♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

A Wedding Story Event－Royal Wedding（Louis）

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.
…………
………
Louis "Come on."
Louis pulls you by the hand, and whispers sweetly in your ear.
…………
………
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 late evening, and the stars shone bright in the sky overhead.
I was lying in bed, thinking about what had happened earlier that day.
I'd been taking a short break from my work, and Nico had been pouring tea for me.

〝Nico：That dress is lovely.〞
〝Nico set the teacup down on the table in front of me as he spoke.〞
〝Jily：Thank you. Actually?〞
〝In Wysteria it has long been said that if you get married at this time of year,〞
〝you will be guaranteed happiness.〞
〝And in accordance with this tradition,〞
〝there was a custom in the town of making dresses during this time.〞
〝Jily：They say if you make your own dress and wear it,〞
〝Jily：the person you love will fall in love with you, too.〞
〝As I finished explaining, Nico smiled suddenly.〞
〝Nico：So in other words, that dress will become a wedding dress one day, right?〞

〝（A wedding dress?）〞

〝I raised my teacup to my lips as I considered Nico's words.〞

I slowly closed my eyes, still thinking about our conversation.

（I wonder if I'll have the chance to wear a wedding dress one day?）

As I tried to imagine how I might look, I fell into a deep sleep.

＊＊＊

The next day?

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

＞＞＞Choose Louis

Louis, Chapter 1：

The next day the sky was beautiful and clear, the sun bright and warm.
Duchess：Oh my, your butler is adorable. He looks just like a doll.
I was holding a salon at the palace, and had invited many noblewomen from around Wysteria, including the duchess.
Jily：A doll?
I followed her gaze to where Nico stood near the table, pouring tea into teacups.
His expression remained unchanged, but I was pretty sure he'd heard what she said.
Duchess：Yes.
She gazed at Nico for a long moment, and then giggled softly.
Duchess：It's a hobby of mine.
She explained to me that she enjoyed making dresses and other fine clothes for dolls.
Duchess：That reminds me, do you know who looks even more like a doll, Princess?
Jily：No, I don't.
I shook my head politely at her words, not sure what she meant.
She took a sip of her tea, and then gave me a brief smile as she replied.
Duchess：Duke Howard has such fine features, and such pale, flawless skin.
Duchess：He really does look just like a doll to me.
Jily：Do you think so?
An image of Louis flashed through my mind as I considered her words.

（Well, he's certainly as beautiful as a doll, but—）

I turned my gaze back to the duchess as she spoke again, her voice almost rapturous.
Duchess：Ahh, I'd love to be able to dress him up like a doll.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

After the salon was over, I left the room and headed back toward my chamber.
Gentle sunlight poured in through the windows, lighting up the soft carpet under my feet.

（A doll, huh?）

My conversation with the duchess kept running through my mind, and I stopped suddenly.

（I suppose if she searched hard enough, she could find a doll that looks like Louis.
（But—）

Jily：Hang on, is that—
At that moment, I spied Louis at the far end of the corridor, heading in a different direction.
Jily：Louis?
I hurried after him, but when I turned the corner where I'd last seen him, he was gone.

（Huh? I wasn't that far behind him.）

I looked around the corridor, but it was like he'd completely vanished.

（So where did he go?
（I guess he went into one of these rooms?）

I stepped toward the nearest door, intending to knock, when I heard footsteps from around the next corner.

（Is that him?）

Jily：Lou—
Before I could finish speaking his name—
Jily：Ahh!
Someone grabbed my hand from behind, pulling me backwards.
I turned around in surprise, trying to catch myself from falling.
Louis stood behind me, his eyes narrowed, his expression concerned.
Jily：Louis!
He immediately reached out and pressed a finger against my lips, making a soft shushing noise.

（But why?）

Without another word, Louis opened the door next to us and pulled me into the room.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis pulled me into a nearby empty room and quietly shut the door behind us.
His expression was clouded with concern,
and he glanced at me briefly before looking back at the door.

（I wonder what's got him so bothered?）

It was clear he was trying to hide from someone, so I kept quiet as I stood next to him.

（It's not often I see him like this—he's usually so composed.）

I leaned closer to look up at him, schooling my features into a questioning expression.
But right at that moment, the doorknob suddenly turned, and the door opened.
Jily：Oh!
I turned around to see a man standing in the doorway.
Sid：No matter how well you try and hide, I always find you soon enough.
Louis's expression turned flat, as if he was hiding all his emotions.

（Oh wait, I know this guy.
（He's the information dealer, Sid, right?）

Louis avoided Sid's gaze, and I could see the amusement in Sid's eyes as he turned to look at me.
Sid：Am I interrupting some clandestine meeting?
Louis frowned in response to Sid's question, his expression wavering, and I spoke quickly.
Jily：Fishing for gossip, are you?

（I don't know what he wants, but I don't like how he upsets Louis.）

I rolled my eyes at him, and turned towards the door, feigning complete disinterest.
Jily：Anyway, I have work to get back to.
As I started to open the door, I felt Louis's hand on my shoulder, the touch gentle.
Louis：Jily.

（Louis?）

I turned back to find he was still staring at Sid,
in spite of his warm grip on my shoulder.
Louis：It's fine. You can stay.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：It's fine. You can stay.
Jily：Are you sure?
His grip tightened on my shoulder for a moment, and I looked up at him uncertainly.
He let go of me a moment later, but I stayed where I was.
Sid gave a sudden brash laugh as he stared down at Louis.
Sid：I just came to give you this. No need to get all worked up.
I saw Louis's expression tighten at Sid's teasing tone, but he said nothing.
Sid thrust a letter into Louis's hands, his movement rough and brusque.
Sid：And my job here is done.
Sid turned his gaze towards me and gave me a sudden smirk.
Sid：See ya, Princess.
Jily：Uh-huh.
I frowned at him, but he'd already turned away, leaving without glancing back.

（I dunno what it is about Sid, but he's an odd one.）

I waited until the door had shut behind him before I turned to look up at Louis.
His eyes were narrowed as he stared at the closed door, and I wondered what he was thinking.
There was something sullen about his expression.

（I guess he doesn't really like Sid.）

Louis seemed to realize I was staring at him, and he turned toward me.
Louis：I'm sorry.
I shook my head quickly, smiling up at him in the hope that I could distract him from whatever he was thinking.
Jily：No, it's fine.

（Sid really seems to upset Louis. Maybe I can distract him somehow.
（Oh, I know.）

Jily：It was kind of like we were playing hide'n'seek.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：It was kind of like we were playing hide'n'seek.
Louis blinked at my words, his expression both surprised and confused.
Louis：Hide'n'seek?
He spoke the words awkwardly, as if they were completely unfamiliar to him.

（Don't tell me you've never played it?）

I smiled up at him again as I explained the game.
Jily：It's a kids game. Everyone goes and hides, and one person has to go look for them.
Jily：Whoever gets found first is the next one who has to wait and find everyone.
Louis：Really?
Jily：The kids down in town play it all the time.

（Maybe it's not the sort of game that noble kids really play?）

Jily：Haven't you ever played it?
Louis smiled softly at my question, and his expression seemed to relax at last.
Louis：No, I haven't.
Louis：There was never anyone who wanted to look for me.

（Oh, Louis—）

His spoke almost as if it was nothing, but the words made me catch my breath.

（Are you talking about when you were a child? Or—）

The words were tumbling from my mouth before the thought was even finished.
Jily：I'd look for you.
Louis：What?
Louis's eyes widened in surprise, and I felt a little silly suddenly, worried that I was overreacting.
Jily：I mean—

（He didn't really mean anything by it, did he? It was just an idle comment, and I'm reading too much into it.）

Jily：Never mind.
I smiled up at him and shook my head quickly, trying to think of a way to change the topic.
Louis：Jily—
Before I could come up with anything, he spoke again, and this time his smile was brighter.
Louis：Next time you have a day off, do you want to go out somewhere with me?

Louis, Chapter 2：

All too soon it was the morning of my next day off.
I was in my room getting ready to go out with Louis, but I paused to look out the window.

（It's beautiful weather today.）

The sun was bright in the sky, and I gazed out the window as I remembered my conversation with Louis.

〝Louis：Next time you have a day off, do you want to go out somewhere with me?〞
〝Jily：Yes, of course!〞
〝I smiled happily up at Louis as I met his gaze.〞

〝（I'm always happy when I get to spend time with you, Louis.）〞

〝For a moment Louis gazed down at me, his expression calm.〞
〝He leaned closer, his face coming towards mine, and spoke in a quiet voice.〞
〝Louis：Where would you like to go?〞
〝Jily：Hmmm.〞
〝I thought it over for a while, and then I remembered something.〞
〝Jily：How about—〞

＊＊＊

I'd suggested that we go for a walk somewhere peaceful, away from any crowds, so we wandered through the nearby forest.
Jily：It's so nice and relaxing here, isn't it?
The air in the forest was crisp and clear, and a little cooler than it had been before we'd stepped between the trees.
Jily：It kind of almost smells like summer, you know?
I glanced up at Louis as I spoke, only to find him staring down at me.

（Did I say something odd?）

Jily：Louis? What is it?
Louis：I—
He smiled suddenly, his eyes narrowing a little.
Louis：It's nothing.
The forest seemed quiet around us as we walked, but a strange sound made me stop.

（What's that?）

I turned back, looking around at a nearby thicket of shrubs we'd just passed.

（That sounds like—）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I turned around to look at a thicket of shrubs just behind me, listening to the soft sound coming from within.

（That sounds like—）

I approached the shrubs and carefully parted the branches.
Jily：Oh!

（I was right! It's a little baby bird.）

There was a tiny, fragile bird sitting on one of the branches inside the shrub, crying piteously.

（It must've fallen out of its nest! The poor thing.）

The bird trembled as I lifted it carefully from the shrubs and cradled it against me, but it continued to cry helplessly.
I looked up at the tree above me, and sure enough, I saw a small nest up in the lower branches.

（There it is. I just need to get it back up there.）

Jily：Louis, could you—
I turned to look over my shoulder, but Louis was nowhere to be seen.

（Oh no, he mustn't have noticed me stopping.
（I have to find him! But—）

I looked down at the bird I held, and then up at the nest in the tree.
The baby bird continued to cry in a desperate voice as it quivered in my hand.

（I need to put this poor little thing back in its nest first.）

I nodded firmly to myself, and used my free hand to roll up the skirts of my dress.
Jily：It's not that tall a tree, right?

（I'm sure I used to climb trees taller than this when I was a kid.）

＊＊＊

At that moment Louis was looking for Jily, who seemed to have vanished into thin air.
Louis：Jily?
He called her name as he looked around him, slowly following the path back the way he'd come.
Suddenly he heard her voice, but it sounded as if it came from far away, and he couldn't see her anywhere.
He stopped and looked around him, calling her name again.
Right as he did so—
Jily：Up here, Louis!

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Up here, Louis!
Louis stared up at me from where he stood on the path, his eyes wide with surprise.
I wondered how I must look, clinging to the branches of the trees, my skirts hitched up around my knees.
Louis：What are you doing?
I stayed where I was, holding on to the branches as I gazed down at him.
Jily：I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stop without you!
Jily：But a baby bird had fallen from its nest, and I couldn't just leave it.
I smiled down at him, and then looked down at where my feet rested on another branch.

（Climbing up was all well and good, but I'm not sure I can get back down again.
（I don't want to admit that, though!）

I began to climb carefully down again, but the ground suddenly looked a very long way away.
I pressed my lips together, the thought of myself falling and breaking all my bones flashing through my mind.

（I never did like heights. I thought I'd be okay, but—）

As I crouched there on one of the lower branches, hesitating, I saw Louis move to stand just below me, his arms spread wide.
Louis：Come on.
Jily：Louis?
I caught my breath for a moment at the sight of him, so sure and ready to catch me.
Louis：Come on, you can jump, Jily.
Jily：But what if I hurt you?

（I couldn't stand it if you got hurt somehow, all because I was too scared to climb back down again.）

I frowned down at him, unable to decide whether to just jump or not.
Louis shook his head at me, and spoke again in a sure voice.
Louis：It'll be okay. We'll both be fine, I promise.
Jily：Louis, I—
I clung to the tree, quivering for a moment longer, and then I turned hesitantly towards him.

（All right. If he's ready to catch me, then I can do this.）

I slowly released my hands from the branches above me.
I leaned carefully forwards, clenching my hands into fists.
Jily：Here I go!
I jumped out of the tree, closing my eyes tightly shut as I fell.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I jumped out of the tree, aiming straight for Louis's waiting arms.
Jily：Gah!
Louis：Jily!
Louis caught me firmly in his arms, and I breathed a deep sigh of relief.

（I made it!）

My heart was hammering in my chest, and for a moment the sound of it was all I could hear.
I took several long breaths until at last it slowed a bit.
At last I could hear more than just my pulse, and I sighed softly.
As I did so, I felt Louis's arms around me tighten.
Jily：Louis?
For a moment his grip was so tight it almost hurt, and I raised my head to look up at him.
He looked down at me, and when he spoke, his voice was hoarse.
Louis：Please don't scare me like that.
Jily：I'm sorry.
I reached up and touched his cheek briefly, smiling up at him.
Jily：But thank you.
Louis slowly let me down, my feet touching the ground at last, and I sighed with relief as I unhitched my skirts again.
As I did so I heard the sounds of warbling from above us, and I looked up to see the mother bird returning to her nest.
Jily：Oh, thank goodness—they'll be okay.
Louis's gaze followed mine up to the tree above us, and he smiled briefly.
Then he looked back down at me, and reached out to take my hand.
Louis：I thought maybe you were playing hide'n'seek.
I couldn't help but laugh softly at his words.
Jily：I never imagined being able to play hide'n'seek with you. It sounds like fun though.
For a moment I thought Louis was going to smile, but then his gaze skipped away from me.
Louis：It does. But I don't think it would work.

（What's that supposed to mean?）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：It does. But I don't think it would work.
I blinked up at him uncertainly, not sure what his words meant, and suddenly he smiled.
Louis：No matter where you hide, I'll always find you.
Louis：Faster than anyone else.
He reached out with his free hand, his fingers brushing gently against the brooch on my dress.
Jily：Well then, hide'n'seek doesn't sound like the best choice.
I smiled up at him, but I was touched by the surety in his voice, and the intensity in his gaze.

（Here he is being all serious, and I'm making jokes.）

I dropped my gaze, gently toying with my brooch for a moment.
Louis：No, it doesn't. So I hope you'll stay where I can see you.
Jily：I will.
I nodded with a smile, raising my gaze to meet his again, and my fingers paused on my brooch.

（Louis—）

He was smiling at me, his expression gentle and sweet, and his hair seemed almost to glow in the filtered sunlight.
There was such gentle kindness in his eyes, and I found myself speaking again before I'd even realized it.
Jily：I'm sorry for making you worry, Louis.
Louis：That's okay.
Louis reached out and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his embrace.

＊＊＊

We decided to continue on our walk, but it wasn't long before the both of us spotted something up ahead as the trees parted.
Louis stopped quite suddenly, and I stopped as well, clinging to his hand as I stared at what lay before us.
I glanced up to see that Louis's eyes were wide with surprise as well.

（Is that really—）

Louis, Chapter 3：

Before our eyes was a tiny church, standing in the middle of the forest.
Jily：Oh wow!
And right at that moment, a small wedding ceremony was being held.
I looked up at Louis to find him staring at the scene before us with wide eyes.
Jily：Isn't it lovely?
The bride was clad in a simple yet elegant white wedding dress.
Her family and friends stood around her, talking animatedly, and her smile was joyful.
Louis：Yes, it is.
Louis's expression settled into a smile as he glanced down at me.
I turned to gaze at the bride and groom again, and I couldn't help but sigh softly.

（They both look so happy!）

I had a sudden idea, and I looked up at Louis again.
Jily：Hey, Louis?

＊＊＊

It's custom in Wysteria that anyone passing by a wedding ceremony is welcome to join.
So we took advantage of the custom, and joined the throngs surrounding the bride to give her our blessings as well.
We stepped into the church with the other guests, and sat quietly in one of the pews at the back.
I watched in silence as the bride slowly walked down the aisle, her white veil fluttering with each step.

（She's so beautiful. And it's not just because of the dress or how she's done her hair, or any of that stuff.）

Her soon-to-be husband stood at the front of the church, waiting for her with a broad smile.

（It's because she has someone she loves, offering her his hand like that. Asking her to be with him forever.
（Maybe one day I'll...）

I sighed softly as I watched with envious eyes, and Louis wrapped his fingers around mine.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

We sat in the tiny church, watching the happy couple get married.
I sighed softly, and Louis reached out and wrapped his fingers around mine.
His hand was warm and reassuring, and I smiled a little as I glanced down.
I turned my hand over so my palm faced upwards, pressed against his.
Louis gently laced his fingers together with mine, the movement almost like a soft caress.
It was a simple gesture, yet there was such tenderness to it my heart skipped a beat.
I squeezed his fingers gently with mine, and looked up at him.
As our eyes met, he gave me a sweet smile, and for a moment I felt like we were alone, as if nothing else mattered.

（Louis—）

I couldn't seem to tear my gaze away from his gentle expression.

（Louis, do you feel the same way I do?）

＊＊＊

When the ceremony was over, everyone moved outside the church again for the bouquet toss.
Louis：Bouquet toss?
Louis watched in confusion as the women gathered together in a group just in front of us, giggling.
Jily：It's said that whoever catches the bouquet will be the next person to get married.
Louis：Really?
I smiled at him, and turned to watch the bride as she got ready to throw the bouquet.
She turned her back to the crowd, and there was more giggling from the women.
The bouquet sailed from her hands, and flew high into the air.

（Wait—is it coming this way?）

Louis and I both watched as the bouquet flew just over the heads of the other women.
Before we could react, the bouquet hit Louis square in the chest, and he lifted his arms automatically to stop it falling.
Louis：What?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The moment Louis caught the bouquet in his arms, there was loud applause from the crowd.
Louis stood there in utter confusion, looking down at the flowers in his hands as people around him cheered.
I couldn't help but laugh at his expression as I joined the applause.
Louis clutched the bouquet in his hands, and turned to look at me.
Louis：For you, Jily.
He smiled as he offered me the bouquet in a graceful gesture.
Jily：Oh!
I took the bouquet from him, and the sweet scent of the flowers drifted up to me.

（But if the person who catches the bouquet will be the next one who gets married—）

I looked up at Louis with a start, my eyes widened.
Louis：What's wrong, Jily?
He leaned a little closer, studying my expression as if my reaction was not what he expected.
Our eyes met, and I smiled quickly up at him, not wanting him to know what I was thinking.
Jily：It's nothing.
I lifted the bouquet closer to my face and sniffed the sweet scent.

（I'm the princess, so I'm never going to have the chance to be a simple bride like this.
（But there's no point telling him that. He'd just worry about me.）

Jily：Thank you, Louis. It's beautiful.

＊＊＊

Before we knew it, the sun was sinking low in the west, and it was time to head home.
After Louis and I parted ways outside the palace, I returned to my chamber.
I changed out of the dress I'd worn for our date, and asked a maid to bring me a small vase.
When she returned with the vase, half-filled with water, I carefully placed the bouquet in it and put it on my table.

（It was such a wonderful ceremony.）

I thought back to all that had happened during our date that day.

（And Louis...）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

As I placed the vase with the bouquet in it on my table, I remembered what Louis had said earlier that day.

〝Louis：No matter where you hide, I'll always find you.〞
〝Louis：Faster than anyone else.〞
〝Louis：So I hope you'll stay where I can see you.〞

Jily：Oh!
A single green leaf fell from the bouquet, and landed at my feet.
It was almost the same color as my shoes, and I smiled as I picked it up again.

（It was so sweet of Louis to say that. He makes me so happy when he's open with his feelings.
（After all, loving someone doesn't automatically mean they'll love you back, so when they do...）

I thought about the bride's joyful expression at her wedding, and I smiled wistfully to myself.

（But Louis cares for me, and I want to do my best to be worthy of that.
（Both as the princess, and as a woman.）

At that moment there was a knock at the door, and Nico stepped into the room.
Nico：Hey, isn't that—
Nico stepped closer to look at the bouquet, his expression surprised.
Nico：That's a wedding bouquet, isn't it?
I suddenly wondered what Giles would say if he found out I'd crashed someone's wedding.
I looked up at Nico and gave him a slightly guilty smile.
Jily：It is—but it's a secret, okay?

（I want to protect what Louis and I have.）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I sat down on my sofa, the bouquet displayed on the table in front of me.
As Nico poured tea for me, I told him about the wedding ceremony we'd seen.
Nico：Wow, I didn't even know there was a church out there.
Nico laughed a little as I finished telling him my story.
Nico：And that totally sounds like something Louis would do.
Jily：I know, right?
I nodded as I grinned at him, and his eyes glinted, as if he'd thought of something.
Nico：You know, that reminds me.
Nico：I heard this rumor that someone has a doll that looks just like Louis.
Jily：Really?
His words reminded me of the conversation I'd had with the duchess at our last salon.

（I wonder if it has something to do with her?）

I could hear her words clearly in my head, as if it were only yesterday.
Duchess：Duke Howard has such fine features, and such pale, flawless skin.
Duchess：He really does look just like a doll to me.
Jily：I've even heard there are people who think Louis might actually be a real doll.
I spoke in amusement, unable to imagine that anyone would really believe it, and Nico quirked his lips.
Nico：With rumors like that going around, there'll probably be even more attention focused on Louis for a while.
I frowned a little at the idea. I knew Louis didn't enjoy being the center of attention like that.
For a moment I could see him clearly in my mind.

（Louis's not a doll.
（I mean, I understand where the rumor comes from—he has such beautiful, refined features.）

I turned my gaze towards the window, musing softly as I stared out at the beautiful colors of the sunset.

（But still...）

Continue your romance with your prince♪

Select the Sweet Ending>>>

Louis, Chapter 4-Sweet Ending：

Later that evening, after I'd spoken with Nico—
I lay in my bed, sound asleep.
Jily：Nnnn...
I awoke with a start, and sat up rather suddenly in bed.
A moment later, I realized someone was knocking softly at the door.

（I wonder who that could be? It's so early the sun isn't even up yet.）

I climbed out of bed and stepped across to the door, too sleepy to realize I was only wearing my nightgown.
I yawned a little, brushing my hair out of my eyes as I reached for the doorknob.
I slowly pulled the door open, my sleepy gaze still on the floor at my feet.

（What the?）

As the door opened I could see the tips of a pair of shoes.

（Those shoes are—）

Louis：Jily?
I looked up from the shoes to find Louis standing in front of me.
Jily：Lou—
Before I could finish speaking, he reached out and pressed a finger against my lips, shushing me.
I raised my eyebrows at him in confusion.

（Why do I need to be quiet?）

He smiled at me, his expression sweet and curious.
Louis：I'd like you to come out with me. Do you mind?
When he spoke, his voice was a soft, breathy whisper that only I could hear.

＊＊＊

Once I was dressed, Louis took me to the same forest we'd visited the day before on our date.
Jily：Louis?
He led me through the trees, with me too sleepy to protest, until at last we stopped at a point where the trees parted.

（But this is—）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis led me by the hand through the forest, and I looked around in confusion.
Jily：Louis, isn't this—
I stopped talking as we stepped over a small rise and a church came into view.

（That's the church where we saw the wedding ceremony, isn't it?）

Louis：It is.
Louis stopped walking, and turned to look at me.
His eyes sparkled in the early morning sunlight that lit up the clearing around the church.
Louis：I can't offer you a real wedding, like the one we saw, but...
Jily：Louis?
My breath caught at the implication in his words, and he squeezed my fingers gently.
He spoke again, and my heart was suddenly pounding fast in my chest.
Louis：But I can offer you something that's just for the two of us.
Jily：Louis, you—
Taken aback, and all the things I wanted to say seemed caught in my throat.

（Oh, Louis—how did you know?）

A rush of happiness burst through me, and I smiled brightly up at him.

（A wedding, just for the two of us, in this church?）

Jily：Are you sure I'm not dreaming?
Louis laughed softly at my words, his expression relaxing.
He squeezed my fingers again, and then pulled me gently towards him.
Our faces were nearly close enough to touch, and we stared at each other in the early morning sunlight.
Louis：You're not.
And he leaned down to kiss me, a kiss that was most definitely not a dream.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The early morning breeze was gentle, rustling through the trees and whispering through my hair.
Louis's lips were soft against mine, his kiss light and gentle.
Our mouths moved together for just a moment, and then parted again.
Our faces were close, and Louis's whispering breath was warm on my cheek.
Louis：It's not a dream.
Jily：I know.
I gazed up into his eyes, my heart full of happiness, and I met his smile with one of my own.

＊＊＊

We entered the church and made our way toward the altar.
Louis stopped to face me, his gaze serious as he wrapped his hands around mine.
Louis：I swear to you—
His voice echoed through the solemn and still church.
I could see the colors of the stained glass window reflected in Louis's eyes.
Louis：My eternal love.
He breathed the words softly, breaking the stillness almost reverently.
I was captivated by the strength of his gaze, unable to look away.
Louis：Will you swear to me as well?
Louis reached up with one hand, his graceful fingers caressing my cheek gently.
I felt almost as though he was staring straight into my soul, and my voice was hoarse when I spoke.
Jily：I do. I swear my eternal love to you.

（You're the only one for me—forever and always.）

Our lips came together for a kiss, as if sealing the vows we'd just spoken.
And then we regretfully returned to the palace, before anyone could realize I was gone.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Later that evening, after I'd finished my work for the day—
I sat in my room, quietly doing some embroidery, when there was a knock at the door.

（He came!）

The knock was soft, just as it had been that morning, and I knew who it was.
I hurried across the room to open the door and let him in.
Jily：Welcome back, Louis. How was your day?
I smiled up at him as I spoke, ushering him into the room.
Instead of entering, he stood there in the doorway, his expression one of surprise.
I blinked up at him, not sure why he was hesitating.
But after a moment his, apprehension melted away, and a smile crossed his face.
Louis：I'm glad to be back.
He stepped into the room, and shut the door behind him with one hand, reaching for me with the other.
The door fell shut with a soft thud, but I barely even noticed.
I was already in Louis's warm embrace, pressing my face up against his chest.
Louis：You know, this is like—
His voice was a soft murmur, and I could feel it thrumming through his chest.

（Your warmth, your scent, your...everything.
（All of it makes me so happy.）

I closed my eyes at the happiness spreading through me, smiling to myself.
Louis's arms were strong and reassuring around me as we stood there in a quiet embrace.
Louis：Oh, I know.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：Oh, I know.
Louis gave a quiet laugh, and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
There was amusement and soft delight in his voice when he spoke.
Louis：We're like newlyweds.
Jily：We're what?
His breath was warm against my ear, and for a moment I wasn't sure I'd really heard him right.
His lips tickled my earlobe for a moment, and then slid down to my neck.
I gasped softly as his teeth nibbled lightly on my skin, and I reached up and wrapped my arms around him.

（When you say things like that, I start wondering again if I'm dreaming.）

Louis's lips moved slowly across my skin as he kissed his way down past my collarbone.

（To think that a day like this might come, when it feels entirely normal to welcome you back after a long day.）

Jily：Ohhh, Louis...
My voice was breathy as I clung tighter to him, and he lifted his head a little to gaze up at me.
A moment later he moved back up again, his lips capturing mine in a passionate kiss.
I moaned softly as our lips parted for a moment, then came together again.
His tongue slid between my lips, twining and teasing mine.
I felt almost weak and lightheaded, as if I was being devoured by his kisses.
I felt his arms tighten around me, pulling our bodies closer together, and then he lifted me off my feet.
He carried me across to the sofa, and set me down gently on it.
Jily：Louis—
I looked up at him, wondering if he could read the desire in my eyes.

（I hope it won't just remain a dream. I hope it will come true one day.）

Louis knelt down on the sofa beside me, leaning over me, and our gazes met.
Louis：Jily?
He leaned closer as if studying my expression, and I smiled and shook my head.
Jily：It's nothing—
I'd barely finished speaking when his lips caught mine in another kiss, strong and feverish.
I moaned again at the passion in him, feeling my desire rise to match his.
He pulled back slowly, his tongue gently tracing the outline of my lips, and then he smiled suddenly.
Louis：You can't do that.
His fingers trailed their way along my collarbone, sliding under the edge of my dress.
He slid the fabric of my dress down off my shoulder, tugging it slowly down and baring my skin to the night air.
Louis：Tell me.
Louis's tone was sugary-sweet, his eyes half-closed as he gazed at me, and I felt my body quivering.

（Ahh, don't ask me like that, how can I resist?）

Jily：No, I—
Louis：Come now.
Louis's teasing fingers slid my dress slowly lower, baring more of my skin for him to touch.
Jily：Louis—
As his fingers and then his lips caressed my skin, I closed my eyes and gave myself over to it, my thoughts forgotten.

fin.

Select the Premium Ending>>>

Louis, Chapter 4-Premium Ending：

It was a few days after I'd spoken to Nico about the wedding ceremony in the forest.
A ball was being held at the palace, and I was busy finishing up my preparations for attending.
Nico：Jily, here's your bag.
Jily：Thanks, Nico.
I took the small bag from Nico, smiling as I looked down at it.

（It's perfect!）

I glanced up at Nico to find him grinning broadly at me.
Nico：And try this on as well.
Jily：What's this?
I turned at his gesture to find a beautiful dress hanging there, waiting for me.

（This looks like—）

It was pure white, and looked just like a wedding dress.
I stared at it in surprise for a moment, and then turned to look at Nico again.
Nico：I had the dressmaker prepare it. I thought for sure it would look perfect on you.

（Oh, Nico—how do you always know?）

I turned to look back at the dress again, and found myself smiling broadly.
Jily：Thank you, Nico.

＊＊＊

When I was all dressed and ready, I made my way toward the ballroom.
As I stepped through the doorway, I realized that the crowd was unusually animated.
I was startled by the buzz of whispered voices all around me, and I followed their gaze.
To my surprise, I saw that they were all staring at a single person.
Jily：Oh!

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Oh!
I turned to see who the crowd was looking at, and my eyes widened in surprise.
Louis was on the far side of the room, clad in one of his most formal outfits.
He looked more beautiful than ever, and for a moment I forgot to breathe.
His expression was calm and reserved, and I wondered what he was thinking.

（I get why everyone's so worked up, though.
（He's just so beautiful—of course he catches everyone's gaze.）

I sighed wistfully to myself, but a moment later I heard the whispering from around me.
Woman 1：It's unusual for Duke Howard to be in a place like this.
Woman 2：Ooh, I hope he looks my way. He really looks like a doll, doesn't he?
I frowned a little at the way they talked about him, but reminded myself that their opinions didn't matter.
I walked steadily across the room toward where Louis stood.

（Because I know him. I know who he really is.）

As the guests moved aside to let me pass, my eyes met Louis's across the room.
My heart skipped a beat at the way his expression changed when he saw me.
Louis：Jily—
Smiling, he reached out and offered me his hand in an elegant gesture.
I knew that to everyone around me it simply looked as though he was asking me to dance.
But I knew it meant so much more than that, and I smiled up at him, my cheeks flushing a little.

（I know you, Louis. And that's all that matters.）

I could feel the stares of the guests coming from all around.
I lifted my chin, feeling determined and a little proud, and placed my hand in Louis's.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis took my hand, and we began to dance in time to the music flowing softly through the room.
The crowds whispered around us, but their voices and the music sounded oddly distant.

（I only feel this when I'm with you, Louis. It's like the rest of the world just fades away.）

I looked up at him and realized he was staring down at me.
Jily：Louis? What is it?
Louis：Well—
Louis narrowed his eyes slightly, and moved his head a little to whisper in my ear.
Louis：I was told that you'd be wearing something different for this ball, but—
Jily：Really?

（It must have been Nico.）

I could feel Louis's gaze moving over me, taking in my appearance, and I felt warm somehow.
When he spoke again, his voice was so quiet that only I could hear him.
Louis：You look gorgeous.
Jily：I—thank you.
The words tumbled out automatically, my pulse racing at his tone of voice.
Jily：You look beautiful too.
I looked up to meet his gaze, and he narrowed his eyes a little at my words.
His expression seemed unsure for a moment, almost vulnerable.
Louis：Beautiful, huh?

＊＊＊

As the music stopped Louis and I ended our dance, but then he caught me by the hand again.
Jily：Louis?
He gave me a brief smile and led me across the ballroom.
We lost ourselves in the crowds gathered around the edges of the room, and quietly slipped away from the ball.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis led me back to my chamber, taking a longer route to avoid being spotted by anyone.
Jily：Louis!
As the door closed behind him, I called his name, my voice breathy with laughter.
We'd been rushing through the corridors together, and it felt almost like we were playing hide'n'seek with someone.
Louis：I know.
Louis smiled at me, and then let go of my hand, turning to gaze at me again.
Louis：That dress—
Jily：You like it?
I looked up at him, and was surprised by the intensity of his gaze.
I felt almost as if he was looking beyond my outfit—looking straight into my soul.
Louis：You look like a bride.
Jily：Really?
He reached out and gently tucked my hair behind my ear, his fingers brushing against my cheek.
Louis：Jily?
Louis：I want to make you mine.
He cupped my cheek gently, his eyes full of desire as he stared at me.
My pulse sped up under that gaze, my body quivering in anticipation.

（Louis—I want you too.）

He lifted a lock of my hair, and then let it fall to tickle gently against my shoulder.
When he spoke, his voice was husky and enticing.
Louis：I don't want to share you with anyone else.
He took my hand in his again, lifting it slowly to his lips.
He pressed a soft kiss against my ring finger, and gave me a small smile.
Louis：Will you swear to me—
Louis：Swear your eternal love?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：Will you swear to me—swear your eternal love?
Jily：Oh, Louis!
My heart was suddenly overflowing with happiness, and I gazed up at him, my eyes blurring with tears for a moment.
I could feel the warmth and surety of our love filling me up inside.

（I'm so happy I can barely find the words.）

My mouth refused to speak properly, so I nodded as firmly as I could, hoping he would understand.
A bright smile lit up his face as he stared down at me.
Jily：Louis...
His name fell softly from my lips before I'd even realized it.

（How could they ever think you're an expressionless doll? You're so full of emotion.）

His hands came up to cup my cheeks gently, and his face moved toward mine.

（You're so sweet, and so kind.）

His lips pressed against mine with soft, tender kisses.
I responded eagerly, and our kisses soon turned deeper, our mouths moving together.
Louis's tongue gently pushed between my lips, meeting my tongue and twining with it.
A thrill ran through my body, and I reached up to wrap my arms around him as our lips parted for a moment.
Louis：Can you say it now, Jily?

（Sometimes you can be such a tease, Louis.）

Jily：Maybe—
Before I could say anything more he was kissing me again, so passionate that I was left breathless.
He pulled away again, and then led me across to the bed, pushing me gently down on the covers.
Jily：Louis—
I laughed softly as he knelt on the bed next to me, and I reached up to touch his face.
His cheeks were flushed, his eyes sparkling with desire.

（You're so warm, so alive—so beautiful.）

Louis reached out and began to slide my dress off my body, his lips pressing kisses against my skin as he bared it.
My body quivered and writhed under the sweet sensation of his warm lips against me.
At last my breasts were bared, and he lowered his mouth to kiss the soft skin.
I felt a sudden thrill of sweet pain, and I moaned helplessly, arching my back.
Louis：Jily—
His voice was soft and breathless as he spoke my name.
I raised my gaze to meet his, and he smiled suddenly.
Louis：I love you. More than I ever thought I could love anyone.
Jily：Louis—
I felt overwhelmed by sudden happiness and warmth, and I forgot to breathe for a moment.

（I love you too.
（That's what I want to say.）

But I was lost for words, and I reached out helplessly, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him close.
Louis's lips met mine again, his fingers tracing over my skin, and I closed my eyes and gave myself over to him completely.

fin.

Select the Secret Ending>>>

Louis, Chapter 4-Secret Ending：

It was several days after Louis's date with Jily in the forest.
He'd been asked to attend a ball at the palace, and so he was staying for a few days to deal with other work as well.
As he walked down the corridors of the palace, he passed several others nobles who he assumed were there for the ball.
He could keenly feel their stares each time one of them passed him.

（Hmm?）

He listened to the soft, muttering voices of a pair of women as they passed him.
Woman 1：Duke Howard really does look like a doll, doesn't he?

（A doll?）

He caught sight of his reflection in a nearby window, and came to a stop.
It was dark outside, and he could clearly see himself, standing there frowning.

（I suppose they might be right.）

He stared at himself in confusion for a moment longer, and then began walking again.

（But—）

＊＊＊

When he reached the ballroom, the crowds seemed to come alive around him.
As he passed through them, he could hear them whispering and muttering.
He tried his best to ignore their stares and whispers as he looked around the room.
He was almost in the middle of the room when—

（There she is.）

At last he spotted her as the crowds parted for her, and their eyes met across the room.
Louis：Jily—
She smiled the moment she saw him, and stepped determinedly towards him.
He saw her lift her chin, ignoring the crowds just as he was, and he offered her his hand.

（But if I really was a doll, I doubt I'd ever feel this way.）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis took Jily by the hand, and they began to dance.
At last the crowds seemed to find something else to stare at besides the two of them.
He felt his shoulders relaxing a little, and Jily gave him a relieved smile.

（Your dress, it has to be—）

He remembered what Nico had said to him when he'd run into the butler on his way to the ball.

〝Nico：Duke Howard?〞
〝Louis：Yes?〞
〝Louis paused mid-step and turned back to find Nico grinning broadly at him.〞
〝Nico：Jily will look quite different than usual tonight.〞

Louis：I was told that you'd be wearing something different for this ball, but—
Louis：You look gorgeous.
He watched the happiness flush across her face at his words.

（And yet...）

He could feel his heart pounding hard in his chest as he gazed down at her radiance.

（I know it's silly, but I don't like other men seeing you look this lovely.）

Jily：You look beautiful too.
He completely lost his train of thought at her unexpected words.
Louis：Beautiful, huh?

（Those aren't the words I want to hear. What I want to know is—）

He sighed softly to himself, confused by his train of thoughts.

（How do I make you mine, and mine alone?）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

He led Jily back to her chamber, taking the long route to avoid being seen by anyone.
Jily：Louis!
She was breathless with laughter as he shut the door behind him, and for a moment he was overwhelmed by how lovely she was.
At that moment he spied the small bouquet sitting in a vase on her table.

（Is that the one I caught?）

He thought back to the wedding ceremony they attended, and then looked at her pure white dress again.
Louis：That dress—
He smiled suddenly at where his thoughts led him.
Louis：You look like a bride.
She stared up at him, her expression surprised delight at his complement.
Jily：Really?

（I used to always think marriage was just a way to bind people together.
（The mere thought of it was absolutely frightful.）

Louis gazed down at Jily, and reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear.
His fingers brushed against her cheek, and her eyes half-lidded, just for a moment.
He slowly caught a lock of her hair between his fingers, lifting it away from her shoulder.
He could feel lingering warmth from where it had rested on her skin.

（But if it were with you...）

Louis took a deep breath, and let it out again, gazing down into her eyes.

（I wouldn't mind being bound.）

Louis：Jily?
Her eyes widened a little at the sound of her name, waiting patiently.
Louis：I want to make you mine.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：I want to make you mine.

（Your heart and your soul.）

Jily's hair slipped from Louis's fingers, sliding down to coil against her skin again.

（And your body...
（Every part of you.）

Louis：I don't want to share you with anyone else.
He took her hand in his again, feeling how her fingers trembled just slightly in his.
For a moment he gazed down at her in silence, and then lifted her hand to his lips.
He kissed her ring finger the same way he'd seen it done at the wedding ceremony.
Her hand was warm and reassuring somehow in his grasp.
Louis：Will you swear to me—
Louis：Swear your eternal love?

（This is what they said at the wedding, right?）

He spoke in a soft whisper, raising his gaze to meet hers again, and saw the tears in her eyes.
Jily：Oh, Louis!
The happiness written clear across her face was enough to set his heart pounding.

（I could never say this to you, but—
（I want to be bound to you forever.）

He cupped her cheeks gently between his hands, moving his face toward hers.
Her face was so close it was almost blurred in his vision, and yet her expression was so clear to him.
He smiled to himself as he pressed his lips against hers.

（I feel like I'm already bound to you.）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis moved his face towards Jily, pressing a kiss against her lips.
She responded eagerly, their mouths moving together, and he closed his eyes for a moment.
He slid his tongue gently into her mouth, seeking hers.
Their tongues toyed and twined together in a graceful, breathless dance.
Jily reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, her warm body pressing against his.
Their lips parted for a moment, and he gazed down at her.
Her face was flush with desire, her eyes half-lidded as she stared up at him.
Louis：Can you say it now, Jily?
Jily Her eyes widened just a little at his words, and then narrowed again.

（I don't know why it is, but you always seem happy to do what I want.）

He watched the sweet smile that graced her lips, just for a moment.

（It makes me want to ask more of you.）

Jily：Maybe—

（Sometimes I feel like I'm taking advantage of your kindness. And yet—）

He kissed her again, and then led her to the bed and pushed her gently down onto it.
She gazed up at him, laughing softly, her hair fanning around her head, her clothes in disarray.
Jily：Louis—
She reached up and touched his face gently, and he turned his head and kissed the palm of her hand.
Then he reached out and began to slide her dress down her body, baring her skin.
As her breasts were bared before him, he buried his face between them, nipping and sucking gently on her skin.
She moaned, the sound soft and potent as her body arched towards him.

（But even if I am taking advantage of you, I can't help myself.）

He gazed down at her, caressing the faint red mark he'd left on her skin.
Louis：Jily—
Louis：I love you. More than I ever thought I could love anyone.

（I don't want to share you with anyone.
（Be mine and mine alone, and I will do anything for you.）

fin.