#drac does things

𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭.

If life were a fairytale, finding happiness would be easy. Just don't do anything "wrong." Don't enter forbidden forests, don't open closed doors, don't uncover dark secrets. All you have to do is wait for your happy ending to come to you. That way, you don't fall into a false love, and good luck will fall into your palm like a single white feather. Yes...if my life was like a fairytale—

Being happy should have been easy.

The sound of cutlery echoed in the dining room. Vogel was an organization that came directly from Germany. A few hours after their first meeting, a dinner party was held at the palace. This is the first time Crown and Vogel have had a proper conversation. It's good that I, a fairytale keeper, am participating. Some were smiling, some were talking, some were simply eating their meals. Regardless of what they all were doing, though, I sensed tension. Crown's reaction in particular was not good at all. (That may be inevitable) I remembered what harrison said a few hours ago—

Harrison: ...They're lying.

Needless to say, that statement alone changed the way I viewed them. It feels as though they're trying to figure out one anothers' intentions.

Victor: Vogel was talking to a research organization, but what exactly are you doing? Darius: "A better society for those cursed." To make this happen, we must first know more about the Cursed. Darius: I'm using the authority of being an organization directly under the emperor to do as I please. I suppose it's rather similar to what all of you do. William: Indeed. In terms of 'doing what we like,' we are free to do so thanks to her Majesty the Queen. Victor, William, and the Vogel's director, Darius, were conversing at the head of the table. Although all of them were smiling, it was clear they were trying to feel each other out.

Perhaps I'm worrying too much... I still can't tell what their intentions are, what lies they're telling, or what they're hiding. That's why I thought I should get to know the other person first, so I pulled myself together and turned to eat. ...This is delightful! My eyes widened at the taste, and I heard a soft chuckle. ???: Hmph...what a cute face. Kate: Yes? I quickly looked up, catching sight of Nica, who was sitting across from me. Nica: Looks like it was delicious. I nodded back to him as he pointed at my plate. Kate: Oh yes, very much so. Nica: So into it you got sauce on your lips, cute. Kate: Eh? I quickly wiped at my mouth, but he continued to laugh. Nica: I'm kidding. Kate: Seriously? Nica: No, there's no sauce on your face. You were so cute I couldn't help but play a joke on you. He stared at me intently enough that I started to feel embarrassed, and turned away. He calls me cute like its as easy as breathing to him...! Ever since I first met him, I thought he was cheerful and approachable. In such a short amount of time, though, I've been called 'cute' so many times, its starting to take a toll on me. I'm happy, but also quite embarrassed. (1)

Kate: Um, Nica? Nica: Yes? When I looked back up, he was still staring at me. Kate: I appreciate you find me cute, but I don't think that you should say that to people so often. Nica: Oh, so there's a cute girl sitting across from me and you think I shouldn't tell her? Nica: Girls love compliments, don't they? No matter how much you feel something, its hard to convey it unless you put it into words. Nica: Right, Ring? Nica grinned as he put his arm around Ring, who was sitting right next to him. Ring: I...um... Nica sighed in exasperation as Ring struggled to speak. Nica: Sorry, my baby brother is a bit shy. Nica: Oh by the way, you can just call me by my name, it's easier that way. Kate: So...Nica? Nica: Well done. Good girl, Robin.

He picked up his fork, prodding at his dessert as he continued. Nica: I'm glad you sat across from me, I wanted to be friends. Kate: Really? Friends? Nica: Yeah. That and you eat with more enthusiasm than even Ring does. I never get bored of watching you. He complimented me casually, and my body naturally relaxed. He acts a little familiar for my taste...but he seems like a good guy. Getting a good first impression, I decided to ask him a few questions. Kate: what kind of organization is Vogel? Nica: I don't think it's that different from Crown, no? A cursed group directly under the Kaiser.[1] I crack down on those who do bad things, and I do all sorts of other things on his orders. Nica: So I heard you're researching about curses? Hm...I wonder if Vogel really is like a German version of Crown? Nica: You know, I'm rather jealous of Crown. Kate: Hm? Why? Nica: Because I would get a cute fairytale keeper accompanying me on every mission. I think that sounds great, don't you? He looked in my eyes with a gaze that felt somewhat seductive, and I couldn't help how my breath caught in my throat. Just then, I felt an exasperated sigh at my side. Jude: What's got ya purrin' like a cat? Kate: I-I'm not... Jude: Yer the type t' fall for a scam. Hook line 'n' sinker. Bet if someone asked ye to give money for their sick mum in the countryside, you'd give it to 'em. Kate: I would not! Nica: Isn't that an awful way to talk to someone? More importantly, why wouldn't you take care of such a cute Robin? Jude: Ha? A tense atmosphere sparked between the two of them. Darius: Nica, no picking fights.

Jude clicked his tongue at Darius' comment and stabbed at his dessert with a scowl. Nica gave me a troubled smile.

Nica: Seems I lost my temper.

The gathering ended with an awkward atmosphere, and I went to the palace library to finish one of my reports. As I flipped through the text, I searched through what I read for anything new, weary-eyed.

This week has been so surreal, and the new schedule had kept me from getting a good night's sleep, so I spent my nights studying in the library. Names of nobles, the history of their families, what events and activities they had partaken in over the years. Every time I accompany Crown, I learn something new. But even so, since I've been so well cared for, I want to do my best to help them in turn. I will gain some knowledge by the end of the month, I swear it. They condemned that man in that photo during yesterday's mission... I jotted down notes with one hand as I scanned the list of nobles. Suddenly, I heard the sound of the chair being pulled out across from me as someone sat down.

Who...?

As I looked up, I saw the one that had sat across from me was none other than Nica. Kate: Why—! I almost blurted out, but Nica put his finger to his lips and chided me. Nica: Shh you can't speak so loud in the library. When he saw me nod with both hands covering my mouth, he smiled soft and spoke to me in a whisper. Nica: Doing research this late? Impressive. Kate: I simply wanted to be of help to everyone. I replied in a low voice. Nica, who was leaning his chin on his palm, wore a worried look. Nica: You're not pushing yourself, are you? Are you doing alright? Kate: ... Nica: You know a lack of an answer speaks volumes, right? It isn't good to work too hard, Robin. Suddenly, he snatched the paper from my hands and stood up.

Kate: Huh? Nica: Hey, do you like sweets? Kate: Sweets? Nica: You do, don't you? You were so enthusiastic eating them earlier. Kate: I do...but what does that have to do with research? He tilted his head at my question, letting out a sigh, looking perplexed. Nica: Actually, I was planning on eating some sweets the Queen's Aide gave us as a token of friendship. And I was looking for someone who could bear the sin of indulging in sweets at such a late time with me. He wore in impish grin as he smiled at me.

Nica: Sin with me, Kate.

Kate: It looks so good...! Nica: Doesn't it? I had accepted Nica's invitation and followed him to the parlor. On the table was a container of quality sweets that Nica had received from Victor. Each one so decadent looking it almost made my stomach churn.

Nica: Feel free to have your fill, it'll probably go stale before I finish it on my own. He said as he offered the tin to me as we sat down on the settee. I picked up a biscuit with the most sugar sparkling atop it. Kate: I think I'll have this. The moment I put it on my mouth, it gave a satisfying crunch as I bit down. Kate: Oh, it's delicious! As I savored the tea and biscuits, I noticed Nica watching me with a contented expression. Nica: You have the happiest look I've seen on you yet. Kate: Huh? Nica: Since we first met, you've always been so guarded. Both in front of us, and in front of Crown. Of course, I understand that, I'm sure it's been difficult for you. He picked up a biscuit and continued to speak. Nica: How much longer will you be here? Kate: If you can keep a secret...I have about three weeks before I can go back home. As I was talking, I realized something. I didn't tell him about my story, did I?

Perhaps noticing my doubts, Nica lifted the corners of his lips in a grin. Nica: Ah, Crown told me about how you became their fairytale keeper. Kate: Oh. Perhaps I felt relief knowing how he came to that conclusion. Slowly, I began to open up about my daily life and what had happened that fateful night. Kate: I don't feel like I'll be killed, because everyone in Crown has been so kind to me. Kate: So as long as I'm here, I feel like I have to at least be a little useful, if I'm not useful... I don't know what will happen. I knew the real reason I couldn't sleep was because of thoughts like those racing about in my head.

The room was quiet as I reached for my tea. But before I could touch the handle of the cup, his hand overlapped mine. Nica: It must have been really hard, but you're doing great. ... Those words may have been what I needed to hear the most. As Nica said that, the corners of my eyes started to heat up, and a gentle warmth bloomed from where his hand grasped mine. Seeing me on the verge of tears, he smiled and said— Nica: Don't worry, I'll listen to anything you have to say. So don't worry, whatever you tell me, I'll keep it a secret.

I slowly began to pour out my worries, and each time I spoke, he would stroke my back with a gentle hand. For the first time since arriving here, I felt the night become a little warmer, and my heart grew lighter. Soon enough, I felt relief and sleep taking over me— Nica: Gute Nacht, poor Robin. I drifted off before I could hear what he had said.

Kate: Hm... When I had opened my eyes next, I was in a warm bedroom. Yesterday I... As I shook my head of its drowsiness, I recalled the events of last night— Nica: Finally awake, are we? Kate: Huh? I heard a voice from behind me, turning over in bed. Then I saw Nica there, smiling at me. Kate: Ah... His shirt was unbuttoned down to his waist, revealing the muscle beneath as I glanced over him. What awaited me as soon as I awoke from my slumber — far more than confusion — was chaos. Nica: You know, Robin, you shouldn't sleep so defenselessly in front of a man. It's the same as saying "I don't mind what you do," you know? Kate: What? We're together in bed, a man and a woman... Nica stared at me with a meaningful smile, and only one thought came to my mind— But my mind kept denying that was what had transpired. I mean yesterday, I had only spoken to Nica, ate sweets and fell asleep, but... After that—?

Nica smiled and put his lips close to my ear. Nica: If you don't remember, I can tell you. Nica Schwartz, our guest from Germany. A very pleasant man, easy to talk to and kind. But he— Nica: Hey, what should we do?

A villain, pure and simple — a villain.

𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: my sincerest apologies for the wait on this chapter. new semester of uni started and I've been balancing things as best I can. 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭.

Ring stared at me as we sat inside the rocking carriage.

Our eyes would meet, then his would dart away, the pink of his cheeks reddening each time until I couldn't take it anymore—

Kate: Um, is something the matter? Ring: !? N-No, it's...nothing. Kate: Is that so...?

I glanced out the window as Ring's face burnt crimson. Acting as Vogel's fairytale keeper, I was tasked with accompanying Ring on his mission tonight. The mission was to eliminate three targets, as there were people in England who were "interfering with Vogel's activities." Darius seemed to consider it quite serious, ordering for them to be taken out immediately.

I'm honestly surprised with how different this mission is from when I accompanied Nica. Though I realize that Nica and Ring have fundamentally different jobs.

I wasn't told who the targets were or how they had interrupted Vogel, I was only told to accompany Ring.

But maybe it's for the best I wasn't assigned to Nica.

I didn't know if I could face him after yesterday's exchange.

Kate: Haah...

Hearing my sigh, Ring straightened up with a resolute expression.

Ring: So you had a fight with Nica? Kate: Huh? How did you... Ring: Last night I saw Nica looking troubled for the first time in a long time. Ring: I asked one of the maids and she said it was because he had spoken with you, so I guessed something must have happened between you two.

I gave Ring a strained smile.

Kate: It's my fault. I didn't consider his feelings and tried to lecture him when, in reality, I didn't know what he'd been through. Thinking back on it, I started to feel down once again.

Ring: Nica doesn't usually let his emotions show often, it's pretty rare.

Ring looked toward me, then away as he spoke.

Ring: And...he looked a bit lonely.

Lonely...

I don't know if it was because we had talked about Nica's past, or if he had something else on his mind. But if Ring, who's lived his entire life with Nica, says he looked lonely, that has to mean something.

Ring: I think Nica probably regrets what happened just as much as you do. Kate: ...You really think so? Ring: Yeah, it seems so. Ring: So I'm sure you both will reconcile just fine.

Ring gave me a soft, encouraging smile, and I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

I'll apologize to Nica when I get back.

Kate: Ring, thank you— Ring: Nica is amazing. He's clever and can befriend almost anyone. He's also very skilled, so there's almost nothing he can't do.

For some reason, Ring began to talk about Nica's good points out of nowhere.

Ring: We were trying to figure out a problem the other day, and he solved it in an instant.

Ring started to beam brightly.

Kate: I-I see. Ring: Nica's always the first to help me, and I'm proud to be his brother.

Suddenly, I remembered what Monica had told me.

Nica has always protected Ring.

That probably hasn't changed even now.

To Nica, Ring has always been his family, and I'm sure that hasn't changed for Ring either.

But then, why don't the two of them plan out their happiness together?

To claim you'll be the happiest person in the world sounds like such a selfish thing. After that, Ring continued to tell me even more about Nica's merits. Though, he seemed to look increasingly worried.

Ring: ...But at some point, Nica's smile started to change. Ring: Like he couldn't smile from the heart anymore.

As I gave it some thought, Ring continued to speak.

Ring: I'd like to know why, but...I can't seem to figure out what it is. Ring: But Nica looks like he's having fun when he's with you. Ring: You surprise him, you make him laugh...and I feel like when he's with you, he smiles like how he used to. Ring: Honestly, I...I envy that.

Ring's knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists, staring at his lap. Seeing that, I couldn't help but be honest with him as well.

Kate: I'm envious of you too, Ring. Ring: Huh...? Kate: I don't understand Nica as well as you do. I'm afraid I'll say something that hurts him, and I feel like I'll never know how he feels deep down.

Now it was my turn to lace my fingers together tight.

Ring: Even though I've been with Nica since birth, I don't understand everything about him.

I looked at Ring with a start as he spoke.

Ring: I think you're much closer to Nica than me, now.

When I vehemently denied it, Ring gave a hearty laugh and said perhaps our feelings were much more aligned than we thought.

Ring's mission tonight was to eliminate the targets obstructing Vogel, right?

But the carriage dropped us off at—

Contrary to my surprise, Ring continued ahead with cautious steps.

Kate: ...Ring, what was the briefing of the mission again?

In that moment, the only word that floated to the forefront of my mind was "Haus."

If Monica grew up in Haus, then the other two with her must have come from there as well.

They're all people who know of Nica and Ring's past.

There was a nauseous feeling bubbling up at the back of my throat. I glanced up at Ring as he recited the names of the targets.

Ring: Our targets this time are Marc, Tobias, and Monica Hoffmann. Ring: They have to be eliminated. Kate: Ah...

It felt as though I had been bludgeoned, my head was pounding. And in the next moment a man rushed at me, sword brandished high. Ring drew his sword, the discordant sound of metal clanging loudly in the empty halls as he blocked the blow.

???: It's been awhile, Ring! Ring: M-Marc!

Ring was pushed back little by little with each onslaught of attacks from the man he had called Marc.

Marc: Been a long time since I last saw someone from my childhood. You remember, right!? Marc: We were together so long, in that shithole called "Haus!" Ring: !

Marc took advantage of Ring's shock at the mention of Haus. A swift blow sending Ring skidding down the hall.

Kate: Ring! ???: There you are. Kate: Huh!?

A voice that wasn't Marc's echoed from behind me. Before I could so much as turn my head, I was lifted off the ground.

Kate: Wha...!

The man who had slung me over his shoulder had taken me to one of the rooms in what felt like an instant.

Kate: Ack—

And was tossed unceremoniously to the hardwood floor, landing hard.

Tobias: I'm going to help Marc. Monica: Take care of yourself, Tobias.

The man named Tobias left the room before I could so much as blink.

Monica: I had my suspicions when I spoke with you, but it seems like you're affiliated with Vogel after all.

When I looked up at her, Monica seemed to have a skeptical look on her face, smiling at me.

Kate: Why would you...?

Before I could even make sense of what was happening, Monica grabbed me just below the jaw and hauled me up with a force so strong that it was hard to believe she was even human. My jaw creaked under the pressure.

Monica: Surely you remember what we talked about yesterday...about how Haus is the worst kind of facility? Running all kinds of experimentations.

Monica's eyes smoldered with fury.

Monica: While we were there, Nica used his powers to force us into the experiments meant for his brother!

Monica: Because of that my life is ruined! I'm an abomination that's caught between human and monster!!

Kate: !

I started at the way her voice grew frantic and anguished.

Monica: We could make Nica happy if we took over for his brother, right? We hadn't even known that each experiment would depend on your ability, so we took the fall for it.

Monica: You've got experience with that, surely. You've had to have been toyed with by him at some point too, right?

I couldn't say anything to that, so Monica continued, even more enraged. She recounted on how weary she had become after all the experiments she endured due to Nica's power. And how she had vowed to get back at him for her entire life. She had been unable to come across him while in Germany, so she, Marc and Tobias had moved to the United Kingdom to better hone their skills. All of it was the result of Nica betraying others' trust in him.

What Nica did as a child to protect Ring has come back to haunt him.

Monica: We were failures. Meant to die from the very beginning, I'd come to terms with that. My life didn't matter. Monica: But those twins were different. Their lives were safe because of their innate ability. Monica: But Nica still had to go and ruin our lives!

There was a loud bang as Ring, bound by rope, was thrown into the room against the wall next to me.

Kate: Ring!! Ring: Damn it...where did you even get that kind of ability...! Monica: No matter how special you might think you are, no one can take on more than one monstrosity by themselves.

Monica's eyes moved from me to Ring in disgust before her gaze drew back to me.

Monica: If you can lure Nica Schwartz to me, that might just save your life. Monica: Not a bad deal, no?

Her grip started to cut off my airways. Drawing even one breath became a struggle as her fingers squeezed.

Ring: K-Kate!

Even so, I...

Kate: Did you...think I'd agree to that...!

I writhed and twisted my weakening body enough to loosen her grip and slip from her grasp.

Monica: Ugh! You've been tricked by him, haven't you!?

I glared at the trio, coughing and wheezing as I drew in each precious breath. No matter how much I may hate what Nica's done, I have beliefs that I won't just outright abandon.

Kate: The things Nica had put you through are unforgivable. Kate: But that doesn't make it okay to try to get revenge on him now! Monica: You...

Monica grabbed at me again, seizing me by the collar of my dress and pressing a blade to my throat.

Even with the pinch of cold metal digging into my skin and the warm trickle of blood running down my neck, I didn't relent.

Kate: Doing this won't erase the things that happened to you! Monica: Shut up! What do you know!? Ring: Stop it!!

As Monica pulled the knife back, I screwed my eyes shut, bracing for the pain. But instead, I heard a gunshot—

Nica: I don't recall giving others permission to play with my toy.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Nica, who had fired a shot that knocked the knife from Monica's hand.

Monica: Nica Schwartz...!

He stood in the door, gun held firm, with an icy gaze as he stared Monica down. The moment he stepped a foot in the door, all three of the Hoffmann's pulled their weapons. Ring, taking advantage of Nica's distraction, managed to get out of his restraints and come to my aid.

Ring: Are you alright? Kate: Yes, thank you...

Seeing the state of my neck, Ring pressed a handkerchief to the open wound. Seeing this, Nica's eyes turned even more frigid in the low light of the room.

Nica: Ring. Get her out of here. Ring: What? Nica: Dari's orders. Your big brother will take things from here. Nica: You're both getting in the way, so go on, off you go.

Ring seemed confused, but upon hearing it was Darius' orders, lifted me into his arms.

Tobias: You're not going anywhere!

Ring was getting ready to jump from the window with me in-hand when Tobias tried to charge us. Just then, shot was fired.

Kate: Nica!!

The last thing I saw before we jumped from the window was Nica's troubled smile.

Nica had fired a single shot that pierced Tobias' heart.

Tobias: Urgh...! Marc: You...! Ghh! Monica: Tobias!! Marc!!

Nica turned and shot Marc just as quickly in the same manner. Monica rushed over to them both, but by then, their eyes were vacant, ended swiftly.

Monica: No. No no no, you're kidding me! Wake up...!! Nica: You came here to take things from Vogel, but you got taken from instead, tragic really.

Glancing down at Monica with a biting laugh, Nica aimed the muzzle of his pistol at her head.

Monica: ...You think I'll just let you do this?

Monica grabbed the barrel of the gun, using the leverage of the grip to throw Nica's body with a great force.

Nica: !?

His body slammed into the back of an open wardrobe, crumpling instantly. Monica stood over him with a renewed anger in her eyes.

Nica: Tsk, what's with the brutish strength...? Monica: You know exactly what kind of failure you've made me into!

She threw his gun aside and slammed a fist down.

Monica: If you hadn't used your damned ability, things would never have come to this. Monica: You ruined our lives!

Colossal tears began to spill from Monica's eyes, sliding down her cheeks as she beat her fists against Nica with overwhelming force. But Nica didn't resist.

Monica: Why aren't you resisting...? Why...!?

Nica: I was just remembering something a foolish robin told me once...

His cheeks had begun to swell, cuts and bruises taking shape on his face with each blow...but Nica simply let Monica vent out her anger.

Nica: You can beat me until you're satisfied. If that's what makes you feel better, I'll accept it. Nica: But tormenting me now doesn't change a thing of the past. Monica: What...?

Seeing Nica's vacant stare, Monica glanced back at the corpses of her two brothers.*

Monica: If you don't resist, that's like...saying all the time we spent suffering was for nothing.

As she voiced her thoughts, she took Nica's pistol into one hand—

Monica: How is that any different than saying my entire life until now was a waste...?

With a single shot, Monica's body crumpled against the armoire's door, blood pooling around her. Nica let out a breath as he leaned against the back wall of it. As Monica's body fell, her arm landed against the door, closing it and trapping Nica inside. At that moment, Nica's caught a glimpse of the familiar scar along the length of her arm, lake blue eyes widened in recognition.

Nica: I was wondering who Monica was...so it was you. Nica: I didn't know because I only ever remembered our numbers.

The closet door fell shut.

Nica, where are you!?

Ring had escaped out the window with me, but I couldn't stay still after I heard more gunshots. I ignored the warnings from Ring and ran back inside the building. Ring, who was chasing after me, ran into a neighbor that had reported the incident after hearing me screaming 'no.' He told me to meet up with Nica and leave, so he could lead the police to the scene to avoid suspicion. We had split up from there.

Kate: !

When I returned to the room that I was taken to at the end of the hall, I found three bodies covered in enough blood to know what had become of them. My tried my best to keep from collapsing, my legs trembling with each step as I walked further into the room. Eventually, I heard a noise coming from the wardrobe where Monica was. Approaching with caution, I peered between the tiny crack between the double door—

I managed to pry the door open slightly with all of my strength. My eyes landed on Nica, covered in cuts and bruises.

Nica: Ahh, why did you have to come back? Kate: Ni...ca...

The faint light of the moon through the window behind me cast a line down his face.

It looked just like the trail of a tear.

Nica: It's pointless for me to try and take a break by myself if someone comes to get me. Kate: What on earth happened to you?

I struggled to hold back tears from how worn down he looked, frazzled beyond belief at the state he was in. But Nica seemed calm.

Nica: I just let her hit me before she died. I thought it would make her feel better. Kate: I came here to stop that from happening to you...!

His eyes narrowed as he looked like he wanted to tell me something, grasping my hand.

Nica: Could you close the curtains?

His grip was so weak.

Nica: The light you give off is so bright...it hurts my eyes so much I could laugh...

The sight of him so weakened was so agonizing that all I could do was hug him.

𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: *: I opted to flavor the text of this as Monica considering Tobias and Marc family with how they interact. I feel like for the knowledge given about them that they seemed to be a found family unit parallel to what Darius considers Vogel to be. If you're curious about Darius' 'family' or a deeper insight into how the suitors from Vogel came together, I recommend reading this translation and this one respectively for more information.

Hey! So, this might be a surprise to some since I've not posted much, but...I thought I'd give my shot at translating a lil bit for some events! @judesmoonbeauty was kind enough to send me Ellis' part of the recent casino event from JP. Now, I'm not experienced with this, I use MTL, but add my own writing flair when editing the rough translation, so this may not be entirely accurate to the eventual EN release...but I hope you enjoy! On to the translation!

Ellis and I infiltrated the casino on a mission

We were disguised as waiters — scrambling about the casino floors filling orders

Kate: Y-Yes!

Dealer: Waiter! Bring the drinks!

Ellis: Understood.

Finally, at break time, we leaned against the wall and examined each others’ information.

Ellis: So far there’s nothing suspicious. I haven’t seen any illegal transactions.

Kate: Do you think it was just a rumor?

There had been word of illegal dealings taking place at the casino had reached her Majesty the Queen

She had tasked me with this undercover mission through Crown, and so far I hadn’t seen or heard anything amiss.

Ellis: Maybe it’s best if we come back another day to investigate as customers.

Kate: I agree…

Perhaps it was because we had been running the floor, but even the usually chipper Ellis seemed exhausted, and I couldn’t imagine that I looked much better.

I figured that if I couldn’t get any more information by continuing further today, I should try again, and turned my eyes to the floor.

The expanse of the casino was almost surreal, with glimmering chandeliers, excited chatter, and an immense flow of chips constantly moving around the tables.

(Everywhere is sparkling…it looks like they’re having fun.)

As I narrowed my eyes at the dazzling scenery in front of me, Ellis suddenly spoke.

Ellis: shall we try too?

Kate: Hm?

Ellis: Gambling. You seemed interested in it since you got here.

(So he noticed…)

Although I didn’t have a hobby of gambling, the fun atmosphere had sparked my interest since we came in.

Ellis: I’ll deal, so let’s play, just the two of us. Shall we try poker?

He took my hand and we moved to a VIP table where no one could see us, and sat across from each other.

Ellis: what shall we bet? I don’t have any chips.

Kate: How about a punishment game? Something that would annoy both of us a little.

Ellis: that sounds interesting.

He grinned, face lighting up.

As I watched him shuffle the cards, I thought about it intently.

What was something that the usually unbothered Ellis might be even a little annoyed about?

Kate: If I win, how about no kissing for a week?

Ellis: Oh…

For an instant, his hands stopped shuffling the cards and a look of grief and despair came over his face.

There was something awfully cute about his pouty expression, and it gave me the urge to tease him with a hint of mischief.

Kate: I think I’ll stick with a no-kissing policy. What about you, Ellis?

Ellis: …I’ve decided too.

Ellis’ lips set in a firm line as he pursed them, dealing us both five cards each.

Ellis: I definitely won’t lose.

More enthusiastic than usual, he stared at the cards in his hand and changed two of them.

I changed three cards but only got a single pair.

Ellis: Ready?

Kate: Yes. Here we go!

The both of us placed our cards on the table at the same time.

I had one pair, Ellis had two — he’d won.

(Too bad, I lost.)

My shoulders slumped and I looked away from the cards.

(Come to think of it, I didn’t hear about Ellis’ punishment for me.)

When I raised my head, my eyes met with a smoldering twilight sky as he stared intently at me.

Kate: You won, Ellis, congratulations.

Ellis: Thank you.

He stood, moving around the table to tower over me.

Kate: By the way, what’s the punishment for your victory— Mmn!

In an instant my words were stolen from me.

My thoughts melted into nothing from the intensity of his kiss. I felt like if he pressed even a bit further that I would be swallowed whole by him.

It became too much, so I pressed my hands against his chest, and our lips finally parted.

However, my eyes were still met with that intense twilight sky—

Ellis: If I won,

Ellis: We’d kiss so hard our lips will be red and swollen. For a whole week.

Kate: What?

Ellis: The moment you said no kissing for a week, I thought to myself, ‘if I win, I’ll do the exact opposite.’

Ellis stroked my cheek with a content haziness in his eyes, his cheeks flushed as he gave me a sweet, heart-melting smile.

Ellis And I wouldn’t stop even if my lips got cut or swollen.

Ellis: Don’t stop kissing me, Kate.

As he sealed my lips with his again, I almost regretted what I had said.

His sweet, melting kiss was like slow-acting, gentle poison. Drawing me into a haze that left my mind fuzzy, my body warm and my soul full.

It drove me mad and I knew I would never be able to go back.

I also wanted to add at the end here...thanks to the friends who encouraged me to post this, you guys are a bright light for me. <3.

We're back with more chaotic hyperfixation from yours truly, and this time it's the swan husband’s lil’ bro! 'I'm not experienced with this, I use MTL, but add my own writing flair when editing the rough translation, so this may not be entirely accurate to the eventual EN release.'I'm not experienced with this, I use MTL, but add my own writing flair when editing the rough translation, so this may not be entirely accurate to the eventual EN release. If you're interested in the rest of Ring's story, my friend Nemo has translated his Episode 0 and is translating his main route as a whole. Give them some love and check their blog out, please! <3

There may also be some spice, because it’s Ring. HE’S A BITER, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

My curse is that — because I'm weak and helpless — I've spent my life being protected by others.

Ring: if you do anything strange, even the slightest bit, I’ll kill you.

Ring Schwartz - German emperor’s direct officer, he is a member of Vogel

He stared at me with an icy gaze, exuding murderous intent

Darius: Could you lend Vogel your fairytale keeper?

Darius beamed, eyes alight.

Darius: I’d like to see a fairytale keeper’s work up close and personal, even if only for a week.

Darius: Since she’s spent so much time with the cursed of your Crown.

As we spent more time together, the cold visage that Ring had impressed upon me was repainted in dazzling new colors.

Ring: How do you respond when someone says thank you in the United Kingdom?

Kate: Perhaps something like ‘you’re welcome?’

Ring: ‘You’re…welcome…’

He narrowed his eyes and furrowed his brows as though he were contemplating something of great importance before looking at me with resolve.

Ring: You’re welcome, robin.

Kate: Now it’s clear that you and I are friends. I’m so happy!

Ring: I’m happy too

He looked at me with a tender smile.

Ring: Stay friends with me until this friendship ends, robin.

Ring: L-Let me go! I can’t hear your heartbeat at all.

His eyes screwed shut as his cheeks and ears burned a vivid pink beneath his skin.

Kate: What?! Why can’t you hear it? I’m quite certain I’m alive, so you should be able to hear it, yes…?

Ring: It isn’t that you have a problem…

Kate: Then whatever is the matter?

Ring: Well, when you hold me, my heartbeat gets so loud I can’t hear yours.

He’s quite curious, and his eyes sparkle in shock and delight whenever he learns something new.

I met him as a kind, upright, slightly diffident man, and we became fast friends.

Ring: Let’s start with you.

Trafficker: Wh-what are you…?! Gaghh!

Trafficker Kingpin: hey, you guys, don’t be afraid! Shoot, shoot!

Ring: …….Next.

With a petrifying gaze, covered in blood, he butchered evil as if controlled by a marionette’s invisible strings.

Kate: It’s terrifying to suddenly lose sight of who you are, or who you used to be.

Kate: But at times like that, it’s important to communicate that to someone you trust, and let them know how you feel…as often as you need to.

Kate: Our minds and mouths are a necessity if we want to understand and help those who may not have the same experiences as us.

Ring: I won’t do what anyone tells me to do anymore.

His eyes closed for a brief moment, not in resignation, but resolution and determination.

Ring: So from now on, I want to be allowed to use my sword to protect you the way I want to, until the very end.

Ring: Kate, let’s get out of here alive. Together.

Though the swan has found his first love, there still hides a deep jealousy and wild passion inside him.

Devour my fate entirely —

Kate: Ah, Ring! Don’t bite there…!

Ring: No…you’re too cute, I can’t…stop.

Cut from his strings, the black swan takes flight, spreading its wings to protect that which is important to it.

Ring: If I hadn’t fallen in love with you, I would have died without ever knowing who I could become.

Ring: Thank you for meeting me.

Ring: From now on, it's not by an order, but by my own will and desire — let me protect you.

When I met you, i learned the burning brilliance of love and the comforts of affection.

And now, let us join hands and venture towards the “evil” we believe in.