♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

A Wedding Story Event－Royal Wedding（Alyn）

A beautiful dress that any woman would yearn for.
Jily "I wouldn't mind wearing a wedding dress, you know."
An unexpected story unfolds, all because of your casual comment.
…………
………
Alyn "I never said you were the only one thinking about it."
Alyn's cheeks seemed flushed as he spoke in a quiet voice.
…………
………
This is a story of special vows, vows that only you will ever know.
Who will you swear your eternal love to?

The Royal Wedding Story Event is happening now!
In this Story Event there are 3 Endings to choose from: Sweet, Premium, and Secret!
You can reach a Secret Ending after clearing a Premium Ending and acquiring the required Charm.
The Secret Ending is a story from his perspective so you don't want to miss it!
After clearing an ending with your suitor, you can read his After Episode.
If you purchase every suitor's After Episode you can receive...
This special limited-edition Royal Wedding After Episodes Bonus Card!
Also, be sure to check out the Royal Wedding Sets to get a Mini character of your favorite suitor!
Place your adorable Mini character in your room to show your love for your guy.

Prologue：

It was early afternoon, and a gentle rain pattered against the windowpane.
Nico：Hmm? Did you make that dress yourself, Jily?
Jily：Yes, I did.
Nico picked up the dress I'd laid out on the bed, and gave me a bright smile.
Nico：It's beautiful.
Nico：You know, I think you'd look perfect in one of those pure white wedding dresses.
It was a custom at this time of year for women to spend time making dresses when it was raining outside.
But somehow because of this people kept talking about wedding dresses and ceremonies.
Jily：A wedding dress, hmm?
I found myself caught by Nico's words, and I turned my gaze thoughtfully to the window.
Jily：I wouldn't mind wearing one, you know.
Nico：Jily?
Nico's voice was soft in response to my thoughtful murmur, but then he fell silent again.

＊＊＊

By the next morning the rain had stopped, and the sky was clear and blue.
As I was getting ready in my chamber, I heard a sudden knock at the door.
I quickly finished styling my hair and glanced towards the door.

（Oh, that must be him! Good thing I'm ready!）

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

＞＞＞Choose Alyn

Alyn, Chapter 1：

When I opened the door I found Alyn standing on the other side.
Alyn：Hurry up.
Giles had given me permission to take the day off so that I could attend a friend's wedding,
and Alyn was to be accompanying me as my bodyguard.
As we stepped out of the palace, I squinted up at the bright sunshine and the clear blue sky.
Jily：I'm so glad the weather is good.
Alyn：I guess.
Alyn stretched slowly, taking a deep breath as he did so.
Alyn：It sure gets busy this time of year.
Alyn：And I wonder every time—what's so interesting about watching someone else get married, anyway?
I couldn't help but laugh a little at his question and the honest confusion on his face.
Jily：Maybe when people look at the bride and groom, they're hoping to share in some of that happiness.
Alyn：Ya think?
Alyn sighed as if he didn't really understand what I meant.
We made our way down into the town, until at last we reached our destination.
Jily：Alyn, are you sure you don't mind waiting?
Alyn：Yeah, don't worry. I'll find something to do around here.
Alyn：You'd better get going. Aren't you going to be late?
I glanced up at the clock tower I could see from where we stood and realized he was right.
Jily：Okay! Thanks!
I hurried towards the entrance of the house where my friend's wedding reception was being held.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Once the wedding was over, I said goodbye to my friend and her family,
and made my way back out onto the street to look for Alyn.

（I wonder where he went while he was waiting?）

I scanned the people on the street as I walked, looking for his familiar figure.
Something made me glance up, and I realized then that the sky was clouding over.
Jily：Uh-oh.
A moment later, I felt a drop of rain on my hand, and saw the spattering of raindrops on the street.

（What should I do? I need to find Alyn, but—）

I began to hurry faster down the street, when suddenly I heard a voice behind me.
???：Hey.
Jily：Alyn!
I turned around to find Alyn standing behind me, rain dripping from his hair onto his collar.
Alyn：Let's find somewhere to wait this out, huh?
I followed his gaze and realized that he was looking at the church just up the street.
Jily：Sounds good.
Without another word, the two of ran straight towards the church and hurried inside.
The austere silence of the church was broken by our clattering footsteps and the dripping of the rain.

（You know, being here really reminds me—）

I caught my breath as I stared up at the stained glass windows in wonder, and Alyn glanced back at me.
Alyn：What is it?
I slowly dropped my gaze to meet his, and spoke quietly, not wanting to break the atmosphere.
Jily：I was just thinking—when I was little, it was always my dream to get married here.
Alyn：Really?
Alyn's deep voice seemed to echo in the stillness of the empty church.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

We'd decided to wait out the storm in the church, but the rain showed no sign of stopping.
Alyn paced back and forth, as if unable to sit still, glancing every so often towards the door.
At last he sighed, and turned to open the door.
Alyn：Waiting's not doing us any good.

（What the heck's that supposed to mean?）

Jily：Alyn? Don't tell me you want us to—
I stepped towards him as I spoke, and he glanced back at me.
A moment later he slipped out of his jacket and draped it over my head.
Jily：Hey, what the—!
Alyn：C'mon, let's run for it.
I couldn't help but laugh as he grabbed me by the hand, and the two of us ran out of the church and into the rain.
By the time we reached the palace we were completely soaked through.
Nico was waiting for my return in my chamber, and his eyes widened at the sight of us.
Nico：You both look like drowned rats! Let me get something for you to change into.
Alyn：Before you do that, go have a warm bath.
Alyn turned to leave, but I could clearly see the rain still dripping into his collar from his hair.
Jily：Hey, you too.
Alyn：What?
Alyn glanced back at me, and I handed him one of the towels Nico had given me.
Jily：Make sure you get dry, okay?
Alyn：I know, I know.
Alyn gave me a small smile and took the towel from me before he stepped out of the room.
Alyn left Jily's room and began to walk down the corridor.
But he'd only taken a few steps before he stopped again at the sound of someone's voice.
Nico：Say, Alyn.
Nico was hurrying after him down the corridor, and Alyn frowned a little in confusion.
Nico：There's something I want to talk to you about.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I sank down into the bathwater until I was covered right up to my shoulders.
I slowly relaxed in the warmth, and sighed softly to myself.

（She sure did look beautiful today.）

My mind kept returning to the wedding I'd attended, and I slowly closed my eyes.

（There are so many weddings this time of year, and it always makes me remember my childhood dreams.）

I'd had this image since I was a child of how I'd look in a wedding dress, and with my eyes closed I could see it clearly.

（And of course my partner would be—）

Jily：Ahh!
I opened my eyes with a start, and decided that it was time to stop daydreaming and get out of the bath.

＊＊＊

After I'd finished in the bathroom, I decided to go looking for Alyn.
Jily：Now where can he be?

（It's a day off for both of us, so he's hardly going to be training, right?）

Nonetheless, I headed towards the arena just in case.
In spite of my thoughts, I wasn't entirely surprised to see Alyn in the arena, practicing with his sword.
Jily：Alyn?
Alyn swung his sword one more time before lowering it slowly.
He turned to face me, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at me.
Alyn：What?
Jily：I just wanted to thank you for taking me into town today.
Alyn crossed the arena towards me, and I gazed up at him.
As our eyes met, something about the intensity in his gaze made my heart skip a beat.
Jily：So, thank y—
Alyn：You know.
Alyn interrupted my words, his voice low and deep, and I blinked in surprise.
Alyn：I was wondering.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：I was wondering.
Alyn interrupted me as I tried to thank him, his voice low and serious.
Alyn：Have you ever looked at someone and thought 'I wish that was me'?
Jily：What do you mean?
Alyn：Didn't you say something earlier about her being pretty or something?

（I guess he's talking about the bride at the wedding, right?）

Jily：Well, I—
I started to speak, but then my mind insisted on reminding me about how I'd been imagining Alyn as my groom while in the bath.
Something about the whole thing seemed a bit childish somehow, and I couldn't help blushing as I gazed up at him.
But to my surprise I realized he was blushing too, and scowling a little at the same time.

（And anyway, now that I'm the princess, I'll never have a chance to be a normal bride like that.
（After all, when the princess gets married, it's more like some big public festival or something, isn't it?
（And that's great for the country and all, but it's nothing like the wedding I imagined when I was a kid.）

Alyn：Do you want to have a wedding?
Alyn's voice was soft and halting, as if the question was difficult for him to ask.
I pressed my lips together as I met his gaze, wondering what he was thinking.

（Well, it's true that I still have that dream, just like I did when I was a kid.
（But it's never gonna come true now, so there's no point pining for it.）

Jily：No.
I shook my head slowly but firmly, still meeting his gaze.
Jily：I mean, right now I've decided to just focus on doing my best as the princess.
Alyn's eyes narrowed as he stared down at me, his brow furrowing a little more.
After a moment he looked away from me, completely avoiding my gaze.
Alyn：I see.

（Alyn? Don't tell me—）

Alyn, Chapter 2：

Alyn：I see.
Alyn dropped his gaze away from me, his voice quiet.
I gazed up at his closed expression, wondering what he was thinking,
but it seemed a bit too forward to suddenly ask him if HE wanted to get married.

（But hey, I already know who I'd be marrying if I was gonna get married.）

The silence seemed to lengthen, until at last I spoke just to break it.
Jily：If I hadn't become princess, I'd have wanted to get married.
Alyn raised his gaze again at my voice, his eyes seeking mine and holding them.
After a moment, his expression relaxed again.
Alyn：So that's what you mean.
As he moved his head, I realized that there was still water clinging to his hair.
Jily：Alyn, your hair's still wet, you know.
Alyn：Hm? It'll dry soon enough.
Alyn caught hold of a few locks of hair in his fingers, tugging them forward to peer at them.
Jily：Don't be silly, you'll catch a cold. You should have a warm bath too.
Alyn laughed suddenly at my words, and I pulled a face at him.
But a moment later he reached out and gently stroked my hair.

（Alyn?）

He patted my head gently, his gesture teasing somehow.
Alyn：And you should've dried your hair properly before you came.
I knew he was right, but I wasn't about to say it, so I pouted at him instead.
His hand stroked my head again, and he leaned towards me slowly.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Our eyes met as Alyn leaned towards me, and then he smiled and lifted his hand away from my head.
Alyn：See you later.
Without another word, he turned away from me, but I caught a glimpse of his expression.
He looked embarrassed somehow as he hurried out of the arena.
I stared after his broad shoulders as he walked away, appreciating the sight of his body in motion.
My heart was still pounding in my chest by how close he'd been a moment ago.
Alyn returned to his room and sighed loudly as he glanced around.
He was still frowning as he closed the door behind him.
He walked across the room to his bed, and threw himself face-down onto it.
Alyn：If you hadn't become princess, huh?
Alyn's quiet murmur was muffled by the pillow as he buried his face in it.
A few days later—
I received a letter from my friend whose wedding I'd attended.
Jily：She sounds so happy—I'm really glad to hear it.

（It's like her happiness is overflowing from the letter—I feel like I could catch some of it, too.）

Nico was quietly pouring tea for me, and I glanced up at him with a smile,
before dropping my gaze to the letter again and sighing softly.
Nico：Hey, Jily?
I looked up again at the sound of Nico's voice to find him smiling cheerfully at me.
Nico：Do you want to try having a wedding?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：A wedding?
I stared up at him in surprise, unable to figure out what he might mean.
Nico：Yep. I mean, you told me not that long ago that you wouldn't mind wearing a wedding dress.

（He remembers that?）

Nico then went on to tell me that he'd even spoken to Alyn about it.
It had been the day when Alyn and I had returned to the palace dripping wet from the rain.

〝Nico：Say, Alyn. There's something I want to talk to you about.〞
〝Alyn：What?〞
〝Alyn turned back to face Nico, meeting his gaze directly.〞
〝Nico：Have you ever wanted to put Jily in a wedding dress?〞
〝Alyn：...Huh?〞

Nico：I don't think Alyn really got what I was trying to say, but—
Nico：I think we should just get everyone involved and do it in secret.
I caught my breath, for a moment completely lost for words.
It sounded so crazy, and yet at the same time, I couldn't forget that dream I'd had since I was a kid.
Jily：That's a great idea, Nico, but—

（If I'm wearing a wedding dress, the only person I want by my side is Alyn.
（And I get the feeling that's not really his thing.）

＊＊＊

That afternoon I paid a visit to Alyn, after hearing that he was traveling for a few days to do patrols.
Jily：Alyn!
Alyn turned towards me, his eyes narrowing a little at the sight of me.
I hurried towards him, my shoes clacking loudly on the ground.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I'd come to see Alyn off before he left, but he stared at me in confusion as if he hadn't expected it.
Alyn：What?
Jily：I came to see you off.

（Don't you dare tell me I didn't need to.）

I blinked up at him, and right at that moment he sighed softly, his expression relaxing.
Alyn：Perfect timing.
Jily：What?
I frowned a little at his unexpected response, when suddenly he moved his face close to mine.

（Alyn—too close! Everyone's watching!）

He stared at me, and I stared right back until he scowled a little.
Alyn：I'll be away for three days. Don't go wandering off anywhere.
Jily：I know, I know. I won't.
I shrugged my shoulders, pouting a little, and Alyn laughed suddenly.
Alyn：I don't know about that.
His grin was roguish somehow as he stepped back a little, still gazing down at me.
Something about his smile set my heart pounding, and I opened my mouth to speak.
But right then I heard the sound of a voice calling his name from the group of knights gathered nearby.

（Damn, it's time for him to leave already.）

Alyn turned and said something to the knights, before turning back to face me again.
Alyn：Hey.
I schooled my features into a smile to see him off, not wanting him to know how much I'd miss him.
Alyn：You came because you wanted to ask me something, didn't you?
Jily：Well—

（How does he always know what I'm thinking?）

Alyn：Hurry up and say it then.
I bit my lip for a moment, trying to find the right words.
Jily：Alyn, have you ever wanted to get married?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Alyn, have you ever wanted to get married?
Alyn's expression sobered at my question,
and then he turned his gaze slowly to stare up at the sky.
A soft breeze blew through the courtyard, ruffling his hair and caressing my cheek.
Alyn：Nope.
His voice seemed to echo loudly in my ears,
and I felt my heart clench painfully in my chest at the surety in his tone.
Alyn：All I ever thought about was becoming stronger, being the best knight I could be.
Alyn：Besides—
Alyn's gaze dropped slowly until it met mine, and something about its intensity captivated me.
His hand moved slowly away from where it rested against his sword hilt, and reached towards me.

（Alyn?）

He gently brushed my hair back from my face, tucking it behind my ear.
As he did so, his fingers brushed against the earrings I was wearing.
Jily：'Besides'?
My voice was slightly hoarse as I echoed the word back at him, and Alyn pressed his lips together.
He narrowed his eyes a little, his gaze still holding mine.
Alyn：Nothing. Never mind.
His fingers dropped away from me again, leaving behind a lingering warmth.
As Alyn and the rest of the knights moved away from the palace,
I stood alone at the palace gates, silently watching them leave.

（I know there's more you wanted to say, Alyn. Why can't you just say it?）

I reached up hesitantly to touch my ear where his fingers had been, and sighed softly.

Alyn, Chapter 3：

After Alyn had left the palace, I focused on my work—which was easy to do, as there was always a lot of work.
One afternoon I took a break from revising some proposed legislative changes, and sat quietly talking to Nico.
Nico：It's gonna be fine, really, so let me arrange it.
Nico was determined to plan some sort of wedding ceremony for me,
and I smiled at him as I took my teacup from him.
Jily：I know you think so, but—
I was interrupted by a knock at the door, which opened a moment later.
Leo：I heard something about a wedding? Sure sounds interesting.
Jily：Leo!
Leo smirked at me with bright amusement as he shut the door behind him.
Nico was quick to explain his plans, and Leo nodded with an impish smile as he listened.
Leo：I like the sound of that. Even if it's not the real deal, it's still the realization of a dream.
Nico：I know, right?
A moment later they both turned to gaze at me, still smiling brightly, and I felt a sudden sense of unease.
Jily：Really, you two—
But in the end I couldn't deny my own excitement, and I let myself get carried away in their enthusiasm.
And so the preparations began for my 'secret wedding'.
It was only a few days later that Giles spoke suddenly as he was placing another document on my desk.
Giles：Princess—
Giles：Lately it seems as if something is being planned in secret.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles：Lately it seems as if something is being planned in secret.
I raised my head at his words, blinking up at him with wide eyes.
I could feel my heart pounding, but I did my best to keep my expression even.

（It's not like we're doing anything really bad, right?
（Still, I think it'd be better to keep it a secret from Giles.）

Jily：Really? I haven't heard anything.
Giles：Is that so?
Giles narrowed his eyes as he gazed thoughtfully down at me, but he said nothing more on the topic.
As I reached out to take the documents he'd left for me,
I couldn't help but remember what Leo and Nico had said to me.

〝Nico：It's okay, there's no way he'll get mad or anything.〞
〝Leo：That's right. I'm sure Alyn wants to see you in a wedding dress.〞

（I don't know, though—does Alyn really feel that way?）

I sighed softly, my breath rustling the documents in my hand.
At that same moment—
Alyn's troop of knights was taking a break in the forest during their patrol.
Alyn moved a little away from the others, and sat down under one of the trees.
He leaned back against the tree and sighed loudly.
Young Knight：Is something the matter, Sir Alyn?
Alyn：Hmm?
Alyn narrowed his eyes as he gazed up at the knight, and then replied in a low voice.
Alyn：No, it's nothing.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

At last the day came when Alyn and his troop of knights would finally return from their patrol.
Leo：Alyn's really not very good at being upfront about stuff, you know.
Leo and Nico had been busy making preparations, and we were chatting in my chamber.
Leo：Be careful when you talk to him.
Nico：He's right. Try not to provoke him.
Jily：Provoke him? Ha.
I couldn't help but give them both a wry grin, when suddenly—
Alyn：Hey.
I turned my head in surprise as a deep voice echoed through the room.
Alyn was standing in the doorway, a scowl on his face.
Jily：Alyn!
Alyn：I knocked. A lot.
Alyn knocked once more against the now-open door, and then stared at me across the room.
Jily：Oh, well, I—
For a moment I wasn't quite sure how to explain, and then Nico and Leo both smirked suddenly.
Nico：Speak of the devil.
Leo：Well, we'll be off then. See you later, Alyn.
Alyn gazed after their retreating figures, a look of suspicion on his face.
Then at last he turned back to me, sighing softly.

（There's something I need to say before I actually discuss anything with him, though.）

Jily：Welcome home, Alyn.
I looked up with a smile, meeting his gaze, and after a moment he smiled back at me.
Alyn：Thanks.
I hesitated only briefly before I started to explain Nico and Leo's plans.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I told Alyn about the 'wedding' Nico and Leo had been planning for us.
Alyn：A wedding?
Jily：Yeah. Nico and Leo put the whole thing together.
I turned to look at him, only to find him frowning at me.
Jily：Alyn—

（I guess I should've known he wasn't really into this sort of thing.）

Jily：I'm sorry, I should've asked—
I started to apologize, but Alyn shook his head a little, leaning closer to stare into my eyes.
Alyn：You really—
Just as he started to speak, there was a soft knock at the door,
and a moment later I heard a maid calling my name from out in the corridor.
Alyn：Never mind for now. Off you go.
Jily：Alright.
I made my way towards the door, calling out a response to the maid as I did so.
But as I put my hand on the doorknob, I glanced back at Alyn.
His expression was serious—I could see that he was thinking hard about something.

（I know it's not a real wedding, but even so, forcing him to take part in a ceremony he's not interested in isn't very nice.）

I sighed and turned back towards the door, pulling it open and stepping out of the room.

＊＊＊

That evening—
There was a knock at the door, and I opened it to find Alyn standing there.
Jily：Alyn? What is it?
Alyn stepped quietly into my room, and closed the door behind him, his expression serious.
There was a long, awkward pause as I stared up at him, waiting for him to say something.
Alyn：I never said I wouldn't do it.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn stepped into my room, closing the door behind him.
Jily：Alyn? What is it?
Alyn：What we were talking about this afternoon.
Alyn took a deep breath, and then let it out slowly.
Alyn：I never said I wouldn't do it.

（Is he serious?）

I widened my eyes in surprise, and he turned his head away, avoiding my gaze.
Jily：But you said you'd never wanted to.
I hadn't forgotten the conversation I'd had with Alyn before he went away.
Jily：Alyn, have you ever wanted to get married?
Alyn：Nope.
Alyn：All I ever thought about was becoming stronger, being the best knight I could be.

（He sounded pretty sure of himself.）

Alyn returned his gaze to mine, his eyes narrowing, his brow furrowing.
When he spoke, his voice sounded almost angry.
Alyn：Well, what do you expect?
Alyn：When your partner is the princess, it's not something you think about.
Jily：But—

（Then that means—）

I bit my lip as I considered the implication of what he was saying.
I suddenly imagined us standing together as bride and groom, and I found myself blushing.
Alyn stared down at me, and when he spoke again, his voice was soft and deep.
Alyn：But I never said you were the only one thinking about it.
Alyn：I'm—

Continue your romance with your prince♪

Select the Sweet Ending>>>

Alyn, Chapter 4-Sweet Ending：

Alyn：I'm—
Jily I bit my lip as I gazed up at Alyn, waiting for him to continue.
I could see that his cheeks were flushed red as well.

（Does he really feel the same way?）

〝Alyn：Well, what do you expect?〞
〝Alyn：When your partner is the princess, it's not something you think about.〞

（I mean, I'd definitely be happy if he did.）

Silence filled the room around us, but it wasn't awkward this time—it felt sweet and warm somehow.
At last Alyn's gaze moved away from me, and he stared at the wedding dress hanging in the corner of my chamber.
Alyn：Is that it?
I followed his gaze to the dress, and nodded slowly.
Jily：Yeah. Nico and Leo prepared it for me.
Alyn stared at the dress for a moment longer, and I wondered what he was thinking.
Then he spoke again, his voice deep and husky.
Alyn：Go put it on.

（What? Now?）

I stared up at him in confusion, and he smirked suddenly, his expression almost roguish.
Alyn：We're going out.
And so I hurried to get changed, and then called out to Alyn who'd stepped outside to wait.
Jily：Well, I'm ready.
Alyn：Mmm.
Alyn entered my room again, and his eyes widened slowly as he stared at me.
Alyn：Wow.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：Wow.
I'd changed into the wedding dress that Nico and Leo had prepared for me.
Alyn's eyes were wide as he stared at me, his gaze traveling slowly from my face down to my feet.
Jily：So, what do you think?
Alyn started at the sound of my voice, and raised his head again, his gaze meeting mine.
Alyn：Definitely. I mean—yeah, it looks good.
I couldn't help but smile to myself at his reaction.

（I'm glad he likes it.）

Something about the shy yet frank appreciation on his face made me want to giggle for a moment.
At last Alyn's gaze turned serious again, and he offered me his hand.
Alyn：C'mon, let's go.

（So he was serious about going out now?）

I reached out and placed my hand in his.
Jily：But it's awfully late—are we really going out? I mean, Nico and Leo are probably already asleep, and—
Alyn pursed his lips as he squeezed my hand,
and then he turned and began to walk towards the door, leading me after him.
As he pulled the door open with his free hand, he muttered in a quiet voice.
Alyn：Why should I have to show you to anyone else?
Alyn helped me carefully onto his horse, and then climbed up behind me, taking the reins in his hands.
Jily：Where are we going?
I glanced back at Alyn, and the moon shining down on him lit up his face as he smiled.
Alyn：You already told me the perfect place for it.

（I did?）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

As the horse trotted through the streets of the town,
the skirt of my long white dress fluttered in the breeze, shining brightly in the moonlight.
I glanced back at Alyn, but he was watching the streets ahead of us as we rode, his expression serious.
At last he slowed the horse to a stop, and I turned my gaze forward again.
Jily：Oh!

（But this is—）

We'd stopped at the plaza in town, right in front of the church.
As Alyn leapt lightly from the horse's back, I remembered the conversation we'd had.
Jily：I was just thinking—when I was little, it was always my dream to get married here.

（I didn't expect him to remember that.）

Alyn stood next to the horse, reaching up his arms towards me.
Alyn：C'mon, down you get.
Jily：Okay!
I leaned towards him, and Alyn caught me around the waist, lifting me down from the horse.
As my feet touched the ground, I heard the bells of the clock tower chiming midnight.
Alyn：Let's go.
Jily：Alright.
Alyn took me by the hand, and we stepped into the church together.
The church was filled with gentle silence, and moonlight streamed in through the stained glass windows.
Our footsteps echoed loudly in the stillness.
Alyn：Okay, so now what?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：Okay, so now what?
Alyn squeezed my hand gently, turning back to gaze at me.
Jily：Um—
My gaze was caught by the mischief in his eyes, and I suddenly found myself grinning up at him.

（I know it's probably a bit childish,）
（but pretending like this is even more fun than I expected.）

Jily：If this were a real wedding, we'd say our wedding vows in front of everyone.
I paused, and then pointed to the veil I was wearing.
Jily：And then you'd lift my veil and we'd exchange a kiss to seal our vows.
Alyn：Really?
Alyn tilted his head to the side, as if considering my words.
Jily：But today we're just pretending, and there's no one here to watch us anyway.
I smiled at Alyn again as I spoke—I didn't want him to think I was upset that we were just pretending.
Jily：But I'm so happy just to be able to be here with you, like this.

（I feel somehow like my dream has already come true, just by being here with you.）

Alyn pressed his lips together, watching me thoughtfully.
Suddenly he narrowed his eyes, and pulled me towards him.
Jily：Alyn?
Our faces were so close our lips were almost touching.
His arms were warm and reassuring as he held me tightly against him,
and I could feel his warm breath against my lips as he spoke softly.
Alyn：But there is someone here to watch you make your vows—right here in front of you.
He gave a sudden soft laugh, and then his lips pressed against mine.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn's lips were soft as he kissed me, and then he slowly moved back, just a little.
Jily：But—
His arms around my waist pulled our bodies close together.
Alyn：So what are the words?
Jily：Oh, yeah—
I nodded helplessly, my heart beating fast at his closeness, and then I realized he was blushing.
Alyn：Or we could just skip that part.
Jily：That works—
Alyn's lips captured my words, and I forgot what I was saying as I gave myself over to the moment.
The kiss was deeper this time, his lips strong and passionate against mine.
Our lips parted for a moment, then came together again, his tongue sliding into my mouth and twining with mine.
My eyes closed of their own accord, and I moaned softly as a thrill ran through my body.
The sound of my moans and sighs seemed to echo loudly in the stillness of the church.
Alyn's tongue toyed and teased with mine, our mouths moving almost desperately together,
and when at last our lips parted again, I found myself gasping for breath.
Alyn pressed his forehead against mine, and I felt his breath on my cheek.
For a moment we simply stood like that, pressed together.
I could feel warmth flooding through me, my body trembling with anticipation.
Jily：Alyn—

（I want to make those vows, now, with you and you alone.）

My breathing was still ragged from the force of our kisses, but I was determined to say it aloud.
Jily：Alyn, I swear that—
Alyn turned his face away at my words, his brow furrowing,
almost as if he'd realized what I was going to say and was embarrassed to hear it.
As he turned his head, his hair brushed against my face, tickling my nose.
I stopped mid-sentence, overwhelmed by the urge to giggle.
Alyn：You idiot.
Jily：Oh, I'm the idiot?
Alyn turned back towards me again, and kissed me before I could say another word.
Jily I pulled back a little, trying to at least say his name,
but he tightened his grip on me, pulling me closer and deepening the kiss again.
His hands slid down from my waist to my thighs, caressing them gently through the fabric of my dress.

（Alyn—I love you.）

I couldn't say the words aloud, so I whispered them inside my heart, over and over.
I wrapped my arms around him, kissing him back as his mouth moved slowly down my neck and his hair tickled against my skin again.

fin.

Select the Premium Ending>>>

Alyn, Chapter 4-Premium Ending：

Alyn：I'm—
Jily：You're what?
Alyn's sentence trailed off into a mumble, and I couldn't hear more than his first word.

（But whatever he just said, I bet it was important.）

I stared up at him, waiting, and all of a sudden his cheeks flushed red.
Alyn：It's nothing.

＊＊＊

The next morning—
I'd been allowed to take the day off,
and Nico helped me put on the wedding dress he'd prepared.
Nico：I knew it! You look beautiful, Jily.
A moment later, Leo poked his head into the room, and stared at me.
Leo：Wow—it really suits you, Jily.
Leo gave me a broad grin, and when he spoke again, his tone was teasing.
Leo：And getting to see you before Alyn sees you sure does make me feel superior.
He went on to explain that Alyn was already waiting at the ceremony location.
Jily：Thank you—both of you.

（If they hadn't gone to all this trouble for me, I might've gone on secretly yearning for this for who knows how long.）

Nico and Leo looked at each other across the room, smiling brightly.

（And I know this is only pretend, but—
（It really feels like they're giving me their blessing, and that makes me happy.）

And so Nico and Leo helped me sneak out of my room and make my way to where Alyn was waiting.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I'd changed into my wedding dress, and was secretly making my way to where Alyn was waiting for me.

（Nico and Leo even prepared the location itself for me, in secret.）

I glanced around me as I made my way down the corridor.

（I'm glad for all they did for me, but—
（I thought they said Alyn would be coming to get me?）

I recalled what Nico had told me earlier while he was helping me get ready.

〝Nico：We've prepared it so you can dance together, just like at a ball.〞
〝Nico：Isn't that wonderful?〞
〝Jily：It is. But—〞

〝（I wonder if Alyn will really want to dance with me?）〞
〝（He's never been the dancing type.）〞

〝I couldn't help the uncertainty that flitted through me, and Nico gave me a broad grin.〞
〝Nico：And I've already asked Alyn. So don't worry—just look forward to it.〞

（Does Alyn really want to do this?）

My steps faltered for a moment, but right then—
Jily：Oh!
I heard the sound of footsteps echoing through the corridor.
I slowly turned to look, and a moment later I caught sight of Alyn.
Jily：Oh my gosh.
I couldn't help but widen my eyes in surprise at the sight of him.
Alyn was all dressed up in his most formal outfit, and he looked stunning.
Our eyes met, and as we stared at each other, my heart skipped a beat.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn was dressed in a formal outfit, looking more stunning than ever.
Our eyes met, and as we stared at each other, my heart skipped a beat.
I took a deep breath and let it out again, trying to calm my nerves.
Alyn's gaze dropped slowly, taking in the sight of me in my wedding dress.
The silence seemed to stretch out forever, and finally I had to speak because I couldn't bear it any longer.
Jily：Alyn—
My pulse rang in my ears, and my voice seemed too loud in an effort to cover it.
Jily：I've never seen you so dressed up.
Alyn：Well—
Alyn dropped his gaze to stare at his own outfit, sighing softly.
Alyn：Nico made me wear it.
Alyn：But never mind me. You're—
He cut himself off, pressing his lips together, and silence fell again as he stared at me.

（I'm going to go bright red if he keeps on staring like that!）

I could feel myself blushing, and yet at the same time it felt good to have him staring at me so appreciatively.
Just as the tension seemed almost unbearable, Alyn spoke again.
Alyn：Anyway, we shouldn't waste time standing here.
Jily：You're right.
I looked up at him again, and he offered me his hand in an elegant gesture.
Alyn：C'mon, let's go.
Jily：Okay!
I lifted my hand slowly and placed it in his.
I could feel his warmth and the strength of his grip through the thin fabric of my gloves,
and my heart skipped another beat as I squeezed his fingers gently.

（Nothing's really different other than what we're wearing, and yet I—）

As Alyn stepped up beside me, I couldn't help but stare at him.
Alyn：Hey.
Jily：What?
I watched as he turned his face away, but I could see the blush spreading across his cheeks.
Alyn：Stop staring so much.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

When we reached the ballroom, we found Nico and Leo waiting for us.
There was one more person waiting with them, and my eyes widened in shock at the sight of him.
Jily：Giles?
Giles：Really, here I was wondering what you were all being so secretive about, and—
Giles sighed softly, but Nico grinned brightly at him.
Nico：But she looks beautiful, doesn't she?
Giles pursed his lips together as he stared at me, and I held my breath for a moment.
Then suddenly he gave me a small smile that seemed almost gentle somehow.
Giles：Yes, she does.
Alyn's eyes narrowed just slightly, and I felt his grip on my hand tighten.
A moment later he pulled me gently towards the center of the room.
Jily：Alyn?
Alyn：We're gonna dance, right? Hurry up.
As Alyn dragged me away from the other three, I heard Leo give a soft snicker.
Leo：He doesn't want anyone else to see Jily looking so beautiful, does he?
Alyn ignored him completely and took my hand, and we began to dance together.

（I never imagined I'd be able to wear a wedding dress and dance with Alyn like this.
（It's like a dream come true.）

The music was playing just for us, and it sounded sweeter than ever to my ears.
Alyn's eyes were serious and intense as he gazed at me.
After a long moment, his brow furrowed a little, as if he were thinking about something.
His hand around my waist tightened, pulling me a little closer.

（Alyn? What is it?）

I looked up at him, trying to read his expression, and he moved his face closer to mine.
I felt his breath against my ear as he whispered softly, his lips brushing lightly against my skin as they moved.
Alyn：Jily—
My eyes widened with a start as I heard the words he whispered.
For a moment I couldn't believe I'd actually heard right.
Alyn pulled back again, and I looked up at him with wide eyes.
Jily：Alyn—say that again.
Alyn blinked slowly as our eyes met,
and all of a sudden he gave a soft laugh, his whole expression gentling.
Alyn：I'll never say it more than once.
He leaned forward again, pressing his lips against mine in a soft kiss.
I closed my eyes almost involuntarily, for a moment giving myself over to the kiss completely.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

That evening—
Alyn：It sure is hard to move easily in this outfit.
We'd returned to my room, and I couldn't help but laugh softly as I gazed up at Alyn.
Jily：But it suits you.
Alyn gave me a small smile as he began to loosen his necktie.
Alyn：Really.
Once the top button of his shirt was undone, he reached out towards my hair.
He lifted my hair away from the nape of my neck, and then slowly pulled me towards him.
I parted my lips slightly in anticipation,
and a moment later his lips pressed against mine, his mouth toying with my lower lip.
I sighed against his lips as our mouths moved together,
whispering his name softly as our lips parted for just a moment.
In response he deepened the kiss, his mouth more urgent and firm against mine.
I moaned softly in my throat as his tongue slipped into my mouth,
and as our tongues twined together, warm and sure and passionate,
a thrill ran through my whole body.
Alyn：It does seem a waste to take it off.
Alyn's hands ran sensuously up and down my body, tracing the curves of my skin through the fabric of my dress.
I opened my mouth to respond, when all of a sudden he slipped his arm behind my knees and lifted me into the air.
I laughed as I wrapped my arms around his neck—it wasn't quite carrying me across the threshold, but it was close enough.
He put me down gently on the bed, and I gazed up at him and the way his hair seemed to sparkle in the lamplight.
Jily：Alyn—
Alyn：What?
His voice was deep and husky as he spoke, and then he pressed his lips against my neck, warm and soft.
Jily：That thing you said before—

（I don't suppose you could say it again?）

Alyn：Again?
Alyn raised his head with a soft sigh, and I pouted up at him.
Alyn：Kiss me first, and maybe I will.
Jily：Hey—
I started to protest, but something about the look in his eyes stopped me.
There was a desire and an intensity in his gaze that set my heart suddenly pounding.
I felt a small shiver of anticipation thrill through my body.

（Well, if I get to hear him say it again—）

I stared up at him, never dropping my gaze for a moment as I slowly sat up.
I moved my face closer to his, and pressed my lips against his, closing my eyes with a sigh as our mouths moved together.
I pulled back slowly, tugging on his lower lip a little as I did so.
I watched as he narrowed his eyes at me, his lips almost pouting somehow.
He leaned towards me and brushed his lips against mine for a moment, and then smiled suddenly.
Alyn：Nah, that's not enough.
I couldn't help but pout at him again, but before I could say anything more,
he reached out and wrapped his arms around me.
His smile was both sweet and mischievous all at once,
and as he pulled me towards him, I couldn't help but smile back.

（I just feel like, if I can hear you say it again—
（Then I'll be the happiest bride in the world, even if we're only pretending.）

And right at that moment—
Alyn：I love you, Jily.
Alyn's whispered words were warm against my lips, and then he kissed me again, as if trying to hide the blush on his cheeks.
Alyn：But that's it—I won't say it again.

fin.

Select the Secret Ending>>>

Alyn, Chapter 4-Secret Ending：

Alyn：But I never said you were the only one thinking about it.
Alyn：I'm—
Alyn's voice was hoarse, and the rest of his words seemed to fade away before he'd finished.

（What the heck am I saying?）

He could feel his cheeks turning red, and he raised a hand to his rub his cheek, trying to hide it.
When he glanced at Jily, he could see that she was staring up at him, waiting for him to finish.
Alyn：It's nothing.

（I wish you could just understand.）

＊＊＊

The next morning, an unexpected person appeared in his bedroom.
Nico：Now put this on, okay Alyn?
Alyn pressed his lips together, holding back everything he wanted to say.
He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to flatten it, and then looked down at the outfit Nico had handed him.
Alyn：What the heck is this?
Nico：Well, Jily's going to be wearing a wedding dress,
Nico：so I don't want you to look odd when you're standing by her side.
Without another word Nico turned and left, and Alyn sighed to himself.

（I always look odd by her side.）

＊＊＊

When he was finally ready, Alyn left his room.
He made his way to Jily's room to get her, just as Nico had instructed.

（I know it's just pretend, but I still never expected this day to ever come.）

He glanced out the window, and squinted at the bright, warm rays of the sun.

（There are other things I should be doing, other things I should be thinking about.
（And yet—）

At that moment, he heard the sound of footsteps from somewhere up ahead of him.
He hesitated a moment, calming his expression.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn hesitated briefly, calming his expression as best he could.
Then he raised his gaze in the direction of the approaching footsteps.
Ahead of him, he could see Jily walking towards him, wearing a pure white wedding dress.

（She's—）

He was completely lost for words as he stared at her.
Jily：Alyn—
Jily's soft voice broke the long silence and brought him back to himself.
Jily：I've never seen you so dressed up.
Alyn：Well—
He widened his eyes at her unexpected words.

（I think that's my line.
（When you look like that—I want to keep you all to myself.）

He dropped his gaze quickly, looking down at his own outfit.
Alyn：Nico made me wear it. But never mind me. You're—

（What is this feeling?）

Even as he spoke, he could feel warmth stirring in his heart, and an odd feeling in his throat.

（It's almost ticklish somehow.）

The more he thought about it, the stronger the feeling got, and he could feel his pulse speeding up.
In an attempt to ignore the feeling, he opened his mouth and spoke again.
Alyn：Anyway, we shouldn't waste time standing here.
He offered Jily his hand, and he could see the smile in her eyes.
Jily：Okay!
She placed her hand in his, and he could her warmth even through the gloves she wore.

（I dunno, we're just wearing different clothes, that's all. And yet—）

Alyn：Hey.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：Hey.
She was staring at him so hard that he could feel her gaze,
and he knew his cheeks were turning red.
Alyn：Stop staring so much.

（When you stare at me with that look in your eyes—）

As soon as he said it, she turned her gaze away, but he thought he caught a glimpse of a smile on her lips.
He sighed as he glanced down at her, and then looked away again.

（It just—it makes me feel strange inside.）

＊＊＊

When they reached the ballroom, Nico and Giles were waiting for them.
But they weren't the only ones.

（Why does he have to be here as well?）

He glanced at Leo for just a moment, but Leo seemed to notice at once, flashing him a bright smile.
Leo：It sure suits her, doesn't it, Alyn?
Alyn pressed his lips together, turning his face away from Leo.
As he did so, he saw Jily standing there, smiling happily as she spoke to Giles.

（I don't know why, but I don't like it.）

He squeezed her hand, and then pulled her towards the middle of the room.
Jily：Alyn?
Alyn：We're gonna dance, right? Hurry up.
She followed him in spite of her surprise, but behind him he could still hear Leo's voice.
Leo：He doesn't want anyone else to see Jily looking so beautiful, does he?
It was almost as if Leo was reading his mind,
and he scowled a little at the realization that he might be that easy to read.

（It's not just anyone—I just really don't want him looking at her when she looks like this.）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn took Jily by the hand, and they began to dance.
He gazed down at her gentle expression as they moved in time to the music.
Normally, he would never be allowed to take the princess's hand and dance with her in the center of the ballroom.

（What is this feeling?）

He tightened his grip on Jily's waist, feeling warmth flood through him.

（I almost feel like I'm floating on air.）

For a moment he wondered if he was dreaming, but his heart was pounding too loudly for that.

（No one else has ever made me feel this way—she's the only one.）

He frowned a little as he thought it over.

（Nico said something about weddings being about making a vow for all eternity.
（But I'm a knight—I don't believe in eternity.）

He focused his gaze on Jily's face, and the bright happiness in her eyes.

（And yet—）

He pulled her closer to him, and she looked up at him, her expression wondering.

（But there is something I know I'll feel my whole life.）

Alyn：Jily—
He moved his lips close to her ear, and whispered in a soft, husky voice.
His voice was so soft he could barely hear it over the pounding of his own heart.
Alyn：I love you.
For just a moment his heart seemed to stop completely, and then it was racing wildly again.
As he pulled back, he could see how wide her eyes were as she stared up at him.
Jily：Alyn—say that again.
Alyn He blinked slowly as he gazed down at her sweet expression,
and then he couldn't help but laugh softly, feeling his whole body relax.

（I knew she'd say that.）

Alyn：I'll never say it more than once.
He leaned forward again, pressing his lips against hers in a soft kiss.
Her sure warmth sent a sweet thrill running through him.

（Anyway, it's easier for me to show you how I feel, instead of trying to say it aloud.）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Later that evening, Alyn stood loosening the tie around his neck.
Alyn：It sure is hard to move easily in this outfit.
Jily：But it suits you.
He couldn't help but smile at her sure words, and he reached out towards her.

（Why is it so easy for you to say the things I never can?）

He slid his hand behind her neck and pulled her towards him, nibbling lightly on her lower lip.
Their mouths moved together in a warm, gentle kiss.
As their lips parted for a moment, Jily sighed his name softly, her breath warm against him.

（I know there're other things I should be doing, other things I should be thinking about.
（But right at this moment—）

He pressed his lips against hers again, his tongue toying with hers, and he felt a tremor running through him.
The soft sound of her sighs and moans seemed to set his passion on fire.

（I don't want to think about anything but you.）

He ran his fingers over her body, and as his hands caressed her breasts, he could feel her heartbeat.
Jily：Alyn—
He carried her to the bed and set her down on top of it, and she looked up at him with wide eyes full of desire.
Alyn：What?
He murmured the word against her neck as he kissed her bare skin, and he smiled a little as her body quivered.
Jily：That thing you said before—
Alyn：Again?
He could tell what she wanted without her having to say it, and he sat up a little.
He looked down at her, lying beneath him with those wide, wanting eyes.
Something about the way she was staring up at him seemed to pierce right through him,
and he caught his breath a little at the sudden burning need inside him.

（Everything I do, everything I think—in the end it's all related to her anyway.
（I'd always thought eternity was a cheap, meaningless word.
（But now I know what it is I'm feeling, deep in my heart.
（I get it, finally. This feeling is—）

He smiled suddenly as he stared down at her.
Jily：Alyn?
Those beautiful, wide eyes captured him again.

（I don't know how to make an eternal vow, but—）

Alyn：Kiss me first, and maybe I will.
He couldn't help but smile widely as he gazed down at her.

（So long as I'm with you—
（I know these feelings will never fade away.）

As Jily moved her face towards his, he slowly closed his eyes.

（I love you.
（And I'll never say that to anyone but you.）

fin.