♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

A Royal Story Event－Queen's Reign（Alyn）

Prologue：

It was a bright, clear day, and a gentle breeze was blowing.
I was paying a visit to Robert's studio.
I sat quietly across from Robert, holding as still as I could.
Robert looked up from the canvas in front of him, and said gently,
Robert：Why don't we take a break?
Jily：No, I'm fine.
Robert：Then I'll keep going, Your Majesty.

（Ahh, damn. I was right. I can't stand you being so formal.）

Robert adjusted his grip on his brush as he turned back towards his canvas.
But before he could start painting again, I said,
Jily：Can we just go back to acting like we usually do?
Robert's eyes widened slightly, and then he laughed suddenly.
Robert：Are you sure? I just thought, if I treat you like the queen you are—
Robert：Well, I might be able to better capture that grace and dignity on my canvas.
Robert smiled cheerfully at me as he spoke.
But something about the way he phrased it just made me feel more embarrassed.

（I'm just still not used to being called 'Your Majesty' like that.）

It had been almost a year since I'd officially become the queen of Wysteria.
I had more responsibilities to bear, and a great many more things to worry about.
But I'd spent the last year with my king at my side, and I felt as if we'd had a fulfilling, enjoyable year together.
Robert：I never thought the day would come when I'd be painting a picture of you as the queen.
Robert：It makes me really happy.
Jily：I'm very happy that you're painting my picture too!
Robert：Are you looking forward to the ceremony? I am.
Jily：Yes, I am!
There was a particular reason Robert was painting my picture.
It was a picture that would be put up to celebrate the first anniversary of our coronation.
Robert smiled as he gazed down at the canvas in front of him.
Robert：That reminds me, there's some sort of custom associated with the ceremony, isn't there?
Jily：Oh, yes. I was told that it's about wishing for happiness and prosperity for the whole nation, but—
Jily：I still haven't really heard what exactly the custom itself is.

（I wonder what we'll be expected to do?）

As I sat there thinking, there was a sudden knock at the door.
Robert：Come in.
Robert and I turned to look as the door to the studio opened...

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＞＞＞Choose Alyn

Alyn, Chapter 1：

There was a sudden knock at the door.
Robert：Come in.
Robert and I turned to look as the door to the studio opened.
Alyn：Are you done yet?
Alyn stepped into the studio, turning to look at me.
Jily：Just a little longer.
Jily：I didn't expect you to finish up that discussion with the bureaucrats so quickly.
Alyn：Yeah, that's why I came to get you.
Alyn：After you're done here, we have to go see Giles.
Alyn：He's gonna explain the ceremony in more detail to us.
Robert listened to Alyn's explanation, and smiled over at me.
Robert：The painting is fine, so you can go now.
Jily：What? Already?
I gaped at him in surprise, and Alyn leaned over to study the canvas.
Alyn：That's amazing.
Robert：I've known Jily since she was young.
Robert：I'll never have another chance to paint someone I've known that long in their position as queen.
Robert：So I'm really giving it my all.
Alyn：It looks like it'll be a good painting.
Robert：Thank you very much.
Robert smiled as he put his brush down and turned to me again.
Robert：Off you go, Jily.
Robert：I'm sure you're curious to hear more about that custom.
Jily：I am. All right, we'll head off then.
I nodded and started to rise from the chair.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：I am. All right, we'll head off then.
I nodded and started to rise from the chair.
To my surprise Alyn stepped over and offered me his hand.
Alyn：C'mon.
Jily：Thanks. I'm looking forward to seeing the painting, Robert.
Robert：Of course. I'll have it ready in time for the ceremony.
I waved to Robert as Alyn and I left his studio.
We made our way to Giles's room, and he explained the ceremony in detail to us.
When that was done, he finally told us about the custom.
Giles：Now, about this custom.
Giles：It involves two of the horses who have been retired from working as knight's horses.
Giles：You will each ride one of them around the town.

（This is a custom that seems perfect for you, Alyn.）

Excitement filled me up inside as I glanced at Alyn.
He looked interested as he nodded at Giles.
Alyn：The knights have a tradition of holding a retirement ceremony when a horse retires from action.
Alyn：But I didn't realize there the coronation ceremony had a tradition like that.
Giles：This custom has a simple reason behind it.
Giles：By riding on horses that have spent their lives protecting this country with the knights,
Giles：it symbolizes that you, the king and queen, will also protect the peace of our country.

（So we'll be a symbol of protecting the peace, huh?）

The weight of his words settled deep in my heart, and I straightened my shoulders.
Giles looked over at my expression, a faint smile on his lips.
Giles：Accordingly, I would like you take additional riding lessons prior to the ceremony, Your Majesty.
Giles：Naturally, you will do so with the king.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles：Accordingly, I would like you take additional riding lessons prior to the ceremony, Your Majesty.
Giles：Naturally, you will do so with the king.
Giles：Please adjust your schedule and prioritize those lessons.
Alyn and I both nodded to Giles, and then glanced at each other.
Jily：We'll do fine, won't we, Alyn?
Alyn：Absolutely.
We smiled at each other, and my heart skipped a beat at the look in his eyes.
With that decided, I hastened to rearrange my schedule leading up to the ceremony.
It was soon time to start my first riding lesson with Alyn.
We made our way to the arena to practice.
Alyn：It's been a while since you rode a horse, hasn't it?
Alyn：I'll watch from here, so just do a single lap first.
Jily：Okay.

（Wow, this really reminds me of all the lessons I took when I was the princess.）

I could feel myself smiling as I mounted the horse.
Alyn looked up at me from where he stood on the ground.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn looked up at me from where he stood on the ground.
Alyn：I dunno why, but you look awfully happy.
Jily：I was just thinking, it feels like we've gone back to when I was the princess.
I smiled brightly at Alyn, and he laughed, his expression mischievous.
Alyn：I hope your riding skills haven't gone back that far.
Jily：Geez, you.
I pouted down at him, and he smiled up at me.
Alyn：I'll watch and see if you can still do all the things I taught you.
Alyn：So grab the reins and get going.
Jily：Okay!
I felt an edge of nervousness as I took up the reins and began to ride.

＊＊＊

Alyn：...so don't forget that whole feeling you've got right now.
Jily：Got it.

（I kind of feel like I'm slowly remembering how it was, and riding the way I should be.）

Alyn：How about we end it here for today?
Jily：Okay. Thank you.
I felt myself relaxing, and I turned to dismount.
As I did so Alyn reached out a hand to me from where he stood next to the horse.
Alyn：Be careful as you dismount.
Jily Thank—
I started to move out of the saddle as I spoke, but suddenly—

（Ahh!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I started to move out of the saddle as I spoke, but suddenly—

（Ahh!）

I lost my balance and I could feel myself slipping sideways.
A moment later I tumbled straight towards Alyn.
Alyn：Gah!
Alyn caught me, his arms warm and reassuring around my waist as he stood me up straight.
I could hear his soft laughter in my ear.
Alyn：Geez, didn't I just tell you to be careful?
Jily：I'm sorry! But thank you for saving me.
I smiled shyly up at him, and starting to step away.

（Huh?）

But for some reason Alyn only gripped me tighter.
Jily：Alyn?
Alyn：It's nothing. What, do you mind?
His breath seemed unusually warm against my ear, and I could almost hear the pout in his voice.
Jily：I don't mind.

（You haven't changed at all—you always have these unexpected moments where you get a bit needy.）
（Sometimes I think I'll never get used to them, but—）

I peeked a glance up at his red cheeks, smiling a little to myself.
All the things I felt for Alyn had only grown stronger in the year since we'd gotten married.
He continued to hold me tight, and my smile widened, my heart beginning to pound.
Alyn：Okay, let's get back to work.
At last Alyn let go of me, and turned casually to stroke the horse's nose.
A moment later I noticed a faint frown cross his features.
I looked up at him in surprise, but he didn't meet my gaze.
Jily：What's wrong?
Alyn：It's nothing.

＊＊＊

Our lesson finished, we returned to the palace.
Leo：I've been waiting for you two.

Alyn, Chapter 2：

Leo：I've been waiting for you two.
Alyn and I had finished our riding lesson and returned to the palace.
To our surprise, Leo was there to greet us.
Leo：I have a message from Giles.
Leo：He said he has some urgent documents for Alyn to check, and he wants him to come right away.
Jily：So our practice after this—

（After our riding lesson,）
（we were both scheduled to practice our speech, with Leo giving us feedback.）

I looked over at Leo, and he gave me a chagrined smile.
Leo：Apparently the documents are more important.
Leo：Sorry for interfering with your special time together.
Alyn：You didn't need to say that last part.
Alyn scowled at Leo, but he just chuckled in response.
Jily：Well, Leo and I can go ahead and work on the speech in the meantime.
Alyn：Okay.
Alyn：I'll be there soon as I can.
Leo：Got it.
Leo smiled cheerfully at Alyn, nodding as he did so.

（Outwardly, you two seem the same as you always have, but—）

A warm feeling blossomed in my heart.

（Ever since Alyn was crowned as the king,）
（it feels as though you two are slowly building up mutual trust between you.）

We saw Alyn off, and then Leo and I headed for the study.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Leo and I left Alyn and headed for the study.
As we were walking, Leo glanced at me, his expression curious.
Leo：Jily, the day of the ceremony is also your wedding anniversary, isn't it?
Leo smiled as he turned to look at me.
Leo：Doesn't that make you want to spend at least part of the day alone together?

（Well, it's not like I haven't thought about it.）

Jily：I do, but—
Leo：But?
Leo's expression was encouraging, but I pushed my feelings aside and smiled at him.
Jily：I'm sure we'll be happier celebrating together with everyone.

（There's a part of me that would be happiest celebrating it alone with Alyn, but—）
（As a ruler, I feel like that's being a bit selfish.）

Leo：That's so like you, Jily.
Leo's smile was gentle and friendly, but then it faded as he murmured,
Leo：But I think Alyn's thinking about your anniversary too.
Jily：What?
Leo：Nothing, never mind.
Leo smiled brightly at me again, and hastened his step down the corridor.
The days seemed to pass by in a flash, until it was the evening before the ceremony.
After I finished my work, I headed to the stables to check on the horses we'd be riding in the ceremony.
Jily：Oh no!
I quickly put down the bucket of water I was carrying and rushed across the stables.
The horse I was supposed to ride the next day was lying on her side in her stall.

（Wow, she doesn't look well at all! Okay, first I need to give her some water—）

I turned back to where I'd left the water by the door.
???：So you're here too?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：So you're here too?
Jily：Alyn!
Alyn stepped into the stables, but he stopped immediately.
He seemed to notice how flustered I looked, and he frowned in concern.
Alyn：What's wrong?
His gaze moved past me to the stalls.
A moment later he hurried over to the sick horse, kneeling beside her.
Alyn：I was a bit worried about her during that first lesson.
Alyn：But after that she seemed fine.
Alyn continued to frown as he gently stroked her nose, his voice soft as he leaned over to say,
Alyn：I'm sorry I didn't realize.
Jily：I had no idea either.
My heart ached as I watched the horse, her breathing labored.
Jily：What should we do?
Alyn：For now, go get that blanket.

＊＊＊

By the time we'd finished taking care of her, the horse seemed to be a little more at ease.
Alyn's voice was pained as it echoed through the stable.
Alyn：There's no way you can ride her tomorrow, when she's like this.
Jily：I know.

（There's nothing we can do about that, but—）
（What should we do about the custom of riding two horses around town?）

I felt so sorry for the poor, weak horse as I gazed down at her.
But at the same time I was filled with unease as I thought about the ceremony.

（Is there anything else we can do?）

As I looked around, my gaze was caught by the horse in the next stall.
It was the horse Alyn was scheduled to ride.

（This won't exactly fulfill the custom, but—）

Jily：Hey, Alyn? I do have one idea.
Alyn was also staring at his horse, and as I glanced over at him, he turned to me with a start.
Alyn：Yeah, me too.

＊＊＊

The next day—
Alyn and I made our way down the main street, both of us mounted on the one horse.
Alyn：That's a heck of a lot of cheering.
Jily：Yes! Everyone looks so happy.
I could feel Alyn's warmth pressed against my back as we rode.
I smiled brightly, waving to all the people who'd lined the streets to see us.

（After that—）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（After that—）

〝Jily：Hey, Alyn? I do have one idea.〞
〝Alyn：Yeah, me too.〞
〝Jily：How about...〞
〝Alyn & Jily：We both ride the one horse?〞
〝We spoke almost exactly in sync, and then Alyn nodded firmly.〞

（We had to consult with Giles since it changes the custom, but—）
（I'm so glad he was so willing to approve of our suggestion.）

I looked around at the smiling faces of the gathered people.
Alyn gripped the reins firmly as he guided the horse down the main street.
Jily：I'm glad the other horse seems like she'll be okay.
Alyn：Yeah. Unless something changes, she should recover fully, in time.
Alyn had spent half the night caring for the horse who'd collapsed.
She'd steadily improved, probably thanks to his good care,
but she couldn't take part in the ceremony.

（Yesterday I was so worried about the ceremony, and about the horse.）
（But I'm so glad we were able to overcome everything and reach this point.）

Jily：Alyn.
Alyn：Hmm?
Jily：When people talk about a 'symbol of peace,' well—
Jily：It seems too big and abstract, and I have trouble getting my head around it. But—
I turned back to look Alyn in the eye.
Jily：There are so many small things I can do, and I want to put them all together, one by one.
Jily：I feel like by doing that, maybe I can show just how much I treasure this country.
As I said that to Alyn—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

As I told Alyn how I felt—
Citizen 1：Long live the king and the queen!
Citizen 2：Thank you for protecting the peace in Wysteria!
Voices rang out from the roadside, and I caught my breath.

（To have so many people respect me as the queen like this...）
（I'm sure it's thanks to all the people in the palace who help me.）
（And of course Alyn, who's always the first to reach out a helping hand to me.）

My chest felt tight at the thought, my emotions almost overwhelming me.
Alyn：It sounds like you've already shown the people how you feel pretty well.
Jily：I guess so.

（I want to keep protecting this country, for the rest of my life.）

Alyn：Crybaby.
Jily：This is because I'm happy!
Alyn was smiling at me as he reached out to wipe away my tears.
Jily：I realized something all over again yesterday.
I continued to look back at Alyn as I spoke.
Jily：Even if unexpected things happen in the future, like they did yesterday—
Jily：I know that so long as we're together, we can overcome anything.

（When I'm alone, sometimes I end up fretting and doubting myself,）
and sometimes I can't decide what to do.）
（But I feel as though I can do anything if I know I have you with me.）

Alyn's eyes widened in surprise, just for a moment, and then he smiled.
Alyn：That's a bit sudden.
Alyn：But I thought that was already obvious.
His gentle voice mingled with the sounds of the townspeople's cheers, filling me with warmth.
Alyn：Even riding a horse together like this—
Alyn：Well, it may not be the original custom, but—
Alyn looked ahead of us, down the road.
His arms supported me, and I could feel their warmth as he pressed closer against me.
Alyn：I feel like cuddling up close like this is more suited to us.

（Oh, Alyn—）

I turned to face forward again, nodding as I did so.
Jily：I think so too.
Jily：I want us to keep doing our best for Wysteria, in our own way—in the way that best suits us.
Alyn lifted one hand from the reins and placed it on top of mine.
We slowly made our way through the town, waving to all the people.
At last the ceremony was over, and we returned to the palace.

＊＊＊

As soon as we returned, we were summoned to see Giles in his room.
Giles：Well done today, both of you.
Giles：Now, as for what comes next...

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Alyn, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

Giles：Now, as for what comes next... you can't relax just yet.
Giles：You will have to meet with the many nobles who have come to give you their blessings.
Giles：Your schedule is completely packed.

（I don't know if it's because of the smiles of all the townspeople who gathered to see us, but—）
（I'm so filled with the desire to do my best, as the queen.）

I smiled brightly up at Giles, nodding firmly.
Jily：Okay!
Alyn turned to look at me, a smirk on his face.
Alyn：You're almost too eager.
But he was smiling, and I could see the determination in his gaze as he looked at me.
Alyn took me by the hand, and we headed towards the ballroom.
We moved around the ballroom, greeting and chatting to the many visiting nobles.
By the time the event was over, it was late in the evening.
As we headed back to our room, I stopped suddenly, and said,
Jily：Alyn, could you go on ahead without me?
Alyn：Sure, but...
Alyn looked back at me, curiosity in his eyes.
Jily：Go on, just go ahead. I'll be there soon.
I smiled at him, and turned away to head in a different direction.

＊＊＊

At last I returned to our room, where Alyn was waiting.
Jily：Alyn, well done today.
I brought out the thing I'd been hiding behind me—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Alyn, well done today.
I brought out the chocolate cake I'd been hiding behind me.
Alyn：That—what's that for?
Alyn's eyes were wide with surprise, and I sat down next to him, putting the cake on the table.
I turned to face him with a small smile.
Jily：Today is the first anniversary of our coronation, but...
Before I could say anything more, Alyn pressed a gentle finger against my lips.

（Alyn?）

Alyn：It's our wedding anniversary, right?
Jily：Oh!
I blinked in surprise, and Alyn gave an exasperated sigh.
Alyn：Did you think I'd forgotten?
Jily：Well, you weren't acting like you'd remembered.
Alyn：As if I could forget.
Alyn：It's a really important day for us both.
Alyn's cheeks flushed faintly as he spoke, and I smiled.

（I couldn't prepare anything grand like we had at the ceremony, but—）

I'd wanted to prepare something for him, even if it was only a small thing.
The day before I'd finally decided that I'd bake a cake for him.

（Did you feel the same way?）
（Have you been wondering how to celebrate our anniversary, too?）

Even if he didn't say it aloud, I felt happy knowing that we'd both been thinking the same thing.
Jily：I don't want to spend the rest of tonight as king and queen.
Jily：I want to spend it as husband and wife.
Alyn's eyes widened slightly at my words, his cheeks still red.
His reaction made me blush as well, but I smiled at him all the same.

（This is a special evening for us. I want everything to be perfect.）

I dropped my gaze to my hands, fiddling in my lap.
Then out of the corner of my eye I saw Alyn reaching towards me.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn reached towards me, wrapping me in a warm embrace.
Alyn：Thanks.
His words and the warmth of his arms around me filled me with happiness.
Alyn pulled back just a little, tilting his head to catch my gaze.
Alyn：I love you.
His voice a husky murmur as his lips found mine.
His kiss was somehow sweet and sensual all at once, and I closed my eyes.

（I'm so happy right now.）

Just knowing we felt the same way gave me such joy that tears filled my eyes.

（Ahhh, everything is just overwhelming me today. In a good way!）

I tried to blink the tears back, but one of them slipped down my cheek.
Without a word, Alyn pressed a kiss against my cheek, capturing the tear.
Alyn：So, help me eat that cake.
Jily：Of course.
I smiled brightly up at Alyn, sliding the cake towards him.

（Alyn?）

He was staring at me, not the cake, and I blinked curiously at him.
Alyn：I said 'help me eat that,' didn't I?

（Wait—did you mean—）

There was sudden mischief dancing in his eyes, and I giggled a little as I realized what he meant.
Alyn：You don't mind, right?
Everything about the moment felt perfectly blissful, and I smiled at him.

（This is just the sort of thing a regular husband and wife would do, and I like that.）

Jily：I don't mind.
I cut a piece of cake with the fork, scooping up the cream and sponge together.
I lifted it carefully and moved it towards Alyn's mouth.
Alyn leaned closer towards me.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn swallowed a mouthful of the cake, and wiped cream from his mouth with his thumb.
Alyn：Delicious.

（Oh, thank goodness!）

Alyn's sweet smile filled me to overflowing with happiness.
I couldn't help but laugh softly as I gazed up at him.
Alyn：What's that for?
Jily：I was just thinking about how happy I am.
As soon as I spoke, Alyn's expression turned serious.

（Alyn?）

I blinked up at him, eyes wide, not sure what to make of his expression.
Alyn：I promise that I will make sure you're always happy.
Alyn：So that you'll always be able to smile and laugh like that.
Alyn's words were so sweet that I almost couldn't stand it.
Jily：Don't say something like that so out of the blue!
Alyn：Huh? When am I gonna say it, if not now?
Alyn laughed, his voice exasperated, but he was blushing again.
Jily：It's just—I'm so happy I think I might cry again.
Alyn：Ahh, geez.
Alyn sighed, but he was smiling as he pulled me towards him.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：Ahh, geez.
Alyn sighed, but he was smiling as he pulled me towards him.
He wrapped his arms around me, pressing my head gently against his chest.
Jily：Alyn?
The embrace was unexpected, and I looked up at him.
He was gazing down at me, his eyes serious.
Alyn：Now's the right time, so let me say this.
Alyn：It doesn't matter whether I'm happy or sad, I want you to be the one closest to me.
Alyn blinked slowly, his gaze filled with tenderness as he looked at me.
Alyn：I will be with you your whole life long.
His voice was soft, and he placed his hand over mine, squeezing it gently.

（It's been a whole year now.）
（And the reason I can celebrate that with such warmth and happiness—）
（Well, it's because you've always been here, by my side.）

I couldn't hold back my tears any longer, and they spilled down my cheeks.
Jily：I know.
I buried my face in his broad chest, listening to his heartbeat.
Alyn lifted his arms and began to gently stroke my back.

（I feel the same. I want to be the one who's always closest to you.）

My heart seemed filled to the brim with everything I felt for Alyn...

fin.

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Alyn, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

Giles：Now, as for what comes next...
Giles：There is no more work to be done, so please enjoy your time alone together.
Jily：What? Really?
My eyes were wide as saucers, but I thought I saw Alyn grinning at Giles out of the corner of my eye.

（Hang on—）

Alyn reached out and took me by the hand, turning away.
Alyn：C'mon, let's go.
Jily：Alyn?
He pulled me towards the door, and I hurried after him, confused.

＊＊＊

We returned to our room briefly to get changed before leaving the palace again.
Alyn took me to the shore of a nearby lake.
The sun was slowly moving its way west, and lazy clouds drifted across the sky.
Jily：How can we have no more work? Today's such an important day. Does that ever happen?
Alyn：Giles said there's no more work, so I guess it does.
Alyn moved behind me, wrapping his arms around me as we gazed out at the lake together.
Alyn：Does it bother you that much?
Jily：No, it's not that.
Jily：But Alyn—you didn't seem surprised in the slightest.
Alyn：That's not exactly true.
I glanced up at Alyn, but his eyes slid evasively away from mine.
I remembered the grin he'd given Giles in the office, and I quirked my lips.

（Don't tell me—）

Jily：Alyn, did you know all along?
Alyn continued to avoid my gaze, and I chewed my lower lip.
He stared past me at the lake for a moment longer, and then spoke.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn stared past me at the lake for a moment longer, and then said,
Alyn：Maybe.
He tightened his grip on me, and then I felt his breath against my neck as he laughed softly.
Alyn：I might have asked Giles to arrange it.
Jily：You did?
Alyn let go of me finally, turning me around to face him.
Alyn：You don't have to look so surprised.
His gaze dropped away from mine again, and I realized he was blushing slightly.
My heart began to race, and I found myself smiling.

（If you went out of the way to ask Giles, then maybe—）

Alyn：I mean, it is our wedding anniversary.
There was a husky edge to his voice as he spoke, and I blushed happily.

（I'm so glad that you didn't forget our anniversary.）
（But I can't believe you also found a way to make time for us on a day like today.）

Jily：Ahh, I'm so happy.
The words popped out unbidden as I beamed up at Alyn, and he reached towards me.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn reached out towards me as I smiled up at him.
Jily：Alyn?!
Alyn tweaked my cheek gently, and he looked for all the world like he was pouting.
Alyn：But if you wanna spend time alone with me, then tell ME, not Leo.

（Oh!）

Leo：Doesn't that make you want to spend at least part of the day alone together?
Jily：I do, but—
Leo：But?
Jily：I'm sure we'll be happier celebrating together with everyone.

（Did Leo tell you about our conversation?）

I looked up at Alyn's faint pout, and the intense look in his eyes.
Knowing that we both felt the same way about our anniversary filled me with happiness.
Alyn dropped his hand, and I grinned up at him as I said,
Jily：I know. But I was so happy to have so many people celebrating with us.
Jily：I just thought maybe it was selfish of me to want to spend time with you alone on top of that.
Alyn sighed softly at my words.
Alyn：Silly. It's okay to be selfish, you know.
There was a gentle light in his eyes, and my heart sang sweetly.

（Your kindness never changes, and it makes me love you more each day.）

Alyn：Well, you're right that being celebrated like that made me happy.
Alyn：But I realized something all over again today.
Alyn：I want to keep protecting the peace of this country, together with you.
Jily：Me too. I realized I want us to be able to protect Wysteria together, always.
Jily：And I'll keep doing my best to make sure we can.
I nodded firmly as I spoke, and Alyn's expression turned serious.
Alyn：And there's one more thing. I said this before, but—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：And there's one more thing. I said this before, but—
Alyn：I will always be here to protect you, too.
A gentle breeze blew past us, ruffling our hair.
（Those words—）

Alyn：I will always be here to protect you.
Alyn：Marry me, Jily.

（It's the same thing you said to me, before we got married.）

His gaze was as intense and serious as it had been then, and it sent a thrill of joy right through me.

（Oh Alyn, I love you.）
（More than anyone else in the world.）

I felt almost overwhelmed by everything I was feeling for him.
As we stared at each other, Alyn's expression relaxed into a gentle smile.
Alyn：You're making the same face you did then.
Jily：Well, you reminded me of when you proposed to me.
There was such gentleness in his eyes now, and I smiled as I met his gaze.

（I want to tell you too—I want you to know how I feel.）

Jily：I was able to become a proper princess because I met you.
Jily：And that's why I want to use my own strengths to become a queen capable of supporting Wysteria.
It was a wish I'd kept locked in my heart, but now I spoke it aloud.
Jily：I've already decided that I'll do my best, here by your side.
Jily：So let's keep working hard, together.
I beamed up at Alyn as I spoke, and his expression gentled.
Alyn：That's something about you that never changes.
He reached out and slid his fingers under my chin, tilting my head upwards.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：That's something about you that never changes.
Alyn tilted my head towards him, a smile on his lips as he leaned closer.
Alyn：I love you, Jily.
Alyn captured my soft sigh with his gentle kiss.
His kisses had an edge of desire to them that sent a thrill running through me.
I wrapped my arms around him, giving myself over to the moment.
Alyn：I'll never let you go.
Jily：Same here.
He kissed me again and again, his kisses growing more passionate each time.

（Every time you kiss me it drives me more and more crazy.）

Jily：I love you too.
I clung tighter to Alyn, whispering the words between kisses.
He let out a soft sigh in return, kissing me even deeper.
At last our lips parted, and he smiled suddenly at me.
Alyn：When I'm with you, I keep finding so many things I'll never forget.
Alyn：The way everything looks today—and your smile—
Alyn reached up to caress my cheek, and my heart began to pound faster.

（I feel exactly the same.）
（I'll never forget us spending time alone together today—）
（And I'll never forget our promise to protect Wysteria.）

A gentle breeze whispered through the trees, and ruffled the surface of the lake, making it sparkle.
It wrapped us in the gentle scent of nearby flowers.
But we barely noticed, lost as we were in each other's kisses...

fin.

After Episode

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

After you've undergone the ceremony with Alyn, a special treat awaits.
An unforgettable anniversary night with him!
………
Alyn：I promise we'll both have fun tonight.
Alyn：I hope you're ready.
He leaned over me, pressing his lips against my neck, then trailing down towards my breasts.
Alyn：Yeah... I like hearing your voice.
………
His fingers slide over your bare skin, and your whole body heats up...
Are you ready for your hottest night with him yet?