♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

Candy Coated Kisses（Albert）

Giles "We have decided to make it so that only men are allowed to give chocolate."
This year, Wysteria's Valentine's Day traditions are turned on their head!
Wysterian girls don't know what it's like to receive Valentine's chocolate from their special someone.
But you're about to discover it's sweeter than you could have ever dreamed.
…………
………
Albert "I always feel happy when I'm with you.
Albert "You are the only one who has ever made me feel this way, Jily."
………
…………

（This is my first ever Valentine's Day like this.）

Whose candy coated kisses will make your heart melt?

Prologue：

I noticed a familiar figure up ahead, waiting outside my room...

The evening sky was clear overhead, and the stars were just beginning to sparkle.
As I headed back to my room, I gazed at the stars through the windows.

（It's finally Valentine's Day tomorrow.）

A small ache settled in my chest as I thought about it.
I couldn't help but recall what Giles had said to me.
It had been only a few days earlier.

〝Giles：This year we're holding cultural exchange events with many other nations on Valentine's Day.〞
〝Giles：We have decided to make it so that only men are allowed to give chocolate.〞
〝A great many visitors from surrounding nations were currently visiting Wysteria.〞
〝Since they were visiting right around the time of Valentine's Day,〞
〝Wysteria was holding cultural exchange events throughout the nation to take advantage of the opportunity.〞

〝（I get why we're having cultural exchange events and all, but—）〞

〝Jily：How come only men are allowed to give chocolate?〞
〝Giles：We have a lot of guests from other countries visiting.〞
〝Giles：In many of them, it is customary for only men to give chocolate on Valentine's Day.〞
〝Giles went on to explain that he wanted everyone in Wysteria to get a chance to experience other customs.〞
〝He felt that it would help deepen our relationships with the visitors from those nations.〞

〝（Okay, I guess that makes sense then.）〞

〝Jily：It will probably make them really happy, right?〞
〝Jily：Being in another country yet still being able to celebrate their own culture.〞
〝Giles：Yes. And naturally this rule will apply in the palace, too.〞
〝Giles's gaze sparkled with mischief as he went on.〞
〝Giles：I wonder who you'd like to receive chocolate from?〞
〝Jily：Geez, Giles!〞
〝I wrinkled my nose up at the teasing in his voice.〞
〝But I couldn't help thinking about my special someone.〞

（It's almost like this Valentine's will be more special somehow this year.）
（I wonder how it's going to go?）

I felt a sudden burst of excitement and anticipation as I continued down the corridor.

（Hang on a minute—）

I noticed a familiar figure up ahead, waiting outside my room...

◆ Select a Suitor ◆

Who will you choose?
Choose and your story will start.

＞＞＞Choose Albert

Albert, Chapter 1：

Jily：Oh! Albert!
I was surprised to see Albert standing outside my room.
He started at the sound of my voice, turning to look at me.
Albert：I apologize for coming by so late.

（I wonder what's wrong?）

I hadn't expected him to visit me without warning.
But that didn't change how delighted I was to see him waiting there.
Albert：Er—I've come by because there's something I'd like to ask you.

（Oh wow, I wonder what that could be?）

Jily：Of course. Please, come in.
I was awash with curiosity, but I pushed it aside and smiled brightly at him.
I invited him into my room, and then followed after him.
We sat down on the sofa together, and I looked over at Albert.
He seemed somewhat uncomfortable as he said,
Albert：It's about tomorrow.

（You mean Valentine's Day? I know you have work in the morning,）
（but I'm really looking forward to our date after that.）

Albert：I know we've decided to go into town together, but—
Albert：Considering the occasion, I thought I would like to do everything you want to do.
His cheeks were faintly flushed as he pushed his glasses up his nose.
Albert：I've been considering various things to do, but I thought it would be best to ask you.

（And that's why you came to see me?）

He was so sweet and adorable, and I had to suppress the giggle building up inside.
Albert：Please tell me what you think. We can do anything at all.

（In that case—）

Jily：Can we pick a time and meet up in town instead of here?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Can we pick a time and meet up in town instead of here?
I spoke cheerfully, but Albert only looked at me in confusion.
Albert：You want to meet in town?
Jily：Yes! When the townspeople go on dates,
Jily：they meet up somewhere specific first and that's how the date starts.
Jily：I'd like to do that with you. Like a normal date.

（We always leave from the palace in a carriage when we go on dates.
（I've always wanted to do this instead.）
（I hope you don't mind.）

I glanced down at my hands, wondering suddenly if it was a silly request.
But when I looked up at Albert, he was smiling faintly.
Albert：That sounds nice to try, every once in a while.
Albert：Just like a regular couple.

（Ahh, when you blush like that you make me blush too.）

I could feel my cheeks reddening, but I smiled at him all the same.
Albert cleared his throat, and then went on.
Albert：Is there anything else?
Albert：Don't hesitate to ask. Anything is fine with me.
I thought long and hard about it, but nothing specific came to mind.

（The truth is, I'm just so happy that we get to have a date on Valentine's Day.
（That's all I can focus on! I can't think of anything specific!）

Albert：Nothing at all?
Albert looked faintly disappointed, and I spoke quickly.
Jily：It's not that I can't think of anything. It's just—
Jily：I'm so happy that we're spending Valentine's Day together.
Albert：Wha—!
Albert sputtered a little, looking quite flabbergasted.
His reaction only made me blush even more, and I looked away.

（You always react so strongly when I tell you how I feel.）

Albert：Somehow your words always manage to surprise me.
Jily：They do?
His voice was a soft murmur, and I looked up in surprise.
But he quickly shook his head, straightening his shoulders.
Albert：Never mind. Let's get back to what we were discussing.
Jily：You mean about what I want to do tomorrow?
Albert：Yes. There are apparently all sorts of festivities going on in the town tomorrow.
Albert：Since it's a special occasion, why don't we attend at least one?

（You're right. I'd really like to do that.）

His suggestion suddenly reminded me of something.
Jily：In that case—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Suddenly I remembered something Nico had told me about.
Jily：In that case, can we go to the plaza in front of the church?
Jily：I heard there'll be lots of chocolate stalls there, selling special chocolates just for Valentine's Day.
There were many events being held to coincide with the Valentine's Day cultural exchange event,
and we'd discussed them many times as we'd prepared for the event.
Albert：Chocolate?
Jily：It sounds like fun, doesn't it?
As I said that, I suddenly had an awful thought.

（Hang on a minute—
（It sounds as if I'm saying 'take me there and buy me chocolate.'）

I was struck with embarrassment, my cheeks flushing.
I tried hastily to cover up my mistake.
Jily：Oh, um, and not just chocolate!
Jily：Apparently there's musicians performing, and lots of other stuff...
Albert had dropped his gaze away thoughtfully, and I waited nervously.
But he looked up again, his expression relaxing.
Albert：Then we should definitely go. That sounds interesting.
Albert met my gaze directly, his eyes serious.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert met my gaze directly, his eyes serious as he said,
Albert：What sort of chocolate do you like?
Jily：I'm sorry?
I was so startled the question slipped out without thinking.
Albert's gaze wavered, and then he looked away again, seeming flustered.
Albert：I mean—it's just—for reference—

（For reference? Are you thinking about what chocolate to give me for Valentine's?）

My heart skipped a beat, and I couldn't help giggling.

（Nico said the same thing, didn't he?）

It was when Nico had been telling me about the festivities down in town.
I could clearly remember what else he'd told me at the same time.

〝Nico：Al is thinking real hard about tomorrow!〞
〝Jily：Really?〞
〝Nico：And if he's thinking about Valentine's Day, that can only mean one thing!〞
〝Jily：Um—chocolate?〞
〝Nico：Yep! He must be fretting like crazy trying to pick the perfect chocolate for you!〞

（So long as it's a gift from you, I don't care what chocolate I get.
（But if you really are fretting about it—）

I looked up at Albert, smiling gently at him.
Jily：I like chocolate that's sweet, but with a tang.
Albert looked faintly startled by my response.
Albert：Sweet with a tang?
He lowered his head, his expression thoughtful.
Then it brightened suddenly, as if he'd remembered something.
Albert：Oh! Like that time—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：Oh! Like that time—
Albert seemed to remember something, and he looked up at me.
He studied me seriously, and I nodded.
Jily：Yes. Like the cake we ate together just the other day.
Albert and I had been on another date fairly recently.
At the time we'd shared a slice of chocolate cake topped with raspberry sauce.
Albert：I see. So that's the sort of flavor you prefer.
Jily：It really was delicious.

（And also, you're the one who suggested we eat it.）

Albert：Very well. I will keep that in mind for future reference.
Albert smiled warmly at me as he spoke, and it set my heart pounding.

（I'm usually the one who gives chocolate for Valentine's Day, so I've never really felt like this.
（I like anticipating what chocolate I might get.）

My tummy fluttered with excitement, and I smiled back at Albert.

＊＊＊

The next day—
Bright sunlight shone in through the windows, creating square patches of light on the floor.
Albert strode down the long corridor, looking flustered.
He pulled out his pocket watch and frowned sharply as he looked at it.
Albert：This is... unexpected.

Albert, Chapter 2：

Albert：This is... unexpected.
Albert looked down at his pocketwatch and sighed softly.
Albert：At this rate I don't know if I'm going to make it in time.
Albert：I hate having to ask him, but I can hardly keep the princess waiting—
Albert muttered under his breath as he hurried towards Nico's room.
But a passing bureaucrat paused and spoke to him.
Bureaucrat：You are the envoy from Stein, are you not?
Bureaucrat：The discussion is due to start any moment.
Albert：...At this rate I'm going to keep her waiting.
Bureaucrat：Is something the matter?
Albert：No, it's nothing. Very well, let's go.
Albert frowned, but he turned and followed after the bureaucrat.

＊＊＊

I arrived a little early at my scheduled meeting place with Albert.
My heart was dancing as I gazed at the many different chocolate stalls lined up nearby.

（Everything smells so good! I'm having fun just standing here!）

I was wearing a pink dress with a flared skirt, and I held it down as the wind gusted past.
I thought back to the conversation I'd had with Albert the night before.
Albert：Why don't we meet in the plaza you mentioned?
Albert：I want to start off by taking you to the place you most want to visit.

（I don't know why, but just standing here waiting—
（Well, I can't help feeling nervous.）

Albert and I had been on countless dates already.
Yet meeting somewhere like this made it all seem fresh and new, and excitement filled me up inside.
I stood there waiting, fingers twisting nervously, my heart beating.

（Oh!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（Oh!）

I saw a couple nearby who were clearly meeting up for a date, just like Albert and I.
The man began to speak to the woman as he handed her a small box.

（That must be chocolate for Valentine's.）

As I stared at the man, I could imagine Albert in his place.

（I wonder what sort of chocolate Albert will get for me?）

〝Albert：What sort of chocolate do you like?〞
〝Albert：I mean—it's just—for reference—〞

Just remembering our conversation the day before had me smiling.
Jily：Ahh, I can't wait to see you!
My thoughts were so strong that they spilled out as words.

＊＊＊

Meanwhile—
Albert had finally finished the discussion he'd taken part in.
He hurried along a corridor that overlooked the courtyard, heading straight for Nico's room.
Suddenly a voice hailed him from behind.
???：Hey, Al, is everything okay?
Albert stopped in surprise, turning to look behind him.
Nico was standing there, a worried look on his face.
Albert pressed his lips together, unable to find the words he needed.
Nico：I can tell by your expression that everything's not okay.
Nico gave a soft sigh as Albert continued to frown at him.
Nico：You weren't able to get word to Jily, were you?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico gave a soft sigh as Albert continued to frown at him.
He looked up, meeting Albert's gaze directly.
Nico：You weren't able to get word to Jily, were you?
Nico：About how work suddenly came up, and you couldn't meet her for your date.
Albert：Wha—! How did you know about that?
Albert seemed completely taken aback, but Nico only grinned at him.
Nico：Aww, c'mon, Al, I'm Jily's personal attendant.
Nico：There's no way I wouldn't know where she was going today.
Nico continued to smile, his tone amused as he went on.
Nico：Al, you still have work after this, don't you?
Nico：I have a bit of free time right now, but...
Albert dropped his gaze, his expression thoughtful, but at last he spoke softly.
Albert：Go and see the princess for me.
Albert：Please.
Nico's smile widened at the words, his eyes sparkling.
Nico：It's so new and exciting having you say please to me.
Albert：Wha—!
Nico quickly cut Albert off before he could go on.
Nico：I'm just joking, okay? I was planning to anyway, that's why I called out to you.
Nico：Jily would be so sad to be left waiting alone on her date with no explanation.
Albert：This is the only time I'll ever ask you anything.
Albert muttered the words under his breath, adjusting his glasses as he did so.
Then he looked up at Nico again, his gaze serious.
Albert：There's something else I'd like you to tell the princess.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：There's something else I'd like you to tell the princess.
Nico：What is it?
Nico was wide-eyed with curiosity as he listened to Albert's request.
Nico：Really? Sure, okay. I'll tell her.
Nico beamed broadly at Albert, mischief clear in his gaze.
Albert's frown grew deeper, his expression turning suspicious.
Albert：What? I don't like the way you're smiling.
Nico：What's wrong with it?
Nico：I mean, I was just thinking, wow, you really do love Jily, don't you?
Albert：Wha—!
Albert turned bright red, pushing his glasses up his nose again.
He scowled, but when he spoke, his voice was crisp.
Albert：Of course I do.

＊＊＊

（I wonder if his work ended up dragging on longer than he expected?）

I looked around me uneasily, searching for Albert in the crowd.
I glanced down at the pocketwatch I was carrying.
It was already well past the time we'd promised to meet.

（I hope nothing happened to him.）

I lifted my gaze again, searching the plaza, when suddenly I heard a familiar voice.
???：Jily! There you are.

（What the—）

I looked around in surprise to find Nico standing just next to me.
Jily：Nico! What are you doing here?
Nico's expression was regretful as he said,
Nico：I came to tell you about Al.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：I came to tell you about Al.
I caught my breath as soon as he mentioned Albert.

（Oh wow, something DID happen!）

Nico dropped his gaze away, and his words were halting.
Nico：I'm sorry. Apparently some unexpected work came up.
Nico：It's something urgent, and so it couldn't be put off.
Nico：And because of that he can't be here to meet you like he promised.
Jily：I see...

（I guess that means the whole date is off.
（Well, at least he didn't get in an accident or anything!）

I could clearly see his face in my mind, and I felt lonely all of a sudden.

〝Albert：I would like to do everything you want to do.〞

（I was so happy when he said that.）

I knew it couldn't be helped, but that didn't really make me feel any better.
My shoulders slumped, and I gazed down at the watch I still held in my hands.
Nico：But to make up for that—
Nico：He had something that he wanted me to tell you.
Nico spoke brightly, and I looked up at him in surprise.
Jily：What is it?
Nico：Actually—
Nico gave me a secretive smile as he leaned forward to explain.

You can proceed to the Premium Ending!

Continue your romance with your prince♪

Decision Time>>>

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Albert, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

Nico：Actually, he said he wants you to wait for him in your room tonight.
Nico：He said he promises he'll visit you there.

（So we can't have the date we were planning on,）
（but at least we can see each other.）

Knowing I'd be able to see him that day lightened some of the pain in my heart.
Nico：It's practically night already, right?
Jily：It is! Thanks, Nico.
Musicians began to play in the plaza as I smiled up at Nico.

＊＊＊

That evening—

（He'll be here soon, right?）

I glanced over the window, noticing that it had finally grown dark outside.
I couldn't relax at all—for a moment I considered pacing the room.
Then a knock at the door interrupted my thoughts, and I jumped.
???：May I come in?

（Albert!!）

My heart began to race as I hurried over and opened the door.
Albert：I'm sorry I'm so late.
Albert's expression was already apologetic by the time I got the door open.
Jily：No, not at all!
Albert：I even asked you where you wanted to go, and yet—
Albert hesitated, and then his expression turned even more glum.
Albert：No, if I'd been able to get my work done more productively...
Albert：I really am so sorry.

（It's a shame we weren't able to go on our date, but—
（I'm just glad I get to see you on Valentine's Day. That's what matters.）

Jily：Work is like that. It's not your fault.
Jily：Please, come inside.
I ushered Albert into my room, and we sat down on the sofa together.
I looked up at Albert, but he still looked apologetic, and he was avoiding my gaze.

（Oh wow, you really are beating yourself up over it.
（I didn't realize today meant that much to you.）

Suddenly I found myself giggling softly.
Albert：Wha—why are you laughing?
Albert looked utterly flabbergasted at my reaction.
Jily：I'm sorry! It's just that I'm so happy.
Albert：You are?
Jily：Our date today was really important to you, wasn't it?
Albert：Wha—!
Jily：And besides, you came to see me now, in spite of your long day.
Jily：The truth is, I'm perfectly happy just to be able to spend time with you.
I smiled cheerfully up at Albert, and he blushed faintly.
Albert：You really are something.
He looked me in the eye at long last, his gaze serious.
Albert：I am also glad to be able to spend time with you.
Albert：You are very dear to me.

（I love it when you put it like that.）

His words were so earnest and heartfelt, and I wanted to lock them away in my heart and hold onto them forever.

（'Thank you' doesn't seem like the right thing to say in response.
（I'm not sure what I should say.）

I found myself blushing as well as I struggled to find the right words.
Albert cleared his throat, breaking the mood, and then went on awkwardly,
Albert：At any rate...
Albert：There is something that I really wanted to give you today.
Jily：There is?
I looked up at him again, startled out of my thoughts.
Albert brought out his hand from behind him and held out a box.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：There is something that I really wanted to give you today.
Jily：There is?
I looked up at Albert, startled, and he offered me a box.
He opened the box to show me a chocolate cupcake topped with raspberry sauce.
Jily：Oh wow!
Albert：Obviously I couldn't get the same one from the same cafe in Stein, but—

（You specifically chose something that you know I love.）

Albert：I wanted to be the one to go out and get this for you.
Albert：I'm sorry for making you wait.
I realized then that in spite of how busy he'd been all day,
he'd still found the time to go and find the perfect cake.
Gratitude flooded through me, and I couldn't stop smiling.
Jily：Not at all. I'm very happy to receive it.
Jily：Do you mind if I eat it now?
Albert：Of course I don't mind.
I carefully took the cupcake from him and took a small bite.
The tang of the raspberry sauce and the sweetness of the chocolate were a perfect combination.

（It's exactly how I like it!）

Albert：How is it?
Jily：It's delicious!
I smiled happily up at Albert, and he seemed to relax at last.
Albert：I'm glad to hear it.
He smiled back at me, looking both pleased and relieved.
Then he seemed to notice something as he studied me.

（What is it?）

I blinked up at him curiously, waiting for him to explain.
But instead of saying anything he leaned towards me.

（Oh!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Suddenly Albert leaned towards me, and I caught my breath.
Albert：Hold still.
He reached out, his fingers brushing gently against the corner of my lips.
Jily：Albert?
Albert：You don't need to blush like that.
Albert：You just had some chocolate on your mouth.
Albert was blushing even worse than I was, and I tried not to giggle.
He lifted his finger to his mouth and absentmindedly licked the chocolate from it.
Jily：Thank you.
There was something surprisingly sensual about his action.

（I know you were just cleaning the chocolate off my mouth and all that, but wow, Albert.）

My heart began to pound, and I reached up hesitantly to touch my lips, where his fingers had been a moment before.
I glanced up at Albert, and our eyes met suddenly.
I quickly dropped my gaze again, my heart still racing.
Albert：Why don't we go out somewhere and get some fresh air?
His voice seemed overloud as it broke the sudden silence, and I jumped.
Jily：What? Now?
Albert：I know that it's rather late, but—
Albert：I thought it might feel more like a date that way.
He was clearly still thinking about the date that had been so important to him.
I felt warm and happy inside at the realization.
Jily：Okay.
I smiled up at Albert, and he smiled back at me.
He took me by the hand, and we headed outside.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The place Albert took me to was a quiet lake near the palace.
The bright moonlight reflected off the still waters,
giving the whole place a soft, gentle glow.
Jily：It's so quiet.
It seemed the direct opposite of the bustling festivities I'd seen in town earlier in the day.
Albert：Yes. I guess it's because it's far enough away from the town.

（It feels almost like we're the only two people in all the world.
（Although I'm kind of curious as to why you brought me here, of all places.）

I glanced out at the lake, and then over at Albert, walking beside me.
My gaze was caught by his hand, swinging free by his side.

（I want to hold hands.）

I hesitated, wondering whether I should just go ahead and do it.

（Oh!）

At that moment Albert reached out and took my hand in his.
Startled, I looked up at him.
He was blushing faintly, his face turned away from mine.
Jily：Albert—
Albert：Does it bother you?
Jily：No! Not at all. It makes me happy.

（I was just surprised—it was like you read my mind!）

I giggled suddenly, feel obscurely pleased.

（I know I'm overreacting, but it's like our hearts and minds are linked somehow.）

I gazed down at our linked hands again, but a moment later Albert stopped walking.
Jily：Hmm?
I stopped as well, looking up at him curiously.
I was startled by the strong emotions burning in his gaze.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert stopped walking, and turned to look at me.
I was startled by the strong emotions burning in his gaze.
Albert：Today is a day when people share their feelings.
Albert：So I wanted to share my feelings with you, in this quiet, peaceful place.

（So that's why you brought me here.）

The moonlight from above seemed to shine, reflected, in his eyes.
His awkwardness and flushed cheeks were gone,
and the surety of his expression sent a thrill through me.
I felt as if I could see myself reflected in his eyes as he reached out and pulled me close.
Albert：My feelings for you have not changed since the moment I met you.
Albert：I love you, Jily, and I always will.
My pulse seemed to be roaring in my ears, blocking out all sense and reason.
I leaned into Albert's embrace, speechless with joy.

（Oh!）

I realized then that I could feel his heartbeat, and it was racing as fast as mine.

（You're just as worked up as I am.
（Yet you found the words to tell me how you feel.）

I knew he had trouble putting his feelings into words,
and I was struck with sudden gratitude.

（I want to tell you how I feel, too.）

All my love for him seemed to wash through me, filling me up with confidence.
I stood up on tiptoe and kissed Albert softly on the lips.
Albert：Oh!
Jily：I feel the same. I never want to let you go.
Jily：That's how much I love you, Albert.
I knew I was blushing, but I met his gaze directly all the same.
Albert：You really know how to surprise me.
Albert：But that is just one of the many things I love about you.
Albert smiled suddenly, tightening his grip on me.

（I want to stay like this forever.）

I buried my face in his warm chest, closing my eyes and snuggling up close.
The moonlight shone down on us,
wrapped in a quiet embrace there on the shore of the lake...

fin.

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Albert, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

Nico：Actually, he asked me to take you to a particular place.
Jily：Oh really? Where?
I waited curiously for the answer, but Nico's smiled deepened with amusement.
Nico：You can look forward to finding out.
Nico：Come with me.
Nico turned away, and I hurried after him.

＊＊＊

The place he led me to was a quiet restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere.
Nico：Wait here a sec, okay?
Nico hurried into the restaurant, and began to discuss something with one of the waiters.
Soon the two of them returned to where I was standing.
Nico：Al should be here pretty soon, so don't worry.
Nico smiled cheerfully at me, and then exchanged a glance with the waiter.
Waiter：If you'll please follow me.
Jily：Of course.
Jily：Nico, thanks.
Nico：Enjoy your Valentine's Day!
Nico waved me off with a cheerful smile, and I smiled back as I turned away.
I followed the waiter as he led me to a table at the back of the restaurant.

（But Albert has so much work.
（Is he really going to be here soon?）

I didn't know what to think, and I glanced fretfully around the room.

（I really want to see him though.）

I looked down at my hands, clenched in my lap.
Suddenly a shadow fell over me, and I looked up in surprise.
Albert：I'm so sorry I'm late.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：I'm so sorry I'm late.
Albert looked slightly out of breath as he appeared at my table.
Jily：Albert!
I stared at him in disbelief as he sat down in the seat across from me.
Jily：I thought you had some urgent work come up!
Jily：Is everything okay?
Albert：Yes. I managed to get it all finished.
Albert：I'm so sorry I wasn't able to meet you like I promised.
Albert：After I spoke to Nico,
Albert：I managed to adjust my schedule so everything could be finished up quickly.
Albert paused to catch his breath for a moment before continuing.
Albert：I'd originally planned to bring you here anyway, as part of our date.
Albert：I know things haven't gone exactly as planned, but—
Albert：I promise I will do everything to make the rest of our date as enjoyable as possible.
Albert's gaze was steady and determined as it met mine.
Albert：I was looking forward to meeting you in town like that, too.
Albert：I'm sorry that I couldn't fulfill your wish.

（I had no idea you were thinking so hard about it,）
（or looking forward to it as much as I was.）

His earnestness and sincerity filled me with joy, and I smiled at him.
Jily：Albert—thank you.
Albert smiled gently back at me, and I knew the date was off to a good start.

＊＊＊

We enjoyed a lovely meal at the restaurant together.
Jily：That was so delicious!
Albert：I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it.

（Although, now that I think about it—）

While eating we'd talked about Albert's work that day,
as well as the festivities I'd seen in the plaza.
But Albert hadn't given me any Valentine's Day chocolates yet,
and he didn't seem to be carrying anything extra.

（I know today's not over yet, but—）
（I've been kind of looking forward to that.）

I felt a faint burst of anxiety, but I did my best to ignore it.
A moment later, Albert stood up from his chair and offered me his hand.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert stood up and offered me his hand.
Albert：There's something I'd like to give you.
Albert：Will you come with me?
His expression was serious, and he seemed unusually tense.

（Wait a minute—could that be—）

Sudden hope wiped out the anxiety I'd been feeling,
and I stood up and took his hand.

＊＊＊

We made our way through the darkening streets by carriage,
until at last we reached our destination.
Jily：Where are we?
Albert had taken me to a small cottage surrounded by still forest.
I looked curiously around the room as we stepped inside.
Albert：I thought this would be a good place to give you your present.
The room was filled with beautiful antiques, and everything looked very fancy.
I glanced up at Albert, and realized he was blushing faintly again.
Albert：Please, sit down.
He stepped forward and drew out a chair for me.
Jily：Thank you.
I sat down at the table,
and Albert retrieved a plate and a fork from a nearby cabinet,
and placed them in front of me.
He then drew out a small box, and placed it next to the plate.

（Oh wow, don't tell me—）

I sat waiting in anticipation, feeling a funny little flutter in my tummy.
Albert opened the box and carefully drew the contents out.
It was a tiny chocolate cake topped with raspberry sauce.
Albert：Today is a day when men give chocolate to women.
Albert gave me a nervous smile as he spoke.
He set the cake down in the middle of the plate, and pushed it towards me.

（So this is my Valentine's Day gift from you.
（Wow, I never expected I would feel this happy!）

Just looking at the cake and knowing he'd gotten it especially for me set my heart singing with joy.
Jily：This looks just like the cake we ate together on our date.
I remembered how we'd spoken about it the day before.

（But we got that from a bakery in Stein.
（How on earth did you manage to get one here from Stein in such a short time?）

Albert had turned away and was busy removing a tea set from the cabinet.
But he paused and turned to face me.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert turned back to face me as I spoke.
Albert：I studied a recipe for it last night,
Albert：and relied on my memory of the taste as I was making it.
Albert：If you don't like the taste,
Albert：please don't be afraid to tell me honestly.
Albert spoke rapidly as he poured me a cup of tea and set it down.
Jily：Wait a minute—you made it yourself?!
He'd said it so casually, yet it completely blew my mind.
Albert turned red at my incredulous question,
and reached up to fiddle with his glasses.
Albert：Yes.

（I never expected you to give me a cake that you baked yourself!）

I was suddenly so happy I almost couldn't stand it, and I beamed up at him.
Jily：Thank you so much!
Jily：I never imagined I might get such a wonderful present for Valentine's Day.
Jily：It almost seems like a waste to eat it.
Albert：Wha—what are you saying?
Albert blushed so deeply even the tips of his ears were red.
He dropped his gaze away and mumbled,
Albert：Please, hurry up and eat it.

（Did you really make it for me last night?）
（You were already so busy and everything! Wow, I'm so happy.）

Jily：Okay.
I smiled at him, lifting a forkful of cake to my mouth.
The sweetness of the chocolate blended perfectly with the tang of the raspberry.
Albert：How is it?

（It's so delicious! I love it!）

Jily：I love you!
Albert：What?
Albert looked shocked as the words burst out of me.
I realized then what I'd said, and I blushed all the way to the roots of my hair.
Jily：Oh! I mean the cake! I love the cake! I love that you made the cake!
The words tumbled out in an awkward rush as I tried to explain what I'd meant.
Albert：Oh... I see.
Albert pushed his glasses up on his nose, his gaze dropping away again.

（Oh my god, I can't believe I did that!!）
（I mean, I DO love him,）
（but I didn't mean to just blurt it out like that in the middle of everything!）

I reached for my cup of tea, meaning to take a sip and cover the awkward moment.

（Oh no!）

I mistakenly tipped the cup too far forward as I lifted it to my mouth.
Tea spilled out of the cup and dribbled onto the front of my dress.
Albert：Are you all right?!
Jily：Yes! It didn't burn. But—
It was only a small amount of tea, and it had cooled before it touched my skin.
But my dress was a pale pink color, and the dark brown of the tea quickly stained it.

（I need to get changed and get the stain out—）

I stopped mid-thought as I realized that we were a long way from the palace and I had no fresh change of clothes.
Suddenly Albert took hold of my hand, lifting me to my feet.
Albert：Please come with me.
Albert led me out of the room and down the hall.

（What? But why—）

＊＊＊

Albert led me into another room in the cottage,
and I stared at what was waiting for me there.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（What? But why—）

Albert led me into another room in the cottage,
and I stared at what was laid out on the bed.
It was a beautiful, dark blue dress, with an elegant ribbon around the waist.
Albert：I didn't think you would end up wearing it this quickly, but—
Albert：This is a gift from me.
Jily：What? But you already gave me that wonderful cake!
The second present caught me completely unawares, and I didn't know how to react.
Albert：I know. But I didn't want to just give you cake.
Albert：I wanted to make you even happier, in my own way.
Albert turned to look at the dress, as if avoiding my gaze.
Yet there was such honest kindness in his voice that it warmed my heart.

（Albert, you are seriously the best.）

He'd definitely made me even happier, just like he'd hoped.
Albert：I will step out of the room, so please take your time getting changed.
Jily：Thank you very much.
I put all my heart into the words, and Albert smiled as he left the room.
I hurriedly changed out of my dress into the new one.
Jily：I'm done!
I called out the words, and Albert stepped back into the room.
Jily：What do you think?
I smoothed down the skirt of the new dress anxiously as I glanced up at Albert.
He seemed dumbstruck for a moment, but then he began to smile.
Albert：It suits you very well.
The fondness in his voice touched my heart.
Albert：Please let me share my feelings in words as well as with gifts.
Albert stepped forward and placed his hands on my shoulders, his expression serious.
Albert：I am not a citizen of Wysteria,
Albert：so I cannot always be here by your side like this.
He paused, and then something in his eyes gentled.
Albert：But because of that, I truly treasure the times we spend together.
Albert：Each feels like a precious, irreplaceable moment to me.
Albert：Even this moment.
Albert's voice was soft, yet filled with kindness and affection.

（Oh Albert—I feel the same.）
（Every moment I spend with you means so much to me,）
（however short that moment might be.）

All the love I felt for him welled up inside my heart, threatening to spill over.
Albert took a deep breath, and then let it out again.
Albert：I always feel happy when I'm with you.
Albert：You are the only one who has ever made me feel this way, Jily.
I didn't think his words could make me any happier,
but each time he spoke my happiness grew.
Jily：It doesn't matter that you can't be with me all the time.
Jily：Whenever we're together like this,
Jily：we create more wonderful memories, and that makes me happy.
I found the words to voice at least a little of what I was feeling.
Albert looked faintly startled, some of his calm fading.
Albert：Jily—
Jily：I always feel happy when I'm with you too, Albert.
I smiled up at him, glad that I'd been able to share my feelings as well.
He reached out, tilting my head upwards, and pressed a soft kiss against my lips.

（I may be imagining things, but—）

Albert's kisses seemed even sweeter and tangier than the delicious cake he'd baked for me.
I reached up, wrapping my arms around him as I closed my eyes.
I smiled to myself as I gave myself over to the kiss,
creating yet another precious memory...

fin.

After Episode

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

You're in for a very sexy Valentine's night!
Albert：Please don't look at me like that.
Albert：You don't know what it does to me.
Albert smiled slowly as he studied my expression.
Albert：Honestly. Being with you is bad for my heart.
It'll be a night hot enough to melt the chocolate he just gave you!
Your man is in an especially giving mood this year...