♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

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

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 Giles

Giles, Chapter 1：

The door opened to reveal Giles, his expression calm.
Giles：Is the painting coming along well?
Robert：Yes. We've gotten quite a bit done today.
Robert put his paintbrush down as he turned to speak to Giles.
Giles glanced at the canvas, his gaze turning gentle.
Giles：It certainly seems so.
Giles：The Jily in the painting is also very lovely.
Jily：Giles—
I found myself blushing at his compliment, and he laughed with amusement.
He'd become even more prone to giving me unexpected compliments since we'd gotten married.
But I still hadn't gotten used to it—my heart still skipped a beat every time.

（I just never know how to react, but it sure does make me happy.）

Robert：That said, did you need to see Jily about something?
Giles：Yes. I was thinking we should get together with Leo and discuss the ceremony.

（It's only two weeks until the ceremony, isn't it?）

I couldn't help but tense up at the realization that it was time to start preparing for it.

（I want us to create a wonderful ceremony together, Giles.）

Robert：Shall we leave it here for today, then?
Robert：I'll have it finished in time for the ceremony.
Jily：Thank you very much.
Giles：Most appreciated.
Giles and I left the studio and headed for the study.

＊＊＊

We stepped into the study, where we found Leo collating documents.
Leo：I've been waiting for you, Your Majesties.
There was a teasing light in his eyes, and I stifled a giggle.
I sat down across from him at the desk.
Jily：I know you're always busy, so thanks for this, Leo.
Leo：Not at all. This ceremony's important—I want to help you out.
Leo：Oh, but if you'd prefer to be alone together, just say so.
Leo：I don't want to intrude on your private time together.
Jily：Geez, Leo—

（I don't want to talk about our private time with you!）

I knew he was only joking, but memories of moments I'd shared with Giles flashed through my mind, and I blushed.
I heard Giles give a wry laugh before he said,
Giles：I think that's quite enough teasing of Jily.
Giles：Let's get down to business.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles：Let's get down to business.
Giles cleared his throat, and Leo threw him a grin.
He unrolled the parchment he was holding, and began to explain the ceremony structure in detail.

＊＊＊

Leo：Now, the usual running of the ceremony itself is as I've just explained.
Leo：However, depending on whether you can fulfill the custom effectively or not, things may end up changing.
Jily：What do you mean?
Giles：The ceremony custom is 'an event to delight the citizens.'
Leo：I'll explain what that means.
According to Leo, the ceremony had originally been a solemn affair, held in the palace.
But a particular king and queen had suggested changing it to something that focused on the citizens above all else.
It was said that ever since then, the nation had prospered.
Leo：So in addition to the celebration of the first anniversary of your coronation—
Leo：It's also an important ceremony for gaining the trust of the citizens.
Jily：Wow, I had no idea.

（So this isn't just about celebrating.）
（It's also about being grateful to everyone, and bringing happiness to them in return.）

I suddenly found myself looking forward to the ceremony even more.
At the same time, I wanted to strive even harder, and do my very best as queen.
Jily：So, an event to delight the citizens...
Leo：It's kind of difficult, isn't it?
I dropped my gaze thoughtfully, but then Giles spoke, sounding as if he'd had an idea.
Giles：If it's meant to be something that delights them—
Giles：Something where many people can interact with each other might work well.

（Where many people can interact... hmm...）
（Oh!）

His words made me think of something.
Jily：In that case—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：In that case—
Jily：What if we set up a place, like a market, where we can offer things the nobles don't need any more at a low price?
Leo：What?
Leo's eyes went wide with surprise at my words.
Jily：I heard some of the noblewomen talking at a literary salon.
It was something I'd heard about at a salon I'd been invited to recently.
I explained what the noblewomen had been discussing.
Jily：They were saying they have dresses that won't fit in their wardrobes anymore,
Jily：so they gave them away to their friends.
Giles：Now that you mention it, I visited a marquis during a recent inspection.
Giles：He was talking about something similar—about giving away things he can't use anymore.
Giles nodded understandingly in response to my idea.
Giles：A place like that seems like it might get people to interact quite a lot.
Giles：What's more, if we use the funds raised to revitalize all the regions of Wysteria,
Giles：it will be a way of paying back the nobles who contribute to the event.
Giles began to scrawl things down on a piece of parchment as we came up with more specific ideas.

（If we can make this happen,）
（I'm sure everyone who attends the ceremony will be delighted.）

Jily：Thank you.
I smiled happily, grateful for Giles's approval of my idea.
Giles's expression relaxed into a smile as he glanced up at me.
A moment later, I heard Leo laugh softly.
Jily：Leo?
Leo：It's nothing.
Leo：Just, looking at you two governing Wysteria by getting all cozy with the citizens—
Leo：It made me realize something.
Leo's gaze was warm and friendly as he studied us both.
Leo：That king and queen who created this custom?
Leo：They were probably just like the two of you.

（Wow, it makes me happy to hear you say that!）

I blushed a little, smiling brightly at Leo.
Leo：Anyway, I'll handle the arrangements for the ceremony itself.

（Oh, well in that case—）

As Leo stood up, I opened my mouth to speak.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

As Leo stood up, I opened my mouth to speak, but Giles beat me to it.
Giles：In that case, can you arrange for a letter to be sent with the invitations?
Giles：Later I'd like to write something to the people who will be helping us out with this.
My eyes widened in surprise at Giles's words.

（But—I was just about to say exactly the same thing!）

It felt as though Giles and I were so perfectly in sync that we didn't need words to understand each other.
Warmth surged through my heart as I gazed up at Giles's kind expression.

＊＊＊

The next day—
After I'd finished my work, I made my way back to our room, pushing a cart ahead of me.
Inside I found Giles going through our closet.
Jily：It looks like we have quite a lot we can donate.
We'd decided to go through our own things to see what could be donated for the event.
The room was scattered with all sorts of things, from clothes to books to small knick-knacks.
Giles：Yes. I think I'm almost done with—
Giles lifted his head and turned towards me as he spoke.
But he stopped mid-sentence, gazing curiously at the cart I was pushing.
Giles：What's that?
He was staring at the coffee pot sitting on top of the wagon.
I picked up a cup, smiling brightly at him.
Jily：I thought it might be time for a break.
As I poured the coffee into the cup, its rich scent filled the room.
Giles smiled as the scent reached him.
Giles：Is that coffee?
Jily：The maid suggested it for a change of pace.
Jily：It's cooled a little, of course, and I put extra sugar in it.
I offered Giles the cup with the cooled coffee in it.
He stepped forward to take it from me, a wry smile on his face.
Giles：You know me too well.
Ever since we'd gotten married, I'd had many more chances to see sides of Giles I'd never seen before.
Each of those only seemed to add to my happiness.

（I was surprise to realize that you don't like piping hot coffee.）
（But I'm glad that you'll let me see those sides of you.）

Giles：It smells lovely.
Giles took the cup from me and raised it to his mouth, taking a sip.
Jily：How is it?
Giles let out a long, sighing breath, and smiled gently at me.
Giles：It's delicious. Why don't you try some?
Giles offered me the cup, and I reached out to take it.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles offered me the cup of coffee, and I reached out to take it.

（Wha—）

Suddenly the cup moved swiftly out of my reach.
Giles wrapped an arm around me instead, pulling me up against his warm chest.
Jily：Giles—
I looked up in surprise just in time to receive a sudden, quick kiss.
Giles：It's delicious, but it's still a little bitter.
Giles：I found myself wanting something sweeter.
There was a satisfied light in his eyes as he smirked down at me.

（Ahh, you're such a tease!）

My heart was still pounding from his sudden closeness and the unexpected kiss.
But I couldn't help smiling at the romantic mood that had taken over us both.

＊＊＊

It had been three days since we'd sent out the invitations and letters to everyone.
Leo：And that's how much we've received today.
Giles：I see.
Giles frowned a little at Leo's report.
People weren't really donating as much for the event as I'd hoped.
I was starting to feel a little more worried each day.
Leo：They seem to be treating it not as items to be sold at low prices to the townspeople,
Leo：but rather as donations to the palace.
Leo：And they don't seem to want to donate anything that seems inferior.
Leo's expression was clouded as he looked down at the list of items we'd received so far.
Leo：I wonder how much we'll get in the few days we have left.

（We still have time, but—）

I had a bad feeling about how things would go if we continued to only get a trickle of donations.
Leo：One thing you could do is think of another way to fulfill the custom.
I dropped my gaze away at Leo's suggestion.

（It might be better to think of another idea, but—）

Giles：The ceremony custom is 'an event to delight the citizens.'
Leo：In addition to the celebration of the first anniversary of your coronation—
Leo：It's also an important ceremony for gaining the trust of the citizens.

（I thought this idea could create a place where people could interact proactively,）
（in a way they've never really done before.）
（I want to find a way to get the people of Wysteria to interact and enjoy themselves.）

Just as I was thinking that—

Giles, Chapter 2：

（I want to find a way to get the people of Wysteria to interact and enjoy themselves.）

Just as I was thinking that, Giles spoke softly, breaking the silence.
Giles：We should go around to all the regions and talk to them about it in person.
Leo：In person? You know better than anyone just how many people we sent letters to, Giles.
Giles：Yes. I was aware of that when I made my suggestion.
Leo looked uncertain, but Giles's gaze was serious and sure.
Giles：In the past I might have considered moving forward with another plan.
Giles：But this time I want to put all my energy into realizing this idea.
Giles sounded so sure of himself, and I nodded firmly.
Jily：I believe it's only that they don't fully understand what we're trying to achieve.
Jily：I'm sure they'll understand how we feel if we speak to them directly.

（If we can just bridge that gap, I'm sure things will go well.）

Jily：Can we have a little more time?
Leo looked back and forth between Giles and I for a moment, and then laughed wryly.
Leo：You know I'll never refuse when you both ask me like that.
Leo：Okay, okay. But let me know if there's something I can do to help.
Jily：Thanks, Leo.
Giles：Thank you.
And so Giles and I hastily made plans for the next few days.
We were soon going around to the various regions to explain the event,
while still getting our work done at the same time.
Giles：And so that is what we came up with for the ceremony this time.
Giles finished explaining our ideas to the marchioness sitting in frown of us.
When he was done, I added my own thoughts.
Jily：We would like this ceremony to be a place where people can relax and interact with each other.
Jily：For such a place, we don't need the most extravagant items—
Jily：we need lots of items of any kind, given freely.
Jily：Would you be willing to assist us with this?
The marchioness was silent for a long moment, her expression thoughtful.
But suddenly she smiled at us both.
Marchioness：If that's the case, then I will be more than happy to donate.
Jily：Thank you very much!
I glanced up at Giles, and he met my gaze, smiling at me.
The marchioness nodded kindly as we bowed and curtseyed to her.

＊＊＊

We continued to make our way around the country in between our scheduled work.
Time was rushing by, and somehow it was only two more days until the ceremony.

（Today we visited the last of the regions.
（I just hope people donate lots of things like they said they would!）

I quietly opened the door to our room and stepped inside.

（Huh?）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I quietly opened the door to our room and stepped inside.

（Huh?）

Giles was sitting on the sofa, his eyes shut, his breathing even.
He must have fallen asleep while waiting for me,
and he looked so young and defenseless somehow.
The sight of him sent a sweet shiver through my heart.

（I've had more and more opportunities to see you like this since we got married.）

Happiness blossomed in my heart as I approached him.
I looked down and noticed that he had some small scratches on his hand.

（Are those from Michelangelo?）

Suddenly curious, I reached out to take his hand.

（Waaah!）

But Giles grabbed my hand instead, pulling me down onto the sofa and leaning over me.
Jily：Giles!!
Giles：I was getting very tired of waiting for you to return.
There was a teasing light in his eyes, and I mock-pouted up at him.
Jily：How long have you been awake?
Giles：Since you stepped into the room.

（So the whole time, basically.）

I wrinkled my nose up at him, feeling my cheeks flushing faintly.
Giles laughed softly, wrapping an arm around my waist.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles laughed softly, wrapping an arm around my waist.

（Waaah!）

He pulled me towards him, leaning back again until I was sitting in his lap.
He sighed softly, pulling me closer, his arms warm around me.
Giles：I'm never so relaxed as when you're here with me.
There was such satisfaction in his voice that it set my heart pounding even faster.

（You sure do get my heart racing sometimes, but—）

Jily：I feel the same way.
I reached up and wrapped my arms around Giles's neck, clinging to him.
Giles：It's rare for you to be so openly affectionate with me.
Jily：I don't know why, but today I just want to be as close to you as possible.

（Maybe it's because I'm feeling so anxious?）
（When I'm with you, I feel relaxed. Right now I don't want to let you go.）

Giles laughed softly at my words.
Giles：You always say the sweetest things.
I buried my face in his neck, and his gentle, deep voice murmured in my ear.
Giles：It will be okay.
Jily：What will?
Giles：You're worried about the collection for the event, aren't you?

（Oh!）

He'd seen right through me again, and I sighed as I nodded slightly.

（We went around and spoke to so many people these last few days.）
（But I just can't relax until their donations actually arrive.）

I snuggled closer against Giles, trying to push my anxiety away.
He tightened his grip on my waist, and spoke again.
Giles：It will be okay. Your words have the power to move other people.
Giles：The proof of that is how you convinced so many people to accept your choice on that day.
Giles：Naturally, I am one of those people.
Giles stroked my hair, his voice gentle as he spoke in my ear.

（That day—）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles：The proof of that is how you convinced so many people to accept your choice on that day.
Giles：Naturally, I am one of those people.
Giles stroked my hair, his voice gentle as he spoke in my ear.

（That day—）

〝Giles：I heard that a ball was being held tonight, where you would choose your partner.〞
〝Giles：But when I came here, I only meant to—I just wanted to look at you, just once, nothing more.〞
〝Jily：That's—that was selfish, Giles.〞
〝Jily：You're the only one that's ever mattered to me! How long were you going to make me wait for you?〞

I smiled a little to myself as I remembered our conversation back then.
Giles pulled back slightly, smiling gently at me as he went on.
Giles：All you need do now is wait and believe.
His words echoed powerfully through my heart.

（If I believe, I'm sure things will change.）

Jily：You're right.
I looked up into his steady gaze, nodding firmly.

＊＊＊

At last it was the day before the ceremony.
Giles：It seems as though the ceremony itself will go well.
Giles and I were doing a final check of everything for the following day.
There was a knock at the door, and a maid stepped humbly into the room.
Maid：Your Majesties, there's a delivery for you.
Jily：Thank you.
I stood up and moved towards her, assuming that she was there to hand over a package.
But then I realized she wasn't carrying anything.
Maid：The delivery is... well, there's so much that it's been taken to the ballroom.
Jily：So much? Does that mean—

（Oh Wow, don't tell me—!）

Startled, I turned to look at Giles, and he gave me a gentle smile.
Giles：Why don't we go and take a look?
Giles and I left the study and hurried to the ballroom.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles and I made our way into the ballroom.
It was packed full of so many boxes that I could scarcely count them all.
Jily：This is—
Maid：These letters were delivered together with the boxes.
The maid handed Giles a large package of letters tied together.
She curtseyed respectfully and stepped out of the room.
Giles picked a letter at random and scanned the contents quickly, before laughing suddenly.
Giles：It would seem as though our intent has been understood.
Giles：Here, read this.
Giles handed me the letter, and I quickly scanned it as he read another.
The letter was from a noble, and started with an apology for how long it had taken to organize all the items to donate.
The rest of the letter was filled with words of support and hope for the ceremony.

（Oh, thank goodness!）

I breathed a sigh of relief as I stared at the huge pile of boxes in front of us.
Then I turned to look at Giles, who was reading yet another letter.
Jily：Let's make sure we give them a wonderful ceremony.
Giles：Yes, of course.

（I'm sure tomorrow will be a day that will delight everyone.）

I focused my thoughts, filled with all my hopes and dreams for the ceremony.

＊＊＊

At last the day of the ceremony rolled around.
The sky was clear and bright overhead, and the plaza echoed with countless cheerful voices.
I was wearing a tea-length lavender dress and a matching hat.
Giles and I walked towards the stage that had been set up for speeches.

（Oh wow!）

The streets were lined with stalls offering all the items that had been donated by the nobles.
I couldn't help but smile as I watched the happy crowds visiting the stalls and inspecting the items.
Giles：I believe your suggestion has made this ceremony even more wonderful.
Giles's smile was full of satisfaction as he looked out at the crowds.
Jily：Oh no, it's all thanks to you not giving up,
Jily：and being determined to go around and talk to everyone.
I shook my head quickly, smiling as I looked up to meet Giles's gaze.

（We were able to make this happen because we worked together.）

My heart was filled with joy and satisfaction, and I felt warm all over.
Giles leaned close to me, his lips moving towards my ear.

You can proceed to the Premium Ending!

Continue your romance with your prince♪

Decision Time>>>

Select the Sweet Ending>>>

Giles, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

Giles leaned close to me, his lips moving towards my ear.
Giles：This has made me fall in love with you all over again.
His gentle voice and sweet words sent a thrill right through me.
My heart quivered, and I looked up to find him smiling kindly at me, his face close.

（I feel the same way, though.）

I could still remember how he'd looked when he'd been thinking hard about the custom, in his role as king.
And I would never forget how he'd supported and reassured me when I was anxious, in his role as my husband.
Giles：It will be okay. Your words have the power to move other people.

（I'm so glad that I fell in love with you.）

My heart began to pound faster and faster.
Giles laughed softly, leaning closer to catch my gaze.
Giles：Have you fallen even more in love with me, too?
Jily：I have.

（My feelings for you just keep growing stronger and stronger.）

Giles's eyes widened in surprise for a moment, but then he smiled happily.
Giles：You've changed.
Jily：Have I?
Giles：Yes. You've gotten much better at saying things that make me happy.
As he spoke, he leaned forward and gently kissed my cheek.
Jily：Giles! We're in public!
Giles：No one's looking.
I couldn't stop blushing, but Giles took me by the hand and began walking again.
At that same moment, someone gave a signal.
We were suddenly surrounded by cheers as we climbed the stairs leading up to the stage.
Together, we addressed the people who'd come to attend the ceremony.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

When we'd finished giving our speech, I followed Giles down the stairs and off the stage.

（We shouldn't have any more work after this, right?）

Jily：This is the first time we've held an event like this. Why don't we take a look around?
Giles glanced back at me, a wry smile crossing his face.
Giles：You beat me to it.
Jily：I did?
Giles：I was already planning to suggest the exact same thing.
My heart skipped a beat at his unexpected words.
I blushed happily at him as he offered me his hand.
Giles：Shall we, then?
Jily：Yes!
Joy filled my heart as I reached out and placed my hand in his, squeezing it tightly.

（Oh, that's the dress we got from the very first donator!）

We wandered around looking at the stalls and the people cheerfully buying from them.
Watching the happy scene filled me with relief all over again.
Giles：All our hard work was worth it, wasn't it?
Jily：It really was.

（I kept wondering if we really would make everyone happy,）
（but they all look like they're having so much fun!）
（I'm so glad we were able to fulfill the custom like this.）

Giles spoke softly then, his gaze caught by something up ahead.
Giles：Look at that.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles：Look at that.
I followed his gaze and saw a stall that was selling tea.
There was a huge queue of people lined up outside the stall.
A look at the stall itself showed that there was a single young woman there, rushing to fill all the orders.

（I wonder if we could help her out a little.）

Giles：I know what you're thinking.
Jily：You do?
I stared up at Giles with wide eyes, and he smiled at me.
Giles：It might be more fun to actually take part instead of just looking, don't you think?
Giles smiled brightly at me as he led me forwards.

（Are you saying—）

Giles：Why don't we help her with that?
Jily：Okay!
We stepped up to the stall and called out to the young woman, asking her if we could help.
Woman：I didn't expect so many customers and I've been in a bit of a panic, but—
Woman：I never imagined the king and queen would offer to help! Am I dreaming?
Jily：No, you're not! We'd be delighted to help, really.
The young woman seemed uneasy about accepting our offer at first.
But then she took another look at the line, and she agreed, thanking us profusely.
Giles：Now be careful, the cup is hot.
Girl：Thank you, Your Majesty!
Boy：No fair! I wanna get mine from the king as well!
Giles：I'll pass them out in order, so no fighting, now.
Boy：Okay!
Giles smiled kindly down at the young boy as he handed him his tea.

（Ahh, Giles, you'll make a wonderful father some day.）

Watching his kind attitude with the children filled my heart with warmth.
By the time we'd finished getting everyone their tea, the ceremony was almost over.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（I had so much fun actually taking part in things.）

The ceremony was over, and the town had quieted down.
I gazed around me as Giles and I walked hand in hand to where the carriage was waiting.
Giles：It ended well, didn't it?
Jily：Yes, it did. We made so many people happy.
Jily：I'm so glad we were able to hold it the way we did.
Giles：So am I. I definitely believe it was an 'event to delight the citizens.'
Giles's gentle smile told of the success of the event more clearly than anything else could.

（There are still many things we have no experience with as king and queen, but—）

I thought about how happy all the people attending the ceremony had looked.
I could still clearly hear each and every：thank you I'd received.
I felt warm and content, deep down inside.

（I wonder if we got a little closer to the people today?）

I couldn't stop smiling—there was so much happiness in my heart that it seemed to be bursting right out of me.
Giles was walking quietly next to me, but suddenly he laughed softly.
Jily：Giles?
Giles：I do like seeing you looking like that.
Jily：What?

（What do I look like?）

I looked up at him in confusion, my eyes wide.
Giles stopped walking and reached down, lifting my chin towards him.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles stopped walking and reached down, lifting my chin towards him.
Giles：You don't know?
Giles：Your expression is overflowing with happiness.
His voice was affectionate, his fingers moving across my cheek.
Warmth flared through me from the places where he'd touched me.

（Happiness, hmm? Well, you're right.）
（I've been happy this whole day long.）
（But I don't think I'm the only one.）

Jily：In that case, what about you?
He was still cupping my cheek with his hand, and I looked up at him.
His smile was just as gentle and joyful as mine felt.
Giles：Yes, I'm aware of my own happiness.
Giles：Seeing you happy is more than enough to make me happy.
He met my gaze, his eyes warm, his smile bright.

（I used to get all shy when you looked at me like that.）
（But these days I just want to gaze right back at you.）

Every time I saw his happy smile, it filled me with joy.
My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst.
I reached up slowly, placing my hand over Giles's where it rested against my cheek.
Jily：The reason I'm happy is because you're always here, supporting me.
Jily：Thank you.
Giles：I feel the same. Your words and your feelings always support me.
Giles smiled at me, and I smiled brightly back at him.
Jily：I'm so glad that we got to connect with so many people today.
I gazed up at him, and he nodded firmly in response.
Giles：Yes. It made me realize something all over again.
Giles：I want to keep building a country that is as close as possible to its citizens.
Giles：Will you join me in that, as well?

（Ever since we got married, I've always had a future to aim for, with you.）
（I want us to always be working to get closer to the people of Wysteria.）

Jily：Of course.
I nodded firmly, and Giles and I took each other's hands again.
We began to walk towards the carriage again, warmed by the glow of the sunset and by our love...

fin.

Select the Premium Ending>>>

Giles, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

Giles leaned close to me, his lips moving towards my ear.
Giles：This isn't all there is to today's ceremony, you know.
His words were a soft whisper, his breath tickling my ear.

（Wait, what?）

His words startled me, and I turned to ask him what he meant, when—
Man：Your Majesties, it's almost time for the speech.
One of the men who was running the ceremony urged us forwards.
Giles：Very well.
Giles answered the man, then turned back to me and gave me a roguish smile.
Giles：You can look forward to finding out what I mean after the ceremony.
Giles：Now, let's go.

（Ahh, I can't help but be curious!）
（I guess I'll just have to look forward to it, like you said.）

Jily：Okay.
I smiled up at him as the trumpets played a fanfare.
We climbed the stairs together and stepped onto the stage.

（Oh, wow!）

The plaza was absolutely packed with people, and excited cheers rose up here and there.
It was a little overwhelming, but Giles and I stepped forward.
As soon as we did so, a hush settled over the crowd.
Giles：Today we celebrate the first anniversary of our coronation.
Giles：And the reason we've been able to welcome this day,
Giles：is more than anything because we have the support of all our citizens.
Giles scanned the crowd, as if trying to meet the gaze of every person gathered there.
Giles：We wanted to show you our gratitude for that support.
Giles：That's why we chose to hold the ceremony like this.
Giles paused, and I began to speak, putting all my heart into my words.
Jily：We wanted to create a place where you could all interact with each other.
Jily：It was our wish that this day would become a day that everyone could enjoy.
I curtseyed deeply to the crowd, and Giles bowed at the same time.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I curtseyed to the crowd as Giles bowed, when suddenly—
Man：Congratulations on your anniversary!
Woman：Thank you for this wonderful ceremony!
People in the crowd continued to call out kind words to us, words that warmed my heart.
My eyes filled with tears of gratitude as I smiled down at the gathered crowd.

＊＊＊

At last our speech was finished, and Giles and I left the stage.
We wandered around the stalls together, taking a look at how things were going.
Giles：There's even more people than I expected.
The streets were lively, filled with people visiting the stalls.
I could clearly see the happiness and excitement on people's faces.

（I'm so glad everyone is having so much fun.）

Jily：There are, aren't there? I'm so glad.
Jily：I wonder if we can do anything to thank all the people who helped make this happen.
I could see in my mind the many faces of the people who'd helped us.

（I don't just want to send them letters, I want to do more.）

Giles smiled at me then, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Giles：You needn't worry about that.
Jily：What do you mean?
Giles：You'll understand when the ceremony is over.
Giles smirked in amusement as he met my curious gaze.

（Geez, Giles, stop stringing it out!）

But I pushed my curiosity aside as we continued to wander around the streets.
It felt good to see the smiling faces of the citizens up close.

＊＊＊

At last the ceremony was over, and we returned to the palace.
Giles led me through the corridors towards the ballroom.
Jily：Why are we going to the ballroom?
Giles smiled gently, glancing back at my question.
Giles：I told you before the ceremony started that that wasn't all, didn't I?
Giles：There's still one more event.

（There is?）

We stopped in front of the ballroom door, and I stared doubtfully at it.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles opened the ballroom door for me, and I looked inside.

（Oh my god!）

The ballroom was filled with more people than I could count.
I could see all the palace staff, as well as the many nobles who'd donated for the ceremony.
Jily：Giles—this is—
My eyes were as wide as saucers, and Giles spoke in a kind voice.
Giles：This is a party to celebrate the ceremony going so well today.
Giles：It is to show our gratitude to everyone who helped make the ceremony happen.
Giles：And it's also for you, and all the hard work you put in.
Giles took my hand, and led me into the ballroom.
People quickly surrounded us, each wanting to speak to us.
Noble：Today's ceremony was just wonderful.
Noblewoman：If you hold an event like this again, be sure to let us know, right away!
Jily：Thank you so much—all of you.

（So when I said I wanted to thank everyone—）
（This is why you said I didn't need to worry.）

I couldn't even begin to imagine when Giles had had the time to organize this event.
Wonder and happiness filled me up inside as I looked up at him.
Jily：Thank you, Giles.
Giles：I'm glad to have made you happy.
It was such an unexpected present to receive.
My heart was still racing as I gazed around me at the crowd.
The party was a lively affair that went on for hours.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

As the party continued on into the late hours,
Giles invited me to join him on the balcony.
Giles：You're not tired, are you?
Jily：Not at all. I'm having so much fun.
Giles：I'm glad to hear it.
I smiled up at Giles, and he smiled brightly in return.
We stepped over to the railing together, leaning against it as we gazed out at the view.
Giles：The lights of the town are beautiful.
Jily：Yes, they are.
The warm lights of the townspeople's houses spread out below us, like a shining sea of stars.

（The townspeople all looked like they enjoyed themselves today.）

I could still see their smiling faces clearly in my mind.
The lights of their houses shining so brightly seemed special somehow.
I lifted my gaze to look up at Giles as I said,
Jily：Today we took a risk and held the ceremony differently than usual.
Jily：I'd like to create more opportunities to do things like that in future.
Jily：More opportunities to bring happiness to the people.
Giles nodded as he turned to look at me.
Giles：I agree. And not just on special occasions like today.
Giles：Let's create a country that prospers through interaction between the townspeople and the nobility.
Giles：Together, of course.
His eyes were filled with resolve as he gazed down at me.

（We had no idea what we were doing, yet we still managed to make today a success.）
（I'm sure that so long as we keep working together, we can achieve anything.）

I nodded to Giles, my heart filled with my own resolve.
Giles reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
Giles：I invited you out here because I wanted to give you this.
Giles opened the box and picked up something from inside, holding it out to me.
It was a hair ornament, decorated with elegant pearls in all different sized that shone in the dim light.
Jily：It's beautiful!
The words tumbled from my lips, and Giles reached out and pinned it gently in my hair.
Giles：The party was a gift from the king to the queen.
Giles：This hair ornament is a gift from Giles to Jily.
His eyes were filled with love and affection, and my heart skipped a beat.
He took me by the hand, leaning towards the hair ornament.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles：This hair ornament is a gift from Giles to Jily.
Giles reached out and took me by the hand.
He leaned close and gently kissed the ornament in my hair.
Giles：It's a sign of my oath to always make you happy.

（Oh, Giles—）

The present was as unexpected as the party had been,
and I was so happy I almost couldn't stand it.

（And yet—）

Jily：You did so much work to prepare for today.
Jily：So why am I the one who's getting so many presents?
Giles smiled sweetly at my question.
Giles：You're not. The happiness of this country, and the happiness that you feel—
Giles：Those are the things that make me happy.
All the love I felt for him welled up inside me, until I thought I might burst.

（Times like these just keep on reminding me—）
（For every moment you treasure me and bring me joy,）
（I want to bring you happiness in return.）

The words were like a vow, held deep in my heart.
Before I could say anything, Giles gave me an impish smile.
Giles：But if it really bothers you that much—

（Ahh!）

Without warning he wrapped his arms around my waist.
He began to rain warm kisses down on my cheeks, my neck, and my collarbone.
Jily：Giles—
I gasped his name helplessly, sudden desire shooting through me.
There was sensuality in his gaze as he studied my expression.
Giles：How about you spend the whole night in my arms?

（You've always been like this, since the moment I met you. And yet—）

I had the feeling he'd been doing it more since we'd gotten married.

（Still, you hardly ever ask for anything for yourself,）
（so it makes me happy when you do.）

Jily：I'd like that.
I smiled happily up at him, my voice soft as I replied.
His expression lit up with happiness, and he leaned close again.

（I want to make the same oath you did.）
（I want to spend the rest of my life making Wysteria happy... and making you happy.）

I gazed up at the stars overhead, as if I could swear my oath to them.
We were alone on the balcony, and I didn't hold back as our lips came together in a passionate kiss...

fin.

After Episode

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

After you've held your one-year celebration with Giles, a special treat awaits.
An unforgettable anniversary night with him!
………
Giles：You seem far too relaxed.
Giles：Don't tell me you've gotten too used to the ways in which I show my love?
There was a raw sensuality in his gaze, and it seemed to ignite something deep inside me.
Giles：I think we need to stay in bed until I've confirmed whether you're too used to my love or not.
………
His fingers slide over your bare skin, and your whole body heats up...
Are you ready for your hottest night with him yet?