#gowland

In the course of the same morning, Anne and her father chancing to be alone together, he began to compliment her on her improved looks; he thought her “less thin in her person, in her cheeks; her skin, her complexion, greatly improved; clearer, fresher. Had she been using any thing in particular?” “No, nothing.” “Merely Gowland,” he supposed. “No, nothing at all.” “Ha! he was surprised at that;” and added, “certainly you cannot do better than to continue as you are; you cannot be better than well; or I should recommend Gowland, the constant use of Gowland, during the spring months. Mrs Clay has been using it at my recommendation, and you see what it has done for her. You see how it has carried away her freckles.” Ch 16

Scene - ???

Horse “Neigh!”

Alice “.........”

Horse “Neigh-neigh-neigh!”

Alice “Hmm...”

I could hear the sound of water and the horse’s cries. The cries seemed to convey a feeling of "I'm tired!"

Alice (That's right... I'm tired too, just like you.)

Horse “Neigh, neigh!”

I felt as if I could communicate with the horse only through my consciousness.

...But that’s impossible; it’s just a feeling. I couldn’t see the horse, and my vision was pitch black.

Alice (Am I... sleeping...?)

I tried to delve into my vague memories. I felt like I had been dreaming.

Lately, I’ve been having strange dreams more often than encountering the Nightmare. This time, I returned to the room with the throne from above the castle gate, and was once again led toward the throne.

In the end, the Nightmare appeared again...

Alice (Watch out for Humpty and Dumpty. I was saying something like that...)

Alice (...As I thought, those two aren’t just characters in a dream. That dream must have some meaning.)

Alice (......)

Feeling bewildered by having such strange dreams without knowing the reasons or causes. At the same time, I was surprised that I was experiencing such a dream now.

Was I in a situation of sleeping? I had no memory of getting into bed and felt like I wasn’t in such a situation.

However, I couldn’t immediately recall my memories before having the crucial dream.

Alice (......)

Alice (......)

Alice (...I remember. I was riding Gowland and a white horse...)

Little by little, my memories began to revive. The cries I hear are from that white horse.

Alice (I was riding the white horse through the town... And then, finally...)

Alice (......... My body feels warm...)

Scene Change - Forest Path

Alice “.........”

Gowland “Oh, you’re awake. Good morning.”

When I opened my eyes and sat up, Gowland was next to me. It seems I had fallen asleep while leaning against him.

No wonder one side of my body felt warm.

Alice “Oh... I’m sorry. I guess I was completely asleep.”

As I apologized, I looked around. Suddenly, the lingering sleepiness disappeared all at once.

Alice “What... is this place!?”

I had arrived at what should have been a grassy area by the river after fleeing. I remembered sitting on the ground with Gowland, talking for a while.

However, somewhere along the line, my memory was abruptly cut off. I must have fallen asleep there, but until I dozed off, it had been a normal riverside.

Now, however, there was a river flowing before my eyes, but no water. Rather, was this even a river?

What flowed in front of me resembled something white and fluffy. It didn't have a clear texture like cotton, but felt more like a white gas...

Alice “.........”

Alice “.........”

Alice “...Cloud???''

There shouldn't be anything flowing in a river trapped between banks. Yet, it appeared to be a cloud.

Gowland “Ah, it seems so. Since we can hear the sound of water, there might be water flowing at the bottom.”

Gowland answered nonchalantly to my mumbled words of bewilderment. He didn't seem particularly surprised.

Alice “...Why aren't you surprised? It was just a normal river a moment ago... what does this mean?”

I asked, alternating my gaze between the cloud moving in puffs and Gowland.

Gowland “It flowed down from upstream while you were sleeping. It seems like strange clouds keep appearing.”

Alice “No, no. ‘Seems like’—you’re so casual about this…”

I had never heard of clouds flowing in a river on the ground.

...That said, this is a world where absurdities happen without a second thought. Perhaps Gowland easily accepted the clouds flowing by.

I still wasn’t fully accustomed to the wonders of this world. Frowning, I stared intently at the white flow before me.

Gowland looked at me and chuckled, saying, “Don’t make that face.”

Gowland “The upstream of this river lies in the territory of the Heart Castle. Strange clouds have been coming from there after that storm... so it’s probably due to that.”

Alice (Clouds from the Heart Castle territory...)

I recalled the clouds I had seen when I rushed over during the storm in the Heart Castle territory. This time, there were environmental changes that hadn’t occurred before, for some reason.

In the Heart Castle territory, clouds were producing rain not of water, but of candy and cotton candy. There was talk that the cause was a “mad existence”… possibly due to my presence as an anomaly.

It still didn’t quite register with me, but it was a fact that such phenomena were happening this time.

Alice “So you’re saying that this cloud also came flowing from the territory of the Heart Castle? It’s strange for clouds in the sky to flow in a river.”

Gowland “If you say that, then the very existence of clouds that rain candy from the sky is strange. It’s already mad, so it’s no wonder whatever else happens.”

Gowland “Perhaps... It fell from the sky and turned into a cloud again on the ground?”

Alice “Whaaaa...?”

I was taken aback, but Gowland remained calm. And it wasn't just him; the white horse was calm too.

Horse “Neigh!”

The white horse leaned its nose into the same white cloud, apparently eating it. It might also be drinking the water below, but it did so with confidence.

Alice “...Am I the only one who’s surprised?”

Horse “Neigh, neigh!”

Suddenly, the horse raised its head and neighed. I thought it might be signaling its own surprise...

CG Lightning

Alice “!!”

With a sharp crack, a small lightning bolt burst forth from the cloud. A bluish-white light extended from the cloud flowing in the river down to the ground, like a leaf vein.

It seemed the horse sensed it just in time and fled. A few more lightning bolts shot up from below, disappearing in the end.

Throughout the lightning, for some reason, the cloud shimmered in rainbow colors like "waves." It was a scene that felt surreal... or perhaps utterly chaotic.

To think that a cloud (that apparently came down from the sky) would unleash lightning on the ground...

Alice (This is precisely what I would recognize as a ‘storm’ manifesting in a twisted form on the ground.)

Gowland “Lightning, huh...? There was no hint of that until now, so we might just have a passing rain shower.”

Gowland said cheerfully as he watched the running lightning.

Alice “A passing rain shower? If it’s the same cloud as in the Heart Castle territory, then what it rains down won’t be water but candy or cotton candy!”

What would happen if it started raining? …I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to say “rain” when it’s going from bottom to top.

Alice “.........”

Alice “...Let’s set aside the clouds for now. Anyway, I don’t remember the clouds appearing at all...”

Alice “Did I maybe sit here and fall asleep pretty quickly?”

Gowland “Yeah, you just dozed off. You must have been tired; don’t worry about it.”

Without anger or blame, Gowland smiled. Thinking about how long I must have slept made me feel both apologetic and embarrassed.

But it was true that I was tired enough to fall asleep during our conversation.

Alice “Yeah, I’m really tired.”

I hadn’t done anything in particular. I had just been riding the horse, but even so, I felt exhausted.

Physically and mentally. A brawl had started during the musical performance, leading to an escape on horseback.

The journey to get here was certainly not short. Under the circumstances, it was no surprise I was worn out.

Scene Change - Amusement Park - Town

Horse “Neigh, neigh!”

Woman “Ah! You startled me! ...Oh, what a beautiful white horse!”

Woman “It looks just like it's come out of a picture book. It’s rare to see such a horse in the town!”

Man “Hey. Isn’t the one riding it the owner of the amusement park?”

Man “That’s right.”

Wait... is the person riding with them the owner's lover?”

Man “What? So it was a date? When it comes to lords, they certainly do things differently!”

Man “Well, it’s probably because it’s that person... Other lords would be extravagant, but in a different way...”

Man “Well, I guess it’s fine; they look like they’re having fun!”

Woman “A storm is coming, you know. It’s only natural to want a slightly special date!”

Scene Change - Forest Path

Alice (It’s not a date, and I wasn’t enjoying it at all... ...This is so frustrating.)

I felt sad that I couldn’t clear up the misunderstanding among the townsfolk. It was hard to say anything out loud as I galloped, so I bit my tongue.

Even so, shouting “It’s not a date!” would be embarrassing...

Alice (The nature of a lord really reflects the land they govern...)

Essentially, they had a carefree disposition. Perhaps they thought we were a “crazy” couple enjoying a peculiar date, oblivious to the odd circumstances.

Literally, we had bounced around to get here.

This was a riverside in an area rich with nature, past the urban district. After all that fleeing, we had arrived here, resting the horse and ourselves.

Alice (That said, my memories of conversing with Gowland are rather brief...)

I might have fallen asleep in an instant. Had he been there to support me all that time?

Alice “Was I asleep for long? Gowland, are you okay?”

Gowland “It wasn’t that long. Are you asking if I'm okay because you were leaning on me?”

Alice “Yeah, that.”

Gowland “Haha, in that case, I’d be fine no matter how long it lasted. I don’t get tired just by supporting you.”

He laughed as if it was a joke, but staying in the same position couldn’t be easy for him. Watching the clouds flow by might have passed the time, but...

He didn’t look like it had been too long.

Alice (...I’ll just think that way. But it’s more likely he was just being considerate.)

Alice “Well, that’s good to hear. Thank you for letting me rest.”

When I expressed my gratitude, Gowland repeated, “Don’t worry about it.”

Alice (......... That said...)

As my mind started to awaken, the emotions I felt before dozing off gradually returned. Right after we arrived at this riverside, I was on the verge of tears.

I was concerned about the strange dream, but on top of that was a situation that I couldn’t overlook.

Alice (A flight of love? A rescue??? Whatever it is, to play something like that outside of a stage play...)

Alice (This isn’t like a play. It’s too embarrassing...)

Unintentionally, I found myself in the role of the heroine. Moreover, it was such a cliché that it hardly seemed like a drama at all.

Though I probably wouldn’t be exposed to anyone else anymore, the emotional scars were deep. The fact that there was no one around when we arrived here was at least some relief.

Alice “Haah...”

Gowland “What’s up? You’re making a show of your sigh.”

A big sigh escaped me naturally. Seeing Gowland’s expression cloud over, I hurried to explain.

Alice “Oh, I’m not trying to hint at anything or anything like that. It’s not that, but I feel like all the fatigue is just pouring out of me from the bottom.”

I was sitting on a comfortable, slightly sloped riverside. In front of me was a river with white clouds flowing through it, lacking any semblance of reality.

Beside me, the white horse was again drinking the river water deliciously (I worried whether the clouds were electrified or not). Though my dreams hadn’t been pleasant, I had slept, and the tension in my body had completely eased.

Gowland “Really? You’re not angry, are you?”

Alice “Eh...?”

When asked that, I hesitated slightly on how to respond...

I’m angry.

I’m not angry.

I’m angry.

Alice “Of course I’m angry. Can you imagine how embarrassing that was?”

I said it softly. Even so, I conveyed my honest feelings.

Alice “I stood out so much. I don’t have the courage to walk through the town for a while.”

Gowland “Don’t say that... It should have been better than shooting it out, right? Isn’t it better than being caught up in that gunfight?”

Alice “Well, I suppose…”

With Boris also cooperating, we managed to escape. Getting away from that scene was, in itself, a good thing.

Peter would probably be angry that we got away. I was concerned about the situation of everyone else, including Boris and the employees, and Peter as well.

However, I believed it would lead to a quicker resolution of the gunfight without me there. Fastidious Peter fundamentally doesn’t like getting dirty or tired.

He would readily kill an easily shot opponent, but he wouldn’t continue fighting with Boris, who held an important role. Even if he did continue, I wouldn’t be there anymore.

Alice (Even though it was good to rely on Boris’ goodwill to escape...)

Alice (But that escape wasn’t ideal. There seemed to be other options, like using a back route.)

I couldn’t shake the feeling that the most conspicuous choice had been made among several possibilities.

Goto 1.2.

I’m not angry.

Alice “I’m not angry. I’m just tired.”

I think it was an outrageous act of humiliation, but I’m not angry.

Boris even helped us escape. I believe it was good that we got away from that scene.

Peter would probably be angry about our escape. I’m worried about everyone else, including Boris, the employees, and Peter.

However, it's likely that the gunfight would resolve more quickly without me there. Fastidious Peter fundamentally doesn’t like getting dirty or tired.

He would willingly kill an opponent he could easily shoot, but he wouldn’t continue a conflict with Boris, who holds an important role. Even if he did continue, I wouldn’t be there anymore.

Gowland “I see... if that’s the case, then that’s good. You seemed to really dislike it both before and after getting on the horse.”

Alice “Yeah, I hated it. It was quite embarrassing.”

Alice “I’m not angry, though...”

I shrugged my shoulders and spoke lightly. I was gradually coming to terms with it.

Alice “But... You deliberately chose to go through the town, didn’t you?”

Goto 1.2.

1.2. Alice “But... You deliberately chose to go through the town, didn’t you?”

When I calmed down, I could understand that much. There was no need to race down that busy street.

Gowland had intentionally chosen that road.

Gowland “Uh...”

Clearly startled, he tensed up. He couldn’t lie to me.

Alice “Why not just confess? If you try to cover it up here, I might really get angry, you know?”

I wasn’t actually planning to get angry, but I said it playfully, as if testing him. Gowland sighed as if to say, “I surrender,” and relaxed his shoulders.

Gowland “I’m sorry for making you embarrassed. But... I wanted to get back at him too.”

Alice “Wanted to get back at him, you say?”

Gowland “The White Rabbit wasn’t thinking about hiding. He must have burst out of the castle on that horse, charging straight through the town, just going with the flow.”

Gowland “Acting all noble, like a prince. It was bothersome to let him have all the fun.”

Alice “Bothersome, huh...? ...Was this meant to be an extension of the drama?”

His rivalry was obvious. Since Peter did something, he wanted to do it too.

In short, he wanted to show that the real “prince” who would save the “princess” was himself. He wanted to make that known to the townsfolk as well.

Alice “Hmph. So, I became a victim of your need for self-assertion?”

I narrowed my eyes and glared sideways at Gowland. Suddenly, the "prince" began to fumble around nervously.

Gowland “Come on, Alice, that’s not what I meant by self-assertion. It’s more about a man’s pride, or something like that...”

Alice “How is that any different? I don’t think there’s that much difference.”

Gowland “Wha!? N-No, but...!”

Flustered, Gowland suddenly stood up as if he had thought of something.

Actually, he might not have been thinking at all. He was just restless and stood up on impulse.

Because of that, his attention was scattered. The short grassy area sloped gently toward the river... perhaps it was damp from dew or something.

Gowland “!?”

As he stood up, taking a couple of awkward steps, his foot slipped. Just like that, Gowland lost his balance.

Gowland “Whoa!? W-Wait...!”

Alice “Eh!? No, wait...!”

His large body tilted. I instinctively reached out my hand, but unfortunately, I couldn't reach him in time...

Gowland “Whoa!!”

Alice “...!!”

Horse “Neigh!”

With a huge splash. Gowland fell into the river.

Into a white cloud that didn't look like a river. From the loud sound of water, it seemed there was indeed a certain amount of water at the bottom, just as he said.

The startled white horse neighed loudly. I felt the color drain from my face as well.

What was flowing across the ground was a completely nonsensical cloud. Although small, it had been a thundercloud with lightning.

Alice “G-Gowland...!”

He fell forward, bracing himself on all fours in the cloud-filled river. It seemed shallow, but his body was half concealed by the clouds.

Even so, the water was more than I expected, and it was clear that Gowland was soaked. His face and the hair beside it were wet, and they clung to his cheeks.

If it’s like this, his body must be pretty wet too. He was likely in a state where there wasn’t a single dry spot... essentially, he was a soaked rat.

Alice (Wh-What should I do?)

This was my fault. Now that I wasn’t particularly angry anymore, I had inadvertently taken a teasing attitude.

Alice (Gowland is at fault too. He said he was bothered or wanted to show off...)

It felt like the rivalry of an adolescent boy. Seeing his face as he confessed with a sheepish look was both amusing and adorable...

Alice (...No. I overdid it too.)

I stood up, descended the short slope, and entered the river.

I couldn’t worry about clouds or lightning. I was the one who had dropped my partner into this unknowable river.

Gowland, who had been dazed, suddenly looked up.

Gowland “Alice!? What are you doing? You’re getting wet too...!”

Alice “It’s fine. More importantly, we need to get up quickly, or our bodies will cool down.”

Alice “No, it might be more dangerous because of the cloud. If lightning strikes... or rather, if it appears, it’ll be a big problem.”

The water level... where the moisture begins is just below my knees while I’m standing. Above that, the cloud is gas, so it obviously lacks texture.

The water didn’t feel too cold since it was daytime, but coldness was still a fact.

Gowland was soaked to the head, water dripping from his glasses and bangs. I extended my hand toward his face.

Alice “Here, grab on.”

Gowland “.........”

Alice “Why are you just standing there in a daze? Hurry up!”

It seemed the fact that he had fallen into the river was quite the shock. Growing slightly impatient at his prolonged stupor, I raised my tone.

Gowland “!! O-Oh... I’m sorry.”

Finally coming to himself, Gowland reached out with one hand. I grabbed his wrist with both hands and supported him as he stood up.

Even after getting back on his feet, Gowland still looked dazed.

Gowland “.........”

Alice “...Get it together. How long are you going to stay like that?”

Alice (...He looks so pathetic.)

In the musical, he had played the role of a fallen man, dressed very modestly. From his true status as a marquis, his outfit was excessively unfit.

However, while mounted on the white horse, he had actually looked somewhat cool.

It was far better than the formal attire that had been changed after the storm. Though it was too simple, he was still close to me, and there was no feeling of distance.

Even now, there was no sense of distance, but... He looked so pitiful, being completely drenched and in a daze.

Alice (Even if he looks pathetic, I don’t dislike it, though.)

Alice (...Wait...?)

The white cloud that had returned began to change into a rainbow of colors. I had been staring at Gowland, but suddenly snapped back to reality.

Alice (Th-This is bad! It could be lightning...!?)

If he were to get electrocuted, it would be no joke. I tried to tell Gowland, “Let’s get out...” but...

Alice “Wah!”

Gowland “Ow! Damn it, that hit my chin!”

What flew out from the cloud wasn’t lightning. Instead, following the thunder, was the phenomenon I had just thought of—rain.

The cloud was showering candy. Colorful drops popped out from the cloud, which was changing hues like a rainbow.

This wasn’t rain, but rather hail or sleet... and it would hurt if it hit you. It seemed that even the dazed Gowland had snapped back to reality.

Alice (I wonder if cotton candy won’t fall? That stuff is sticky and...)

Alice (…!!?)

Before I could even think “It’s a good thing,” I felt betrayed by the cloud. It seemed this cloud wouldn’t be raining cotton candy.

However, in its place, something began to pop out with a whoosh. What seemed like bright-colored water was shooting out with vigor, but...

Alice “What is this!? It’s sticky!”

I was surprised as the liquid that burst forth stuck thickly to my arm. Far from water, it was a considerably viscous substance.

Gowland “This is... water candy! What a cloud with a quirky sense of humor! It fits perfectly with this cloud flowing in the river!”

Alice “Wa-Water candy!?”

I was taken aback, but now that I thought about it, it certainly seemed like that. When I brought my arm close to my nose, I detected a sweet fragrance.

Alice “…Wait, this is worse than cotton candy! This is even stickier!”

With a whoosh, sticky water candy continued to spout from various spots. I dodged it as best I could.

Alice “Let’s quickly get to the shore, Gowland! Come on!”

I shouted in a voice that was nearly a scream and ran toward the shore.

A few times, the candy hit my body, causing pain. Gowland also let out an “Ouch!” while heading toward the shore alongside me.

Gowland “You really didn’t have to come in... You’re surprisingly bold despite the shock. You seem all covered in candy, and your feet must be wet; aren’t you cold?”

He asked me while we walked.

At that moment, one of my feet had just made it onto the bank. We both answered after getting out of the river.

Alice “That’s what I should be saying... You’re the one who’s wetter. Aren’t you cold?”

Gowland “Hmm... that’s true, it’s a bit cold. Haha, I’m just in a shirt up here... and I’ve got a bit of water candy on me.”

Gowland glanced at his own body and laughed self-deprecatingly.

Gowland “I’m a pathetic sight. I can’t believe I slipped and fell into the river... what an idiot I am...”

Alice “…You’re not an idiot.”

Taking a step closer to Gowland, I didn’t hesitate to reach out and wrap my arms around his body. I hugged him tightly, just above his waist.

Gowland “W-Wait!?”

Gowland looked startled and tried to pull away, but I didn’t let go. I tightened my grip even more.

Gowland “Hey, let go! Do you want to get even wetter!?”

Gowland was drenched from head to toe. Of course, hugging him transferred some of the moisture to me.

I didn’t mind at all. It was partly my fault that Gowland was wet.

Alice “I’m holding on because I want to. I’m not letting go.”

Alice “…You’re not an idiot. You looked uncool, but you’re not stupid.”

Gowland “What are you talking about... oh, wait, is it about earlier? But that doesn’t seem like much of a compliment…”

Alice “Yeah, about earlier. Falling into the river is embarrassing, but it doesn’t make you an idiot.”

Alice “I’m not trying to compliment you. I’m just saying what I thought.”

I spoke calmly while holding him tightly. Gowland seemed confused, unable to grasp my intentions.

Gowland “So it’s not a compliment? Even if I’m not an idiot, I’m still pathetic and uncool, right?”

Gowland “Are you telling me to be down on myself? That’s what you mean, right??”

Alice “That’s not it.”

Alice “......... ...I like that about you.”

Pathetic and uncool... it was precisely because he wasn’t trying to be pretentious. That was what made him cool.

I thought that might be the main reason I was attracted to him.

Gowland “...I don’t understand at all, Alice. You do things that get you wet... and you’re being unusually affectionate...”

Despite saying that, he seemed to have given up. The tension in his body began to ease.

Before I knew it, his arm was wrapped around my back. It wasn’t a tight squeeze, but rather a loose embrace.

Gowland “When you do this and say those things… Even if I don’t understand, I find it hard to let go.”

Alice “...Yeah.”

When I replied briefly, Gowland’s arms strengthened their grip. This time, he held me tightly.

His arms wrapped firmly around my back, his strong chest pressed against me.

His wet hair brushed against my cheek, feeling cold. My body also became increasingly damp.

Alice “Fufu. ...It’s cold.”

Still held tightly, I whispered with a laugh. Gowland responded, burying his face in my shoulder.

Gowland “Of course! You’re soaked. ...Don’t even think about asking me to let go now!”

Alice “I won’t say that.”

Alice (There's no way I'd say something like that after hugging you.)

Alice “I don’t want you to let go. ...Please hold me tight.”

Alice (I feel like I’m saying something that could actually make us part.)

Alice (I wonder why. Is it because I’ve been having strange dreams that make me anxious?)

The eggs that try to take me to the throne. Though very vague, I feel like something would change if I managed to reach the throne.

So I don’t want to reach it. I want to stay by Gowland’s side, so please keep me close.

I don’t want to deal with the unsettling eggs at all.

Gowland “So... Are you saying that I’m not able to keep you with me right now?”

I could sense a hint of anxiety in Gowland’s voice. Since his arms remained tight around me, I couldn’t see his face.

Amidst the cold of our wet bodies, only his breath generated warmth near my shoulder.

Alice “That’s not true; you’re keeping me nicely bound. I just want you to keep doing that.”

I gently pushed against Gowland’s chest and lifted my face to look up. The face I looked up at from such a close distance didn’t seem sad, and I felt relieved.

Gowland “I see... I’m glad to hear that. Even without you saying it, I plan to keep it up.”

Though he spoke with a playful tone, his true feelings were likely different.

His arms relaxed, and Gowland slowly distanced himself from my body. He placed his hands on my shoulders and locked eyes with me.

Gowland “No matter who comes to take you away, I’m confident I won’t hand you over. Well, saying I’m confident might sound aggressive, but...”

Gowland “I just can’t help myself. I’m scared of you leaving me.”

He murmured as if asking, “Does saying something like this make me pathetic again?” While asking in a whisper, Gowland wrapped his arms around me tightly once more.

Gowland “I’ve fallen for you this much. I can’t let go of you now... Just thinking about you running away makes me feel unbearable.”

Gowland “...Like the Prime Minister of the Heart Castle says, this is nothing but uncool.”

Alice “Gowland...”

I placed my hand on his damp hair resting on my shoulder. As I slid my hand down to his cheek, he flinched slightly, pulling back a bit.

I looked straight into Gowland’s face before me.

Alice “Yeah. You really are something else.”

Gowland “...”

Bam!!! It was almost as if an effect sound could accompany the way Gowland’s face looked hurt.

Gowland “Ugh...! W-When you say something like that to your partner straight in the face, I can’t recover from it, Alice...!”

He looked at me with eyes that seemed ready to tear up, utterly defeated. It was a sight so pitiful that it was almost sad.

Alice “Because it really is true.”

I gently pushed back against his relaxed body and created some distance. When I looked him over from head to toe, even more...

Alice “You’re even more uncool than usual right now.”

His worn-out shirt and the saggy pants without a crease. His stubble and glasses that were nearly slipping off, and... above all, a drenched rat.

While his clothes were those of a musical costume... At this point, it felt strangely fitting, and it seemed perfectly suited to the current Gowland.

He was absolutely not looking cool. ...But that was fine.

The high-class outfit that matched him strangely well due to the storm, which had just fallen upon him. I preferred this current look far more.

I liked the "uncool" Gowland.

Gowland “A-Are you... perhaps already starting to dislike me? Is that why you say such piercing things to the heart?”

Alice “Eh? Am I piercing you?”

Gowland “You’re definitely piercing me, no matter how you hear it! I’m losing so much blood that I’m about to die...!”

Sniffle. Gowland looked as if he were about to break down.

Alice “Come on, you’re a grown man; don’t cry, okay? That’s at a level that isn’t even funny.”

It was a comical exchange. I knew it was just light-hearted teasing, so I could banter back.

Gowland “I’m too in love with you to not cry, it can’t be helped! Ahh, I’m a hopeless man who’s no fun anyway, but...!”

Alice “!”

Before I knew it, he hugged me tightly again and grabbed my chin with one hand. Before I could even feel confused, he sealed my lips with his.

Alice “Mmm...!”

Gowland “...”

Gowland “...”

Alice “............”

Alice “Ah, fuh... ...!”

It was a kiss that could be described as rough and downright unreserved. I felt dizzy.

His intensity made it feel as if he wanted to devour me, and it even hurt a little.

Gowland “Hah...”

Alice “...”

Alice “....... ...Hah...”

When I was released, all the strength had completely drained from my body. If Gowland hadn’t been there to support me, I would have collapsed on the spot.

Alice “...Seriously. What was that, all of a sudden?”

Gowland “Haha, you can feel the love, right? ...Even if I’m not as open as that Prime Minister, I still want to express it in a visible way.”

Gowland “I’m determined that no one can beat me when it comes to how I feel about you. ...I won’t lose when it comes to expressing my affection, either.”

He said this while pulling me in tightly.

I couldn't say he wasn’t looking cool. ...It was frustrating, but it was also handsome.

Alice “...Regarding that, I don’t need to win. Just not as much as Peter would be just right for me.”

I could almost forget about his status, which could rival a Prime Minister. I hadn’t been aware of it until the storm arrived, but Gowland is an authoritative figure endowed with both status and reputation.

He’s a marquis, a lord. Although he isn’t the protagonist of a musical, he possesses both rank and honor.

However, it’s not because of these things that I fell for him. Rather, he’s so approachable and ordinary that, at times, he feels a bit pathetic.

Alice (He fixates too much on Peter... There’s no need for us to be the same, not ever.)

In that case, it would be better for him to stay a bit pathetic.

Scene Change - Amusement Park - Stable

Alice “...I wonder if it’s okay to just come in like this.”

I glanced out the window, confirming for perhaps the umpteenth time. Gowland didn’t seem to mind and was looking around the room curiously.

Gowland “I told you it’s fine. It’s part of my territory, after all?”

Alice “Even if it’s within your territory, it’s not your property...”

This is someone else’s possession. No matter how much of a lord he is, entering without permission is trespassing.

It seems like the laws in this world aren’t the same as in my world, but it’s still not a good thing to do.

After the commotion at the river, When I looked around to head back, I realized the horse was gone.

When Gowland fell into the river, he must have startled it even more than the lightning. It must have escaped while we were in the water.

As I reluctantly started to walk back on foot, the time shifted to night as if it were planned.

Our bodies were wet and half-dried. Moving at night would only make the cold worse.

In search of a place to warm up, I found this small shed. It was filled with farming tools, and since there was a field next door, it likely belonged to the owner of that field.

Alice “I’m not going to break in or anything.”

Gowland “Stuff like that can be fixed easily. They won’t be working at night, so if we just slip out quietly, no one will notice.”

Nonchalantly saying this, Gowland moved over to the window. He sat down, leaning against the wall, and beckoned me over.

Gowland “Come here, Alice. In here, we won’t be seen from outside.”

Alice “You really don’t have an ounce of guilt, do you?”

Alice (Even though he’s a lord... Ah, he’s definitely a problematic man as well...)

That said, it would be bad to stand there and be spotted through the window. Reluctantly, I followed Gowland and sat down next to him as instructed.

We both fit snugly just below the window.

It was a small shed where farming tools and grain bags were casually piled against the walls. With no curtains on the window, it was indeed the best hiding spot.

We couldn’t turn on a light, but the moonlight coming through the window was bright enough. A square patch of yellow light fell on the floor in front of us.

Gowland “............”

Alice “............”

Without saying anything, Gowland wrapped his arm around my shoulder. I didn’t exactly reject him, so I stayed silent too.

The warmth from our touching bodies was transmitted. It felt warmer than before, perhaps because we were indoors now.

Gowland “Even if we’re not soaked, it definitely gets cold at night. Are you cold, Alice?”

Alice “Yeah, it’s a bit chilly. I’m wearing light clothing.”

Gowland was in a long-sleeved shirt, while I was in a short-sleeved one.

Gowland “Well, it doesn’t mean anything if your wet clothes are thick. I’m feeling a bit cold too.”

Alice “Ah, that’s true. What am I even saying?”

Somehow, my mind was getting scattered. I had been tired from the very start, but now drowsiness was creeping in as well.

Alice (I even managed to sleep by the river. Could it be because it’s night?)

Gowland “If we both catch a cold, it’ll be a disaster. In that case, should we warm each other up with our body heat?”

Alice “Please don’t make comments that would only make things colder!”

He spoke near my ear, and I couldn’t help but retort. Thanks to that, my drowsiness faded a little.

Gowland exaggeratedly shrugged, claiming it was a misunderstanding.

Gowland “Don’t take it the wrong way. I’m just saying we should snuggle up to each other until we dry off.”

Alice “I don’t know about that. It sounds suspicious...”

The corners of my mouth twitched. His credibility was quite low.

Gowland “It’s not suspicious. ...Well, being alone in a place like this, all snuggled up, there’s no guarantee I won’t play a trick on you.”

Alice (!!)

Alice (I knew it, that’s what he meant!)

Alice “Hey! Don’t get carried away!”

Gowland “Ow!!”

I lightly slapped his damp forehead.

As expected, it wasn’t cool. This kind of exchange felt just like us.

Scene Change - Amusement Park - Main Area

Boris “Really, this is fine. I feel bad for making you go out of your way for me.”

Alice “It’s fine. If anything, I’m sorry it’s just this.”

When I apologized, Boris repeated, “It’s fine” and took a big bite of the fish burger he held.

I had treated Boris to a light meal, bought from a stand in the park. I invited him as a way to thank him for taking care of Peter.

Although I called it a treat, it was just a few snacks we were eating together on a bench. In front of us were burgers, hot dogs, and French fries.

It wasn’t anything grand, but Boris looked delighted. He rapidly finished the first fish burger and dove into the second.

Alice (............)

Alice (…He has quite the appetite. As expected, he’s in his growth phase...)

Though he was just slightly older than me, being in contact with him now, the gap felt significant. He had even reached about the same height as me.

It felt a bit late to be in a growth phase, but regardless, I couldn’t help but treat him like a child.

Boris “Munch munch... …Huh, what? Ah, did you want a bite of this?”

Alice “No, that’s not it...”

It seemed he mistook my unwavering gaze as a desire for a share of his food. Even if he’s in a growth phase, Boris, who wasn’t self-aware, wouldn’t understand, so I covered it up.

Alice “Were you really okay after that? It didn’t seem like anyone got seriously injured, but I’m still worried.”

Boris “Yeah, I was totally fine. I told you that when you and the old man came back, right?”

Alice “Yeah... That’s true...”

Boris “The Prime Minister was shooting like crazy while squeaking like a rabbit for a while. Still, you weren’t coming back, so eventually, he went home.”

I had already heard that explanation right after I returned. Thinking there was nothing more to say, Boris repeated the same content.

Alice “Did he say anything? Like he’d be back or what he’d do next...?”

Boris “Hmm… what was it again? I think he let out some parting remarks, but I don’t think he seriously discussed what he’d do next.”

Boris “But you don’t need to worry about that, Alice. The Prime Minister burst in like that because of the storm, right?”

Alice “Because of the storm?”

Alice “Eh... is that so???”

Peter’s goal was supposed to be saving me from Gowland’s noisy troubles. While it could be said that the storm was the cause, Boris's wording had a different nuance.

Alice “You're saying Peter acted that way because of the storm? …Like he was somehow affected by the storm?”

Alice (There had indeed been a storm in the Heart Castle territory just before he came to submit his appearance request. But it didn’t feel like it was for that reason, did it?)

It didn’t seem like it was because he had been affected. Pretending to withdraw only to barge in at the last minute was likely part of an elaborate plan from the start.

Boris “Well, sure, sometimes people’s characters can change a little because of a storm, but I don’t think that's the case with the Prime Minister. It didn’t seem like he was going crazy because of the storm.”

Alice “??? If that’s so...”

Boris “Even if it’s not because of the wind’s influence... The storm period is just a crazy time. It’s when people might act boldly and take unexpected actions, right?”

Alice “............”

Even if directly it wasn’t due to the storm, I somewhat understood what he meant.

Right now, the entire country felt like it was in a restless state. Peter might have been caught up in it too.

He was losing his calmness, slightly out of sync. In such a state...

If it hadn’t been like that, even Peter wouldn’t have charged in on a white horse. Even if he was trying to save me, his actions stood out too much in enemy territory.

It seemed there was some "playacting" involved... Recently, he had truly been respecting my wishes more often.

The way he charged ahead, completely believing himself to be a “prince,” and his overly conspicuous behavior. It was quite possible he had been swept up in the storm’s atmosphere.

Boris “So probably, he won’t come barging in again. The storm will end in just a few hours anyway.”

Alice “A few hours? Do you know exactly how long?”

It’s just a matter of hours for everyone to act strangely because of the storm. I remembered that from when I first heard it.

Boris “At most, I’d say about two or three hours more? So don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”

Alice “I see... Yeah, I understand.”

Because of that commotion, both the banquet and stage show had been interrupted. I couldn’t shake the guilt since I was the cause, but instead of blaming me, everyone was being considerate.

The people here are all kind and positive. I felt fortunate.

Boris “...Once it’s over, are you going to go see the Prime Minister?”

Alice “Eh?”

While sipping on a drink, Boris casually asked. His tone wasn’t accusatory, but I hesitated just a bit before answering.

Alice “...Yeah. I think I will go.”

I had planned to avoid it during the storm, but once things return to normal, I would. I would continue to visit the Heart Castle as always.

I knew he was watching over me. (He even said he would kill Gowland if anything happened, without a second thought.)

He was a friend. I had no intention of cutting ties with Peter.

Alice (............)

Alice (...I wonder why.)

At first, I had dismissed him and even resented being taken to this world. Even if I believed it was just a dream, it felt too easy to be swayed.

As I developed an attachment to this world and began to want to stay, my feelings also turned against me.

Alice (...Peter is important to me. He’s the rabbit that connected me to this world, so perhaps that’s true.)

Boris “Right? When you see him, tell him, ‘I’ll make it up to you later.’”

He said it lightly, without any sarcasm, and smiled. I smiled back.

Alice “I can certainly convey that. But please don’t do anything that would put either of you in danger, okay?”

The roles we hold involve regularly shooting and competing against each other. Whether this incident occurs or not, Boris and Peter are adversaries.

It was a futile piece of advice to give, but I said it knowing that. Boris neither denied nor confirmed it, narrowing his eyes playfully as he took a sip of juice.

Boris “That phrase would be better directed to the old man than to me. Even if he doesn’t lose his reason completely, emotions will still surface to some extent.”

Alice “............”

Boris’s words implied that Gowland would take some form of retaliation against Peter.

However, it wasn’t just mindless revenge. Even amidst the storm, he had attacked the Prime Minister of the opposing forces.

As a lord, he would likely have to take some action for appearances' sake. That part, I chose not to involve myself in, so I had nothing to say.

Deep down, I wanted to tell him, “Please don’t fight; it’s dangerous.” I understood it would be pointless to say so.

Boris “Don’t worry. That guy won’t do anything to make you sad.”

Even without me saying anything, Boris seemed to understand my feelings. The expression on his face as he looked at me seemed surprisingly mature for his appearance.

Boris “I wonder what it means, being a role holder... or rather, what it means as a resident of this world. At least for now, it’s not possible to act that way.”

Alice “That might be a minus... In your common sense.”

He hesitated to kill Peter because it would make me sad. In their sense of things, that kind of sentiment was likely seen as trivial and unacceptable.

Alice “But my common sense is different. I’m happy that you’re willing to accommodate that.”

I still couldn’t accept the idea of easily hurting each other. If Gowland protected his own life and didn’t harm others, I thought it would be fine for him to become a weak point.

Boris “That’s the privilege of being an outsider. You’re tough, even without being able to shoot a gun.”

Alice “I’ll take that as a compliment.”