♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

Star-Crossed Lovers（Leo）

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 Leo

Leo, 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 Leo,
an antiques merchant and the owner of the antique shop where I worked.
Jily：Leo—!
Leo：Jily, what are you doing in here?
Jily：I was about to ask you the same thing!
I blinked at Leo in confusion, and he gave me a mischievous smile.
Leo：Good question. I had the room prepared for me.
Leo：I wanted to do this with you.
He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against my lips.
Jily：Leo!

（Ahh, you're always such a tease.）

I giggled, my cheeks flushing with pleasure at the surprise kiss.
I'd started working in Leo's shop over a year ago,
and I'd soon fallen in love with him.
Luckily for me, he felt the same way, and now we were a couple.
Leo：I'm just kidding.
Leo：Actually, I wanted to bring you here so I could give you that.
Leo nodded down at the letter in my hand, a gentle smile on his face.

（What, really?）

Jily：What is it for?
Leo：Today is the anniversary of the day we became a couple, right?

（And you wrote me a letter? Aww.）

It was clear that he cared about our anniversary as much as I did.
Happiness filled me up inside, and I smiled up at him.
Jily：Thank you!
I clutched the letter to my chest, but a moment later—

（Waaah!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（Waaah!）

Leo suddenly pulled me into his embrace, pressing my head against his warm chest.
Jily：Leo?
I glanced up at him, but he only tightened his grip on me.
Leo：Can we stay like this for a little while?
His voice was oddly wistful in my ear, and my pulse quickened.
Jily：Sure.

（I wonder what's wrong?）

Worry bubbled up inside of me, and I wrapped my arms around him in return, stroking his back gently.
Leo：I wonder who it is who decides our fates.
Leo：I wish we had more freedom.

（What are you talking about?）

I pulled back a little, looking up to study his expression.
Suddenly I heard the bright melody of a waltz drifting in from the ballroom.
Leo's usual smile returned, all the sadness vanishing from his expression.
Leo：Sorry. After you got all dressed up for the party and everything... why don't we go back to the ballroom?
Leo spoke in his usual cheerful voice as he let go of me again.

（You always act so bright and bubbly, but—）

Sometimes he looked sad and lonely, and it had been bothering me for a while.

（Would I be able to help at all, if you talked to me about it?）

I knew he was hiding something from me, but I'd never dared to ask about it.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I knew he was hiding something from me, but I'd never dared to ask about it.
Leo turned to leave the room, but I reached out and caught his hand, stopping him.
Jily：Did something happen?
Leo shook his head quickly, putting on a bright smile for me.
Leo：No, it's nothing.

（Are you sure about that?）

I gazed at him worriedly, wondering how much of his cheery demeanor was just an act.
I realized then that the right corner of his mouth was curved upwards more than the left.

（Oh!）

It was a habit of his that he had no control over—and it meant he was lying.
Leo：If we don't go soon, the music will end.
Leo squeezed my fingers, and turned to walk out of the room.
I followed after him, determined to get past his cheerful mask.
But in the end I found myself unable to press him any further that night.

＊＊＊

I tried to find another moment after that to ask Leo what was wrong,
but the timing was just never right.
Days went by before I'd even realized.
Leo：Thanks for your hard work today.
Jily：Thank you, too.
Leo smiled at me as he closed the door to the shop and put up the 'CLOSED' sign.
I smiled back, lifting my hand from my pocket to brush back my hair,
but as I did something fell out.

（Oh!）

I hurriedly moved to pick it up, but Leo got there before I could.
Leo：Is this the letter I gave you?
Leo stared down at the folded letter that he'd given me on the night of the party.
Leo：Have you been carrying it with you all this time?

（Aww, I hope you don't think I'm being overly sentimental.）

I could feel myself blushing, and I gave him an embarrassed smile.
Jily：Yes. It just—it made me happy, and I wanted to be able to read it wherever I was.

（Besides, when I have this with me—
（I feel as if you're right here by my side, even when you're not.）

Leo held out the letter, but as I took it from him, he laughed softly.
Leo：Geez, you're making me blush. Thank you. That makes me happy.
Leo's expression was bright with happiness, his smile a little shy.
He turned away to pull the curtain over the entrance.
Leo：Anyway, get your things ready and I'll walk you home.
Just as he turned away from the door, it opened again, banging against the curtain.
???：Looks like you're closing up, huh?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：Looks like you're closing up, huh?
The door opened and a familiar figure walked in.
It was Sid, a merchant who Leo often traded with.
Leo：Sid? This is a bit sudden. What's up?
Leo looked startled by Sid's visit, but Sid only shrugged.
Sid：I got my hands on something good. You got time to talk?
Leo：Right now?
Leo hesitated, a frown crossing his face as he glanced at me.

（Oh! Are you worried because you promised you'd walk me home?）

I turned to Leo quickly, giving him a reassuring smile.
Jily：Don't worry about me, I'll be fine.
Leo：Are you sure?
Leo's gaze was anxious as he studied me, and Sid smirked at us both.
Sid：Ain't nothing wrong with worrying about your girl, but you're too over-protective.
Leo：I'm fine with being over-protective. It's only natural when you love someone.
Jily：Leo—
There was no hesitation in Leo's response, and my heart skipped a beat.

（I like it when you say things like that, but not in front of Sid!）

I pushed my hair behind my ears nervously, trying not to babble.
Jily：Thank you, but I really will be fine.
Jily：I promise I'll be careful heading home.
Leo frowned thoughtfully, but at last he nodded.
Leo：All right. Take care.
Jily：I will.

（You're so sweet, Leo, even if you worry too much.）

His earnest kindness filled me with happiness, and I smiled at him again.
I waved to them both as I stepped out of the shop.

（Ahh, it's even later than I thought. The streets sure are dark!）

The half-moon in the sky overhead was the only thing lighting the way.
I turned to hurry home, my footsteps clattering loudly on the pavement.
Suddenly someone grabbed me from behind, pushing me up against the wall.
Jily：Gah—!

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Suddenly someone grabbed me from behind, pushing me up against the wall.
Jily：Gah—!
A rough hand pressed a cloth over my mouth, and I smelled something faintly medicinal.
???：You're coming with me.

（What on earth is going on?!）

Fear flooded through me, and I tried desperately to struggle.
???：With you gone, Lord Leo should finally come to his senses.

（What's that supposed to mean?）

But whatever was in the cloth was making me light-headed and woozy, and I couldn't think straight.

（Leo—it hurts—please—）

My vision was blurring, but I thought I saw something fall to the ground.
???：Geh, not good.
???：Idiot! Forget about that! Hurry up!
I heard the sound of several men's flustered voices behind me.
But nothing seemed to matter as darkness rushed up to claim me.

＊＊＊

A short while later—
Leo had said farewell to Sid, and was just about to put out the lamps in the shop.
But a moment later Sid came bursting back into the shop.
Leo：Did you forget something?
Sid's expression was grim as he shook his head sharply.
Sid：No. Look at this.
Leo looked down at the item Sid held out to him.

Leo, Chapter 2：

Sid：No. Look at this.
The item Sid held out was the letter that Leo had written to Jily.
Leo looked startled for a moment as he took the letter.
Then his smile vanished completely, his expression turning dark.
Sid：I found it on the road not far from your store. With this.
Sid held out the piece of cloth he was holding in his other hand.
Leo：But this is from the Crawford house...
The torn piece of cloth was of high quality, and had the Crawford family crest embroidered on it.
Leo stared down at the cloth, completely dumbfounded.
Sid：So doesn't this mean someone from your family did something to her?
Sid：You didn't tell her, did you? That you're a noble.
Leo pressed his lips together, sorrow wavering in his gaze.
But a moment later he lifted his head, his expression filled with resolve.
Leo：Sorry, but close up shop for me, okay?
Leo tossed Sid the keys, and then dashed out of the shop, the letter and the piece of cloth clutched in his hands.

＊＊＊

Jily：Nnnnnn—
The world came swimming back to me, and I sat up slowly.
I looked around and found myself in a simple hut, completely empty of furniture.

（What am I doing here?）

I frowned in confusion, but slowly my memories drifted back to me.

（Wait a minute! Someone put a cloth over my face, and then—）

Fear blossomed inside me as I realized what sort of predicament I was in.
I hurried over to the door and tried to open it.

（Of course it's locked. Crap, what am I gonna do?
（Why did they bring me here? What's going on?）

I sank down onto the floor again, chewing my lower lip as I struggled to calm my thoughts.

＊＊＊

A short while later—

（There's got to be some way I can get out of here.）
（But how?）

Fear weighed down on me as I tried to come up with an idea, but suddenly—

（What the—）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（What the—）

Without warning the door opened from the outside.
I looked up with a start, afraid my captors were coming in to harass me.
But to my surprise Leo was standing in the doorway.
Jily：Leo!!
Leo was out of breath and panting hard, but he smiled as he saw me.
Leo：Thank goodness you're okay, Jily.

（Aww—）

All the tension seemed to drain out of me at the sight of his reassuring smile.
My whole body began to tremble, and I couldn't seem to make it stop.

（I want to smile and tell you I'm okay, but—）

I dropped my gaze to the floor, not wanting him to see my tears, but a moment later he wrapped me in a warm embrace.
Leo：I'm sorry I took so long.
Jily：No, it's not your fault—

（I'm just so glad you came.）

I buried my face in his shoulder, shaking my head, and he hugged me even tighter.
He was so warm, and I could hear his heartbeat, and little by little the trembling stopped.
Leo：Are you okay?
Leo lifted my chin towards him, studying me carefully, and I nodded.
He nodded back at me, looking relieved, and then gripped my hand tightly.
Leo：Let's get out of here before the guards come back.
We hurried out of the hut and crept away, on high alert every step of the way.

＊＊＊

The sky was steadily growing brighter as we walked down the road together, hand in hand.

（Everything's been so crazy that I didn't think to ask you anything, but—
（How did you know I'd been taken?）
（And how did you know where I was?）

Confusion rose up inside of me, and I turned towards Leo.
Jily：Hey, Leo?
I stopped walking, and Leo stopped as well, turning back to look at me.
Leo：It's okay, you can ask me anything.
It was like he'd read my mind, and I hesitated for a moment before speaking.
Jily：How did you know I'd been kidnapped?
Leo's smile faded away at my question.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：How did you know I'd been kidnapped?
Leo's smile faded slowly, his voice quiet as he said,
Leo：You dropped this on the ground near the shop.
Leo reached into his pocket and pulled something out.
It was the letter he'd given me on the night of the party.

（Ohmygosh! I didn't even realize I'd dropped it!）

It felt like a miracle that Leo had found and returned to me the letter from him that I treasured so dearly.
I reached out and took it from him, slipping it into my pocket.
I looked up at him with a grateful smile, but his expression was clouded.
Leo：This was on the ground right next to it.
Leo pulled out a torn piece of cloth with a familiar crest on it.

（I feel like I've seen that somewhere before.）

Leo：The hut you were locked in is located on the Crawford estate.
Jily：It's what?!

（But the Crawfords—）

They were one of the most respected families in town,
and I could hardly believe my ears.

（You're right—that crest is the Crawford crest, isn't it?）
（I knew I recognized it.）
（But what do you have to do with the Crawford family?）

Suddenly I remembered the words I'd heard when I'd been kidnapped.
???：With you gone, Lord Leo should finally come to his senses.
Jily：Don't tell me—

（They called you Lord. And they're from the Crawford family. But—）

I stared up at Leo in shock as realization hit me, and his expression twisted as he said,
Leo：The truth is, I'd hoped to prepare for this conversation a little differently.
Leo：But what you're thinking is true. I'm a member of the Crawford family.

（I don't believe it! You're a noble!）

I stared at him as all the pieces fell into place in my mind.
Leo：My younger brother is head of the Crawford family in this town.
Leo：I oversee some lands belonging to some relatives—a branch family, I guess—in another town.
Leo：It was all decided for us when we were very young.
Leo：But the economy of the whole area there isn't very good.
Leo：I wanted to learn from a place that was more stable, so I came here and set up shop.

（I had no idea that's why you were living here.
（Wow. I don't know anything at all about you, Leo!）

But Leo looked so sad and forlorn, and my heart ached for him.
Suddenly I heard him catch his breath, his expression changing.
He turned and looked at something behind me.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Suddenly I heard Leo catch his breath, his expression changing.
He turned and looked at something behind me.
My heart leapt into my throat, and I turned to see what he was looking at.
A group of men were headed in our direction, scanning their surroundings as they moved down the road.
Leo：This way.
Leo muttered softly as he pulled me into a nearby alley.
We hid ourselves in the shadows, and watched in silence as they walked past.
At last their footsteps faded away, and I felt able to breathe again.

（Whew, that was close!）

I sighed softly, looking up at Leo, and he studied me for a moment.
Leo：Do you want me to keep explaining?
Jily：Yes, please.

（I want to know everything about you, everything I didn't know.）

I nodded up at him, watching as his gaze turned sad again.
Leo：The people who kidnapped you were from the branch family I lived with.
Leo：It's because I told them that I plan to choose my own wife. I never thought they'd be this violent, though.
Leo：They've been trying to force me to marry a woman from a very influential noble family.
Leo：They think it will bring prosperity to their town.
I looked down at my hands, unsure of what to think of the world of nobles that I knew nothing about.
Leo stopped explaining at last, and sighed softly.
Leo：I'm sorry for putting you in such a scary situation.
His voice was laced with such regret that I looked up at once, my heart aching for him.

（Don't say that!）

Jily：It's not your fault, Leo!
I spoke firmly, but Leo shook his head.
Leo：It's my fault. From the moment I fell in love with you—
Leo：I knew that it would be almost impossible to defy my own fate.

（Wait a minute—）

Leo：I wonder who it is who decides our fates.

（So this is what made you so sad on the night of the party.）

I realized at last that our love was something no one around us wanted us to have.

（And you've been worrying about this all this time... yet you still shared your love and your life with me.）

A strange sorrow filled me up inside, and I looked up at Leo, lost for words.
Leo met my gaze directly, looking more serious than I'd ever seen him.
Leo：But I swear I will turn fate around—I'll make it so that our love is fated to be.

（Oh, Leo—）

His words filled me with hope and happiness, and it was suddenly easy to say,
Jily：If there's anything I can do to help, please just tell me.

（I don't want you to be the only one shouldering this burden!）

Leo：It's okay. Don't you worry about a thing.
But when Leo smiled at me, I saw the right corner of his mouth quirk upwards.

（Leo, no—）

That tiny movement was enough to tell me the truth of what he was thinking.
Jily：You're not going to do anything stupid, are you?
I frowned suspiciously, and Leo gave a chagrined laugh.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I frowned suspiciously, and Leo gave a chagrined laugh.
Leo：You always see right through me, don't you?
Leo sighed, his smile quickly fading again.
Leo：I'm going to return home and make them see reason. So I won't be able to see you for a while.
Leo：But I promise I'll be fine. I want you to trust me.
Jily：Okay.

（I doubt it's going to be easy for you.
（But if you're going to do all that just for me—）

I nodded as firmly as I could, wanting to show him that I believed in him.
His expression relaxed into a relieved smile, and he reached up to touch my cheek.
Leo：I promise I'll come back for you.
Leo leaned forward, his lips brushing against mine in a tender, bittersweet kiss.

＊＊＊

It was early evening, quite a few days later.
I found myself standing in front of Leo's shop, staring at the door.

（It's only been a few days, yet it feels like forever since I've been here.）

Leo had closed the shop completely while he was away.
But I couldn't stop worrying about him, and I dearly wanted to see him again.
I'd walked all the way to his shop almost before I'd realized what I was doing.

（But it's not as if coming here is going to get me any closer to him.）

I stared at the shop exterior, remembering all the days we'd spent together.
Leo：Good morning. Let's work hard today!
Leo：I thought this brooch would suit you, Jily.
Leo：You know, that customer told me how cute you are.
Leo：I almost feel a little jealous.
Jily：Guh—
Sorrow and loneliness threatened to overwhelm me for a moment.

（This place is filled with so many memories of you, Leo.）

I felt as if I was closer to him just being there, and I reached out to put my hand on the door.

（Hang on a minute—）

The door should have been locked shut, yet it opened as soon as I touched it.

You can proceed to the Premium Ending!

Continue your romance with your prince♪

Decision Time>>>

Select the Sweet Ending>>>

Leo, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

（Hang on a minute—）

The door should have been locked shut, yet it opened as soon as I touched it.

（What's going on?）

I felt suddenly uneasy, and I pushed the door a little further open, stepping cautiously inside.
Leo：Jily?
Leo was sitting in one of the chairs in the shop, looking very startled to see me.
Jily：Leo! You're back?
I hurried towards him, but something about his wry laugh stopped me short.
Leo：Yes. But I wasn't actually planning to see you while I was here.
Jily：What?
Leo：The truth is... I didn't do a very good job of persuading them.
Leo：So I thought I'd come back to the shop and try and think up a better way of making them understand.
Leo paused, and then looked around the shop, his expression turning gentle.
Leo：I figured this is just the place to come up with a good idea.
Leo：After all, we spent so much time together here.
I caught my breath at his sweet words, my heart pounding.

（I had no idea you felt that way.）

I felt a burst of happiness that he treasured our memories in the shop as much as I did.
But then the rest of his words sunk in, and my smile faded.

（I can't stand to see you so upset, Leo, all because of us.）
（You're a noble, and I'm a commoner.）
（Is it really okay for me to be in love with you?）
（Would it be better for you if I let go of this relationship?）

The very idea made my heart ache, and yet I couldn't unthink it.
Then Leo spoke again, his voice interrupting my whirling thoughts.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Leo：I bet I can guess what you're thinking right now.
Jily：What?
I looked up with a start at the unexpected words.
Leo's gaze was incredibly gentle as it met mine.
Leo：You're thinking about leaving me, aren't you?
Jily：Oh—
I bit my lip, embarrassed that I'd been so obvious.
Leo：I thought so.
Leo smiled slowly at me, reaching out to take my hand in his.
His hand was warm and strong, and I felt as if I could draw courage from it.
Leo：I don't ever want to let you go.
Leo：I'll convince them, no matter how long it takes.
Jily：Leo—

（Our feelings for each other may not be enough to get us through this.
（And yet, you've still chosen me—you've chosen to stay with me.）

I took hope from his words just as I'd taken courage from his warmth.
I smiled slowly at him, squeezing his hand as I met his gaze.
Jily：Take me with you.
Leo：What?
Jily：I want to talk to them with you. I want to support you, however I can.

（This isn't just your problem. This is OUR problem.）

I twined my fingers with his, stroking his hand gently.
Leo dropped his gaze away, his expression thoughtful, but at last he nodded.
Leo：Thank you, Jily.
Leo：Together we'll be sure to persuade them.
Jily：We will.
I smiled brightly at Leo, and he smiled back at me.
He reached up slowly, placing his fingers against my cheek.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Leo reached up to cup my cheek, leaning forward to kiss me.
His lips were soft and sure against mine, his kiss filled with love.
I sighed softly as our lips parted again, opening my eyes slowly as he spoke.
Leo：I feel as if I can do anything, so long as I have you.

（Oh, Leo—）

I reached out and wrapped my arms around him, feeling warm and brave and glad all at once.
I leaned my head against his chest, snuggling up to him.

＊＊＊

And so Leo and I traveled to his home in the other town.
We stood together in front of the Crawfords living there.
Noble 1：So this is the girl you keep talking about?
Leo：Yes.
Jily：It's a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Jily.
I curtseyed as politely as I could, but they all stared at me with disdain.
One of the nobles ignored my greeting completely, snapping at Leo.
Noble 2：Lord Leo, you are responsible for the governance of this region.
Noble 2：As such, we will find a wonderful noble girl who will suit you in that regard.
Noble 2：Won't you please rethink our offer?
Leo studied the man with narrowed eyes, his voice cool as he said,
Leo：If I do that, I may indeed protect this family's social standing.
Leo：But I will not be able to make this town prosper.
Noble 2：What are you saying?
Leo：I don't just want to protect our position—I want to protect and take care of this town, in the true sense of the words.
Leo：And to do that, I need her strength.
Leo：That's why I'm asking you to please accept my wish to marry her.
There was no hesitation in Leo's eyes, but the nobles only seemed to grow angrier.
Noble 1：What a stupid thing to say! She's just a common town girl. What can she possibly do?

（How rude!）

I flinched a little, stunned by the cruel, mocking outburst.
But I recovered quickly, staring at the man and the others around him.
Jily：There are plenty of things I can do BECAUSE I'm just a common town girl.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：There are plenty of things I can do BECAUSE I'm just a common town girl.
I spoke firmly, telling them all that I'd learned about enriching farmland while growing up so close to it.
I talked about the economy and the distribution of goods and wealth that I'd learned while working in Leo's shop.

（I may not possess any special titles or anything, but—）

Jily：I believe that there is plenty I can do to help this town prosper.

（And I want to use all that I have to help this town—and to help Leo.）

I stopped there, lifting my chin proudly, and Leo picked up where I'd left off.
Leo：The knowledge she has will be very valuable to us.
Leo：And more importantly, I love her with all my heart.

（Oh!）

Leo pulled me into his arms, holding me close as he stared at the gathered nobles.
Leo：Please. I ask only that you accept us.
The room was so silent you could hear a pin drop, and I didn't even dare breathe.

（Did we get through to you? Do you believe us?）

At last one of the nobles spoke, his expression grim.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

At last one of the nobles spoke, his expression grim.
Noble 1：If you're going to take it that far, then I want you to promise to us that you will improve this town.
Leo：I promise. Together Jily and I will make this town something special.
Noble 1：Well... what do you all think?
The man looked around him, and the others nodded slowly, though some of them looked unwilling.
Leo：So, you accept our relationship then?
Noble 1：We do.

（Oh my god! It really worked!）

Happiness bubbled up inside of me and I had to hold back my sudden desire to shout with joy.
Leo nodded at me, and I curtseyed deeply to the nobles as he bowed beside me.

＊＊＊

After that, time seemed to pass us by in a flash.
After days of rain, the sun finally made an appearance, bringing with it a rainbow.
Leo and I held hands as we wandered around town on a date.
The market was lively around us, and Leo smiled happily as he looked around.
Leo：The town is really changing, ever since you came here.
After the nobles had accepted me, Leo had closed the antique shop.
I'd moved to this town to be with him, and to help him as he governed and worked to improve things.
Jily：It's not because I came here.
Jily：It's really because of what a dynamo you are.
That day we'd promised to the Crawford family that we would improve the town.
So we were both working hard to fulfill that promise, all while supporting each other.
Leo：You're so humble. But I love that about you.
Leo grinned impishly, kissing me lightly on the cheek.
Jily：Geez, Leo.

（Ahh, you never change.）

I laughed softly, wrinkling my nose up at him.
I felt so happy just being by his side, sharing regular, everyday moments with him.
Leo：And we're going to make this town even better, right?
Jily：Of course!

（We found a way to turn fate around, and make it so our love is fated to be.
（And we're going to protect and cherish that for the rest of our lives.）

Leo and I continued to walk down the street, gazing around at the bright, happy faces of the townspeople.
We held onto each other's hands tightly, never letting go for even a second...

fin.

Select the Premium Ending>>>

Leo, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

（Hang on a minute—）

The door should have been locked shut, yet it opened as soon as I touched it.

（What's going on?）

I felt suddenly uneasy, and I pushed the door a little further open, stepping cautiously inside.
Sid：Huh? Oh, it's just you.
Jily：Sid?
Sid was standing just inside the door, holding the keys to the shop.
Jily：What are you doing here, Sid?

（And why do you have the keys?）

I stared up at him suspiciously, and he sighed, shrugging slightly.
Sid：I was just talking to Leo.

（Wait, what?!）

My tummy did sudden flip-flops at the mention of Leo.
Jily：You mean he came back?
Sid：Yeah. But then he went straight back there.
Sid：He seemed to be in a rush, so he asked me to close the shop for him.

（Why would he be in a rush? Did something happen?
（Aww, now I'm worried. But—）

I quickly clamped down on the panic rising up inside me.

（I promised Leo I'd trust him.）

Jily：I see.
I swallowed back all my questions about Leo, and Sid smirked at me.
Sid：But your timing's spot-on. You can close up instead.
Sid held out the keys to the shop, and I stared at them.
Jily：Okay.
I reached out to take them, thanking him absently.
Then I moved to sit down in one of the chairs, trying to calm my whirling thoughts.
Sid：So why are you here?
Jily：I guess I kind of wanted to wait for Leo here.
I could feel Sid's gaze on me, and I looked up to find him staring.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I could feel Sid's gaze on me, and I looked up to find him staring.
Sid：But you've got no idea when he'll be back.
He sounded faintly exasperated, but I shrugged helplessly.
Jily：I know, but I still want to be here.

（If I'm here, I'll be the first to greet Leo when he comes home.）

I looked over at Leo's favorite chair, smiling wistfully at my own foolishness.
Sid laughed softly, and I looked up at him.
Sid：You're a strange one.
Sid：Let me know when Leo gets back, okay?
Jily：Okay.
I smiled up at Sid, and he gave me one last smile before turning to leave.

＊＊＊

And so I stayed there in the shop, waiting for Leo.
Jily：Nnnnn—
I woke suddenly to bright sunlight streaming in the window.

（Hang on, when did I fall asleep?）

I looked around the shop, my thoughts still fuzzy, but the place was empty.

（He's not back yet, then.）

My shoulders slumped a little at the realization.

（But I guess he only went back there last night, right? I suppose it's only natural he's still there.
（Sid said Leo was in a hurry when he left last night, though...
（I wonder if there's more I can do for Leo than just sit here and wait?）

The more I sat there, the more worried I got, and at last I leaned forward, intending to stand up.
But as I did so, something slid down off my shoulders, falling to the floor.

（Oh!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（Oh!）
I reached down to pick up the blanket that someone had tucked over me while I slept.

（But who—）

As I looked around the shop again, I heard footsteps approaching from the back room.
Leo：Oh, you're awake. Good morning, Jily.
Jily：Leo—!
The person I most wanted to see in all the world was standing there, smiling at me.
I stared at him in complete shock, afraid to move in case I was dreaming.
Leo's smile widened as he sat down in the chair next to me.
Leo：I went and spoke to them, just like I said I would.

（Don't tell me—）

His expression was sure, and a faint hope rose up inside me.
Then he frowned, giving me a chagrined smile.
Leo：But the result of that is... well, they refused to listen to me.

（No—）

I had no idea what to say, or what to think, and I stared dumbly at Leo.
Leo：I've spent days doing everything I can to persuade them, but the conversation just keeps going round in circles.

（Does that mean I have to let you go?）

For a moment I thought my heart would break, but Leo went on, his voice cheerful.
Leo：So then I made them a proposition.
Jily：You did?
I couldn't imagine what it might be, and I waited as he went on.
Leo：The main Crawford family will directly oversee the area belonging to the branch family.
Leo：I arranged it so that they'll also give them economic support.

（That certainly sounds like a good proposal, especially for them, but—）

There was an edge to Leo's voice, and I had my own suspicions as well.
Jily：So then, if you were supposed to oversee the area, what happens to you?
Leo smiled at me, but there was a sadness to it.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Leo smiled at me, but there was a sadness to it.
Leo：I will take responsibility for the loss of the branch family, and leave the family completely.
The words hit me like a slap in the face, and I stared at Leo in shock.
Jily：But that's—too much!
I couldn't believe that Leo would lose everything he'd had as a noble.

（This is all my fault! You weren't supposed to give up everything for me!）

The guilt was overwhelming, and I spoke almost without thinking.
Jily：Are you sure?

（I mean, I don't want to lose you—but more than that,）
（I don't want you to be hurt, or to suffer.）

I looked up at Leo, my heart grieving for him.
Jily：Wouldn't you be better off forgetting about me, and going back—
Leo：You know I love you, Jily, but if you say that again I'll have to get angry.
Jily：What? Why?
Leo's voice was deep and resonant as he leaned towards me.
Leo：There's no way I could ever forget you.
Leo：No matter what else happens to me, that's the one thing I can't do.
Then his expression relaxed, and he sat back a little.
Leo：Please don't ask me to forget the person most important to me, even as a joke. Okay?
Leo：Besides, look at me. Do I look sad to you?

（Leo—）

I stared at him in surprise as he smiled brightly at me.
I studied his smile, but the right corner of his mouth wasn't quirking at all, which meant he wasn't lying.
His smile was happier than I'd ever seen it, and the ache in my chest melted completely away.

（Well, there's nothing I can say against that.）

Leo had chosen to be with me, even if it meant giving up everything he had.
My heart was filled with joy to know just how much I supposed to him.
Jily：No, you don't.
My smile was every bit as bright as his as he reached out to embrace me.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

My smile was every bit as bright as Leo's as he reached out to embrace me.
Leo：Let's go to a town where nobody knows either of us. Then we can live in complete freedom.

（Freedom, huh?）

Leo：I wish we had more freedom.
I could still remember when he'd said those words, so long ago.

（That's what you want more than anything, isn't it?）

At last I understood what he'd meant that night, and I smiled to myself.
I looked up at him as he leaned close to catch my gaze.
Leo：Will you come and live with me?

（As if you need to even ask!）

Jily：Yes! I want to be with you forever.
The words came out in a fervent, happy rush.
Leo's smile seemed to light up his whole face, and he leaned close to kiss me.
It was a brief kiss, and then he began to kiss his way down towards my neck.
Jily：Leo! Not here—
I laughed helplessly, shivering at the sudden sweet sensation.
But Leo ignored me as he continued to rain kisses down on me.
Leo：What does it matter where we are?
Leo：Forget about all that, and just focus on me.
Desire was burning in his gaze as he looked up at me, and it lit an answering desire deep inside me.
My heart was racing in my chest, and I reached out to stroke his soft hair.
He grinned and reached down to undo my dress, slowly baring my breasts.
I gasped as his lips moved lower, kissing and suckling first one breast and then the other.
Leo：I love you, Jily.

（Oh, Leo—）

His arms were strong around me, and I closed my eyes with a smile.

（I want us to live in freedom, just like you do.）
（And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.）

I reached out, wrapping my arms around his broad back.

（Our love isn't forbidden anymore.）
（We changed our fate—now our love is fated to be.）

I groaned again as Leo's lips moved across my bare skin, igniting passion throughout my body...

fin.

After Episode

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

You've chosen a life with Leo, and now a sweet gift awaits you.
A sensual night with Leo that will leave you light-headed with desire...
Leo：Won't you please let me see all of you?
The warm bathwater splashes around you as Leo pulls you into his arms.
Leo：You're so adorable right now.
Leo：I want to see you all lost in passion because of me.
Leo's embrace is warm, his fingers teasing as they stroke your bare skin.
His passion will fulfill your every want and need...