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A Special Story Event－Vampire's Embrace[後篇]（Albert）

A full moon hangs low in the sky...
You wander into a castle full of vampires,
unwittingly entering into an engagement...
………
Albert "Please, forget about me."
Albert "I love you."
………
The worlds you lived in were different.
But now you're about to experience an unforgettable, eternal love story...

◆ Select a Suitor ◆
Who will you choose?
Choose and your story will start.

＞＞＞Choose Albert

Albert, Chapter 1：

???(Giles)：And that lord is—
The violet-haired man turned slowly, and I followed his gaze.
He was looking at the man who wore glasses, and who held himself stiff and formal.

（Are you saying I'm engaged to this guy?）

I'd stumbled into a place I'd never seen before, full of people I'd never met who seemed strange.
And now I was being told I was engaged to one of them, and I had no idea what to think.
Jily：But that's crazy!
???(Albert)：It's the law of our castle.
The man spoke crisply, cutting off anything more I might have said.

（And you just want me to live here for the rest of my life?!）

Fear welled up inside me, and I turned back to open the door I'd just entered through.
But no matter how much I pushed the door or scrabbled at the handle, it wouldn't open.
???(Albert)：It's only natural that you're confused.
The man spoke in a quiet, reasonable voice as he approached me.
???(Albert)：But instead of staring at a door that won't open—
???(Albert)：Will you consider making an effort to understand your current situation?
I turned to look at him, and he offered me his hand.
???(Albert)：I will explain everything to you.

（Well, you're right about one thing—this door isn't about to open, and there's no point standing here staring at it.）

I nodded hesitantly, and reached out to place my hand in his.
Jily：All right.
His hand was so cold that I felt almost as if it were sucking away the warmth of my own.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The man led me to an elegant room deeper in the castle.

（You really are a vampire, aren't you?）

As I sat down on the bed, I remembered again how cold his hand had been in mine.
I stared down at my own hand, overwhelmed with confusion.
Then I heard the man clear his throat, and I looked up at him.
He adjusted his glasses on his nose, and I realized he was studying me curiously.
I came back to myself with a start, trying to calm my whirling thoughts.
???(Albert)：At any rate... since we are engaged, I would like to introduce myself.
???(Albert)：My name is Albert Burckhardt. I am the lord of this castle, and I am a knight.
Jily：Albert... Sir Albert?
I added the：sir as I realized that knights were usually called that, and he frowned slightly, sighing.
Albert：I know this is sudden, but starting today you are the princess of this castle.
Albert：There is no need for you to call me 'sir.'
Jily：Okay.
Albert：Your role as the princess has changed somewhat since I have already become lord of the castle.
But you and I are to be married, and you will become a vampire during the wedding ceremony.
I dropped my gaze to my hands again as he explained that the wedding would have to be postponed for a short while.
Albert：And I'm sure you need time in order to mentally prepare yourself as well.

（That's putting it mildly!）
（I don't know what I'd do if you said this was all happening tomorrow.）
（I'm still not entirely convinced this isn't all just a crazy dream.）

Uneasiness and fear welled up inside of me, and I felt the pinprick of tears at the corners of my eyes.
I couldn't hold them back, and soon the tears were streaming down my cheeks.
Albert：Wha—!
Albert's self-possessed demeanor seemed to vanish in an instant, his eyes widening, his manner flustered.
Albert：I'm very sorry. I'm afraid my explanation was perhaps not as good as it should have been.
Albert：I'm... really not sure what to do in a situation like this.
Albert turned his head away awkwardly, fiddling with his glasses.
Even through my tears, it was clear that he was incredibly uncomfortable.

（Ahhh, this isn't helping at all.）

I tried desperately to stop my tears, brushing helplessly at my cheeks, when—

（Oh!）

I felt a gentle touch atop my head, and I realized he was stroking my hair.
It was the last thing I'd expected, and I looked up in surprise, my eyes wide.
Albert：If anything worries you, please don't hesitate to tell me.
Albert：I will do my best to make it easy for you to live here.
Albert hesitated for a moment, and then spoke again, his tone regretful.
Albert：However, the wedding is—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：However, the wedding is—
Albert：Well, it's not something that can be postponed indefinitely.
Jily：What?

（I mean, I didn't expect you to all wait forever for me, but—）
（When you said they'd postpone it "for a short while" , how short did you mean?）

I felt nervous again, but then I looked up and caught Albert's serious gaze.
Albert：If we postpone the wedding for too long, it will just end up putting you in danger.
Albert：If you stay here in the castle as a human, you will be in danger of being attacked by other vampires.
For a moment I couldn't believe it, but he seemed entirely serious.

（That's just crazy!）

A shiver ran down my spine as my mind painted vivid images of the worst that could happen.
Albert：So I will do my best to stay with you as much as possible.
Albert：I am also a knight.
Albert：It is my job to protect the princess.
Albert's words and manner were as calm and distant as ever.
Yet I felt as if I could hear his concern for me in the way he spoke.

（At first I thought you were a really cold person, but—）
（I think you might actually be very kind.）

The fear that had been building up inside me seemed to ease a little.
At the same time, I felt a strange flutter in my tummy.
Albert：I'm sure you must be tired, so I will leave the rest of the explanation until tomorrow.
Albert：Please try and get some rest tonight.
Jily：I will. Thank you.
I waited until Albert left the room before I sighed to myself, slumping down against the bed.

（Why do I feel this way?）

I could understand my fear, but I didn't understand that strange thrill of excitement pooling in my belly.

＊＊＊

The next day—
Albert spent the next day showing me around the vampire castle.
As he did so, he explained all sorts of things about the laws they had, and the lives they lived.
Jily：Thank you so much for today.
Albert：Not at all.
After we'd finished the tour of the castle, we stepped out onto a balcony for some fresh air.
As I stood at the railing, I realized I could see the distant lights of the town beyond the forest.

（It's so close, yet it seems so far away.）

Loneliness welled up inside me, and I swallowed hard, my heart arching.
I blinked a few times, trying to hold back my tears, when—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Loneliness filled me up inside as I stared at the distant lights of the town, and I blinked back tears.
Albert：Are you all right?
Jily：What?
I started in surprise at Albert's voice, and turned to look at him.
Albert dropped his gaze away, avoiding mine as he muttered,
Albert：You just looked lonely.
Jily：Well, I—

（I didn't realize I was being so obvious about it.）
（But you've been so kind and considerate, and I don't like to be a bother.）

I swallowed my words, looking away, and Albert cleared his throat.
Albert：I cannot return you to your home, but—
Albert：I can be here for you.
His words reminded me of what he'd said the day before.

〝Albert：I am also a knight.〞
〝Albert：It is my job to protect the princess.〞

Jily：Is that because it's your job?
The words came out before I'd realized what I was saying, and I caught my breath.

（Ahh, why did I say that?）

Jily：Forget I said—
I spoke hastily, wishing I could erase my question completely.
But Albert spoke quickly, interrupting me.
Albert：That is certainly true, but there is also another reason.
Albert pushed his glasses further up his nose as he spoke.
Albert：Whatever the circumstances... you are my fiancée.
I looked up in surprise, and my gaze met Albert's for a moment before he looked away.

（Albert—if you were human I bet you'd be blushing.）

He looked flustered and unsure of himself, and somehow that eased the loneliness I felt inside.
I found myself smiling hesitantly up at him.

（But looking at you feeling so awkward is making ME blush!）

I could feel my cheeks turning red, and I turned my gaze away again to hide it.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Time seemed to pass by in a flash as I got used to life in the castle.
Albert was true to his word—wherever I went, he was right there with me.
Albert：All men, fall into line!
Albert's steely voice seemed to ring with a sense of purpose.
I was walking in the garden nearby as I waited for him, but I stopped and turned at the sound.
Albert：Today we will be training in the art of sword-fighting. Break off into pairs, and...

（Oh Albert, you sound so different from what I'm used to.）
（I don't know what to think.）

I could see him in the distance, directing his men, and he looked so gallant and dignified.
The sight of him set my heart racing, so loud it almost seemed to roar in my ears.

（Why do I feel like this whenever I look at you?）
（I don't even understand it myself.）

I stood there in silence, thinking hard as I watched Albert directing his men.
But although I watched them train for some time, I couldn't come up with an answer to my question.

＊＊＊

One day—
The bureaucrats had gathered to have a discussion.
However, for some reason they had decided that I should attend this particular meeting.
Giles：Today we will be discussing the concerns between us and the people who live in the town.

（What on earth does that mean?）

My eyes went wide with surprise at Giles's words.

Albert, Chapter 2：

Giles：Today we will be discussing the concerns between us and the people who live in the town.

（What on earth does that mean?）

Giles's words gave me an uneasy premonition, but I waited for him to go on.
Giles：Currently, no one in the town is aware that this castle exists.
Giles：However, now that you, the princess, have found your way here—
Giles：The castle may eventually be found, and our current peaceful existence may not go on for much longer.
As soon as Giles finished explaining, several of the bureaucrats spoke up, each of them offering an opinion.
But they all boiled down to the idea of moving away from any humans and finding a new castle to live in, somewhere far away.
Giles：Princess, what do you think?

（Me? Hmmm.）

I considered Giles's question for a moment, searching for an answer that matched how I felt.
Jily：Do we really have to move so far away? If we explain that we're not going to randomly attack them—
Jily：Couldn't we get the people in town to understand our position, and coexist with us?
I'd barely finished speaking when a clamor of noise erupted from the listening bureaucrats.
Bureaucrat 1：Do you have any idea of what you're saying?
Bureaucrat 2：You're only suggesting that because you want to return to the town yourself!
Jily：I don't—

（But—it's possible. I can't entirely deny it.）

I pressed my lips together, their accusations leaving me confused and unsure.
Their voices grew louder, and they interrupted each other in their impatience to speak.
The discussion was going nowhere, and I heard Giles sigh beside me.
Giles：I suggest we defer this issue until a later date.
The bureaucrats began to grumble, but eventually they quieted down and left the room.

（I know it would be a lie to say I don't want to go home, but—）

It was also true that as I'd grown used to life in the castle, I'd started to feel as if I wanted to stay.

（What do I really want?）

My own feelings made no sense to me, and I wandered listlessly out into the corridor.
???：You continue to surprise me.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：You continue to surprise me.
As I stepped out into the corridor I found Albert waiting for me.
Albert：Those who have lived here for centuries could never have made a suggestion like that.
Albert smiled at me as he spoke, and it was clear that he was praising me.
Yet I couldn't feel happy about it, not at that moment.

（But is it just because I want to return to my old life?）
（Is that the only reason I made a suggestion like that?）

Albert：Princess?
My thoughts only depressed me more, and then I realized Albert was studying me, his expression concerned.
Jily：I'm sorry. I was just thinking.
I inclined my head in apology, and Albert frowned a little.
Albert：Am I right to think—
Albert：That you want to return to your home?
I caught my breath, stunned by the gentle concern in his eyes.

（How on earth do I answer that?）
（I almost feel like I would be lying no matter what I say.）

Jily：No, not at all.
Jily：I'd like to go back to my room now.
I gave Albert an awkward smile, trying desperately to change the topic.
I hurried away down the corridor before he could reply.

＊＊＊

Albert stared silently at Jily as she hurried away. In his mind he could still see the sadness in her expression.
He opened his mouth to call after her, but then he hesitated.
A moment later she was gone, and he pressed his lips together in frustration.
He turned around and walked briskly in the other direction.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert made his way to the library, and began to read a particular book.
Leo：Hmm?
Leo appeared in the doorway, carrying several books.
Leo：Are you looking for something?
Albert：Something like that.
Albert spoke brusquely, casually closing the book that had been open in front of him.
Leo narrowed his eyes for a moment as he studied Albert.
Then he moved past him and began to return the books he was carrying to the shelves.
As he did so, he glanced back and spoke over his shoulder.
Leo：I'm sure you'd never consider this, but—
Leo：You're not thinking of doing something like returning Jily to her home, are you?
Albert shook his head slowly in response to Leo's question.
Albert：I would never do that. That would be breaking our law.
Leo：I'm glad to hear it.
Leo：I mean, having to live forever beyond the castle walls?
Leo：It hurts my head just thinking about it.
Leo gave Albert a wry smile as he turned and walked out of the library.
Albert narrowed his eyes as he watched Leo leave.
At last he sighed softly and relaxed back into his chair again.
He reached down and reopened the book he'd been reading.
Albert：Is this it?
He muttered the words under his breath, leaning closer to read the words on the page.
It told the story of a woman who'd found her way into the castle a long, long time ago.

＊＊＊

Time continued to pass me by, much faster than I'd imagined it would.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Time continued to pass me by, much faster than I'd imagined it would.
I'd grown used to life in the castle, and I'd begun to help Albert with his work.
Albert：Princess, I'd like your help with this next.
Jily：Okay.

（Oh!）

I began to sort through the documents that Albert had handed me.
But then I realized some of them contained information about the town I'd come from.

（Sometimes I still want to return home, but—）

〝Albert：If anything worries you, please don't hesitate to tell me.〞
〝Albert：I will do my best to make it easy for you to live here.〞

〝Albert：I cannot return you to your home, but—〞
〝Albert：I can be here for you.〞
〝Albert：Whatever the circumstances... you are my fiancée.〞

（But I also find myself wanting to stay here with you, Albert. And those feelings are just as strong.）

I thought back to all the times I'd spent together with Albert.
Somehow, those memories finally made me realize what it was I really felt.

（How did I not see it before? I lo—）

Jily：Ow!
A sudden sharp pain interrupted my thoughts, and I looked down to realize I'd cut myself on a piece of parchment.
Albert：What's the matter?
Albert was sitting next to me collating documents, but he glanced over at my exclamation.
Albert：Oh!
Albert's eyes went wide at the sight of the blood welling up in the cut on my finger.
Albert：Hold still, please.
Albert took my hand in his, lifting my finger to his lips and pressing a soft kiss against it.
Albert：This may hurt a little.
Jily：Ohhhh!
A sweet pain thrilled out from my finger, shooting through my whole body.
Albert：There, you should be fine now.
Albert let go of my hand, and I looked down to see that the cut had healed up completely, as if it never was.
Jily：I—thank you.

（Oh no, my heart won't stop racing.）

My cheeks felt unbearably hot, and I didn't know how to react.
I dropped my gaze away, unable to look Albert in the eye, and then I heard him say,
Albert：Please don't make that face. I was just trying to help.

（That's all well and good for you to say, but—）

I peeked up at him and realized he looked as flustered as I felt, but that didn't help me feel any better.
We sat there in awkward silence, both of us avoiding each other's gaze, until—
Giles：Sir Albert, Princess, I need to discuss something with you.
Giles hurried into the room, looking unusually agitated.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles：Sir Albert, Princess, I need to discuss something with you.
Giles hurried into the room, a grim expression on his face.
Giles：The townspeople have found out about the existence of our castle.

（Wait, what?!）

Jily：But how? That was sudden!
Giles：I don't know. However, some of the bureaucrats—
Giles：Well, they are spreading rumors that the princess may have leaked the information somehow.
Jily：What the—
I was so stunned I could barely speak, but Albert beat me to it, his expression stern.
Albert：That's completely unfounded.
Giles：Yes, I know. However—
Giles：I believe the reason they doubt her is that she is still human.
Jily：Oh!
My heart skipped a beat at Giles's words and all the meaning behind them.
Giles：I believe you should hold the wedding as soon as possible, to reassure everyone in the palace.
Giles：And then I believe it might be best for us all to leave this place and find a new home.
Giles：The final decision is yours, Sir Albert, as lord of the castle.
Albert pressed his lips together, his gaze flicking to me for just a moment.
Then he looked back at Giles, and sighed softly.
His expression was serious as he opened his mouth to speak.

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Albert, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

Giles：The final decision is yours, Sir Albert, as lord of the castle.
Albert's expression was serious as he opened his mouth to speak.
Albert：We should tell the people in the town who we are, and why we're here.

（Wait, what?）

Albert：If things go well, we might not have to leave here at all.
There was no hesitation in Albert's words or his gaze as he spoke.
But it was the last thing I'd expected, and I stared at him with wide, disbelieving eyes.
Giles：Are you sure about that?
Giles looked somewhat startled as he met Albert's gaze.
But Albert only nodded firmly, his resolve clear.
Albert：Do you think you can convince the townspeople to gather at this time tomorrow?
Albert：We can hold the wedding after that.
Giles：Very well.
Giles nodded slowly, and then turned and walked out of the room.
We both watched as he left, and then I turned to look at Albert.
Jily：Are you sure?
Albert：I believe that your opinion was correct.
Albert：I think someday humans and vampires should learn to understand and respect each other.

（When we were having the meeting, I was imagining sometime way in the future.
（But that time is now, isn't it?）

I realized then that Albert was smiling at me, his expression gentle.
Albert：I'm sure it will all be fine.
Jily：I hope so!

（I want to believe in you Albert—in you, and in the feelings I have for you.）

＊＊＊

The next day—
Albert and I stood before the door, ready to step outside and speak to the townspeople.

（I hope this all goes okay.）

I was nervous, but I tried to push that aside as I reached towards the door.
Suddenly, Albert placed his hand over mine, squeezing my fingers gently.

（Albert?）

I looked up at him in surprise, feeling uneasy at the tension in his expression.
Jily：What's the matter?
Albert：Nothing.
Albert：I have been very happy, spending time with you.
Albert：I just wanted to tell you that.

（What??）

Albert's voice was soft as he spoke, and he refused to meet my gaze.
My heart began to pound like crazy in my chest, and I didn't know what to think.
Jily：What does that—
Before I could finish speaking, Albert pushed open the heavy doors, and stepped outside.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert stepped outside the castle, and I hurried after him, my heart pounding.
Robert：Jily!
Robert：You really are safe. What a relief!
Jily：Robert?!
Robert was someone I'd known from town, and he'd always looked out for me—but I hadn't expected him to be here, alone.

（What's going on?
（I thought we were explaining things to the townspeople?）

My thoughts whirled in confusion as I looked up at Albert.
But Albert still refused to meet my gaze—instead, he was looking at Robert.
His expression was as calm and collected as ever.
Albert：As we explained in the letter, we will return Jily to her home.
Albert：And we will leave the forest and go elsewhere.

（What the?!）

My eyes were almost bugging out of my head at Albert's words.
Jily：What's going on? What does that mean?
I stared up at Albert, overwhelmed by shock and disbelief.
At last he turned to face me, and our eyes met.
He smiled slowly, a smile that was both troubled and sad somehow.
Albert：Somewhere along the way... I fell in love with you.
Albert：And because of that, I found myself unable to steal you away from your former life.
Albert：I couldn't bring myself to make you live the life of a vampire.
Jily：Oh!
Albert：I want you to live a happy life, Jily.
And with those words, Albert turned and headed back towards the castle.
Jily：Albert! No, wait!
I started to run after him, but Robert caught me gently by the arm.
Robert：It's no good, Jily. What he says is true.
Robert：It would be better for your sake to leave this place and return home.

（That might be true, but—）

Jily：I'm sorry!
I pushed Robert's hand off my arm as I spoke, pulling away from him.
Without hesitation I ran after Albert as he headed back into the castle.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：I'm sorry!
I pushed Robert's hand off my arm as I spoke, pulling away from him.
Without hesitation I ran after Albert as he turned back towards the castle.
Jily：Please, Albert! Wait!
Albert stopped at last at the sound of my voice, but he kept his back to me.
I reached out and wrapped my arms around him, pressing up against his back.
Jily：I understand what you're trying to say.
Jily：And I know that it's the right thing to do.
Jily：But I—

（I want to live with you. I want to be with you forever.）

Albert：Jily...
My heart was aching so badly that I couldn't find the right words to say.
I swallowed hard and opened my mouth to try again.
But a moment later Albert turned around and wrapped me in a tight embrace.
Albert：Please, forget about me.
Albert：I love you.
His voice was laced with sorrow as he murmured in my ear, and tears welled up in my eyes.
But a moment later his lips found my neck, and I felt his sharp teeth against my skin.
Jily：Ahhhhh!
It was a sweet, stabbing pain, and I gasped, clinging to Albert.
Suddenly my vision went dim and the world swam away from me.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I'd returned to the town I'd always lived in, and returned to the life I'd always led.
Child：Bye-bye, Miss Jily!
Jily：Be careful going home, okay?
I waved the children off and shut the door behind them, sighing to myself.

（Oh, Albert—）

I'd tried returning to the castle hidden in the forest, just once.
But the place was empty—there was no one living there, not anymore.

（Am I never going to see you again?）

My heart ached in my chest, and I could feel the tears welling up again.
Robert：Jily, do you have a moment?

（Oh!）

There was a knock at the door, and I heard Robert's voice from outside.
Jily：Yes! Hang on a moment.
I quickly composed myself as best I could, and then invited Robert inside.
His expression was clouded as he stepped into the room and turned to me.
Robert：I couldn't decide whether to tell you this, but—
Robert：In the end, I thought it was better that you know.
Jily：Know what?
Robert：I saw a man in the next town who looks like him.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Robert：I saw a man in the next town who looks like him.
I caught my breath at Robert's words, for a moment too stunned to speak.
Jily：When you say 'him'—
Robert：I mean the vampire lord who returned you to us.
Robert：It was exactly one month ago...
Robert went on to explain that he'd been passing through the neighboring town on his way home.
It had been the night of the full moon, and as he'd traveled past the lake just outside the town,
he'd spotted a man who looked exactly like Albert.
Robert：Tonight is the full moon, just like that night.
Robert：I thought perhaps... you might be able to see him.

（Albert—oh my—）

Robert and I both fell silent as we turned to look out the window.
The sky was streaked with the colors of sunset, and the full, round moon could be seen faintly near the horizon.

＊＊＊

That evening, I made my way to the lake Robert had told me about.

（If I could see Albert again, just for a little while...）

It was all I could think about as I stood there quietly, looking around me.
???：Jily?
And then I heard the voice I most wanted to hear, speaking my name.
I turned quickly to find Albert standing there, looking clearly surprised to see me.
Albert：What are you doing here?
Jily：Albert—!
The moment I saw him, all the tears I'd been holding back spilled forth.
Albert：Please don't cry.
Albert stepped towards me, reaching out to pull me into a tight embrace.
Albert：I understood in theory that returning you to your home was the best thing to do, but—
Albert pulled back a little from our embrace, looking down at me.
I looked up and found myself captivated by his intense gaze.
Albert：I missed you so badly I couldn't stand it.
His expression was filled with a wistful sadness, and my heart twisted in response.

（We feel exactly the same. We have, all this time.）

I was filled with warmth, and the surety of my own feelings.
Albert：I love you, Jily.
Jily：I love you too, Albert.
I'd wanted to say the words for so long, and it felt so right to finally speak them.

（Even if we have to part again—
（My feelings for you will never change.）

As we gazed into each other's eyes, our lips came together for a sweet, tender kiss...

fin.

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Albert, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

Giles：The final decision is yours, Sir Albert, as lord of the castle.
Albert's expression was serious as he opened his mouth to speak.
Albert：We should tell the people in the town who we are, and why we're here.

（Wait, what?）

Albert：If things go well, we might not have to leave here at all.
There was no hesitation in Albert's words or his gaze as he spoke.
But it was the last thing I'd expected, and I stared at him with wide, disbelieving eyes.
Giles：Are you sure about that?
Giles looked somewhat startled as he met Albert's gaze.
But Albert only nodded firmly, his resolve clear.
Albert：Do you think you can convince the townspeople to gather at this time tomorrow?
Albert：We can hold the wedding after that.
Giles：Very well.
Giles nodded slowly, and then turned and walked out of the room.
We both watched as he left, and then I turned to look at Albert.
Jily：Are you sure?
Albert：We can move forward together by understanding each other.
Albert：You said it yourself, did you not?
Albert gave me a gentle smile, and it eased the anxiety building up inside me.

（Well, if you're prepared to believe in me like that—
（Then I'm sure things will be okay.）

Jily：I did.
I nodded firmly, smiling back at Albert.

＊＊＊

A short while later—
I was resting in my room when I heard a knock at the door.
Albert：Jily.
Jily：What's the matter?
I looked up in surprise as Albert entered the room, his expression troubled.
His gaze was serious as he looked me directly in the eye and said,
Albert：I know I've asked you this before, but—
Albert：If there was a chance you could return to your home,
Albert：would you want to go home?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：If there was a chance you could return to your home,
Albert：would you want to go home?

（What the—）

Albert：Living for all eternity as a vampire is not an easy thing to do.
Albert：You would have to throw away everything from your former life, and live in this castle forever.
Albert：However, there is still a chance for you.
My eyes were wide as I stared up at Albert in disbelief.
But his gaze told me that he cared deeply about me, and that he wanted what was best for me.

（It's true that it may be even more difficult for me than I'm imagining.）
（But even so—）
（My heart is already decided.）

I shook my head firmly, and spoke without hesitation.
Jily：Thank you for offering. But I've already made up my mind.
Jily：I want to live here with you, forever.
Albert's eyes widened at my words, shock written clear across his face.
For a moment he looked like he was struggling, like he had no idea how to respond.
Then he seemed to regain control of his equilibrium, his expression calming again.
He pushed his glasses up his nose again, speaking quietly.
Albert：You really do know how to surprise me.
Albert reached out suddenly, pulling me into his strong embrace.
Albert：I promise I will make you happy.
Albert：Jily, will you marry me?
Stunned happiness filled me up inside at his murmured words.
Jily：Yes!
I nodded firmly, and Albert leaned closer, his lips capturing mine.
It was our first kiss, and it was sweet and gentle, yet filled with an underlying passion.

＊＊＊

The next day—
The townspeople gathered in front of the castle, many of them carrying torches.

（We have to make them understand.）
（I just know they will!）

I wanted to believe it, but I was a bundle of nerves, and my hands wouldn't stop shaking.
Albert reached out and took my hand in his, squeezing my fingers gently.
Albert：It will be okay.
Jily：I know.
Albert's confident words helped ease my nervousness, and I smiled up at him.
The two of us stepped forward, prepared to face the waiting townspeople.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

My hands trembled with nervousness, and Albert took my hand in his.
Albert：It will be okay.
Jily：I know.
Albert's confident words helped ease my nervousness, and I smiled up at him.
The two of us walked forward until we could see the gathered crowd.
As soon as we stepped into view, a hush fell over the crowd.
Albert：Today we have asked you to gather here so that we can explain our castle and its inhabitants to you.
Albert：I'm sure you have heard the rumors, and they are true—this is a castle where vampires live.
Man 1：That's awful!
Man 2：How could such dreadful monsters be living so close to us?!
Murmurs and shouts of dismay and fear rose up from the crowd, and I bit my lip.
But Albert continued to speak confidently, no hesitation in his voice.
Albert：However, we will never recklessly or thoughtlessly attack any of you.
Albert：I promise you all here and now that we will not do anything to hurt you or make you suffer.
There was conviction in Albert's voice, and the crowd slowly grew silent again.
Albert：We are only afraid of each other because we know nothing about each other.
Albert：I believe that if we're both prepared to meet halfway, we can find a way to live together in harmony.
Albert glanced at me as he finished speaking, and nodded firmly.

（I know we can all live together and get along.）
（So please—）

I stared down at the gathered people, hoping desperately that they would listen to Albert's words, and believe them.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（I know we can all live together and get along.
（So please—）

I stared down at the gathered people, hoping desperately that they would listen to Albert's words, and believe them.
Albert：Oh!
Someone began to applaud, and they were soon joined by another, and another, until the whole crowd was applauding.
Albert：Thank you very much.
Albert bowed deeply, the gesture graceful, and the applause grew even louder.

（Oh, thank goodness!）

Suddenly I couldn't stop smiling, and I looked up at Albert.
He smiled as well, his expression full of relief as he met my gaze.

＊＊＊

Several days later—
I was clad in a pure white dress, walking slowly towards the altar where Albert was waiting for me.
The venue was filled with the many vampires who lived in the castle.
But the townspeople who'd been my friends were also there, smiling as they watched me.

（In the beginning, I was so scared of this castle and everything it represented, but—）

Somewhere along the way, it had become a special place for me, a place of warmth and hope.

（And that's all thanks to Albert.）

I raised my head, and my gaze met Albert's.
Just looking him in the eye was enough to set my heart pounding.

（I really am so happy right now.）

I walked up to stand next to Albert, and he smiled at me, his expression suddenly shy.
Albert：You look beautiful.
Jily：Thank you.
I couldn't stop blushing as we exchanged our vows.
But at last the ceremony was almost over, and Giles's deep voice echoed through the room as he said,
Giles：You may now kiss the bride.
Albert slowly lifted my veil away from my face.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles：You may now kiss the bride.
Albert slowly lifted my veil away from my face.
He gazed down at me, his smile so gentle and loving it almost overwhelmed me.
My heart began to pound in anticipation as I lifted my face towards him.
A moment later his lips touched mine in a gentle kiss.
I gasped softly at the sweet taste of him, almost forgetting where I was for a moment.
Then the venue filled with applause as everyone celebrated our happiest moment.

＊＊＊

After the ceremony we returned to my room.
Albert：It still doesn't feel real.
Jily：I know.
We turned to look at each other as we spoke, and then both of us began to laugh softly.
But as our laughter calmed down, Albert's gaze turned serious.
Albert：I never knew I could feel this happy to love someone.
Albert：And maybe I'd never have known it if I hadn't met you.
Albert：I'm so glad I found you.
The look in his eyes sent a thrill of excitement through my whole body.
Jily：I feel the same. I'm so happy to have met you, and to be able to spend my whole life with you.
Albert reached out and took me by the hand, pulling me towards him.
He pushed me gently down onto the nearby bed, and leaned over me.
Albert：From now on—we'll be together forever.
He whispered huskily as his lips moved towards my neck.
Jily：Ahhhhh!
I felt his fangs graze my skin, and then a sweet pain shuddered through my whole body.

（You're not the only one who's surprised.）
（I never imagined I would be this happy just to be with the person I love.）

Albert wrapped his arms around me, and I clung tightly to his.
My heart was soaring with joy and happiness as I slowly sank into unconsciousness...

fin.

After Episode

Find out what happens afterwards in a sexy After Episode...

........
..................
You've sworn your eternal love with Albert,
and now a dizzying night together is upon you...
Albert：I want to give myself over to you tonight.
Albert was gazing only at me, and then his lips were on my neck...
Albert：Being with you drives me crazy.
Albert：I love you, Jily.
The moment the pain of his bite to your neck changes to shuddering pleasure...
All you can do is give in to the promise of an unbelievably seductive night with your vampire.