easily, Your Excellency? It seems to me that the treatment is very sweet...”

Charles “Lord Vlad has Lord Vlad’s own *consideration. Isn’t that right, Ōsama?”

(*考え - thought, idea, intention, expectation

Responds with only a smile, Vlad turns his beautiful crimson eyes towards the night sky.

Vlad “The world is still beautiful today. That’s why I can’t give up this ambition in my heart.”

Vlad “We still have a long way to go, but...I’m sure it will be done.”

Charles & Faust “...”

Without minding both of them who are becoming speechless at the profile with appalling madness in his beauty, 

Vlad straightly crouches down on the spot and watches forget-me-not flowers intently.

Vlad “Don’t forget me, huh. Did that girl forget about me?”

Vlad “We met on a distant snowy day...”

Charles & Faust “...?”

Vlad “I hope we can meet again. Fuaa~...”

Charles “Eh, Ōsama?”

Charles “...He falls asleep.”

Faust “Sleeping in a place this, after muttering an incomprehensible monologue.”

Faust “Truly a selfish old man. Shall, I’m going back.”

Charles “Eh, let’s carry him, Doc.”

Faust “If you leave him alone, it seems that he’ll wake up soon.”

Charles “Eh? People would usually die if we leave them behind in this cold winter.”

Faust “Your Excellency is unusual, so there’s no problem.”

Charles “But, he’ll catch a cold, right?”

Faust “Haa~ He’s really such a troublesome old man.”

The profile of Shakespeare who’s leaving the castle is as lifeless as a doll.

As he looks up at the night sky with dark eyes, the moon, which is about to transform into a full moon, comes into view and brings back a certain memory.

A month ago, a woman who appeared in front of him in what sort of fate, was an ordinary human without any talents. 

Vlad doesn’t need that kind of person...he thought so, and didn’t give any information about Mimi.

— That’s to say, he put up a façade.

Somehow she felt like a factor that could change this chaotic situation, for better or worse.

He felt that even God didn't know if Mimi’s fate and that beautiful person would cross.

Shakespeare “What can I do right now is keeping an eye on what’s about to occur after this, and if anything happens, I’ll *firsthand —”

(*身を以て - with one's own body/action/experience

Every time I went to the city from that snowy day, my eyes came to search for that person who looked like a snow spirit.

However —

(...Isn’t it hard to find him in this big city?)

(If only I asked for his name at least, I could get a clue to search for him.)

I want to convey a proper gratitude for giving me an armful of flowers.

Also...I can’t put it well into words, but I wish to meet that person again, truly from my heart.

MC “I don't know when, but...I want to see you again."

As I mutter alone, I could smell something like floating spring mixed in the winter air.

When I follow the scent that gives color to the cold winter —

The man with crimson eyes “...”

The person is beside the wagon with plenty of flowers, as if he’s bringing along the spring.

(...At last, I met him.)

As I approach him, his crimson eyes slowly catch me —

The man with crimson eyes “I found you ‘again’, after all.”

CHAPTER 01

As I breathe in the air that contained the fluttering down snow, the cold that could freeze the heart erodes my body.

But, I can’t stop here and just solely run through the corridor where the moonlight doesn’t even reach.

A dazzling scent of blood that wafts through the air from outside mercilessly stirring up my heart.

I continue to run, run, and run...and then.

As if I was guided by something, I step inside a strange room and lay my hands on the closet door.

While opening the door in front of me, lukewarm tears spilled from my eyes —

MC “...!”

(Just now...a dream...?)

As I get up and look around, a familiar scenery spreading out, 

And the room filled with tender morning sun that had just risen, as if to bring me back to reality from my dream.

I wipe out my eyes that are wet with tears with the back of my hands, and my mind is puzzled.

(...It was a strange dream, such dream that felt so realistic that it tightened my heart.)

(Come to think of it, even the night I just came to this mansion, I had a dream which hinted at something.)

(I’m sure I had a dream like this —)

The knocks at the door interrupt my thought, and when I reply...

Napoleon “Good morning, Mimi.”

MC “Napoleon! What happened to you? You rarely get up at this hour.”

Napoleon “You would always wake me up, so today consider this as a return favor.”

Let me do something unusual today...muttering, Napoleon approaches me and looks into my face.

Napoleon “Since today, you’ll be leaving this mansion.”

Napoleon’s words vividly brings back the memory of that crescent night.

Napoleon “What are you doing there?” MC “...Who’s there?” MC “Pardon. Do you know how to open this door? I’m trying to get back to musée.” Napoleon “What’s that? ‘Get back?’ You’re not telling me you came through that door?”

Just one month after I got lost in this world...I’m going through the door again and return to my original world.

(Despite thinking about wanting to go back so much, it’s strange though. To think I feel lonely to leave everyone now.)

The hand that protected me from the first day strokes and tousles my hair, in order to comfort my sentiment.

MC “Wah,,,!”

Napoleon “If you’re sad, you have to enjoy our last time spend together to the fullest.”

MC “Eh...?”

Napoleon “The usual you would say it like that, right? ...Come on, let’s go. Everyone’s been waiting.”

MC “Yeah...!”

I spend the lively day like usual with everyone, and at the moment the waning moon appears in the sky, 

I stand in front of the door leading to my original world, with only one bag.

Arthur “Oh-oh, is Ai-chan possibly crying? How cute~”

Isaac “I-It’s not that I’m crying! You look lonely yourself, Arthur-san.”

Leonardo “Kuku...these guys are so *disorganized to the very end, aren’t they bad, Mimi?”

(*締まらない - loose, slovenly, sloppy

I shake my head and stare at each and one of them, so that I could engrave them in my memory.

(...The time I spent together with everyone who lives in an equal time to eternity might be just a moment.)

(But I will never forget this encounter. Forever, and ever...)

I feel like I’m going to cry at this rate, so I bow deeply.

MC “It was a short time, but thank you for taking care of me! Everyone, please stay healthy...”

Comte “Well then, I’ll open the door.”

Comte’s hand slowly opens the door...but.

Comte “What...is this?”

As I follow Comte’s line of sight, there’s —

(...What’s this?)

The space waves around, and the field of vision shakes violently in front of the sight of the strange mixture of light and darkness.

Comte “Everyone, get down!”

Napoleon “Mimi, come over here...!”

The instant Napoleon pulls my arm, Comte immediately slams the door shut.

Napoleon “...What happened?”

MC “...”

Comte “...Mimi, take this warm tea. Drink and it should calm you down a little.”

MC “Thank you, Comte...”

I pour the warm tea into my throat in Comte’s room, but the turmoil doesn’t subsided at all.

(...The other side of the door should be connected to Louvre Museum, and yet.)

MC “Have it ever been like that behind the door...?” 

Comte “I’d jumped over space and time many times over since I built that door...but this kind of thing is the first for me.”

Comte “I can open that door again in a month. But...I don’t know whether it could go back to how it was.”

(...Such thing.)

(Then, I can’t return to my original world for a while, I suppose...?)

(Um, that’s still way better.)

— Better than the possibility of never going back, ever again.

As I was attacked by anxiety that feels like slowly filling up from the bottom of my stomach...

Comte “Mimi...I promised to send you back safely without fail on the day you got lost in this world.”

Comte “But even then...”

I’m surprised by his spilled straining voice. 

(...I was preoccupied and engrossed about it myself, but I’m sure everyone is feeling shaken too.)

And if I look anxious, everyone would try to do something about it.

Even if it’s a problem without a solution.

(Because everyone in this mansion is...nothing but strong and extremely kind people.)

After spending a month, everyone became so precious — that’s why.

(I don’t want to make everyone sad or worried by showing an anxious face. Then, what I’m going to do is —)

MC “Don’t look like that, Comte. I have only a favor to ask of you.”

Comte “What is it, just say the word.”

MC “Can you take care of me in this mansion again for a while?”

The next day after my way to return was shut, my time’s beginning to move again.

My life for a month and the first day in the mansion starts to move again as if nothing had happened yesterday. 

MC “I’m going shopping!”

While accompanied by Leonardo-san who said he had business to take care of, we walk around the city that’s engulfed by the signs of winter.

Leonardo “Well then, cara mia. I’m going to finish my errand, so let’s meet up here again.”

Leonardo “This era is still dangerous, so make sure to walk in busy streets with lots of people, okay?”

MC “Yes, I’ll be careful.”

As Leonardo-san takes a step forward, he gazes at me with his amber eyes and opens his lips...

Leonardo “...Are you all right?”

(...Is it okay to be alone, not that he asks out of worry of me going by myself, isn’t he?)

Since I could feel his kindness from the trivial words, I show him a big smile.

MC “I’m all right, be careful too, Leonardo-san!”

Leonardo “Yeah, see you again.”

By the time I’m going outside as I finished buying all the ingredients I had discussed with Sebastian after parting from Leonardo-san...

(Ah...)

When I feel a cold touch on my cheek and look up at the sky, pure white snow fluttering down.

(No wonder it ought to be cold since morning...)

The snow that keeps falling as if it’d forgotten to stop, applying white make up on the city in the blink of an eye.

While even the air is dyed white, people going back and forth unfolding their colorful umbrellas.

The moment I’m about to open my umbrella...

(...?)

As people come and go walking in a quick pace and holding umbrellas, like colorful flowers blooming in the white world, 

I was captivated by a person who stops walking and stands alone.

The person suddenly turns his gaze towards the sky without holding an umbrella...

He’s just staring at the sky with fluttering down snow.

(...Frightening, yet a beautiful person. It’s as if he’s a snow spirit...)

(However...)

The profile looking up at the sky somehow tightened the middle of my heart tightly.

The profile is so painful that it almost breaks my heart just by looking at him...

But everyone just passing by, as if they couldn’t see the person standing still.

It seems that somehow he’s the only person left behind in the flowing time...

I was struck by the feeling of him being separated/detached from this world...my legs start to move on their own.

One step, to one step closer...

I unfold the umbrella I’m holding, and hold it out to protect the person from the falling snow.

The bright red umbrella obstructing the view of the white world.

And before I thought about it, the words fall out from my mouth.

MC “What’s happened, for you to have such a lonely face?”

The man with crimson eyes “...”

He slowly turns and that crimson eyes straightly catches hold of me,

And he opens his eyes wide.

(...What’s wrong, I wonder?)

That person's just staring at me as if he forgot to breathe.

MC “Emm...”

The man with crimson eyes “Hey.”

Sebastian “Mimi —··· you don’t have any injuries, don’t you?”

MC “Huh, y-yes!”

MC comes to her senses with that very calm voice.

MC “Um, Sebastian too, are you hurt......

Sebastian “I don’t get hurt just by catching you.”

(I-if so, that’s great, though.)

With the warmth of the kiss remains on her lips, somehow MC manages to pretend to be calm, despite being greatly shaken.

MC “Thank you very much for saving me.”

Sebastian “It’s dangerous, so please be careful from now on.”

MC “I’ll be careful. Like, really careful.”

Just as MC’s trying to hold back her throbbing heart that doesn’t seem to settle......

Sebastian “By the way, I think we’d better get up from each other soon.”

(Huh? Ugh, I left Sebastian lied underneath me!)

MC “I’m sorry......! I’m really, truly sorry!”

Sebastian stands up as if nothing happened, follows after MC who gets up in a hurry.

Sebastian “No need to worry about it. You must be shaking, since you’d been falling down from the stepladder.”

Sebastian “I’ll check again, but you aren’t injured, are you? Is there any scratches or pain......

MC “I’m perfectly fine, no problem!”

Sebastian “I feel relieved. Well then, please take a rest today.”

MC “T-then......*if you insist, **pardon me for leaving.”

[*お言葉に甘えて - literally - I will let myself be spoiled with your kind words; I will let myself follow your nice words; I will accept your kind offer

[**お先に失礼します -  pardon me for leaving (first) (used when leaving a workplace while others remain)

Sebastian “Thank you for your hard work.”

MC hides the lips that touch Sebastian with the back of her hand and averts her eyes.

(Sebastian’s attitude doesn’t change at all. I wonder if he didn’t realize it......) 

(Or, is it my imagination that I thought our lips touched?)

When MC is about to leave while carrying over a hazy feeling......

Sebastian “............Mimi.”

Sebastian “Although it’s an accident — I’m sorry.”

MC “......!”

His eyes that’s staring at her, which are not normally shaken, trembling in confusion.

(It doesn’t matter even if I don’t ask, that’s how is it, right?)

MC “No, no, it’s due to my carelessness to begin with......! Good night!”

MC clatters into the corridor, and exhales the breath she has been holding at once.

(After all, at that time......It’s an accident, so I shouldn’t worry about it. I shouldn’t, but......)

(That’s the first time I saw Sebastian’s face so close......)

Sebastian, who has been working with MC this past month, is closer to her than anyone else.

They are supposed to be close as colleagues, but now MC realizes he’s also a man, the violent throbbing in her chest doesn’t seem to subside.

(What should I do, I’m getting so embarrassed.)

(*Mou......what kind of face should I show when I meet him tomorrow?)

[*もう - interjection used to strengthen expression of an emotion (often exasperation)

Early next morning.

(Act normally. Act normally. Calm down......)

When MC goes to the dining room while maintaining her *usual mind dedication, Sebastian’s opening the curtains.

[*平常心 - one’s natural self

Sebastian “Good morning, Mimi.”

MC “Good morning. Let me help you.”

Sebastian “Then, may I ask for you to take care of the opposite windows?”

MC “Leave it to me.”

(I’m glad we could have conversation as usual.)

(......Or rather, Sebastian hasn’t changed at all.)

Although it’s a bit of disappointment, as MC opens the curtains while still feeling relieved of their usual interaction......

MC “Eh......Sebastian, that flower is blooming.”

Sebastian “That flower?”

MC “Look, that bud we found together in the flowerbed a while ago, the tiny one —

Sebastian “Where is it?”

When MC points out of the window, her shoulder touches Sebastian who walks up next to her.

(Whoa......)

Sebastian “I can’t see it well.”

MC “......”

Sebastian’s face, who’s bending over, seems like about to keep close to MC and it takes her breath away.

(We-we are so close, like yesterday......)

Sebastian “Mimi?”

Stepping back in a hurry, Sebastian looks back at MC wonderingly.

Sebastian “Is something wrong?”

(Let’s get away from here for one moment and calm down!)

Mimi “I’m going to sprinkle water in the garden!”

Sebastian “It’s hard doing it alone. Let me as well......”

Mimi “It’s all right. *I’m off!”

[*行ってきます - see you later

(I’m sorry for acting strangely.)

(But right now, being around Sebastian is too bad for my heart......!)

MC wants to hide her rapidly hotter cheeks, so she leaves the dining room in order to escape.

And after that......

Sebastian “Please give Theodorus-san a pancake with more syrup and berry sauce.”

MC “Yes. ......Oh.”

When MC picks up the plate, her fingertips touch Sebastian lightly.

Her body quivers with a start, and the pancake slips off from the slanted plate.

(The pancake......!)

Sebastian “— I’ll take care of that.”

Sebastian picks up the plate with splendor movement and catches the pancake in the air.

MC “Awe-awesome!”

Sebastian “A butler must be prepared for every situation.”

MC “Sebastian is the model of a butler.”

Sebastian “I’m certainly aiming for that.”

Sebastian “Leaving that aside, what happened? You seem to be distracted by something.”

(Uu, it was so obvious......)

MC “......It’s nothing. I’ll carry this then.”

MC takes the plate this time and hurriedly gets away from Sebastian.

(So embarrassing......I’m getting very conscious of Sebastian.)

(I worry too much about every single thing. Just concentrate well on your job, me......!)

That afternoon, Arthur and Theo asked MC to bring them coffee as they’re relaxing in the living room.

MC “Arthur, here you go.”

Arthur “Thanks. Umm~ the coffee Mimi brews is the best.”

MC “I’m glad to hear that. But I don’t think I can reach Sebastian’s taste yet.”

Arthur, who’s sitting deeply at the sofa, looks up and grins meaningfully at MC.

Arthur “Just because you’re the one who brews it, the deliciousness adds up.”

Theo “Mystery writers with their overly subjective speaking manner.”

Theo “Well, hondje’s doing a good job, but Sebas’s brewed coffee is certainly delicious.”

MC “It’s not only the coffee. I think his cooking is very delicious as well, and his cleaning is flawless.”

(Beside that, he’s very knowledgeable......Is there anything Sebastian can’t do?)

Theo “Why is it hondje who’s looking so proud?”

Theo gives a wry smile while drinking his coffee that’s full with sugar cubes.

Arthur “Of course it’s because Sebas is so competent that she wants to brag about her colleague, right?”

Arthur “We’re grateful for the dramatic improvement in our lives, thanks to Sebas.”

MC “Is it so different than now?”

Theo “The quality of life before he came was terrible. You could say the mansion was a lawless area.”

(To that extent, huh.)

Arthur “Everyone drank, ate, drank and woke up as they please, isn’t it?”

Theo “This writer with all year-round mating season would constantly spending the night away.”

Arthur “If so, then Dazai too had been wandering around. ......Wait, that guy hasn’t change at all even now, has he?”

MC “I see, it’s like a share house with no rules.”

MC “But there was no butler at that time?”

Arthur “Sometimes we brought in housekeepers. But, it’s hard to keep live-in employees.”

MC “Hard?”

Theo stares at MC in puzzlement and shrugs his shoulder.

Theo “Hondje, have you forgotten our identity?”

MC “Ah, vampires, you mean?”

Theo “There’s really nothing else beside that. Even if a butler or servants are hired, it’s difficult to keep the secret if we are living together.”

Theo “There’re not many strangers who can work here, knowing the truth.” 

(Sure, when I got lost here, I tried to escape immediately.)

While MC’s deeply convinced based on her real experiences......

Dazai “But then le Comte discovered Sebas-kun, a commendable butler.”

(Ah, Dazai-san.)

Dazai smiles as he gets into the room through the window, like usual.

Dazai “I owe it to him coming that I came to be able to eat miso soup and boiled tofu.”

MC “That is to say, without Sebastian, this mansion wouldn’t go around.”

Dazai “Quite so. It’s no exaggeration to say that our lifeline is in Sebas-kun’s grasp.”  

(I’ve felt it many times during the past month, but Sebastian really is doing everything, and everyone is relying on him.)

Even her share of workload as a helper was difficult for MC.

But until then, she is surprised to hear that Sebastian had done everything by himself.

(His etiquette is perfect, I wonder if he learned the conduct of a butler back when he was in modern era?)

(He sure is a man with lots of mysteries. Ah, but speaking of which......)

MC “Sebastian......have you ever missed your home and thought of wanting to go back to the present-day?”

Sebastian “No. Placing myself among history is something I couldn’t hope for.”

Sebastian “I — since I abandoned this world myself.”

(I don’t know the exact details, but Sebastian wants to stay here.)

Arthur “What’s wrong?”

MC “Ah......somehow I think I’m the only one who’s staying here by the course of events.”

MC “Since I’m not in this world for some purposes.”

Theo “In your case, it’s inevitable, isn’t it?”

(That’s true, but......)

Dazai “Again, your stay in this mansion is an inevitable outcome. I already considered Toshiko-san as ‘*my lady’.”

[*うちの子 -  子 here usually used to mention one’s child/daughter/son, but it’s considered weird for Dazai to consider MC his child (tho it’s kind of acceptable, with his lifetime adding to the additional time of his revived life, I think?), and it’s also could be referred as young woman, so I decided ‘lady’ is better used here~

Arthur “Do you perhaps mean it as ‘the mansion’s lady’? There’s an objection if you’re calling her as yours alone.”

Dazai “Well, I wonder~”

While paying no attention to their frivolous talk, MC vaguely thinking about her future.

(Everyone and Sebastian are choosing to stay in this mansion with a strong will.)

(How much longer will I stay here, I wonder?)

(I don’t know what would the future stores for me, so I guess I’ll just spend my days somehow as it is......)

He suddenly stops walking by the lively voices heard from the room.

Sebastian “......”

In the church engulfed in silence —

Sitting on the bench, Charles speaks of conversation he had with Mimi, bit by bit.

Charles “......Even if she believes in Dazai, she said she can’t believe in me.”

Charles “She said he’s never a person who won’t be sad by a person’s death......but a long time ago, I used to be sad a lot too?”

Charles “What’s the difference with me and Dazai? Mimi seems like she’s having a hard time with Dazai......”

Faust sighs at Charles who’s muttering vaguely.

Faust “How rare, for *Shall to show negative emotions.”

(*Faust called Charles ‘シャル’ instead of his full name シャルル

Charles “Negative emotions......?”

Faust “Are you jealous?”

Charles looks up blankly at Faust.

Charles “I’ve never been jealous of anyone before, but......”

Faust “Your UNawareness is a pain.”

Faust “It appears that winning over vampires in the mansion is out of the question.”

Charles “Such thing is non-negotiable/undiscussable, huh?”

Charles “But Dazai —”

Dazai “If you could make my wish come true ···— I might be interested to get on with our discussion.”

Charles “Despite saying it like that, he didn’t tell me after all.”

Charles “What is Dazai’s wish, I wonder? What does he desire to the point pretending not to see Mimi’s favor......”

Faust “......”

From the information they received from Shakespeare, the reasons of resurrection for the great men in the mansion......

......their purposes and backgrounds were being investigated.

But regarding Dazai, his exact purpose remains unknown and has not been reported.

Faust thinks with his finger on the chin, and opens his mouth after a while.

Faust “......Shall. You once said that Dazai’s past might be resemble you.”

Charles “Hmm......yeah.”

Charles “I used to execute......a lot of people. That guy let someone died too, although the amounts are different.”

Charles “I don’t know what caused his double suicide affair, but......”

Faust “If that’s the case, a thought experiment......would you like to play an *association game?”

Charles “Game?”

Faust “It’s simple. — What do you think of the person who’s causing other people to die?”

Charles “......”

Charles’s suffocated by the cruel question.

Faust, observing his reaction, urges Charles to answer with a sharp gaze.

Charles “......Regret, I guess. Even if I said I’m sorry......no matter how much I apologize, it’s not enough.”

Faust “And, there’s no way for atonement.”

Faust “So — what if you could go back to the world before you made a mistake?”

Charles “Huh......?”

He blinks.

Charles “If I can go back......if I can do that, I’ll stop the execution.”

Faust “How? Are you going to let the dying people escape?”

Charles “If it’s possible, I’ll do it then......”

Faust “You’ve got a point there. Then, if there’s a more fundamental solution —”

Charles “Fundamental solution......”

Charles drops his gaze on the floor and thinks carefully......and suddenly raises his face.

Charles “The executioner ···— it’d be good if I were gone.”

Charles “—··· Ah, I see. Perhaps Dazai......”

Charles smiles, as if he discover a star before his eyes.

Charles “......Hey, doc. Lord Vlad said this earlier.”

Vlad “If all the great men who influence the world disappear, what will happen to the future?”

Vlad “……Hmm, how interesting.”

Charles “If Dazai’s purpose is really ‘that’, is it worth trying?”

Faust “The great men to disappear......should we do that experiment?”

Charles “Yeah. If we’re to use that door, we can even try it right away. Lord Vlad said that the abnormality had subsided.”

Faust “No one could use the door properly except for His Excellency Vlad.”

Charles “But I’ve heard of it before.”

Vlad “— The other side of the door is a space-time interval.”

Vlad “It gathers the earnest feelings of humans throughout every era and period. It’s such a door.”

Vlad “If you have a strong will, the door may respond and lead you to the desired place.”

Faust “......I see. It’s certainly interesting to see what happens if we succeed in using the door, but —”

While Faust’s face shows that he’s still has objection on the matter, Charles’s truly in bliss.

Charles “......Yeah, that’s it. It’s different from our original plan, but isn’t it better to fulfill Dazai’s wish?”

Charles “And then, there would be no death to come after this.”

Charles “Isn’t this a good thing? Mimi will definitely understand.”

Faust “— Shall. You......do you aware?”

Charles tilts his head to Faust’s voice, which has a slight suggestion of sounding out.

Faust “His Excellency Vlad still loves human.”

Faust “When he casts something away, he has his own standard, whether it’s necessary or unnecessary for the world.”

Charles “Ah, if I do whatever I want, will he get angry......?”

Faust “It’s not like that.”

Faust “......What are you trying to do is Shall’s own choice, not His Excellency.”

Charles “Uh huh, is that so......? But I’m sure it’s not in vain.”

Charles “Mimi might be sad if Dazai’s gone, but  — “

Charles “......I’ll fill the empty hole in her heart.”

—··· A few days later, MC’s going out shopping in town with Sebastian.

Sebastian “Which reminds me, do you still read Dazai-san’s book?”

MC “Ah......, yes. Little by little between works and nights, though.”

MC tries to keep calm and answers the shaken topic that’s suddenly comes to her mind.

MC “To be frank, I still carry it around, even now.”

Sebastian “Right, Mimi is steadily becoming a Dazaist.”

Sebastian “It seems that Dazai-san is also writing.”

Sebastian “If there’s a request, allow me to do the editing or proofreading......”

MC “Sebastian, are you serious......!?”

Sebastian “Of course.”

Sebastian “But, it’s been particularly hard to catch Dazai-san again, nowadays.”

(......That’s right.)

MC hasn’t been able to talk with Dazai since that night he kissed her.

(He’s actually avoiding me after all......)

(But, I’ve been refused many times now, what should I do?)

The feelings of awkward, sadness......various emotions are mixed in MC’s chest and she cannot advance to the next step.

(Even so, I want to talk, even a little......I want to meet Dazai-san.)

When MC’s thinking about such thing, a scenery suddenly pops into her head.

(From what Dazai-san told me, if it’s that place —)

(I feel like I can meet him......)

There’s a strange sense like being called to the multicolored spectacle.

(Yeah......let’s go there.)

Sebastian “Mimi, what’s wrong?”

MC “Nothing......um, Sebastian. Can I take a short detour on our way home?”

And then, MC heads for —

— alone, to the path she visited with Dazai before.

On both sides of the path, the hydrangeas still have their vivid petals. But......

(Dazai san’s —··· not here. As expected, such coincidence will not happen so often.)

(I wonder why? It felt so wonderful when I walked with Dazai-san, now I’m just lonely......)

Except for the changing seasons, the scenery doesn’t change that much, but it looks different.

Instead of someone she couldn’t meet, MC opens Dazai’s book.

(In those days, it was fun to be together, and it felt so natural to be close to Dazai-san.)

(Somewhere in my mind, I was hoping he feels the same way......)

MC “This is......a hairpin?”

Dazai “It’s a hydrangea hairpin. I thought it would look good on you when I saw it in the town.”

Dazai “All right, it suits you well. You look very cute.”

**

Dazai “You are so good at believing in people.”

Dazai “……Really, Mimi-san is so honest enough that makes you dazzling.”

Thing that were fun and exciting......when MC remembers the days she spent with Dazai, her chest tightened in pain.

(I wonder if we can’t go back like we used to......)

(No, even if we can’t go back —)

(Right now......the scariest thing would be Dazai-san will go somewhere that’s out of reach.)

Dazai “......If you’re going to say that far, then tell me.”

Dazai “What kind of things filled my heart/mind while I kissed you just now?”

MC “......Dazai-san, are you angry? That, or is this also your intention of being a clown......”

Dazai “Hmm, who knows?”

Dazai “Mimi-san, I......I’m afraid of your straightforwardness.”

Dazai “When you’re with me, I ···—”

(I'm still curious about what Dazai was going to say back then......)

(What is making Dazai-san baffled to be with me......?)

For that little while, it seems MC was able to reach the edge of his heart, and while she’s pondering on his words many times over —

MC “Ah......”

Maybe because MC was distracted, the book slips off her hand.

She reaches out to pick it up in a hurry......and catches sight of a sentence from a page that opened by accident. 

—「駄目な男というものは、幸福を受取るに当ってさえ、下手くそを極めるものである。」

“A hopeless (useless/no good) man is someone — even at the time he receives happiness — will carry his hopelessness to the extreme.”

(Happiness......Right, Dazai-san too —)

Dazai “Listen, stop have feelings for such man, since I cannot make you happy.”

MC “How about Dazai-san’s happiness……?”

Dazai “I don’t need that. I don’t wish for it anymore.”

That guy, being stubborn, doesn’t even try to accept something like happiness.

(Since the reason for his revival is “to accept punishment for making other people unhappy”......)

(But I —)

—··· MC wants Dazai to be happy.

He scoops up the subtlety of human hearts, and give them incomprehensible kindness in indirect (roundabout) expression.

(But even then, he always takes a step back......)

MC wants to reach out for him —··· who’s alone at a distance and feeling lonely in his whole life, as he sinks into a dark place.

MC “Dazai-san......”

MC picks up the book as if touching his heart gently, and as her feelings welled up, she hugs it tightly to her chest......

......there were eyes staring at Mimi from the shade of tree.

Dazai “I just turned my legs somehow, I wonder why are we attracting each other......”

Dazai “The weak fear happiness itself, huh......?”

—「弱虫は、幸福をさえ恐れるもの」 

“The weak fear happiness itself. They can harm themselves on cotton wool. Sometimes they are wounded even by happiness.”

After muttering a sentence he once wrote in ‘No Longer Human’, he laughs, like mocking himself.

Dazai “Mimi-san, I’m afraid of you. Since when you’re with me, I feel happy......”

Dazai quietly leaves the place, as their thoughts and feelings passing by one another —

He then goes towards the man who summoned him.

Charles “Welcome, Dazai.”

Dazai “It’s an honor to be welcomed directly to your stronghold.”

— The fruit of Underworld, pomegranate. *In mythology, the goddess who ate it unknowingly is destined to live in the land of the dead.

(*In Ancient Greek mythology, the pomegranate features prominently in the story of Persephone and her marriage to Hades, the god of the Underworld. Hades kidnapped Persephone and took her to the Underworld to be his wife. Persephone’s mother, Demeter, goddess of fertility, considering her daughter lost, went into mourning and thus all things on earth ceased to grow. Zeus, Persephone’s father, commanded his brother Hades to release her, however Hades had tricked her into eating six pomegranate seeds, and it was the rule of the Fates that anyone who consumed food or drink in the Underworld was doomed to spend eternity there. Since Persephone had eaten the six pomegranate seeds, she had to remain in the Underworld for six months of the year. Hades agreed to release her to the world above for the other six months of the year, to be reunited with her mother.

So, don’t let that person eat pomegranate fruit. For the sake of that person — so that he won’t be taken away to a place where the light of the ground doesn’t reach.

— The night of crescent moon that wandered into a mysterious mansion of the 19th century from the Louvre Museum of the 21st century. 

Someone in the room attacked MC and bit her on the neck......the dream she had was terribly vivid.

Prologue Chapter 7 (official translation)

MC “......Just like a vampire would.”

MC “Dreams can be so realistic, even when they’re about the most unbelievable things.”

Sebastian “......”

MC “Thanks for listening to my silly dream.”

MC “I hope you don’t think I’m crazy for dreaming about vampires.”

Sebastian “I don’t think you’re crazy, nor do I believe it was just a silly dream.”

MC “You don’t think it was silly?”

Sebastian “No. Indeed, it’s a good sign.”

MC “My bad dream is a good sign?”

Sebastian “I believe you saw that dream because you’re here in this mansion.”

MC “You’re not making sense.”

Sebastian “The dream serves as a warning.”

Sebastian “......That you are to give them neither your body nor your heart.”

MC “Them?”

Sebastian “The residents of this mansion. For you see, everyone you’ve met tonight —“

Sebastian “They are exactly what you saw in your dream. They are all vampires.”

— A month after Sebastian informed MC with a serious look.

(Tonight, Comte said the hourglass sand would completely drop.)

(It’s finally time to say goodbye to this mansion......)

Under the bright sunshine, MC stops drying the laundry and gazes at the mansion and garden fulls with blooming flowers.

The residents of the mansion are revived great men in history, and all of them are vampires.

MC was surprised when she heard that, but everyone accepted her, who was so anxious and bewildered.

(Before I know it, I’ve come to like this mansion so much that it feels lonely to bid my farewell.)

MC “After this, I won’t be able to take care of everyone or serving pancakes anymore.”

As MC feels helplessly lonely and loses in thought —

MC “......Ouch!”

Suddenly, MC is poked in the forehead and she immediately covers it with her hand.

Sebastian “You had a fluff on your head, so I brushed it off.”

(Sebastian......!)

MC “Thank you. Is there a dandelion somewhere in bloom?”

Sebastian “It’s a lie.”

MC “A lie?”

Sebastian “Stop being absent-minded, and please stretch the wrinkles of sheet properly.”

Sebastian “For quite a while, it feels like you’re flying to somewhere else, similar to a fluff.”

MC “Uu......I’m sorry.”

(He’s without restraint as ever......)

Sebastian is the only human among the residents of the mansion, and a Japanese who came from the same modern era as MC.

For the past month, MC has been helping him out as a colleague, and he’s considerably strict regarding his job.

MC “I’m really sorry. While thinking today is the last day I could help, I end up feeling sad.”

Sebastian “It’s certainly written all over your face.”

Sebastian lets out a small sigh without changing his expression.

Sebastian “Once you’re over with this, considered your job today is done.”

MC “Eh, but, I still have to prepare for dinner.”

Sebastian “Today is your last day in the mansion. You’ll need time to sort out your feeling.”

Sebastian “And tonight’s meal is special.”

MC “Special?”

Sebastian “It’s a dinner party to see you off, so I can’t let our guest of honor to help, right?”

(I am......the guest of honor......)

When MC blinks her eyes in surprise, Sebastian voice becomes softer......

Sebastian “For the past month, you’ve been trying your best in this unfamiliar world. Thank you for your hard work.”

(Sebastian......)

MC chest tighten hard to the tender words and the sign of farewell that shown through.

MC “I was able to do my best......thanks to Sebastian.”

Sebastian “Huh?”

MC “I......I knew nothing about this world, this mansion, the matter of living with all the vampires......”

MC “I had Sebastian to teach me that.”

Without Sebastian, MC might still be confined in her room in anxiety.

(I’m really glad Sebastian is my colleague.)

(That’s why, if I can work with Sebastian until today......I still want to work together.)

MC “I’m grateful for your consideration. But a job is still a job, so I want to finish it to the end.”

MC “More than anything, please let me help Sebastian.”

Sebastian “......”

Sebastian “What a good dedication. That’s exactly what I expected of my junior.”

With a sudden smile, Sebastian starts walking with an empty laundry basket.

Sebastian “Please follow me. Without holding anything back, I won’t let you cutting corners until the end.”

MC “*That’s what I want! By the way, have you decided on the dinner menu?”

(*望むところです - bring it on, just as I was hoping for

Sebastian “Yes. On top of grilled pork with mozarella cheese, we’re going to have wine braised beef tongue.”

Sebastian “There will also be saffron-flavored sea bream terrine, boiled rape blossoms with soy sauce, firefly squid with ponzu sauce and rich mango pudding.”

(The sense of Japanese-Western blending is amazing! But all those dishes mentioned before me are delicious.)

MC “I’m looking forward to it!”

With a smile, MC follows after Sebastian, who walks in dignified posture.

After that, she spends her last night with everyone in the mansion......

After the dinner party, the residents are gathered in front of the door to see MC off.

Napoleon “Mimi, take care of yourself even when you return to your original world.”

Mozart “You’re rather careless, so don’t fall over and get injured before you could arrive.”

Arthur “Hey, are you really going back? You haven’t go on a date with me yet.”

Theo “It’s a wise decision from hondje. If you go out with this guy, you’ll get eaten from the head in an instant.”

Dazai “Toshiko-san, please stay healthy without catching a cold when you go back.”

Isaac “Dazai actually said something unusual and decent. But yeah, be careful not to get sick.”

Jeanne “Yes, physical condition management is important at all times.”

Vincent “Mimi, I really enjoyed spending time with you.”

Leonardo “The coffee mia cara poured was pretty splendid, you know?”

Comte “It seems very lonely to part with Mimi when everyone is here to see her off.”

(That’s......for me......)

As MC covers her face when her eyes turn hot, Sebastian hands her over a handkerchief.

Sebastian “Mimi, this.”

MC “Sebastian......I’m sorry I’m such a handful colleague to the end.”

With the handkerchief she received, MC bows her head while holding back her eyes that moist with tears.

Sebastian “It’s not a colleague’s guidance. I don’t think I can leave you alone with such a face.”

(This is really the last time we could talk this way......)

(Since Comte is the only one who can come and go freely through this door.)

MC “I......I’m glad to meet everyone.”

Sebastian “Look, you’re tearing up again. Please wipe it firmly.”

Comte “Don’t hold back too much. I’ll send you off at Louvre Museum.”

MC “Please, Comte.”

(Let’s go back to the original world before I’m feeling even reluctant to part......)

Comte “Well then, I’ll open the door.”

Comte slowly opens the heavy door.

Beyond that —··· instead of the corridor MC went through a month ago, there’s a distorted space spread out.

(Eh......is it different from before?)

Everything is breathtaking, as the ominous light and darkness mixed together.

MC “......If I’m not mistaken, when I came here, I was lead to a dim corridor, right?”

Comte “Supposedly, since I came through that passage in 19th century.”

Comte “What in the world......it’s the first time the passage across space and time has disappeared.”

At the bizarre scene, Comte pulls MC back and hurriedly shuts the door.

Leonardo “Hey, Comte. What’s going on?”

Comte “I don’t know......but if we enter such space, I can’t predict which era it will drop us.”

(Then, I......)

Isaac “Like this, Mimi can’t go home then?”

Sebastian “......It will be for at least a month.”

Theo “The door that was closed once would open again a month later.”

A worried look from everyone tells MC the seriousness of the situation.

Comte “I’m sorry, Mimi. I’ll look into the cause.”

Comte “So can you stay in this mansion for a while?”

MC “...Yes......”

MC squeezes out her trembling voice and manages to hold it.

(I didn’t know such thing would take place......I wonder what will happen after this.)

The next day, MC begins to live in the mansion again, and she’s still working as Sebastian’s assistant.

MC “Sebastian, I’ve finished washing the dishes. Is there anything else I can do to help?”

Sebastian “Thank you for your hard work. That’s all for today’s work.”

Sebastian, who silently polishes antique silver tableware, look as calm as ever even in this situation.

MC “......Something unexpected has happened.”

MC “The truth is, I shouldn’t be here anymore, and yet......”

(The surprise was bigger yesterday, but it gradually sinks in.)

(There is a possibility I could never go back to the world I thought I could return......)

When MC thinks to that extent, she get scared again and almost get swallowed up by anxiety.

Sebastian “I’m happy to work with you again.”

MC “Huh......”

Sebastian “It’s good to have manpower. Above all, you’re an excellent junior.”

(Ah, is that what he means?)

Sebastian smiles with a composed look much like a butler.

Sebastian “I’m sure you’ll find the solution, since everyone in the mansion and I are here for you.”

Sebastian “And also, did you forget? This is a rare situation where the great men of history are all gathered.”

Sebastian “There’s no impossible letters in this mansion’s dictionary.”

MC “Haha......”

MC reflexively smiles and feels less anxious.

(Right, let’s just not thinking only about the time I couldn’t return.)

(As Sebastian says, I’m not alone, and it would be all right since everyone is there.)

MC “Thank you very much. I feel uneasy, but now I’m going to try my best with my life in the mansion.”

Sebastian “That’s a fine dedication.”

Seeing Sebastian narrows his calm eyes, a question suddenly pops out in MC’s mind.

MC “Come to think of it, Sebastian has been here for a long time, don’t you?”

Sebastian “Yeah, time passed in the blink of an eye.”

MC heard that Sebastian, unlike the other great men, came to the mansion as Comte’s scout and became a butler.

(In other words, he hasn’t return to the original world since then.)

MC “Sebastian......have you ever missed your home and thought of wanting to go back to the present-day?”

Sebastian “......”

Sebastian “No. Placing myself among history is something I couldn’t hope for.”

Sebastian “I — since I abandoned this world myself.”

MC gets confused by his indifferent reply.

(What do you mean by throwing it away......? What’s the matter with your family and friends?)

(But......perhaps it’s something that he didn’t want to touch much.)

MC “I’m sorry for the sudden question. Errr......that’s it, I think I should keep the kitchen tidy!”

The moment MC put her foot on the stepladder and reaches out to a high place to beat the awkwardness —

MC “Kya!”

She loses her balance and her body slants a lot. 

(I’m going to fall......!)

Sebastian “Mimi......!”

(Huh?)

Sebastian “······——”

As soon as MC body is caught, something brushes against her lips.

Something that is warm and soft ···—

(Just now......)

When MC raises her face in the sudden moment, their gazes are entangled at a distance where Sebastian’s nose is sticking close to hers.

MC • Sebastian “......”

While both of them falling down to the floor, they stare at each other without looking away.

(Just now, Sebastian and I......)

They might have kissed —

The moment MC realized it, the heat gathered on her face.

(How careless of me......!)

(But Sebastian......)

The body that has been pinned under, the arm that surrounds MC’s back......

It looks slender and firm with the feels of masculine.

MC strangely conscious of the warmth that touches her without a gap, and Sebastian’s eyes which’s reflecting her......