♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

Star-Crossed Lovers（Alyn）

Happening 03/10 10:00 am
Until 03/21 10:00 am

Your love with him is forbidden...
Whether it's your family, his family, or your social status keeping you apart,
the one thing they can't take from you is your love for each other.
In this world, love overcomes all.
◆ Choose from Alyn, Louis, Giles, and Leo ◆

Prologue：

Once upon a time, a young woman in a fair city far,
far away knew the bittersweet sadness of forbidden love...

（I know they said this was to promote goodwill in the townspeople,）
（but still... wow! It's so extravagant!）

The luxury and splendor of the party venue left me awed.
That evening, a party was being held in the town I lived in.
It was a party that anyone could attend, regardless of their social status.

（But I just don't know if I can find him in a crowd like this!）

My boyfriend and I had made a promise to meet up at the party.
I scanned the room again and again, feeling an edge of nervousness.
???：What's the matter?

（Oh!）

I heard a voice speak from behind me, and I turned in surprise.
It was Lord Byron, one of the nobles who ruled over the neighboring town.
With him was Lord Nico, another noble who lived in that town.
Jily：My lords. I didn't realize you were both here too.
Byron：Yes.
Nico：We were sent an invitation,
Nico：so we thought we'd come and see what it was like.

（It's been ages since I saw either of you.）

Some time ago the two of them had rescued me when I'd been set upon by bandits in the forest.
It was easy for us to become good friends after an experience like that.
Nico：Are you looking for someone?
Byron：You keep scanning the crowds.

（Oops, I didn't realize I was being so obvious!）

I blushed faintly, dropping my gaze for a moment.
Jily：No, it's just that there's more people here than I expected.
Jily：I'm feeling a little overwhelmed.

（I can hardly tell them I'm looking out for a certain someone, can I?）

Nico：Ahh, I get it.
Nico：It's a bit of a shock to have so many people in one place!
Nico smiled cheerfully, his expression as friendly as it ever was.
Then he seemed to remember something, and his eyes lit up.
Nico：That reminds me! I heard there's a nice quiet garden outside.
Jily：Really?
Byron：If you get tired, it might be a good place to rest.

（Aww, you're concerned because of what I said.）
（You're both always so kind to me.）

Jily：Thank you, both of you.
I smiled brightly up at them, curtseying politely.

＊＊＊

The party raged on into the night.

（I wonder if he's out in the garden?）

It felt like I'd searched the whole room without catching so much as a glimpse of him.
So I'd decided to head out to the garden that I'd been told about.

（Hang on—）

I spotted a figure heading into a room next to the ballroom.

（Was that—）

I saw someone that looked like him, so I stepped into the quiet room.
The room seemed empty, but then I noticed a single letter sitting atop the table.
I crossed towards it and picked it up curiously.

（Wait... this is addressed to me?）

I stared down at my name, scrawled across the front of the envelope.
At that very moment, someone suddenly grabbed me by the hand.

（Oh!）

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

＞＞＞Choose Alyn

Alyn, Chapter 1：

I stared in surprise at the envelope with my name scrawled across the front.
At that very moment, someone suddenly grabbed me by the hand.

（Oh!）

The man standing behind me was Alyn, head of the Crawford family, the most distinguished family in our town.
He was also my employer—I worked in his household as a maid.
Alyn：You're already here.
That evening, I wasn't attending the party as anyone's maid.
I was attending as a regular citizen of the town, just like everyone else.
Jily：Yes. I thought I saw you come in here, so I followed.
Alyn：Mmhmm.
Alyn's tone was gruff, but there was a gentleness in his gaze.
Three years earlier, I'd been promoted to the position of his personal maid.
Somewhere along the way we'd fallen in love, but we had to keep our relationship a secret from everyone around us.
Alyn：I was just about to go looking for you.
Jily：Really? Then what were you doing in here?

（The party's right next door, after all.）

I looked up at Alyn curiously, and he shrugged, his eyes flicking away.
Alyn：It's easier to dance when there's no one else around, right?
I caught my breath, chewing my lower lip as I considered his words.

（You mean you came in here because of me?）

It was all well and good to attend the party as a regular citizen,
but it didn't change the fact that I was Alyn's maid, and people knew that.
It was just like him to show his kindness with actions instead of words, and I smiled up at him.
Jily：Thank you.
Alyn：It's no big deal.
Alyn shrugged, but he smiled back at me. Then his gaze dropped to the letter in my hand.
Alyn：Have you read it?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：Have you read it?
Alyn was staring down at the letter in my hand as he spoke.
Jily：Not yet. But what's it for?
Alyn：It's for today.
I looked up, startled, and his gaze skittered away from mine again.

（You mean it?）

Today just happened to be the first anniversary of when we'd become a couple.

（You remembered!）

I giggled happily, and Alyn frowned a little, looking even more embarrassed.
Alyn：Read it after you get home.
Jily：Okay.
He was both gruff and kind all at once, and I loved that about him.
I was about to say more when something else caught my attention.
I could hear the faint sound of beautiful music drifting in from the ballroom.

（Ahh, I just love how special and magical parties feel.）

I tilted my head a little, trying to better hear the music, when suddenly Alyn offered me his hand.
I looked up to find him smiling gently at me.
Alyn：May I have this dance?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：May I have this dance?

（Oh, Alyn—）

I smiled brightly as Alyn offered me his hand.
Jily：I'd be delighted.
I placed my hand in his, letting the warmth of his touch warm me all the way through.
He pulled me into his embrace, and we began to dance in time to the music.

（Usually at parties I only get to watch you from afar and see you dance with other women.
（It makes me so happy to be able to dance with you like this.）

Alyn's gaze was gentle, and completely focused on me.
The party was like a dream come true, and the time flew by all too quickly.

＊＊＊

After the party was over, I returned to the mansion alone.

（I wonder if Alyn's home yet?）

Alyn and I had returned separately so that no one would notice that we'd been together.

（Ahh, but I can't stop thinking about how wonderful it was to be with him!）

I knew that when I was in this house, I was supposed to play the role of his maid and nothing more.
But I couldn't help giggling like a giddy schoolgirl as I thought about how we'd danced together.

（I'll read his letter later, and take the time to savor it.）

I reached into my pocket, my hands brushing against the envelope.
At that moment I heard a sharp voice from the room I was passing.
Alyn：I don't care how many times he says it. I'm not interested.

（Alyn?）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：I don't care how many times he says it. I'm not interested.

（Alyn?）

I stopped without thinking at the strain in his voice, and peered through the partly open door.
Alyn stood inside the room, talking with one of the servants.
Alyn：I said the same thing last time, did I not?
Servant：But Lord Crawford said that this time you really must accept the marriage proposal.

（Marriage proposal?!）

I froze, completely blindsided by those simple words.

（And if it's a request from Lord Theodore—）

Lord Theodore was the former head of the Crawford family, and a close relative of Alyn's.
However much Alyn was in charge now, that didn't mean he could just go against Lord Theodore's wishes.
Alyn：I don't care who says it. My answer is the same.
There was a steely edge to Alyn's voice, and the servant bowed immediately.
Servant：Very well.

（Oh!）

I realized the servant was about to leave the room, and I hastened to move away from the door.
My footsteps were quiet, in stark contrast to the loud pounding of my heart.

（Alyn's the head of the family now.
（It's only natural that this sort of conversation would come about.
（And yet—）

Anxiety welled up inside of me, and I struggled to keep it off my face.
My happy giggles from moments earlier seemed like a cruel dream.
My whole body felt heavy and exhausted as I headed towards my room.

＊＊＊

The next day—
I was so exhausted and listless it was as if I hadn't slept a wink all night.

（I can't go about doing my work all day like this, all gloomy.
（I've got to focus and find a way to smile.）

I made my way towards Alyn's room, desperately trying to think of something to fix my mood.
???：What's with the grumpy face?
A voice spoke from right behind me, and I jumped a mile.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：What's with the grumpy face?
A voice spoke from right behind me, and I jumped a mile.

（Alyn!）

Alyn：Morning.
Alyn smiled at me, looking entirely like his usual self.
But the kindness in his gaze didn't make me smile this time—it just made my heart ache.
Jily：Um, good morning, Lord Alyn.
Alyn：So what's up? Didn't get enough sleep?
Jily：It's not that. I'm fine.
I did my best to give him my usual smile.

（After all, you said you're not interested in the marriage proposal.
（I have to trust you and believe in you.）

Alyn studied me for a moment, a frown appearing on his face.
Alyn：You know—

（Oh!）

He was leaning towards me, his expression serious.
I dropped my gaze away, feeling panicky.

（Please don't notice, please don't notice—）

But I just couldn't hold onto my smile, and so I kept my eyes lowered.
Alyn was silent, and I could practically feel his gaze boring holes into me.
Alyn：Come here for a sec.
Alyn turned and opened the door to a nearby empty room.

Alyn, Chapter 2：

Alyn turned and opened the door to a nearby empty room.
He looked up and down the hall, making sure no one else was nearby.
Then he turned back to me, signaling me with his gaze to step inside.
I entered the room, and Alyn followed after me, closing the door behind him.
Alyn：Did something happen?
As soon as we were alone, his voice turned serious and concerned, and my heart trembled.

（Ahh, you always see straight through me.
（There's no hiding this from you—if I keep quiet, I'll just worry you more.）

I sighed to myself, looking down at my hands as I spoke.
Jily：Yesterday, I accidentally overheard you talking about a marriage proposal...
I looked up at Alyn, but his expression relaxed almost immediately.
Alyn：Is that what it is?
Alyn：You don't have to worry about that.
Jily：But if it's a request from Lord Theodore—
Alyn：Look, he respects traditional customs, so he's suggesting I marry into an established family, that's all.
Alyn：But it's not like he won't listen to what I have to say. That's why I'm preparing things so I can introduce you properly.
There was no hesitation in his words or in his gaze, and I felt a thrill run through me.
Alyn：You've got nothing to worry about, I promise.

（It's all well and good for you to say that, but—）

Alyn was the head of a noble family, and I was just a simple maid.
But I didn't know how to explain to him how uneasy the whole thing made me.
Jily：Well—if you say so.

（Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn't just give up on this whole thing. Maybe that would be better for you.）

I lifted my gaze slowly, studying Alyn's handsome face.
He reached out suddenly, sliding his fingers along my cheek.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn reached out, sliding his fingers along my cheek and tweaking it.
Jily：Alyn!
There was mischief in his gaze, and I couldn't help but smile at him.
He smiled back at me, his expression brightening.
Alyn：Stop making that face, okay?
Alyn：You're the only one I've got eyes for.
Jily：Alyn—
Behind his smirk, there was a tenderness in his expression that eased the anxiety inside me.

（You're really serious about me, aren't you?
（If that's true, then I've got to be stronger, too.）

Jily：Okay.
Alyn：Good. Now, I'll leave first.
His fingers rested on my cheek a moment longer before he turned and left the room.

（You're always so kind.）

The warmth of his touch lingered on my cheek, leaving me smiling softly.
After a moment I reached into the pocket of my apron and pulled out the letter he'd given me the day before.
The words had touched my heart, and I hadn't let go of it for a second.

（The words you wrote in your letter mean so much to me.
（They tell me just how much you care for me.）

It was enough to give me courage, and I began to feel more optimistic.

（And after all that you've said—
（Well, I've just got to strive to be a woman worthy of you.）

All the gloom that had pervaded my thoughts seemed to melt away in that moment.
I took a deep breath, holding on tight to all my feelings for Alyn.
Then I turned and opened the door, stepping out of the room.

＊＊＊

Some days later—
Alyn was scheduled to have lunch with Lord Nico, an old friend of his from the neighboring town.
But there was still some free time left before the lunch started,
and Alyn had invited me to spend time with him in our secret spot, hidden deep in the gardens.

（I'm so glad we get to spend time together, even if it's only a little time.）

I giggled to myself, and Alyn glanced over at me, looking confused.
Alyn：What are you laughing at?
Jily：Just because... I'm happy being here with you.
I gave him a sheepish smile as I spoke, and he blinked at me for a moment.
Then he frowned faintly, a red flush creeping up his cheeks.
Alyn：Silly. Don't say things like that.

（What? Why not?）

Now it was my turn to frown in confusion, but then I saw the look in his eyes.
Alyn：It makes me want to do this.
His voice was a husky purr as he leaned towards me, his lips about to touch mine.
???：Ooh! I saw that!
Jily：Waah!

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：Ooh! I saw that!
Jily：Waah!
Panic flooded through me at the voice, and I turned to see Nico standing a short distance away.
Nico：Geez, you two, you should be more careful.
Nico was clearly laughing as he crossed the gardens towards us.

（Gah, I thought someone from the mansion had spotted us!）

Nico was the only person who knew about my relationship with Alyn, and he supported us both.
My racing pulse slowly began to calm down again.
Alyn：Don't do that.
Alyn looked both relieved and annoyed as he scowled at Nico.
Nico：Aww, c'mon, you don't need to be so mad.
Nico：Aren't you glad I'm the one who came to get you?
Alyn：What do you mean?
Nico：One of your servants was looking for you. He said he needed to check something with you.
Nico：And he said our lunch would have to wait till after that.
Alyn sighed at Nico's words, a frown crossing his face.
Alyn：All right.
He turned to look at me again, his expression serious.
Alyn：I'll go on ahead.
Jily：Okay.
I watched in silence as Alyn walked away, and then I heard Nico laugh.
Nico：You two really are a perfect match.
Jily：Oh! Thank you.

（No one's ever said that before, but—I like the way that sounds.）

Happiness bubbled up inside of me, and I smiled at him.
But his words reminded me of what I'd been thinking about a few days earlier.

（Maybe you're just the person I could ask for advice.）

Jily：Actually... there's something I wouldn't mind asking you about.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Actually... there's something I wouldn't mind asking you about.
Nico：Oh? What is it?
Nico looked surprised, and I hurried on to explain what I'd been thinking about.

＊＊＊

That evening—

（And maybe this one?）

Alyn had given me permission to use the library, and I was holding a stack of books.

（If I want to be suitable for Alyn, first I need to learn how the nobles act.
（That's the best way to start, right?）

Nico had given me all sorts of good advice earlier that day.
As a result, I'd decided to study the etiquette and culture of the nobles, so I could be more like them.
Jily：I just have to do my best, for Alyn's sake.
The words came out unbidden as I thought about how sophisticated and refined Alyn always seemed.
I smiled to myself as I imagined surprising him with my new knowledge.

（I know it won't be easy to accomplish this.
（But I want to be with him forever, and that makes it more than worth it.）

I nodded to myself, scanning the shelves again for anything else that looked useful.

＊＊＊

Meanwhile—
A dignified older gentleman with greying hair paused just outside the door of the library.
He frowned a little at the voice he heard from within.
???：For Alyn's sake?
Servant：Lord Theodore, is something the matter?
A servant called to him from further down the corridor.
Theodore hesitated, and then his hand fell away from the handle of the library door.
Theodore：No, it's nothing.
Theodore shook his head, a grim expression on his face.
He turned and began to walk away down the corridor.

＊＊＊

After that, I spent every spare moment in between my work studying the books I'd borrowed and practicing.
Several days later—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Several days later—
Alyn had gone into town and was away from the mansion for the evening.
I was using my spare time to continue studying etiquette.

（I was prepared for this and all, but geez, there's so many things to learn!
（I don't even get why half of this stuff is important! And yet—）

Just thinking about Alyn made it easy for me to focus on my studies.

（I don't know if being able to act like a noble will actually get anyone to accept me.
（But I can't just leave everything up to Alyn. I need to be doing something about this too!）

I focused on the book in front of me again, but right then I heard a knock at the door.
Jily：Just a moment!

（I wonder who it is at this hour?）

I stood up and crossed my room, opening the door.
Jily：Lord Theodore?! Is something the matter?
I'd never imagined I might have such a distinguished visitor, and I hastily hid the book I was holding behind me.
Lord Theodore studied me with his solemn gaze for a moment.
Theodore：I apologize for my sudden visit. May I come in?
Jily：Oh! Yes, of course.
I invited him into my room, and gestured towards the small sofa I had.
Theodore sat down slowly, his expression gentle as he looked around.
Theodore：I've heard about how hard you've been working lately.

（You didn't really come all the way here to see me just because of that, did you?）

Jily：Thank you very much.
I didn't know what to think, but I curtseyed all the same.
Theodore：So I have a suggestion. You're clearly very skilled—would you be interested in moving to a larger residence?

（Wait, what?）

My heart seemed to stop for a moment, and I completely forgot to breathe.
Jily：I—

（Are you saying you want me to quit working here? To leave Alyn?）

You can proceed to the Premium Ending!

Continue your romance with your prince♪

Decision Time>>>

Select the Sweet Ending>>>

Alyn, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

Jily：I—

（Are you saying you want me to quit working here? To leave Alyn?）

I was so confused I didn't know what to say, and Theodore frowned as he studied me.
Theodore：You're the reason Alyn keeps turning down those marriage proposals, aren't you?
I caught my breath, awash with sudden panic.
I had no idea how he'd found out, or what the heck to do about it.

（But that's what this is really all about, isn't it?）

Suddenly his reason for visiting made sense, and I pressed my lips together in frustration.
Theodore：Sometimes, in order to protect your family, you must throw away your feelings.
Theodore：For Alyn, now is one of those times.
There was kindness in his gaze, yet his words were firm and without hesitation.
Theodore：I'm sure you think I'm being selfish.
Theodore：But will you not stop and think about Alyn's life, and what this would mean to him, as head of the Crawford family?
His voice softened, and in that moment I could see that he truly cared about Alyn and Alyn's happiness.
I tried to imagine Alyn's future, and what might happen to him in his social circles if he chose a maid as his wife.
The pictures my mind painted weren't pretty, and my heart ached with sudden grief.

（You really are saying this with his best intentions in heart, aren't you?
（I wanted to spend my life with Alyn—but maybe it was blind of me to think we could do that and be happy.
（I want to be with Alyn... but more than that, I want him to be happy.）

My heart was heavy and breaking, but at last I spoke.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

My heart was heavy and breaking, but at last I spoke.
Jily：Once my things are in order, I will leave this house.
My voice trembled, but I looked Theodore directly in the eye.
Theodore：I see. Thank you.
Theodore looked more than a little relieved as he inclined his head respectfully.
A moment later he left, leaving me alone with the outcome of my decision.
I sighed, staring blankly around the tiny room.
Jily：This is for the best... right?
I tried to convince myself of that as I turned to pack my things.

＊＊＊

A short while later—

（I haven't forgotten anything, right?）

My things were all packed, and the room looked empty and forlorn.

（I should go tell Lord Theodore that I'm done.）

I stood up, turning towards the door, but right at that moment—
Alyn：I'm coming in.

（What the—!!）

Alyn shouldn't have even been home, yet there he was, walking into my room.
Alyn：I finished my work up early.
Alyn spoke cheerfully as he stepped into the room.
Then he spotted my luggage, and his expression changed completely.
Alyn：What's with the luggage?
He scowled, his voice low and demanding.
Jily：I—

（There's no point hiding it. You'll find out tomorrow anyway.
（Maybe it's better this way—I can say goodbye directly.）

I took a deep breath, trying to steel myself.
Jily：Tomorrow... I'll be leaving this place.
Alyn：What?
Alyn's scowl deepened at my words, and I could see the confusion in his eyes.

（I don't want to leave you. But I don't want to burden you with the truth, either.）

Jily：I'm tired of hiding my feelings for you. I've had enough of this.
My heart began to race as I said the exact opposite of what I was really feeling.

（This is for your sake. Right?）

Jily：Thank you for all you've done for me.
I tried to clamp down on everything I was feeling.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Thank you for all you've done for me.
I tried to clamp down on everything I was feeling, but then Alyn said,
Alyn：Do you really feel that way?
Jily：I do.
I nodded slowly, but I didn't dare meet his gaze.
I felt his hand on my shoulder, and then he leaned closer, forcing me to look at him.
Alyn：Then look me in the eye and say it again.
I swallowed hard, staring into those beautiful deep red eyes of his.

（I don't think I can do it.）

My gaze skittered away as I tried desperately to find the courage.
But my heart was aching so badly it felt like it was breaking into a million pieces.

（But I have to do this, right? This is for your sake, Alyn.）

I slowly lifted my head, looking him directly in the eye.
But before I could find the words, my vision blurred with tears.

（Gah, if I cry now, he's going to know—）

I bit my lip, trying desperately to blink back the tears.
A moment later warm arms wrapped around me.
Alyn：Stop it. You don't have to force yourself.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：Stop it. You don't have to force yourself.
Alyn hugged me tightly to him, whispering softly in my ear.

（Oh Alyn—sometimes I wish you didn't know me so well.）

Those words were enough to tell me that he knew what I was feeling, and that he understood.
I buried my face in his chest, and he stroked my back softly for a moment before he said,
Alyn：Come with me.

＊＊＊

Alyn waited for me to calm down before he took me by the hand and led me straight to Theodore's room.
He knocked on the door and stepped inside without waiting for answer.
Theodore：Alyn? And you?
Theodore was sitting on his sofa, gazing suspiciously at the both of us.
Alyn stopped directly in front of him, and spoke brusquely.
Alyn：I don't care what you say. I'm not accepting any marriage proposals, and I'm not letting her go.
Alyn：The only future I see is the one I have with Jily.
Theodore：Alyn—
Theodore frowned at Alyn's words, studying his expression.
After a moment he sat up straighter, speaking softly.
Theodore：I'm not saying this to be mean, but—
Theodore：She has no pedigree to protect her, and that will only cause her pain and suffering.
Theodore's gaze turned towards me, his expression concerned.
Theodore：Surely you don't want to make her feel that.
Alyn：I don't. That's why I'm going to protect her so that she never has to feel that.
It was clear that Alyn had absolutely no intention of giving up.
Theodore must have seen that too, and he sighed softly.
Theodore：In that case, you must allow me to assess this young lady,
Theodore：and make certain that she has the basic training to be accepted as a member of the Crawford family.

＊＊＊

The next several days were something of a nightmare.
It was like the worst exam ever, as everything I did was studied in detail.
I was completely banned from seeing Alyn, and all I could do was remember all I'd studied and give my best performance.
At last the day came when Theodore summoned Alyn and I both to see him.
Alyn：So, what's your answer?
Alyn spoke gruffly, and Theodore studied me for a moment.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：So, what's your answer?
Alyn spoke gruffly, and Theodore studied me for a moment.
Theodore：I will accept her.

（What! Really?!）

Theodore：Over these past few days it has become clear to me that you have the fortitude to stand by Alyn's side.
Theodore：Jily, I hope that you will help Alyn in protecting this family's legacy.
Theodore smiled faintly at us both, and then turned and left the room.

（Is it true? Does this mean I—）

I was so filled with happiness and confusion I didn't know what to think as I turned to look at Alyn.
Alyn：You worked hard.
Jily：I did!

（He accepted me—as a member of the Crawford family, and as Alyn's partner!）

It finally began to feel real, and my eyes blurred with unexpected tears.
I blinked hastily, and Alyn laughed softly, his voice teasing.
Alyn：Are you gonna cry again?
Jily：No! I mean—these are happy tears!

（This is nothing like what I felt when I thought I'd have to leave you forever!）

I pouted up at him, hastily reaching up to wipe away the tears.
But Alyn caught my hands, and pulled me into his embrace instead.
Alyn：I know.
He tightened his grip on me, pressing our bodies close together.
Alyn：I will treasure you more than anything.
His soft murmur thrummed through me, and I lifted my head to meet his gaze.

（I'll treasure you as well—you mean the world to me.
（And I'll strive to be the most perfect partner for you—better than any noble woman could ever be!）

My determination was as strong as his, and I smiled up at him.
My heart was filled to bursting with happiness as he kissed me, his lips sweet and warm against mine...

fin.

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Alyn, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

Jily：I—

（Are you saying you want me to quit working here?）
（To leave Alyn?）

I was so confused I didn't know what to say, and Theodore frowned as he studied me.
Theodore：I know that you are very skilled.
Theodore：I also know how you feel about Alyn.

（Uh oh. So, wait, if you know about us—
（That's the real reason you came to see me, isn't it?）

Theodore：But love isn't enough to make this situation work. Your relationship is doomed.
Theodore：Can you understand that—for the sake of Alyn's happiness?
His voice was gentle, but the picture he painted of our future together was not.
I bit down on my lip, my heart aching as I tried to imagine what it might be like for Alyn—for both of us.

（If I leave this place, I'll never see Alyn again.）

Alyn：May I have this dance?
Alyn：You're the only one I've got eyes for.
All of my happy memories with Alyn flashed through my mind.

（I don't want to leave him. I really don't. And yet—）

I knew what the nobles were like, and I understood all too well what Theodore was saying about Alyn's future.
My heart was breaking, but I clamped down on my feelings as I looked up to meet Theodore's gaze.

（I don't want to ruin Alyn's life. If this will make it better—）

Jily：Very well. I... thank you, for everything.
Jily：I will leave here tomorrow.

（And I have to leave without saying goodbye. If I look Alyn in the eyes again—
（My heart might waver. I might change my mind.）

Theodore：I will make arrangements for your next place of employment.
Theodore looked relieved as he stood up from the sofa.
Jily：Thank you very much.
Tears were filling my eyes, and I didn't want him to see them.
I curtseyed politely, keeping my head bowed till he left the room.

＊＊＊

The next day—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The next day—
Theodore was quick to make arrangements for a new situation for me.
To my surprise it was at Nico's mansion, in the next town over.
Jily：I look forward to working with you all.
Nico：We look forward to it, too.
Nico was there to welcome me, along with all his staff.
But he quickly dismissed the other staff, and then came over to speak to me quietly.
Nico：It's a shame about how things turned out with Alyn.
Jily：Well, I knew from the start I wasn't supposed to fall in love with him.
Jily：I'm okay now, really.

（I don't want you to be worrying about me as well.）

I schooled my features into a smile, but Nico continued to gaze at me with concern.
After a moment of awkward silence, he spoke again.
Nico：I see. Well, take your time getting used to this place, okay?
Jily：Thank you.
His kindness filled me with relief, and I curtseyed politely.

＊＊＊

After that the days just all seemed to be the same.
I slowly got used to my new life as a maid at Nico's mansion.

（Ahhh, I had no idea it was so late already!）

I hurried down the darkened corridor, glancing around me.
Whenever I was alone without anything to do, loneliness would overwhelm me.
So I often found myself working longer than I needed, just to keep it at bay.

（I know that I can't go on like this, but—）

I sighed softly, hastening my step to try and outrun the feelings welling up inside.
???：What's wrong?
Jily：Oh!
A voice spoke from nearby, and I turned in surprise.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：What's wrong?
Jily：Oh!
A voice spoke from nearby, and I turned in surprise.
Nico stood in a nearby doorway, studying me curiously.
Jily：Oh, I'm sorry! I got so caught up in my work that I didn't realize how late it is.
Nico：You really are a hard worker.
Nico's voice was relaxed and breezy, and it eased some of the tension inside me.
He hesitated a moment, and then went on, his expression gentling.
Nico：Hey, Jily, did you know this mansion has a secret garden?
Jily：Really?
Nico：No one ever goes there, so you can do anything there.
Nico：Like if you wanted to scream and yell, or cry, or... anything.

（Wait, what?）

Nico：I know where it is, so let me tell you.

＊＊＊

And so I found myself standing in the secret garden Nico had told me about.

（Did you realize how upset I am about this whole thing with Alyn?）

Thinking of Nico's kindness helped me feel a little better.

（Besides, I'm the one who decided to leave.
（I can't mope like this forever. I've got to get on with my life somehow.）

I gazed around me, trying to focus on the world in front of me instead of my feelings.
Jily：What the—
I heard a faint noise on the far side of the gate.

（What's that?
（It's probably just the guards, but I should check, just in case.）

I stepped cautiously towards the gate.

＊＊＊

（Huh?）

I walked closer to the gate and looked around, but there was no one in sight.

（Maybe I was just imagining things.）

I glanced around the garden again, and then looked over at the gate one more time.
???：I finally found you.

（No way!!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：I finally found you.

（No way!!）

The voice was so familiar to me that I'd know it anywhere, and for a moment I forgot to breathe.
A figure stepped forward from out of the darkness.
Jily：Alyn?
I knew it was him, and yet I still couldn't quite believe it. He was there.
Jily：What are you doing here?

（Ahh, I can't look you in the eye, or all my resolve will melt away.）

I quickly turned my gaze away, staring at the flowers, the trees, anything but him.
Alyn：Wait right there.
There was an impatient edge to Alyn's voice as he reached out towards the gate.

（You've got to be kidding me!）

Alyn climbed the gate quickly and easily, and a moment later he was standing right in front of me.
Alyn：I came to get you.
He wrapped his arms around me, his embrace even warmer and more reassuring than I remembered.

（What do you mean?）

I looked up at him, startled, but then I heard footsteps nearby.
Alyn：This way.
Alyn grabbed me by the hand, pulling me over to hide behind a nearby thicket of trees.
Then he caught me gently by the shoulders, staring directly into my eyes.
Alyn：What's this all about?
Jily：What?
Alyn：When I got home, you were just gone.
Alyn：Everyone insisted they had no idea where you went. I've been looking for you everywhere.
His expression twisted as he spoke, looking sadder than I'd ever seen.
The pain in his eyes took my breath away.
Alyn：Why did you leave?
My heart was breaking all over again just looking in his eyes.
I felt as if he could see right through to my heart, and I dropped my gaze.

（I didn't want to leave you either, Alyn.
（But I know I'm not allowed to love you. You're a noble, and I'm just your maid.）

Jily：The people here offered me better pay.
I didn't dare voice the truth, and it was the best I could come up with.
Alyn：Stop lying.
Jily：I'm not—
My voice cracked halfway through my sentence, broken by my feelings for him.
I wanted to push him away, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.
Alyn caught hold of both my hands, squeezing them.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn caught hold of both my hands, squeezing them, and said in a gentle voice,
Alyn：Silly. If that's true, then why do you look like you're about to cry?
Alyn：I know better than anyone how bad you are at lying.
Alyn：After all the time we've spent together...
Jily：Oh—
His words released a flood of memories, and suddenly all my resistance seemed pointless.
I buried my face in his chest, reveling in the familiar warmth of his embrace.
Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over.
Jily：But your family—
Alyn：Don't worry about that. I've sorted that out.
Alyn went on to explain that he'd renounced his position as head of the family, giving it back to Theodore.
He'd left to work in the suburbs without telling anyone, leaving the nobles to wonder at his disappearance.

（But that's crazy!）

I couldn't believe that Alyn would throw away everything of his former life like that, just for me.
My heart ached as I tried to imagine what he'd been through.
Alyn smiled at me, as if he could hear what I was thinking.
Alyn：Without you by my side, I lost my reason for living.
Alyn：I don't need social status. I just need you.
Time seemed to stop for a moment, those words echoing deep in my heart.
Jily：That's unfair.

（I thought me leaving would bring you happiness.）

Jily：When you say things like that, you make me feel like I could be with you forever.
My voice was shaking as I looked up at him, but he only laughed gently.
Alyn：And I'm saying you can.

（Oh, Alyn—）

Happiness seemed to wash away all my pain and loneliness, and I reached out to wrap my arms around him.
Alyn：Jily.
We stared into each other's eyes, our lips coming together for a kiss.
It had been too long since we'd last kissed, and I savored every moment of it.
The taste of him, the warmth of his lips, the way his tongue twined gently with mine.
At last our lips parted again, and I gasped softly.
Jily：Alyn—not here—

（If anyone caught us out here—）

But the truth was, I didn't want to stop, and when he kissed me again, I kissed him back.
Alyn：We've been apart for far too long already.
Alyn：Do you really care where we are?

（I guess I don't. What I really care about... is that you came for me.）

I smiled slowly up at Alyn, and he leaned close to whisper in my ear.
Alyn：I'm never gonna let you go again.
Jily：Good.

（If that's what you truly want—
（Then I'll stay with you for the rest of our lives.）

Our lips came together in another sweet kiss.
The stars overhead twinkled gently, as if casting a blessing down on our new start to life...

fin.

After Episode

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

You've chosen a life with Alyn, and now a sweet gift awaits you.
A sensual night with Alyn that will leave you light-headed with desire...
Alyn：Then how about if your master orders you?
Alyn grins at you, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Alyn：Kiss me.
Alyn：Pretend I'm your master again, and you're my maid, and you have to do what I say.
Alyn's embrace is warm, his fingers teasing as they stroke your bare skin.
His passion will fulfill your every want and need...