♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

Story Event－Forget Me Not

（Eternal Bonds Route：Nico）

◆ Select a Suitor ◆
＞＞＞Choose Nico

Nico, Chapter 2：

I was safely rescued from the carriage, and taken to a nearby mansion to have my wounds treated.
Alyn cleaned the wound on my leg with practiced hands, and wrapped a bandage around it.
Jily：Thank you, Alyn.
I spoke softly, sighing as I did so.
Alyn：What are you sighing about?
Jily：Because they're going to postpone the opening ceremony for the opera house. Just because of me.
Alyn frowned at my words, his expression exasperated.
Alyn：You being okay is more important than that.
Alyn：Now, do you have any other injuries?
I dropped my gaze at Alyn's words, checking myself for any other pain.
I didn't really have any clear memories of the accident itself, so I wasn't sure where I'd been hurt.

（But when I was pulled out of the carriage, I could walk and move.）
（And I don't feel pain anywhere else, so—）

Jily：I think I'm okay.
That moment there was a knock at the door.
???：Are you okay, Jily?
The young man who entered the room looked worried as he approached me.
He breathed a sigh of relief as he gazed down at me.
???：I was so worried.
I looked up at his bright smile, confusion washing through me.

（You're acting like you know me, but—who are you?）

I turned my gaze to Alyn, and spoke hesitantly.
Jily：Alyn?
Alyn：What?
Jily：Um, I—

（This guy obviously knows me—I can't just say I don't know who he is, right in front of him.）

I couldn't think of the right words, and Alyn frowned again, his expression impatient.
Alyn：Well, now that Nico's here for you, hurry up and head back to the palace.
Jily：Nico?

（I've never heard that name before.）

I sat there blinking at Alyn, unsure about what I should do next.
Nico leaned closer, studying my expression, his smile gone.
Nico：What's the matter, Jily?
The room filled with a waiting silence as I struggled to find the right words.

＊＊＊

I climbed into the carriage, and glanced at Nico who was sitting next to me.

（So you're my attendant?）

Before I'd left the mansion, Alyn had explained that Nico was my personal attendant.
Nico：What's the matter?
Jily：Nothing.
Nico was smiling cheerfully at me, and I turned my face away.

（You're acting like it's not a big deal.）
（But I can't believe I forgot you, and only you.）

Nico spoke again, his voice light and reassuring, almost as if he could read my thoughts.
Nico：Don't worry about it, Jily. After all, you were in a big accident.
Nico：Even the doctor said you were lucky to get out of it with only this.
He was doing his best to be sweet and reassuring, and it made my heart ache.
Jily：But—
I wasn't even sure what I wanted to say, but Nico cut me off before I could finish.
Nico：I mean it—don't worry about it.
Nico's gaze was serious this time as he looked over at me.
There was something intense in the way he stared at me, and I caught my breath.
All of the things I wanted to say seemed forgotten as we stared at each other.
Slowly, he moved his face towards me, his gaze never leaving mine.
Nico：Or is it okay if I make you remember?
Nico moved towards me, his lips almost touching mine.
Jily：What?!
I turned my face away from him, and he giggled softly.
Nico：I'm sorry, I'm just joking.
He sat back from me, and then picked up a bag sitting next to him, with a large flower decoration attached.
Nico：Also, don't forget this. You lost it in the carriage when it overturned.
I took the bag from him curiously, staring down at it.

（I've never seen this bag before.）

Nico：Don't tell me you don't recognize it?
Jily：No, I don't.

（I can't believe I could even forget my own bag.）

I felt thoroughly miserable, and I spoke softly without thinking.
Jily：Just how many things have I forgotten?
Nico looked at me for a moment, and then spoke in that bright voice of his again.
Nico：I'm sure you'll be able to remember them all eventually.
Jily：You think so?
I looked up at him and realized there was mischief sparkling in his eyes.
Nico：How about I tell you one of them now?
Nico：Jily, I love you!
Jily：Nico!
I blushed helplessly in spite of his teasing tone, and he began to giggle again.

＊＊＊

The days continued to pass, but my memories of Nico didn't return.
One morning I woke to the sound of my curtains flapping in the breeze.
Nico：Good morning, Jily.
Jily：Good morning, Nico.
I sat up slowly in bed, blinking and trying to wake up properly.
I looked down and realized that the ribbon ties on my nightgown had come undone in the night, baring my shoulder.

（Oh!）

I hurriedly straightened my nightgown, but Nico just smiled cheerfully.
Nico：It's okay, Jily.
Nico：I'm used to that.
Jily：Geez, Nico!

（The idea that you're used to it just embarrasses me more!）

I blushed a little, and Nico sat down on the bed next to me.
Nico：Let me, Jily.
Nico sat down next to me, gazing at the ribbon ties on my nightgown.
Jily：But—

（I can do it myself, it's okay.）

But Nico smiled sweetly at me, and I couldn't finish my sentence.
Nico：It's okay, really.
Nico reached out and carefully relaced the ties on my nightgown with practiced hands.
I watched him quietly, and I suddenly realized something.

（I do feel embarrassed, but I don't feel weird or uncomfortable or anything.）

Nico tied the ribbon in a bow and moved back, and I looked up at him.

（Do you always do things like this for me?）

Nico：What's with that expression? Is something wrong?
Jily：No, it's nothing.
I shook my head, my voice soft, but Nico leaned closer.
Nico：Now you've got me curious. C'mon, tell me, Jily.
Jily：Nico—

（Somehow I just can't say no when you look at me with those intense eyes.）

I sighed softly, and then told him the truth.
Jily：I was just wondering if you do things like that for me all the time.
Jily：It was strange, but it just felt natural to you have you do that.
Nico's eyes widened at my words, his cheeks flushing red.
It wasn't the reaction I'd expected, and I blinked up at him in surprise.
He turned his head away as if trying to hide his blush.
Nico：I told you before that I love you, didn't I?
He sighed softly, looking at me out of the corner of his eye, his expression concerned.
Nico：When you say things like that to me, I—
Nico frowned, and there was something pained about his expression.
He leaned forward and gently pressed his forehead against mine.
Nico：Please remember me, Jily.
Jily：I—
I blinked up at Nico, and he squeezed his eyes shut, almost as if he couldn't bear to look at me.

（You're always smiling and cheerful, so I didn't realize.）
（But this is really hurting you, isn't it?）

My heart ached in my chest, and I pulled slowly away from him.
Jily：Nico—
I stared directly at him, trying desperately to remember something.

（Anything will do. Just a single memory. C'mon, brain.）

Nico opened his eyes again, gazing wistfully at me.
Nico：I'm sorry, Jily.
Jily：No, it's not your fault, Nico.

（If only there was something that might help me remember.）

I closed my eyes, trying hard to focus on remembering.

（It doesn't matter how small a memory it is. I just want something!）

The darkness behind my eyelids was comforting, but no memories surfaced.
Then all of a sudden—

（Oh!）

I remembered the bag that Nico had handed to me in the carriage.

（That's right.）

Jily：That bag—

You can proceed to the Premium Ending!

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Nico, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

Jily：That bag—
I remembered something, and I looked up at Nico.

（If I ask you about the bag that you gave me when we were in the carriage,）
（maybe I'll remember something.）

Jily：Um, Nico—
Before I could finish speaking there was a knock at the door.
Nico gave me a small smile that seemed almost forced.
He stood up and made his way towards the door.

（Oh, Nico—）

My heart was pounding so hard that my chest was aching.

（I can't remember anything.）

Nico left the room as Giles entered, and Giles frowned a little as he looked at me.
Giles：What's the matter?
Jily：Nothing.
I forced my expression into a smile, but my thoughts were still on Nico.

（I'm so sorry, Nico.）

＊＊＊

After going to see the princess, Giles summoned Nico to the study.
Giles：Did something happen with the princess?
Nico's eyes narrowed at Giles's words, and he looked away.
Giles waited for an answer, but when nothing was forthcoming, he sighed.
Giles：She may be feeling confused to be around you without her memories of you.
Giles thought for a moment, and then spoke again.
Giles：How about I ask the maids to take care of the princess for the time being?
Nico：What?
Giles：In the meantime you can help me with my duties instead.
Nico's eyes widened slightly at Giles's words, but then his expression went flat.
Nico：Very well.

＊＊＊

At last the sun had set, and night enveloped the palace.
I'd finished all my work for the day, and I sat in my chambers, sighing softly.
Nico：Please remember me, Jily.

（Oh, Nico.）

Even as I was thinking of him, there was a knock at the door.
Nico：It's just me, Jily.
Nico shut the door behind him and walked towards me, a smile on his face.
Nico：I'm sorry about earlier, Jily.
Jily：No, it's okay.

（But I'm so bothered by what happened today that I can't quite look you in the eye.）

The atmosphere felt heavy and uncomfortable, but then Nico spoke, breaking it.
Nico：Actually, I'm not going to be your attendant anymore.
Jily：Wait, what?
I looked up in surprise, a sudden ache ripping through me.
Nico：Giles made the decision.
Nico smiled brightly at me, but there was something lonely about it.

（Why—）

I sat there in silence, unable to speak, and Nico gently touched my cheek.
Nico：But—
He reached out and wrapped me in his warm embrace.
Nico：I won't give up.
Jily：Nico—
I spoke his name hesitantly, and he hugged me even tighter.
Nico：I really do love you, Jily.
I sat there in quiet shock, not sure how to react.
But his soft words set my thoughts whirling.

（You clearly care about me so much.）
（I wish I could remember you. I want to remember you.）

I tried to make the memories return, but my mind was blank.

（I want to be with you, that much is true.）
（But without my memories, I'm sure I'll just—）

I lifted my hand and pressed it against Nico's chest, gently pushing him away.
Jily：I'm so sorry.

（I'll just hurt you.）
（Without my memories, I have no idea how I feel about you.）

Something ached deep down inside as I looked up and met Nico's gaze.
Jily：I can't be with you when I don't even fully understand my own feelings.

（I don't want to hurt you any more than I already have.）

Nico's expression crumbled at my words.
He met my serious gaze for a moment longer, and then looked away.
Nico：Okay.
He turned away and left the room without looking at me again.
As the door shut behind him, tears spilled down my cheeks.
Jily：I really am so sorry...

＊＊＊

The next day—
I returned to my room during a break from my work, and reached out to touch the bag sitting on my bedside table.

（I don't know why, but there's something about this bag.）

At that moment one of the maids who was cleaning my room spoke to me.
Maid：Excuse me, Princess? I found this.
Jily：Yes?
I turned around as the maid handed me a large flower decoration.
Maid：I found it on the floor here. It looks like it was attached to something.

（I've never seen it before.）

I took the flower decoration from her, and as I touched it I remembered something.

（This used to be attached to my bag.）

At that moment a sudden vision of Nico struck me, clear as day.
Jily：Wait a minute—
I saw something in my mind, a vision that was clear and sure.
At the same moment my heart skipped a beat and began to pound wildly.

（Nico!!）

I clutched the flower decoration to my chest, feeling suddenly elated.
I thanked the maid quickly and then dashed out of the room.

＊＊＊

（Nico, where are you?）

I hurried down the corridors, the flower decoration still clutched tightly in my hand.

（I made a promise with you.）
（And yet I—）

I sighed softly as I glanced around me.

（This is no time to be getting all gloomy. I need to find Nico!）

I lifted my chin firmly, grasping my resolve, and then—
Jily：Nico!
I could see the gardens through the windows, and I hurried outside.

＊＊＊

When I reached the gardens, almost out of breath, Nico stared at me with wide eyes.
Nico：Jily?
At the sound of his voice I started crying, tears flowing down my cheeks.

（Even though I lost my memory, you still reminded me of how much I love you.）
（I need to tell you, too.）

Jily：I remembered—
I hurried towards him, trying to ignore the tears.
Nico：What?
Jily：I remembered all the times I spent with you—
My tears grew stronger, choking my voice, and I swallowed.
Jily：I'm so sorry, Nico!
Nico reached out and pulled me into his arms, his embrace strong.
His voice was sweet and gentle as he spoke.
Nico：You're always apologizing, Jily.
Nico：You remembered for me, and that's all that matters.
Jily：Oh, Nico—

（I hurt you so much when I couldn't remember...）

Nico sighed softly and then pulled back, looked down at me.
Nico：You know, Jily—
Nico stared down at me, his eyes clear and sure, and then he breathed out slowly, as if steeling himself.
When he spoke, his voice was as sure as his gaze.
Nico：No matter what happens, I love you.
Jily：Nico—
Nico：At first, I was imagining how it might be better if I became someone else—
Nico：And then if I met you again and we fell in love again—
His soft words echoed through my mind.

（I never realized you felt that way.）

Nico：But I'm just me, and only me.
Nico：And I realized I just had to do all that I could, as Nico.
Jily：Oh, Nico—
Nico was blushing as he met my gaze, but his eyes were intense.

（You don't need to say anything more.）
（I already understand.）

I reached up and cupped his cheeks with my hands, feeling his warmth.
Then I stood up on tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss against his lips.
Jily：Thank you for caring about me so much.
I smiled brightly up at Nico, and he stared at me in surprise for a moment.
Nico：Ahh, Jily, you're too much.
He murmured the words softly, his expression a little shy as he wrapped his arms around my waist.
Nico：But I love that about you. I love everything about you.
He leaned closer, his lips capturing mine in a kiss.
I clung to the flower decoration as I reached up and hugged him tightly.
I closed my eyes as I returned his sweet kisses, savoring the taste of him that I'd missed.

（I wasn't able to fulfill your promise, but—）
（All that really matters right now is how much we love each other.）

fin.

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Nico, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

Jily：That bag—
I remembered the bag that Nico had given me when we were in the carriage.

〝Nico：Don't tell me you don't recognize it?〞

（I didn't ask anything more at the time, but—）
（But maybe I could remember something if I knew more about that bag.）

I opened my mouth to ask Nico, when—

（Oh!）

There was a knock at the door, and a maid called for Nico.
Nico frowned a little as he turned to look at the door.
He stepped away from me, and then turned back to face me.
Nico：I'm sorry for today, Jily.
He looked away again as he hurried out of the room.
Jily：Nico—

（Why can't I remember you?）

I chewed on my lower lip as I stared at the closed door.

＊＊＊

That evening—
I couldn't stop thinking about Nico, and I'd lain in bed tossing and turning.
Eventually I'd given up and headed to the library to scan the shelves.

（I know this probably won't help at all.）

At last I found a book related to memories, and I pulled it down from the shelf.

（But maybe it'll be the thing that jogs my memories.）

As I opened the book, I heard a voice speak from behind me.
???：What are you doing here so late?
I turned in surprise to find Leo walking towards me.
Jily：Leo! You startled me.
Leo looked down at the book in my hands, and his eyes widened slightly.
Leo：A book about memories?
Jily：Well, I just—
I tried to hide the book, feeling silly, but Leo gave me a sudden sweet smile.
Leo：If you like, I'm happy to listen.

＊＊＊

（I don't want to cause too much trouble for Nico, so I'd better not go into too much detail.）

I hesitated, and then tried explaining the problem to Leo as vaguely as I could.
Jily：What if I'd lost my memories of someone, and I didn't know if I loved them or not? What would I do?
Leo：Hmmm.
Leo looked thoughtful for a moment, then spoke again in a gentle voice.
Leo：But even if you don't remember them, you still want to know them better, right?
Jily：Yes.
I nodded slowly, and Leo gave me a smile.
Leo：What if you wanting to know them better means that you already love them?
Jily：What?

（Could it really be that simple?）

I stared up at him in surprise, feeling a burst of hope sparking through me.

（Maybe you're right. I think I—）

Leo smiled again and spoke softly, almost as if he could read my thoughts.
Leo：Why not go see that person?
Leo：I'll handle things here.
I smiled brightly up at Leo, feeling suddenly glad I'd spoken to him.

（Maybe I just needed to talk to someone. I'm glad you were here.）

Jily：Thank you, Leo.
I curtseyed and hurried out of the library.

＊＊＊

I urged the horse through the cobbled streets until we reached the opera house.
Jily：Wait here, okay?
I stroked the horse's head for a moment and then dismounted carefully and tied its reins.
The servants had told me Nico was still at the opera house doing last minute preparations for the opening ceremony.
I felt flustered and excited, my pulse pounding in my ears.
I hurried up the stairs of the opera house towards the large doors.

＊＊＊

I carefully pushed open the doors and stepped inside.

（Are you still here? Please be here.）

Nico：Jily?
Nico was standing inside by himself, checking over some last minute things.
Nico：What's the matter?
I walked towards Nico, my fingers clenched together to stop them trembling.
Jily：Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something.
My heartbeat was so loud in my ears that I almost couldn't hear myself speak.
I took a slow, deep breath, and then let it out again.

（I finally understand.）
（Even if I don't have my memories, I want to know you. I want to be with you.）
（And the reason for that is—）

I looked directly into Nico's eyes as I spoke.
Jily：I love you too, Nico.
Nico：What?
Nico stared down at me with wide eyes, for once lost for words.
Jily：I didn't say anything because I thought it might upset you, what with me not remembering you.
Jily：But—
My feelings for Nico burned deep inside me, and I couldn't ignore them any longer.
Jily：I want to get to know you all over again, and fall in love with you again.
Nico：Jily—
Nico smiled happily at me, reaching out towards me.
Nico：Thank you, Jily.
Nico reached out and slid his hand behind my head, pulling me towards him and pressing our foreheads together.
Nico：Just hearing you say that makes me so happy.
The warmth of Nico's forehead against mine sent warmth spiraling through my whole body.
Nico：I'm sorry I said I'd try and make you remember.
Nico：It doesn't matter to me if you do or not, so long as you're with me.
Jily：Thank you.
I nodded up at him with a smile, and he leaned close and placed a soft kiss against my cheek.

（I never imagined we might end up together like this.）

Nico's lips captured mine, nibbling on my lower lip before kissing me properly.
I closed my eyes and kissed him back, one lingering thought slipping through my mind.

（But even though this is wonderful—）
（I still wish I could remember even a little of the times we used to spend together.）

I reached up to wrap my arms around Nico's neck, when—

（Oh!!）

A vivid memory flashed across my mind.

〝Nico：Jily, put this on your bag, okay?〞
〝Jily：Oh wow, that flower is adorable! But why?〞
〝Nico：It's a secret.〞
〝Nico：I'll tell you why after the opening ceremony is over, okay?〞
〝Jily：Okay!〞
〝Nico：Make sure you put it on your bag, okay? It's a promise.〞

（That's right! Nico and I made a promise!）

I pulled slowly back from our kiss, looking up at Nico with wide eyes.
Jily：Nico, wait—
I looked up at Nico, my eyes suddenly filling with tears.

（I remember. At last—）
（I remember how much I love you, Nico.）
（And how you were always with me, when I was happy, and when I was sad.）

I blinked several times, trying to hold back the tears, but they spilled down my cheeks.
Nico：Jily?
I wiped my tears away with one hand, my voice hoarse when I spoke.
Jily：I remembered.
Nico：What?
Jily：Thanks to you, I remembered.
I smiled brightly up at Nico, reaching up to touch his soft lips.
Jily：Maybe it's because you kissed me.
Nico：Jily—
Nico's eyes widened in surprise even as he pulled me into a rough embrace.
Nico：Thank you.
He leaned close and whispered in my ear, his breath hot against my skin.
Nico：I don't mind whether you've got your memories or not.
Nico：No matter what happens, I love you, just as you are.
Jily：Nico—
Nico took a deep breath, and then spoke in a brighter tone.
Nico：I guess this means I can finally tell you what the flower decoration means.
Jily：Really?
I looked hopefully up at him, and he beamed down at me.
Nico：This particular type of flower—
Nico stopped mid-sentence, and then leaned over and whispered the rest of the words in my ear.
My eyes widened in surprise, a broad smile spreading across my face.

（Really? So in the language of flowers—）

Nico pulled back from my ear, looking down at me, and then kissed me again.
I closed my eyes and gave myself over to the kiss, holding him tightly.

（It means a bond between us...）

Nico and I stood there holding each other tightly, exchanging kiss after sweet kiss...

fin.