[Assistant] Waking up was like the moment your head breaks through the surface from underwater. Pulling your body out of the unconsciousness of dreams, circulating reality around your body by breathing. And slowly consciousness returns, and you break through the surface, being born. If you wanted to put on airs, you could say that sleep is death, and waking up is birth. Either way, that poetic feeling aside, as his consciousness gradually awakened…

[User] “—Subaru! Hey, Subaru. Are you okay?”

[Assistant] “Ngh, whoa? !” When he opened his eyes, Subaru was shocked by the pretty face right in front of him, and he rolled to the side. The ground disappeared out from under him, and he fell a short way and hit his shoulder.

[User] “Ngh!”

[Assistant] “Wah! Are you all right, Subaru?! Why did you suddenly roll?"


[User] "I-it’s not like I decided I wanted to just go for a roll…" Rubbing his shoulder, Subaru shook his head and slowly stood up, and after blinking a few times, he was confused. He was in a green room. Inside the room, the overgrown vines covered everything, completely hiding the wall. It was so dense he would have believed someone saying the room had been made with vines. And apparently, Subaru had ended up in the very center of the room, sleeping on a bed of leaves. And then he had rolled off the bed, ending up in his current situation. He calmly analyzed it, but there was a reason for that.

[Assistant] "Mm, it looks like you didn’t hit yourself too hard. Thank goodness. But we were really worried, so please don’t scare us like that."

[User] "Emilia, he won’t reflect on his actions properly if you say it like that. If you aren’t stricter, he won’t understand how worried we were."


[User] "Right. See, even Beatrice is saying that. She was a mess when we couldn’t find you, and she almost cried when we found you collapsed…"

[Assistant] "Couldn’t you say a little less, I wonder?!"

[User] Nodding along at that adorable back-and-forth, Subaru looked around. As he sat on the ground, there was some sort of massive creature behind him.

[Assistant] It was some kind of big lizard. A big lizard the size of a horse with black, scaly skin. For some reason, it leaned in toward Subaru and rubbed its nose against his neck. It’s pretty friendly. Subaru gently rubbed the top of its head. And then he slowly exhaled. "I get it now.” Coolly, calmly, slowly, he exhaled.

[User] “Subaru?” They were in sync, like sisters, as they said his name.

[Assistant] A girl with silver hair, a girl with drill curls, a giant lizard, a room made of plants. Subaru opened his mouth wide and screamed. “Isn’t this just like those stories about getting summoned to another world?!”


[User] A woman. Action/Narration There was a single woman. The woman was emotional. She was always weeping. Sensitive to pain, she was always crying. There was one reason why she wept: She could not forgive her own lack of strength. There was always conflict, fighting, stealing going on all around her. No matter how many times she called out, no matter how she clung to it, no matter how much she cried or wept, the sadness did not end. So she cursed her fate. And while cursing fate, cursing and cursing it, she realized something. No matter how much she cried, it was pointless. And realizing that, what she desired was pure and simple strength. Strength to overpower others, to mow down everything. She raced forward, wanting to see what level of strength she could achieve by throwing herself at her limits. What was necessary wasn’t simply the strength to hurt others. Not just the strength to take away. What she sought was a strength so overwhelming that no one could even hope to compare. She believed that would stop the fighting. The woman who was still crying wanted the strength to be able not to cry. So long as she was powerless, she could not stop a battle where strength clashed with strength. Her voice could not reach anyone’s ears. Her wish could not be fulfilled. Her grief would be ignored; her sadness would just fill the sky. How can they be indifferent? How can they hurt other people? How can they think to go on living like that? How, how, how can they not think there must be another way?

[Assistant] "Children are weeping. The elderly are weeping. Men are weeping. Women are weeping. Everyone is weeping. So why?!! !"

[User] In order to stop that, she wanted plain and simple strength. She forged herself, attaining a will of steel that could endure any pain. And finally, the woman reached it. Incomparable power, an overwhelming summit that none could approach. Standing on the battlefield, she raised her voice and shouted for the battle to stop. She raced forward to bend strength with strength, to crush all grief with strength, to destroy all malice with strength, to stop her tears. She pummeled those who held a sword, kicked those who relied on magic, shattered those who bared their fangs, pulverized every last person who sought to fight. But the more she struggled, the stronger she became, the more swords, magic, and fangs appeared. It was like a spiral. A spiral of conflict. No one had an answer for how to live other than by pitting strength against strength. So no one knew any way other than to win in combat.

[Assistant] "Why?!!! !"

[User] And even as she thought that herself, she also wielded violence. Lowering her gory fist, covered in the blood of others, the woman looked up at the heavens and wailed in lamentation. The battle never ended.


[Assistant] At some point, the woman stood up, brushed the mud off her dirty knees, and started running again. Leaping into the midst of the people who were still continuing to fight, punching their faces and screaming. "Stop fighting. Look at the sky. Listen to the wind. Smell the flowers. Live with your family, your lovers."

[User] Hearing her voice, for the first time, a disturbance ran through the battlefield. A fist that could split the ground, a kick that whistled through the air, they saved people. Wounds closed over, screams stopped, knees buckled at the warmth, and battle lost its meaning. Life returned to normal, and the lamentations disappeared from the battlefield. The people’s tears stopped. The people thanked the woman. Calling out, waving their hands, smiling, but by that time, she was no longer anywhere to be seen. Naturally. There were still things she needed to do. She did not have time to look back, she did not have a reason to stop. She wanted a world where no one cried, where there was no conflict, where nothing was stolen. Running, running, always running, the woman kept swinging her fists. Until all the tears stopped, until the hot tears running down her own cheeks stopped. —The Witch of Wrath ignited her rage at the existence of sadness and continued charging forward.


[User] Fourier Lugunica came to a screeching halt when he saw her in the castle garden. His large scarlet eyes went wide with curiosity as the wind tugged at his golden locks. One of his pronounced canine teeth poked out like a small fang as the breath rushed from his mouth. The young boy, not even ten years old, leaned out of the open-air gallery to peer into the garden.

[Assistant] Fourier was very much in the middle of running from one of his tutors and had no time to gawk. He could already hear the man’s voice behind him in the hallway. If he was caught, he would be dragged back to his dangerously boring lesson—but even knowing that, Fourier couldn’t tear his eyes away from the scene before him.

[User] Fourier found a shimmering bud—a girl. Her verdant green hair was tied back as she struck a posture both refined and beautiful. Clad in a dress the color of fresh grass, obviously of fine make, the young, self-possessed girl wore it perfectly.

[Assistant] Fourier saw little more than her profile from where he stood, but the pale white of her neck and cheek along with the amber of her almond-shaped eyes hinted at her brimming beauty.

[User] The girl stood in the garden, casting her eyes over the array of colorful flowers. She was inspecting a single bud in a far corner. Staring at it intently, as though she believed it might open then and there…

[Assistant] "Your Highness Fourier! So you heed me at last!" He says, breathing hard, finally reaching the spot where Fourier stood in the hallway. He regarded the boy with relief written on his face, but that was soon replaced with an expression of puzzlement when he noticed how Fourier was staring into the garden.

[User] "Your Highness? What has caught your interest ou—?"

[Assistant] "Nothing, sir! Nothing! Not a thing! Surely not something for you to worry about!" Fourier rushed at the instructor as the man tried to discern what had the boy so intrigued.


[User] The hand Fourier held out in hopes of hiding the scene collided with the tutor’s face, and the man stumbled back with a cry of “My eye!,” but Fourier had no time to concern himself with that. He was more worried that the girl by the flowers might have overheard the commotion. Anxiously, he looked toward the garden.

[Assistant] That happened to be the exact same moment the girl, who had heard something going on, turned in his direction. Fourier scrambled to lower his gaze. “Th-this isn’t good. I feel really weird… Maybe I’m sick or something? My cheeks are all hot, and it’s hard to breathe…” Noting an ache in his chest and how he had a difficult time breathing, Fourier concluded that this was a bad place for him to be. He grabbed his writhing teacher by the leg and began fleeing back down the hallway in tremendous haste.

[User] “Y-Your Highness! Ouch! That hurts!”

[Assistant] “Just grin and bear it! It’s not like I’m strong enough to pick you up! But I can’t just leave you in such a dangerous place. After all, I’m part of the royal family—pride of the people.”

[User] “I am moved by your concern for me, my prince, but—yow! Perhaps you could stop running and—ouch!” The tutor cried out, his head colliding with every wall and pillar they passed, but Fourier ignored him. He could still see that girl whenever he closed his eyes. She was clearly the cause of his pounding heart, yet for some reason he could not force her image out of his head, no matter how much time went by. It was a mystery to Fourier why he felt so reluctant to leave as he dashed away from the garden.


[Assistant] Fourier Lugunica belonged to the royal family of the Dragonfriend Kingdom of Lugunica, a dynasty with more than a thousand years of history; he was the son of the reigning king, Randohal Lugunica. Consequently, he was a prince with the right of succession, and worthy of the highest honors. “Yes, but I’m the fourth prince. My brothers all precede me. I don’t see the kingship passing to me anytime soon. Doesn’t it make all this effort, day in and day out, seem a bit pointless?” Fourier had finished his classes and was seeking respite in his personal rooms, where he was conversing with a visitor. Fourier screwed up his face at the word impudence.

[User] “Ho-ho-ho! I see you’ve learned the art of impudence, Your Highness.” The one laughing was an exceptionally old man, his long hair and beard both white from age. Miklotov MacMahon—a representative of the Council of Elders who was considered the brains of the kingdom. Miklotov was the one who wielded all the real power in the government. Truly deserving to be called a wise man. Fourier was well acquainted with the rumors that even if the king were to disappear, the kingdom would continue running smoothly so long as Miklotov was around.


[User] Fourier was not enamored with the rumors that made light of his father, the king, but Miklotov was a loyal subject who served the realm without ambition. And it was true enough that the elder did his utmost serving a royal family that left something to be desired in the way of stewardship—so Fourier was hard-pressed to condemn such talk. "If my father and brothers aren’t up to the job, why don’t you become king? Things would be much simpler that way. Don’t you think?”

[Assistant] “You give this old man quite a shock. Those are not words that one of Your Highness’s station should speak so lightly. And in any event, it would be in violation of our pact with the dragon.”

[User] “Our pact with the dragon, right.”

[Assistant] Miklotov gave a somber nod.

[User] Fourier laid his head on his desk and began to think. "The dragon handles everything. The kingdom’s harvests and safety. And the only one who can receive its blessings is a blood descendent of the first King Lugunica, who forged a bond of friendship with it. It all seems a bit too good to be true.”

[Assistant] “And yet we do have the dragon’s blessing. This makes His Majesty the King, to say nothing of Your Highness, people of the utmost importance to this kingdom.”

[User] “So I’ve heard, enough times to make my head ache.”

[Assistant] “Mm. And I have said it often enough to make my tongue sore.”

[User] Fourier pursed his lips.

[Assistant] Miklotov stroked his beard nonchalantly. “That story is the reason I earnestly wish you would have a greater appreciation for your position, Your Highness.”

[User] “Hmm, then I guess I have no—Wait! If it’s only our blood that makes me and my father so important, doesn’t it mean that all this study isn’t really necessary? What about that?”

[Assistant] “Ho-ho, impudence rears its head again. Think of it from your subjects’ point of view. They may be obliged to respect whoever holds the office, but do you think they would rather serve under an ignoramus or brute—when they could have a man of intelligence? And the intellect does not blossom without proper cultivation. Nor does the blood of the Lion King.”

[User] “The Lion King? That dusty old name again?” An unusual passion had entered Miklotov’s voice, but Fourier regarded him with a wry smile. "I understand how much you expect of the Lion King’s descendants. But it’s lot to ask of those of us born so far down the line of succession.


[User] "The sages are all but unparalleled, whether you search the world over or look back through history. I don’t expect any to be born anytime soon.”

[Assistant] “So you may say, Your Highness, but the blood has not run thin. It is a fact that once every several generations, a true master appears in the royal line. Two generations ago…” Miklotov had been speaking fluently, but suddenly he stopped. His wrinkled face darkened, and he shook his head and murmured, “No.” After a moment, he went on: “My apologies. A slip of the tongue. Memory grows unreliable in old age.”

[User] “You losing your memory is about the worst thing that could happen to this kingdom! Quit worrying about a delinquent like me and take care of yourself!”

[Assistant] “I hardly think Your Highness is delinquent…” Miklotov put up some resistance as Fourier tried to hustle him out of the room. But his old bones were no match for a boy in the prime of youth.

[User] Fourier says, having chased off the garrulous elder. "Now, then…”


[User] Fourier arrived in the gallery nonchalantly, making sure no one was around before he climbed up on the railing and began looking avidly through the garden for the girl he sought.

[Assistant] “Hmm. Not today, either, huh? I make such an effort to come here, and all for nothing. To do such a thing to a prince—that girl is fearless. Heavens.” Unable to find the one he so longed for, Fourier was full of regret. Ten days had passed since he first saw her there. That day, he had run away because the drumming in his chest had seemed dangerous, but now he hoped to see her again exactly because he wanted to experience that feeling once more. The ache in his heart had never really gone away. In fact, it was renewed every time he recalled her face. He was convinced that the only way he could find relief was to meet her. Fourier had never doubted the intuition that guided his actions. He would on occasion sense an answer emerge, for no particular reason, from among countless choices. What he discovered this way always led him down the right path. It had been the same whether in arithmetic and history class, or when deciding a move in Chantrange, a board game played with pawns.


[User] As an extreme example, several years earlier, he had even foreseen that a wheel would fall off the dragon carriage his father, the king, rode in. But all of these were dismissed as mere chance; simple guesses that could not be repeated. He told his teacher, but the man grumbled something about nonsense. Fourier was not so ignorant a child as to press the issue of an insight that made him different from normal people.

[Assistant] “No matter. The girl is what’s important now. If I only knew her name, at least, this would be so much easier…” His only clue at the moment was that she must be the daughter of some family prestigious enough to be granted entrance to the castle. If he told them when and where he had seen her, the guards and serving girls might have been able to help him.

[User] “But I hate needing things from people. I don’t know why, but I feel it would be rather inconvenient if anyone knew I was looking for her. Hmm…” The palpitations, the unusual sense that what he was doing was not quite acceptable—all of this mystified Fourier. He didn’t even really know what he would do if he ever found her.

[Assistant] “I suppose I can figure out what I should do after we meet. I think I recall some important person saying that thinking too carefully is just another form of cowardice… Mm!” As he stood there muttering to himself, suddenly something clouded the edges of his vision. Fourier leaned out over the railing, trying with his eyes to follow the silhouette of whoever was passing directly below the open hallway. He saw a hint of a sleeve the hue of fresh grass. It was the right color, the one he remembered from that girl’s dress.

[User] “Oops…” The moment the girl’s image floated through his mind, Fourier felt his foot slip from the railing. He had pitched too far forward, lost his balance, and found himself tumbling out of the gallery. The garden was paved with flagstones. If he hit his head on one, it wouldn’t be pretty. He was going to pay for this little indulgence with his life…

[Assistant] “Hwah? !” But as it turned out, no such thing happened. He felt his body sinking into something soft, breaking his fall.

[User] “Bff! Bfaaah! Pft! Bleh! What is this? Is this—dirt? !” Extricating himself from the soft pile of earth, Fourier spat leaves and mud out of his mouth. He had apparently managed to land in a flower bed instead of on the flagstones; miraculously, he was unhurt. Looking up, he could see the hallway he’d come tumbling out of. Perhaps it was sheer chance, again, that had kept him from hurting himself despite a fall of nearly two stories.

[Assistant] “Wow. That’s my luck for you. Just goes to show that a little good fortune can get you out of even the tightest spot,” Fourier said with a touch of awe, looking at his muddy palms.


[User] He ignored the fact that if he had really been blessed with good fortune, he wouldn’t have fallen in the first place. He jumped out of the flower bed and looked around, thinking that he would have to find a maid to ready a bath for him.

[Assistant] "—" And there stood the girl, watching him with wide eyes.

[User] "Oh… Oh! Ohhh…" No sooner had this registered than Fourier felt his cheeks start burning, and he found he had lost the ability to speak.

[Assistant] While Fourier stood there unable even to think, the girl, her eyes still round with surprise, slowly looked up. She looked back and forth between him and the railing—once, twice. Then he realized that she thought he had hurt himself.

[User] "Aw, no need to worry about me! See? I’m not injured in the least! I can see I’ve upset you, but you needn’t worry about it. My body is so tough it’s practically a weapon!" Fourier was still confused, but he held out both arms in an effort to prove he was unharmed.

[Assistant] Fourier very much wanted to continue the conversation, but he was also all too aware that she had witnessed him in a most unprincely moment, and his feet had a strong desire to carry him far away from that spot. Perhaps he would have to be content with having met her a second time.

[User] "Well, I’m quite busy with a great many things, so excuse me! I bid you good day—Huh?" He waved and was about to step out of the flower bed, when he found his path blocked.

[Assistant] "—You think you can weasel out of this with such flimsy excuses, intruder?" The girl was standing in front of him and fixing him with a sharp stare. She spoke sternly.

[User] Fourier noticed how clear and strong her voice was, befitting her appearance. But astonishment soon replaced that feeling—thanks to the dagger glittering in the girl’s hand.

[Assistant] "W-whoa! A woman like you shouldn’t be walking around with a thing like that!"

[User] "My father doesn’t like it, either, but as you can see, it’s good to have around sometimes. Don’t try anything funny. And don’t underestimate me just because I’m a girl. Just wait until you find out what they do to people who try to break into the castle."

[Assistant] "Huh? Wha? Hrh?" The girl’s voice had become razor-sharp, and she showed no sign of responding to Fourier’s attempts to calm her down. No hesitation appeared in her eyes. She really did think he was an intruder.


[User] She couldn’t have been older than he was, and yet she had such courage. No, there was something else.

[Assistant] “—” Her grip on the dagger hilt was so tight that Fourier could see her fingertips turning white. She had no experience pointing a blade at a person. This was simply what she felt she had to do, while trying not to shake. Fourier had certainly not expected to be spoken to this way. He had never thought that when he met the girl again, it might be like this, or that this was the attitude she would take toward him. But there was one thing he hadn’t been wrong about—

[User] “You are truly a good young woman, aren’t you?” It was that he cared about the girl in front of him even more than he had imagined. The girl’s expression wavered, thrown off by Fourier’s murmur.

[Assistant] “…You can’t trick me. My eyes can see right through lies and ruses.”

[User] “An upsetting response, when I’ve revealed my true feelings. What is it you dislike so much about me? I should like to know!”

[Assistant] “…Do you think I’d trust someone who hides his face, just because he asks me to?”

[User] “Hmm…? Oh! Oh, I see, I see! That was my mistake.” Fourier finally realized that the reason for the girl’s suspicion was his own fault. He touched his head and found the bandanna he had used as a disguise. He hurriedly removed it, and his golden hair fell around his face. At that, the girl’s eyes grew even wider.

[Assistant] “I see I confused you,” Fourier said. “As you can tell, I am no intruder. I am the fourth prince of this nation, Fourier Lugunica! You may gaze upon my visage.” Fourier wiped some sweat from his brow as he announced himself, trying to reassure the shocked young woman. Surely her suspicion would vanish, and that smile of hers would bloom like a flower…

[User] “My deepest apologies, Your Highness! Even turning my own dagger upon myself would not atone for this!” …but of course, nothing was ever that easy.


[User] The girl with the dagger knelt in place when she realized who Fourier was.

[Assistant] "How could I ever ask you to take the blame? I disguised myself with the bandanna, well enough to make you suspect I was some dubious character. Am I a brute who would hold one of my subjects responsible for a misunderstanding that was my own fault?"

[User] "But to have taken such a tone with Your Highness… It does not deserve forgiveness. Please, deliver judgment."

[Assistant] "You are strangely stubborn, aren’t you? Your sense of duty is so demanding! Very well, then, do as I say. You feel guilt toward me and would do what you must to see my humor settled. Is that not so?" Fourier was desperate to stop the girl, who seemed ready at that very moment to sheathe her dagger in her own belly.

[User] "Yes, my prince." She hand him her knife. "Please, Your Highness, do with me as you see fit. I will accept any punishment."

[Assistant] "Um—‘as I see fit’? ‘Any punishment’? Why is my heart pounding so…?" Fourier felt his heart racing in his chest at the sight of the severe girl before him. But he shook his head to clear his mind and took a deep breath to calm his heart. "Then I pronounce your punishment. You… Yes. I order you to help me pass the time for a while. Converse with me for my pleasure, until I have settled down some."

[User] "I… Your Highness, how is that a punishment…?"

[Assistant] "Stay your tongue! I shall entertain no protests! Did you not say you would abide by my wishes? Well, my wishes are plain. You cannot refuse so this matter is finished. Yes?" Arms crossed over his chest, Fourier brought the conversation to an abrupt end.

[User] The girl stared at him for a moment and then touched her hand to the corner of her mouth. "Hee-hee!" A giggle slipped out, though she tried to hold it back. It was the first time Fourier had seen her smile in a way expected of one her age. A girlish and lovely lifting of her lips broke through her stiff and somber expression. "I was worried for a moment, but all for nothing, it seems… Hmm?"

[Assistant] As he uncrossed his arms, Fourier happened to catch a glimpse of the dagger he still held in his hand. That was when he noticed it. "This insignia—a crest in the shape of a lion baring its fangs.


[User] "You must be a member of the Karsten house… Wait. You must be Meckart’s daughter! You are, aren’t you!” he said, pointing to the dagger after he suddenly realized who the girl was.

[Assistant] The girl gave a resigned sigh and a somber nod. “Yes. It is as Your Highness discerns. I am the daughter of Meckart Karsten, head of the House of Karsten. My name is Crusch Karsten. It was terribly rude of me to not introduce myself first.”

[User] “It was my choice to give my name. And my choice to hide my face. There’s no need to start that again. But imagine my surprise—the daughter of the famous Meckart Karsten.” Fourier held the sound of her name in his ears, carved it into his memory.

[Assistant] “Crusch. A fine name. It fits your gallant and noble bearing.”

[User] “Your Highness is too kind. But I thank you.”

[Assistant] “D-do you take my words for flattery? Ah, yes. I must return this to you.” Unaware that he was staring enamored at the self-effacing Crusch, Fourier coughed, his cheeks felt hot, and he passed the dagger to her in an attempt to focus on something else.

[User] She took it reverently, clutching it gently to her chest.

[Assistant] “It looks like something of a treasure to you."

[User] "…It is a gift from my father. To celebrate my birthday, though he warned me to use it carefully.” Her voice was hesitant; perhaps she was still flustered at her episode of mistaken identity.

[Assistant] Fourier deliberately tried to change the subject so they wouldn’t find their way back to that again. “A dagger for his daughter’s birthday? Even for Meckart, that seems a tad tone-deaf.”

[User] “I asked for it. Father asked what I wanted, and I said I wanted the crested dagger passed down by the heads of our house.”

[Assistant] “Hardly tone-deaf at all! Yes, a dagger is a fine gift. Convenient to have around, daggers!”

[User] “You need not bother yourself to spare my feelings, Your Highness. I understand that my tastes are not quite like those of other young ladies.” She gave a somehow ephemeral smile at Fourier’s furious attempts to change his opinion in mid-conversation.

[Assistant] “What’s wrong with it? It might be one thing if a girl were fixated on the blade itself, trying desperately to obtain it. But that is not what was in your mind, was it? You were taken with the lion crest, weren’t you?


[User] "And how can I bear any ill will toward a girl like that? After all, I myself am a descendant of the Lion King!”

[User] “Is something wrong?” He had been so confident as he spoke, but Crusch simply stared at him. This girl had seemed so stoic at first, and now he had seen so many of her varied expressions—although he wished more of them were smiles.

[Assistant] “N-no."

[User] "It’s simply… This is the first time anyone has thought I might have been interested in the crest, and I was surprised.”

[Assistant] “Ah, I see. But is it not true?”

[User] “Yes…it is.” Crusch seemed to want to understand why Fourier had made this guess with such confidence.

[Assistant] “So you know, there was no particular reason I thought that. No proof. Just my own certainty.” So he stuck out his chest proudly.

[User] “…I can see Your Highness is serious. You surprise me more with every moment.”

[Assistant] “Generally speaking, I am always serious. My eccentricities are of a kind not often detected by the common people, however. Heh-heh! Are you afraid of me now?”

[User] “No, my lord. Only admiring.” Crusch pulled in her chin, raising the dagger so that Fourier could see it. Her delicate fingertips ran across the seal, and her amber eyes sparkled.

[Assistant] “Is Your Highness aware of the reason that the crest of my house—the Karsten house—is a lion?”

[User] “Um—yes, yes, of course I am! But…just for form’s sake, I wish to hear it from your own lips. I must see if we share the same understanding.”

[Assistant] “Of course. As Your Highness knows, the lion crest was originally the insignia of the Lugunica royal family.” That had been four centuries earlier, before the pact with the dragon was made and the nation came to be known as the Dragonfriend Kingdom. In those days, the Kingdom of Lugunica had flown the lion crest, and its ruler had been called the Lion King. Wise and strong, these lords provided guidance to all the people. The title was lost when the last Lion King made his pact with the dragon, and dragons became more revered than lions in Lugunica.

[User] “By the dragon’s good grace, the kingdom became rich and prosperous." Crusch concluded. "And with the Lion King no longer needed, the lion crest gave way to the one we have today, which bears the dragon.”

[Assistant] “That’s right—I remember now! The lion crest was not lost but gifted by the ruler to an especially valued subject. And the lion bearing its fangs—”

[User] “—became the symbol of my family, House of Karsten.”

[Assistant] “The Lion King…” he breathed. Miklotov’s endless chatter and those classes Fourier was always running away from had finally come in handy. But he had rarely heard the ancient title “Lion King” more than he had today.

[User] “Indeed,” she said, “the Lion King.” It was a title that had been all but forgotten by many. Fourier tried to speak it freely but found himself unable.


[User] The smile that played across Crusch’s lips had brought him up short as she agreed with him. It was not the smile of someone faintly recalling an old and faded name from the past. —Rather, it bespoke an admiration, indeed a fondness, for the forgotten king.

[Assistant] “Eeyowch!”

[User] “Your Highness?! Wh-what are you doing to yourself?” Fourier had been on the verge of breaking into a vacuous smile. To prevent it, he had given himself a forceful slap on the cheek, startling Crusch.

[Assistant] “Are you all right, Your Highness? Has something happened?”

[User] “N-nothing at all. A trivial matter. A bug landed on my cheek. It is my burden to be loved even by creatures as small as that!” Fourier’s cheek was red and his eyes were watering, but Crusch looked suitably deceived.

[Assistant] “I see…”

[User] Convinced that the pain had been worth it, Fourier privately praised his own judgment before turning the conversation back to the subject of the Lion King. "Crusch. I see you have an exceptional appreciation of the Lion King. Why is that?”

[Assistant] “No special reason. And is this something we should be discussing in the royal castle…?”

[User] “What, would it become an issue if anyone overheard? Then let it be our secret, yours and mine. I, for one, certainly shall not tell anyone. I never betray a promise!” He sounded so sure of himself.

[Assistant] After a moment’s silence, Crusch smiled again. She was speaking to one of the primary members of the royal household. There was no such thing as a secret. To her, Fourier seemed to have forgotten that he was of royal blood. She looked at him, a little stunned. “I have a thought sometimes. Even though, knowing the meaning of my house’s crest, and knowing of the pact with the dragon that protects our kingdom, I think it might be too much for this small body of mine.”

[User] “What thought is that?”

[Assistant] “In the time of the Lion King, we did not have the stability we enjoy now. But they did not have this stagnation, either. The dragon’s blessing makes our lives easy—perhaps too easy.”

[User] “—” Fourier found himself swallowing heavily at her words.

[Assistant] Seeing him fall silent, Crusch’s lips curled into a smile again. However, it was not the affectionate smile of earlier but a detached expression that somehow seemed adult. “Will Your Highness punish me now for disrespecting the kingdom?”

[User] “In all honesty, I’m beginning to think it is best to keep this between us. You’re right that this talk ought not to be shared with just anyone. And yet…” Fourier could not quite see what Crusch saw. Call it a difference in intellect or in way of life. The young prince had only just begun becoming acquainted with her nature, and he was unable to offer an answer to what she pondered.

[Assistant] When she saw Fourier agonizing over what she had said, Crusch half closed her eyes, the strength draining from her shoulders.


[User] "Forget what I said, my lord. Think of it as the foolish mumblings of a girl who knows not her place. I have no brothers, but it remains that I am a woman. I am unable to choose a life befitting my house’s crest…the path of a lion." She spoke the words unable to choose in a tone of profound resignation.

[Assistant] There was something she desperately wanted to do and couldn’t.

[User] He felt a rush of heat in his raging heart. He opened his mouth, revealing a fang-like tooth. "Foolishness? Let others call it that. But you must never concede so yourself."

[Assistant] “…Your Highness?”

[User] "I don’t know what desires you harbor or what you wish to do. But I am sure that the girl standing here before me today is the result of her efforts to achieve that goal. It seems you now regard that time as wasted, but…"

[Assistant] He had been utterly captivated by the sight of her standing there—her face, the sound of her voice, and the time they had spent together. And all these things he had fallen for had surely come about because of her constant striving to realize her wish, the wish she was now about to abandon. And so his pushback came from the fire of his own deeply seated passion. —To let that wish go would be a grave mistake. This, Fourier knew with every fiber of his being. "I’m convinced you are more intelligent than I. But intelligence has little to do with me. You are wrong! I know you are!"

[User] "Your Highness…? You mean what I seek is wrong, as well?"

[Assistant] "I don’t know! I don’t know what is wrong. But something is."

[User] Crusch looked taken aback by Fourier’s blunt pronouncement. Her ideas had been amply criticized in the past. She had been repeatedly told she was wrong, different from those around her, until she had finally begun to doubt her own thinking.

[Assistant] "Don’t give me that resigned smile! Perhaps your words are foolishness, but they belong to you. I will not laugh, and anyone who laughs does not have the vision to see where you are headed. You never know what might come of it—what flower might bloom. You are still just a bud! And who can say what wonderful blossom might emerge before it has fully come into itself?" Fourier was rather proud of having come up with this metaphor.


[User] He turned to the flower bed and pointed to the immature bud in the corner. “I do not know what you were seeing, but when you looked at that sprout I knew your heart. Because, I am sure, it is the same as mine!”

[Assistant] “S-so… So don’t blame yourself for being different from others. It means nothing, and it is unimportant. We may have our differences, but if we see the same beauty in the same things, then all will go well for us!” Fourier thrust his fist into the air, exclaiming, “How about that?” in a show of excitement. Crusch was wide-eyed, overwhelmed by his ardor.

[User] Silently, as if drawn along, she looked at the flower bed, too. Then she said, “I came here today to see if that had flowered yet.”

[Assistant] “I thought as much. You were observing it with such interest.”

[User] Crusch was confused. “Is this not the first time Your Highness has seen me here?”

[Assistant] “Oh! Uh, no, it is the first time! I was just…speaking on intuition! Yes, that’s it!”

[User] Crusch didn’t press Fourier about these strange remarks, only smiled. Quietly, she said, “If you think we see the same beauty in the same things…” Her face relaxed. “Then, my lord, when this bud blooms, may I view it with you? To find out if someone as unusual as myself shares your sensibilities?”

[Assistant] “Oh? Oh! You may! You certainly may. I would enjoy that!” Fourier answered in a fit of ecstasy, turning red from the neck up at Crusch’s smiling invitation. Only the flowers—and a single bud—bobbing in the wind stood witness to this odd but amusing exchange.


[User] In a room of the Lugunica castle lined with bookshelves, Miklotov was receiving a report. “So the source of young master Fourier’s heartsickness is Crusch Karsten, is that it?”

[Assistant] Standing in front of the old sage was the tutor tasked with Fourier’s education.

[User] When the instructor told him what the problem was, Miklotov nodded and stroked his long beard. “Mmm. I see. The daughter of the honorable Lord Meckart. I’ve heard that she’s quite an odd girl… Perhaps that is precisely what drew His Highness Fourier to her.”

[Assistant] “I am afraid I don’t know, sir. But it appears to be fact that the young lady and His Highness are on familiar terms. The other day, I gather they went to the garden to look at a flower together…”

[User] “How sweet. But if this causes him to neglect his studies…”

[Assistant] “Er, ahem, on that note, sir.” The tutor interrupted Miklotov.

[User] The sage raised an eyebrow. “If anything, His Highness has been more focused on his studies than before. Perhaps his acquaintance with the young lady has…”

[Assistant] “…moved him to present himself as his best? Yes, how sweet, indeed.” Miklotov finished the tutor’s reluctant sentence.


[User] Miklotov’s gaze sharpened, and he straightened up.

[Assistant] Fixed by the old man’s stare, the tutor felt his throat go dry.

[User] “And the young lord…? Has he shown any signs of the blood?”

[Assistant] “Ahem, he—no, he doesn’t appear to… At least, not that I have seen.”

[User] Despondence crossed Miklotov’s eyes. The old sage let out a long sigh. “Is that so? …Perhaps the second coming of the Lion King is only a dream…” He could not hide his disappointment.

[Assistant] The tutor, not quite able to sympathize with either the elder’s thought process or his wishes, could only remain silent.

[User] “In that case, I hope His Highness will at least spend his days in good health. I shall exercise these old bones a little longer to be sure it is so…”


[Assistant] Fourier Lugunica found his days ever more fulfilling, never realizing that those who looked to him expectantly saw their hope slowly give way to despair. Several days after he had made his promise to Crusch, they watched the bud bloom into a great flower. Her smile at the moment she laid eyes on the blossom was fixed clearly in Fourier’s mind.

[User] “—It’s beautiful, isn’t it, Your Highness?”

[Assistant] “Indeed, it certainly is! I believe I shall never forget this.” Fourier decided to keep to himself what exactly he would commit forever to memory. Their garden rendezvous continued frequently after that day.


[User] Crusch would visit the garden whenever she arrived at the castle, and Fourier would always be there. But Crusch was different somehow, ever since they saw that flower blossom together. As they saw each other more and more, something about her began to change.

[Assistant] “You no longer tie your hair back.”

[User] “I owe it to what Your Highness said.” Crusch replied with a slight smile.

[Assistant] “Hrm! But how will I be at peace without knowing? It weighs on me so!”

[User] Crusch said nothing in reply to Fourier’s outburst but only reached down to her hip. The dagger hung there, and Fourier realized she had developed a habit of touching the lion crest. He felt suddenly as though the Lion King had taken her from him, though she was standing right there. “You’re quite enamored with the Lion King, aren’t you?”

[Assistant] “You misunderstand, Your Highness. I’m simply proud of my ancestor, who diligently supported his country and was recognized as the greatest servant of the king…though I understand I do this quite often.” Her flushed cheeks betrayed her attempted excuse after noticing the prince’s sullen demeanor.

[User] “But the Lion King is no more. Think of him as highly as you like; no one else will ever…”

[Assistant] “Er—no! I mean—I was speaking figuratively! I didn’t—” His inadvertent words must have struck Crusch in the heart, for she retreated into oppressive and mournful silence while Fourier frantically tried to take back what he had said. Finally, he clapped his hands and said, “Very well! If that is what you wish for, then I shall make myself into the person you seek!”

[User] “My lord?”

[Assistant] “Let us see whether your love for this kingdom approaches what the Lion King saw in your honored ancestor! Why not? The Lion’s blood flows in my veins, does it not? I have every right to be the judge of this!”

[User] Crusch’s shock at these mental gymnastics gave way to a smile.

[Assistant] “Hmm! Do you laugh at me? I daresay, I’ve impressed even myself with my impeccable logic!”

[User] “N-no, I…I apologize. It is simply… Your Highness is such an amazing person…”

[Assistant] “Ah-ha! You wonder, do you not, whether I am as worthy of a vow of loyalty as the Lion King? Very well. Watch me closely. I shall judge your loyalty as you shall judge my worthiness.


[User] "Then, we resurrect once more the bond between the Lion King and his most devoted retainer!”

[Assistant] “Ah—ha-ha-ha!”

[User] “Don’t laaaugh!” But her amusement was like a flower blooming, and soon Fourier joined her.


[User] "This is terrible! They say I am to attend a matchmaking meeting!" Such were the desperate words that rang through the Karsten manor one fine afternoon. The door to the parlor flew open, and a young boy with golden hair tumbled in, still breathing hard. He had scarlet eyes, distinctive canine teeth, and fine clothing, including an extravagant fur robe.

[Assistant] "Calm down, Your Highness. How can the rest of us maintain our composure when you are so frantic?"

[User] “You expect me to be calm at a time like this?! They’re trying to marry me off! Don’t you think that should be of great concern to you? Shouldn’t it be of great concern to her, Ferris? !”

[Assistant] "Ah? You’re asking Ferri?" The person in question spun and pointed to himself.

[User] "Mm, you’re right, Prince Fourier. But! But! You’re fourteen now… You’re not a child, so it makes sense they’d want to set up a meowtch for you." Ferris tapped a finger to his lips and said.

[Assistant] Fourier paled at that; his balled fists trembled. "No, absolutely not! I shall not be party to any matchmaking! I refuse!"

[User] "But, Your Highness. As a member of the royal family, it is your duty to take a spouse and continue the royal line. The problem won’t go away simply because you don’t like it."

[Assistant] "U-um, you’re not wrong, of course. It’s—I’m not objecting to the idea of marriage in general, you see. But, you know…I—I have the right to choose, don’t I?"


[User] "I don’t need a matchmaker to… Ahh, what are you forcing me to say? !”

[Assistant] “Ah, my loutish prince…” Ferris said.

[User] As Fourier voiced his ardent resentment of the matchmaking meeting.

[Assistant] Replied with irrefutable logic.

[User] Fourier attempted to respond, but there was nothing he could say, and he soon resorted to a red-faced bout of temper.

[Assistant] Ferris could only shake his head and sigh. He felt the frustration born from five years of watching these two talk past each other. Fourier’s infatuation with Crusch was plain to see. It made sense he would have no interest in a matchmaking meeting when his heart had belonged to another for so long. If only he could bring himself to be honest about it. The fourth prince, Fourier, and the daughter of a duke. They were close enough in status; there would be no harm in it. But…

[User] “Ferris, His Highness seems quite upset. Did I say something wrong? What do you think?” Crusch said, whispering to him so the prince couldn’t hear. She was totally oblivious. Crush was Ferris’s lifelong master, the most loving girl in all the world—and she was utterly unable to discern anything more than friendly affection. There was no harm in Fourier’s romantic interest, except that Crusch herself was his last and greatest obstacle. He wished Fourier would hurry up and find the courage to confess his feelings…

[Assistant] “No, Lady Crusch, you haven’t done anything wrong. It’s all His Highness. He’s made the meowstake. Lady, help me tell him to be less of a lout…”

[User] “Hmm, very well. I suppose I can trust your assessment. Your Highness, I’m not entirely clear on this, but I offer my heartfelt request that you stop being such a lout.”

[Assistant] “Hrk!” There was no bite to the words, but Fourier clapped his hands over his chest and fell to his knees because it was his beloved who had spoken.

[User] Crusch’s eyes went wide at this, and she looked reprovingly at Ferris. "I’ll punish you for this later, Ferris.”

[Assistant] “Awww, but Ferri just wanted to get a smile out of you, milady!”

[User] “Sheesh. Ever the smooth talker. I suppose you’re the only one who could sneak something like that past my blessing of wind reading. It’s just as well to be reminded that my protection isn’t all-powerful.”

[Assistant] “Yes! That’s all Ferri was trying to do—to remind you of that, milady.”

[User] “I’ll pretend to believe you. But I’m still going to punish you.” Crusch nodded sternly. Not once in her life had she ever failed to follow through on something she said she would do. Punishment was a fine-sounding word, but she didn’t pull her punches when it came to handing them out, so anyone who wanted to play a prank on her had to be prepared for the consequences.

[Assistant] “Oh well! Ferri will keep making jokes, that’s for sure! Just to see the lovely Lady Crusch wear that look of surprise on her face!"


[User] “Oh, what a rare treat!”

[Assistant] “Arrgh, that will be enough out of you two! When a person comes in agonized, tormented, is it not usual to comfort him?! Or do you enjoy leaving me to suffer? Oh, the loneliness!” Fourier broke in after growing quite tired of being left out.

[User] Crusch and Ferris turned to the task together, trying to pacify Fourier.

[Assistant] It was perhaps a testament to the strength of the relationship among the three that neither of them seemed to consider this role a burden.


[User] When Fourier’s temper finally cooled, the trio stayed in the parlor discussing the details of the matchmaking interview.

[Assistant] “The prospective match is the daughter of some relation to the archbishop of Gusteko. They say she’s nineteen! A whole five years older than me. This will not do at all. We must cancel the meeting.” Fourier already sounded thoroughly convinced of his own conclusion.

[User] “Your Highness! Your Highness, I’m telling you, you have no proof!” Ferris attempted to remonstrate without raising the young lord’s hackles again.

[Assistant] “In Gusteko, the archbishop is almost as important as the Council of Elders is here.”

[User] “A meowrriage alliance with that family would be very important for Lugunica…”

[Assistant] “Such a match would be of tremendous import for both nations, Your Highness.”

[User] “This is an essential duty.”

[Assistant] “Wait, wait, wait, wait! We’re just going in circles. When did the both of you start siding with the Holy Kingdom? What I’m saying is I don’t want to make any matches! Help me!” Fourier clung to Ferris’s knees, nearly in tears.

[User] Ferris couldn’t help thinking how unbecoming this scene would look if anyone were to bear witness, but nonetheless he gave the crybaby prince a pat on the head.

[Assistant] “If you’re that upset, Lord Fourier, then they probably won’t go through with it…but unfortunately, being bothered probably isn’t a good enough reason to turn down the meeting itself.”

[User] “Mm, yes, I realize that myself. By which I mean, when I said as much to Miklotov, I was subjected to one of his rare fits of anger. I had no idea he could work himself into such a fury…”

[Assistant] The news that Fourier had already managed to upset the great adviser caused Ferris to put his head in his hands, then shoot a desperate look at Crusch.

[User] “Lady Cruuusch… What should we do?”

[Assistant] “Good question."


[User] For the good of the kingdom I would have His Highness simply resign himself to this meeting, but as I owe a great debt to him, I am obliged to do all I can when he comes to me for help. Incidentally, Your Highness, if this marriage were to go ahead, would the young lady be coming to Lugunica?”

[Assistant] “No—Miklotov told me I should prepare to continue my studies somewhere chilly… I can’t do it! I hate being hot and being cold, but cold is definitely worse! You know me—even on a warm day like today, I never let my robe out of my sight.”

[User] Fourier couldn’t bring himself to have any interest in the meeting, and he was certainly concerned about what life would be like once he was wed.

[Assistant] “And that means it’s possible neither of the parties to this marriage would be happy…” He moaned.

[User] But just as Ferris loved and respected Crusch, he felt a deep affection for Fourier as well. If it could be done, he wanted to see them both enjoy the greatest possible happiness in this life.

[Assistant] “Okay, Your Highness, mew’ve made yourself perfectly clear. We must find a way to scuttle this meeting. I guess your reputation can’t get any worse, anyway!”

[User] “Oh! You’ve come around? Now, that’s encouraging, Ferris! So, what’s your plan? Shall we pretend I’m already betrothed? You know, to…someone?”

[Assistant] “Mew would have to show more courage than you’ve ever shown in your life to pull that off, Your Highness!”

[User] Even as he chastised Fourier for his lack of spine, Ferris took Crusch’s hand.

[Assistant] Then he placed it over another hand that was still clinging to his knees—Fourier’s hand.

[User] “This is how it works. As sorry as I feel for the young lady, at the meeting you have to declare that your heart already belongs to another…and that’s how you’ll make it through!”

[Assistant] “Th-th-that’s your plan?! But…but Crusch and I aren’t lovers…!”

[User] “You’re right, you’re not! But all you have to do is get the other side to believe you are and back out of the match. After that, the two of mew just have a big fight and ‘break up’ or something. No more problem!”

[Assistant] “Ferris! My heart hurts for some reason! And my chest and my back! Please, cast healing magic on me!”

[User] “Healing magic can’t fix the kind of pain you’re mewling right now, Your Highness. Sorry!”

[Assistant] Fourier found himself caught up in the momentum of Ferris’s idea.


[User] The trio’s hands were still joined, and Fourier slowly turned red as he came alive to the realization that he would get to pretend to be Crusch’s lover. After that epiphany, he was quick to jump on board. He stood with no small amount of confidence and said, “Heh-heh! Very well, then! I expected no less of you, Ferris… I applaud you for detecting my natural talents as an actor!”

[Assistant] “No, no, it’s all down to Your Highness’s pliant personality. Ferri didn’t do anything!”

[User] “Ha-ha-ha! You needn’t praise me so! Yes, I’ve started to feel quite good about this. The cloud that hung over me has vanished like it was never there! Very good—now, Crusch!” With a great guffaw Fourier returned to his usual self. He held out his hand to his beloved Crusch, flashing a smile that showed his teeth like a child playing a mischievous trick. “Work with me to reduce this meeting to nothing! I request this cooperation of y—”

[Assistant] “Your Highness, I’m afraid there is something I must tell you.”

[User] “Um…and what would that be?” Fourier looked less than pleased to have been interrupted at the climactic moment of his speech.

[Assistant] Crusch gave him a knowing look, but at the same time, she furrowed her well-formed eyebrows. “It so happens that my father has already asked me to attend to some business on the same day as your meeting. It’s no less than a summons to the palace from Miklotov…”

[User] “Mrrow? !” Fourier was taken aback.

[Assistant] Ferris couldn’t hide his surprise. “Do you think they deliberately arranged a conflicting engagement so you couldn’t mess with the meeting?”

[User] “Knowing my father and the esteemed Miklotov, such a ploy is possible. Then again, it might really be just coincidence… So, Your Highness, I’m very sorry to say I will not be able to lend you my aid.”

[Assistant] “I—I see. Th-that’s fine. Ha-ha. That’s… Yes, completely fine.” Fourier sat down broodingly, not quite able to hide his disappointment, despair, and shock. He looked absolutely pathetic, and Ferris rushed to comfort him.

[User] Seeing Fourier’s expression, Crusch cocked her head and nodded. “My lord, I don’t suppose it matters whether I am the one you’re allegedly in love with?”

[Assistant] “—Huh?”

[User] “—Huh?”

[Assistant] Seeing their perfectly synchronous reactions, Crusch gave one of her rarest smiles: the grin of a refined young woman who had something naughty in mind.


[User] "I don’t want to imagine the royal blood of Lugunica being mingled with the line of those dreamers. The young lady you’ll be meeting today is especially bad. By all means, bring things to a screeching halt!”

[Assistant] "Meowbe you have to be a bit weird to get an important job like this. Lord Meckart is the same way.”

[User] "Well, that’s not true of the ones I’m closest with, though." he mused.

[Assistant] “Ahh, stop it, stop it! I can’t go making meowself all depressed at such an important moment!” He gave himself a slap on the cheek to bring himself back, but he made sure to do it gently so his face wouldn’t turn red.

[User] “All right…” he said to himself. “Here goes nothing, Ferri!” He imagined Crusch giving him a little push to get him started and stepped out of the changing room. He swept the hem of his skirt with much the same resolve as a soldier going to the battlefield, and the viscount, waiting outside, saw him off with a smile. Ferris let the nobleman’s unexpected enthusiasm carry him toward the fateful room. One of the viscount’s men, standing with a nervous look just outside the closed door, gave Ferris a nod. Then Ferris stood in full view as the door opened, before striding proudly into the meeting room.

[Assistant] “I am His Highness Fourier’s lover,” he announced in a girlish tone, “and I will not allow this meeting to proceed!”


[User] Apparently he had barged in just at the moment when the two young prospects had been left alone together. It was two against one, and the numbers favored Fourier’s side. But from the point of view of sheer quantity, it was very much the other way around.

[Assistant] "The… The young lady looks very strong, doesn’t she?" Ferris muttered, sizing up the other party to the meeting, who sat across from them. As things stood, the three of them were in a meeting room with a small table between their side and hers as they faced one another. Ferris seated himself next to Fourier, while the prince’s prospective match was seated across from them. She had presence enough to overcome the disadvantage in numbers.

[User] "Oh, there’s no need to dance around it." She said with an elegant shake of her head. "I know I’m a bit bigger than most." She looked down, embarrassed. The quality of each gesture, however, communicated the refinement of her upbringing. —Unfortunately, her body was so large that the phrase exceptional carriage was simply inadequate.

[Assistant] The girl was seated in front of Fourier, but she took up so much room that it would have been fair to say she was seated in front of Ferris, too. They felt more like they were faced with a boulder than a person. "A-and so you see, Miss Tiriena…" But she had a lovely name. It sounded like a spell that could be used to summon snow sprites, but she herself looked like a mountain in a blizzard. Ferris had heard that, in Gusteko, with its continual snowfall, girls prized skin as white as new fallen snow, and this figure was no exception. Up close, her skin was peerless; from a distance, it evoked the image of a peerless cliff.

[User] Even the normally charismatic Fourier seemed cowed by this woman, his words uncharacteristically inarticulate. Still, he managed to throw an arm around Ferris’s shoulder, pulling his slender body close. "I—I’m so sorry you had to come all this way, but I already have someone I’ve set my heart upon. I’m afraid I just won’t be able to accept your proposal."

[Assistant] "It’s true. Oh, I just can’t imagine being betrothed to anyone but His Highness. I beg you, don’t tear the two of us apart…!"


[User] In contrast to Fourier’s near inability to speak, Ferris was an accomplished actor, augmenting his pleas with a tear in the corner of his eye.

[Assistant] “There’s no need for either of you to apologize. I can see all too well the love you share. It’s enough to make me ashamed…” Tiriena, wearing one of the uniquely unrevealing dresses common in the northern country, pressed a hand to her chest gently, then regarded Fourier and Ferris with clear eyes.

[User] “Even we in the Holy Kingdom know of the civil war from decades ago. I had heard resentment still remained from those days, but…I see it hasn’t stopped the two of you from cherishing each other. What a beautiful love you share.”

[Assistant] Ferris realized Tiriena was looking at his cat ears. He couldn’t keep his face from stiffening at Tiriena’s words. His pale shoulders, exposed by the cut of his dress, began to tremble, and he reflexively tried to make himself smaller. But the arm around his shoulders drew tighter.

[User] “Just so, Lady Tiriena.” Fourier was gazing directly at her now as he attempted to hold Ferris steady with his arm. The bewilderment he had shown a moment before had vanished, replaced with a commanding presence and strength of spirit.

[Assistant] “In friendship and in love I pay no mind to birth or species. One loves whom one loves. Others may say what they please—but I cannot do anything about the yearnings of my own heart. I love this woman beside me, right to her very ears. I even adore her feline fickleness.” Fourier smiled proudly.

[User] Ferris felt his cheeks grow hot, their faces close.

[Assistant] “Goodness, I envy the idea that one can be so dearly loved.” Tiriena smiled like a contented bear.

[User] Her look made Ferris realize that Tiriena agreed that the meeting had to end.

[Assistant] “Forgive me, Miss Tiriena,” Fourier said.

[User] “You are intelligent and, above all, kind, and if I were not already so in love, I could do much worse than be betrothed to you.”

[Assistant] “Please, you don’t need to try to spare the feelings of a woman you have no interest in.


[User] It would be so much worse to know I was with someone whose heart belonged to another. I myself have been thoughtless, anyway. I’d heard the rumors that His Highness Fourier Lugunica was in love with a manly, martial young woman—and I have to admit, I wondered…” Ferris barely suppressed a squeak at Tiriena’s comments as she rose from her seat.

[Assistant] “Your Highness,” Ferris said, “I hope you have a good, long think about your behavior today…”

[User] “What do you mean?! I think I was very manly today, if I may say so myself!”

[Assistant] Viscount Misère reentered the room with Tiriena’s escort, he was merciless. “It looks like there’s no need to ask how things went.”

[User] Tiriena, however, had a tremendously gentle smile on her face. “You’re as cruel as ever, Viscount. Have you no words of comfort for a brokenhearted young maiden?”

[Assistant] “I thought we held this meeting in hopes that you would find someone to offer you that comfort. If it didn’t go well, that’s your problem. Complain all you like; there’s nothing I can do about it.”

[User] Ferris gave one of Tiriena’s attendants a tap on the shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Um, excuse meow for asking,” Ferris said, “but have those two met each other?”

[Assistant] “Ah? Oh, yes. Viscount Misère came to the Holy Kingdom several times in his youth, on which occasions he met Lady Tiriena. They’ve known each other for nearly a decade now…”

[User] “Could it be that the viscount has feelings for Lady Tiriena?”

[Assistant] “Wha?!” In a near panic, he turned to Tiriena and said, “It’s not—it’s not true! That fool’s sick in the head! I don’t care a whit about—”

[User] “I know; you don’t have to get so frantic. But I can’t believe you would use a word like fool for such a refined young lady. Apologize to her!”

[Assistant] “A fool he is and a fool I’ll call him!


[User] "Dress or no dress, that’s a man!”

[Assistant] “Huh?” Tiriena, shocked, looked at Ferris, trying to decide whether this was true.

[User] "—It’s true. I’m a man, just like he said.” No point in denying it. Ferris pulled down the front of his dress to reveal his perfectly flat chest.

[Assistant] Tiriena still looked as if she could barely believe it.

[User] Ferris


[User] "I shall consider it further.” Crusch, as serious as she was, would no doubt end up deducting some reasoning she could accept. Although being as ignorant in matters of the heart as she was, she might never arrive at the correct answer.

[Assistant] Ferris found himself under a cloud, even though it represented an uncharacteristic moment of disloyalty to his master. But even Ferris was surprised by how hurt he felt when faced with this newfound distance from Fourier. The two of them had parted ways after they had left the viscount and the young lady in the meeting room together, and Fourier had gotten into his dragon carriage. His last, trembling words to Ferris had been...

[User] "I command you to leave me alone.” He had never “commanded” Ferris to do anything before, and it was a sign of how deeply shaken he was. Truth be told, Ferris had pictured this situation more than once. It was his own weakness that had kept him from telling Fourier the truth when they first met and led him to instead deceive the prince.

[Assistant] And in all the times he had imagined this moment, he had never been able to work out an apt way to handle it when the truth came out.

[User] "—Ferris.” Crusch drew close to him, cutting through his anxious self-reflection. "Trust His Highness. He is the man you think he is.” She had no proof for these words and offered none, but Ferris found them more comforting than any lecture on Fourier’s virtues. The bond and the trust between Crusch and Ferris were just that strong.

[Assistant] That was why…


[User] "This is terrible! The greatest crisis of my life! Where are you two? !” He was surprised when Fourier flew in with his usual commotion, looking at Ferris and Crusch just as he always did, every bit as panicked as he always was. He skidded to a halt in front of a wide-eyed Ferris and crossed his arms, looking cornered. "My elder brother and my father got ahold of me the other day. They asked if it was true that I only love men. I wondered what they could possibly be talking about—and apparently it’s some rumor everyone in the city is spreading! This is grave indeed!”

[Assistant] Ferris just about lost it when he realized Fourier was upset about exactly the thing they had just been discussing. But…

[User] "Ahhh-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!” Before he could burst out laughing, Crusch beat him to the punch. It shocked him: Crusch virtually paralyzed with hilarity was a very unusual sight.

[Assistant] Ferris could restrain himself no longer and started laughing, too. "Ha-ha…ha! Ohh, Your Highness! You are too—ha-ha-ha!” He pounded Fourier’s shoulder in his merriment, nearly hard enough to injure the young prince.

[User] "Ow! That hurts! Anyway, what do you two find so amusing? The sky is practically falling!


[User] "We have to do something about this misunderstanding!"

[Assistant] "Aww, why not just leave it? Ferri sure doesn’t mind being treated like Your Highness’s lover. Didn’t mew tell me yourself how much you loved me?"

[User] "That’s a completely different subject! It’s true that gender doesn’t stand in the way of my love for you, but you’re a special case! I wouldn’t feel this way about just any—wait, what are you making me say?" Fourier put his head in his hands, thoroughly confused by his own pronouncement.

[Assistant] Ferris hugged him from behind, throwing himself against the prince’s broad back. The cat-boy shot Crusch a happy grin.

[User] The smile was still on her face, and she nodded as if to say she understood how Ferris felt.

[Assistant] All his anxiety from earlier melted away; he felt as if his heart had wings again. At that moment, he felt as if he could float right up to the sky and let the wind take him anywhere he wanted to go.


[User] “Cute! I am cute. A girlish young woman, a wonderful and cute girl.” Roswaal repeats the words like magic, as a mantra.

[Assistant] Roswaal runs a brush through distinctive shoulder-length flaxen hair, ensuring it was full and neat before biting back a yawn and changing out of pajamas. While moving over to the closet, cold air hits pale, slender—and at the moment—naked, trembling skin.

[User] Roswaal picks a shirt that wasn’t too loud and a skirt with a hem short enough to perhaps raise some eyebrows, then checks how it all looked in the mirror. Then came the culottes and knee-high socks, along with white ribbons to be tied into the hair. Striking a pose in front of the mirror, then checking once more to be sure nothing was out of place.

[Assistant] “Okay! Looking good today—again!” Roswaal says with a satisfied nod and a wink.

[User] “It won’t do to look meowlancholy.” Roswaal pats each cheek.

[Assistant] “Now, let’s attack the day!” Roswaal says with a tiny yawn, before leaving the room.


[User] Roswaal walks through the hallway of the mansion silent in the early morning, a chill noticeable in the air.

[Assistant] The Servants exchange morning greetings and easy smiles with Roswaal. Everyone remarked on the sudden cooldown, and there was even a gentle warning not to catch a cold.

[User] “What are you talking about? You mean that old saying, ‘Illness spares not even doctors’?” Roswaal asks smiling and waving, before they went their separate ways, while Roswaal continues to the mansion’s main entry hall.

[Assistant] The Elderly Steward opens the door.


[User] Walking through it while unconsciously bracing against the cold wind that came blowing through, a single figure hunched over.

[Assistant] "—You’re here." Another had arrived at the entrance earlier and now tossed the brief remark over her shoulder. She was beautiful. The woman tugged on the reins of the white land dragon that was her faithful steed, holding her long green hair against the rising wind. Feeling her upturned, amber eyes watching made the newcomer unconsciously attempt to straighten up from their previous stooped position. It wasn’t an attempt to look good for the woman; her eyes simply had the power to provoke that reaction. "You didn’t wait long for me, did you, Lady Crusch?"

[User] "No, you’re right on time. I just woke up a little early. My father finally decided to permit me to take longer rides again. I’ve been dying to go for one." The dragon put its face close to hers, and she stroked its head, her expression relaxing into a smile. She looked very collected, and yet it spoke of something childish within her. Her name was Crusch Karsten. She smiled even wider as she noticed her companion looking her way. "Go get yourself a land dragon from the stables. Our destination will be the same as always, all right, Ferris?"

[Assistant] "Yes, ma’am." Ferris responded with a perfect curtsy, appearing every inch the perfect lady. This was how Ferris—the young man Felix Argyle—began every day.


[User] Ferris, now sixteen, was a firm believer in the power of a person’s will and faith. If you kept believing, surprising things could happen. For example, he should have developed secondary sexual characteristics long ago, but as if in response to his daily wishes and prayers, he showed no sign of becoming more masculine. His voice grew no deeper and his body didn’t thicken. He was quietly thankful to his ancestors that he didn’t grow a beard. But the things for which he was grateful to his bloodline didn’t stop at his body.

[Assistant] "Have I bored you, Ferris?" A calm voice brought him out of his reverie. He was taking a break, sitting in the grass and leaning against a large tree. Crusch had knelt directly in front of him and was looking intently into his eyes.

[User] “…Sorry, meow. Kinda drifted off.”

[Assistant] "Oh? That’s unusual for you. Are you tired? Did I work you too hard?"

[User] "No, I just let my mind wander a bit… Are you going to punish me? Lady Crusch, are you going to punish Ferri? My heart’s pounding!"

[Assistant] "Punish you? I would hate to be so coldhearted." Crusch shook her head, oblivious to the significance of Ferris’s reddening cheeks.

[User] The cat-boy sighed.

[Assistant] Crusch, still peering down at him, continued: "And there’s no need to stand on ceremony here. Let your mind wander if you wish. No matter what happens, I’m here."

[User] "Aww, Lady Crusch, you always know just what to say…even if you never seem to realize it. Ferri might just be in love…"


[User] "Your face is red. It’s chilly today—don’t tell me you’ve caught a cold?"

[Assistant] "No, not at all! That’s not it at all! Oooh, Lady Crusch, you are just too cruel! I can’t stand it!"

[User] "I see." She looked properly embarrassed. "I’m sorry."

[Assistant] Crusch returned to her original position, almost as if she were being pulled over. This grassy field was where the two of them always came when they wanted a longer ride. It was about an hour away from the mansion, a place of pure mana and full of wind. It seemed to border on holy. Ferris was always overjoyed to spend time with just the two of them, in a place where no one could interrupt.

[User] "—Yah!" The lithe Crusch went through a series of movements with her sword as Ferris watched from his spot beside a tree.

[Assistant] Ferris was always overjoyed to spend time with just the two of them, in a place where no one could interrupt.

[User] "You’re even more into it than usual this morning, Lady Crusch."

[Assistant] "True enough. It’s what comes of waiting so long for the sword and an extended ride. Without you to keep me from getting cabin fever, I’m sure I would’ve made some ridiculous complaint to my father out of sheer boredom."

[User] "But it was just like you, milady, not to try to sneak out and do it on the sly."

[Assistant] "Of course not. My father was right to reprimand me. I was the one who caused the trouble. If I saw fit to break the rules after that, people would surely say I had no shame."


[User] "You know, Ferri is not very happy with Lord Meckart’s decision. It was exactly because mew were there that things didn’t get any worse!"

[Assistant] "It’s only natural that my father asked me to act appropriately as the daughter of a duke. Although I do wish he’d accept me one of these days… So which of us is more stubborn—me or my father?" Ferris puffed out his cheeks, but Crusch just gave a rueful smile.


[User] "I definitely ackmeowledge how much I owe Lord Meckart, but that doesn’t mean I have to accept everything he does."

[Assistant] "I wish you wouldn’t criticize my father so much. He seems thinner every day lately. The responsibility of running a ducal household must weigh on him. I want his time with his family, at least, to be a source of good cheer for him."

[User] "Do you mean Ferri is a part of the family?"

[Assistant] "—? Of course."

[User] Ferris’s cheeks flushed at being included so readily in the family. He quickly patted his skirt to distract from his cheeks. "It’s—it’s fine."

[Assistant] "Lord Meckart practically seems to like it when Ferri puts him on the spot like that. He said he enjoys having people say outrageous things to him…"

[User] "What? My father said that? I didn’t know…and I think I’ll see him a little differently from now on." Crusch was completely taken in by this bit of gossip Ferris had strategically deployed to distract her from his embarrassment. Meckart’s daughter wore a look of plain surprise.


[User] Ferris tried to fix the expression in his memory, as it was something he saw all too rarely. And silently, he apologized to the duke, albeit mentally sticking his tongue out while he did. He didn’t try to correct Crusch’s misunderstanding, though. Maybe that was a sign of just how displeased he still was.

[Assistant] "Felix, may I have a moment?"

[User] "Yes, sir?" Ferris turned at the voice, offering his most girlish look in a fit of pique. The other man seemed dismayed at the openly flirtatious glance. Ferris enjoyed the moment.

[Assistant] “Ooh, it’s just too easy to get a rise out of you, Lord Meowckart. It’s too much fun to tease you! You bring out Ferri’s inner trickster!”

[User] “What? And you blame me for this? Er—I mean, I’m sorry.”

[Assistant] All you have to do is look a little bit put out, and he’ll apologize. What a pushover.

[User] Standing before Ferris was a man in his fifties. He had grown a mustache, ostensibly for the gravitas it provided him, but the strange shape of his eyebrows and his gentle face robbed him of any benefit from it. The only thing he shared with Crusch, his blood daughter, was the color of his eyes. It was all the more surprising, then, that this was Duke Karsten, head of one of the most famous noble houses in Lugunica. And he was also Crusch’s father—Meckart Karsten.

[Assistant] A doleful smile came over Meckart’s friendly face. He tugged at his rather incongruous mustache as he said, “I believe you were off on a ride with Crusch this morning. How is she doing?”

[User] “If you’re concerned about her, sir, please let me humbly suggest that you ask her yourself. This is you we’re talking about, of course, but even so, do you think Lady Crusch would lie to you, Lord Meckart?”

[Assistant] “I’m not quite sure I like the way you put that. But no, I’m not worried that she would lie to me. It’s just… Well, I was the one who imposed that prohibition. I thought it might be hard for her to say how she was really feeling… Um, or rather…hard for me to ask.” His good heart won out over his desire to deceive himself, and he voiced his true problem. Father and daughter were also alike in their inability to tell a blatant lie.

[User] “I see… Well, put your mind at ease. Lady Crusch isn’t mad at you or anything. She even seems to understand why you did what you did.”

[Assistant] “You say that as if I were the villain… But, ahem, thank you.”

[User] “For the record, though, Ferri is still mad. Nasty, nasty Lord Meckart!”

[Assistant] “What? Um, I mean, I’m sorry… Even I think I went a bit overboard.” Meckart, looking weak, rubbed his upper abdomen. Thanks to the stresses of his position, combined with his anxious personality, he and stomach pain were close personal friends.

[User] “Shall I use healing magic on you? It might take the edge off.”

[Assistant] "Right."


[User] "Now that we’ve chatted, perhaps you could heal me. Would you mind coming to my room?”

[Assistant] “Nuh-uh! I’ve no idea what mew might do to me in there, sir…!”

[User] “Nothing! I won’t do anything to you!”

[Assistant] Even though he gave the duke a hard time about it, Ferris eventually followed Meckart to his room. The place was simple: a desk for a secretary, along with a low table and leather couch for receiving visitors.


[User] Ferris and Meckart sat facing each other on the sofa, and a servant brought tea as readily as if this had all been planned.

[Assistant] After setting out the steaming cups, the attendant departed with a dignified bow.

[User] With the servant gone and the door closed, Meckart put his cup to his lips and sipped at it carefully.

[Assistant] “…Crusch will have her seventeenth birthday soon.”

[User] Ferris knew that, of course.

[Assistant] ”I’m thankful for the stars and the sky and the earth…and for Crusch, definitely. I’m so glad she was born.”

[User] Meckart cut into Ferris’s reverie.

[Assistant] “Excuse me, Felix, but would you mind letting me make my point? There’s…something I’d like you to ask that girl about her birthday. Something I find…difficult to express.”

[User] From his awkward tone and his evasive attitude, Ferris had a fairly good idea what Meckart had in mind.

[Assistant] “…You want Lady Crusch to wear a dress, don’t you?”

[User] “Yes, Felix, exactly. It’s her birthday. And this year I have something more extravagant than usual in mind. So I really wish she would wear something appropriate…”

[Assistant] “If it’s at all possible, sir, I really think you should speak to her yourself. You don’t have to go through me…”

[User] “That girl won’t so much as nod her head if you don’t, isn’t that right?” Meckart asked in a low voice.

[Assistant] Ferris’s cat ears immediately detected a change in the air.

[User] “I know about the promise between you and Crusch,” Meckart went on.

[Assistant] “And I’m sure you’ve spoken to her in light of it before.”

[User] “You know how I know you two are related? Neither of you ever gives up.”

[Assistant] “Perhaps she does get her obstinacy from me… But we can’t simply run parallel to each other forever. I’m desperate to find some compromise.”

[User] “Compromise, sir?”

[Assistant] “It doesn’t matter if it’s only in public, only for show,” Meckart said.

[User] “Of course, deep down, I’ve always wished she would comport herself as expected of a duke’s daughter, but my requests on that front have been rebuffed often enough that I know better by now. My hope is that my suggestion this time will allow us to meet in the middle.”

[User] “I know her promise with you is the reason Crusch continues to play with her swords and dress like a man. Therefore, if I wish to mitigate it at all, it makes sense to go through you.


[User] "Will you not speak to her?"

[Assistant] "—I understand what you’re trying to say, Lord Meckart. But I…" Meckart cut him off sharply.

[User] "I don’t believe you do understand, Felix."

[Assistant] Ferris caught his breath.

[User] "Crusch is my only child. She has turned out so well as to be wasted on me. I haven’t been a reliable father by any stretch. But the more pathetic I am, the more admirable she becomes… I do want her to follow her own dreams. I pray she grows up to be exactly who she truly is." Meckart lowered his eyes, affection for his daughter overcoming him. "But I am a duke as well as a father. And she is the daughter of a duke as well as my child. So long as she lives in this house, supported by the people of this domain, she will have certain duties she must perform. And when she is performing them, people will expect dress and decorum befitting her position. Well, Felix? Am I wrong?"

[Assistant] “…No.”

[User] "In fact, I am wrong. I am trying to force my daughter to do something she doesn’t want to do. Doing the right thing can be a mistake, and a mistake can be the right thing to do. Such are the difficulties of this place where I and my daughter must live." As the duke laid out his argument, Ferris began to feel ashamed of himself. He had been so superficial. Until this moment, he had simply assumed Meckart was just an oaf. It had never occurred to him that behind the stubborn exterior was a father deeply concerned about his relationship with his daughter. Ferris found himself choking up as he realized he had been saved from this thoughtlessness by Meckart’s compassion, his willingness to try to talk things out instead of simply imposing his will through his ample authority. "His Highness Fourier will be in attendance at the birthday celebration. I’m sure he’s looking forward to seeing what dress Crusch will wear."

[Assistant] “…Yes, I suppose he would be.”

[User] "Indeed! So not just for my sake, but for His Highness’s—will you please talk to Crusch?" The invocation of the young prince’s name relaxed the tone of the conversation. Perhaps that, too, was Meckart’s considerate touch. Ferris put the cup of tea, cold by now, to his lips while attempting to ignore his own meanness of heart. He recalled a promise he had made, back when he was still young enough to take youth as an excuse. Unconsciously, he touched the white ribbon Crusch had given him that day. "You know, I’ve always thought that promise wasn’t right."

[Assistant] “…Mm, perhaps not. You and my daughter are both good children."

[User] "But I’ve been so happy to do what I promised… It’s made me happier than anything else in my life. And maybe I take her side too much because of that." His hand was still at his ribbon.

[Assistant] Meckart nodded quietly.


[User] In his own way, the words were Ferris’s answer to Meckart’s request. His little tea party with Meckart over, Ferris furrowed his brow anxiously.

[Assistant] “But how in the world am I supposed to bring it up now?” he wondered aloud.

[User] “Oh, but! But! The birthday celebration is just two weeks away. It might be even worse to put off talking about it…”

[Assistant] “Arrgh! Meow will I ever manage this? !”

[User] “What’s going on, Ferris? You’ll scare the rest of the household, standing in the hallway looking so grim.”

[Assistant] Ferris just about jumped out of his skin when Crusch herself called out to him while he stood there, dancing from one foot to the other with worry. He flew back against the wall.

[User] Crusch crossed her arms and stared at him. “I still think you look tired. If you’re feeling worn down, I could give you some time off…”

[Assistant] “What? No! I’m totally fine! Never better! Hooray for Lady Crusch!”

[User] “—? Ha-ha, you’re a strange one.” She smiled slightly as he stood there with his arms raised in a cheer.

[Assistant] “By the way, you spoke with my father, didn’t you? What did he want?”

[User] “Oh, uh, I mean, you know, meow…”

[Assistant] “Well, um,” he began, “Ferri does, uh, want to talk to you about something, Lady Crusch…”

[User] “I thought so. Your wind is difficult to read, but that was the impression I got. You know you and I don’t have to hold back from each other. Talk to me about anything.”

[Assistant] “I love you, Lady Crusch.”

[User] "And I you."


[User] “I love you, Lady Crusch.”

[Assistant] “—? And I you.”

[User] He was repeating himself, but it calmed him down and made him feel better. He was about to embark on a very difficult conversation. “Well, uh, this is just Lord Meckart’s opinion, and Ferri wouldn’t want mew to meowstake this for agreement, but…”

[Assistant] “This is an awfully roundabout way to start a conversation. Fine, I understand. And what is my father’s opinion?”

[User] “Yes, well, it will be your birthday soon, milady…” He had laid all the groundwork and was about to come to his point when—

[Assistant] “—Crusch, are you there?! I am in dire distress! Crusch, show your face!”

[User] “—? !” Ferris stiffened with surprise at the bellow that rang through the hallway.

[Assistant] In front of him, Crusch was looking up and cocking her head at the voice. “I hesitate to believe it, but was that His Highness Fourier just now?”

[User] “I—I don’t care if he is a prince,” Ferris fumed. “How could he spoil my perfect moment…?”

[Assistant] “Crusch! Aren’t you there? I said this is a crisis! Come quickly, or I shall wither for loneliness!”

[User] “That’s him, all right,” Crusch said. The initial shock had passed, and the second exclamation was more than enough to verify the voice’s owner.


[Assistant] Ferris and Crusch exchanged a glance and then trotted to the entryway.

[User] “Ah! Crusch and Ferris!” he said when he spotted them. “Are you both in good health? I’m doing quite well, myself.” Then he smiled with genuine mirth. He was a young man whose eyes appeared guileless despite his years. He had long golden hair and unblemished scarlet eyes, and his canines stuck out ever so slightly. He gave a very likable impression. Sloughing off his rich fur coat, Fourier Lugunica appeared as energetic as ever.

[Assistant] Crusch made a modest bow to Fourier, who stood imposingly. “Your Highness,” she said, “it is an honor to see you. But what prompts such a sudden visit? Is something wrong? I haven’t heard anything from my father…”

[User] “What are you talking about? Was it not precisely the two of you who invited me here? For Crusch’s birthday celebrations? I even brought my invitation. Look!” With many a huff and sigh, Fourier went over to Crusch, who had greeted him so respectfully, and held out a letter.

[Assistant] She took it, scanned it, and then nodded slowly. “This is indeed an invitation from our house…but, my lord, you seem to have mistaken the most crucial part—the date.


[User] "I’m happy you took the trouble to come all the way here, but my birthday is still two weeks away. Your Highness has been a tad too eager.”

[Assistant] “What?! You mean…I am the first person to congratulate you on your birthday! Perfect! Ferris always beats me to it, but for once I’ve got a leg up on him!”

[User] “You did well to be born, Crusch! I am overjoyed! What a wondrous day!” Fourier laughed suddenly, apparently ignoring his own mistake.

[Assistant] Crusch found herself speechless at this audacity, but a gentle smile was soon on her face. "Thank you very much, Your Highness. Your well wishes mean a great deal to me.”

[User] “Good, very good. But does this mean there are two weeks yet till your birthday celebration? Well, that is a problem. What shall I do until then?” Fourier tended to act without thinking of the future, rush in without thinking of the future, speak without thinking of the future, and just in general not think about the future at all, but he had enough charm to excuse all of it.

[Assistant] As he stood there struggling to figure out his plans, even Ferris couldn’t help a smile. The prince hadn’t changed a bit since they had first met.

[User] “Hmm? What is it, Ferris? Why the grin?”

[Assistant] “I just find you amusing, Your Highness.”

[User] “Me?! Ah, yes… I am no ordinary leader. I bring smiles to the faces of my servants without even meaning to. Do you not think so, Crusch?”

[Assistant] “I can only admire what a grand personage you are, Your Highness. Ferris, punishment later.”

[User] “Awww!”

[Assistant] Leave it to Crusch to ensure that he didn’t go without paying the penalty for his lapse in etiquette. But at the same time, the three were so close that such irreverence could go without genuine reprisal.

[User] For Ferris, who had so few things he considered precious, this bond was something he cherished. When he thought about what was important to him, he thought of Crusch, Meckart, and Fourier. And the servants in the Karsten household. Not to mention the patients and colleagues he had encountered thanks to his work as a spell caster. It turned out there were quite a few people he valued. Compared to when he had been shut up in his family’s house, with nothing ever given to him, he was so much happier now.

[Assistant] “…Ferris, I am aware of my dashing appearance, but please try not to stare too much. All this attention from you might just lead me astray—even knowing your true gender.”

[User] “I was even your fiancé once, and I still couldn’t get my paws on you, Your Highness!”

[Assistant] “That was just…! Ahem, that’s enough. I’m a boy, too, you know! I shan’t make excuses! Aren’t I quite manly, Crusch?”

[User] “Yes, my lord. Although if I may say so, you have yet to defeat me in a sword duel.”

[Assistant] “Lady Crusch!


[User] “Milady, His Highness is on his knees already, so perhaps we should go easy on him…” Fourier had slumped to the carpet.

[Assistant] Crusch gave him a quizzical look, entirely devoid of malice. With her friends, Crusch tended to state the facts a bit too bluntly. But she delivered even the most stinging remarks with a friendly expression, making it hard to consider this a truly bad habit.

[User] “—Ngh, well then! In that case, Crusch, bring me a wooden sword! I have some time to kill for the first time in a while, so let today be the day when I outdo you in swordsmanship and prove to you what a man I am!”

[Assistant] Crusch met this bold proclamation with a “yes, my lord,” as though she knew full well what was going on.

[User] Fourier saw this duel as a simple way to provoke a change in their relationship. “If you win, I shall force you to dress in women’s clothes! You’ve become evermore obstinate about your manly attire… Not that it doesn’t look good on you! But I wish to see you in a skirt!”

[Assistant] “You’ll have to settle for Ferris, my lord. I assure you, his legs are no less dainty than mine.”

[User] “I am proud of these legs. Have a look, Your Highness!”

[Assistant] “Arrgh! Don’t confuse me, you two!” Fourier turned red and stomped his feet in frustration as Ferris lifted his skirt teasingly. With one hand he pointed at Crusch; with the other, he displayed the birthday invitation, which she had given back to him. “It’s almost your birthday! And I will not permit the birthday girl to dress like a soldier as she did last year! This year I shall see you in a dress! In one of my choosing, at that!”

[User] “Ah…” Ferris caught his breath in surprise, and a certain tender feeling for Fourier welled up within him. “He’s the only one besides Lady Crusch who can get at Ferri’s weak point…”

[Assistant] “—” Ferris’s cheeks flushed, his breath hot with a combination of affection and envy.

[User] Crusch, the only one standing close enough to overhear his murmured words, shot a look at him.

[Assistant] “All right! To the garden, then! Ready, everyone!"


[User] "This is the day I become a man!” Fourier exclaimed with what appeared to be entirely unwarranted confidence, and Ferris and Crusch had to rush after him as he headed outside.

[Assistant] It was six years ago, but he remembered it as if it were yesterday: the day the duels between Crusch and Fourier had started. The day Felix became Ferris.

[User] "I hardly see how Your Highness can interfere with how I choose to live.”

[Assistant] “Hmm…but you say you’ll throw away your femininity so it won’t stand in the way of either your noble family or your swordsmanship? No! I won’t allow it! I simply can’t allow that to happen!”

[User] "In that case, my lord, what do you intend to do?”

[Assistant] “The sword! Use the blade to prove your resolve to me! And I shall show you the error of your ways!”

[User] "A sword fight? Between you and me, Your Highness?”

[Assistant] “Yes, exactly. In the off chance you win, you may take whatever path you choose in life. But if I win, you’ll have to reconsider. I will make a woman of you!”

[User] Such was the promise they made with each other. Fourier had all the enthusiasm, but Crusch had the resolve. And then the duels began…

[Assistant] "You are truly without mercy, Crusch! I’m a prince! A member of the royal family!”

[User] “All right, Your Highness, all right,” Ferris said. “There’s no need to mewl. Here, look! I’ll get rid of that boo-boo for you.” It crossed his mind that he had healed Fourier just like this on that day six years ago. Nearly weeping and covered in dust, Fourier clung to Ferris. The cat-boy used his healing magic. A wave of comfort washed over the bruises inflicted by Crusch’s wooden sword. Fourier slowly stood up.

[Assistant] “Ha-ha-ha! Did you see that? How I pretended to snivel and cry in order to win my opponent’s sympathy and buy myself enough time for Ferris to heal me? Just another of my fearsomely clever calculations…!”

[User] "Your knees don’t agree, Your Highness,” Ferris pointed out.

[Assistant] Despite the smile Fourier had carefully arranged on his face, his knees were shaking. It only served to highlight how refined and gallant Crusch looked in comparison. She had taken off her jacket, revealing her slender frame. She held her weapon at the ready and stood so straight she could have been mistaken for a sword herself.

[User] “Now, compare that to His Highness…”

[Assistant] "I can hear you, Ferris! Save your praises of me until the battle is over!”

[User] “You know what I love about you, Your Highness? Your irrepressible optimism.”

[Assistant] Fourier turned his back on Ferris’s gentle jibe, closing the distance to Crusch in a rush. In that moment, he seemed to forget that his opponent was also the woman he loved. But she turned aside his blow, and his own momentum sent him tumbling through the grass once again. Pain followed a moment later, causing him to cough violently as he tried to stand up.


[User] Ferris was somewhat biased in his evaluation, but Fourier was far more skilled than the average noble dilettante of his age. His desire to defeat Crusch, combined with many years of these duels, had turned him from a coddled princeling into a man who could hold his own with a blade. That he still couldn’t best Crusch spoke to her talent and how hard she had worked.

[Assistant] "Do you wish to continue, my lord? I fear my father’s heart might break if I beat you any harder."

[User] "Of course I shall continue! You take me too lightly, Crusch! And I don’t think Meckart’s heart is as fragile as you suggest, either. Come at me with all you’ve got!" True to form, his declaration was asking a little much.

[Assistant] This battle was taking place out in the center garden, and servants with nothing else to do were spectating. There was someone else there as well, someone looking rather ill at the sight of the entire spectacle: Meckart himself. He came out every time this happened, even though the stress of it was enough to make his cheeks sunken. Well, he doesn’t have to watch.

[User] "Oh, why are they so much more serious than usual?" Meckart fretted. "But if His Highness were to win…" Meckart grimaced from the pain in his stomach, torn between what he hoped for as a father and what he wished as a duke.

[Assistant] At that moment, Ferris knew all too well what Meckart was feeling. I don’t even know if I want Crusch to win or lose right now!

[User] "Yaaah! Crusch, wear a dreeeesssss!" It might be too generous to call this a battle cry, but with those words Fourier rushed in again, and again he was beaten.

[Assistant] When she saw Fourier rise again after being folded double, Crusch narrowed her eyes.

[User] "Your Highness seems less inclined than usual to concede. What is driving you?"

[Assistant] "You, of course! You make me this way… No, at the heart of the matter, I make me this way! I have foisted this on you, so now I must play my part!"

[User] "…Your Highness?"

[Assistant] Fourier, his handsome face smeared with dirt and sweat, shook his head. "I shall not forget how foolish I was those five years ago, how little I knew my place. Not knowing my strength, I bound you to an impulsive promise. I made you swear that so long as I failed to best you with the sword, you would wear no women’s clothes but dress as a man—I know now what a cruel act that was."

[User] Making this confession seemed to pain him greatly, but of course he was wrong about the five years. It was six. But Fourier’s words referred to the promise they had made on that day Ferris remembered so well…

[Assistant] "Do you remember your fifteenth birthday, two years ago?" Fourier asked. "You had grown up so beautifully.


[User] "In full regalia that night, I know you would have been more stunning than any flower. Yet you kept your promise. I shall never forget the sight of a young maiden walking under the moonlight in military dress. You were impossibly handsome…but that was a feeling inspired by the sword at your side. It is not a feeling I want to receive from a young woman who should outdo the blossoms in beauty!”

[Assistant] Crusch was silent.

[User] “That night, I realized what my thoughtlessness had wrought. It was I, and I alone, who stole the joy of being resplendently dressed from a young woman and forced her to hide herself during what should have been her most glorious moment! I must take responsibility for that!”

[Assistant] In all the time they had known each other, Ferris had never seen Fourier like this. The immense emotion that burned in his scarlet eyes touched something in Ferris’s chest, made his throat tight.

[User] The audience, too, from Meckart to the servants, was at a loss for words. They knew now why Fourier fought these battles and heard him express what he’d never been able to express before. But he was wrong. Mistaken. His resolve was tremendous, but it was misplaced. The promise he and Crusch had made was real enough. When, six years before, Crusch had declared that she would wear only men’s clothing for the rest of her life, Fourier had responded that he would allow her to do so just until he defeated her in a sword duel. The pretext that she was keeping her promise to the prince was the reason Meckart had not been able to object more strongly. Fourier had been nursing regret about it all this time. Somewhere along the line, he had begun to believe that Crusch didn’t want to wear men’s clothes but was doing so because of the promise they had made. And, with a combination of honesty and foolishness, he felt responsible.

[Assistant] “I’m a fool…”

[User] Watching Fourier from behind as he raised his sword, Ferris unconsciously put a hand to his mouth. He had always taken Fourier’s improvement in combat to be a result of repeated duels and simple tenacity. But there was more. All this time, he had been motivated by regret for his own outburst. He’s been fighting to let the woman he loves, the woman he bound with a promise, be a woman.

[Assistant] “Crusch! Love flowers! Appreciate poetry! Put on makeup, wear dresses and jewelry, and let me see that innocent smile! You don’t have to repress yourself anymore! I permit it! Here, today, I will make right my foolishness and allow you to be a true woman!”

[User] “Y-Your Highness…?”

[Assistant] It may have been a misunderstanding, but Fourier was ready to make good on it. He charged at Crusch. The hard sound echoed through the garden, and Crusch was clearly shaken by the impact.