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My evil is — a means of atonement.
…
Elbert: You’re different from us… you shouldn't have come to this place.
Elbert: … Evil doesn't suit you.
A sorrowful prince with unrivalled beauty — Elbert Greetia.
His curse was that of the “Greedy Queen”, and he was a man unsuitable for sin.
…
Elbert: — You don’t have to watch. Having bad memories can easily kill you.
He kept me far away from sins, as if he were fearful of something.
Whenever I felt sad, he would pull me into a gentle embrace, as if trying to share the pain.
…
Kate: If you don’t feel like being alone when you’re sad…
Kate: Please call for me, if you don’t mind.
Elbert: …
Elbert: … Thank you.
I found myself captivated by his extraordinary amount of kindness, and the occasional fleeting smile I would catch on his face…
(I never want to see his sad face. I want him to smile more often.)
I had unknowingly started wishing for that.
And yet — I didn't realise it.
…
Kate: Of all of the things in this room, which ones are precious to you?
Elbert: There’s… nothing here that’s significantly precious to me.
He collected all things he thought were beautiful and put them away in his bedroom.
How deep, dark, and heavy was the sorrow he was filled with?
…
Alfons: Those meaningless acts of atonement are tormenting El, but they save him at the same time.
Alfons: If you don’t want to end up breaking him, I suggest you don't try to take them away from him.
…
Elbert: Maybe... you're the one I've been searching for.
Elbert: Kate— I want you.
(If I never want to see this sad look on his face ever again, I shouldn’t let myself belong to him.)
The more I tried to break him free from the sins that tie him down and force him to atone for them… the harder it became for me to resist the dark and weighty feelings of obsession I had towards him.
…
Elbert: … I want to kiss you.
Elbert: I want to touch you more… I want to hear your voice, your breathing, and feel the warmth of your body.
Elbert: The more I look at you, the more it hurts. … It’s like a poison that’s spreading through my body.
Elbert: If you belonged to me — this pain would surely disappear.
“The beautiful prince was freed by the power of true love from the shackles of the evil spell, and lived happily ever after.”
I dreamt of such a happy fairytale ending.
— But I knew that it was not that easy for his wounds to heal.
…
(It’s like… Elbert can’t hear my voice.)
Elbert: … It’s unforgivable.
Elbert: … I need to make you mine as soon as possible.
Elbert: Before you belong to someone else.
…
Kate: Sir Elbert, please… stop.
Elbert: … Now I understand why I thought you were beautiful.
Elbert: It’s because you're… what I stole.
Hurting and being hurt — it was a kind of love that felt like you were drowning in a sea of sorrow.
(Despite that, I still want to stay by your side.)
I want to be happy while with you — even if it means I’ll be in the dark at the very bottom of the water.
…
Elbert: I want to forever long for you, struggle for you, suffer for you, and die for you.
Elbert: … That’s my kind of happiness.
We were trapped by the most “beautiful” love in the world — at the bottom of the sea of sorrow.
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I slowly open the door to my room, listening to the rain drops tapping on the window.
(Let's talk to Victor first)
Victor is a man who always looks at William and everyone in the Crown with compassion and cares for them.
He decided that he couldn't move the Crown, so it would take a lot to persuade him to do so.
(...Don't be timid)
I took one step into the corridor and then----
???: "Kate....!"
???: "See. I told you she would come out soon."
(Eh....?)
When I look towards the voice, I see Liam and Harrison.
Then there was Mr. Alphonse, standing by the window, looking at me.
Kate: "What are you all doing here....?"
Harrison: "Where are you going with a face like that?"
(If I can convince Victor, the next step is to get the Crown to help me)
(There should be no need and no point in lying and deceiving here)
Kate: "....I was going to go and negotiate with Victor."
Harrison: "I figured it would be something like that."
Harrison: "I know you're not the kind of person who stays in your room when you're told to 'behave'."
Harrison: "That's what Will likes and that's what he wants everyone to do."
Harrison looked at me rather seriously with his light-coloured eyes.
Harrison: "The time to turn back is now. You can lock yourself up in this castle, safe and quiet, and then you can go back to your normal life."
Harrison: "Tonight, whether a certain villain dies or lives, you don't have to know about it, and you can go on with your normal life as usual."
Harrison: "You still have a way back to that warm sunshine."
(Looking back...Harrison was also there that night when we all first met)
----FLASHBACK----
Aloof man: "Sorry if that freaked you out, but these are just props for a stage play."
Kate: "Liar...."
Aloof man: "....It would have been good for you if you had pretended to believe me."
----FLASHBACK ENDS----
(You went to great lengths to keep me out of this world of darkness with your lies)
Perhaps the lie he told at the time was a roundabout kindness.
Kate: "....Thank you, Harrison."
Smiling with gratitude for their concern and an apology for letting it go unchecked.
Harrison: "....Guess, that's it then."
Harrison smiled thinly, as if he knew what my response would be and shrugged his shoulders.
Harrison: "You were going to try negotiate with him about the Tower of London, right?"
Kate: "Yes, I want to free these innocent prisoners. Before William does."
Harrison: "What happens after he agrees? How do you prove their innocence?"
Kate: "....It is difficult to prove their innocence and salvage them through a straightforward process."
Kate: "If we were to appeal in court that their arrest itself was unjustified, they would probably be dismissed."
(If the arrests were engineered by the Privy Council, at least some collusion with the police is certain. The police cannot be relied upon)
(Even the courts would use the prisoners' trumped-up charges against William)
Kate: "There are two ways to prove his innocence. Either William pleads guilty and testifies that he has nothing to do with them...."
Kate: "Either that or William himself will be in a situation where he cannot be charged with a crime."
Kate: "If Mr. Brian wrote an article, the latter might be possible....but I am still uncertain."
Kate: "In the meantime, their freedom and dignity continue to be damaged. And William is not going to let that go unnoticed."
Kate: "I don't want to see the prisoners get hurt, and I also don't want to see William hurt."
Harrison: ".......Let me ask you something."
Harrison: "William is actually killing people. Do you think it's right that he should go free of that charge?"
Kate: "It's not....right. Killing is sinful, no matter who it is or what the circumstances are."
Kate: "But I can't stand by and watch him be judged...just because the evil he perpetrates is not right."
(That's how much----William saved me)
(That he rescued me from being unreasonable, listened to my heart and pushed me to be on my own....)
(I know how much it means to the people he saved and I know how much it means to him)
-----Options------
Pretending not to see.
Even if it's not right.
Even if stained with the same sin.
--------
Kate: "I will not be sorry if I am tainted by the same sins as William."
Harrison: "....Oh."
Kate: "Now we have to rescue the prisoners and stop William from being lured to the Tower of London."
Kate: "And in due course, the prisoners will be exonerated. ....That's the best I can do now."
Harrison: "....So that's what you've been thinking about all morning and all this time."
Harrison: "And what? Now you're going to convince Victor?"
Kate: "Yes. I also need your help, so let's start with Victor."
Harrison: "I don't think that would do anything."
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Harrison: "I don't think that would do anything."
Kate: "Eh, but..."
Liam: "Victor said 'Be as quiet as possible so they don't know you're here', right?"
Liam: "He didn't say 'don't do anything'. So as long as we appear quiet, we can do anything."
(Nn...)
Kate: "That's what he meant!?"
Kate: "But, 'the Crown cannot be moved in the name of her Majesty the Queen...!"
Alphonse: "In simple words, he meant 'I won't give you orders, so you guys can do whatever you want.' "
Kate: "That's...what he meant...."
Harrison: "Yes, that is, as far as that freak is concerned."
Liam: "Let me escort you to the Tower of London. Haha, I'm looking forward to it, a prison that's rumored to be haunted!"
Kate: ".....So, you guys will help me?"
Harrison: "We'll be working with a minimum number of people to keep a low profile, and Liam's ability to disappear makes him perfect for infiltration, don't you think?"
Liam: "....I think Will would have appreciated it more if we'd waited and trusted him."
Liam: "But if we let you go without telling him...he'll probably be sad."
Liam: "I want Will to compliment me. Oh and you too, of course."
Kate: "Liam...."
Liam's eyes were filled with madcap curiosity when he said 'fun'
Now it was like looking for a landmark in total darkness, both haunting and desperate.
We don't yet know what the circumstances are.
William may be in one of his most important strongholds.
Harrison: "I'll support you from the outside in case of emergency...And also, I don't know why Al is here."
Alphonse: "Master El asked me to do this in his place."
Kate: "Master Elbert...?"
Alphonse: "Yes. He said 'Your abilities are more suited for inflitrating enemy territory'. And...."
Mr. Alphonse puts his lips to his ear. The sweet, decadent scent softly wafted over my nose.
Alphonse: "I have always thought that if Mr. William were to be killed, it would be by an innocent civilian."
(Eh....)
Alphonse: "It's going to be a hilarious spectacle whichever way it goes, so I thought I'd follow along."
(He doesn't care if William lives or dies, or if the prisoners are freed...he is just going there for shits and giggles...?)
The attitude that everything is a farce appears to be unreliable.
I wonder if my emotions were showing on my face, but Mr. Alphonse didn't seem offended and smiled.
Alphonse: "Fufu. Don't look so worried. If necessary, I will be a helpful ally. Of course."
(....I am aware that I am trying to do something selfish that I cannot achieve alone)
(I don't care what the motive is, as long as I can get help...!)
Kate: "Yes, thank you!"
We had some discussion and strategy on the journey to the Tower of London and how to move internally.
Harrison: "That's how many people are housed there. It's not easy to break them out."
Harrison: "If you don't think it's possible. I suggest you just investigate this time and go back...just saying."
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We secretly left the castle for the city of London, where the skies were dark, hinting on a possible downpour.
Liam: "Okay, we're about to move. Close your eyes if you feel scared."
Kate: "Y-Yes! ....!"
A floating sensation hits my body and I gasp in instinctive fear.
With me in his arms, Liam leapt lightly over the roofs of London houses.
Liam: "Will showed me this route. He said its beautiful and he likes it...woah!"
Kate: "Ah."
Liam: "Ahaha...It's thrilling and fun, isn't it?"
Liam: "Will is a genius at enjoying life, isn't he?"
I smiled somewhat unsteadily and agitatedly, nod at Liam and cling desperately onto him.
(He is trying to talk about something to make me feel at ease...!)
Kate: "Oh and Mr. Alphonse, have you used....this route?"
Alphonse: "Yes. I've been using it sometimes with 'friends' since Liam told me about it."
Alphonse: "We play this fun little game where, for every roof you fly over, you get a drink and if you get scared or fall off, you lose."
(What a dangerous game...and who are these 'friends'....?)
Alphonse: "Well, it's certainly a good route for tonight's operation. Because there are policemen roaming the streets."
Looking down below at Mr. Alphonse's comment, the shadows of police officers can be seen all over the city.
(Indeed, if we were walking on the ground, we would likely be---)
Cold sweat trickles down my spine as I recall the gun being pointed at me.
I felt a deep sense of relief at being hidden in the darkness of the night.
(I never thought....that darkness could reassure me)
We arrived at the gates of the Tower of London, as previously discussed,
Liam disappears and Mr. Alphonse, gently removes his leather gloves.
Alphonse: "Well, shall we get going?"
.........
Alphonse: "Thank you for your efforts."
Security guards: "....Excuse me, who are you? If you don't have a pass then----"
Alphonse: "Oh my, have you forgotten the face of your colleague?"
Alphonse: "We've gone to a lot of trouble to 'bring prisoners into custody'. "
When Mr. Alphonse touched the nape of his neck and whispered, the guard's attitude changed.
Security guard: "Oh yes. You can go through."
Alphonse: "Thank you. Then, shall we."
The gate is opened and we slip inside through the gap.
(Such a convenient ability to break in so easily...right?)
Kate: "Wouldn't this mean that if we let him think he's being restrained by Alphonse's ability, he doesn't actually have to be restrained?"
Alphonse: "Wow! You're very sharp even at times like this."
(Of course...!)
Alphonse: "Oh, you're not angry?"
Kate: "....If you think of it as a cooperation fee, it's about as cheap as being tied down."
Alphonse: "Aha! You're funny. I wish Mr. William had let me borrow you for a day."
(You completely think people are toys or something....)
.................
With the help of Mr. Alphonse and Liam's ability to fool the police, things went according to plan.
They stole documents from the control room and located the cells where innocent prisoners were being held.
We ran inside the cold towers, using the floor plans as a guide to kill our footsteps.
Liam: "These towers used to be used for the detention of high-ranking political prisoners and for executions."
Alphonse: "It is a horrifying historical place to invite Mr. William to feed on the general public...."
Alphonse: "Not bad, Grimsley."
Liam: "....! Al, Kate, I hear something at the bottom of the stairs."
I listened for Liam's voice, and sure enough, from downstairs, I heard what sounded like a scream.
Kate: "....Let's go."
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With each step down the stairs, the multiple screams become more vivid and stirring in their poignancy.
(...This is---)
Alphonse: "...It looks like we're in the right place."
While hiding in a corner of the staircase, we listen downstairs.
The screams of the condemned prisoners echoed behind the layers of bars.
Policemen: "You were involved in the crime, weren't you? Look, if you don't tell us what you've done, you'll never walk again."
Prisoner: "Stop! No! I'm innocent!"
Prisoner: "I didn't know that man was smuggling drugs! Please believe me, there must be some mistake....."
Policemen: "The company you built with his support...was it something about freedom for all?"
Policemen: "And at the same time he's smuggling drugs. What a hypocrite. Come on! Tell us where he is!"
Prisoner: "No! I don't know...I really don't know...!"
Policemen: "Tch...do it."
(!!)
I see a prisoner with his head in a water trough and manage to keep my voice from jumping out at the sight of it.
Turning to the prison next to the condemned prisoners, we saw people looking exhausted and staring at each other.
Young prisoner: "Why do we have to go through this...? It's all his fault..!"
Older prisoner: "....That guy..don't you owe Sir Rex a debt of gratitude too. ...It's not right to hold a grudge against someone like that."
Young prisoner: "Oh yeah!? Okay then...where the hell is that William?"
Young prisoner: "If he is not involved in this, why isn't he coming out and saying anything! The only reason he can't come is because that article is true, right!?"
Young prisoner: "....I was going to prove to people that slum-borns are not inferior to people born in normal circumstances...."
Young prisoner: "When I said that, he even wrote a letter of recommendation to the university saying 'you can do it'....!"
Young prisoner: "I'm a slum-born, and now I'm hearing that he buys and sells people like me. It felt like all this time he had been using me.."
Young prisoner: "I thought he was my benefactor and but now, I can't...forgive him..for deceiving me like this...!"
(...As I thought)
(Anger at this unreasonable treatment naturally turns to William)
The police are suppose to be 'justice'. But they capture these people without any evidence and tortured them without due process of law...
Even the people who are labeled as evil by the police do not easily recognize it as a 'crime'.
(If William comes here and hears these people cursing him...)
(He wouldn't mind, but...I don't like that)
Liam: "Kate, are you okay?"
Kate: "...I'm fine. We know where the prisoners are. Next is..."
Kate: "'Mr. Alphonse will get the key to the relevant prison', right?"
Alphonse: "Yes. It's easy to deceive them, don't worry. You two can hide in the corner until I get back."
Mr. Alphonse wandered off and I was about to discuss our escape route with Liam, when----
???: "Ugh..Nn..."
I thought I heard a familiar voice from the nearest prison and looked over to see----
Kate: "Mr. Brian....!?"
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Liam: "You mean the one who wrote that article...?"
He had fiery red hair and looked emaciated, perhaps from the assault.
(...Why are you here?...)
Liam: "Hold on, Miss Kate...I'll make a noise and get the cop's attention."
Liam: "In the meantime, ask him what happened. I'll be back as soon as I've attracted the police."
Kate: "....Thank you very much."
Liam's figure suddenly disappears from sight, and a few seconds later----
At the far end of the prison-lined corridor, a loud noise could be heard.
Policemen: "What's going on!?"
A flurry of police officers head to see what's going on.
(Now)
I went downstairs and rushed to Brian's cell.
Kate: "Mr. Brian...."
Brian: "Nn!? Miss Kate, why are you here...?"
Kate: "That's my line...! Why are you here?"
Brian: "...I went to Grimsley to ask him about the truth."
Brian: "The charges I wrote in that article were a frame-up... and he came clean."
Brian: "That Sir Rex is really an organised assassin of evil who cannot be brought to justice by the law."
----FLASHBACK----
Grimsley: "Nevertheless, it is also true that he is a mass murderer."
Grimsley: "As the revolutionaries' movement has brought about new laws and expanded the rights of citizens, assassination squads...."
Grimsley: "An anachronism, don't you think?"
Grimsley: "You're clever enough to realize that it's in the best interests of this Britain to keep quiet, isn't it?"
-----FLASHBACK ENDS-----
Brian: "....I couldn't...nod my head. I said, 'give me some time' and left his office. On the way home....I was attacked and now I'm here...."
Brian: "Why are you here? Did they catch you too?"
Kate: ".....No. I snuck in here because I wanted to free you all."
Brian: "Why....?"
Kate: "Well----"
At that moment, the upper floor suddenly becomes noisy.
There were angry, shrill voices, whistles and the sound of many footsteps.
(No way!!)
.............
----A black shadow alighted gracefully from one of the carriages.
Security guard: ".....Whoa, that's----"
Raindrops wet the red and gold of his cloak and the silver of his swaying hair, reflecting off the street lamps as if decorating the darkness of the night.
The man slowly looked up as he walked towards the gate.
Her blood-red eyes gleam seductively in the darkness.
William: "Good evening. Sorry for intruding you all."
William: "I have friends who have been invited here, so I was wondering if you could let me in."
Security guard: "W-William Rex....!"
Soon after, a high-pitched whistle shook the silence of the night.
Guards and policemen quickly rush to the gate and pointed their guns at William.
Older policemen: "You are charged with murder! Put down your weapon and surrender!"
William: "Ahahaha, that's an enthusiastic welcome. Now....who should I dance with?"
William was in no hurry and looked around at the policemen as if he were looking at a cake in a bakery.
William: "You detain and tortured innocent people and violated their freedom for this purpose alone."
William: "....If there are extenuating circumstances, it is that they are orders from someone in authority."
Older policemen: "What are you talking about! Hands up! Or else....!"
William: "Raise your hand? Okay then."
William: "Raise your hands if you feel any remorse in your conscience about what is now taking place in the Tower of London."
Older policemen: ".....!?"
Young policemen: "W-Why...why are my arms...!?"
The officers were stared down by William, as he ordered them.
Some were puzzled by their own arms lifting of their own accord while others were mortified by their colleagues.
Old policemen: "Tch, you're breaking an order! You're breaking an order!"
William smiled gently as a man who appeared to be his superior officer barked at him.
William: "Don't scold them. They are just being honest with themselves."
William: "Whoever raises their hands now should stay in the corner, silent."
Kate: "Was he the one who led you to that mansion?"
Brian: "....Yes."
The next moment, the tip of a leather shoe sunk into Mr. Brian's belly.
Brian: "Arghh!?"
Jude: "And he dared to call the police on us....looks like he has no hopes of waking up tomorrow, huh?"
Kate: "Please stop! He just told me the name of the person who gave him information!"
Jude: "Huh? He did?"
When he looked down with disdain at the sobbing Mr. Brian, Mr. Jude sniggered.
Jude: "Looks like your life is saved for now, I guess."
Looking around, the brawl in the post office had somehow been under control.
The officers were all lying on the floor with their hands restrained as if they were praying together.
Kate: ".....Did you kill them?"
Jude: "You idiot."
Jude: "You're just another Count Rex fanatic, who tried to intimidate a newspaper reporter."
Jude: "Then we just happened to come to collect a debt and they got the wrong idea...what's the need of killing them?"
(....I see. If they pursue you, you have that excuse)
(On the other hand, killing them would be like a confession to something you're guilty of)
Jude: "I just put them to sleep. They won't be waking up for another 3 hours."
('Putting people to sleep'.....is that Mr. Jude's ability?)
(I think I understand what Victor meant when he said it was easy to clean up afterwards)
Ellis: "Jude, I've checked everything. No one's hiding and no one has escaped."
Jude: "Good. Then we're done here."
Ellis: "Mm....'now, we're done."
Brian: "Ah!? M-My hands...I can move my hands now...."
The police officer's restrains were also lifted, perhaps signalling that we're actually done here.
I was amazed by Mr. Jude and Ellis's teamwork, but I couldn't just sit back and take it easy.
Kate: "Let's get out of here. We also need to hide Mr. Brian."
Jude: "Huh!?"
Brian: "....!"
Kate: "If they find out that you have leaked info about them, you risk retaliation as a traitor."
Ellia: "Oh I see. But if that happens,he wouldn't be able to correct his article."
Jude: "Then how about making him write it here and now and get done with this?"
Kate: "Whether or not you write an article is another matter than protecting Mr. Brian."
Kate: "I want the article to be corrected...but I don't mean to put Mr. Brian in danger."
Kate: "Just as I came here to see and feel with my own eyes and to help William."
Kate: "Mr. Brian is free to believe and act on what he sees and feels."
Kate: "So I don't hold it against you. Mr. Brian....and I can't leave you alone knowing that you will be in danger."
Kate: "If that happened....William would be sad."
Brian: "..........."
Jude: "Haa, there you go being nice to the person who almost grabbed you."
Brian: "....Miss Kate, thank you. ...But I can't just hide like this."
Kate: "What do you mean....?"
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Brian: "To decide whether or not to write a correction article...."
Brian: "I have to be sure...I have to make sure that where I'm standing is justice!"
Mr. Brian's eyes were looking straight at me with a different, calm light.
Brian: "I will definitely contact you again. So for now, please let me go."
Ellis: "....What do you wanna do, Miss Kate?"
(I feel like Mr. Brian really got my story)
(And now he's trying to make sure if it's true or not)
(He will be convinced about the Marquis's death and will correct the article on that basis....)
(It's all up to you, Mr. Brian. It's a gamble to let him go at this point)
(But...if we take away his freedom here, we are crushing even the slightest hope we have)
I take one deep breath.
Kate: "....Understood. I'll be waiting."
Brian: "....Thank you."
I prayed for his back as he melted away into the thick fog and disappeared.
Jude: "Tsk....What if he contacted you later and said 'I can't do it'?"
Kate: "Then I will try to persuade him again and again."
(It's okay. I believe that I voiced my thoughts and delivered them and that it wasn't in vain....let's just hope and wait)
(First, we need to tell everyone in the Crown who's behind this)
.............
After returning to the castle.
(....Something's not right)
It was early in the morning before the sky was even white, but the lights were on and the air was buzzing with a sense of restlessness.
Ellis: "Did something happen?"
I feel a similar stirring as I did a few days ago when William left the castle, and I involuntarily run quickly to the dining room where I hear people's voice.
.........
Kate: "We're back."
Liam: "Miss Kate! Thank god you're safe...!"
(Everyone in the Crown is here again. Did something happen to William....!?)
Victor: "Welcome back, you guys. How did it go?"
(Yes, let's calm down first and give the report)
Jude: "The name of the mastermind was easily spelt out. Grimsley of the Privy Council."
Victor: "....Grimsley, huh..I see."
Kate: "Also about the article correction...we were able to convince Mr. Brian."
Kate: "Now we just have to wait and trust that Mr. Brian will find out the truth."
Ellis: "Also, the police ambushed us and we got into a bit of a scuffle."
Elbert: "About the police....well..."
Master Elbert, who was sitting in his chair, muttered anxiously.
Alphonse: "Good for you, Kate. If you'd been caught, you'd have been tortured in the Tower of London too."
Kate: "Tower of London...?"
When I asked back, unable to follow the sudden topic, Harrison tossed the paper onto the dinner table.
Harrison: "Citizens who were connected to Count Rex are arrested and being held in the Tower of London."
Harrison: "They are being severely tortured and forced to confess to Will's whereabouts and his complicity in the crime."
Kate: "What....!?"
Harrison: "This is the list of the prisoners."
Kate: "How did you get this list?"
Harrison: "....Is that important? Look here. Do any of these names look familiar?"
(Fawcett...James...these are...)
Kate: "....I've seen them interacting with William."
Some of them are from the tea party, special wards in this hospital, and on the street corners.
It was the names of people who he had once set free.
Elbert: "....Never before has the Privy Council taken such drastic measures."
Elbert: "With this uproar, they want to crush Will."
Elbert: "In a way....they're trying to piss Will off, by trampling on their freedoms, which Will hates the most."
Ellis: "It's cruel to torture innocent people for it."
Roger: "Cruel, sure, but certain. Because I don't think Will is going to sit this one out."
(Capturing innocent civilians to provoke and lure them out...for sure that makes sense)
(But something...something feels uncomfortable)
Kate: ".....How do the tower guards and prison guards plan to counteract and capture William's abilities?"
Liam: "Eh?"
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Kate: "Tower guards and prison guards who trample on the freedom of innocent citizens are 'evil' to William."
Kate: "William would not hesitate to use force or take a life if it was against 'evil'!"
Kate: "I don't see it being easy to catch him."
Liam: "....Indeed."
Kate: "Plus, what will happen after they capture William....?"
Kate: "If they want William to be judged by 'justice', you need to judge him under the law, but...."
-----FLASBACK----
Wiliam: "At the time, I learned of the existence of the 'butterfly' the organisation was already beyond judicial scrutiny."
William: "In this country, the House of Nobles is the highest court. If the legislators collude, it is easy to cover it up."
----FLASHBACK ENDS-----
Kate: "There are legislators in the courtroom who have been caught up in the wrongdoing of the 'evil that cannot be judged by law' that William has been trying to bring before the court."
Kate: "I don't think William will be silently judged by them."
Alphonse: "Fufu...it's certainly going to be a bloodbath the moment he is invited into the courtroom."
Alphonse: "The defeat of clean 'justice' and the breakdown of order. A development the Privy Council loathes."
Kate: "I don't see how the Privy Council could not have foreseen that."
Kate: "No prison officer or judge with a charge against William could kill him.
Kate: "That said, the people on the Privy Council themselves are not willing to get their hands dirty."
Kate: "So how do they intend to bring William to justice....?"
A bad feeling stirs in my head and forms one.
William: "...What do you think?"
(Maybe...no, I don't think so....but...)
Kate: "....Is it possible that they are trying....to get innocent people they have captured to kill him....?"
Liam: "Eh....?"
Alphonse: "Oh, I see. With a script like that, it makes sense for a cat to go a little overboard with an innocent prisoner."
Alphonse: "The prisoners are used as bait to frighten Mr. William. At the same time, they instill hostility towards Mr. William in the prisoner!"
Alphonse: " 'It's all William's fault. We were deceived by him. We lost our family, job, honor, and happiness.' "
Alphonse: " 'If you want to hate him, hate him. Well, here he comes. Look. The guards are getting killed one by one. He's a bloodthirsty murderous maniac.' "
Alphonse: "If you don't want to judged, prove you're not on his side. Come on. I've got the knife right here."
Alphonse: "---Well, it's not a bad plot. I'll be interested to see Mr. William's reaction if that's the case."
Roger: "....Whether it's what Al just told us or not, it's not impossible."
(If I could guess, William must have assumed it too)
(Still, the William I know is the one who chooses to go to...Tower of London)
(William will never allow the freedom of his loved ones to be trampled on)
At the hands of the innocent, executed in the Tower of London as a major sinner....Would that be the destruction he wants?
Jude: "You've been yammering on and on about the Crown going to the Tower of London."
Jude: "If you go in there in this situation, that's exactly what the Privy Council wants you to do, it's suicide."
Victor: "...Right. Jude is right. I cannot move the Crown in Her Majesty's name."
Victor: "Everyone should be as quiet as possible so that they don't realise what's going on....okay?"
(....Certainly not the same as a secret meeting with a newspaper reporter)
(If you go to the Tower of London, you'll be jumping into the enemy's hands)
I try to swallow what Mr. Jude and Victor said, but I can't shake off this bad feeling.
(---Anyway, I'll think about what I can do for now)
Elbert: "..................."
｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡
As dusk approached, the sound of the rain beating against the windows, joined with the merciless ticking of the clock.
After returning to my room early in the morning. I spent half of a day thinking it through.
I stare at the closed door of my room with quiet determination.
"I will rescue the innocent prisoners before William does. I will have to negotiate with Victor for that."
It was the best solution I could come up with and the best I could do at the moment.
(There may be less than a 1% chance of William being harmed as I speculated)
(Conversely, William may want that 1% chance to be dead)
(However....)
(I, for one, cannot allow that to happen)
The breathlessness that has haunted me when I thought of my fate had now vanished without a trace.
At that moment when I cut off my hair with the knife William gave me, it was like I cut off my hesitation along with it.
Far from a sense of helplessness and guilt----only my selfish joy is in my heart.
(If William is going to be hurt. I want to do everything I can to protect---even if it's a 1% chance)
(Because if I don't...I won't be able to be my own master)
I don't want to go back to being the one cowering in front of a closed door, killing my heart.
(William...)
----FLASHBACK----
William: "Because I like to see people act as their own masters."
Kate: "Act as their own masters....?"
William: "It's about facing your desires, being prepared to accept the consequences, and following through."
William: "There's a lot of fear involved in wanting to do what you want and having to pick and choose among so many options."
William: "Whether happiness awaits you or misfortune awaits you...."
William: "You can't blame anyone for the consequences of the choices you make and want to make."
William: "......That's why the moment you're about to step out is so beautiful."
----FLASHBACK ENDS----
(If you saw me now, would you laugh and say I'm beautiful?)
(I am no longer trapped by what my heart doesn't want me to 'have to accept' my destiny of destruction)
(I want to protect...William, no matter what contract I sign and what I have to offer in return)
I want to be true to my desire to do so.
(William, my freedom is not compromised by my love for you)
(Because I'm probably the freest I've ever been in my life)
I put my hand on the doorknob.
What I am about to cross is the last line that William was not willing to let me step over.
With cruel kindness, I let go of the contraindicated lie.
----"Come, come"
I thought I heard an inviting voice from behind the door.
"You knew from the start"
"From the moment you heard that piano that night, everything that has ever happened...has been for you."
"You weren't wrong."
"That very night"
"You could have even left the mail and walked away"
"And yet, you couldn't stop."
"His piano melodies were just too irresistible."
"Because you fell in love with that horrible, beautiful tone."
(That's why I've come this far. My heart chose it)
(Crossing this line means)
The voice from the other side of the door has been echoing in my head for some time now.
(I don't care what anyone calls a way of life that I don't call misery)
I am my master because I am the only one who can decide what's best for me.
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I still remember how “we” used to celebrate “our” birthday.
One year, while waiting for the real birthday cake Mother was baking at home, we raced each other up a hill in the twilight.
We pretended that the setting sun was our birthday cake, and blew out the “candles” on a count of three.
(That was the best moment, right?)
(— Nah.)
(The day it became “forever” was the happiest day.)
(— Huh?)
I snapped back to reality. I had dozed off while sitting on the couch, likely because I worked till late into the night yesterday.
(It’s been a long time since I last dreamt about those days.)
(... Oh, right. Today is our—)
Jude: Ellis.
Ellis: Jude and… Kate?
Kate: E-Ellis…!?
Jude: This girl has something for you.
Kate: J-Jude, I told you to keep it a secret from Ellis…!
Jude: Why should I be considerate of your feelings? If you have questions for him, ask the man himself.
Jude left the common room, leaving only Kate behind.
(I wonder if she got tricked by Jude to ask me something in secret.)
Ellis: You were looking for me?
When I tilted my head in question, Kate seemed to have given up and frowned.
She looked like a dejected little puppy. Cute.
Kate: I heard that… it’s your birthday today.
Kate: I wanted to find out from Jude what you liked, so that I can prepare a surprise for you.
Ellis: Why didn’t you ask me directly?
Kate: … Because I knew you would say that you like anything that makes me happy.
Kate: You’re always caring a lot about whether I’m happy, so today… I want you to be happy.
Ellis: You’re very kind, Kate.
To me, loving someone as a person doesn't necessarily require knowing them for a long time or having a very grand reason to.
That’s why making someone happy is as natural to me as breathing.
Ellis: Will it make you happy if I spend the whole day only doing things that make me happy?
Kate: Hmm… I guess so.
Ellis: Then, we’ll search for my happiness together today?
Kate: Huh…?
Ellis: I want to search for my happiness together with you.
Kate: … Will you be okay with that? I mean, spending your birthday with just me.
Ellis: Mm, I’m okay with it. … How about you, Kate?
I wanted to make sure that my choice would benefit her.
(Ah… that’s good. She seems okay with it.)
Seeing the slight blush in Kate’s cheeks and sensing that she was happy, it made me feel relieved.
Roger: Why are you two being all lovey dovey in the middle of the day?
Kate: Lovey dovey…!?
We didn’t notice until now that Roger was leaning against the doorframe of the common room. When our eyes met, he smiled.
Roger: Happy birthday.
Ellis: Thank you, Roger. Did you specially make your way here just to say that?
Roger: Nope? I just happened to be passing by and saw you guys.
Roger: I didn't prepare any presents for you, so I’ll buy you a nice drink next time.
Roger: Did you receive a proper present from Jude?
Ellis: He gave me a blank cheque as usual.
Kate: Does he always do that…?
Roger: Always. Anyway, you’re going out on a birthday date?
Ellis: Yeah, with Kate.
Roger: That guy Victor, he’s so excited about whipping up a feast with the castle chef tonight…
Roger: But if you two don’t come back, I’ll be sure to enjoy your share.
Roger waved and left with a cheeky smile.
Kate: W-We’ll come back of course…!
Ellis: Is that so?
Kate: Huh!?
(... Fufu, she’s so cute.)
Kate: … Please don’t tease me.
Ellis: I’m not teasing you.
Kate: … Let’s make sure we come back to the castle.
I thought Kate liked me a little bit too, as a person.
(If “this” is the kind of relationship that will make her happy.)
(I really wish she doesn’t have to go back.)
Kate: Before we head out, please promise me one thing.
Ellis: Promise you?
Kate: I want you to promise me that you’ll let me know when you dislike something.
Kate: You have the tendency to say that you’re happy even when you’re not, just because you want to make me happy.
Kate: This promise should NOT be broken today.
Seeing her try her very best to make me happy naturally brought a smile to my face.
Ellis: Mm. Got it, I promise you that.
…
Kate: This gelato place was my source of moral support when I was working as a postwoman.
Ellis: The gelato here must be very good, then. Which flavour is your favourite, Kate?
Kate: Lemon! I remember you saying that you like raspberry jam, so…
Kate: You might like this mixed berry flavoured gelato.
We chatted about all sorts of little things while strolling through the city of London.
Ellis: Mm… this is delicious.
Kate: … Happy?
Ellis: Happy. Fufu, it feels different than usual.
Whenever I said that I was “happy”, Kate would stare at me in such a way that she looked like she was trying to see if I was telling the truth. I found that rather amusing.
Kate: Is there anything you want as a birthday present?
Ellis: … I want a taste of your lemon flavoured gelato.
Kate: That’s not really what I meant…
Ellis: Let me think… I don’t have anything in particular that I want, but I do like things that smell nice.
Kate: Things that smell nice?
Ellis: Yeah. Like you.
Kate: … I’m not letting you taste my lemon flavoured gelato if you keep teasing me.
At the same time, she held out her gelato for me to have a taste, and so I licked a little of it.
Kate looked adorable when she was pretending to be angry, because she couldn't conceal her happiness.
In the end, we continued to walk around London. When Big Ben’s arms showed that it was 4 o’clock, Kate told me to stay put and hurried off somewhere.
(Is she going to meet an acquaintance?)
(... Ah, should I be monitoring her in times like this as a member of Crown?)
(Oh well, it’ll be fine.)
I sat on a railing at the riverside while waiting for Kate to return. Just then, a woman came and sat next to me.
Curly Hair Woman: Oh… pardon me, am I bothering you?
Ellis: Nope, you’re not.
Curly Hair Woman: I’m feeling dizzy… can I rest here for a little while?
Ellis: The hospital is nearby, do you need me to guide you to it?
Curly Hair Woman: Are you sure about that?
The woman’s face suddenly lit up upon hearing my casual offer, and she placed her palm on my leg.
(Ah...)
“If you want me to be that happy— give those to me.”
“If you want me to be happy… give them to me. Give me your legs!!”
“... In the end, it turns out that your own wants matter most.”
— I can no longer go anywhere I want. Are you satisfied now?
(...)
Unpleasant memories flashed into my mind, and a feeling of uneasiness rose from the pit of my stomach.
When I tried to swallow it back down…
Kate: Sorry for the wait! … Oh? Who is this?
(Kate…)
Kate looked at me with a concerned look while hiding something behind her back.
Ellis: … She said that she’s feeling dizzy. I was about to guide her to the hospital.
Kate: Are you alright?
Curly Hair Woman: … What the, is she your girlfriend?
Kate: Huh?
Curly Hair Woman: I don’t feel dizzy anymore. See you.
The woman suddenly stood up and walked away.
Kate: … Seems like she was lying to you…
Ellis: It does seem that way. Good thing she’s not feeling dizzy.
Kate: … Looking at you, you don’t look very well.
Kate gently placed her palm to my forehead.
Kate: You’re not running a fever, though…
(I promised to “voice out my dislikes”.)
Ellis: A moment ago, when she touched my leg… I recalled some unpleasant things.
Ellis: I don’t like being touched on my legs.
Kate: … I see.
Without probing any further, Kate simply nodded her head in response and respected my feelings.
Kate: Thank you for telling me.
Ellis: …? Why are you thanking me?
Kate: … You’re always concerned about the feelings of other people, and doing things for them.
Kate: But there's no such thing as a person who doesn't have their own desires.
Kate: You must be sacrificing a lot of your own desires, right, Ellis?
(My… desires?)
The flashback from just now started clawing at the inside of my heart again.
Kate: Therefore, I’m going to let you have any more unpleasant experiences for the rest of today.
Kate: Thanks to what you've just told me, I know what to avoid letting you go through.
Kate: Happy birthday. This is for you.
Ellis: This is…
She held out the bouquet of pale purple roses she had hidden behind her back.
The gentle breeze brought out its calming and sweet fragrance that suited the sunset.
Ellis: … Smells nice.
Ellis: … Mm, I’m very happy.
(But, therefore… I have to give this to you.)
Ellis: Can you close your eyes for a moment?
Kate: Huh? Okay…
Kate hesitantly covered her eyes with her hands.
Kate: Can I open my eyes now?
Ellis: Just a little longer.
(You said that there’s no such thing as a person without desires.)
(But I feel that I don’t have the need for desires.)
Or else, the “love” I feel inside of me— will turn into something scary.
Ellis: … You can open your eyes now.
Kate: …!
I gave Kate a flower crown made from the roses she had given me earlier. She was puzzled as she alternated her gaze between me and the flower crown.
Kate: This was… a present for you.
Ellis: Yeah. It was mine, and so I wanted to use it to make you happy.
Kate had a troubled smile on her face as she held the flower crown close to her chest.
Kate: … Ellis, you’re… a rather hard to deal with person…
(Ah…)
My heart suddenly felt moved.
The light from the setting sun shone down onto Kate.
The colour of the sky was a beautiful gradient of orange and purple.
That colour was one that could only be seen in that brief moment between day and night.
(How I wish I could stop time right now.)
— That pure and simple desire was mine, and mine only.
Kate: The sun is setting already… time seemed to have flown past in the blink of an eye today.
Kate’s voice brought me back to reality.
Kate: We should return to the castle soon.
I thought that the look in her eyes was saying that she wanted to stay a little longer.
(But— is it just me?)
(l have to make sure… so that I know if I’m just seeing things.)
I took a deep breath and closed the distance between us.
Ellis: … Hey, Kate.
I leaned my body forward against the railing, cornering Kate.
Ellis: I don’t want to go back to the castle. … Can we not?
I pretended to be selfish, because I wanted to know her true feelings.
I had to pretend, in order to suppress the desire that had risen up inside me earlier.
Kate: W-We can’t. Everyone is waiting for us back at the castle.
Ellis: … But you don’t look like you want to go back.
The tips of Kate’s ears turned slightly red… that’s how I knew that what I thought I saw was real.
Ellis: Because of you, I’m very happy today.
Ellis: How about you, Kate? How happy do you feel today?
Ellis: To thank you for today, I want to make you the happiest you’ve ever been.
Kate: Ellis…
Ellis: What would you like? You can go shopping without having to worry about money, or I can take you to meet anyone you want to.
Kate: It’s your birthday today, Ellis… I don't need anything.
Ellis: If there’s anything I can do for you, I’ll do it. Be it kisses, hugs… or more than that.
Kate: Those things will only make you feel the happiest if done with someone you like in a very special way…
(Oh… I see.)
Ellis: In that case, I’ll just have to make you like me in that special way.
Kate: Huh…?
Ellis: I’ll be sure to do my best.
Kate’s eyes wavered.
Ellis: Some day, I’ll make you feel the happiest you’ve ever felt.
(Not for my sake, but for yours.)
(I’ll make all your wishes come true, so that you’ll be happy.)
Then came twilight, painting our surrounding scenery in the colours of night.
I do not own any of the Ikemen Series content being uploaded on this blog, everything belongs to CYBIRD. Please support them by playing their games and buying stories. Not 100% accurate, expect mistakes.
read this before interacting with my posts
《 Thank you for the well wishes 》
Thank you for wishing me a happy birthday.
The words “happy birthday” felt warmer to hear coming from you, as compared to anyone else.
I was reminded of my childhood when I would gather around a birthday cake with my family, and blow out the candles.
Back then, I made a wish with all my heart, even though I knew that it was almost impossible for it to ever come true.
I wished for someone important to me to be happy again. I also wished that even after they became a free person, they would still stay by my side.
… This birthday, my wish is for you. I wish that you’ll find your happiness, and for that happiness to never disappear.
WARNING! The following story contains scenes of violence and torture.
｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡
I slowly open the door to my room, listening to the rain drops tapping on the window.
(Let's talk to Victor first)
Victor is a man who always looks at William and everyone in the Crown with compassion and cares for them.
He decided that he couldn't move the Crown, so it would take a lot to persuade him to do so.
(...Don't be timid)
I took one step into the corridor and then----
???: "Kate....!"
???: "See. I told you she would come out soon."
(Eh....?)
When I look towards the voice, I see Liam and Harrison.
Then there was Mr. Alphonse, standing by the window, looking at me.
Kate: "What are you all doing here....?"
Harrison: "Where are you going with a face like that?"
(If I can convince Victor, the next step is to get the Crown to help me)
(There should be no need and no point in lying and deceiving here)
Kate: "....I was going to go and negotiate with Victor."
Harrison: "I figured it would be something like that."
Harrison: "I know you're not the kind of person who stays in your room when you're told to 'behave'."
Harrison: "That's what Will likes and that's what he wants everyone to do."
Harrison looked at me rather seriously with his light-coloured eyes.
Harrison: "The time to turn back is now. You can lock yourself up in this castle, safe and quiet, and then you can go back to your normal life."
Harrison: "Tonight, whether a certain villain dies or lives, you don't have to know about it, and you can go on with your normal life as usual."
Harrison: "You still have a way back to that warm sunshine."
(Looking back...Harrison was also there that night when we all first met)
----FLASHBACK----
Aloof man: "Sorry if that freaked you out, but these are just props for a stage play."
Kate: "Liar...."
Aloof man: "....It would have been good for you if you had pretended to believe me."
----FLASHBACK ENDS----
(You went to great lengths to keep me out of this world of darkness with your lies)
Perhaps the lie he told at the time was a roundabout kindness.
Kate: "....Thank you, Harrison."
Smiling with gratitude for their concern and an apology for letting it go unchecked.
Harrison: "....Guess, that's it then."
Harrison smiled thinly, as if he knew what my response would be and shrugged his shoulders.
Harrison: "You were going to try negotiate with him about the Tower of London, right?"
Kate: "Yes, I want to free these innocent prisoners. Before William does."
Harrison: "What happens after he agrees? How do you prove their innocence?"
Kate: "....It is difficult to prove their innocence and salvage them through a straightforward process."
Kate: "If we were to appeal in court that their arrest itself was unjustified, they would probably be dismissed."
(If the arrests were engineered by the Privy Council, at least some collusion with the police is certain. The police cannot be relied upon)
(Even the courts would use the prisoners' trumped-up charges against William)
Kate: "There are two ways to prove his innocence. Either William pleads guilty and testifies that he has nothing to do with them...."
Kate: "Either that or William himself will be in a situation where he cannot be charged with a crime."
Kate: "If Mr. Brian wrote an article, the latter might be possible....but I am still uncertain."
Kate: "In the meantime, their freedom and dignity continue to be damaged. And William is not going to let that go unnoticed."
Kate: "I don't want to see the prisoners get hurt, and I also don't want to see William hurt."
Harrison: ".......Let me ask you something."
Harrison: "William is actually killing people. Do you think it's right that he should go free of that charge?"
Kate: "It's not....right. Killing is sinful, no matter who it is or what the circumstances are."
Kate: "But I can't stand by and watch him be judged...just because the evil he perpetrates is not right."
(That's how much----William saved me)
(That he rescued me from being unreasonable, listened to my heart and pushed me to be on my own....)
(I know how much it means to the people he saved and I know how much it means to him)
-----Options------
Pretending not to see.
Even if it's not right.
Even if stained with the same sin.
--------
Kate: "I will not be sorry if I am tainted by the same sins as William."
Harrison: "....Oh."
Kate: "Now we have to rescue the prisoners and stop William from being lured to the Tower of London."
Kate: "And in due course, the prisoners will be exonerated. ....That's the best I can do now."
Harrison: "....So that's what you've been thinking about all morning and all this time."
Harrison: "And what? Now you're going to convince Victor?"
Kate: "Yes. I also need your help, so let's start with Victor."
Harrison: "I don't think that would do anything."
｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡
Harrison: "I don't think that would do anything."
Kate: "Eh, but..."
Liam: "Victor said 'Be as quiet as possible so they don't know you're here', right?"
Liam: "He didn't say 'don't do anything'. So as long as we appear quiet, we can do anything."
(Nn...)
Kate: "That's what he meant!?"
Kate: "But, 'the Crown cannot be moved in the name of her Majesty the Queen...!"
Alphonse: "In simple words, he meant 'I won't give you orders, so you guys can do whatever you want.' "
Kate: "That's...what he meant...."
Harrison: "Yes, that is, as far as that freak is concerned."
Liam: "Let me escort you to the Tower of London. Haha, I'm looking forward to it, a prison that's rumored to be haunted!"
Kate: ".....So, you guys will help me?"
Harrison: "We'll be working with a minimum number of people to keep a low profile, and Liam's ability to disappear makes him perfect for infiltration, don't you think?"
Liam: "....I think Will would have appreciated it more if we'd waited and trusted him."
Liam: "But if we let you go without telling him...he'll probably be sad."
Liam: "I want Will to compliment me. Oh and you too, of course."
Kate: "Liam...."
Liam's eyes were filled with madcap curiosity when he said 'fun'
Now it was like looking for a landmark in total darkness, both haunting and desperate.
We don't yet know what the circumstances are.
William may be in one of his most important strongholds.
Harrison: "I'll support you from the outside in case of emergency...And also, I don't know why Al is here."
Alphonse: "Master El asked me to do this in his place."
Kate: "Master Elbert...?"
Alphonse: "Yes. He said 'Your abilities are more suited for inflitrating enemy territory'. And...."
Mr. Alphonse puts his lips to his ear. The sweet, decadent scent softly wafted over my nose.
Alphonse: "I have always thought that if Mr. William were to be killed, it would be by an innocent civilian."
(Eh....)
Alphonse: "It's going to be a hilarious spectacle whichever way it goes, so I thought I'd follow along."
(He doesn't care if William lives or dies, or if the prisoners are freed...he is just going there for shits and giggles...?)
The attitude that everything is a farce appears to be unreliable.
I wonder if my emotions were showing on my face, but Mr. Alphonse didn't seem offended and smiled.
Alphonse: "Fufu. Don't look so worried. If necessary, I will be a helpful ally. Of course."
(....I am aware that I am trying to do something selfish that I cannot achieve alone)
(I don't care what the motive is, as long as I can get help...!)
Kate: "Yes, thank you!"
We had some discussion and strategy on the journey to the Tower of London and how to move internally.
Harrison: "That's how many people are housed there. It's not easy to break them out."
Harrison: "If you don't think it's possible. I suggest you just investigate this time and go back...just saying."
｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡
We secretly left the castle for the city of London, where the skies were dark, hinting on a possible downpour.
Liam: "Okay, we're about to move. Close your eyes if you feel scared."
Kate: "Y-Yes! ....!"
A floating sensation hits my body and I gasp in instinctive fear.
With me in his arms, Liam leapt lightly over the roofs of London houses.
Liam: "Will showed me this route. He said its beautiful and he likes it...woah!"
Kate: "Ah."
Liam: "Ahaha...It's thrilling and fun, isn't it?"
Liam: "Will is a genius at enjoying life, isn't he?"
I smiled somewhat unsteadily and agitatedly, nod at Liam and cling desperately onto him.
(He is trying to talk about something to make me feel at ease...!)
Kate: "Oh and Mr. Alphonse, have you used....this route?"
Alphonse: "Yes. I've been using it sometimes with 'friends' since Liam told me about it."
Alphonse: "We play this fun little game where, for every roof you fly over, you get a drink and if you get scared or fall off, you lose."
(What a dangerous game...and who are these 'friends'....?)
Alphonse: "Well, it's certainly a good route for tonight's operation. Because there are policemen roaming the streets."
Looking down below at Mr. Alphonse's comment, the shadows of police officers can be seen all over the city.
(Indeed, if we were walking on the ground, we would likely be---)
Cold sweat trickles down my spine as I recall the gun being pointed at me.
I felt a deep sense of relief at being hidden in the darkness of the night.
(I never thought....that darkness could reassure me)
We arrived at the gates of the Tower of London, as previously discussed,
Liam disappears and Mr. Alphonse, gently removes his leather gloves.
Alphonse: "Well, shall we get going?"
.........
Alphonse: "Thank you for your efforts."
Security guards: "....Excuse me, who are you? If you don't have a pass then----"
Alphonse: "Oh my, have you forgotten the face of your colleague?"
Alphonse: "We've gone to a lot of trouble to 'bring prisoners into custody'. "
When Mr. Alphonse touched the nape of his neck and whispered, the guard's attitude changed.
Security guard: "Oh yes. You can go through."
Alphonse: "Thank you. Then, shall we."
The gate is opened and we slip inside through the gap.
(Such a convenient ability to break in so easily...right?)
Kate: "Wouldn't this mean that if we let him think he's being restrained by Alphonse's ability, he doesn't actually have to be restrained?"
Alphonse: "Wow! You're very sharp even at times like this."
(Of course...!)
Alphonse: "Oh, you're not angry?"
Kate: "....If you think of it as a cooperation fee, it's about as cheap as being tied down."
Alphonse: "Aha! You're funny. I wish Mr. William had let me borrow you for a day."
(You completely think people are toys or something....)
.................
With the help of Mr. Alphonse and Liam's ability to fool the police, things went according to plan.
They stole documents from the control room and located the cells where innocent prisoners were being held.
We ran inside the cold towers, using the floor plans as a guide to kill our footsteps.
Liam: "These towers used to be used for the detention of high-ranking political prisoners and for executions."
Alphonse: "It is a horrifying historical place to invite Mr. William to feed on the general public...."
Alphonse: "Not bad, Grimsley."
Liam: "....! Al, Kate, I hear something at the bottom of the stairs."
I listened for Liam's voice, and sure enough, from downstairs, I heard what sounded like a scream.
Kate: "....Let's go."
｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡
With each step down the stairs, the multiple screams become more vivid and stirring in their poignancy.
(...This is---)
Alphonse: "...It looks like we're in the right place."
While hiding in a corner of the staircase, we listen downstairs.
The screams of the condemned prisoners echoed behind the layers of bars.
Policemen: "You were involved in the crime, weren't you? Look, if you don't tell us what you've done, you'll never walk again."
Prisoner: "Stop! No! I'm innocent!"
Prisoner: "I didn't know that man was smuggling drugs! Please believe me, there must be some mistake....."
Policemen: "The company you built with his support...was it something about freedom for all?"
Policemen: "And at the same time he's smuggling drugs. What a hypocrite. Come on! Tell us where he is!"
Prisoner: "No! I don't know...I really don't know...!"
Policemen: "Tch...do it."
(!!)
I see a prisoner with his head in a water trough and manage to keep my voice from jumping out at the sight of it.
Turning to the prison next to the condemned prisoners, we saw people looking exhausted and staring at each other.
Young prisoner: "Why do we have to go through this...? It's all his fault..!"
Older prisoner: "....That guy..don't you owe Sir Rex a debt of gratitude too. ...It's not right to hold a grudge against someone like that."
Young prisoner: "Oh yeah!? Okay then...where the hell is that William?"
Young prisoner: "If he is not involved in this, why isn't he coming out and saying anything! The only reason he can't come is because that article is true, right!?"
Young prisoner: "....I was going to prove to people that slum-borns are not inferior to people born in normal circumstances...."
Young prisoner: "When I said that, he even wrote a letter of recommendation to the university saying 'you can do it'....!"
Young prisoner: "I'm a slum-born, and now I'm hearing that he buys and sells people like me. It felt like all this time he had been using me.."
Young prisoner: "I thought he was my benefactor and but now, I can't...forgive him..for deceiving me like this...!"
(...As I thought)
(Anger at this unreasonable treatment naturally turns to William)
The police are suppose to be 'justice'. But they capture these people without any evidence and tortured them without due process of law...
Even the people who are labeled as evil by the police do not easily recognize it as a 'crime'.
(If William comes here and hears these people cursing him...)
(He wouldn't mind, but...I don't like that)
Liam: "Kate, are you okay?"
Kate: "...I'm fine. We know where the prisoners are. Next is..."
Kate: "'Mr. Alphonse will get the key to the relevant prison', right?"
Alphonse: "Yes. It's easy to deceive them, don't worry. You two can hide in the corner until I get back."
Mr. Alphonse wandered off and I was about to discuss our escape route with Liam, when----
???: "Ugh..Nn..."
I thought I heard a familiar voice from the nearest prison and looked over to see----
Kate: "Mr. Brian....!?"
｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡
Liam: "You mean the one who wrote that article...?"
He had fiery red hair and looked emaciated, perhaps from the assault.
(...Why are you here?...)
Liam: "Hold on, Miss Kate...I'll make a noise and get the cop's attention."
Liam: "In the meantime, ask him what happened. I'll be back as soon as I've attracted the police."
Kate: "....Thank you very much."
Liam's figure suddenly disappears from sight, and a few seconds later----
At the far end of the prison-lined corridor, a loud noise could be heard.
Policemen: "What's going on!?"
A flurry of police officers head to see what's going on.
(Now)
I went downstairs and rushed to Brian's cell.
Kate: "Mr. Brian...."
Brian: "Nn!? Miss Kate, why are you here...?"
Kate: "That's my line...! Why are you here?"
Brian: "...I went to Grimsley to ask him about the truth."
Brian: "The charges I wrote in that article were a frame-up... and he came clean."
Brian: "That Sir Rex is really an organised assassin of evil who cannot be brought to justice by the law."
----FLASHBACK----
Grimsley: "Nevertheless, it is also true that he is a mass murderer."
Grimsley: "As the revolutionaries' movement has brought about new laws and expanded the rights of citizens, assassination squads...."
Grimsley: "An anachronism, don't you think?"
Grimsley: "You're clever enough to realize that it's in the best interests of this Britain to keep quiet, isn't it?"
-----FLASHBACK ENDS-----
Brian: "....I couldn't...nod my head. I said, 'give me some time' and left his office. On the way home....I was attacked and now I'm here...."
Brian: "Why are you here? Did they catch you too?"
Kate: ".....No. I snuck in here because I wanted to free you all."
Brian: "Why....?"
Kate: "Well----"
At that moment, the upper floor suddenly becomes noisy.
There were angry, shrill voices, whistles and the sound of many footsteps.
(No way!!)
.............
----A black shadow alighted gracefully from one of the carriages.
Security guard: ".....Whoa, that's----"
Raindrops wet the red and gold of his cloak and the silver of his swaying hair, reflecting off the street lamps as if decorating the darkness of the night.
The man slowly looked up as he walked towards the gate.
Her blood-red eyes gleam seductively in the darkness.
William: "Good evening. Sorry for intruding you all."
William: "I have friends who have been invited here, so I was wondering if you could let me in."
Security guard: "W-William Rex....!"
Soon after, a high-pitched whistle shook the silence of the night.
Guards and policemen quickly rush to the gate and pointed their guns at William.
Older policemen: "You are charged with murder! Put down your weapon and surrender!"
William: "Ahahaha, that's an enthusiastic welcome. Now....who should I dance with?"
William was in no hurry and looked around at the policemen as if he were looking at a cake in a bakery.
William: "You detain and tortured innocent people and violated their freedom for this purpose alone."
William: "....If there are extenuating circumstances, it is that they are orders from someone in authority."
Older policemen: "What are you talking about! Hands up! Or else....!"
William: "Raise your hand? Okay then."
William: "Raise your hands if you feel any remorse in your conscience about what is now taking place in the Tower of London."
Older policemen: ".....!?"
Young policemen: "W-Why...why are my arms...!?"
The officers were stared down by William, as he ordered them.
Some were puzzled by their own arms lifting of their own accord while others were mortified by their colleagues.
Old policemen: "Tch, you're breaking an order! You're breaking an order!"
William smiled gently as a man who appeared to be his superior officer barked at him.
William: "Don't scold them. They are just being honest with themselves."
William: "Whoever raises their hands now should stay in the corner, silent."
Kate: "Was he the one who led you to that mansion?"
Brian: "....Yes."
The next moment, the tip of a leather shoe sunk into Mr. Brian's belly.
Brian: "Arghh!?"
Jude: "And he dared to call the police on us....looks like he has no hopes of waking up tomorrow, huh?"
Kate: "Please stop! He just told me the name of the person who gave him information!"
Jude: "Huh? He did?"
When he looked down with disdain at the sobbing Mr. Brian, Mr. Jude sniggered.
Jude: "Looks like your life is saved for now, I guess."
Looking around, the brawl in the post office had somehow been under control.
The officers were all lying on the floor with their hands restrained as if they were praying together.
Kate: ".....Did you kill them?"
Jude: "You idiot."
Jude: "You're just another Count Rex fanatic, who tried to intimidate a newspaper reporter."
Jude: "Then we just happened to come to collect a debt and they got the wrong idea...what's the need of killing them?"
(....I see. If they pursue you, you have that excuse)
(On the other hand, killing them would be like a confession to something you're guilty of)
Jude: "I just put them to sleep. They won't be waking up for another 3 hours."
('Putting people to sleep'.....is that Mr. Jude's ability?)
(I think I understand what Victor meant when he said it was easy to clean up afterwards)
Ellis: "Jude, I've checked everything. No one's hiding and no one has escaped."
Jude: "Good. Then we're done here."
Ellis: "Mm....'now, we're done."
Brian: "Ah!? M-My hands...I can move my hands now...."
The police officer's restrains were also lifted, perhaps signalling that we're actually done here.
I was amazed by Mr. Jude and Ellis's teamwork, but I couldn't just sit back and take it easy.
Kate: "Let's get out of here. We also need to hide Mr. Brian."
Jude: "Huh!?"
Brian: "....!"
Kate: "If they find out that you have leaked info about them, you risk retaliation as a traitor."
Ellia: "Oh I see. But if that happens,he wouldn't be able to correct his article."
Jude: "Then how about making him write it here and now and get done with this?"
Kate: "Whether or not you write an article is another matter than protecting Mr. Brian."
Kate: "I want the article to be corrected...but I don't mean to put Mr. Brian in danger."
Kate: "Just as I came here to see and feel with my own eyes and to help William."
Kate: "Mr. Brian is free to believe and act on what he sees and feels."
Kate: "So I don't hold it against you. Mr. Brian....and I can't leave you alone knowing that you will be in danger."
Kate: "If that happened....William would be sad."
Brian: "..........."
Jude: "Haa, there you go being nice to the person who almost grabbed you."
Brian: "....Miss Kate, thank you. ...But I can't just hide like this."
Kate: "What do you mean....?"
｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡
Brian: "To decide whether or not to write a correction article...."
Brian: "I have to be sure...I have to make sure that where I'm standing is justice!"
Mr. Brian's eyes were looking straight at me with a different, calm light.
Brian: "I will definitely contact you again. So for now, please let me go."
Ellis: "....What do you wanna do, Miss Kate?"
(I feel like Mr. Brian really got my story)
(And now he's trying to make sure if it's true or not)
(He will be convinced about the Marquis's death and will correct the article on that basis....)
(It's all up to you, Mr. Brian. It's a gamble to let him go at this point)
(But...if we take away his freedom here, we are crushing even the slightest hope we have)
I take one deep breath.
Kate: "....Understood. I'll be waiting."
Brian: "....Thank you."
I prayed for his back as he melted away into the thick fog and disappeared.
Jude: "Tsk....What if he contacted you later and said 'I can't do it'?"
Kate: "Then I will try to persuade him again and again."
(It's okay. I believe that I voiced my thoughts and delivered them and that it wasn't in vain....let's just hope and wait)
(First, we need to tell everyone in the Crown who's behind this)
.............
After returning to the castle.
(....Something's not right)
It was early in the morning before the sky was even white, but the lights were on and the air was buzzing with a sense of restlessness.
Ellis: "Did something happen?"
I feel a similar stirring as I did a few days ago when William left the castle, and I involuntarily run quickly to the dining room where I hear people's voice.
.........
Kate: "We're back."
Liam: "Miss Kate! Thank god you're safe...!"
(Everyone in the Crown is here again. Did something happen to William....!?)
Victor: "Welcome back, you guys. How did it go?"
(Yes, let's calm down first and give the report)
Jude: "The name of the mastermind was easily spelt out. Grimsley of the Privy Council."
Victor: "....Grimsley, huh..I see."
Kate: "Also about the article correction...we were able to convince Mr. Brian."
Kate: "Now we just have to wait and trust that Mr. Brian will find out the truth."
Ellis: "Also, the police ambushed us and we got into a bit of a scuffle."
Elbert: "About the police....well..."
Master Elbert, who was sitting in his chair, muttered anxiously.
Alphonse: "Good for you, Kate. If you'd been caught, you'd have been tortured in the Tower of London too."
Kate: "Tower of London...?"
When I asked back, unable to follow the sudden topic, Harrison tossed the paper onto the dinner table.
Harrison: "Citizens who were connected to Count Rex are arrested and being held in the Tower of London."
Harrison: "They are being severely tortured and forced to confess to Will's whereabouts and his complicity in the crime."
Kate: "What....!?"
Harrison: "This is the list of the prisoners."
Kate: "How did you get this list?"
Harrison: "....Is that important? Look here. Do any of these names look familiar?"
(Fawcett...James...these are...)
Kate: "....I've seen them interacting with William."
Some of them are from the tea party, special wards in this hospital, and on the street corners.
It was the names of people who he had once set free.
Elbert: "....Never before has the Privy Council taken such drastic measures."
Elbert: "With this uproar, they want to crush Will."
Elbert: "In a way....they're trying to piss Will off, by trampling on their freedoms, which Will hates the most."
Ellis: "It's cruel to torture innocent people for it."
Roger: "Cruel, sure, but certain. Because I don't think Will is going to sit this one out."
(Capturing innocent civilians to provoke and lure them out...for sure that makes sense)
(But something...something feels uncomfortable)
Kate: ".....How do the tower guards and prison guards plan to counteract and capture William's abilities?"
Liam: "Eh?"
｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡
Kate: "Tower guards and prison guards who trample on the freedom of innocent citizens are 'evil' to William."
Kate: "William would not hesitate to use force or take a life if it was against 'evil'!"
Kate: "I don't see it being easy to catch him."
Liam: "....Indeed."
Kate: "Plus, what will happen after they capture William....?"
Kate: "If they want William to be judged by 'justice', you need to judge him under the law, but...."
-----FLASBACK----
Wiliam: "At the time, I learned of the existence of the 'butterfly' the organisation was already beyond judicial scrutiny."
William: "In this country, the House of Nobles is the highest court. If the legislators collude, it is easy to cover it up."
----FLASHBACK ENDS-----
Kate: "There are legislators in the courtroom who have been caught up in the wrongdoing of the 'evil that cannot be judged by law' that William has been trying to bring before the court."
Kate: "I don't think William will be silently judged by them."
Alphonse: "Fufu...it's certainly going to be a bloodbath the moment he is invited into the courtroom."
Alphonse: "The defeat of clean 'justice' and the breakdown of order. A development the Privy Council loathes."
Kate: "I don't see how the Privy Council could not have foreseen that."
Kate: "No prison officer or judge with a charge against William could kill him.
Kate: "That said, the people on the Privy Council themselves are not willing to get their hands dirty."
Kate: "So how do they intend to bring William to justice....?"
A bad feeling stirs in my head and forms one.
William: "...What do you think?"
(Maybe...no, I don't think so....but...)
Kate: "....Is it possible that they are trying....to get innocent people they have captured to kill him....?"
Liam: "Eh....?"
Alphonse: "Oh, I see. With a script like that, it makes sense for a cat to go a little overboard with an innocent prisoner."
Alphonse: "The prisoners are used as bait to frighten Mr. William. At the same time, they instill hostility towards Mr. William in the prisoner!"
Alphonse: " 'It's all William's fault. We were deceived by him. We lost our family, job, honor, and happiness.' "
Alphonse: " 'If you want to hate him, hate him. Well, here he comes. Look. The guards are getting killed one by one. He's a bloodthirsty murderous maniac.' "
Alphonse: "If you don't want to judged, prove you're not on his side. Come on. I've got the knife right here."
Alphonse: "---Well, it's not a bad plot. I'll be interested to see Mr. William's reaction if that's the case."
Roger: "....Whether it's what Al just told us or not, it's not impossible."
(If I could guess, William must have assumed it too)
(Still, the William I know is the one who chooses to go to...Tower of London)
(William will never allow the freedom of his loved ones to be trampled on)
At the hands of the innocent, executed in the Tower of London as a major sinner....Would that be the destruction he wants?
Jude: "You've been yammering on and on about the Crown going to the Tower of London."
Jude: "If you go in there in this situation, that's exactly what the Privy Council wants you to do, it's suicide."
Victor: "...Right. Jude is right. I cannot move the Crown in Her Majesty's name."
Victor: "Everyone should be as quiet as possible so that they don't realise what's going on....okay?"
(....Certainly not the same as a secret meeting with a newspaper reporter)
(If you go to the Tower of London, you'll be jumping into the enemy's hands)
I try to swallow what Mr. Jude and Victor said, but I can't shake off this bad feeling.
(---Anyway, I'll think about what I can do for now)
Elbert: "..................."
｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡
As dusk approached, the sound of the rain beating against the windows, joined with the merciless ticking of the clock.
After returning to my room early in the morning. I spent half of a day thinking it through.
I stare at the closed door of my room with quiet determination.
"I will rescue the innocent prisoners before William does. I will have to negotiate with Victor for that."
It was the best solution I could come up with and the best I could do at the moment.
(There may be less than a 1% chance of William being harmed as I speculated)
(Conversely, William may want that 1% chance to be dead)
(However....)
(I, for one, cannot allow that to happen)
The breathlessness that has haunted me when I thought of my fate had now vanished without a trace.
At that moment when I cut off my hair with the knife William gave me, it was like I cut off my hesitation along with it.
Far from a sense of helplessness and guilt----only my selfish joy is in my heart.
(If William is going to be hurt. I want to do everything I can to protect---even if it's a 1% chance)
(Because if I don't...I won't be able to be my own master)
I don't want to go back to being the one cowering in front of a closed door, killing my heart.
(William...)
----FLASHBACK----
William: "Because I like to see people act as their own masters."
Kate: "Act as their own masters....?"
William: "It's about facing your desires, being prepared to accept the consequences, and following through."
William: "There's a lot of fear involved in wanting to do what you want and having to pick and choose among so many options."
William: "Whether happiness awaits you or misfortune awaits you...."
William: "You can't blame anyone for the consequences of the choices you make and want to make."
William: "......That's why the moment you're about to step out is so beautiful."
----FLASHBACK ENDS----
(If you saw me now, would you laugh and say I'm beautiful?)
(I am no longer trapped by what my heart doesn't want me to 'have to accept' my destiny of destruction)
(I want to protect...William, no matter what contract I sign and what I have to offer in return)
I want to be true to my desire to do so.
(William, my freedom is not compromised by my love for you)
(Because I'm probably the freest I've ever been in my life)
I put my hand on the doorknob.
What I am about to cross is the last line that William was not willing to let me step over.
With cruel kindness, I let go of the contraindicated lie.
----"Come, come"
I thought I heard an inviting voice from behind the door.
"You knew from the start"
"From the moment you heard that piano that night, everything that has ever happened...has been for you."
"You weren't wrong."
"That very night"
"You could have even left the mail and walked away"
"And yet, you couldn't stop."
"His piano melodies were just too irresistible."
"Because you fell in love with that horrible, beautiful tone."
(That's why I've come this far. My heart chose it)
(Crossing this line means)
The voice from the other side of the door has been echoing in my head for some time now.
(I don't care what anyone calls a way of life that I don't call misery)
I am my master because I am the only one who can decide what's best for me.
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To: The one who I love most in the world.
In the mornings, when I wake up with you next to me, my heart always makes a little happy noise. Whenever you smile at me after you wake up, it gives meaning to my day. When we look at each other and talk, it brightens up the time we spend together. Ahh... it makes me feel so alive to be breathing by your side.
Surely, before I met you, it was like my heart was missing. Now, I know that I had only been existing, and not truly living. It was only after I met you, my heart started beating again. And I started actually living.
Kate... you are my heart.
... Did that sound too depressing? My bad. This is the rambling of a man who loves you so, so, so much that he can't contain it.
Well then! To make it up to you for having you read such a depressing letter, I'm inviting you out on a date with me today.
I promise that you'll have the best day ever today as your present.
I do not own any of the Ikemen Series content being uploaded on this blog, everything belongs to CYBIRD. Please support them by playing their games and buying stories. Not 100% accurate, expect mistakes.
read this before interacting with my posts
this story contains nsfw content. minors please just scroll past and ignore.
Victor: Her Majesty and I both wish for you to continue being our fairytale writer. … Will you accept this offer?
Kate: Yes, of course. I humbly accept your offer.
Even after I had worked as a fairytale writer for a month as promised, I chose to stay and continue my work.
It became a routine to be typing away on my black typewriter at the end of every day.
I wrote records of the bloody punishments done by Crown.
Just in case those records would serve as crucial pieces of evidence, I would always make sure to be as detailed as possible.
I paused halfway through typing a report and read the part I wrote about Liam’s current situation.
– Flashback Start –
(“Still no change in Liam’s sense of taste”...)
— The day Liam and I were making breakfast together.
Liam tilted his head as he held the bottles of salt and sugar in his hands.
Liam: Hm… sorry, Kate. I still can’t taste anything.
Liam: Can I leave it to you to do the seasoning?
Liam: I’ll do the plating, serving, and cleaning.
I flipped through my report while thinking back to my memories with Liam.
(“Liam has difficulty with sleeping”.)
— Every morning, I would wake up to Liam staring into my face.
Liam: Good morning, Kate. Your bangs are springing up, so cute.
Kate: Good morning, Liam. Were you awake the entire night?
Liam: Hm… kind of. But you don't have to worry about it.
Liam: Seeing your face is enough to make me full of energy.
Liam: Hey, can I get a good morning kiss?
— One night, when it was raining heavily.
I was tagging along with Elbert and Alfons for a mission, but we faced a little trouble due to the rain. And before we knew it, the clock had struck midnight.
(It’s already this late. It’s long past the time I told Liam I would be home.)
The carriage travelled through the forest towards Crown’s castle, Alfons spoke while looking out of the window.
Alfons: Oh? There’s a soaking wet stray cat sitting at the front door.
Elbert: ... Is that Liam?
Kate: E-Excuse me, please allow me to alight first!
-
Kate: Liam!
Liam: … Kate.
Liam, sitting at the front steps of the castle without an umbrella, lifted his head.
Liam: Thank goodness… you came home safely…
Kate: W-What are you doing out here without an umbrella?
I touched his hands and they were as cold as ice, he had been sitting outside for hours.
Liam: I did think to wait inside. But as time went by… I became increasingly anxious.
Liam: I couldn't stop thinking about the possibility of you being injured… or even worse, you never coming back…
Liam: My mind was overflowing with those unpleasant thoughts.
Liam: I’m so, so glad you're safe…
Liam: I… I don’t know what I would've done if anything were to happen to you.
– Flashback End –
With a rustling sound, I closed my report.
(I once heard from somewhere that it’s not easy for people to change.)
Even now when our love is mutual, the things haunting Liam’s heart will never disappear.
It’s the same as how scars don’t easily fade away.
(But I know that there's definitely some changes inside of Liam.)
Liam: Kate, I’m home.
Liam entered my room through the door that was left slightly open, he looked so much like a cat when he did that. I couldn't help but smile at the sight.
Kate: Welcome home, Liam. Good job on your rehearsal today!
(Hm?)
Kate: You look very happy. Something good happened?
Liam: Wow, Kate, you saw through me as expected.
Liam cheerfully came to my side.
Liam: “Wuthering Heights” is going to have a revival performance.
Kate: Wow, a revival? That means it was requested by the audience, right?
Liam: Yup. I’ve been mentioning to Tom about wanting to act as Heathcliff again, I’m so happy.
Kate: Again?
Liam nodded.
Liam: “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same”.
Liam: You told me before that you liked this line from the story.
(Oh…)
I told him that back when we didn't know each other very well.
Liam: When I performed the first time, I didn't fully understand what that line meant.
Liam: But I think I understand it a little more now.
Liam: … It’s because I’ve fallen in love with you, Kate.
There was a burning passion in Liam’s eyes.
(The old Liam would never be able to express his love this boldly.)
Although he still feels a little embarrassed to do so, he tries to shake off any feelings of hesitation and expresses his love for me.
Because this kind man knows that it’s what I want.
Kate: I’m looking forward to the performance.
Liam: … Yeah.
We locked eyes, and without another word, our lips met.
We kissed each other, changing angles, and Liam whispered into my ear after our lips parted.
Liam: … I’m getting turned on.
His voice was smooth like thick honey, invoking an indescribable feeling in my stomach.
(The old Liam would never his own desires like this.)
It made me more than happy to know that I was what he desired.
Too embarrassed to say it to him, I gave his hand a tight squeeze and smiled at him, giving him the green light to gently push me down onto the bed.
Liam took off his jacket and with practised hands, he removed my clothes.
Liam: … You’re beautiful. And so lovely.
He pinched the peaks of my breasts between his fingertips.
I bucked my hips and the moans I had been holding in spilled out of my mouth.
Kate: Ahh…
Liam: They’re getting pointy. … I want more.
Liam licked my pointed nipples with his wet tongue as he gently squeezed them like he was trying to make a show of it.
(... This is so shameful.)
I felt so embarrassed and shameful that I almost couldn't take it any longer, but I was more than just willing to let Liam have what he wanted.
When my nether region was getting very wet, Liam pushed his fingers inside me.
Liam: Haha… you’re so wet. You’re feeling good, huh?
Kate: Nngh, ahh… please don’t say that out loud…
Liam: Let me say it. Because you get all flustered whenever I say something that makes you embarrassed.
Kate: Hnngg, ahh…
After pumping his fingers in and out of me countless times, Liam finally pulled his hand away and spread my legs apart.
Liam: … Please, Kate. Say it.
Liam: Say that you want me…
(I can’t bring myself to say that… but…)
The impatient look in his eyes pushed all my feelings of embarrassment aside.
Kate: … I want you, Liam.
Liam: Mm, of course.
Kate: Ahh—!
He entered me in one hard thrust, making me tightly grab the sheets.
Liam: … Are you okay, Kate?
Kate: Yeah…
Liam: … You’re so cute.
I gripped Liam’s back as he slammed his hips into me relentlessly, like he was greedy for my love.
(The biggest change of all is that he was now right in front of me.)
(And I’m here for him.)
I loved the things that changed, and the ones that remained the same— I loved it all.
From the very bottom of my heart, I cherished every single day I spent with him.
Liam: …
Liam stopped moving and frowned.
Liam: … Recently, there have been times I feel confused.
Liam: Whenever I’m with you, my heart beats so loudly. … It’s as if every day, I’m turning into a new person.
Liam: When I feel afraid, I look at you and think that…
Liam: As long as my feelings for you remain the same, everything will be alright.
He wanted to say that as long as he kept holding on to one thing that doesn't change, he’ll gradually be able to accept the changes that were happening inside him.
Kate: … Is that so?
Liam: … Yeah. With you by my side, I won’t be afraid of change or what tomorrow will bring me.
There was knowing what our future holds.
But one thing that we could be certain about was that we would be together tomorrow, the day after, and always.
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Several seasons had passed with the scenery around me changing colours. Nothing changed about me, I was still spending time in the world of darkness as a fairytale writer.
Of course, Liam had always been by my side, smelling like vanilla.
There were days when I missed where I originally was before meeting Crown, but I never once regretted my decision to stay.
Even after you've made your choice, there will never be a definitive answer to what’s right or wrong.
There would surely be people who would point their fingers at me, criticising me for making the “wrong” choice.
But it doesn't matter to me.
This is what I want for myself.
…
In the basement surrounded by the smell of herbs, Roger read through my report.
Roger: This information is quite valuable. Well done, young lady.
Kate: I’m humbled.
Recently, I’ve been writing about not only Liam’s, but everyone’s curses.
It was said that people born with curses were destined to face a tragic death.
I knew that there was no way to change fate, but that doesn't mean we should just sit back and accept it without resistance.
(If there’s anything I can do, I’ll do it. Even if it’s something small.)
Roger: Come to think of it, Liam has been having less frequent episodes lately, hasn't he?
Kate: Yes, they’ve become significantly less frequent. Liam is still periodically satisfying his curiosity, but now he’s more careful when doing so.
Roger smiled in satisfaction, his facial expression seeming rather sadistic.
Roger: It’s not very good for a former doctor to make guesses based solely on speculation, but…
Roger: … Liam’s episodes may be caused by his strong survival instincts.
Kate: Survival instincts?
Roger: He engages in potentially life-threatening activities to feel alive.
Roger: It sounds rather contradictory, but it’s important for humans to feel alive.
Roger: Therefore, you should stay by his side, young lady.
Roger: Because right now, to Liam, you are the one who's making him feel alive.
Kate: … I’ll always be with him.
Roger: Well, if ever he gets tired of you, I’ll take care of you. You’re my favourite, you know?
Roger ruffled my hair with his large hand like he were petting a dog.
Kate: Wah…!
Roger: Haha, your hair’s all messed up now.
…
Standing behind the door to the basement, Liam could hear the conversation between Kate and Roger.
Liam: “You’re my favourite, you know?”
Liam frowned when he heard those words, feeling uneasy.
Liam: What if Roger takes Kate away from me? What should I do…
Liam: N-No, no. It’s a horrible thing to doubt Kate. … I’ll trust her and wait. … I’ll do my best.
Liam felt the strong urge to run downstairs and swear his unwavering allegiance to Kate, but he resisted it and sat down on a step of the stairs.
He looked like a pet cat waiting for his owner.
Liam: … Ahh, it’s raining.
The rain was a sign of an episode's onset. It always felt ice cold, but today it felt as gentle as the rain in springtime.
He heard the voice of his “other self” in his heart.
Hey, Liam. I haven't had many chances to appear lately, huh?
(... Yeah. It’s because I’ve been focusing on moving forward to tomorrow with Kate.)
Hm? Ahaha, you’re so selfish.
(Yeah. I’m sorry for always running away. But from now on, I won’t run away anymore. I want to live.)
Living is something that’s difficult for you. You know, there’s no telling what could happen to you tomorrow, right?
(... I know.)
(But even so… I still want to try my best. I’m good at that.)
… I’ll be watching you.
I’ll pay you a visit when you’re at the brink of death again. See you.
When Liam opened his eyes, the rain in his heart stopped…
Instead, he heard the sound of Kate’s footsteps as she came up from the basement.
…
The clicking sounds of the typewriter keys echoed through my quiet room.
The things I had witnessed and the stories I had written with these fingers were sometimes inhumane and unforgivable.
My fear and sorrow never faded away, sometimes I even felt scared of what tomorrow would bring me.
(But I want to keep moving towards it no matter what.)
(And I’ll reach my hand out to the man I love, because that’s what “I love you” means to me.)
Liam: … Kate?
Kate: Liam, you’re back. Good job on your rehearsals.
Liam: Thanks. Oh, I saw that the door was left ajar, so I came in without knocking—
Kate: I thought it was about time you came back, so I left it open on purpose.
Kate: So I can see your face as soon as you’re back, you know?
Liam: That’s an adorable reason. … I wanted to see you as soon as possible too.
I couldn't help but be captivated by Liam’s smile, gestures, and even every one of his beautiful eyelashes.
(... It’s like he’s always getting more and more attractive.)
Liam’s radiance knew no bounds, it was always captivating the hearts of everyone who looked at him.
It feels a little embarrassing when someone this attractive looks at me so passionately.
Liam: Kate, can you close your eyes?
Kate: Fufu, okay.
Even though my eyes were closed, I already knew what Liam was up to.
Liam: OK. You can open your eyes now.
A strong fragrance tickled my nose, and a pink modern rose was placed in my hand.
Kate: Wow, it’s beautiful… . Thank you, Liam.
Liam: Mm, you’re welcome.
Liam often bought me modern roses on ordinary days like this.
(Now that I think of it, I’ve never asked him about the reason.)
Kate: Why do you always buy me modern roses? This flower isn’t easy to obtain.
I recalled Victor once telling me that this type of rose was a rare breed made through hybridization.
Liam: Hmm— I wonder why?
(Ah, I know that look. He has this facial expression whenever he’s trying to hide something.)
I gently placed the rose on my desk and reached my hand to his side…
Kate: Take this!
I tickled him relentlessly.
Liam: Hey, s-stop…
When I chased Liam around the room as he tried to escape, we tumbled onto the bed and messed up the sheets.
Kate: Fufu, sorry. But I really do want to know the reason.
Liam laughed while laying on the bed.
Liam: Back when I was trying to buy you flowers for the first time, the florist told me about flower language.
Liam: She said that modern roses symbolise “gratitude”.
Kate: … Gratitude.
Liam: Mm, that's right. I’m grateful to have met you, for being able to spend time with you by your side, and to you for forgiving me for always sticking to you.
Liam: … Haha, it’ll be daylight by the time I’m done if I keep going, so let’s leave it as that…
Liam: Kate, I’m always grateful for everything about you.
Liam: Thank you for existing, Kate.
Those words, spoken so casually and without hesitation, carried the weight of the loneliness he had been putting up with all this time.
(Ever since Liam was born, no one has thanked him for existing.)
(Moreover, his life was always being trampled on by others and that hurt him.)
(And yet…)
– Flashback Start –
Liam: Your heart belongs to you, and only you. I hope that you’ll let me help you stay just the way you are.
(He was the protector of my heart.)
…
Liam: Everyone wants a shining star, and if it pleases them and means something to them…
Liam: I want to be that star. I don’t care if I’m just a fake.
(He struggled while trying to please everyone.)
…
Liam: Therefore, you’ll be alright, Kate. I hope you’ll always be someone who believes in tomorrow.
– Flashback End –
While continuing to live between life and death, Liam had a beautiful heart that cherished others.
Why does it have to be so difficult for him to live with a kind heart?
But still, even though there was nothing I could do to change that, I wanted to continue staying by Liam’s side and expressing my love for him.
Kate: … I should be the one thanking you.
His slightly tousled hair smelled like sweet vanilla today too.
Kate: Hey, Liam.
Kate: Thank you for being born. I’m very glad that I met you.
Liam: …
Liam: Ah…
Liam: … My heart beating so fast right now, I can feel it hammering against my chest.
Liam: Right now… I… I feel so alive.
Liam pulled me into his arms, as if he wanted me to listen to his heart beating.
His heart had a regular rhythm like it was taking care of a tiny animal.
Liam: Let me kiss you after you display that flower. Once I start touching you, I won’t be able to stop.
Liam: And… I want more than just a kiss. I want lots of kisses.
…
As our flushed skin and bodies came together, we laid down together on the sheets.
(Ah…)
Kate: Look outside, Liam! Isn’t that Betelgeuse?
Liam: Yeah, you’re right. Amazing, it's like it’s shouting at you to look at it.
The Betelgeuse shining brightly in the night sky reminded me of Liam.
They were both dazzling, beautiful, and made people want to reach their hands out towards them.
Liam: Did you know, Kate?
Liam: Betelgeuse is red because it’ll eventually explode and die.
Kate: Explode…?
Liam: Yup. It turns red as it burns brighter and brighter… and I heard from somewhere that its lifespan also gets shorter.
(... The end of the shiny red star in the sky.)
Liam: As the saying goes, curiosity kills the cat… I wonder what will be the cause of my death.
Liam was clearly referring to his inevitable tragic demise due to his curse.
But that was definitely not all he was referring to.
Having experienced a close call with death once, Liam understood how painfully fragile human life could be.
The longer someone lived, the more prevalent death felt to them.
(That would certainly be the same for me. Everyone’s life would come to an end someday.)
Liam: … You know, Kate. If I can choose how I die—
Liam lifted my body up in his arms—.
He then guided my hands to wrap them around his neck.
Through the contact with his skin, I could feel the steady beating of his heart that was a sign of life.
Liam: Please, if I can choose how I die… I want my life to end in your hands.
Kate: In my hands?
Liam: … Yes. I want to be put to sleep forever by your hands.
Liam: Only then, for the first time, I’ll feel glad to have been born.
I could tell from the look in his rose-coloured eyes that he was neither joking nor speaking figuratively, it was his genuine wish.
It sounded depressing for him to ask to be killed. But, to me, that was him wishing for himself to keep on living.
What Liam was trying to tell me was that he wanted me to stay with him and watch over him until the day fate puts an end to him.
(And so, I…)
I gently tightened my grip on his neck, just enough for him to still breathe.
Kate: … Okay. I’ll be the one to end your life with my own hands.
Kate: Therefore, please remain by my side until the very end.
Kate: Keep on reaching out to me, who will be waiting for you in your tomorrows.
Liam: … Of course. You are the only one I’ll look at.
Just like any other day in your life, the world is unkind to you today.
(But…)
In this neverending nightmare, I will continue to beg for your life.
Liam Evans Main Story: Chapter 24 Premium Story (Blind Love)
I do not own any of the Ikemen Series content being uploaded on this blog, everything belongs to CYBIRD. Please support them by playing their games and buying stories. Not 100% accurate, expect mistakes.
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this story contains nsfw content. minors please just scroll past and ignore.
After submitting an important report, I ran into Liam who looked at me with an anxious expression.
(This is the first time I’m seeing Liam this anxious. Did something happen…?)
Kate: W-What’s the matter? Is someone hurt? Or…
Liam: Kate… I don’t… I don't like…
(Huh—?)
Kate: You don’t like what? Did someone do something to you that you dislike? Was it Jude? Or…
Liam shook his head in denial and his expression didn't change.
Worried about him, I gently stroked his back to calm him.
Kate: It’s okay, take your time. Liam, please tell me what’s on your mind.
Kate: … Did something happen?
I looked into his rose coloured eyes while stroking his back, and Liam stared straight at me.
Liam: I…
Liam: Kate. No matter how hard I try, I don’t think I can lead a proper life.
Liam: My curse and episodes won’t disappear. I’m bound to make mistakes again in the future.
Liam: And I think… I don't deserve to want you. You’re way out of my league.
(Huh…)
(... Liam wants me?)
Liam: I’ve been thinking about those things over and over again… and now, the time for you to leave this place has come.
Liam: But no matter how hard I tried to think it through, however much I tried to make myself give it up, “here”... the core of my heart is screaming that I don’t like it.
The things Liam was saying to me were in bits and pieces, but I couldn't interrupt him.
Even just one second earlier, I wanted to know what exactly he was driving at.
Kate: Liam, what is it that you don't like…?
Liam: … Kate.
Kate: … Hm?
Liam took a deep breath and spoke.
Liam: I don’t like the thought of living in a world without you in it…
Liam: Don’t leave, Kate. Please, please, please… stay with me…
(...)
Liam’s passionate gaze and his words made all strength leave my body.
Before I knew it, my legs had given way and I was sitting on the floor.
Liam: K-Kate!?
Kate: Ah… um…
Kate: … I’m just too surprised because I didn't expect you to say those things.
I looked up at Liam like a fool and the gears were turning in my head.
(Hang on. This means…)
(Liam sprinted all the way here because he thought I was leaving?)
(And so he was desperately trying to convey his love for me…?)
The faint feeling of hope swelling up in my chest grew too much for me to bear any longer, and my chest felt tight.
(I need to say something. Quick, tell Liam that I’m going anywhere—)
But I was feeling too overwhelmed to say anything.
Liam sat down on the floor with me and looked into my eyes.
Liam: Kate. I like the things you say. I like your smile. I like your heart. I like everything about you.
Kate: You like…?
Liam: Mm-hmm, I like them a lot. I’m sorry that… someone like me likes you so much.
Kate: That’s—
Liam: But, I’m sorry— I love you.
Liam: Even though I still don’t really know what love is, I love you.
The passionate look in his gaze mercilessly caused my heart to stir.
(I’ve always wanted to be there by Liam’s side when he would someday reach out for something he wants for himself.)
(I’ve imagined how happy I would be to witness that.)
What Liam was giving me at that very moment was once nothing more than a dream I couldn't reach.
I wanted to reach my hands out to receive it, but—
— His hands touched mine first.
(... Liam?)
Liam’s trembling fingers gently came into contact with my fingertips, then my knuckles, and then he held my hand tightly with his that was larger than mine.
Liam: … Ahh, I’ve always wanted to be the one to reach out to you first like this…
Liam: From tomorrow onwards, I want to spend my life holding your hand. Therefore…
Liam: Will you wait for me? I’ll definitely catch up to you…
Liam: I’ll reach you before anyone else can. I’m a fast runner, you know?
I didn’t want to cry, but my tears welled up in my eyes and trickled down my cheeks.
But I wiped them away with my hand and smiled at Liam, not wanting to worry him.
Kate: Liam, I’m not leaving.
Liam: Huh?
Kate: I was just discussing with Victor about letting me remain in Crown as a fairytale writer.
– Flashback Start –
Victor: I received your report for the past one month. … However, it seems that the last page is missing.
Kate: I couldn't bring myself to put a period on the story. Therefore, I have a favour to ask of you.
Kate: Can you consider allowing me to stay here as a fairytale writer?
Victor: I wanted to ask you for the reason but— it was already written in your report.
Victor: Miss Kate. I have a favour to ask of you as well. Because you have been supporting Crown and keeping our secret…
Victor: Her Majesty and I both wish for you to continue being our fairytale writer. … Will you accept this offer?
Kate: Yes, of course. I humbly accept your offer.
– Flashback End –
Liam: … So that means you’ll be staying here as a fairytale writer from now on?
Kate: … Yes.
Liam: I… I see.
Liam: I jumped to conclusions too quickly… this is embarrassing.
Liam: I’m always… embarrassing myself in front of you.
It made me so happy to see the look of relief on his face, I hid the fact that I was about to cry again by talking in a joking manner.
Kate: Will you let me continue writing stories about you, Liam?
Liam: … Yup, leave it to me.
I couldn't figure out why.
But my heart, body, and instincts craved Liam more than I thought I did.
…
We laid down on the white sheets together, kissing each other over and over again like we just couldn't get enough of each other.
Kate: Haah…
Every time we changed angles, the wet noises echoed through the room and elevated our desires.
(... I feel dizzy.)
Liam took off his jacket while kissing my neck, and was about to remove my blouse.
Liam: …
His hands stopped on my blouse, hesitating to remove it.
Kate: … Liam?
Liam: … What should I do? This is the first time I've wanted this…
Liam: If I divulge my desires, I’ll want even more…
Liam: And if I end up hurting you, I…
(He looks really worried, but I’m so happy right now that I feel like I could die from happiness…)
I gently combed my fingers through his soft rose coloured hair.
Kate: It’s alright. I don’t know any other man who's as gentle as you are. And…
Kate: I don’t mind if you hurt or dirty me.
Liam: … K… Kate…
Kate: So… please tell me what it is that you want…
Liam hugged me and put his lips to my ear.
Liam: … I want to hold you, I want to be inside you, I want our bodies to become one. Let me hold you, Kate…
His voice sounded sweet like honey, making me feel a heat building up inside the pit of my stomach.
Instead of nodding in response, I kissed him again and our tongues danced together.
As we let ourselves get absorbed into the kiss, he removed my blouse and slid his tongue over my bare chest.
Kate: Aahh…
Liam: … Ahaha, you look lovely when you’re feeling good. Then I’ll make you feel good even more, and more, and more.
Liam positioned himself between my legs and spread them open.
(... Eh?)
He flashed me a bewitching smile before proceeding to kiss my wet spot—
Kate: aah… nnn…
Liam: No, Kate. Don’t resist. Mm, how about over here…?
I arched my back each time he sucked and licked my sensitive spot, I felt like my back was going to break.
My body was filled with the sweet feeling of pleasure, making me involuntarily grab the sheets underneath me tightly.
(The sounds I’m making are so indecent.)
Kate: N-Not there… Liam
Liam: Really? I’ll listen if you tell me “wait”.
Liam: I’ve said it before, I… I don’t want to hurt you.
Liam: So please tell me what you “really” want…
Liam’s penetrating gaze was lustful, like a cat filled with unsatisfied desires.
It was like he could see through my shameful desires.
(... It’s not fair with how he’s looking at me.)
(It’s making me want him even more.)
Kate: … Don’t stop… even if… I tell you to.
Liam: … You’re so cute. I like the sound of that.
Liam: I’m not going to stop anymore. … I’m going to make you feel so good.
Kate: Eh… ahh…
Liam continued pleasuring me with his fingers and tongue.
When my body felt like it had melted, Liam entered me with a hot sigh.
Liam: … Nngh, haah…
Liam: … Sorry… Kate. I…
Liam: For some reason, I’m going to cry again…
Kate: … Mm, me too.
Liam captivated both my body and soul, he was all I could see.
(... I’ll give you my everything.)
Kate: Don’t hold back when it comes to how much you want me. My body, heart, and my future days… I’ll give you all of it.
Liam: … Haha, stop trying to make me cry more, Kate.
Kate: … It’s okay to cry.
Liam: … No, I want to make love to you. This isn't the time for me to be crying.
We indulged in each other’s warmth, as if to confirm that we were both there.
My star named Liam was really right there in my arms.
I do not own any of the Ikemen Series content being uploaded on this blog, everything belongs to CYBIRD. Please support them by playing their games and buying stories. Not 100% accurate, expect mistakes.
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Liam caught the arm that was slowly losing the strength to raise his fist.
Liam: … There’s a secret I’ve been keeping from you for a very long time.
As they faced each other, Liam’s eyes that had never once shaken, trembled and he looked lost.
It was like he was trying to open a pandora’s box that had been sealed for a long time.
(... Liam?)
Liam: I…
Liam: I’m not your biological son.
(...!)
Max: W-What nonsense. There is no way—!
Liam: Mother was pregnant with me before she married you. My face looks exactly like my biological father’s.
Liam told the story of his birth.
His mother, Karen, was once deeply in love with a man.
However, he left her without as much as a second thought.
— It was only after she had been abandoned, she found out that she was pregnant with his child.
She then married Max while keeping her pregnancy a secret, and gave birth to Liam as his son.
Max: … Then why did Karen treat you as if you were non-existent?
Liam: Because my face reminded her of the man she once loved.
(So that means Liam and Max are unrelated?)
Removing the part about them being “blood related”, what was left was only their tragic past.
(In that case…)
Max: Then why did you willingly accept the abuse from someone unrelated to you by blood…!
(Abuse…)
A parent that had been disguising his deeds as “education” was so furious that he admitted that he was abusive.
Seeing his weak and selfish behaviour caused a dark feeling of rage to build up inside me at the pit of my stomach.
And yet, it was not my place to yell at or hit him.
(Because Liam isn’t angry at him.)
Liam was neither angry nor sad — he let out a laugh.
Liam: It was because… as a child, I loved you.
Liam: And I wanted someone… no, I wanted you to love me.
Liam allowed himself to be abused, simply because he wanted Max to love him. He smiled.
Hidden behind that smile was a painful past that could never be erased.
Max: I…
Max: Where… where on earth did I go wrong…?
Max: What mistakes did I make… what did I lack? What, what…?!
Max approached Liam in a state of panic, resembling a child throwing a tantrum.
And as if something snapped in him, he suddenly fell silent.
(...?)
His face was completely void of any emotions, willpower, and humanity.
Max: … Kill me.
Max: … I want you to kill me.
(... What?)
(...)
(What did he just say?)
Max: … I… I no longer have any reason to resent you. I no longer have a reason to stay alive.
I couldn't believe what I had heard.
(Is he asking Liam to kill him?)
(After all the pain and suffering he has caused him, now…)
My anger grew unbearable, my body was trembling with rage.
Kate: … You… are you trying to add on to Liam’s burdens…?
Liam: … Kate.
Kate: It’s true that Liam broke the form of your family. It’s also true that he killed people.
Kate: But what sins did Liam, as a newborn child, commit…?
(You’re not the only one.)
– Flashback Start –
Marie: … Why did he have to die and you’re still alive?
Marie: If it wasn’t for you back then, everything… everything would’ve been…!
…
(That person too.)
Liam: … That means, it’s my fault this happened to Kate?
Young Man with Piercings: Yes, that’s right. All of this, everything, is your fault. If it weren't for you…!
…
(Many, many, many other people too.)
— You are a sinner. Admit to your sins and wish for your own demise.
– Flashback End –
Liam: … Thank you for getting upset on my behalf, Kate. But it’s fine.
Kate: No, it’s not! I don’t want the guilt and burden you're carrying to get any bigger.
My eyes met with his rose coloured eyes.
The moment our eyes met, that was when it hit me.
(... Oh, I see it now.)
(Liam knew from the very beginning that something like this would happen.)
Max being deceived by a ruffian, his non-biological son telling him the truth, and choosing death in the end.
And the one to punish him for his sins was — himself.
Liam: But still, someone has to do this. That someone will be me.
— I wanted to stop Liam from killing his family member.
My heart was screaming at me to go stop him, but I knew that I didn't have the right to.
(This is a decision Liam made for himself.)
Liam took one of the daggers hanging from his belt and unsheathed it.
Even with the dagger pointing at his chest, Max didn’t flinch. He merely kept on starting emotionlessly at Liam.
(I can’t bring myself to watch. But…)
(I can’t look away.)
Liam: Father.
Max: …
Liam called out to him affectionately, like they had returned to their past.
Liam: Although we’re not biologically father and son, we’re still very alike.
Liam: We both chased after love that we never obtained…
Liam: It’s truly… miserable, stupid, and pitiful, don't you think?
Max: …
Liam forced a smile and took a deep breath.
Liam: — Goodbye, Father. Rest in peace.
He thrust the dagger right into Max’s heart.
Max instantly stopped breathing.
Liam was soaked by the dark red blood gushing out of the stab wound.
(...)
(Why?)
(Why is this world so cruel to Liam?)
For the rest of his life, he would be haunted by the painful memories of his past and this very moment.
(... There’s nothing I can do for him.)
There was no way I could get rid of his sorrows once and for all.
I couldn't erase his past that made him wish he were dead.
(But still…)
— I wanted to share his pain.
— I wanted to share the burden of his sins.
As I was on the verge of tears, a pitch darkness rose inside of me from my feet up.
That darkness spoke to me.
— You still have the chance to return to your original life, it’d be as if none of this ever happened.
— If you stay by this man’s side any longer, your hands will be stained as well.
(Stain my hands…?)
Liam sat on the floor in silence, stunned by the sight of his bloodied hands.
He was hurting alone, bearing the weight of his sin.
(... I know now. I know what I can do for him.)
My legs trembled as I walked towards Liam.
The darkness fully consumed me.
(I’m scared. I feel as if I’m losing myself.)
(But I can’t leave him alone.)
I approached Max, who laid bleeding out on the floor. I wrapped my hands around the dagger in his chest.
(...)
With trembling hands, I thrust the dagger deeper into his heart.
Liam: … Kate…?
Liam: … What are you doing?!
Ignoring his attempts to stop me, I thrust the dagger even deeper.
My hands were dyed the same colour as Liam’s.
Liam: Ah… ah…
Liam kept wiping my hands with his shirt, trying to clean the blood off them.
Liam: Kate… you did nothing wrong. I’m the evil one. I’m the one who did something wrong.
Liam: … You're not evil.
Liam: I don’t want you to dirty your hands. Therefore, therefore…
I wrapped my bloodied hands around his.
Liam: … Kate?
Kate: I have a part to play in this. Please allow me to share the burden of this sin.
Liam: … Wh… why?
Liam: Why?!
Kate: Because I don’t want to leave you alone. Can you forgive me for being selfish?
Liam: …
Liam: — Just how far are you willing to go for me?
We stayed still, holding each other's bloodied hands.
Silence, like a calm sea, hung between us.
Liam sighed, as if he had accepted my actions.
Liam: … Listen.
Liam: When I hurt others and myself, it’s because we’re human.
Liam: People fail, hurt others, get hurt, and then the cycle repeats. And yet, they still foolishly cling onto those who've caused them sufferings.
Liam: I wanted to die, but not alone. I wanted to be with someone, anyone… I wanted to be loved, even just a little.
Liam: But I eventually grew sick and tired of that way of life. It felt as if my life was slowly draining away.
Liam: Therefore, on the night I wanted to jump to my death, I thought to myself…
Liam: “Ahh, I can finally put an end to this”.
Liam: No more drowning in despair, no more begging to be loved. Everything, everything would end right there.
Liam: So I closed my eyes and spread my arms wide open, letting myself fall into the darkness of the night.
Liam blinked, and a single teardrop rolled down his cheek like the first snow on a silent night.
Liam: And the next moment, when I opened my eyes— there you were.
Kate: …
Liam: Why… why were you still right there before my eyes?
Liam: Why…
Liam: Why did you… save me…?
His crystal clear tears fell into the blood of bright red blood.
Instead of drying his tears, I pulled him into a tight embrace.
Liam: …— rry… — orry.
Liam: I-I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I'm sorry for being a failure, I’m sorry for not dying…
Liam: I… I want to live…
Liam: I’m sorry… for wanting to live in the end… I’m sorry…
Liam: Ue… ue… uwaaaaahhhh!
Liam continued sobbing uncontrollably, like those were the tears he had been holding in his whole life.
And so I held him tight, never letting go.
As if I were holding in my arms a star that was about to fade away.
As if I were anchoring this kind person to this cruel world.
…
The next day, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” took England by storm.
Word was getting around about how magnificent the play was, Liam’s outstanding performance, and the existence of “Golden Butterfly”.
William smiled as he looked at the newspaper and magazine articles.
The world will never be free from evil. That’s why Crown exists.
And on the day after “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” had it’s successful show, it had been exactly one month after I promised to be a fairytale writer.
…
The keys on the typewriter clicked and clacked with every movement of my fingers.
I wrote about all the memories I had made in the past month.
Those memories began from the day he first gave me a bouquet of modern roses.
– Flashback Start –
Liam: What do you think about observing only me for the next one month and writing about me in your report?
Kate: Write about you…?
Liam: That’s right. Not about Crown, but about me as a person. It’s because the finest stories are the ones with the best main character.
Liam: I’m confident that I can satisfy and charm you. I’ll shine even brighter just for you.
– Flashback End –
We had so many fun times together that were filled with joy — but the story didn't end there.
The person in front of me was charming, yet somewhat melancholic.
Right when I was about to type the final period, my hands stopped.
(I’ve always wanted my story to help others feel less afraid of what tomorrow would bring them.)
That sentiment grew stronger after meeting Liam, it never changed.
But before I could protect “anyone's” tomorrow, I failed to protect the tomorrow of the one person who was dearest to me.
(Therefore, I—)
Holding the incomplete report in my hand, I stood up from my desk and headed for Victor’s office where I could find what completed it.
…
Kate: — Well then, if you'll excuse me.
I closed the door behind me and stretched my arms, my shoulder joints making a popping noise.
(My shoulders are so tense. Perhaps I’m nervous, because that’s always the case whenever I have to make a decision…)
(I should go see Liam and talk to him about what he wants to do after this, and—)
Liam: Kate…!
Kate: Liam?
I couldn't hold in my laughter when I saw the very person I was thinking about.
Kate: Fufu, you surprised me there. I was just thinking about you—
Liam: *pant*, *pant*...
I was about to talk to him more, but I noticed something was unusual about him.
(This is the first time I’m seeing Liam this anxious. Did something happen…?)
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Liam Evans Main Story: Chapter 23 — Letter (Blind Love)
I do not own any of the Ikemen Series content being uploaded on this blog, everything belongs to CYBIRD. Please support them by playing their games and buying stories. Not 100% accurate, expect mistakes.
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A Letter Left In His Script
To the person I want to see the most in the world.
Kate, it has always been my greatest wish to be loved.
However, while I longed for love, I found myself distancing from it.
I thought that there was no way anyone would ever love someone like me, that I was unworthy of love, and I should never be loved.
But if I keep that mindset, I will never be able to change myself for the better.
I will forever remain a good-for-nothing who is waiting for his death.
A deeply flawed individual in this world.
Kate, I want to change myself.
I want to allow myself to be loved, and become someone who can return that love to the people who gave it to me.
I do not own any of the Ikemen Series content being uploaded on this blog, everything belongs to CYBIRD. Please support them by playing their games and buying stories. Not 100% accurate, expect mistakes.
read this before interacting with my posts
There was no hesitation, panic, or shadow in those rose coloured eyes.
Instead, they contained a roaring flame of life that overcame all sorts of hesitation.
— 6 minutes before the curtains rose.
Liam: … Kate?
Liam: Ah, I’m glad you’re here. I’ve been waiting for you.
Liam: Listen, Kate.
Liam’s fingertips squeezed my pinky finger, ring finger, then my middle finger… and he intertwined his fingers with mine.
Liam: On the day you saved my life, I couldn't hold your hand.
Liam: Although you were screaming and crying.
The feeling of desperately gripping his hand and fearing for his life that could have disappeared any moment then was deeply ingrained into my memory.
As well as the overwhelming feeling of helplessness.
Liam: But when your tears fell onto my cheek, no… when you said that you loved me…
Liam: No, no, that’s not it…
Liam bit his lip as he struggled with the conflicting emotions swelling up in his heart.
Liam: Ever since the night I met you for the first time, my heart has been screaming for me to change little by little.
Kate: … Liam.
Troupe Member: — 3 minutes till the curtains rise!
Liam: … I
Liam: I…
As the atmosphere backstage got even more boisterous, Liam looked at me and spoke with a trembling voice, words that were strong enough to pierce right through the core of my heart.
Liam: Someday, I want to become the kind of person who can reach my hand out to you.
Kate: …
Those unexpected words left me at a loss for words.
Troupe Member: — 1 more minute till the curtains rise!
Liam turned his gaze to the stage and stood up from his chair.
Liam: In order for that to happen, I need tonight’s performance to be a success, and have my past dealt with once and for all.
Liam: Therefore, wait for me. And… stay by my side.
(That’s…)
Kate: Of course. I’ll definitely stay by your side, always.
Liam: … Mm-hmm.
Troupe Member: — Time for the curtains to rise!
Liam: … Alright.
Liam: Well, here goes.
I watched as Liam’s back disappeared into the dazzlingly bright spotlight.
From this point on, it’s a battle Liam has to fight on his own.
(... Take care.)
…
Willaim and Victor took their seats on the second floor of the audience, and the bell rang.
The bell ringer, Quasimodo, was born with a horrifyingly hideous appearance.
He was abandoned not long after his birth, and was raised by Claude Frollo, the assistant bishop of the cathedral.
However, it was Frollo who murdered Quasimodo’s parents. He was heavily influenced by lust, jealousy, and greed.
On the stage, Frollo lovingly caressed Quasimodo’s face.
Frollo: “Quasimodo, you must remember. You are hideous and filthy… you are a monstrous atrocity who will never be loved.”
Frollo: “You will be my follower. You will be grateful and follow my every command. Only this way, you will never be hurt.”
Quasimodo: “Yes, I am grateful to you for keeping me alive and allowing me to live in the Notre-Dame Cathedral.”
Frollo: “This cathedral is your sanctuary… Quasimodo. You will live in this place for the rest of your life.”
Quasimodo: “Yes, I will do everything as you say. For I am a hideous monster.”
Frollo had complete control over Quasimodo, denying him of his freedom.
As the story progressed, Frollo got into a scandal involving someone in the royal court who went by “Golden Butterfly”.
Newspaper Reporter: … Hey. Was the plot like this in the original work by Hugo?
Magazine Reporter: … No, I’m not so sure.
The spoonful of poison Tom added into the play created a ripple that spread across the audience.
Victor • William: …
Quasimodo had one dream while he lived high up in the tower.
It was to spend time with everyone, laugh alongside them, and go out into the city.
Quasimodo: “Just one time is enough. For once, I want to leave this cathedral and feel the warm sunlight on my skin.”
At last, Quasimodo escaped the cathedral and met a beautiful dancer by the name of Esmeralda. He was able to experience what it was like living in the outside world and falling in love.
However, as Quasimodo underwent those changes, Frollo’s wicked deeds and ugly nature were exposed.
Frollo: “The dancer, social standing, honour, and money… they’re all mine!”
Love, lust, destiny, and other complicated emotions intertwined—.
In the end, Frollo kills the dancer Esmeralda.
And Quasimodo kills him by pushing him off the tower.
Quasimodo, who had lost everything he ever had, stood alone at the centre of the stage and looked up.
Everyone in the audience had their eyes focused on Quasimodo.
Quasimodo: “This world…”
Quasimodo: “This world I live in can be so cruel that there are times I want to look away from it, abandon it… and even stop living.”
Quasimodo: “But, even so… I have to keep on living!”
Quasimodo opened his arms wide and raised them up towards the sky.
Quasimodo: “Until the day this heart stops beating…!”
The final line brought upon a frightening silence.
One second, two seconds, three seconds — then came a roar of thunderous applause. A standing ovation.
Liam: … *pant*... *pant*
Liam’s image as Quasimodo faded away, and he bowed to the audience as himself.
The venue shook with passionate cheers.
Curly Hair Woman: … I’m… speechless.
Freckles Woman: … Yeah.
Newspaper Reporter: I’ll start on my article the moment I get back!
Magazine Reporter: Golden Butterfly, hm. Haha, that plot twist was interesting indeed. I’ll get to work as well…!
…
(Why?)
(Why do I feel like crying…?)
Liam looked like a burning red Betelgeuse as he stood on stage amidst the continuous applause.
William: … The spoonful of poison will surely spread throughout England and reach Golden Butterfly.
Victor: Kate. According to the results of our investigations, Liam’s father has nothing to do with the revival of “Golden Butterfly”.
Kate: He has nothing to do with it…?
That man threatened Liam by saying that he had Golden Butterfly backing him.
Victor: He was deceived by a ruffian who used the Golden Butterfly’s name despite not knowing anything about them.
Victor told me that there was no way Liam’s father would’ve known about the existence of Crown.
However, it was possible that he found out that Liam was related to William.
Victor: William was involved in the annihilation of Golden Butterfly. He must've thought that if he brought them the dead body of Liam, a friend of William’s…
Victor: He would be able to become a part of them. But all of that was false.
(Does that mean Liam was about to die a meaningless death…?)
(No way…)
William gazed calmly at Liam with his red eyes.
Kate: Liam… he knows about this, right?
William: Yes, that’s right.
Liam stood on stage, fully aware of his father’s intentions.
William: The butterfly won’t be showing itself here. Crown, retreat.
William: Kate, we’ll leave the curtain call to you and Liam.
…
The wildly enthusiastic and excited audience members left the theatre.
Liam and I remained in the large theatre, alongside his father who stared at the spotlight shining down onto the stage.
Liam: … Kate, don’t leave my side.
Kate: O-Okay.
We exchanged glances, maintaining a distance of five steps between us.
(This man… Max has committed crimes in the past that were related to “Golden Butterfly”.)
Even if he had no direct connection to the butterfly that was showing signs of possible revival, there was no erasing his past crimes.
Pass judgement on him for his sins — that was Crown’s mission.
(Will Liam be the one to kill him? Or will it be another member of Crown?)
(That decision has to be made tonight.)
I didn't know which option Liam would choose.
But as a fairytale writer, it was my job to stay by his side and watch over him.
The silence was broken.
Max: I’m here because I received an invitation from Earl Rex… Liam, was this play meant to be a jab at me?
Max: Was I supposed to be Claude Frollo, and you’re Quasimodo who kills me?
Liam: No. You’re not Frollo, you're Quasimodo.
Max: … What did you just say!?
He removed his hood in a fury and his burnt face was revealed under the spotlight.
Max: Are you mocking my appearance, that was ruined because of you? YOU, MOCKING ME? Don’t fuck with me…!
Liam’s voice remained calm, despite being yelled and spat at.
Liam: That’s not true. I’m referring to the core of your heart. It’s empty, just like Quasimodo’s.
Max: My heart?
Liam: Even though you and mother got married, she never loved you.
Max: … *gulp*
Liam: Therefore, you worked hard for your business to be successful. You wanted to see mother smile.
Liam: You must've gone through so much. I can imagine how many times you’ve had to bow your head to others.
Liam: And yet, having a successful business wasn’t enough to make her turn around and look at you.
His fists that were clenched tightly as if holding on to something trembled slightly.
Liam: On top of that, the successful you were surrounded by nobles who belittle you and people who only approached you for their personal gain.
Man: What would you have known as a child…!?
Liam: I knew. I saw the way you constantly got drunk on alcohol and always wanted to look good in front of everyone around you.
Liam: You… you wanted to be loved.
Max: … Love?
Liam: You begged and begged to be loved. But the more you chased after love, the more you had it slip right through your fingers.
Liam muttered that love’s true nature was that the more you chased it, the further it would get from you.
Liam: I became an outlet for you to vent your frustrations.
Liam: Each time you burnt my back and claimed that you were educating me, I tried to convince myself that you were doing it out of love for me.
Liam: … Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to let myself be at peace.
Liam: Also…
Liam: Facing the truth would only break my heart, so I didn’t.
Liam: The truth was that the “education” you gave me wasn’t out of love. That wasn’t love.
It must’ve been so hard for him to admit that what he received wasn’t love.
I wanted to hug Liam right then and there, but I stopped myself from doing so.
Max’s anger was quietly bubbling inside of him as he stared in silence.
Liam: But I still tried to fulfil your wish, thinking that it would save you.
Liam: However, that was a mistake.
Max: … A mistake?
Liam: Even if I vanished from this world, you would still be lonely.
Liam: Your heart will forever be lonely, and nothing can ever fill that emptiness.
Liam: I know that, however much I hate to.
The anger that had been silently bubbling up inside Max burst out.
He went up to Liam and grabbed him by the collar, dragging him onto the floor.
Kate: … L-Liam!
I wanted to help Liam, but he gave me a look to stop me.
As he fell to the floor, Max straddled him and raised his fist.
Max: Shut up, shut up…! You have no right to say all that, because you're a failure through and through!
Max: You… you…!
With his burnt fist, he punched Liam’s face, body, everywhere.
— However, Liam didn’t stop him.
(Ah, I get it now.)
He suffered burns all over his body, and was once at the brink of death. He no longer had the strength to hurt Liam the same way he used to.
Max: You… you!
Liam: …
(It was Liam he was hitting, but the pain was on himself instead…)
Liam caught the arm that was slowly losing the strength to raise its fist.
Liam: There’s a secret I’ve been keeping from you for a very long time.
