♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

A Wedding Story Event－My Sweet Baby（Albert）

As the sun sparkles brightly in the sky over Wysteria—
A very special job has been prepared for you as the princess!
Giles：A day will come soon enough when you will be married.
Giles：I would like you to practice what that's like for just three days.
It's the start of a special married life with the man you love!
………
……
Albert：I promise I will make you happy for these three days.
Albert：So happy that you will want to choose me as your husband one day.
………
……
But suddenly you have to take care of a child,
letting you see a very different side of him!
Enjoy a happy married life with your special prince.
Find out what happens next by playing the event!

Prologue：

Sweet white and pink flowers bloomed everywhere in the town, giving it a bright, fresh vibe.
It was a season for new beginnings, a season for things to change.
Giles：You will have a special job to do starting from tomorrow.
Giles reached out to pull open a drawer in the desk as he spoke.
Giles：This is the season in Wysteria when thoughts turn to marriage.
Giles：But you have not yet chosen a prince consort.
Giles removed something from the drawer and closed it again.
Then he held out his hand, offering it to me.
Giles：A day will come soon enough when you will be married.
Giles：I would like you to practice what that's like for just three days.
Atop Giles's hand was a small box, the outside made of plush velvet.
Giles：I will leave the choice up to you.
Giles：Who will be your husband for the next three days?
I stared up at him with wide eyes as I reached out to take the small box from him.

（I'm supposed to choose a husband? Then what's this?）

I hesitated for a moment, and then opened the box.
Inside I found two rings, sparkling brightly...

◆ Select a Suitor ◆
Who will you choose to be with, Jily?

＞＞＞Choose Albert

Albert, Chapter 1：

Giles：I will leave the choice up to you.
Giles：Who will be your husband for the next three days?
I opened the box and found two rings nestled inside it.

（The person I want to choose is—）

An image of Albert flashed through my mind immediately.

（But there's no way that's ever going to happen, right?）

Giles：Do you have someone in mind?
Jily：Well...
I hesitated, all the things I wanted to say somehow stuck in my throat.
At that moment the clock on the wall chimed, marking the hour.
Giles：How did it get so late?
Giles：King Byron from Stein is visiting today for a town inspection.
Giles：We can hardly keep him waiting, so your answer will have to wait until after that.
Jily：Very well.

（Not that I have any idea what answer to give!）

Unease welled up inside, but I nodded all the same and followed Giles out of the room.

＊＊＊

Jily：Excuse me.
I knocked on the door and stepped into the guest room, Giles at my side.
Byron was seated on the sofa, but he rose at my entrance and stepped over to greet me.
Byron：I apologize for visiting when you're so busy.
Jily：Not at all. Thank you for coming so far.
Byron：Well, I'm the one who requested an inspection.
Byron：I'm grateful to you.
Byron smiled gently, and I smiled back at him.
I started to speak again, but right then—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：Pardon my intrusion.
Albert bowed deeply as he stepped into the room, but he looked harried as he moved towards Byron.
Byron：What's wrong?
Albert：A message has just arrived from Stein Castle.
Albert：An urgent matter has come up and you are requested to return.
Byron：You mean right now?
Albert：Yes, that would be preferable.
Byron nodded at Albert's response, and turned back to face me.
Byron：Sorry about this. I promise I'll make up for it later.

（It sounds really urgent, so I'm sure it can't be helped.）

Jily：Not at all. Please don't worry about it. I look forward to your next visit.
I smiled reassuringly at Byron, and he nodded with a small frown.
Byron：Yes. It really is a shame though.
Byron：I wish there was some other way to carry out the inspection.
Up until that point Giles had kept silent, but at that moment he chose to speak.
Giles：In that case, I have a suggestion.
Byron：Yes?
Giles：I have some specific work scheduled for the princess,
Giles：and she will be living in town for the next three days.

（Wait a minute—Giles, what are you doing?）

I stared up at Giles in disbelief as he smiled at Byron.
He went on to explain about the：married life he'd asked me to practice.
Giles：We were just at a point where we were having trouble choosing a partner for her.
Giles：Why not combine this with the town inspection and leave it up to Albert?
Albert's eyes widened in surprise as Giles turned to look at him.
Albert：By which you mean...?
Giles：I mean that you would live in town for three days as the princess's husband.
Albert：What?!

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：What?!
Jily：What?!
Albert I both cried out at the same time, our voices overlapping and echoing our mutual disbelief.
But Giles only smirked in obvious amusement.
Giles：Just as I thought, you two are perfectly suited.
Giles：I would personally feel comfortable leaving the princess in Albert's capable hands.
Albert：But that's a bit much to ask, just for an inspection!
Albert sounded more than a little flustered, but Byron's calm voice cut him off.
Byron：It's actually not a bad idea.
Byron：If we let this opportunity go, we don't know when the next chance for an inspection will be.
Albert：By which you mean...?
Byron：I mean what I said.
Giles：Then it's decided.
Albert：Wha—!

（I never expected I'd actually get to choose Albert as my partner!）

I'd already given up on the idea, but now it was coming true, and I almost couldn't believe my luck.
Albert：Very well. If that is your wish, Your Majesty.
Albert muttered quietly, and I turned to look at him.
As our eyes met, his eyes widened in surprise.
He quickly dropped his gaze to the floor, but I could see that he was blushing.

（Aw, no.）
（Here I'd been thinking how wonderful it would be to have you as my partner for this.）
（But now that it's really happening, I'm suddenly super nervous!）

＊＊＊

The decision had been made, and Albert and I were to share a married life together.
A villa on the outskirts of town was chosen as the place for us to live.
Albert：This is the last of it, isn't it?
Once we'd finished unpacking, the villa finally started to look a little more like a home.
Jily：Yes, I think so.
I looked slowly around the room, and then I remembered something.

（Oh, that's right!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（Oh, that's right!）

My gaze was caught by my bag, sitting on the bedside table.
Albert：Is something the matter?
Jily：Actually, Giles gave me some rings for us to wear.
Albert：Is that so? Well, I suppose we should wear them, then.
Albert：Could you get them for me?
Jily：Of course.
I pulled the small box out of my bag and handed it to Albert.
Albert carefully picked up one of the rings, and then reached out towards me.
Albert：Give me your left hand, please.
I placed my hand in his, marveling at how much larger it was compared to mine.
He gently slid the elegant silver ring onto my ring finger.

（Oh gosh, this really is just like getting married.）

My gaze was captivated by the glistening ring, and then Albert cleared his throat.
Albert：Could you put mine on for me?
Jily：Oh! Yes.
I realized that he was blushing slightly, and I did my best to keep my giggles to myself.
I slid the other ring onto his ring finger, and then held my hand up next to his, admiring the matching rings.
Jily：I look forward to spending the next few days together.
Albert：I do as well.
We spoke the words politely, and I curtseyed as Albert bowed.
He pushed his glasses up on his nose as he stood up straight again.
Then he offered me his hand, the gesture unusually elegant.
Albert：Well, now that we're husband and wife—
Albert：Shall we go out somewhere together, as couples do?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

And so Albert I headed into town, holding hands.
As we walked through the market together, Albert stopped in front of one of the wagons.
Albert：I've never seen a fruit like that before.
Jily：This particular fruit is grown on the west side of Wysteria.
Jily：Would you like to take a closer look?
Albert：Most certainly. I'd like to include it in my report.
We approached the wagon to look at the fruit, and the shopkeeper hailed us.
Shopkeeper：You two seem very close. Are you a couple?
Jily：What?
We were only pretending to be married, and I had no idea what was the right thing to say.

（The truth is, I'd love to say we're married, but—）

I chewed my lip, but without warning Albert lifted my hand in the air.
The silver ring on my finger seemed to sparkle in the bright sunlight.
Albert：We're not just a couple, we're married. Well, as of today we are.

（Albert—!）

Shopkeeper：Oh, you're newlyweds! Congratulations! Here, have these to celebrate.
The shopkeeper cheerfully packed several pieces of fruit into a bag and handed it to Albert.
Shopkeeper：Eat these, keep strong and healthy, and you'll have kids in no time!
Albert：Wha—!
Jily：Oh!

（Oh my gosh, I have no idea what to say to that!）

The shopkeeper was beaming cheerfully at us, but Albert and I were both bright red.
Albert：Well, uh... Thank you for the fruit.
Albert's words were awkward and stilted, and then he turned back to face me.
Albert：Let's go, Jily.
Jily：Um, okay!
We hurried off, but I found myself unable to look Albert in the eye.

（I didn't really think about it, but if we're to spend all three days together—）
（That means we'll be together when we sleep as well, won't we?）

I hadn't thought my face could get any redder, but I could feel my blush deepening.
My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure Albert would hear it.

Albert, Chapter 2：

We left the market and wandered into the plaza.
But the atmosphere between us was still awkward, and we walked along in silence.
Albert：Um—
Albert：You shouldn't worry about what that shopkeeper said.
Jily：Oh—I know.

（I still can't help thinking about it, though!）

My heart was still pounding, and I felt unable to focus my thoughts, when—
Albert：Jily!
A small boy came dashing past me, almost colliding with me.
Albert caught me by the arm and pulled me towards him, out of harm's way.
Albert：Are you all right?
Jily：Yes, thank you!
I looked up at Albert, and then I realized just how close we were. I was practically in his arms.

（Oh!）

I caught my breath as I gazed into his eyes, and his expression turned serious.
Albert：Ahh, this isn't enough.
Jily：What isn't?
Albert：When I think about being able to spend all day and all night with you—
Albert：I can't help but regret just how quickly time seems to pass.

（Oh gosh!）

Albert's sweet words echoed in my mind, filling my heart with happiness.
Jily：I'm also very happy to be able to spend time with you like this.
I smiled up at Albert as I spoke, and at last he smiled back.
Albert：Well then, I've made up my mind. I know that the inspection is important work, but—
Albert：I promise I will make you happy for these three days.
Albert：So happy that you will want to choose me as your husband one day.
There was an edge of determination in Albert's voice as he squeezed my hand gently.

（Oh, Albert—）

His words made me so happy that I didn't know what to say in response.
So instead I squeezed his hand firmly.
Albert：Shall we go?
Jily：Yes.
We nodded to each other and then turned and began to walk through the plaza again.
I glanced at Albert one more time, wondering if my cheeks were as red as his.

＊＊＊

It was the first night of our married life together.

（Oh gosh, I'm so nervous! I almost can't bear it.）

I lay quietly in the bed, but I was far too nervous to fall asleep.

（Oh—）

I felt the bed sink down behind me as Albert sat down on the side of it.
Albert：I need to collate my report before I sleep, so please don't worry about waiting up for me.
Jily：Okay.
I rolled over as I spoke, and my eyes met Albert's as he moved to stand up.

〝Shopkeeper：Eat these, keep strong and healthy, and you'll have kids in no time!〞
〝Albert：Wha—!〞

（Gah, why do I have to remember that now?!）

My gaze skittered away from Albert's, and he sat down on the bed again.
Albert：Jily?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：Jily?
Albert leaned closer to study my expression.
Albert：Your face seems flushed. You don't have a fever, do you?
Jily：No, no I don't!
Albert：But—
Albert's face was clouded with worry, and I suddenly felt guilty.

（Ahh, I don't want to tell you the truth. But I don't want to worry you either.）

I took a deep breath, and then looked up at him and spoke before I could change my mind.
Jily：I keep remembering what that shopkeeper said to us earlier.
Jily：So now I feel all nervous and shy when I think about sharing a bed with you.
Jily：And that makes me blush, which makes me more embarrassed, which makes me blush more...
Albert：Wha—!
Albert's eyes widened as I rambled on, and then he cleared his throat loudly, as if trying to regain his composure.
He reached up slowly, fiddling with his glasses for a moment.
Albert：In that case, how about this?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：In that case, how about this?
Albert removed his glasses, and set them down on the bedside table.
Albert：Now I can't tell if you're blushing or not.
Albert：Because I can't see a thing.

（Oh, Albert—）

Albert's expression was so sincere, and I found myself smiling, my anxiety easing.
Jily：Thank you. I'm okay now.
Albert relaxed at my words, a gentle smile crossing his face.
Albert：That's good.
We smiled at each other, and a soft silence settled over us.
Albert：Jily.
Albert's voice was unusually gentle, and a moment later his lips pressed against mine.
I sighed softly as our lips parted and then came together again.

（Oh gosh, I'm so happy right now I almost can't bear it.）

I closed my eyes and fell into Albert's embrace, giving myself over to his kisses.

＊＊＊

The next morning—
An amazing array of food was laid out on the dining room table.
There was scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, and even salad and fresh bread and butter.
Jily：What's this?
Albert：Obviously, this is breakfast.

（Everything looks so delicious!）
（And you've clearly done your best to make sure it's nutritious, too.）

I looked up at Albert with awe, and his eyes skittered away from mine.
Albert：I told you, didn't I? That I would make you happy for these three days.

（Oh, Albert. You really meant it, didn't you?）

Jily：Thank you, so much.
Both his words and his actions filled me with joy, and I smiled brightly up at him.
We were interrupted by a knock at the door.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：It's very early. Who could that be?
Jily：I wonder.
I turned towards the door, but Albert strode past me.
Albert：I'll get it. You wait here.
Albert answered the door, and I heard the faint sounds of him talking to someone.

（I wonder who it is?）

I waited curiously at the table until Albert returned.
Jily：Who was it?
Albert：A messenger, with a letter from the palace.
Albert：Apparently there's something in particular they want us to inspect.
Albert opened the envelope and pulled out the letter inside.
Albert：What the—participate in an athletics competition? With a child?
The letter explained that an athletics competition was being held in town the following day.
It went on further to request that we participate as foster parents of a child with no other relatives.
Jily：At least they suggested you could take this opportunity to inspect the school.
Albert：Yes, I suppose so.
Albert：But an athletics competition... what should we do?
Albert frowned, his expression uneasy.
He pursed his lips thoughtfully, and then sighed and spoke with resignation.
Albert：I suppose we should spend today getting to know the child in question.
Albert stopped speaking, but he looked as if he wanted to say more.
I looked up at him, smiling reassuringly.
Jily：Well, I—
Albert：I couldn't decide if I should say this, but—
Albert：Well, I—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert sighed, looking down at the letter that asked us to participate in the athletics competition.
Albert：Well, I—
Albert：I couldn't decide if I should say this, but—
Jily：You can say it.
Albert：I like children, but I don't know how to interact with them.
Albert's cheeks flushed as he spoke, and he looked away from me.

（Is that what you were worried about?）

Jily：I'll be right there with you. We can do this together.
I smiled brightly up at Albert, reaching out to place my hand gently on his.

＊＊＊

We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast together before we left the house,
where we headed straight for the orphanage.
Albert looked down at the letter in his hand, and then spoke to the child standing in front of us.
Albert：Are you Ben?
Ben：Yes.

（Oh, you're adorable, Ben!）

He was a small boy with large, expressive eyes, and he wore a backpack on his back.
Albert：My name is Albert.
Albert：This is Jily.
Ben：It's nice to meet you.
Jily：You too! Let's do our best for the athletics competition tomorrow.
I crouched down as I spoke, so that my eyes were level with Ben's.
He smiled brightly at me, his eyes crinkling up at the corners.
Ben：Okay!
Albert watched my exchange with Ben silently.
I glanced up at him and saw that his expression was wary.
But after a moment he crouched down awkwardly next to us.
Albert：Um.
Albert：What will you be participating in at the competition tomorrow?
Ben：It's a scavenger hunt. Dads take part in it too.
Ben's eyes sparkled with hope and excitement as he looked up at Albert.
But Albert was clearly stuck on one word—
Albert：D-Dads?!
Albert's eyes widened with surprise as he stared at Ben in disbelief.
Albert：Well, err, yes. Let's worry about that later. For now, shall we go home?
Ben：Yes.
Ben nodded happily and reached out to take hold of Albert's hand.
Albert：Oh!
Albert stood up slowly, and after a moment he cautiously squeezed Ben's hand.

（Oh Albert, you seem so unsure of yourself.）
（Don't worry, you're doing fine!）

Albert, Chapter 3：

We returned to the house, and Albert and Ben began to prepare for the competition.

（You really haven't had much opportunity to spend time with young children, have you Albert?）
（I hope everything goes okay.）

I watched from a short distance away as Ben began to explain the scavenger hunt.
Ben：So, we have to pick a piece of paper from the pile, and then we have to find the thing written on the paper.
Ben：Then we need to take what we find to the finish line before everyone else, so we have to run as fast as we can.
Albert：I see. So the secret is running fast.
Albert：Shall we practice for a while?
Ben nodded enthusiastically at Albert's suggestion.
Ben：Yes! I want to run with you, Daddy!
Albert：Wha—!
Ben clasped Albert's hand happily, and Albert reached up to adjust his glasses with his free hand.
Albert：I wasn't expecting to hold hands, but—I suppose it's fine.
Albert：Now. Ready, set—
Before Albert could say：go, Ben had started running.
Albert：Hey, wait! Ahh, this is why kids are...
As I watched them with a smile, I heard the distant sound of the town clock tolling the hour.

（Ahh, I had no idea it was so late! I should go make dinner.）

Jily：What would you two like for dinner?
I called out to Albert and Ben, and they turned to me and said at the same time,
Albert & Ben：Quiche!
Jily：Really?

（You said the same thing at the same time!）

Albert and Ben turned to look at each other in surprise.
But a moment later—
Albert：Well, that was a surprise.
They both started laughing together.
Ben：Do you like quiche too, Daddy?
Albert：Yes, I do. Apparently we're a good match for each other.
I couldn't help but smile as I watched the two of them laughing happily together.

（It's like you're suddenly much closer than you were a moment ago.）
（I guess I don't need to worry anymore.）

I waved to the two of them and headed into the villa to make quiche.
Behind me I could hear the sound of them running again, and my smile widened.

＊＊＊

When dinner was ready, I called Albert and Ben in to eat.
The running seemed to have heightened their appetites, and they both asked for seconds.
Albert：We'll definitely win tomorrow.
Ben：Yes! Definitely!

（You're both in such high spirits. It's adorable.）

I smiled as I continued to eat my dinner, and then Albert spoke suddenly, as if noticing something.
Albert：Oh. Hold still.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：Oh. Hold still.
Albert pulled out his handkerchief, and carefully wiped Ben's mouth.
Albert：You had some egg on you.
Ben：Thank you.
Ben smiled brightly up at Albert, and Albert's expression relaxed into a smile as well.
Albert：I didn't know how to interact with you, but—
Albert：You're surprisingly cute.
Ben：What?
Albert：Ahh, never mind.
Albert：Do you want to practice some more after dinner?
Ben：Yes!

（You're doing so well I almost feel like I imagined that awkwardness at the start.）
（Ben is adorable, but—you're adorable too, Albert.）

＊＊＊

That evening we put Ben to bed, and then I prepared lunch for the following day, and made sure everyone's clothes were ready.

（Okay, everything's ready to go!）

I sighed with relief, and then turned to look at Albert, who was writing a report at the desk.
Jily：Do you think you'll be much longer?
Albert：No, I think I'm almost—
He was interrupted by the bedroom door opening, and Ben peered in, his expression gloomy.

（It's so late, what are you doing up?）

Jily：What's the matter, Ben?
Ben：I'm too nervous to sleep.
Albert：Children shouldn't stay up this late.
Ben's face fell at Albert's words, his shoulders slumping.
Ben：I'm sorry...
Albert：Ah!
Albert frowned in confusion at Ben's reaction, and then spoke in a softer voice.
Albert：Do you want to sit on my knee?
Ben：Really? Can I?
Albert：The more you try to force yourself to sleep, the more you'll wake yourself up.
Albert：I don't mind if you sit here until you get sleepy.
Ben：Okay!
Albert lifted Ben onto his lap, and then went back to writing his report.
Ben：Hey, what's this?
Albert：It's a report. It's very important.
Ben：Wow.

（Watching you two like this, you really seem like father and son.）
（If we had children one day, would it be like this?）

I'd already been feeling so happy, but the thought made me even happier.
Before we knew it, the morning of the athletics competition had arrived.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The plaza was lively and crowded, voices rising in laughter here and there.

（Ben looks really upset.）

Ben had come last in the sprint race, and all his enthusiasm had left him.
Jily：Ben, are you sure you don't want any more lunch?
Ben：I'm sure.
Ben hadn't eaten much at all, and he stood there quietly, his head hanging.
Albert reached out and patted him gently on the shoulder.
Albert：It's too soon to give up, Ben.
Albert：There's still the scavenger hunt to go. I'll be there with you, so we just need to do our best.
Ben：Daddy—
Ben looked up at Albert, a faint edge of hope crossing his expression.
A moment later, an announcement was made asking the participants of the scavenger hunt to gather.
Albert：Let's go.
Albert stood up, and reached out to take Ben by the hand.
Jily：Do your best, both of you!
Albert：Of course. I will, and Ben will too, won't you?
Ben：Yes!

（Gosh, now even I'm feeling nervous!）

I made a silent wish for them as I watched them walk away, hand in hand.
Albert：We'll win for sure.
Ben：Yeah! We'll win!
All too soon the whistle blew, announcing the start of the scavenger hunt.
Albert and Ben immediately took off from the start line, running as fast as they could.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert and Ben immediately took off from the start line.
All the practice seemed to have helped, and they were perfectly in sync as they reached the stack of papers ahead of everyone else.
Albert：There's no need to rush. Ben, choose whichever one you like.
Ben：Okay!
Ben picked up one of the slips of paper, and then handed it to Albert.
Albert opened the paper and read what was written inside.
Albert：What the—! This is—

＊＊＊

（I wonder what's wrong? Albert looks unusually flustered.）

They'd been doing so well until they'd chosen a piece of paper.
But for some reason Albert looked confused and unsure.

（Hmm?）

Suddenly I saw Albert turn in my direction.
A moment later the two of them ran straight towards me.
Albert：Jily—!
Jily：Albert? Ben? What—
Albert：Come with us, please! Right now!
Ben：Quickly! Quickly!

（Me? But—）

Jily：Okay!
I had no idea what was going on,
but I reached out and took Albert's outstretched hand.
Albert：Let's go!
The three of us turned and ran across the plaza.
We were the first to reach the finish line, where we all skidded to a halt.
Teacher：And Ben is first! What did the paper instruct you to find?
Ben：Well—
Ben smiled happily as he looked up at Albert and I, both of us out of breath.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Ben：Daddy's favorite thing!
Jily：What?!

（No way! That's what was written on the paper?!）

My eyes widened in shock, but the teacher only smiled cheerfully at Albert.
Teacher：How wonderful! So your favorite thing is your wife!
Albert：Well, yes.
Albert's cheeks flushed red at the teacher's words.
But then he turned to look at me, and there was no hesitation in his voice as he said,
Albert：I love her more than anything in the world.
Jily：Oh!

（I don't believe it!）

I felt almost overwhelmed by happiness at his words, and the teacher turned to the watching crowd.
Teacher：Everyone, I think a round of applause is in order for Ben and his wonderful mother and father!
The sounds of cheering and applause seemed to envelop us.
Albert and I stood in the midst of it all, blushing and smiling at each other.

＊＊＊

At last the athletics competition was over, and it was time to say goodbye to Ben.
Albert：You did really well, Ben.
Ben：It's all thanks to Daddy and Mommy. Thank you!
Ben：Also...
Ben smiled up at us, pulling gently on both our sleeves.
Jily：Yes?
We both crouched down so that we were at eye level to him, and he leaned close to whisper.
Ben：Daddy is totally crazy for Mommy!
Albert：Wha—!
Albert and I stared at each other, and Ben began to giggle happily.
Ben：Come play with me again, okay!
Ben waved happily, and turned and ran into the orphanage.

＊＊＊

As we were walking home, Albert spoke up, his expression bright.
Albert：I feel like I'll have a lot to write in my reports tonight.
Albert：That was a good experience.
Albert：Children are wonderful, aren't they?
Jily：Yes, they are.
I nodded, and Albert reached out to take my hand, squeezing it gently.

（Oh!）

My heart skipped a beat as I looked up at him,
only to find him gazing down at me with serious eyes.
Albert：Today is our last day as husband and wife.
Albert：What would you like to do next?
Jily：What?
Albert：I wasn't expecting a child to join us, but—
Albert：I did promise you that I would make you happy.
His voice was soft and husky, and my pulse began to race.
Albert：This is our last night, and I want to fulfill your every wish.
I caught my breath at his words, my thoughts whirling.

You can proceed to the Premium Ending!

Continue your romance with your prince♪

Decision Time>>>

Select the Sweet Ending>>>

Albert, Chapter 4-Sweet Ending：

Albert：This is our last night, and I want to fulfill your every wish.

（My every wish?）

There was such sweetness and kindness in Albert's words, but that only made my answer easier.
Jily：The truth is—
Jily：So long as I'm with you, that's all I need.
I smiled up at Albert, and his cheeks flushed slightly.
Albert：You really are—
Albert：Well, in that case, will you grant my wish?
Jily：What is it?
I looked curiously up at him, and he met my gaze directly.
Albert：On our last night, I want you to take me to your favorite place here in town.
Albert：I want to know more about how you lived your life here.
Jily：Well, in that case—

（I think I know just where I want to take you.）

＊＊＊

I took Albert to a lookout atop a hill, where the whole town could be seen spread out below.
The stars sparkled in the sky overhead, and the lights of the houses down below glowed brightly.
Albert：This is beautiful.
Jily：Yes, I know. When I was a child I used to come up here and just stare out at the view.
Jily：It's so beautiful, and—

（Sometimes I used to wonder if I'd ever get to show it to the man I love one day.）

I couldn't quite put my thoughts into words,
and then I was distracted by a star shooting across the sky.
Jily：Oh!
Jily：Albert, a shooting star—
I pointed up towards the sky, and Albert lifted his head.
I waited for him to say something, but he was silent.
I turned to look at him in confusion.
To my surprise he was staring not at the sky, but at me.
Our gazes caught and held, and the look in his eyes made my heart skip a beat.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Albert?
Albert：Oh! Um, it's nothing.
Albert's gaze dropped away, and he fiddled with his glasses for a moment.
Albert：I just thought—how beautiful—
Jily：What?
Albert：Your face in profile, as you looked up at the stars—
Albert：It was so much more beautiful than the stars...

（Oh gosh, when you say things like that—）

Jily：You're making me blush.
I turned my face away, feeling my cheeks redden, but Albert cupped my cheek gently with his hand.
Albert：Please don't feel shy just because of what I said.
Albert：It's the truth. I could gaze at your beauty forever.

（Oh, Albert—）

His hand was warm against my cheek, and my heart was pounding almost hard enough to hurt.
For a moment it felt like time had stopped, and I wanted it to stay that way.
Then Albert smiled slowly, his expression gentle.
Albert：It's strange, but... knowing even a little about your past makes me want to know more, and more.
Albert：I feel almost greedy.
We stared into each other's eyes, his face moving slowly towards mine.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：It's strange, but... knowing even a little about your past makes me want to know more, and more.
Albert：I feel almost greedy.
There was something almost sad in Albert's gaze for a moment.
I felt an odd ache deep down inside and I spoke in an effort to banish it, my voice a whisper.
Jily：Then stay with me, now and forever.
Jily：Be by my side always.
I reached up to place my hand over his where it rested against my cheek.
Albert's eyes seemed to waver, and then he blinked slowly.
Albert：Jily.
His voice was deep and husky as he murmured my name, and then he sighed softly.
Albert：You really know how to get me.
Albert：I told you I would make you happy, and make you want to have me as your husband.
Albert：But I feel as if I'm the one who's completely lost in you.
He gripped my hand gently, pulling me into his arms.
Our bodies pressed together as our lips met in a sweet kiss.

＊＊＊

It seemed as though our three days of married life was over in the blink of an eye.
Albert and I left town and returned to the palace together.
Giles：How was your inspection?
Albert：Thank you, it was very informative.
Albert：In particular, taking part in the children's athletics competition made me feel much more familiar with the town.
Giles：Is that so? That's good to hear.
Giles smiled and nodded at Albert's response.
But there was mischief lurking deep in his eyes.
Giles：Well then. I would like to ask this of both you and the princess.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles：How was your married life together?
Jily：Well—
Giles's gaze was all too knowing, and I blushed even as Albert cleared his throat.
Albert：The princess certainly possesses all the qualities of a good wife.

（Ahh, don't say it like that! I'm right here!）

Giles：Is that so? I'm relieved to hear it.
Giles smiled broadly, his gaze amused, and I blushed all the more.

（You're just messing with both of us, aren't you, Giles?）

Giles：At any rate, I'm sure you're both tired, so please take the rest of today off.
Jily：Thank you.
We left the study, and Albert walked me back to my chambers.
Albert：Thank you for the last three days, Princess.
Albert spoke politely, and then he stepped back from me and bowed.
Albert：I shouldn't stay too long, so I will take my leave—

（Albert—）

Jily：Wait, please!
Albert：Oh!
I reached out without thinking and grabbed his hand, and his eyes widened in surprise.
Albert：Jily?
Jily：Um, it's just—I didn't get to tell you my thoughts.
Albert：What do you mean?
Jily：I also thought that you would make a very fine husband.
Jily：I know you said you're lost in me, but I feel the same about you.
Albert：Wha—
Albert's cheeks flushed bright red at my words.
Albert：Princess, you really are—
Albert：I thought it best to remain reserved here in the palace, but clearly that was a mistake.
Albert frowned in confusion, and then wrapped me in a gentle embrace.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert pulled me into his arms, wrapping me in a gentle embrace.
Albert：That makes me very happy, Jily.
Albert：May I hold you like this for a little longer?
His lips captured mine in a kiss, devouring my yes before I could say it.
There was a gentle passion to his kisses, and it filled me with joy.
That evening, after Albert had returned to Stein—
Giles：Princess, aren't you going to rest?
Jily：Yes. But first I want to write about my life in town a little longer.
I stopped writing briefly as I looked up at Giles, and he smiled.
Giles：I see. Well, try not to overdo it.
Jily：I won't.
Giles left the room, and I turned to look out the window at the night sky.

（These last three days were so much fun.
（I wonder if Albert and I will ever get another chance to be together like that?）

The stars outside the window seemed to sparkle and glimmer in response to my pensive thoughts.
Meanwhile, the same stars where shining over Stein.
Albert：I would like to report on my inspection.
Albert：In regards to living in the town of Wysteria...
Albert's words trailed off as he looked down at the document he was holding.
He stared silently at the page, his gaze distant.
Byron：Al, you're blushing.
Albert：Oh, I do apologize.
Albert cleared his throat, and began to speak in a dispassionate tone.
Albert：The town of Wysteria is overflowing with love.
Albert：Everyone seems very happy with their life there.
Byron：I see.
Albert：Also, the children there are good children.
Albert：...It's enough to make me want a family.
Albert glanced out the window as he continued to speak.
The stars in the sky above sparkled gently, seeming to reflect the happiness in his smile.

fin.

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Albert, Chapter 4-Premium Ending：

Albert：I did promise you that I would make you happy.
Albert：This is our last night, and I want to fulfill your every wish.
Jily：Albert—

（If I could have one wish, it would be—）

My heart was pounding, but I opened my mouth and said,
Jily：I want to spend time with you, as a couple.
Jily：I want us to go on a date together, just the two of us.
Albert：Really? In that case—
Albert：There is a place that I've been wanting to take you for a while.
Jily：Really?
Albert：Yes. Why don't we take this opportunity and go out together?
Albert reached out and took my hand, and I followed him, wondering where we were going.

＊＊＊

（This is—）

The place Albert took me was a very stylish bar in the center of town.
Jily：Albert, I didn't know you liked drinking.
Albert：I don't mind it.
Albert：However, I heard that the cocktails here were special.

（In what way?）

I looked up at Albert as he called out to the man standing behind the bar.
Albert：I would like a cocktail for my wife, please.
Bartender：Very well, sir. May I please ask for your impression of her?
Albert：Wha—
Albert：You're asking me, not her?
Albert looked unsure for a moment, but then he spoke again, his tone somewhat shy.
Albert：She's very gentle, and sweet and charming.
Albert：Sometimes when I hold her in my arms, she seems so ethereal I worry she might just fade away...

（Albert—!）

I blushed helplessly to hear Albert saying things like that to a stranger, but the bartender just grinned broadly.
Bartender：Very well. I will mix the perfect cocktail to match.
The bartender effortlessly combined a number of ingredients in his shaker, and soon he poured a lovely, pale pink cocktail.
Jily：Wow, it looks gorgeous!
Albert：It really does. It suits you perfectly.
Jily：What?
Albert：Oh! Er, never mind.

（Gah, I'm totally blushing now.）
（But it makes me happy all the same.）

Albert was blushing as well, and I smiled up at him as I took a sip of my cocktail.
Jily：It's delicious!
Albert：I knew it would be.
Albert looked satisfied at my response, but as we stood there smiling at each other—

（Oh!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（Oh!）

Another customer was walking past us, but he was clearly drunk.
He stumbled, swayed, and began to fall towards me.
Albert：Look out!
Albert stood up quickly, moving between me and the drunken man.
As he did so, the man's hand slipped, and his glass of wine spilled down Albert's front.
Man：Oopsie! Sorry about that!
Bumping into Albert seemed to bring the man back to his senses.
He apologized hastily and vanished into the crowd.
Albert：Jily, are you all right?
Jily：Yes, but never mind me, what about you?
Albert：I'm just a little damp. Don't worry about it.

（But it must feel so sticky and uncomfortable.）
（That can't be fun at all.）

I quickly drank the rest of my cocktail, and then stood up and took Albert's hand.
Jily：Let's go home, Albert.
Albert：What? But—
Jily：I don't care where we are—so long as I'm with you, I'm happy.
Jily：So let's go home and change you into something clean.
Albert：Oh!
Albert's eyes widened in surprise, and then he smiled awkwardly.
Albert：Very well.
Albert：Ahh, I'm really no match for you, am I?
His eyes were gentle as he squeezed my hand.

＊＊＊

Jily：It's even worse than I thought.
As soon as we returned home, I had Albert remove his jacket and shirt and I began to wash them.
Albert：I'm so sorry. Washing is tough work, please, let me—

（Oh gosh!）

I turned and realized that Albert was standing right behind me, wearing no shirt at all.
My eyes were level with his bare chest, and I blushed as I stared at it.
Albert：Oh! I do apologize.
The look on my face seemed to make Albert aware of his lack of clothes.
He hurriedly stepped back and turned away from me.
Albert：Oh no—
Albert turned so hastily that his glasses slipped off his nose and fell to the floor.
Jily：Albert, your glasses—
I hurriedly leaned over to pick them up, but Albert caught my hand, stopping me.
Albert：Jily, wait.

（What's wrong?）

I looked up at him in confusion, and my heart skipped a beat at his serious gaze, so different without his glasses.
Albert：Does it bother you to be close to me?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：Jily, wait.

（What's wrong?）

I looked up at him in confusion, and my heart skipped a beat at his serious gaze, so different without his glasses.
Albert：Does it bother you to be close to me?
Albert：Or is it just as you said before—that you get shy when I look at you?
Jily：Albert—
Albert's question was so direct it made me blush even more, and I gave him a chagrined smile.
Jily：It doesn't bother me, being close to you.
Jily：It's just that I'm bright red right now, and—
I shook my head ruefully, but Albert only smiled in response.
Albert：In that case, I will stay like this, where I can't really see you very well.
Albert：So please stay here, close to me.
Albert reached out and wrapped his arms around me.
He tightened his grip on me, pulling me close against him.
I could feel how fast his heart was beating as I leaned against his chest.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Albert—
Albert's face was suddenly very close to mine, and I looked up at him.
I knew I was still blushing, but I did my best to ignore it.
Albert frowned a little as he gazed down at me, narrowing his eyes.

（You really can't see me very well at all, can you?）

Albert：I know I said I wouldn't look, so that you would stop feeling shy.
Albert：But not being able to see you like this seems like a waste somehow.
Jily：How so?
Albert：You are adorable no matter what expression you wear.
Albert：I won't put my glasses back on, but do you mind if I get a little closer?
His words were sweet and earnest, and I smiled up at him.
Jily：I don't mind.
Albert：That's good. I would be rather sad if you did.
Albert's expression softened a little, and then he kissed me gently.
Albert：Jily.
Our faces were so close that our noses were almost touching.
I gazed into Albert's eyes, wondering at how beautiful they seemed up close.
Albert：When I kiss you, I always end up closing my eyes, so I still can't see you.
Albert：But I can feel your warmth more than ever in that moment.

（Oh, Albert—）

His husky murmur sent a thrill running through me, and I sighed as he kissed me again and again.
Albert：It's strange, you know.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：It's strange, you know.
Albert：I said that I would make you happy. But I seem to be the one receiving all the happiness.
There was a wistful edge to Albert's voice, and I smiled as I shook my head.
Jily：That's where you're wrong, Albert.
Jily：I'm so happy right now I almost can't stand it.
Albert：What?
Albert blinked at me, and I reached up and wrapped my arms around him.
Jily：I'm so happy I don't think I ever want to let you go.
Jily：You're the most wonderful husband in all the world.
Albert：Jily—
Albert：Why would you say that now?
Jily：Because tomorrow our married life will be over.
Albert：But that's all the more reason to—
Albert：I mean, when you say things like that, you make me want you more than ever.
Albert：Is it all right if neither of us get much sleep tonight?
My heart skipped at Albert's words, desire and anticipation flooding through me.

（As if you need to ask.）

Instead of saying anything, I smiled up at Albert, hugging him tighter.
He pulled me close, pressing me against his chest as he whispered in my ear.
Albert：You are the most wonderful wife in the world.
Albert：I love you so much it makes me crazy.
Albert lifted me into the air, and carried me the short distance to the bed.
He set me down on the sheets, and then reached out to clasp my left hand.

（Oh!）

He lifted my hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss on the ring I'd been wearing for the last three days.
Albert：I know this ring is just for our practice. But one day I will give you a real ring.
Albert：And when that day comes, I promise—
Albert：I will make you even happier than you are now.
Albert's lips moved from the ring to my cheek, his kiss soft and loving.

（I don't think it's possible to be any happier than I already am.）

My heart was pounding so loudly I felt sure he could hear it.
He pushed me gently back down on the bed, and leaned over to kiss me again.
I reached up and wrapped my arms around him as I gave myself over to his passion...

fin.

After Episode

After spending three blissful days as newlyweds with Albert,
he's quite ready to practice trying for kids of your own!
Albert：To end up like this, just because you said you'd like to have a child with me—
Our lips had barely touched before they parted again.
Albert：Ahh, I don't know what else to think.
Albert：But I know I don't want to let you go.
Make sure you practice all parts of married life!
Read this extra-special Albert story to discover his passion.