♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

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

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...

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

＞＞＞Choose Louis

Louis, Chapter 1：

Robert and I turned to look as the door to the studio opened.
Jily：Louis!
Louis stepped into the room, a small smile on his face.
He shut the door quietly behind him, and then turned to me again.
He crossed the room towards me, still smiling.
Jily：What's the matter?
Louis：We have some preparations to get done for the ceremony, so I came to get you.
Jily：Oh, thank you.

（But Robert's still painting the picture.）

I looked over at Robert, unsure if I could just leave, but he smiled as he said,
Robert：Then why don't we leave it here for today, and make some extra time later?
Louis nodded somewhat awkwardly at Robert's suggestion.
Louis：Sorry about this.
Jily：Thank you, Robert.
I smiled gratefully at Robert and started to stand up from the chair.
But I'd been sitting the same way for so long that I had pins and needles,
and my legs didn't seem to work right.

（Oh!）

Louis：Jily—
I stumbled, but Louis wrapped his arms around my waist, supporting me.
Jily：Thank you.
Louis：It's fine. Just—be careful, okay? Or I'll worry.
Jily：Okay.

（I can't help but be happy to have you here with me,）
（even at unexpected moments like these.）

His gaze was warm and gentle, and it set my heart racing.
Suddenly I heard Robert laughing softly behind us.
Jily：Robert?
I turned to look at Robert in confusion, and he smiled at me as he said,
Robert：I'm sorry. But I hear it so often from the palace staff, I couldn't help myself.

（Hear what?）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Robert：I'm sorry. But I hear it so often from the palace staff, I couldn't help myself.

（Hear what?）

Robert：They say that in the year since the coronation, the king has started to smile more and more.
I caught my breath at Robert's words.
I spent so much time with Louis that it was something I'd noticed as well.

（But if they're gossiping about it in the palace, then I guess everyone's noticed!）

Louis：It's true.
Louis nodded slightly, but I could see the faint blush on his cheeks.
Then he smiled again, his expression bright.

（I feel like you've been smiling more and more, ever since we got married.）
（And it makes me so happy to see you smile so often.）

I looked over at Louis's smile, warmth spreading through my heart.
I felt so fulfilled in that moment, and I smiled brightly at Robert again.
Jily：I'll come again soon so we can finish the painting.
Robert：Of course.
Robert waved to us both as we stepped out of the studio.

（That reminds me—）

As Louis and I walked down the corridor together, I asked him curiously,
Jily：So what exactly are these preparations for the ceremony?

（To be preparing two weeks in advance—it must be something special.）

I looked up, studying Louis's expression, and he smiled gently at me.
Louis：We're preparing for the custom that's always carried out during the ceremony.

（Oh, the custom!）

I thought back to the conversation I'd had earlier with Robert.
I still hadn't managed to find out what the custom was, and it was driving me nuts.
I started to ask Louis to explain, but right then he stopped outside a room.
Louis：Once you step inside, you'll understand.
Louis pushed the door open as he spoke.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis opened the door and I followed him into a room dominated by a grand piano.
Louis：The custom is for us to play this.
Louis：I was told all about the custom before I came to get you.
Louis went on to explain what he'd been told.
Apparently the custom was for the king and queen to perform something on a musical instrument at the ceremony.
Louis：A long time ago, there were a great many misfortunes, and the people had all fallen into despair.
Louis：But there was a king and a queen who gave them hope again by playing music for them.
Louis：Together the two of them used the power of music to both calm and reassure the people.
Louis：And eventually they turned the nation into one overflowing with joyful smiles again.

（Wow, that's amazing.）

Jily：What a wonderful custom!

（It would be so amazing if we could make everyone happy the way that king and queen did!）

I felt a fresh burst of resolve, and Louis nodded at me.
Louis：They said it doesn't matter what instrument we play.
Louis：So I thought it would be better to choose one that I know you can play.
Jily：Thank you.
Warmth filled me up inside at his thoughtfulness.
Louis：And besides—
Louis stepped forward and sat in front of the piano.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：And besides—
Louis sat in front of the piano, and then patted the spot next to him on the bench.

（You want me to sit there, right?）

I hesitated a moment before sitting next to him. As I sat down, our shoulders brushed together.

（I can't help it—when we sit this close, I get all flustered.）

I could hear my heartbeat, louder and faster than usual, and I glanced over at Louis.
He was smiling at me, amusement in his eyes.
Louis：It means we can be right next to each other like this the whole time we're performing.

（Geez, Louis—）

I laughed softly, but I could feel myself blushing, and I looked away.
My gaze was caught by the sheet music for two players sitting on the music stand.

（I still feel flustered, sitting so close like this.）
（But I'm happy to think that we'll be able to play the piano together.）

I reached out and picked up the music, and Louis leaned closer to look at it.
Louis：Are you okay with playing this piece?
Jily：Yes.
The piece Louis had chosen was one that I was quite familiar with.
It was also said to have been written out of a desire for happiness and peace.
Jily：I think this piece will be perfect for the ceremony.
Louis：I'm glad you think so.

（I want to fulfill this wonderful custom with you, and make the entire ceremony a success.）

I was filled with excitement as I lifted my head from the sheet music.

（Oh!）

Louis's face was much closer than it had been a moment earlier.
Our eyes met at that short distance, and I found myself blushing again.
Louis smiled at me, his cheeks red as well.
His eyes were so beautiful in that moment, and I felt captivated.
We stared at each other, and time seemed to stand still.

（I can't tear my gaze away.）

My pulse was roaring in my ears, and the room seemed distant.
Louis：Jily.
Louis spoke in a gentle voice, a whisper that seemed to echo in my heart.
He seemed to move closer still, or perhaps I was drawn towards him.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis seemed to move closer still, or perhaps I was drawn towards him.
I closed my eyes without thinking, and our lips met in a kiss.
His lips were warm and full against mine.
The kiss only lasted a moment, or at least it should have been a moment.
But it was so filled with happiness that it felt much longer.
My heart was pounding as I slowly opened my eyes again.
I could still feel his warmth on my lips, and I lifted my hand to touch them.
I looked up at Louis, only to find him smiling down at me, his eyes sparkling.
Louis：You looked so adorable.
Louis：I just wanted to kiss you.

（Ahh, Louis.）

I smiled shyly up at him, enraptured by the love in his eyes.
But then I turned resolutely towards the music sitting on the music stand.
Jily：We should probably start practicing.
Louis：Yes, you're right.
Louis laughed softly, but he turned to face the piano as well, his fingers graceful on the keys.
The two of us began to play together, studying the sheet music as we did so.

（Wow, Louis, you really are good at this. And yet—）

I'd tried my best to listen objectively as we played the music together.
But it was clear to me that my skills were lacking compared to Louis's.
I hadn't even been able to keep up with his playing all the way till the end of the piece.
Jily：I'm so sorry—I'm just—not that good at this.
Louis：It's fine, really. You just need to practice regularly and you'll be okay by the time of the ceremony.
Jily：I guess.

（You believe in me, so I've just gotta do my best, right?）

His words were so gentle and reassuring, and I nodded firmly, feeling determined.

＊＊＊

The starts shone brightly in the sky that evening.
When my work was finished, I made my way back to the room with the piano.

（I've gotta practice as much as I can, so that I can be as good as Louis.）
（They say that practice makes perfect, right?）

I did my best to focus as I opened the sheet music again.
I sat there at the piano, checking each note as I practiced the piece, over and over, until—
Louis：Jily?

Louis, Chapter 2：

Louis：Jily?
I turned in surprise to see Louis peering in through the partially opened door.
Louis：I heard the music, and I got curious.
Louis：Are you still practicing at this hour?
Jily：Well, yes. I figured I need to try really hard if I want to be as good as you.
Jily：I want to make sure the ceremony is a success.

（I've been supported by so many people, both in the palace and in the town.）
（As their queen, I want to play something that can bring them happiness.）

The story of the custom had sparked something inside of me.
I gazed across the room at Louis, filled with resolve.
His eyes were wide with surprise as he studied me.

（But there's one more thing, too.）
（I want to make sure the ceremony is a success so that you can smile even more.）

I kept that thought to myself as Louis spoke again, his voice slightly concerned.
Louis：Do you want to practice together?
Jily：Thank you, but—is it okay if I practice by myself a little longer before I try again with you?
Louis：Okay. But don't push yourself too much.
Jily：I won't.
I smiled reassuringly at Louis, and he gave me a faint smile before he left.

（Right! Let's do this.）

I watched him leave before turning back to the piano.

＊＊＊

Several days later—
The painting of me still needed to be finished in time for the ceremony,
so I was visiting Robert's studio again.
Jily：Sorry for running off last time.
Robert：No, it's fine, really.
I sat down across from Robert again, trying not to move too much.
Robert's expression changed suddenly, concern clouding it.

（I wonder what's wrong?）

I started curiously at him as he put his brush down.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Robert put his brush down, his voice gentle as he said,
Robert：Somehow you don't seem like your usual cheerful self today.

（Oh!）

I'd tried practicing the piano with Louis again, but I couldn't keep in time with him at all.
So I'd been practicing again and again, for days.

（I guess I'm not hiding my worries very well, am I?）

Jily：Actually...
I told Robert about the custom where Louis and I would have to play the piano together for everyone.
Then I told him about how hard I'd been practicing every day in an attempt to match Louis's skills.
Jily：Whatever else, I want to put on a wonderful performance for everyone.
I smiled at Robert as I told him the truth about what I was feeling.
Robert nodded at my words, his smile gentle in return.
Robert：I see. But don't push yourself too hard, okay?
Jily：I know. Thank you.

（Louis said the same thing to me.）
（But I have to work my damnedest to make sure the ceremony is a success.）

I smiled at Robert again, feeling filled with a new resolve.

＊＊＊

The days seemed to pass by in a flash after that.
In no time at all, it was the day before the ceremony.
Louis and I were sitting at the piano together, practicing.
But no matter how hard I tried—

（I'm still no good.）

The sounds of our playing echoed through the room, the notes clearly out of time.
As we played the last notes of the piece, I let out a long sigh.
Louis：Why don't we take a short break?
Jily：...Okay.
Louis's voice was gentle, but I could see the worry in his eyes.

（I didn't want to make you look like that.）

I felt flustered and dreadfully guilty somehow.
I couldn't quite meet Louis's gaze, and I looked away, when—
???：Here I was wondering who was playing, and it's you two.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：Here I was wondering who was playing, and it's you two.

（Oh!）

I lifted my head with a start to find Sid standing in the doorway, smirking at us.
Sid：You sure are havin' a hard time of it.
Sid：Want me to play instead of you on the big day?

（What?）

My eyes widened in shock at Sid's teasing tone.
Louis scowled, turning his cool gaze on Sid.
Louis：Did you come all this way to say that?
Sid：Nah. You got an urgent visitor, Sir King. Geez, I sound like Giles's messenger or somethin'.
Louis：I see.
Louis spoke bluntly, then turned to give me a small smile.
Louis：I'm sorry, Jily. Why don't we have one last practice tomorrow morning?
Jily：Okay. Thanks.
Louis gave me a gentle smile before he hurried out of the room.
I watched Louis leave, and then turned my gaze on Sid again.
Jily：Sid, can I ask you something?
Sid：What?
Jily：Well, lately, when you're around Louis—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Well, lately, when you're around Louis—
Sid：I don't seem to be teasing him as much. Is that what you wanna say?
Sid finished my question for me before I could even get the words out.
I blinked up at him with wide, disbelieving eyes.
Jily：Well... yes.
After Louis and I had gotten married and become king and queen,
we'd had to spend time with Sid now and again.

（But you don't seem to be purposely trying to irritate him like you used to.）
（You used to always tease him, but now—）

Jily：I figured it must be because you're getting along better now.
I spoke hesitantly, and Sid smirked at me again.
Sid：It's because I don't need to anymore.
Jily：You don't?
Sid：Do ya know what they've been saying down in town lately?
Sid：They said the king has been smiling more and more this last year. That's the reason.
At his words, I suddenly remembered something Sid had told me once before.

（That's right, you had a reason for teasing Louis.）
（You said you wanted to make sure he could actually react like a real person.）

Jily：But today you were teasing him, right?
Sid：Yep. 'Cause he was making that glum face, like he used to.

（Oh, Wow.）

Sid's words were like an arrow through my heart.
Jily：I think... that's because I can't play the piano very well.
Sid：Huh? You really think that?
Jily：What do you mean?
I looked up at him in surprise, and he sighed loudly before saying,
Sid：Look, I ain't gonna say anything about your problems this time.
Sid：But try talking to him about it, at least once.
And without another word Sid turned and left the room.
I sat there alone, trying to figure out what Sid had meant by what he'd said.

（He said 'you really think that'? But what does that mean?）

In the end I couldn't come up with an answer, so I turned back to the piano.

＊＊＊

That evening—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

That evening I made my way to the room with the piano again.

（I just want to get a little better at this before our final practice tomorrow morning.）

I sat down in front of the piano again, setting up the sheet music.
But before I could start playing, I heard footsteps behind me.

（Who could that be, at this hour?）

I turned towards the door curiously.
To my surprise I saw Louis walking towards me.
Louis：You weren't in our room.
Jily：I know. I can't help but worry about tomorrow, so I wanted to practice again.
Louis：I see.
Louis nodded, and sat down next to me on the stool.
His expression held the same unease it had earlier in the day, and my heart ached.
Jily：I'm sorry that my playing is so bad.
Louis shook his head slowly, negating my words.
Louis：Please don't apologize.
Louis：It's not your fault.
Louis：The reason our playing isn't in time has nothing to do with how well or how badly you play.
Jily：It doesn't?
Louis：When playing a piano duet...
Louis：the most important thing is that both players understand each other's feelings.
Louis slid his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into a gentle embrace.
Louis：Please, don't push yourself too hard.
Louis：You aren't alone anymore. We can get through this together. Just like you told me before.

（Oh!）

There was an edge of sadness in Louis's tone.
But it reminded me of something I'd said to him a long time ago.

〝Jily：You promised to turn to me when things went wrong!〞
〝Jily：You aren't alone anymore!〞
〝Jily：I could have helped you! We could have gotten through this together!〞
〝Louis：You're right.〞

（Wow, that's right. I told you that then, and yet now I'm—）

I realized at last that Louis was feeling now what I'd felt back then.
Louis：I'm here with you, after all.
Louis's words reassured me, and it suddenly felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

（And here I'd been thinking that I wanted to do a performance that would make everyone happy—
（And that I wanted to make Louis smile more. And yet—）

Somewhere along the way, I'd lost sight of what I'd been aiming for.
I took a deep breath and let it out again, before turning to give Louis a heartfelt smile.
Jily：Thank you, Louis.

（I want the both of us to make sure tomorrow's ceremony is wonderful.）

But it wasn't about trying to play as perfectly as I could.
The people would be happier if I played with my heart—with all the warm feelings I was feeling right at that moment.
It had taken me a long time to realize it, but at last I had.
Louis：You're welcome.
Louis nodded at me, and I was relieved to see that his gentle smile had returned.
He hugged me tightly again, and I leaned into his warm embrace.

＊＊＊

At last it was the morning of the ceremony itself.
Louis and I sat together, practicing one last time before the ceremony.
I played with all my heart, until the last notes echoed through the room.

（The notes! They were—）

I lifted my head with a start, and a moment later I heard applause.

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Louis, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

The applause echoing through the room was Louis's.
Louis：I think our notes were completely in time that playthrough.
Jily：I think so too!
I was so happy I couldn't stop smiling, and Louis smiled back at me.
Louis：I don't think we'll have any problems if we play like this.

（Oh, thank goodness!）

Louis's sure words filled me with relief.
He glanced up at the clock on the wall, and then stood up.
He turned to me with a smile, offering me his hand.
Louis：Why don't we get going?
Jily：Okay!
His hand was warm and reassuring as I placed my hand in it.
The two of us walked out of the room together.
We hurried to get ready, and then made our way to the opera house, which would be the venue for our performance.

＊＊＊

The ceremony progressed with a dignified, solemn air to it.
At last it was time for Louis and I to perform our piece.
Louis：Jily.
Louis escorted me to the piano, and we sat together in front of it.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis escorted me to the piano, and we sat together in front of it.
He whispered softly to me,
Louis：You're nervous, aren't you?
Jily：Yes.
Louis：I'll be here with you, the whole time.

（Oh, Louis—）

Louis smiled at me, and the tight ball of tension in my chest began to loosen.

（You're so reliable.）

Jily：Thank you.

（We'll both put all our heart into playing, so I'm sure it's gonna go well.）

I smiled back at Louis, and then we both turned to face the piano.
We placed our hands on the keys and began to play.
The sounds of my notes mingled with the sounds of his, echoing through the hall.

（At first I couldn't keep in time with him at all, even here.）
（But now I can hear his playing so well.）

I threw a quick glance at Louis, sitting right next to me.
He was glancing at me at exactly the same time, and he gave me a small smile.

〝Louis：When playing a piano duet...〞
〝Louis：the most important thing is that both players understand each other's feelings.〞

（I can finally properly hear the notes you're playing.）
（And I'm sure that's because we understand each other's feelings now.）

Happiness welled up inside me, and I channeled it into my playing as I looked back at the music.
We moved steadily through the piece, until suddenly—

（Oh!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

We moved steadily through the piece, until suddenly—

（Oh!）

My fingers slipped on the keys, and I played the wrong notes.
It was only for a moment, but panic flared up inside me.
Then I saw Louis's gentle smile out of the corner of my eye.
He quickly improvised, changing the piece slightly to incorporate the mistake I'd made.

（Oh, Louis! Thank you!）

Our performance still had the original piece in it,
yet somehow it felt like we were now playing a new tune, a happy tune all our own.

（How strange. I had no idea this would be so much fun.）

Louis and I continued to glance at each other and smile as we played.
My fingers struck the keys surely, filled with all my gratitude for the people,
and my desire for them to be happy.
At last we reached the end of the piece, and the final notes echoed through the hall.

（Oh wow!）

A sudden wave of applause rose up, filling the opera house and enfolding us in its warmth.
Louis：Jily.
Louis offered me his hand, and I placed mine in it.
We stood up together, and I curtseyed while Louis bowed deeply.
Audience Member 1：Your Majesties, thank you so much!
Audience Member 2：What a wonderful performance!
I looked up in surprise, to find that the crowd were giving us a standing ovation.
Their smiles were so bright they seemed to glow, and for a moment I forgot to breathe.

（I want to make it so that you can all smile like this forever.）
（And not just those of you gathered here, but everyone in Wysteria.）

I'd felt that on the day I'd been crowned queen, and the feeling rose up inside me again.
I glanced over at Louis, and whispered to him,
Jily：I don't think I'll ever forget this moment.
Louis：I know. I'll never forget it either.
The look on his face in that moment as he gazed at me set my heart racing.

（The smile on your face right now—）
（I want to hold on to it forever.）

There was such happiness in his expression, and I smiled brightly back at him as we bowed and curtseyed again.

＊＊＊

At last the ceremony was over, and Louis and I headed back to the palace in a carriage.

（Wow, it was such a wonderful ceremony.）

I gazed out the window at the town, reveling in the happiness I felt.
Louis was sitting close beside me, and he murmured softly,
Louis：I'm sure those two were able to see the same happy, smiling faces.
Jily：Those two...?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：I'm sure those two were able to see the same happy, smiling faces.
Jily：Those two...?
I looked away from the window and found Louis gazing at me with gentle eyes.
Louis：The king and queen who are the reason we have that custom.
His words suddenly made sense, and I nodded firmly.
Jily：Oh, yes. I'm sure it was something they came up with so they could inspire the people and make them smile again.
I thought back to what had happened in the opera house, and the many smiling faces in the audience.
I couldn't help but smile as I remembered that moment.
Louis seemed to feel the same, and he smiled gently, nodding back at me.

（The reason I was able to see everyone smiling like that was because of you, Louis.）

I was filled again with gratitude for Louis, who was always with me, supporting me.

（I need to tell you that, in words.）

I turned towards Louis, meeting his gaze directly as I spoke.
Jily：Today's performance went so well because you're always here with me. Thank you.
Louis：That's not true. We performed so well because we were supporting each other.

（The performance was like that, but—）

Louis was always by my side, smiling for me, and supporting me.
Just thinking about it made me smile again, and the words seemed to come naturally.
Jily：I don't just mean the performance.
Jily：I'm always happy when I'm with you, Louis.
Louis's eyes widened in surprise, just for a moment.
Then his gaze dropped away slightly, his long lashes feathering against his now-blushing cheeks.
Louis：Jily.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：I don't just mean the performance.
Jily：I'm always happy when I'm with you, Louis.
Louis's eyes widened in surprise, just for a moment.
Then his gaze dropped away slightly, his long lashes feathering against his now-blushing cheeks.
Louis：Jily.
Louis leaned his head on my shoulder, his tone wheedling.
Jily：Louis—
His expression was so different to the confident, reliable Louis he'd been during the performance,
and I could feel his warmth through my dress, and my heart soared.
I'd spoken his name almost without thinking, and he peeked up at me.
Louis：I don't really understand, but—
Louis：When you say things like that, it makes me so happy.
His voice was a husky whisper, so close to my ear.
He was the one who always made me happy, yet there he was, smiling gratefully up at me.
As I gazed down at him, I remembered the conversations I'd had with Robert and Sid.

（And it's not just the people in the palace.）
（The townspeople have noticed, too.）
（Everyone seems to be really happy that you smile more than you used to.）
（And I'm sure—）

Jily：It's not just me.
Louis：What?
Louis looked up at me curiously, and I smiled down at him.
Jily：I was just thinking, I'm not the only one who feels this way.
Jily：I think everyone must be happy when they see you smile.
Louis's eyes widened at my words, his cheeks flushing.
Then he smiled gently again, his eyes sparkling with happiness.

（Your smile makes everyone happier.）
（And maybe that custom is an opportunity to draw out that smile.）

Louis：Thank you, Jily.
Louis lay his head back down on my shoulder, and I rested my head gently on top of his.
We snuggled even closer than we had been during the performance as the carriage swayed beneath us...

fin.

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Louis, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

（The notes! They were—）

Just as I realized our notes had been in time, I heard applause echo through the room.
Louis and I looked at each other, and then turned towards the sound.
Sid slouched in the doorway, leaning against the frame, clapping his hands.
Sid：Sounds like you've gotten better. Guess I don't need to play for ya after all.
Jily：Sid—what are you doing here?
The words popped out in surprise, but Sid just smirked at me.
Sid：I was just passing by.
Sid：Now don't go messin' up on the day.
Sid spoke brusquely, and then turned to leave.
But as he did so, Louis called out to him.
Louis：Sorry. For making you worry.
Surprise crossed Sid's face, just for a moment.
But then his usual smirk returned, and he replied,
Sid：Isn't this when you're supposed to say 'thanks'?
Louis：Shut up.

（Oh, Sid—I'm sure you were worried, yesterday and today.）

I could still sense how he really felt, in spite of the way he spoke.

（I think Louis probably understands that too.）

Sid：Don't be late for your big performance.
Sid raised his hand as he spoke, then turned and left.
We watched him leave, and then Louis turned to me, his gaze serious.
Louis：I know he just said this, but—
Louis：Your performance just now was really good.

（Oh, Louis—）

His words were heartfelt, and they filled me with warmth.
Louis：Have faith in yourself, Jily.
Jily：I will!
It was as if all my doubts had been washed away, and I nodded firmly up at him.
Louis smiled at me, and offered me his hand.
Louis：Well then, let's go.
I placed my hand in his, squeezing it tightly, and we left to prepare for the ceremony.

＊＊＊

In no time at all, it was time for the ceremony.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The atmosphere felt solemn and dignified as a visiting marquis finished his address to warm applause.

（It's almost time.）

The announcer who was running the ceremony gave Louis and I a brief nod.
Then he stepped forward to announce the next part of the ceremony.
Man：And now, the final act of the ceremony will be a piano duet performed by the king and queen.
Man：Before their performance, the king would like to say a few words.
Louis nodded, and then stepped forward to face the crowd.
He began to speak, his voice gentle and clear.
Louis：First of all, I am most grateful to you all for gathering here today.
Louis：The piece we are about to play was written out of a desire for happiness and peace.
As I listened to Louis speak, I thought about all the things that had happened to bring us here.

（This custom has made me realize something all over again.）
（As king and queen—and as husband and wife—）
（I want us to support each other even more than we ever have before.）

Louis：There was a reason we chose this particular piece.
Louis：We wanted to learn from the former king and queen who comforted the people and brought smiles to their faces through music.
Louis looked around at all the watching faces in the crowd as he spoke.
He seemed so strong and reliable in that moment, and I gazed at his face in profile.
I could see in his expression both his kindness and the dignity of a true king.
Louis：This venue is filled with a great many people who live in Wysteria, from all walks of life.
Louis：We give to you this performance, out of our hope that each and every one of you can live a life filled with smiles.
Louis bowed deeply as he finished speaking, and the crowd applauded loudly.

（I want to bring smiles to as many people as I can, together with you, Louis.）
（Just like the king and queen who first created this custom.）

Louis returned to where I stood waiting, and offered me his hand.
I gripped his fingers tightly as we moved forward and sat in front of the piano.

（It'll be okay, right?）

In spite of my thoughts, my heart was racing, and I sighed softly.
Louis seemed to sense how I was feeling, and he placed his hand over mine.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis placed his hand over mine, squeezing my fingers gently.
He spoke in a soft whisper so no one else could hear.
Louis：It's gonna be great.
His words and his kind smile settled in my heart, filling it with warmth.
Jily：I know.
I nodded at him, and our eyes met for a moment before we began to play.

（Oh wow...）

Almost as soon as we'd started playing, I could clearly hear that our notes were in time.
The notes twined together perfectly, just like our hands had a moment earlier, and echoed through the room.

（You're here by my side, and I know that I can rely on you, Louis.）
（And knowing that allows me to relax and play like I should.）

All my nervousness was gone, and instead I played with a sense of contentment.
At last the final notes rang out, and the piece was over.
The next moment a thunder of applause shook the room, mingled with the sound of cheering voices here and there.
Louis turned to look at all the smiling faces in the crowd.
Then he turned to smile at me, and I could see the happiness in his gaze.
I smiled back at him, trying to blink back sudden, unexpected tears.

（We did it, and all of these people are smiling so happily as a result.）
（I'm so glad!）

Happiness and contentment filled me up inside.
I took Louis's outstretched hand in mine and stood up.
The two of us stepped forward, bowing and curtseying in response to the cheers filling the room.

＊＊＊

At last the entire ceremony was over.
We saw the last of the guests out, and finally Louis and I were alone in the ballroom.

（I truly believe that the ceremony went so well because you were here by my side, Louis.）

I turned to thank him, but before I could open my mouth he said,
Louis：Jily.
Louis：There's a place I'd like to take you after this.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：Jily.
Louis：There's a place I'd like to take you after this.

（Really? I wonder where.）

I looked curiously up at Louis, but he only reached out and took my hand.
Louis：Come with me.
I followed after Louis as he led me out of the room.
After we'd finished getting changed, Louis took me to a place that had a view of the whole town.
Louis：I wanted to show this to you again.
Louis：I wanted you to see how Wysteria looks.

（Oh!）

Louis was gazing down at the town, but I stared up at his face in profile.
I could see again the dignity of a king that I'd seen when he'd addressed the crowd before our performance.

（You were thinking it during the ceremony too, weren't you?）
（About how you want to protect all those smiling faces.）

I moved to stand at Louis's side, gazing down at the town below us.
Jily：Do you think we can become like the king and queen who created that custom?
Jily：Do you think we'll be able to protect all those smiling faces?
Louis：We will. I feel like we got a little closer to that today.
I remembered the happy faces of the townspeople during the ceremony.
I also remembered Louis's gentle smile, and I found myself smiling as well.

（Your smile really is wonderful.）

Just as I thought that, Louis leaned closer, catching my gaze.
Louis：You look happy.
Jily：I am. And it's not just the performance.
Jily：All the townspeople were smiling—and you were smiling too. And that makes me happy.
Jily：I'm so glad I got to share today with you, Louis.
Jily：So, thank you. I mean it.
Louis's eyes widened at my words, and he blushed faintly.
Then he spoke softly, his words hesitant.
Louis：The one who made me smile... was you, Jily.
Jily：It was?
Louis：I believe your smile has the power to naturally bring smiles to those around you.
It was the last thing I'd expected him to say, and my eyes went wide as saucers.
Jily：Do you really think so?
Louis：Yes. It's strange but—whenever you smile, it makes me happy.

（Ahh, you're making me blush!）

I could feel my cheeks burning, and I tried to make a joke to lighten the mood.
Jily：Goodness, it sounds like magic.
Louis：Yes. And I'm caught under its spell.
Louis reached out as he spoke, cupping my cheeks with his hands.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Goodness, it sounds like magic.
Louis：Yes. And I'm caught under its spell.
Louis reached out as he spoke, cupping my cheeks with his hands.
He leaned closer a placed a feather-light kiss on my lips.
Jily：Louis...
I could hear my heartbeat racing in my ears as Louis spoke softly, his expression gentle.
Louis：They say that I'm smiling more and more.
Louis：But that's because you're right here with me, smiling for me.

（Oh!）

He gazed at me, his eyes intense, and I felt a shiver of delight running through me.
Louis：I have a long life ahead of me.
Louis：And I want to spend it all making sure you and all the people of Wysteria are able to smile, every day.
His voice was warm and filled with determination.
I gazed up at his beautiful face as he moved even closer, his breath warming my skin.
Louis：I love you, Jily.
The words were a husky whisper that pierced straight through my heart.
Jily：I love you too.
I beamed up at him, filled with resolve as well, and he smiled gently back at me.

（We bring out each other's smiles.）
（And everyone around us can sense our happiness.）
（I want that to last. I want us to always be that sort of king and queen.）

His warm lips pressed against mine again, and I closed my eyes, sighing happily.
His kisses were so gentle they made my heart ache.
I reached up and wrapped my arms around him, wanting to respond to everything he was feeling...

fin.

After Episode

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

After you've held your one-year celebration with Louis, a special treat awaits.
An unforgettable anniversary night with him!
………
Louis：Can I touch you? Can I hold you close?
My heart was pounding so loudly in my ears I could barely hear my own voice.
Louis：You're so beautiful.
Louis：I love it when you say things like that.
………
His fingers slide over your bare skin, and your whole body heats up...
Are you ready for your hottest night with him yet?