♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

Story Event－Jingle Bell Ball（Giles）

*2022/12/09 新增後記+情書

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prologue：

 

It was a cold, wintry night.
There was a sudden change in the starry sky sparkling overhead.
Alyn "Let's get back."
The knights had been practicing sword-fighting until late, but Alyn lowered his sword at last.
At that moment, one of the knights looked up at the sky and spoke in a bright voice.
Knight "Captain, look at that!"
Alyn "What?"
The excited knight was pointing upwards, and Alyn turned to look.

＊＊＊

Christmas was fast approaching, and you and Louis were on a date in the town.
Louis "Jily, your hands are freezing."
Louis took you by the hand and began to lead you down the street.
Louis "Let's go. There's a café nearby that does really nice tea."

＊＊＊

After you finished your official duties, you visited the ballroom to practice dancing on your own.
Giles "You won't get much practice done without a partner.
Giles "Let me help you."

＊＊＊

Meanwhile, in Stein—
Albert "Apparently it has started to snow in Wysteria."
Byron was reading a book, but he lifted his head at Albert's words.
Byron "I see."
He turned his gaze to the window, and although there was no snow yet in Stein, he could imagine how it would soon look.
Byron "Is it that season already?"

＊＊＊

I leaned on the windowsill, staring up at the sky outside with wide eyes.
Jily "It's snowing!"
Everything looked so beautiful, and I couldn't help but think of my special someone.

(Are you looking at the same thing I am right now?)

The snow fluttered down slowly from the starry sky above.
It sparkled almost like tiny jewels, and it seemed to whisper of things to come...

 

 

Select a Suitor＞＞＞

Choose Giles

 

 

Chapter 1：

 

It was a bright winter day, and the plants in the garden were covered with a light dusting of frost.
Jily：What? A dance partner?
Giles was telling me my schedule for the day, in that calm tone of voice that I loved so much.
But I couldn't hide my complete confusion at his unexpected statement.
Giles：There will be lots of nobles attending.
Giles：The suggestion from others in the palace is that you may find a suitable prince consort amongst them.
Giles had told me that I would need to choose a dance partner for the ball being held on Christmas Eve.

(I get it, Giles. But...)

Tutor and princess—that was our official relationship, the one we showed to others.
We could never tell anyone that we were actually a couple.

(And of course I can't choose you as my dance partner.)

Jily：Very well.
I gave him a small nod, but my heart was aching.
Giles：You're so easy to read.
Giles gently caressed my cheek with his long, elegant fingers.
Giles ran his long, elegant fingers slowly from my cheek down to my chin, gently lifting my head.
He smiled sweetly at me as our eyes met.

(Your gaze is so passionate. I feel like I could drown in it.)

Giles：It's almost as if your eyes are telling me that you want to choose me as your dance partner.
Jily：Really?
It was like he'd read my mind, and I blinked up at him in surprise.
Giles：Are you sure I'm a good choice?
There was something sensual about his smile, and the soft tone of his voice.
Jily：Well, I—

(I had no idea my feelings were written so clearly on my face.)

I pouted a little at the thought, dropping my gaze away from his.
Giles：Well, one thing is true.
Giles The idea of another man touching you like that—
Giles：I can't help but feel a little jealous.
There was a teasing tone to his voice, and then he laughed softly.
Before I could think of anything to say in reply, he leaned closer until our lips were almost touching.
His breath whispered against my lips, and my pulse began to race.
Giles：Would you prefer if I did something now to show that you're mine?
Giles：Perhaps if I left a nice, clear mark on you somewhere...
Giles moved his lips lower, never quite touching my own before he hovered them downward to press a kiss against my neck.
I felt a faint sting as he suckled against my skin, and I jumped a little.
Jily：Giles!
The sudden sweet almost-pain sent a thrill of excitement through me.
Giles moved back a little, a voluptuous smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
Giles：I do so like your reactions.
Giles：It makes me want to tease you even more.
Jily：Really, Giles!
I pouted up at him, and he laughed softly and pressed a kiss against my forehead.

＊＊＊

Once I'd finished my work for the afternoon, I headed for my dance lessons.
As I stepped into the ballroom, my fingers brushed against the red mark Giles had left on my neck.

(Oh, Giles.)

I'd covered the mark with powder as best I could before I came to the lesson.

(Ahh, and it took longer than I'd expected, too.)

Louis was standing in the middle of the ballroom, his arms crossed in front of his chest.
Jily：I'm so sorry, Louis.
Louis turned to look at me, his eyes narrowing as he did so.
Louis：You're late.
Louis's expression was more harsh than usual, and I felt myself tensing.
Jily：I really am sorry.
Louis：At any rate, let's get started.
Louis placed his arm around my waist, and I tried to relax and get into position.

(You don't seem like your usual self today, Louis.)

Louis：I'll take the lead. Just follow my steps.
Jily：Okay.
Louis's feet began to move, and I did my best to follow his lead.

＊＊＊

Louis：We'll end it here for today.
As Louis stepped away from me, I felt anxiety welling up inside.

(I had no idea Christmas dances were so difficult!)

Louis：There are a lot of nobles attending, and the dance is quite different to usual.
Louis：You will have to practice as much as time permits.

(Is that why you were so mad that I was late, Louis?)

I took a deep breath and then let it out again, nodding slowly up at him.

(Okay. I can do this.)

＊＊＊

When all my work for the day was finished, I made my way to the ballroom so that I could practice the dance on my own.
Giles：What are you doing here at this hour?
I turned at the sudden question and saw Giles standing behind me.
Jily：Giles!
I hadn't expected anyone to interrupt me, and I stopped in confusion.
Jily：The Christmas dance is really difficult so I came to practice.
Giles：I see.

(And I'm going to have to wear a really flashy gown and dance elegantly somehow, right here in this room.)

I'd lost all my confidence during my lesson with Louis, but as I gazed hesitantly up at Giles, he offered me his hand.
Giles：You won't get much practice done without a partner.
Giles：Let me help you.
He gently took hold of my hand before I could react, and I was filled with a burst of hope.
Jily：Really?
Instead of replying, Giles pulled me into his embrace, his hand sliding around my waist in a practiced gesture.

(Oh!)

I looked up at him, and he smiled down at me as he spoke.
Giles：I'm not going to go easy on you just because it's you.
Giles：I hope you're prepared.

 

 

Chapter 2：

 

Giles：I'm not going to go easy on you just because it's you.
Giles：I hope you're prepared.
Jily：I am!

(I'm so glad you're helping me out! Thank you!)

I could feel the broad smile spreading across my face.
I leaned into Giles's embrace and let him lead me in the dance.
The only sound in the ballroom was the sound of our steps as we danced together.
My heart was pounding so loudly that I felt sure Giles could hear it in the stillness.

(You're always so quick to help me when I'm in trouble.
(I don't know what I'd do without your support.)

I lifted my head, looking up at his serious face.
I found myself captivated by the way the soft lighting lit up his fine features.
His eyes were bright as he met my gaze, a faint smile gracing his lips.

(I wish we could dance together like this at the Christmas ball.)

As I was thinking that, I heard the sound of the clocktower tolling midnight.

(Oh wow, how did it get so late?)

I stopped dancing, and Giles stopped as well, but he didn't let go of me.
Jily：Thank you for helping me, Giles.
Giles：My pleasure.

(I don't really want to let you go.
(But we've both been working so hard, and we really need to get some sleep.)

I clamped down on my desire to snuggle closer, and stepped away from him instead.
Jily：Goodnight, Giles.
I turned toward the door, but as I did so Giles caught hold of my hand.
Giles：Jily.
Jily：Yes?
Giles：Didn't I tell you earlier? When you make that face—
Giles：You make me want to tease you even more.
Giles pulled me toward him again, capturing my lips in a sudden, vibrant kiss.

(Oh, Giles—)

At last, he pulled back just slightly, and caressed my lower lip with his thumb.
Giles：Ahh, you do trouble me.
Jily：I do?
Giles：I don't want to let you go.
Giles：Don't think you're the only one feeling lonely right now.
Jily：Giles—
I was startled to hear him speak so honestly, and for a moment I didn't know what to say.

(I hope I'm not worrying you more by always looking so lonely about this whole thing?)

Jily：I promise I'll do my best for the ball. I won't look so sad anymore, okay?
Giles nodded slowly, and gave me a faint smile.
Giles：Let me see you back to your room.

＊＊＊

Giles saw Jily back to her room, and then sighed softly as he walked away down the corridor.
Giles：If you keep on looking like that all the time—
He narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

＊＊＊

The next morning—
I was just finishing up getting ready when Alyn arrived to take me to my riding lessons.
Alyn：Let's go.
Jily：Okay.
As we made our way through the palace, Alyn began to talk.
Alyn：You have to choose a partner for the Christmas ball, right?
Jily：Yeah.
Alyn：Pick carefully.
Jily：What do you mean?
I looked up at him, surprised and confused by his stern words.
Alyn：Most of the guys who come to these things just want any chance to get close to the princess.
Alyn：Watch them carefully before you make a choice.

(You're not usually so thoughtful, Alyn.
(It feels strange having you give me advice like that.)

Jily：Okay, I will.
I gave him a brief smile as we stepped out of the palace into the bright sunlight.

＊＊＊

After the lesson was over, Alyn knocked on the door of the study and stepped inside.
Alyn：I told her.
Giles was sitting at the desk reading through some documents, but he looked up as Alyn entered.
As Alyn entered the study, Giles looked up from the documents he was reading.
Giles：Thank you.
Giles spoke calmly in response to Alyn's words, and then returned his attention to the documents in his hand.
Alyn：I'd been wondering what your request was gonna be.
Alyn：But I didn't expect you to ask me to caution her on choosing a partner.
Giles's voice was even more calm and dispassionate when he responded.
Giles：I am her tutor, so she is very used to listening to me caution her on things.
Giles：Having someone else caution her makes her more likely to listen.
He gave Alyn a faint smile before turning away again.

＊＊＊

Meanwhile—
I was in the ballroom with Louis, practicing the dance for the Christmas ball.

(I feel like I'm doing better than I did yesterday.)

I was finally beginning to remember the steps, and my movements felt more natural.

(I guess it's because I got to practice last night.)

Louis was the one teaching me now, but as we danced together I imagined Giles in his place.
At last we stopped, and Louis gave me a small smile.
Louis：You've gotten better.
Louis wasn't really one for praise normally, and his simple words filled me with hope.

(I never expected you to give me your seal of approval, and so quickly!)

Jily：Really?!
I looked up at him hopefully, and he nodded firmly in response.
I felt as if I was floating on air, and I knew for sure that I'd be just fine at the Christmas ball.
Louis：Did someone help you practice?
I nodded slowly, and I couldn't help but smile as I remembered dancing with Giles.

〝Giles：You won't get much practice done without a partner.〞
〝Giles：Let me help you.〞

(It's all thanks to Giles for staying up so late to help me practice.)

Louis's smile deepened as he watched me.
Louis：That's good.

＊＊＊

Time seemed to fly by, and soon it was the day before the Christmas ball.
I was scheduled to visit the dressmaker to have some final alternations made to my dress.
It was a chilly day, so I decided to wear my fluffy, blue mittens.
As I climbed into the carriage, I couldn't feel the slightest chill from the handrail at all.
Jily：Thank you for waiting.
I sat down across from Giles, who was already sitting in the carriage.
Giles：Not at all.
Giles smiled at me, and his gaze moved to the mittens I was wearing.

 

 

Chapter 3：

 

Giles reached out and slowly removed one of the mittens, his fingers brushing gently against the palm of my hand.
Giles：Those are lovely mittens.
Giles：They suit you very well.
I felt warm and happy inside at his sweet compliment.
Jily：Thank you.
Giles：Your skin is so soft. Do you mind?
Giles lifted my hand to his lips, his eyes deep and intense as he placed a slow, passionate kiss to the top of my hand, then my palm.

(Whoa...nobody's ever kissed my hand like this before.)

Giles lifted one eyebrow as he met my gaze.
Giles：What are you thinking?
Jily：Nothing!
I hastily looked away, but before I knew it, Giles leaned in close to whisper in my ear.
Giles：I'm hardly going to do what you're hoping I'll do right now. We are on official duty, Prinesss.
Jily：Giles!
He pulled away again, settling in his seat with a mischievous smile.
I could feel myself blushing, but I couldn't help but laugh at the look on his face.

＊＊＊

We finally arrived at the dressmaker's, and I changed into the elegant dress that had been made especially for me.

(I wonder if it's not too extravagant for me?)

Jily：Giles?
I bit my lip as I stepped out of the dressing room to show the dress to Giles.
His eyes widened in surprise at the sight of me.
I waited for him to say something, but he simply stood there, staring at me.
I could feel unease rising up inside, and I looked down at the dress.
Jily：Does it look weird?
Giles：No, not at all.
Giles's expression relaxed into a gentle smile, but when I looked up again I realized his gaze was intense.
Giles：I was overwhelmed by how beautiful you look.
His compliment changed my unease into happiness in an instant.

(It always makes me so happy when you praise me, Giles.)

Jily：Thank you.

(I'm so glad I can attend the Christmas ball in a dress you helped me choose.)

The thought just made me even happier still.
But then I turned to look at Giles, as he spoke quietly to the dressmaker, and I felt myself overcome with sadness.

(I just wish I could dance with you at the ball.)

I looked back down at the dress, imagining for a brief moment how wonderful it would be to wear it while dancing with Giles.

＊＊＊

The Christmas ball had finally arrived, and I made my way to the ballroom.
I couldn't quite let go of that image in my mind of Giles and I dancing together.

(Giles, where are you—)

As I began to move through the crowds, looking for Giles, I found myself approached by several noblemen.
Noble 1：Princess, please let me be your dance partner tonight.
Noble 2：No, please choose me.
I felt unsure as I tried to respond to each of them, but then I remembered something.

(That's right.)
(I have to remember what Alyn told me.)

His warning from only a few days ago flitted through my mind.

〝Alyn：Most of the guys who come to these things just want any chance to get close to the princess.〞
〝Alyn：Watch them carefully before you make a choice.〞

(I know he's right. I'm just not sure how to do what he said.)

And it wasn't just that—I was hesitating because I didn't want to dance with anyone other than Giles.

(I don't know how to choose someone else besides you, Giles.)

No matter how hard I thought it through, I couldn't come up with a good answer.
As I stood there fretting, one of my maids came rushing through the crowds toward me.
Maid：I'm so sorry, Princess, we forgot the most important part of your outfit tonight.

(Most important?)

Maid：Please lean forward to I can place this ornament in your hair.
Maid：The princess of Wysteria has worn this headdress at the Christmas ball for generations.
The diamond encrusted headdress in the maid's hands sparkled in the candlelight.
Jily：Thank you.
I lowered my head as gracefully as possible so they maid could clip the headdress in place.
Maid：By the way, it's said the diamonds in this headdress can help make any wish come true, so long as it's pure.
Maid：You might want to make a wish of your partner when you dance with them.

(Any wish?)

As I ran a gloved finger along the delicate headdress, the noblemen gathered around me began clamoring again.
Noble 1：Please dance with me, Princess.
Noble 2：No, you would be better off dancing with me.
But their forceful pleas only sounded desperate and superficial to my ears.

(And there's only one person I could ever want to dance with—Giles.)

I stood there in silence, biting my lip as I tried to escape the situation as gracefully as possible.
At that moment, I heard an all-too-familiar voice speaking from behind me.
???：Would you consider choosing me as your partner?
Jily：What?
I turned around in surprise, my heart pounding.
Giles was standing behind me, wearing a beautiful, regal outfit.

He stood tall and proud, his expression calm, and I was so captivated by the sight of him that I was lost for words.
I faintly heard the sounds of nobles muttering and complaining around me.
Noble 1：I know you! You're the princess's tutor.
Noble 2：As if you have the right to dance with the princess!
Giles looked past me, his gaze moving coolly across the crowd of nobles.
Giles began to speak, his tone of voice crisp and dispassionate.
Giles：You are right. However the princess is clearly unable to make a decision.
Giles：It is my belief that she would be better off choosing me than she would be making a hasty, impulsive decision.
Giles：After all, there is no way I will ever be prince consort.
There was something almost smug about Giles's smile as he gazed around at the group.
I couldn't tell if they agreed with him or not, but not a single one of them refuted his suggestion.
Giles：What do you think, Princess?
Jily：I'd be delighted.
I lightly touched the diamond headdress as I remembered what my maid had said.

(This headdress is supposed to grant any pure wish.
(And my wish is...)

Jily：It would be my pleasure, Giles.
I'd never dreamed my wish would come true, but my heart swelled with joy as I spoke it aloud.
Giles：It would be my honor.
Giles bowed elegantly before me, and then offered me his hand.
Giles：If I may have your hand, Princess.
Jily：Of course.
As I placed my hand in his—

(What the...?!)

A sudden gust of wind blew through the ballroom, extinguishing all the candles, plunging the room into darkness.
Noble 1：What's going on here?!
Servant：We'll relight all the candles at once. Please just wait a moment.
I couldn't see anything in the darkness, and without thinking I leaned closer to Giles.
As I did so...

 

 

 

 

Choose "you kiss him" ＞＞＞

Chapter 4－Sweet Ending：

 

Giles wrapped his arm around my shoulder in the darkness of the ballroom.
I could feel his warmth clearly against my skin, and I sighed as I leaned against him.

(Your warmth is so comforting.)

I felt enfolded in his kindness as I remembered his words from only a moment ago.

〝Giles：You are right. However the princess is clearly unable to make a decision.〞
〝Giles：It is my belief that she would be better off choosing me than she would be making a hasty, impulsive decision.〞

I felt as if he'd completely saved me with that simple statement.

(You're always there saving me. And even now you're here holding me in your arms.)

As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I could faintly make out Giles's face.
I looked up at him, and I could see that he was smiling gently down at me.

(You're always the one doing things for me.)

For a moment I felt overwhelmed by my feelings for Giles.
I wanted to say them aloud, but I was worried the people around us would overhear.

(Well, if I can't tell you my feelings in words...)

I shook off my hesitation, and decided to do something else.
I stood up on my tiptoes and pressed a gentle kiss against Giles's lips.

(Maybe this will help you understand how I feel right now.)

The darkness let me be far bolder than I normally would have in the midst of such a large crowd.
Our lips parted, and as I pulled away, the chandelier above began to glow brighter and brighter.
I looked up to see what Giles's reaction was.
His eyes were wide as he met my gaze, his expression more surprised than I'd ever seen him.
His cheeks were flushed a faint red, and he continued to stare down at me in silence.
Jily：Too much?
I smiled coyly up at him, and he took a deep breath and then let it out again.
Giles：Princess, you really are—
Giles：Do you know what it does to me when you do things like that?
His eyes were burning with desire and passion as he stared down at me.
My heart skipped a beat as excitement flared through me.
Without warning, Giles reached down and took me by the hand.
Giles took my hand and pulled me firmly into his embrace.

(What are you doing?!)

He leaned closer, his lips moving toward my ear, and then he pressed a light kiss against my earlobe.
Jily：Giles—!
I couldn't stop thinking of all the people still gathered around us, and I could feel myself blushing.

(We're in public! At least I waited till it was dark!)

Giles：Anyone looking at us will think I am telling you something.
Giles：This is payback for kissing me like that.
Giles moved his face back again, and gave me an impish smile.
The fever burning in his gaze sent another thrill of delight and anticipation right through me.

＊＊＊

Before long, the snow was beginning to fall in Wysteria.
After the ball was over, I returned to my usual schedule.
After helping Alyn tend to the horses in lieu of riding lessons, I walked back into the palace with Alyn.

(Oh, that reminds me. I wanted to thank him.)

Jily：Alyn, thank you for your help before the Christmas ball.
Jily：I really appreciate your advice about being careful who to choose. It would've gone badly without that.
Alyn shrugged at my words, his expression serious.
Alyn：Giles told me to say it, and he was so insistent I couldn't say no.
Jily：What?
Jily：Are you saying Giles specifically asked you to caution me?
Alyn's words didn't make any sense to me, and I had to ask again to make sure I hadn't heard him wrong.
Alyn：Yep.

(But Giles could've told me himself. Why did he ask Alyn?)

I couldn't shake the confusion from my mind as Alyn walked me to the study.
I said farewell to Alyn and then knocked on the study door and stepped inside.
Giles was sitting at the desk, but as I entered he glanced up at the clock.
Giles：There's still time before your next meeting. Would you like to rest here for a while?
Jily：Yes please.
I smiled at him as I sat down on the sofa, but I couldn't stop thinking about what Alyn had told me.
Jily：Hey, Giles?
Giles：Yes?
Jily：Is it true that you asked Alyn to caution me about choosing the right dance partner?
Giles smiled at my words, and came over to sit down on the sofa next to me.
Giles：Yes, it's true.
Giles's breath was warm against my ear as he spoke, and I shivered a little.
His hand reached up and touched my cheek gently, and I turned toward him.
Giles：And the reason I did it,
Giles：is because if I couldn't be your partner, I at least wanted you to be able to choose someone nice.
Jily：Really?

(You were still thinking of me even then. You're so selfless.)

Giles：Does that bother you?
Jily：No, it doesn't.
Giles：Then what do you think?
Giles leaned closer, capturing me with his intense gaze.
Jily：Well, I...
I wasn't sure what to say, and I trailed off mid-sentence.
I found myself regretting all the times I'd let him see how lonely I felt.
Giles：If you want to tell me, perhaps this would be a better way.
A sensual smile played around his lips as he leaned forward and kissed me.
His mouth was warm and full against mine, his tongue slipping between my lips to tease my tongue.
I felt as if I could drown in the sweet taste of him, and I responded as eagerly as I could.
The kiss turned deeper, and I could hear myself moaning faintly as I gave myself over to it.
Giles wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me toward him.
In return I reached up and wrapped my arms around my neck, leaning into his embrace.

(Ahh, I'm no match for you, Giles.)

I thought back to that evening when we'd danced alone in the ballroom together.
I felt warmed and reassured by Giles's sweetness, and his kindness.

(You're always thinking of me first, putting me before everything else.
(You're my wonderful, special prince.)

 

－－End.

 

 

Choose "He kisses you" ＞＞＞

Chapter 4－Premium Ending：

 

Jily：Oh!
I felt Giles's lips press against mine in a sudden, deep kiss.

(Giles?!)

He pulled back again, standing up straight, and a moment later the lights came back on.
Jily：Um—

(That was—)

My heart was pounding as I stared up at Giles, but he only smiled sweetly at me.
Giles：If you blush, everyone around us will notice.
Jily：Gah!
I remembered then that we were in the middle of a crowded ballroom, and that everyone was watching.
I tried to smile and look natural, but my heart was still pounding like crazy, so loud I almost didn't hear Giles's whisper.
Giles：When the lights went out and you were right in front of me—
Giles：I found myself thinking all sorts of wicked things.
Giles：But that's the sort of man I am.
Jily：Giles—
I could feel myself blushing in spite of his earlier words, and at that moment the music began to play.
Giles：Well now. Shall we dance, Princess?

(Ahh, I really am no match for you, Giles.)

Giles offered me his hand, the gesture as elegant as any nobleman.
I felt a flutter of excitement in my stomach, and I smiled as I placed my hand in his.
Jily：Of course.
Giles stepped forward and placed his arm around my waist.
Giles and I began to dance in time to the Christmas music echoing through the room.
Our breaths seemed to overlap, and I felt a sense of perfect unity.
It was like there was no one else in the world but Giles and I.
For a moment I gave myself over to that illusion, and I smiled up at him.
Woman：You said those two are tutor and princess, right?
The soft sound of a woman's voice from nearby shattered the illusion.

(Tutor and princess, huh? That's not all we are.)

I felt myself tensing a little as I waited for her next words.
Woman：But they're so perfectly suited to each other. They look like a real couple.
Her words were a complete surprise, and my heart was filled with a faint hope for our future.

(Maybe one day it really will happen.
(A day will finally come when people will accept our relationship.)

I looked up at Giles, and as our eyes met he smiled gently down at me.
There was such tenderness and love in his eyes that I couldn't help but smile back at him.
The music played on, and we continued to smile at each other as we danced together.

＊＊＊

A few days after the ball—
Nico：Hey Jily, about Christmas—
Nico's eyes were wide as he stepped into the room to speak to me.
Jily：What is it, Nico?
Nico's smiled brightly at me as he continued to speak.
Nico：So apparently that dance you did with Giles was really wonderful.
Nico：And now someone wants you to and Giles to dance together at a ball being held on Christmas Day.
Jily：You're kidding!

(Me and Giles? Really?)

Nico：No, really! This invitation is from a noble in Laurelia who attended the ball, and they really want you both to come.
I was too startled by his words to say anything in reply, but I accepted the invitation he handed me and scanned the contents.

(Giles and I could dance together on Christmas Day?!)

That faint hope that had been lit inside me flared into something bright and warm.

＊＊＊

I clutched the invitation in one hand as I hurried to the study where I knew Giles would be.

(But what will you say, Giles?)

Giles read the invitation, and his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
Giles：This ball is being held on Christmas Day, and I had intended for it to be a day off for you.
Giles：Wouldn't you be better off resting?
Giles's dubious response was the complete opposite of my bright hope.
But I was determined not to give up, and I searched for the right response.
Jily：Well, if it's a day off, why not attend to ball as a relaxing outing?
Jily：Besides, it would make me really happy to spend Christmas with you somewhere different like that.

(I want to spend Christmas with you, Giles.)

My request was as heartfelt as I could make it, and I stared at him with pleading eyes.
He met my gaze, and at last his expression relaxed into a smile.
Giles：You do say the most adorable things.
Giles：Very well, I will go with you.

＊＊＊

That evening—
Giles and I were sitting in a carriage together, heading toward Laurelia.

(Somehow this feels so much more special than just a diplomatic work trip.
(It's almost like Giles and I are taking a vacation together.)

I fussed with my skirts for a moment as I thought to myself.
Then I turned to look out the window, and to my surprise—
Jily：Oh wow!
Soft snowflakes were falling gently from the sky, floating past the window.

(It's snowing!)

Jily：It's so beautiful.
I spoke softly, and Giles glanced out the window as well.
Giles：When we reach the town, shall we step down from the carriage and look around for a bit?
Jily：Yes please!
The snow out the window seemed to fall faster in response to our words.

＊＊＊

When we reached the town, we stepped down from the carriage.
The snow was piled high everywhere, and it sparkled in the bright moonlight.
Giles：Ahh, so beautiful.
Jily：Yes, it is.
As I looked over at Giles, I realized that he was staring at me.
Giles：I wasn't talking about the snow.
Jily：You weren't?
Giles：I was talking about you.
His eyes were smoldering with desire, and my heart skipped a beat and began to pound faster.
In spite of the cold I felt warm inside, and I smiled at him as he stepped toward me.
His lips pressed against mine in a sudden, vibrant kiss, his arms wrapping around me and pulling me roughly against him.
The falling snow danced cold and bright around us, but we were so lost in our kisses that we barely noticed.

(I'm never as happy as I am when I'm with you, Giles.)

At last our lips parted, and Giles murmured softly, his breath warming my lips.
Giles：Now that I know I'm spending it with you...
Giles：I feel like this is going to be a wonderful Christmas.
Giles smiled again as he offered me his hand.
Giles：Shall we get going?
Jily：Okay.
I placed my hand in his, and as his long fingers curled around mine, I smiled up at him.

(I can go anywhere so long as I have your hand to hold onto.
(You'll always be my special prince who's there to greet me.)

We walked slowly back to the carriage, our breath steaming in the chilly night air.
The snowflakes spiraled sweetly around us, as if enfolding us in a special embrace.

 

－－End.

 

 

After Episode：

You've enjoyed a special Christmas tale with your suitor.
Now enjoy a story from Christmas Day, at the very moment the clock strikes midnight...
…………
Giles：Well now, you are a naughty girl.
(When you look at me with those eyes—
(I hope you don't expect our Christmas to be a quiet, sedate one.)
Giles wrapped his arms around Jily and carried her across to the bed, laying her down against the covers...
………
Spend a very special Christmas with your very special prince.
Why not enjoy this sweet, mature story with him now?

 

It was morning, and the pale sunlight filtered in through a window fogged white with the cold.
Giles was explaining Jily's daily schedule to her, as he did each day.
Before he read one of the notes he'd made in the schedule, he took a deep breath and let it out again.
Giles "In addition,
Giles "At the Christmas ball you will be choosing a dance partner for the evening."
Jily "What? A dance partner?"
Jily looked startled at his words, but a moment later her expression crumbled.
She gazed up at him with wide eyes, ignoring the list of candidates that he was offering her.
Her expression was clearly telling him that she had no intention of choosing a partner from the list.

（Oh Jily, please stop looking at me with those lonely eyes.
（If it were up to me, I would never make you choose another man over me.）

He ignored the flare of sadness inside him, and closed his eyes for a brief moment.
He composed himself quickly, and gave her a smile, speaking in his usual calm, forceful tones.

＊＊＊

At last it was the day of the ball itself.
When Giles stepped into the ballroom, he paused at the scene before him.
Noble 1 "Please dance with me, Princess."
Noble 2 "No, you would be better off dancing with me."
Jily was surrounded by a group of young noblemen, all eagerly trying to get the princess to dance with them.
Jily stood paralyzed in the center of the group.
He could see her face in profile, and she had the same expression she'd had when he'd handed her the list of candidates.

（Oh, Jily.）

His heart ached so badly he almost forgot to breath.
He closed his eyes again for a moment, trying to calm himself down.
Giles "Would you consider choosing me as your partner?"
He spoke the words aloud before he even realized what he was doing.
Noble 1 "I know you! You're the princess's tutor."
Noble 2 "As if you have the right to dance with the princess!"
The voices of the young noblemen were shrill as they harangued him.

（Oh, I understand better than any of you that I have no right to this.
（And yet...）

Giles lowered his gaze the bouquet of white flowers gripped so tightly in Jily's hands.
Giles "You are right. However the princess is clearly unable to make a decision.
Giles "It is my belief that she would be better off choosing me than she would be making a hasty, impulsive decision.
Giles "After all, there is no way I will ever be prince consort."
Giles smiled smoothly at the gathered throng, wishing desperately that his final statement wasn't true.
Giles "What do you think, Princess?"
At last he turned to look at Jily again.
Jily "I'd be delighted.
Jily "Please, will you dance with me tonight?"
She was looking up at him with a bright smile that was full of joy.
Giles "I'd be delighted."

（I feel as if I could do anything—anything at all.
（So long as I can see you smile at me like that.）

Giles bowed formally before her, and then offered her his hand.
Giles "If I may have your hand, Princess."
His heart was bursting with pride and happiness to say those words aloud.

＊＊＊

It was Christmas Eve, only a few days after the ball in Wysteria.
Giles and Jily had been invited to dance at a Christmas ball being held in another country.
They were staying the night at the mansion of the nobles holding the ball.
Giles "In just a few more minutes it will be Christmas."
Jily was standing at the window, staring out at the snow, and Giles stood behind her, his arms around her waist.
Giles "Are you sure you don't want to hang up any Christmas stockings?"
His tone was teasing as he murmured the question in her ear.
Jily "Geez, Giles, I'm not five anymore."
Jily laughed softly as she turned to look up at him, and Giles took the opportunity to kiss her.
He closed his eyes, capturing her laughter and the sweet moans that followed it.

（I want to grant every wish that you have.）

Giles pressed his hands against the windowpane, leaning closer and kissing her even more hungrily.
Man "Merry Christmas!"
All of a sudden they heard the faint cheery sound of a man's voice outside the window.
It was quickly followed by the popping sound of someone opening a champagne bottle.
Jily "Oh! Giles, Merry Christm—"
Jily pulled back a little, turning toward the window, but Giles cupped her cheek, bringing her face back to his.
He kissed her again, feeling his love for her flooding through him.
She seemed to melt against him, her body languid, and warm, and soft.
Giles "Merry Christmas."
At last their lips parted again, and he smiled down at her.
Jily "Giles...
Jily "I'm so happy that we could be together like this for Christmas."
The faint moonlight from outside seemed to sparkle in her eyes as she spoke, and desire burned through him.
Giles "Well now, you are a naughty girl."

（When you look at me with those eyes—
（I hope you don't expect our Christmas to be a quiet, sedate one.）

Giles wrapped his arms around Jily and carried her across to the bed, laying her down gently against the covers.
He leaned close and kissed her, his mouth needy and passionate against hers.
His tongue slid between her lips, twining with hers, and she moaned softly in her throat.
As he devoured her with his lips, he slid his fingers beneath the hem of her dress.
Jily gasped as their lips parted for a moment, her voice soft and breathy.
Giles traced a teasing trail up her thighs, and he leaned close and whispered in her ear.
Giles "There is nothing that makes me happier than sharing Christmas like this with you."

（And not only that—here, we're away from prying eyes that know better. Here, we can just be together.）

Jily's cheeks were flushed, her eyes wide and full of need, and Giles pressed a soft kiss against her arched neck.
She gasped and moaned, her body writhing against him.
He caressed Jily's bare skin, drinking in the heat radiating from every inch of her.
Jily "Giles—"
Her voice was husky with desire as she spoke his name, and he pressed his body down against hers.

＊＊＊

The next day—
Giles and Jily attended the Christmas Day ball together.
Man 1 "Aren't you that lovely couple from Wysteria who did that splendid dance recently?"
Nobleman "Yes, they are. That's why they were invited today."
The nobleman who'd invited us was dressed up in his finery, and already encouraging his guests to drink up.
Man 1 "Well then, the music is starting."
Giles and Jily were encouraged to dance, and they made their way onto the dannce floor.
Jily's expression was a little uneasy, but she smiled up at Giles all the same.
Giles "Since we were invited here to dance, we should make sure we enjoy it."

（At the palace I always have to be so strict and distant with you.
（I'd at least like you to be able to relax and enjoy yourself when we're away.）

Giles placed his hand on Jily's waist, and they began to dance.
They moved in time to the music, and Jily's smile was full of blissful happiness as she looked up at him.
Giles "I knew it would be worth coming here."
Jily "What do you mean?"
Giles "That lovely smile of yours is worth everything."

（And I never expected to get an opportunity to dance with you so openly like this.）

He smiled down at her, his heart full of joy, and her smile brightened even further.

（I think I've just discovered how wonderful Christmas can be.）

Giles listened to the sweet strains of music floating through the room.
He continued to dance with Jily in his arms, caring about nothing but her sweet smile and her warmth against him.