♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

收集活動－Hide'n'Seek ~Ready or Not?~（獎勵故事）

Collect 10 Heart Leaves to make a Love Compass that will help you find your hidden suitor. 
Get Love Compasses for special bonuses ★

Can you find all of the guys?

Read Preview>>>

It was early afternoon, and the air was warm and sweet somehow.

（Hmm?）

I paused halfway down a corridor, turning to glance at Nico.
Jily：Nico, I don't remember that room being there.
Nico stopped as well, turning to look at the door I was pointing to.
Nico：Oh yeah, nobody uses that room, so it's easy to overlook.
Jily：I guess. I can't believe there's still rooms here I haven't seen.
I started walking again, and Nico fell into step beside me.
Nico：I bet nobody actually knows what all the rooms in the palace are for.
Jily：It's been a while since I came here,
Jily：and I've been trying to become familiar with the whole palace, but...
Nico：Hmmm.
Nico's voice was a thoughtful hum, his gaze lifting to the ceiling.
Suddenly he slowed his step, his expression brightening all at once.
Nico：I just had a great idea!
Jily：What is it?
A beaming smile lit up Nico's face as he turned to me.
Nico：Something for you to look forward to, Jily!

＊＊＊

Some time later, Giles stepped into the study, interrupting my work.
I listened to what he had to say, frowning in confusion.
Jily：I'm sorry, did you say 'hide and seek'?
Giles：Yes.
Giles：The idea was actually Nico's.
Giles：But there are certainly still areas of the palace you're not familiar with.
Giles：That could be problematic if something were to happen.
Jily：I suppose you're right.
Giles：Oh, and that's not all.
Giles：There will be all sorts of people around to help you out.
Giles：Be careful you don't cause them any problems yourself.
Jily：I'll certainly try.

＊＊＊

And so it was that I found myself wandering around the palace.
I stood at the gates, staring up at the palace towering over me.

（Now where should I start?）

The grounds seemed impossibly huge as I gazed around me...

◆ 1 Love Compass Bonus: Nico's Hide'n'Seek

Read Unlocked Story

I wandered around the palace, searching for everyone.

（I can't believe I haven't found anyone yet!）

I sighed to myself, but then I noticed something up ahead.

（Is that a door?）

It was a tiny door, tucked away in an alcove,
and I was sure I'd never seen it before.

（But why is there a door here?）

I crouched down, reaching out to grab hold of the doorknob.
As I looked around the room I'd entered,
I realized that the bed seemed unusually lumpy.

（Hang on a minute—）

I reached out and grabbed the edge of the covers, pulling them back.
Nico：Oh! Jily!
Nico：I guess you found me, huh?
Nico lay sprawled in the middle of the bed, laughing as he met my gaze.
Nico：I thought you'd never find me in here.
He propped himself up on his elbows, his eyes still on me.
In spite of his smile, he looked disappointed, and I giggled.
Jily：Now that I've found you, you have to go back to home base.
I offered Nico my hand to help him up from the bed, but our eyes met and held.
Nico laughed softly, mischief sparkling in his gaze.
Nico：Okay, but before we do that...

（Waaah!）

Nico grabbed my hand and pulled me forward,
and I tumbled down onto the bed with him.
Nico：You must be tired from all that searching.
Nico：Why don't you take a short break?
Nico reached down and pulled the sheets up over our heads.
Suddenly the lighting was soft and cozy,
and it was like we were the only two people in the world.
Jily：Nico—
I didn't even know what I was going to say,
but Nico reached out and pulled me close.
Nico：Hey, Jily?
Nico：Why don't we both stay here and hide like this?
He whispered the words in my ear, his voice breathless, and I giggled.
Jily：We can't do that.
Nico laughed softly, and slowly slid the sheets off our heads again.
Our eyes met, and he gave me a rueful smile.
Nico：But it's not fair that you found me so easily!
Nico：You could at least give me a moment to recover my pride.

（Your pride?）

Nico didn't look in the least like his pride was suffering,
and I raised an eyebrow at him.
He began to laugh, and I couldn't help but laugh along with him.
Jily：Nico, you're such a dork.
Our happy laughter mingled together,
and the whole room seemed brighter because of it...

◇ 4 Love Compasses Bonus: Robert's Hide'n'Seek

Read Unlocked Story

I eventually grew tired of wandering around the palace,
and I stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air.

（I haven't found anyone else yet.）

I stared down at the scenery spread out below me.

（That reminds me, Robert and I used to play hide and seek when I was a kid.
（But I was so bad at the seeking that he'd always find a way to let me know where he was.）

I smiled at the memory, and just at that moment I heard a noise.
???：Oh!

（Was that—）

I turned in surprise and saw Robert standing behind me.
Robert：Well, this is a problem. I was just coming out here to take a break.
Robert：But I guess you found me, hmm?
Robert smiled gently as he came over to stand beside me.
He was holding a glass of lemon water, and he offered it to me.
Robert：Do you want this?
Robert：I bet you're far more exhausted than I am by now.

（Oh, Robert, you're so sweet.）

As I took the glass from him, I remembered what I'd been thinking about a moment ago.

（Wait a minute, this isn't that different than when I was a kid.）

Jily：Did you let me find you on purpose?
Robert：What?
Jily：I was just remembering back when we used to play hide and seek.
Jily：When I couldn't find you, you'd always find a way to let me know where you were.
Robert looked up at the broad sky overhead, a slow smile crossing his face.
Robert：That's a good question.
His voice was gentle, and I found myself smiling as I looked up at him.

（You really are so kind.）

I took a sip of the lemon water,
letting myself get lost in my many memories of Robert...

◆ 7 Love Compasses Bonus: Albert's Hide'n'Seek

Read Unlocked Story

I was walking around the gardens, but at last I stopped with a sigh.

（There's no one here. I should look somewhere else.）

I turned away to head back into the palace, but as I did so—
???：Wha—

（I heard something!）

A faint voice had drifted to me from the bushes, and I turned to look.

（That WAS someone's voice, wasn't it?）

I glanced around, and then crossed over to the bushes.
I parted the branches and peered inside,
where I found Albert, crouching on the ground.
Albert：What have I...
For some reason Albert was bright red, and he seemed unable to finish his sentence.
He glanced up at me, his frown deepening as he did so.
Albert：I don't even believe it myself, but—
Albert：I thought how difficult it must be,
Albert：and without thinking, I made a noise, and—
Jily：Albert? What are you saying?
Albert：Well, it would've been a waste for you to come all the way out here and then not find me.

（Hang on a minute—）

Jily：Are you saying you thought I was having trouble,
Jily：so you made a noise to help me find you?
Albert's gaze dropped to his hands, and he sounded flustered as he said,
Albert：Please don't stare at me like that.
Albert：I am most disturbed that I felt that, and did that.
Albert adjusted his glasses as he spoke, the movement quick and jerky.
I stared at him a moment longer, and then I began to giggle.
Jily：You're so kind, Albert. Thank you.
Albert：Wha—!
Albert looked startled for a moment, and then he cleared his throat.
Albert：There is no need to thank me for something I chose to do.
Albert：Now hurry up and show me the way back to home base.
Jily：Of course.

（Sometimes you have the worst way of phrasing things, Albert. And yet—）

His unexpected kindness filled my heart with warmth, and I couldn't stop smiling...

◇ 10 Love Compasses Bonus: Giles's Hide'n'Seek

Read Unlocked Story

（I think I've come too far in.）

The forest was growing thick and dim around me,
and I glanced around, feeling anxious.

（Yep, it's about time I headed back.）

I turned hastily, wanting to get back to somewhere more familiar.
Jily：Oh no!
But the lace on the skirts of my dress got tangled in the branches of a nearby bush.

（Aww geez, I need to be careful untangling that.）

I reached out hesitantly, but right at that moment a nearby clump of bushes parted.
Giles：What are you doing?
Jily：Giles?! You nearly gave me a heart attack!
Giles：I followed you, just in case, which appears to have been the correct decision.
Giles：It's dangerous to come this deep into the woods.
Giles crouched down as he spoke, gently untangling my skirts from the bush.
Jily：I'm sorry.
Giles：It's fine. But why don't we head somewhere safer?
Giles smiled as he stood up, and then he turned to lead the way forwards.
I moved to take a step after him,
but as I did so, the nearby bush rustled suddenly.
Jily：Gah!
The sound startled me,
and without even thinking I reached out and grabbed Giles by the arm.
Giles stopped walking and glanced back at me.
His eyes were faintly narrowed, and I couldn't read his expression in the gloom.
Jily：Oh, sorry, I just—
Feeling a little silly, I let go of his sleeve again,
and his lips quirked as he took a step towards me.
Giles：You really are something.
He slid a finger under my chin, tilting my head towards him, and our eyes met.
Giles：Grabbing hold of me in a dark, secluded place like this...
Giles：Are you trying to get my hopes up?
His gaze was warm and sensual, and something flared deep inside me in response.
Jily：Would I do a thing like that?
Giles：I think you would.
Jily：Well, maybe.
I smiled a little as he leaned towards me,
until he was so close I could feel his breath on my lips.
Jily：Giles—
His deep, lust-filled eyes seemed to be all I could see.
I lifted my chin a little higher, closing my eyes in anticipation.
My lips parted faintly, breathing in his warmth.

（Hang on—）

Our lips were almost touching, yet Giles stopped, hovering there.
Then I heard him laugh softly, and my eyes snapped open.
Giles：I'm just joking.
Giles：Consider this your punishment.
Giles：After all, you were the one who was supposed to find me.
Giles's eyes danced with amusement, and I frowned at him.

（Ahhh, you big tease! I was totally ready for that kiss!）

Giles：Shall we go, Princess?
Giles offered me his hand with a smile, and after a moment, I smiled back at him.

（But I'm glad you came to find me. I'd be lost without you, Giles.）

I placed my hand in his, and together we walked back towards the palace...

◆ 14 Love Compasses Bonus: Sid's Hide'n'Seek

Read Unlocked Story

All alone, I climbed the stairs of the clock tower.
It was dark, and I shivered a little.

（I'm getting a little spooked here all by myself.）

Attempting to not get too freaked out, I climbed step after step...
Then I heard something and inhaled sharply, trying not to make a sound.
There were footsteps coming down the stairs from above me—slowly but surely.
I froze, my mouth suddenly dry.

（Who's coming?）

The steps grew closer and closer, until someone appeared.
It was Sid.
Jily：Sid! What are you doing here?
Sid noticed it was me and frowned at me.
Sid：I could ask ya the same question. You've come a long way from the palace.
Jily：Oh, I guess you're right.
My heart was still pounding wildly from the shock of his sudden appearance.
Sid realized how agitated I obviously was and broke into an easy grin.
Sid：Look how much of a scaredy-cat you are.
Sid：And yet you made it this far—good girl.
Sid：That said—
Sid sauntered down the stairs lazily, smirking down at me.
Sid：Just 'cause ya found me doesn't mean we gotta go back to home base right away.
A big grin on his face, he slung an arm around my shoulders and then picked me up.
Jily：Hey!
Outmaneuvered, I had no choice but to let him carry me up the stairs.
Once we'd reached the top of the clock tower, Sid let me down.
I took in the landscape unfolding all around us and caught my breath.
We could see as far as the forest on the other side of the castle town,
and brightly colored flowers dotted the greenery beautifully here and there.

（So pretty! It really feels like spring.）

Sid：I love it when you look like that. Your eyes are sparkling.
Next to me, Sid broke into a genuine smile.
Jily：Did you bring me here to look at this?
Sid：Maybe.
The nonchalant answer set off alarm bells in my head.

（Did he have some sort of goal in mind?）

He must have read my suspicion on my face, because he looked at me in shock.
Sid：Don't tell me you thought I was gonna try something?
His gaze bore into my eyes.
Sid：I mean, if that's what ya want.
Sid：I can put the moves on you right here, right now.
Jily：I'm fine!
Sid burst out laughing and affectionately mussed my hair.
A soft breeze whistled past us, ruffling Sid's hair.
Sid：I won't do anything up here.
He turned to gaze out at the view.

（You are the worst tease!）

Combing out my mussed hair with my fingers,
I couldn't deny how the sight captured my heart...

◇ 17 Love Compasses Bonus: Leo's Hide'n'Seek

Read Unlocked Story

I was walking through the forest, gentle sunlight dappling the leaves around me.

（I heard a sound come from here.）

Placing my hand on a large tree trunk,
I tried to peer around it deeper into the forest...

（Don't tell me that's—）

Jily：Leo?
I called out at the sight of Leo sitting in a tree reading a book.
Leo：Ooooh, you found me.
He shut the book he'd been reading with a slam.
I couldn't help grinning a little at how chagrined he looked.
Jily：You know, people who get found have to go back to home base.
Leo：I know, I know.
He leapt nimbly to the ground next to me.
But instead of heading for the castle, he leaned in close to whisper in my ear.
Leo：But we're finally alone.
Leo：How about the two of us get out of here?
Jily：What?
I wasn't quite sure what he meant, but Leo just gave me a sunny smile.
Leo：In other words, I'm inviting you to a tryst.

（A tryst?!）

I finally grasped the full implication and my cheeks flushed bright red.
I just stared at him, not sure of quite how to respond.
Leo burst out laughing.
Leo：I'm just kidding.
A peaceful breeze rustled through the trees.
Leo：You look so cute all red.
He carded his fingers through my hair as he spoke.
Jily：Leo, please don't tease me like that!
Leo：I'm not teasing.
Leo：I truly think you look adorable right now.
His big crimson eyes almost swallowed me up,
and I felt ashamed of how much I'd wanted to accept his proposition...

◆ 20 Love Compasses Bonus: Byron's Hide'n'Seek

Read Unlocked Story

Rays of sun glittered in brilliant fractals on the surface of the ocean...

（That's—）

I'd come to the seashore in my search.
Majestic boats and ships dotted the coast and harbor.

（Is someone there?）

Curious, I crept closer to one of the boats bobbing in the waves.

（I wonder if it's okay for me to just climb on?）

But it was too late, I was already searching inside the craft.
Then a strong wind blew past.
Jily：Oh!
The wind was so strong, rocking the craft violently,
that I almost fell from the boat.
Just then—
???：You all right?
I found myself cradled in a pair of muscular arms.

（I know this voice.）

I looked up and saw Byron there.

（Byron?）

I must have looked incredibly confused, because his lips quirked into a smile.
Byron：Now, I don't mind at all.
Byron：But how long do you plan to be in my arms?
I flushed and scrambled away from him.
Jily：I'm sorry!
Jily：I didn't think you of all people would be here.
Byron：It's quite all right.
The look in his eyes was kind as he gazed down at me.
Byron：Because you're like that, I—
But then he broke off and averted his eyes from me.
Byron：Er, it's nothing. Never mind.
Byron：I'm glad you are safe.

（His cheeks—）

They were flushed the faintest red, and so were mine.
Byron：Your face is red.
He muttered, clearly embarrassed but staring right at me.
Jily：So is yours.
Byron：Indeed.
Neither of us could quite look at the other.

（I can't believe King Byron can get this shy.）

I gazed out at the skyline on the water in an attempt to calm my racing heart...

◇ 24 Love Compasses Bonus: Alyn's Hide'n'Seek

Read Unlocked Story

I opened the door to the stables.

（I feel like Alyn would hide here.）

I crept inside as quietly as I could...
Right away, I saw Alyn.

（What?）

But he wasn't even trying to hide.
He was brushing one of the horses quite normally.
Jily：Alyn?
Alyn：Oh, there you are.

（Why...?）

Jily：Aren't you hiding?
He paused in his movements, the brush still in his hand.
Alyn：I thought you might come here.
Jily：You did?
He frowned at me.
Alyn：Maybe I should have hid and jumped out at you.
Alyn：And then claimed you as my prize. Like this—

（Oh...）

He drew near and swept me into his arms.
Alyn：You came here to find me, didn't you?

（Well, he's not wrong.）

Alyn：I see you're not trying to leave.
Jily：I mean...
My blood was roaring in my ears, my face pressed to Alyn's muscular chest.

（I don't know what to do, but I don't want the moment to end.）

Alyn bent to whisper in my ear.
Alyn：You know, if you wanted me to—
Alyn：I could just carry you off right now, you know.
Jily：Alyn!
Alyn：Silly girl. I'm just kidding.
He dropped his arms and lightly flicked my forehead.
Jily：Hey!
As I rubbed my forehead, I remembered something.

（I could feel his heart racing just now. Why?）

I gazed up at him,
aware that a new element had been introduced to our relationship as princess and knight...

◆ 27 Love Compasses Bonus: Louis's Hide'n'Seek

Read Unlocked Story

Brilliantly colored tulips and carnations swayed in the gentle breeze...
I was all by myself on the top of a hill.

（Is someone here?）

Just then—

（Hmm?）

I saw Louis dozing away peacefully amidst all the flowers.

（Did he fall asleep while he was up here hiding?）

I felt myself start to grin as I approached him.
Jily：Louis?
I shook his shoulder to wake him up.
When I did—
Louis：Mmmm...
Louis：Jily?

（Oh—）

Suddenly he grabbed my wrist and I lost my balance and fell down on top of him.
My skirts fluttered in the breeze.
Jily：Oh no! I'll get right off.
I felt my cheeks flush at our current position.
I tried to scramble away,
but Louis caught hold of me and wouldn't let me go anywhere.
Louis：Wait.
Louis：Don't go, Jily.
His beautiful blue eyes filled my vision, boring into me.

（Louis—
（Are you still half-asleep?）

Louis：Don't leave me.
Louis：Please.
He muttered, his eyes closing again.

（Oh, c'mon. If you say that, of course I can't go anywhere.）

My heart was racing, and I was still lying on top of Louis...