19th century London--

[Alice]: "See you tomorrow!"

Shop Owner: "I'd better! I'd be out of business if it weren't for you!"

I flashed my boss one last smile before heading out into the cool night air. Big Ben stood before me, its hands positioned at 11 pm.

I had been so absorbed with trying to make a miniature sugar rabbit with big, floppy ears, that I'd completely lost track of time.

With a skip in my step, I made my way down the moonlit streets, careful to avoid the rumbling carriages nearby.

Just a few months ago l'd left my family in the countryside, moved to the city, and got a job at the most popular confectionery in London.

For someone like me who wishes they could live off of desserts alone, the job was an absolute dream come true.

(Everything's going so well at work-- the sugar cookies I designed always sell out by the end of the day, and I get along swimmingly with my boss.)

(My new life here isn't so bad either. I make an honest living doing what I love--what more could I need?)

I didn't think I could be any happier with my entirely normal and uneventful life until–

??? (off camera Blanc): "Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!"

(What's that commotion?)

I turned toward the direction in which the sound of frantic footsteps was coming from when–

??? (Blanc): "Oh!"

[Alice]: "Ouch!"

The running man clipped me on the shoulder, nearly knocking me to the ground.

But his reflexes were just as quick as his pace, and he caught me in his arms before I could hit the cobblestones.

??? (Blanc): "Do forgive me, miss. Are you alright?"

[Alice]: "Yes, I'm fine."

??? (Blanc): "Thank heavens. I don't think I could ever have forgiven myself if I'd caused harm to such a charming young lady."

('Charming young lady?' This had better not be a ploy to ask me on a date!)

??? (Blanc): "I really wish I could stay and chat, but I'm rather late for an appointment. Good evening, miss."

The man gave me a quick wink before disappearing around the corner with a buoyant bounce.

(Guess he wasn't trying to pick me up. Can't say I would have minded if he did, though. I've never met a gentleman quite like him before.)

With white hair, peachy gold eyes, and a hop to his step, there was something undeniably rabbit-like about the man.

Trying my best to capture everything about him in my mind's eye before he slipped away, I slowly began to walk home again when–

(Is that a pocket watch? This must belong to the man I just met.)

(It looks like it's very important to him, too. It's polished to perfection and has a gorgeous gemstone in the middle.)

I quickly picked the watch up from the ground before dashing off to catch up with the man.

I found myself running after the white rabbit-man through the middle of St. James's Park.

(He's so fast! I can barely keep up with him!)

(What's he doing running through the park so late at night anyway? Or for that matter, what am I doing chasing after him?)

Though I knew it wasn't the safest choice I could have made, something compelled me to keep running after him.

(It looks like he's finally stopping! Now's my chance!)

[Alice]: "Excuse me! Sir! You've forgotten some-"

Before I could finish calling out, the man disappeared into thin air, right before my eyes.

(What in the-- He was right there in front of me, and now he's gone!)

I took a step forward, and this time the very ground beneath me disappeared.

(YIKES!)

The world spun upside down and the park was quickly out of sight, replaced by the vast night sky illuminated by a full moon and twinkling stars.

[Alice]: "Noooo!"

I was falling down, down, down a hole that seemed as wide as it was long.

(What's a hole like this doing in St. James's Park?!)

(But more importantly, how do I stop myself from falling? I'll turn into a pancake if I-- huh?)

(Everything around me is moving slower. No, wait-- I'm floating!)

(I don't seem to be any closer to the bottom though. How deep is this hole, anyway?)

I looked back up from where l'd fallen, but when I looked back down again I suddenly found myself at the hole's exit.

[Alice]: "What is this place?"

I continued floating through the air, slowly approaching a landscape unlike anything I'd ever seen before.

There was a deep, dark forest, a large town slightly to the north, and a sinister looking tower larger than anything I'd ever seen before in London.

(I have to be dreaming! None of this is possible. None of it.)

[Alice]: "Aaaggh!"

Moments later, I could feel my body growing heavier, and I began to fall faster and faster.

(This isn't happening! Somebody save me! I don't want to die!)

I squeezed my eyes shut in anticipation of the painful impact, but just as I was about to hit the ground–

???: "Watch out!"

(Oh!)

My long, long fall from above ended not in pain, but rather with a reassuring squeeze from a strong, warm pair of arms.

(I must be back in bed. It feels so soft and warm.)

My eyes fluttered open, and I was met with the emerald green gaze of the man who had saved me.

??? (Ray): "Good. You're alive."

(HE'S the one who saved me?)

??? (Ray): "What kind of girl falls from the sky? How did you get here?"

??? (Ray): "What kind of girl falls from the sky? How did you get here?"

[Alice]: "My name is [Alice]. I'm still not sure how, but I came here from St. James's Park in London."

??? (Ray): "London? St. James's? Never heard of either."

(Then where in the world am I? Everybody knows where London is.)

I took in the dreamlike rose garden as I tried to get my bearings.

Off in the corner was a large hole with a preternatural light shining on it from above.

??? (Sirius): "Ray, what are you doing? Don't tell me you're having a secret rendezvous at a time like this."

Ray, King of Spades: "As if, Sirius."

(I'm still in this guy's arms! Ack!)

[Alice]: "Uh, thanks for catching me. I'm fine, so you can let me down now, if you don't mind."

Ray: "You just fell out of the sky and you're worried about that? What a weirdo."

[Alice]: "It takes one to know one."

In spite of his haughty grin, Ray gently lowered me to the ground, making sure I had my balance before letting go.

Sirius, Queen of Spades: "Guess you two aren't here for a date then."

Ray: "I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Ray, and this is Sirius."

Sirius: "Have you lost your way?"

[Alice]: "Hmm, I suppose you could put it that way."

Ray: "She just fell from the sky."

Sirius: "She what?"

[Alice]: "I'm still not sure why or how, but what he said is true."

Sirius: "Then tell me, are you on the Red or the Black side?"

[Alice]: "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I know what you mean. What color am I supposed to be?"

Sirius: "Hmm. This girl really is a weirdo, just like you said."

(Who is he calling a weirdo?! These two combined are just as weird, if not more so, than me!)

(I mean, they're wearing army uniforms but they're obviously fake. The English army doesn't wear anything like this.)

The endless train of doubt running through my head was broken as I caught something white racing by from the corner of my eye.

(It's him!)

Someone who looked just like the white rabbit-man ran to the back end of the garden, disappearing from sight.

[Alice]: "It was nice meeting you two, but there's something I forgot to do and I really need to go. Thanks for saving me!"

Both: "Hey!"

I gave a short curtsy before dashing off in the direction the white rabbit-man disappeared to.

(I should ask how to return home once I've given him the watch back.)

(He ought to know. He came from London just like me!)

Ray: "And the weirdo's gone."

Sirius: "You said she fell from the sky, right?"

Ray: "Yeah. I was just walking through when I heard someone screaming above me."

Sirius: "Ray, do you think it's possible that she's-"

Ray: "Hm?"

Ray leaned closer to Sirius as he began whispering fervently.

Meanwhile, the beam of shimmering light illuminating a hole in the corner of the garden faded away.

Little did they know it was a sign that the wheels of fate had been set in motion, and that everything was about to change…

While chasing after the white rabbit-man through the rose garden, I found myself in the middle of a fancy tea party with nobody in attendance.

[Alice]: "There he is! Please, wait! You've dropped something!"

??? (Blanc): "What are you doing here?!"

(Yes! I've finally caught his attention!)

But there wasn't any time to revel in my small victory, as a rather angry sounding voice interrupted our meeting.

??? (on screen Jonah & Edgar): "Stop."

[Alice]: "Eep!"

The man stepped forward, roughly grabbing me by the wrists and pulling me toward him.

??? (Jonah): "Unless you want to find yourself in a world of pain, don't move an inch until I say so."

??? (Jonah): "Unless you want to find yourself in a world of pain, don't move an inch until I say so."

??? (Edgar): "Jonah, you're just going to scare the poor girl if you grab her like that."

[Alice]: "Who are you two?"

Jonah, Queen of Hearts: "You mean to tell me you don't know who I-- Jonah Clemence-- am?"

(Yep. That's exactly what I just said.)

Edgar, Jack of Hearts: "I've never seen you around before. Tell me, how did you manage to get inside?"

[Alice]: "It's kind of difficult to explain, but I was chasing after that man over there and I just found myself here."

Edgar: "What do you mean, 'that man over there?'”

[Alice]: "He's right over-"

The white rabbit-man had disappeared from sight and was nowhere to be found.

(And I'd finally caught up to him! I need to find out where he went if I'm ever going to return this watch.)

[Alice]: "It was lovely talking to you two, but l'm really in a rush and must get going now."

Jonah: "Do you really think a blatant lie like that will get you off the hook for illegally entering the Garden?"

[Alice]: "I'm not lying."

Jonah: "Drop the act. I don't take kindly to people treating me like a fool."

Jonah pulled something from his breast pocket and quickly wrapped it around my wrists.

[Alice]: "You're handcuffing me?! But I haven't done anything wrong!"

Decorated with gems and a rose emblem, the cuffs were delicate and lightweight yet managed to withstand Jonah's rough handling.

Jonah: "You'll never be able to get these off. Though that might change if you get down on your knees and beg for forgiveness."

(Looks really are deceiving. He has the features of a porcelain doll, but he acts like a heartless monster.)

Edgar: "You're merciless, Jonah. This puts me in an uncomfortable position."

Jonah: "Merciless? You're the last person I want to hear that from."

Edgar: "What are you getting at?"

(Edgar seems nice, but it doesn't seem like he's going to help me at all.)

(Ugh! All I wanted to do was return the white rabbit-man's pocket watch. How did a good deed escalate into this?)

[Alice]: "Let me go! I don't have time for this!"

*insert use of magic*

Dumbfounded, Jonah and Edgar stared at me.

(What is this light?)

After the light had faded away, I could feel the handcuffs loosen around my wrists before they fell to the ground with a clank.

(I'm free!)

Edgar: "You just nullified magic."

Jonah: "Are you THE Alice?"

[Alice]: "Magic? Alice? I'm not sure what you mean."

No sooner had I finished speaking than I felt somebody wrap their hands around my wrists.

??? (Oliver): "What are you doing? This is your cue to run away, stupid."

??? (Oliver): "What are you doing? This is your cue to run away, stupid."

[Alice]: "Who are y-"

Jonah & Edgar: "Hey!"

The man in the silk hat pulled me through a nearby door just as suddenly as he had appeared.

We ran down a spiral staircase and emerged into what appeared to be a large government office of some sort.

(So all this time I was on the rooftop garden of some building. Glad one mystery's been solved, but more importantly--)

[Alice]: "Who are you? Why did you--"

??? (Oliver): "Shut up and run, idiot. Do you want to get yourself captured again?"

(We've never met and he's calling me an idiot? I've never met anybody so rude in my life!)

Confusion mingling with indignation, we ran through the hall and down another flight of stairs.

??? (Oliver): "Out of the way."

The man kicked the main entrance open and led me out across the moonlit cobblestone street.

??? (Blanc): "Thanks for getting her out of there for me. You saved the day, Mad Hatter."

(It's the white rabbit-man!)

Mad Hatter: "Stop wasting your breath and get her out of here."

The Mad Hatter turned away and jumped up to the driver's box.

White Rabbit: "Come on, get in. We need to get out of here quickly."

[Alice]: "So you're here to rescue me?"

White Rabbit: "Of course, come on."

The luxurious carriage then took off with a rumble the moment I sat down.

White Rabbit: "Now we finally have a moment to talk. I believe you said you'd found something of mine, yes?"

[Alice]: "Yes, I'm pretty sure this pocket watch is yours."

White Rabbit: "Oh, it is! I didn't even realize I had dropped it."

White Rabbit: "Thank you. I owe you my deepest gratitude. This pocket watch means the world to me."

The white rabbit-man took the watch from my hands with a kind smile.

White Rabbit: "I completely forgot to introduce myself. My name is Blanc Lapin, but my friends call me White Rabbit."

(He really is called the White Rabbit! I guess I'm not the only one who thought he's suspiciously rabbit-like.)

(Now that I'm not in danger anymore, maybe I can finally find out what's going on.)

[Alice]: "My name is [Alice]. I know this probably sounds like a strange request, but could you tell me where we are?"

White Rabbit: "Do you know the book 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'?"

[Alice]: "Yes, l've heard of it. It's quite popular with young children."

White Rabbit: "The thing is, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is more than just a story--it's real."

White Rabbit: "You're in Wonderland, [Alice]."

White Rabbit: "The thing is, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is more than just a story--it's real."

White Rabbit: "You're in Wonderland, [Alice]."

[Alice]: "You're joking, right? Sometimes people tell me l look a bit young for my age, but I'm not young enough to fall for that."

[Alice]: "I mean, we're practically the same age."

White Rabbit: "Actually, l'm probably quite a bit older than you think. But, that's a different story for a different day."

Blanc took my chin in his hands and lifted it toward the window.

[Alice]: "What are you doing?"

White Rabbit: "I'm proving to you that all of what I said is true. Take a look and you'll understand."

The White Rabbit opened the coach's curtains, urging me to look out the window.

(That light!)

A giant crystal floated above a fountain with rainbow beams of light dancing off of it.

And it wasn't just the fountain-- the streetlamps, too, illuminated the dark night with the soft glow of crystals.

White Rabbit: "Those are what we call Magic Crystals. They're not just used for light, though."

White Rabbit: "Magical energy resides in each crystal, and whoever holds one in their possession can use it to expel magic."

(But there's no such thing as magic! It's impossible!)

I sat in the carriage dumbstruck, unable to tear my eyes away from the crystals' light, which was unlike anything I'd ever seen before.

White Rabbit: "This world exists parallel to yours, just like the back of a coin."

White Rabbit: "But our way of life isn't governed by laws of nature and science like yours-- rather, it's governed by magic."

(Governed by laws of magic-- I'm so lost.)

[Alice]: "You'll have to forgive me if I'm being out of line, but this is all just a dream, isn't it?"

White Rabbit: "I could give you a kiss to wake you from your slumber if you'd like."

[Alice]: "Um, I think I'll pass!"

Caught completely off guard from the White Rabbit's suggestion, I smacked my head against the window in a moment of panic.

(Ouch! That hurts so-- wait! I can't be dreaming if my head hurts this much!)

(I really did fall down a long tunnel and emerge in a different world.)

(I need to stay calm. I need to stay calm. If I can't keep my wits about me I'll end up in some dangerous situation again.)

(I just need to keep breathing. This is real. This is all real.)

[Alice]: "There's something I need to ask you."

[Alice]: "That man, Jonah, who was holding me prisoner back there put me into handcuffs decorated with crystals. Were those

Magic Crystals, too?"

White Rabbit: "Yes, they were. The power cast over those handcuffs was unbreakable, that is, until you came along."

[Alice]: "Wait, you saw what happened?"

White Rabbit: "I did. I wanted to save you, but there are some circumstances that made it impossible."

White Rabbit: "That's why I had the man who's driving this carriage, the Mad Hatter, rescue you instead."

(Now it makes sense why he came to help.)

(He was hardly what l'd call pleasant, but seeing as he did save me I guess I can forgive him for calling me an idiot.)

[Alice]: "Thank you, Blanc. I'd have been a goner if it wasn't for you."

[Alice]: "But what did you mean when you said I was able to break the power cast over the handcuffs?"

White Rabbit: "Nobody in this land is able to break a spell once it has been cast. That is something only people from the Land of Reason can do."

White Rabbit: "Some time ago a person with the same power as you lost their way here."

White Rabbit: "I'm sure you've heard of her; her name is Alice."

[Alice]: "You mean Alice as in--"

White Rabbit: "Yes, Alice from 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' was our first ever visitor from the Land of Reason."

White Rabbit: "That makes you Alice the Second."

(This is unreal. So now I'm part of a storybook world?)

White Rabbit: "The first Alice was quite the mischief maker, running around breaking magic spells left and right."

White Rabbit: "You can only imagine how surprised I was to find out the story of her time here had been published in the Land of Reason."

[Alice]: "So everything in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' was real?"

White Rabbit: "Of course not. There are no talking animals, ghastly beasts, or armies of cards here."

White Rabbit: "The real Wonderland is filled with far more danger and intrigue than the tale you know."

(That doesn't sound good.)

The White Rabbit smiled on mysteriously as my heart began beating faster in anticipation of what was yet to come.

White Rabbit: "I think it's best I tell you the secrets of this country, Cradle."

White Rabbit: "I think it's best I tell you the secrets of this country, Cradle."

The White Rabbit pulled a map out of his bag, opening it before me.

White Rabbit: "Cradle is a military state ruled by two armies, the Red Army and the Black Army."

(Poor Alice fell into a military state? That's terrible!)

White Rabbit: "The West is ruled by the Red, while the East is ruled by the Black."

White Rabbit: "We're currently in the Central Quarter, an area sandwiched between Red and Black territory which functions as the country's political and economic hub."

White Rabbit: "The place where you were captured is called the Garden. This is where Cradle's most powerful figures gather for debates and trials."

White Rabbit: "Everyone except for high ranking army officials and myself-- the official record keeper-- are forbidden from entering."

[Alice]: "That explains why Jonah treated me like some criminal and tried to arrest me."

White Rabbit: "Precisely. The highest ranking of both the Red and Black armies are called the Chosen Thirteen."

White Rabbit: "The highest rank is King, followed by Queen, Jack, and Ten, while the lowest is the Ace."

White Rabbit: "Though the Ace is technically the lowest in rank, they're often in charge of unusual assignments, putting them in a different league than the others."

(Sounds just like how most card games work.)

[Alice]: "Cradle must be a peaceful place if all your bureaucratic business gets taken care of at a garden tea party."

White Rabbit: "Cradle's about as far from peaceful as you can get. Conflict between the Red and Black armies has been raging on for over 500 years now."

[Alice]: "How are they able to run the country when neither side gets along?"

White Rabbit: "Well, the thing is, they decided to go to war at tonight's council."

(Things are going from bad to worse!)

White Rabbit: "I was running late for tonight's council since I had some business to attend to in your world."

White Rabbit: "It was during my brief absence that the two sides declared war. I was just as surprised as you are now."

[Alice]: "Surprised? Just surprised? How could you say that when your country is on the verge of destruction!"

[Alice]: "While I appreciate all you've done for me, I can't stay in a place like this. Could you please tell me how to get back to London?"

White Rabbit: "Did you see the hole in the Garden? That's how our two worlds are connected."

White Rabbit: "All you have to do is bring something from the Land of Reason with you and jump into the hole. That'll take you right back home."

White Rabbit: "You mean the hole with the light shining into it? Yes, I remember! Everything I'm wearing is from home, so I should be able to get back in no time."

White Rabbit: "It's not your clothes that will be problematic. The hole opens for just a few hours the night of the full moon."

[Alice]: "In other words it's--"

White Rabbit: "Yes, it's already closed off. All you can do is wait until the next full moon."

[Alice]: "You mean I'm stuck here for a whole month? But I have work tomorrow!"

[Alice]: "Whoa!"

The carriage came to an abrupt halt, stopping me from protesting any further.

???: "Open the door, Blanc. We're looking for that girl, [Alice]."

(Who could that be? It doesn't sound like Jonah.)

White Rabbit: "The Red Army has figured out I was the one who saved you, and is here to give us an official greeting."

[Alice]: "So much for our escape."

???: "Get out of the carriage and this will all be over. I'm really not in the mood to pull you out myself."

White Rabbit: "Come on, Alice."

Following the White Rabbit's lead, I nervously followed him out of the carriage.

Two men riding horses towered above us.

??? (Zero & Kyle on screen): "Sorry, Blanc. Beauty and the Beast sent us to find her."

??? (Zero & Kyle on screen): "You'll be coming with us, Alice."

??? (Zero & Kyle on screen): "You'll be coming with us, Alice."

(Now everyone is calling me Alice just because I fell from London?)

White Rabbit: "It's very unbecoming for two gentlemen such as yourselves to intimidate and frighten a young woman like this."

??? (Zero & Kyle on screen): "Then allow me to apologize if we've frightened you."

(That was surprisingly easy. He's not stubborn like Jonah at all.)

The two men alighted their horses and walked over to me.

Zero, Ace of Hearts: "I am the Ace of Hearts, Zero. Our queen, Jonah, wishes to meet you."

Kyle, 7 of Hearts: "And I'm the 7 of Hearts, Kyle. Nice to meet you."

Kyle: "Look, if you really want to avoid him that much I'll make up some excuse for you."

(He will? Yes!)

Zero: "No, Kyle. We're here on official orders. orders which I intend to follow through with."

Kyle: "Whatever. I'm a doctor, not a soldier. Just because I'm in this army doesn't mean I'm going to blindly follow everything I'm told."

Zero: "I was a fool to bring you along, Kyle."

Zero: "At any rate, [Alice], Jonah absolutely needs to speak with you. He's promised not to be as rough as he was when you first met."

(He's been looking me straight in the eyes this entire time. It doesn't seem like he's lying or covering anything up.)

White Rabbit: "[Alice], if you don't have any reservations it might be best if you go along with them."

[Alice]: "Don't tell me you're on their side now, too."

White Rabbit: "Of course not. As record keeper, my job is to keep an accurate log of this country's happenings. I don't get in the middle of political affairs."

White Rabbit: "I'm sad our time together has to end so soon, but I trust Kyle and Zero."

White Rabbit: "Whether you decide to trust them is up to you, [Alice]. What do you say?"

(It's not as if I'm exactly in a position to refuse. But then again, maybe if I explain everything that happened to Jonah he'll stop coming after me.)

[Alice]: "Alright, I'll go to meet Jonah-- but only if you promise to let me go when everything's over."

Zero: "It's a promise. I like humans like you who are quick to make up their minds. Come along--“

(Humans? That's an odd way of putting things.)

Zero firmly grasped me in his strong arms, lifting me up onto his horse.

Zero: "Hold on tight, [Alice]."

[Alice]: "Okay!"

Kyle: "Yeah, you'd better not let go of Zero. I don't like dealing with patients outside of office hours."

White Rabbit: "Be careful, [Alice]. I'll come for you shortly."

I watched the White Rabbit grow smaller in the distance until I could no longer see him waving me off.

Two lurking figures watched quietly from the shadows as [Alice] disappeared into the dark of the night.

Harr, Joker: "First the two armies go head-to-head, then Alice the Second appears. This is turning out to be an interesting night."

Loki, Cheshire Cat: "Yeah, and this new girl is really pretty, too."

Harr: "First the two armies go head-to-head, then Alice the Second appears. This is turning out to be an interesting night."

Loki: "Yeah, and this new girl is really pretty, too."

Loki: "The panicked look in her eyes was adorable. It made me want to steal her away."

Harr: "That's of no importance to me. With all these new developments we won't be able to stay in the Central Quarter for much longer."

Loki: "Yep. With you being an outlaw, and me being more or less the same, sounds like a good call."

The two men nodded in unison before pulling their hoods over their heads.

Harr: "Let's get out of here."

There was a bright flash of blue light, and the two men began to fade away.

Right before they disappeared, Loki's half-moon smile appeared.

Loki: "Things are about to get a lot more interesting around here."

After riding through the town, crossing a large bridge, and passing through a sleepy little village, we'd finally arrived at a large manor.

Zero: "We're here. This is the Red Army's headquarters. Wait here while I go get Jonah."

[Alice]: "Okay."

Kyle: "That was exhausting. I'm going off to grab a nightcap."

Zero: "Kyle, you need to report to Jonah first. You there, gate guard, make sure you keep an eye on her."

Gate Guard: "Yes, sir!"

Zero and Kyle left me alone with the guard, and I began to worry about how my reunion with Jonah would play out.

[Alice]: "There's no way things will go well if Jonah's involved. I hope I'll be okay."

Gate Guard: "Was that a complaint about Queen Jonah I just heard?"

[Alice]: "Oh! Please forgive me! I didn't realize I'd said that out loud."

Gate Guard: "So you DID complain about Queen Jonah. You're in for a world of trouble now."

[Alice]: "Just for that? I'm sure I'm not the first one to say that before."

Gate Guard: "Shut up you impudent fool! How dare you insult our Queen of Hearts!"

The guard loomed over me, a sinister look in his eye as he cracked his knuckles.

(Oh no. How am I going to get out of this one?)

??? (Luka & Seth on screen): "Hey you! Why don't you pick on someone your own size?"

??? (Luka & Seth on screen): "Get away from her."

??? (Luka & Seth on screen): "Hey you! Why don't you pick on someone your own size?"

??? (Luka & Seth on screen): "Get away from her."

The two men grabbed the guard by the arms and quickly pulled him away from me.

(These two must be from the Black Army!)

??? (Seth): "Oh, you poor thing. That must have been terrifying."

??? (Luka): "Don't leave our side, unless you want to get yourself into even more trouble."

[Alice]: "Thanks for saving me!"

(I feel like I've seen the guy on the left somewhere before. He has delicate features just like a porcelain doll.)

(The guy on the right has a completely different vibe than everyone else l've met here. He almost reminds me of one of my girlfriends from home.)

Gate Guard: "Get your hands off of me!"

(Uh oh.)

The guard managed to pull himself free from the two soldiers' grasp, and sprinted off toward the barracks.

Gate Guard: "The Black Army has come in attack! Ring the alarm! Form ranks!"

(This can't be good.)

??? (Luka & Seth on screen): "So much for sneaking in, Seth."

??? (Luka & Seth on screen): "You can say that again, Luka."

[Alice]: "I feel terrible you two are in such a mess now because of me."

Seth, 10 of Spades: "Don't worry about it, sweetie. Do you really think we'd let some smelly old guard treat you that way?"

Luka, Jack of Spades: "This isn't the time to chat. If you want to

come with us, come."

[Alice]: "Thanks."

(I don't want to wait around to find out how Jonah might react to this incident!)

With Seth and Luka on either side, we ran toward the gates with all our might.

Red Soldiers: "Hah! Those dopes think they can escape our entire army?"

I looked behind me to see the shimmer of a rifle being loaded in the distance when–

(Yikes!)

The enemy soldiers scattered as a shower of bullets pierced the sky with a thunderous roar.

A man stood atop the gated entrance with a satisfied look on his face as he held up two pistols.

??? (Fenrir): "Did you really think I'd let you two have all the fun? I'm part of this now, too."

??? (Fenrir): "Did you really think I'd let you two have all the fun? I'm part of this now, too."

Luka & Seth: "Fenrir!"

(Another ally!)

Fenrir, Ace of Spades: "Take the girl and get out of here."

Luka & Seth: "Yes, sir!"

Red Soldiers: "Don't let them escape!"

Fenrir: "Looks like it's going to be a good hunt tonight."

(Have to-- keep-- up!)

I panted as we continued to run farther from the gates.

I turned back to see a rainbow shower of bullets. The air was filled with the sounds of fighting, gunfire, and Fenrir's laughter.

(I'm glad Fenrir saved us, but I think he might be completely insane.)

Luka: "Fenrir, you can stop now."

Seth: "We're safe now, so cut it out!"

Fenrir: "Sure, whatever you say!"

Fenrir holstered his pistols and jumped down from the gates.

I could see through billows of smoke and dust that every last Red soldier had been downed.

[Alice]: "Did you really kill all of them?"

Fenrir: "I guess you could say I killed their careers as soldiers."

Seth: "Fenrir uses a gun equipped with bullets made from Magic Crystals. One hit and the enemy is off to dreamland."

(Why am I not surprised? Of course he's using magic bullets!)

Fenrir: "You were in a heap of trouble back there. The name's Fenrir Godspeed. Pleased to meet you."

[Alice]: "I'm [Alice]."

Fenrir: "[Alice], would you mind lifting your chin a bit?"

[Alice]: "My chin? Uh, okay."

Fenrir took a long look at my face before pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiping my cheek.

[Alice]: "Uh, is something wrong?"

Fenrir: "You had a bit of ash on your face."

[Alice]: "Oh, thanks."

(He seemed a bit off the rails at first, but maybe that's just how he is in battle. He was quite the gentleman just now.)

It was difficult wrapping my head around how these two strikingly different personalities belonged to the same person.

Seth: "Stop hogging all of her attention, Fenrir, and let us introduce ourselves too! I'm the 10 of Spades, Seth, and this cutie is the Black Jack, Luka."

Seth: "I can already tell we're going to be the best of friends, [Alice]."

Luka: "Now's not the time to be talking about friendship. The enemy's approaching."

(Again?!)

Luka: "Now's not the time to be talking about friendship. The enemy's approaching."

I glanced back to see a sea of Red soldiers coming straight toward us from the barracks.

(How many of them could there be?!)

Seth: "You just had to go and showboat your way through the Red Army, didn't you? Berserkers are so classless."

Fenrir: "Oh, come on. You ought to be thanking me for saving our butts back there."

Luka: "Shut up, you two. We're running-- now."

The trio continued their bickering until we clambered into their carriage.

The sky in the east burned a bright crimson as we took off into the night.

I opened my eyes to soft rays of sun filtering in through the window. The longest night of my life was finally over.

We pulled up to the town square in the Central Quarter, and were greeted by a line of soldiers from the Black Army.

(There must be hundreds of soldiers lined up!)

Sirius: "Glad you're back in one piece. But why did you bring [Alice] back with you?"

Ray: "Nice to see you again so soon, [Alice]."

[Alice]: "Ray, Sirius, you have no idea how relieved I am to be back here."

No sooner had I spoken than Fenrir and the others' expressions quickly turned to surprise.

Fenrir: "[Alice], you already know our king and queen? Talk about a small world, huh?"

(Ray and Sirius are the King and Queen of Spades?! I had no idea they were so important!)

Ray: "You're really good a popping up at the worst possible time."

[Alice]: "That's not my intention, but--"

Luka: "We can chat later. The enemy is approaching."

The thunderous sound of hooves grew louder and louder.

(It sounds like the Red Army has brought hundreds of troops!)

Four men led the perfectly synchronized battalion of soldiers clad in red and white.

Jonah was there, his expression icy as ever; Edgar, with an uncomfortably soft smile unbefitting of the tense situation at hand.

Then there was Zero, sizing us up with a calculated gaze; and after him, Kyle, who seemed completely uninterested in the entire affair.

(Something big is about to happen--)

Ray: "What the heck is this about?"

Seth: "Well, you see, we had a little run-in, so to speak, with the Red Army at the gates to their barracks."

Sirius: "Seriously? Do I need to send you all back to school to take Recon 101 again?"

Seth: "There you go with that salty face. I don't know why you're so upset."

Seth: "If you really thought nothing was going to happen, then why did you come here with so many men?"

Ray: "The Reds have been waiting 500 years for an excuse to strike, and they've finally found their reason."

(It's just like Blanc said-- war really is about to begin.)

The Red Army's march finally came to a stop, and the two sides stood facing each other.

Edgar: "I'm quite impressed. I wasn't expecting the Black Army to send its leaders out to welcome us."

Jonah: "You took that girl, who was under our charge, and then had the audacity to attack. Explain yourselves."

Sirius: "You almost had me fooled into thinking you were a victim there for a minute. Twist the truth too much and your face might end up that way too."

Jonah: "Say that once more and you'll rue the day you were born."

Red Soldier: "How dare you insult our queen!"

Indignant cries of anger rippled through the Red Army until–

??? (off screen): "Silence!"

??? (Lancelot): "Silence!"

The furious cries instantly ceased, and the Red troops parted down the middle, allowing a single man to pass.

Red Soldier: "Bow down to the King of Hearts, Lancelot!

May glory run crimson through our veins!"

Lancelot, King of Hearts: "May glory run crimson through our veins."

(So this is the King of Hearts. His presence is powerful, to say the least.)

Lancelot: "My proud men, there is no need to draw your swords."

The King of Hearts waved his hand and his eyes flashed red–

(What's happening?!)

Weapons held by the Black Army soldiers floated up into the air, then dissolved before our very eyes.

(Did he just use magic? How did he do that without a Magic Crystal?)

Kyle: "Ugh, there our boss goes again, overdoing it with the magic."

Seth: "It looks like we've skipped right over the 'threaten your enemy' stage."

Fenrir: "You think that's all it takes to stop us? Come on! We've been waiting for this battle for 500 years!"

Zero: "He's right. Leaders of the past may have put this battle off, but the time has come for us to fight."

Edgar: "An excellent summation, Zero. Well done."

Jonah: "If you're thinking of surrendering, now is the time. I hope you heard that, Luka."

Luka: "Did somebody say something? Because all I heard was a gust of hot air."

(It really does look like a war is brewing!)

Caught between the Black and Red armies in a conflict far beyond my understanding, there was nothing I could do but stand there and worry.

Sirius: "Lance, call this off!"

Lancelot: "Don't speak as if we're friends, Queen of Spades."

Lancelot: "I have a message for the Black Army--from this day forth, you have been absorbed into the Red Army."

Ray: "I have a message for the Red Army-- quit spouting nonsense."

Lancelot: "In that case, I'll just have to dissolve every last one of you."

The King of Hearts's eyes flashed crimson again–

(No! I can't let this happen!)

[Alice]: "Please! Stop!"

Lancelot & Ray: "Oh!"

My cry faded into nothingness-- and so did the King of Hearts's magic.

(Did I just deflect his spell?)

Lancelot: "So Jonah's report was true."

Lancelot: "Alice the Second really has appeared."

Lancelot: "Just be warned, Alice-- I consider anybody who gets in my way an enemy."

Ray: "Stop making stuff up as you go!"

Ray: "Her name is [Alice], not Alice."

Ray stepped in between me and the King of Hearts, his broad shoulders protecting me from Lancelot's gaze.

A moment later, a carriage violently pulled up before us.

White Rabbit: "That'll do, gentlemen."

??? (Blanc & Oliver on screen): "I don't know what you think you're doing, pulling a stunt like this so early in the morning. Don't you know people live here?"

(The White Rabbit came! But who is that little boy with him?)

White Rabbit: "That'll do, gentlemen."

??? (Blanc & Oliver on screen): "I don't know what you think you're doing, pulling a stunt like this so early in the morning. Don't you know people live here?"

(The White Rabbit came for me! But who is that little boy with him?)

The White Rabbit exited the carriage and walked to the open space between both armies, calling out in an uncharacteristically severe voice.

White Rabbit: "The Central Quarter is a neutral zone. Any and all forms of combat are strictly prohibited here."

White Rabbit: "The entire country of Cradle will be put at risk if you destroy its economic and political center."

Both Kings: “……”

After a long moment of silence, the King of Hearts finally spoke up, his voice nearly a growl.

Lancelot: "Let it be known, this is the only time I'll humor the requests of the record keeper. Troops, fall back!"

(I'm glad that's over.)

Jonah: "I can't leave without giving you something to fret over, Alice."

[Alice]: "What is that supposed to mean?"

Jonah: "I'll have you under my command soon enough. You'll learn to enjoy serving me."

Jonah: "I hope you'll look forward to it as much as I am."

Jonah's words sent chills down my spine, but things were only about to get worse.

Lancelot: "Alice-- I doubt it will be long until I see you again, but until then, enjoy what little time you have left of your life."

The King of Hearts turned around, his cape billowing behind him as he left.

(Weird threats aside, I don't know if I was imagining it or not, but he almost looked sad just now.)

But the King of Hearts never turned back as he and his troops faded off into the West.

(At any rate, I'm glad we're out of danger--though I wish I hadn't ended up becoming an enemy of the Red Army.)

Sirius: "So you really are from the Land of Reason, [Alice]?"

[Alice]: "Yes, I am. It wasn't my intention to come here, but now I'm stuck until the next full moon."

(That is, if I can stay alive until then.)

I bit my lip as dread began to set in, until the kind warmth of someone's hand on my shoulder brought me back.

Sirius: "Don't worry. We'll make sure you find your way home."

[Alice]: "Thank you, Sirius."

Seth: "Welcome to the Black Army, sweetie! Everything's a bit messier now than when we first met, but I think you'll find yourself at home."

[Alice]: "I'm one of you now?"

Luka: "What do you think you're doing, Seth?"

Fenrir: "I think it's a fine idea. It's gotta be a hundred times better than having to go live with the Reds."

[Alice]: "Are you sure it's okay for an outsider to live with you? I wouldn't want to cause you any trouble."

Ray: "Let's cut a deal, [Alice], that will help both of us survive in this world."

[Alice]: "What kind of deal?"

Ray: "Your ability to deflect magic is just what we need."

Ray: "If you promise to help us when we need you, I promise we'll keep you safe."

(A symbiotic relationship between myself and the Black Army. Hmm.)

I looked into Ray's dark eyes and considered my options for a moment.

(I'm pretty sure this is the best chance I have at ever getting home.)

[Alice]: "Ray, l accept."

Ray: "Good. Soldiers-- I want you to pledge under the honor of the Black Army that you will protect [Alice]."

The soldiers immediately stood up straight in a salute.

Black Soldiers: "Freedom soars on raven wings!"

Ray: "Freedom soars on raven wings!"

Fenrir: "[Alice], you're officially a member of the Black Army now. Let's make it fun, yeah?"

(I can't believe they were willing to take me in as one of them so quickly.)

[Alice]: "I promise not to let any of you down."

Ray: "And us the same."

The Black Army retreated in the opposite direction the Red Army had marched off to.

White Rabbit: "In just one night you've become a major player in the war."

[Alice]: "White Rabbit! I'm so happy to see you!"

White Rabbit: "I'll do everything I can to help you out. I live in the Central Quarter, so come by whenever you need anything."

??? (Blanc & Oliver on screen): "Ugh, I can't believe you're willing to let such a dangerous woman into our house. You didn't even ask how I felt before offering."

White Rabbit: "Oliver, you know it's not polite to speak about a lady that way."

Oliver, Mad Hatter: "You think I care?"

[Alice]: "It's nice to meet you, Oliver. I hope we can become good friends."

Oliver: "Don't treat me like a baby, you idiot."

(The only cute thing about this kid is his looks. He's not the first person here who's had the gall to call me an idiot, either.)

Oliver shrugged his shoulders and glanced at me with his strangely adult looking face before returning to the carriage.

White Rabbit: "Though it's quite a relief your safety has been guaranteed, something even worse seems to have transpired."

[Alice]: "Something worse? What could possibly be worse?!"

White Rabbit: "Everyone from the Black Army really seems to like you."

White Rabbit: "And there are rumors somebody from the Red Army wants to tempt you into joining their side as well."

White Rabbit: "It's highly likely that some unforeseen difficulties may arise between you and a certain someone. Maybe even myself and Oliver."

[Alice]: "What do you mean, 'unforeseen difficulties?''

White Rabbit: "Listen well, [Alice]. If you want to make it home, there's one kind of magic you must not fall under the spell of."

White Rabbit: "It's the strongest, oldest magic in this land-- love."

[Alice]: "Love?"

White Rabbit: "Strictly speaking, love on its own doesn't constitute magic. But what I just told you wasn't just some silly metaphor about life either."

White Rabbit: "Only tragedy awaits those who fall in love with somebody from a different world."

White Rabbit: "Your dream to return to London will remain nothing more than that-- a dream."

White Rabbit: "If you are serious about going back home, then you must remain constantly vigilant."

(I've never really had feelings for anybody before, but even so, I doubt anyone can fall in love in just one month.)

In spite of my doubts, I found myself thinking back to all that had happened since the night before.

(I met so many people in just one night. Some were kind, while others were scary, or even powerful.)

[Alice]: "Don't worry about me, White Rabbit. I'm the last person you'll catch falling in love."

[Alice]: "I want to return home and get back to my job as soon as possible. That's what brings me true joy in life."

White Rabbit: "If that's what you say, [Alice]. Just don't forget about that goal-- no matter what happens."

White Rabbit: "I do hope your dream will come true."

I smiled and gave the White Rabbit a small curtsey before running to catch up with the Black Army.

Little did I know then that I was about to fall in love with someone from Cradle, the country shrouded in magic and mystery that had become my new home.

30 days remained until the next full moon...

[--When the darkness deepens, the Black Rabbit beckons therein.]

[Gaze through the mirror, and into his den you'll fall within.]

[Source: Poems of Cradle, chapter 2 (excerpt)]

It was the night of a full moon.

I chased after Blanc, a man known as the White Rabbit, and ended up in this Wonderland called Cradle.

There, I became swept up in a war between the Red Army and the Black Army, five hundred years in the making…

*flashback*

Lancelot: "I have a message for the Black Army--from this day forth, you have been absorbed into the Red Army."

Ray: "I have a message for the Red Army-- quit spouting nonsense."

*flashback ends*

They called me Alice the Second. In the midst of the war,

I learned of the dark ambitions that secretly fueled it.

However, that war has now drawn to a close,

and peace has returned to Cradle after five hundred years.

I believed those peaceful days would go on forever, but then, one day…

I was enjoying afternoon tea with Blanc at his house.

[Alice]: "It wasn't all that long ago when I picked up your lost pocket watch,"

[Alice]: "but it already feels like it's been years."

Blanc: "Hehe, it feels that way to me as well."

Blanc smiled as he lowered his teacup from his lips.

He blew on it, and his reflection on the surface of the tea wavered ever so slightly.

Blanc: "So much has happened since you arrived. Wouldn't you say?"

[Alice]: "Everything began with that single moment."

I didn't realize until after l'd spoken that all sorts of feelings were hidden in my own words.

Blanc turned his gaze toward me and inclined his head, his teacup still in his hand.

Blanc: "[Alice]."

Blanc: "Are you happy here?"

My heart gave a jolt at his direct question.

(...I...)

Words Blanc had once spoken to me came back to my mind.

*flashback ends*

Blanc: "Listen well, [Alice]. If you want to make it home, there's one kind of magic you must not fall under the spell of."

Blanc: "It's the strongest, oldest magic in this land-- love."

*flashback ends*

(When the war ended, a peaceful life wasn't the only thing | found.)

(I came to know firsthand the magic known as "love.")

[Alice]: "Yes! I am."

I responded cheerfully with a nod, and Blanc's entire face broke into a smile.

Blanc: "That's wonderful to hear."

Blanc: "And I hope you'll always remember that I'm just one of many people who wishes for your happiness."

He brought the teacup to his lips once more.

I left Blanc's house as the sun was setting in the west and the sky was growing dark.

[Alice]: "I'll see you later!"

Blanc: "I look forward to it, milady."

As we said our usual good-byes, Blanc suddenly raised his head toward the sky as though he'd just remembered something.

Blanc: "It would be best if you hurried straight home."

[Alice]: "Huh? Is something happening tonight?"

Blanc responded to my question with a brief yet meaningful answer.

Blanc: "Tonight... is a new moon."

After parting from Blanc, I looked up at the sky as I walked through the plaza in the Central Quarter.

(I came to Cradle through a hole that only opens during a full moon. But...)

(Does something happen during a new moon, too?)

I saw no trace of the moon in the sky, only the first star of the evening twinkling white.

??? (off screen): "Hey, you should watch where you're walking."

(Who's there?!)

The voice that came out of nowhere gave me a start, and I stopped walking, glancing around frantically for its source.

[Alice]: "Dean, Mousse!"

I saw the two of them, who also happened to be passing through the plaza, behind me.

Mousse: "[Alice], what is it about the sky that made you so interested in it?"

[Alice]: "Well, the thing is..."

Since he asked, I explained what Blanc had told me just a little while ago.

[Alice]: "...So that's what he said, but is there something special about a new moon?"

And then he answered…

Dean: "In the depths of darkest night.'"

[Alice]: "What?"

Dean, a history professor, began to speak lines that sounded like a poem.

Dean: “'Keep the mirror from your sight. Else lured by Black Rabbit then, you'll tumble down into his den.'"

Dean: "Those are verses from one of Cradle's poems."

Dean: "It's said that the poem is referring to the night of a new moon."

[Alice]: "I see."

(The night of a new moon is special enough that it even made it into a poem. But...)

[Alice]: "What about the mirror and the den?

What are those supposed to be?"

(What in the world is that poem saying happens during a new moon?)

The whole thing puzzled me. Mousse, whose long eyelashes cast shadows on his cheeks, seemed to think of something and spoke.

Mousse: "They say the Dark Mirror leads to the Land of the Looking Glass."

Mousse: "Land of the Looking Glass? What's that?"

Mousse: "A strange place where everything seems to be the opposite of what it should be... as though it had been turned upside down."

[Alice]: "That's--"

Dum: "Good evening, princess."

I stopped mid-sentence in surprise as I caught sight of Dum raising a hand in greeting behind Mousse and Dean.

Dum: "Ah, Mousse, and... you. Professor Lowlife."

Dean: "You must have something very important to say indeed if you would interrupt someone, you good-for-nothing."

Dum: "Interrupt? My apologies, it wasn't my intention."

With a smile that would surely captivate all the ladies in town, Dum spoke to me.

Dum: "It's not really important, so I'll talk to you later when you're alone."

Dum: "Be careful on your way home tonight, Alice."

(Oh... now he's saying that too.)

After warning me about tonight-- the night of a new moon-- Dum left the plaza.

Dean and Mousse seemed to have somewhere to be, so they, too, said farewell.

In the end, I hadn't learned much of anything about the Land of the Looking Glass. Now alone, I began walking again.

There was no sign of anyone else nearby, maybe because the sun had completely set and it was time for people to go home.

(The "Land of the Looking Glass," huh?)

(I'm super curious about it now, so I'll be sure to ask more about it the next chance I get. And...)

(Dum also seemed to want something, so l should go find him sometime.)

My mind was full of thoughts like these when it happened.

(off screen): "Found you, Alice."

(off screen): "You're mine now."

[Alice]: "What?"

A voice I'd never heard before drowned out the sound of my footsteps.

But from what I could tell, I was still alone.

"Um, excuse me?! That's rather forward of-- I mean, no, you're wrong! I don't belong to you!"

As I looked all around me, my eyes fell on the front door of the Civic Center, which was open.

[Alice]: "Is someone there?"

Although I called in the direction of the wide-open door, nobody seemed to be inside the building at the moment.

Even so, I couldn't contain my curiosity, and I stepped into the hall of the Civic Center.

(I know I heard a voice calling me "Alice.")

(And somehow... I also thought I heard a voice that seemed to be frantic, or asking for help.)

And then, inside the building, I found a lone door that had been left open.

Feeling as though something was guiding me, I opened the door wider and found a pitch-black room.

An atmosphere completely different from the rest of the bright, cheery Civic Center

hung over this dusty room like a spider's web.

[Alice]: "Hello?"

I called into the darkness, but no one answered.

Just then–

[Alice]: "Whoa!"

I saw the silhouette of a person moving in the back of the room, startling me so much my heart nearly stopped.

But then I noticed something else.

[Alice]: "Huh, mirrors?"

What I'd thought was someone else was really just my own reflection.

Mirrors of all shapes and sizes stood inside the room,

and the one furthest in at the very center was tall enough to reflect all of me from head to toe.

(But, I wonder why there are a bunch of mirrors in a place like this?)

Little by little, I drew closer to the mirror, my reflection getting larger. Suddenly, a certain name crossed my mind.

[Alice]: "The Land of the Looking Glass..."

My words seemed to fade into the surrounding darkness.

In the next instant–

(Huh? I think I saw a flash just now.)

Within the deep darkness of the mirror, I caught a glimpse of something resembling a Magic Crystal before its light winked out.

(I can hardly see a thing. What's up with this mirror?)

I stretched out my hand, touched the glass with my fingertips, and peered into the mirror.

As I strained my eyes to see…

[Alice]: "Wha? Oh crap!"

I felt a pulling sensation on the hand touching the glass, then on my whole body as the mirror seemed to swallow me up.

All I left behind was a single shoe as I fell into the depths of the mirror.

I had no idea how much time passed after that.

It felt like just a moment later when I came to my senses, but maybe I had really been out for a while.

I slowly opened my eyes.

Standing before me was a man who l swear hadn't been there a moment ago.

[Alice]: "Who are you?"

He didn't answer, but simply gazed at me in silence.

The man's eyes were unlike any l'd ever seen before-- they were the color of magic crystals. I found myself captivated by them.

(Wait, now's not the time to be thinking about that!)

I quickly shook my head to clear it and then began looking around.

(What is this place? I guess... yeah, I think I'm inside the mirror, somehow.)

(But the only thing that was in front of me up to this point was the mirror, or at least, that's what I thought.)

(This person in front of me now...)

Unable to fully grasp the situation, I just sat there blinking until the man held out his hand to me.

??? (Levie): "Here."

[Alice]: "Oh, thank you."

I took it almost without thinking, and as he helped me up, the man continued to stare at me.

Even after I was on my feet, he wouldn't let go, and for some reason he shifted his gaze to my wrist in his hand.

[Alice]: "Um... were you the one who said 'Found you' a bit ago, sir?"

??? (Levie): "Don't call me 'sir.' I have a name."

The man lifted his head with a jerk, revealing a face with a trace of youthfulness left in it, and he spoke in a deep, masculine voice.

Levie: "Levie. Levie Castell."

[Alice]: "Got it, Mr. Levie."

Levie: "Just Levie!"

[Alice]: "Ahem. Sorry, Levie."

(I have so many questions right now, but first--)

[Alice]: "Could you let go of my hand, please? You're squeezing so hard it's starting to hurt."

Levie: “...No."

[Alice]: "What? Hey!"

Far from letting go, Levie roughly yanked on my hand to pull me toward him.

I might have face-planted on the floor if I hadn't stumbled into his chest first. He looked down at me and spoke plainly.

Levie: "I told you. You're mine now."

[Alice]: "Um, excuse me?!"

[Alice]: "That's rather forward of-- I mean, no, you're wrong! I don't belong to you!"

Flustered, I shook my head wildly in denial, but Levie brought his face closer and closer to mine as he persisted in his claim.

Levie: "Fine, then you'll belong to me from now on."

[Alice]: "Wha..."

With no idea what was going on, I couldn't seem to tear my eyes from his, until…

(off screen): “...[Alice]...!"

My heart lurched in my chest.

I knew that voice.

(He's... calling for me.)

My hand still firmly in Levie's grip, I turned my head toward the mirror behind us.

For a moment, everything was still.

Then, like a light penetrating the darkness of the new moon, he appeared.

It was a black rabbit, not a white one, who had led me into an unfamiliar world.

A brand new story of love, revolution, and a world turned upside down was about to begin.

Here at the Red Army's headquarters, they strongly believe in their motto-- "May glory run crimson through our veins."

With the leaders of the Red Army gathered, very important meetings take place.

Yes, extremely critical discussions are had…

Jonah: "So in conclusion, we will expand the armory."

Jonah: "Do you approve, King Lancelot?"

Lancelot: "Yes, that is fine."

Kyle: "Phew! The meeting's finally over! I'll be headin' back to the infirmary now."

Jonah: "Wait, Kyle. We have to discuss one very important matter. And it pertains to you, actually."

Kyle: "Me?"

Jonah: "We've received complaints from the other soldiers."

Jonah: ''Please do something about Kyle being hungover all the time.'"

Kyle: "Oh yeah? Ha ha ha! That's a hoot!"

Zero: "How many times have we brought this up already?"

Edgar: "You're quite the oddball, Kyle. Since it seems you get a kick out of being nagged about this over and over."

Zero: "From the look on your face, Edgar, it seems like you get a kick out of nagging him about it too."

Zero: "But I suppose anyone would get worked up when our one and only army doc is hungover."

Jonah: "Actually, Zero, his hangovers aren't the problem..."

Jonah: “They were complaining about how Kyle lies on the floor, blocking the entrance to the dining hall at breakfast."

Zero: “...Wow. There's no defending that."

Kyle: "Hey! At least try to defend me, Zero!"

Zero: "Sorry. No sympathy for you here."

Jonah: "Well, why are you always drinking anyway, Kyle?"

Jonah: "Alcohol can corrupt your life, so it's better if you quit sooner than later."

Kyle: "You don't get it at all..."

Zero: "Oh?"

Kyle: "Drinking's my THING! Without it, it'd be like a summer with no summer vacation!"

Kyle: "It's like taking away strawberry mille-feuille from you, Jonah!"

Jonah: "Hmm... I would be a bit-- no. I'd be QUITE upset without strawberry mille-feuille."

Zero: "Don't let him string you along, Jonah."

Edgar: "It'll be troublesome if you don't give this all a rest though."

Edgar: "Remember the failed 'no-beer pact'? And before that, we tried monitoring your mouth for 24 hours. But in the end, nothing worked."

Lancelot: "And so... it has come to this. I didn't want this to be our last resort, but there is no other way, I'm afraid…”

Jonah: "King Lancelot, you can't be serious!"

Lancelot: "Kyle... Hold out your hand."

Kyle: "Okay. But don't torture me!"

Zero: "But, King Lancelot..."

Lancelot: "I think you've misunderstood."

Jonah & Zero: "Huh?"

Lancelot: "Kyle. Let's make a pinky promise."

Kyle: "Do what now?"

Lancelot: "This is the only option left."

Lancelot: "Kyle, under this pinky promise, we shall pledge an oath between men! Understood?"

Lancelot: "Now sing along with me. Pinky, pinky bow-bell..."

Zero: "King Lancelot... is making a pinky promise..."

Zero: "And he's SINGING the song too..."

Jonah: "Look! Kyle isn't cracking a smile at all!"

Kyle: "I... pinky swear."

Edgar: "Ha ha! Funny how easily people fold when they're faced with the unexpected."

Edgar: "Now then, how many days until we have to bring this all up again?"

Today at the Red Army's headquarters, a very important meeting took place.

Yes, an extremely critical discussion was had...

One day at the Black Army headquarters, a meeting was held outside in the courtyard.

Ray: "Let me go over the agenda for this afternoon. Is everyone present?"

Luka: "Hmm? Sirius isn't here."

Fenrir: "I just saw him in the garden watering flowers."

Seth: "He's so cold to forget about us. We are so much cuter than those flowers!"

Ray: "How do you really feel, Seth?"

Seth: "I think that until Sirius comes we should do whatever we want and go crazy at practice!"

Fenrir: "Yeah! I wanna do that too!"

Ray: "You guys... Alright go ahead. But just until Sirius gets here, okay?"

Luka: "You look like you want to join, Ray."

Fenrir: "Luka, aren't you joining us, too? Come on, let's have some fun!"

Luka: "No, thanks. Sirius would be disappointed if I did..."

Luka: "I'll be cheering you on instead."

Seth: "I'm glad you won't try and stop us!"

Fenrir: "Rules: no weapons, okay to hit vital spots...

How do we decide the winner?"

Ray: "Like always."

Fenrir: "Alright! So whoever is the last man standing wins!"

Seth: "Hey wait! Why are you two the first to fight and not me?!"

Ray: "Don't sulk about it. You'll fight the winner, Seth."

Fenrir: "My bad, Seth!"

Luka: “…And now we're in the middle of the field."

Seth: “I know I can't get in the way of their friendship but I feel left out…”

Luka: "Hey Seth, why don't we do commentary together?"

Seth: "Luka, what a fabulous idea! You're such a good boy. Can I hug you?"

Luka: "You already are…”

Seth: "Alright, on your marks, get ready, get set... and go!!"

Luka: "The match has started."

Ray: "It's been a long time since we've done this, Fenrir!"

Fenrir: "Yeah, it reminds me of our childhood days."

Fenrir: "I'll say this, Ray. I've been training everyday, and not just my arms, ya know!"

Ray: "I know."

Fenrir: "I won't go easy on ya, buddy!"

Ray: "You shouldn't, partner."

Seth: "And the death match of the Black Army is underway! Luka and I will be giving a play-by-play of this intense event!"

Luka: "I'll do my best."

Seth: "In one corner we have the King of Spades, who has knocked down numerous opponents... Ray!"

Seth: "Versus the Ace of Spades, who is a strategic and battle hungry heir to a fortune... Fenrir!"

Luka: "That last part about Fenrir's family doesn't really matter--"

Seth: "Darling Luka, what's the highlight of the match? Who do you think will win? What will tonight's dessert be?!"

Luka: "Don't call me that. Anyway, tonight's dessert will be peach pie."

Seth: "My favorite! I just love your homemade pies, Luka!"

Seth: "And Fenrir delivered the first punch!"

Seth: "That pushed back Ray, who stumbled into the flowerbeds, but ultimately it was ineffective!"

Luka: "Fenrir is very quick on his feet. And it's impressive that Ray is fast at avoiding him too."

Seth: "That's it! Go for it! Show some guts and hit him right where it hurts!"

Luka: "Now the true Seth is revealed..."

Seth: "Oh my, I didn't say anything inappropriate, did I?"

Sirius: "You... Guys…”

Seth & Luka: "Oh no..."

Ray & Fenrir: "Damn..."

Sirius: "I look away for just a moment, and what kind of trouble do you guys get yourselves into?"

Luka: "Sirius, please stay calm."

Sirius: "How can I be calm? Getting upset at rambunctious kids is what an adult should do!"

Seth: "Oh no, Sirius is so scary!"

Sirius: "It's your own fault guys, l even made a sign, and I told you…”

Sirius: "Don't trample the flowers!"

Ray & Fenrir: "That's why you're upset?!"

As the sound of Sirius's voice echoed in the courtyard, another peaceful (?) day went by at the Black Army headquarters.

One day, in a small home in wonderland, the spring flowers had just blossomed.

From a tiny window, the scent of freshly baked cake wafted into the air. And... the sound of two people quarreling.

Oliver: "You dumb rabbit, how many times do I have to tell you?! I do not think of carrot cake as a proper dessert!"

Blanc: "Hold on, Oliver. You can call me names as much as you want but--"

Blanc: "Don't insult the exquisite flavor of the innocent carrot cake."

Oliver: "Whatever, it's just made of vegetables and I don't need to waste my oxygen trying to explain it to you."

Blanc: "It's actually a root, not simply an ordinary vegetable."

Oliver: "Who cares? Any unnecessary knowledge about plants I learned as a kid, I discarded."

Blanc: "Well aren't you too cool for school, then?

Anyway, why not just try one bite?"

Blanc: "This carrot cake is better than any l've ever made before! Come on, open your mouth--"

Oliver: “...Hey, why are you feeding me?"

Blanc: "Oh, it's just you're so small it seemed like the natural thing to do."

Oliver: "I'm not at the age that I need to be spoonfed, you dimwit!"

Blanc: "Actually, you'd probably prefer to be fed by a lovely girl instead."

Oliver: "That's not what I meant you promiscuous rabbit."

Blanc: "How can you say such harsh things with that charming smile on your face, Oliver? But actually--"

Blanc: "Real rabbits are also looking for a mate year-round."

Oliver: "A mate, hmm? I don't think that applies to you, Blanc."

Oliver: "Even though l've known you for a while now, l've never seen you serious about a girl before."

Blanc: "Really? That's odd. I'm always serious when it comes to women."

Oliver: "You cannot possibly believe that flirting with every woman who looks at you is being serious, you carefree rabbit."

Blanc: "And I have yet another nickname. Since you started living with me, you've given me countless nicknames."

Oliver: "If it bothers you so much, why not give me one?"

Blanc: "Okay, how about tiny inventor?"

Oliver: "No way, you stupid old rabbit!"

Blanc: "Old?! | definitely do not approve of that."

Oliver: "It doesn't matter, I can call you whatever I want!"

Blanc: "I am quite sensitive about my age though,

Oliver--"

Oliver: "Yeah right, come here and I'll crush your glasses!"

Blanc: "Hey, wait don't take those!"

Oliver: "Don't make yourself taller, Blanc! I can't reach--"

Blanc: "Hehe, you're kind of cute when you try so hard to jump up like that."

Oliver: "I thought I said to not make fun of my height! Even if I look like this I am over 5 feet tall, you know."

Blanc: "You cannot include your hat height in that measurement!"

Oliver: "Hey! Give me my hat back!"

Blanc: "So the real reason you wear this twenty-four-seven isn't only because you like the style but it's also to make up for your height--"

Oliver: “...And now I'm livid."

Blanc: "Oh my! I can't believe you managed to take my glasses away."

Blanc: "That was a very high jump. You could be an acrobat!"

Oliver: "Anyway, you started all of this by making carrot cake."

Blanc: "Oh right, you should just try one bite-"

Oliver: "No way!"

The two of them had lived together for quite some time and yet, these kinds of interactions happened constantly.

The scent of carrot cake flitted on the breeze which stirred the grass and the pink wildflowers.

This was a day in the life at a small home in wonderland.

Hidden deep within the forest was a beautiful cabin house.

And it was rumored that in the cabin lived two of Cradle's most curious characters–

One was a merchant called the 'Cheshire Cat' and the other, called the 'Joker', was a wanted man.

Loki: "Say, Harr! Is it me or are the fish not biting today?"

Harr: "Just be patient. The trick to fishing is to have a still heart."

Loki: "A still heart? What's that mean? That I'll die before I catch anything?"

Harr: "Just listen. It means to stay calm and focus."

Harr: "The fish are a reflection of your spirit. If you're jittery and bouncing around--"

Loki: "Ohhhh! Look, Harr! I caught something!"

Harr: "Yeah... It seems you have."

Loki: "Hm? What's this? It's just an empty candy bag!"

Harr: "Tough luck, Loki."

Loki: "Hmph! Guess I'll have to bring it back and throw it away properly."

Loki: "Wait-- what were we talking about? Oh yeah! I was asking you about this 'still heart' stuff!"

Harr: "Right. As I was saying, the fish are a reflection of your spirit. So when you are calm--"

Loki: "Ohhhh! Look, Harr! I caught something again! Yay me!"

Harr: "Hm, I guess you're on a roll then."

Loki: "What's this? Just some old rubber boot? C'mon!"

Loki: "This isn't what I came for at all!"

Harr: "If you find the other boot and wear them, your new nickname might be 'Puss in Boots' you know."

Loki: "Huh? You mean 'LOKI in Boots' right?"

Loki: "And when you tell a joke, could you at least show it in your face? Your mask is no excuse."

Loki: "It wasn't even that good. I dunno whether to laugh or cry!"

Harr: “…Sorry."

Loki: "Well, I forgive ya! Your awkward side is what I love about you anyway. Besides, dealing with stiff folks is right up my alley."

Harr: "I'm... stiff?"

Loki: "Ohhhh!

Harr: "What is it? Did you catch something else?"

Loki: "Nope! Not at all! I was just thinking that it's about time to eat-- my tummy is growling."

Harr: "You've got a point. The sun will be setting soon."

Loki: "Say, if we don't catch anything, that means we've got nothing to eat for dinner today, right?"

Harr: "Well, yeah..."

Loki: "That can't be good…”

Loki: "All right then! I'm done doing this the hard way."

Harr: "What?"

Loki: "If we just use a liiiitle bit of magic..."

Harr: "Wait, Loki--"

Loki: "Hm? What is it, Harr?"

Harr: "Your magic is still too raw."

Harr: "So... let me help you."

Loki: "I wouldn't want it any other way!"

Harr: "Now focus... Here we go!"

Loki: "Okay!"

Both: "All right!"

Loki: "I think we caught some good fish here! They're looking mighty fresh!"

Harr: "Listen, Loki... We can't do that ever again. Today was an exception."

Harr: "Magic isn't meant to be used impulsively. Do you understand?"

Harr: "And don't forget the balance of nature where-- Loki?"

Loki: "Hurry, Harr! We've gotta cook up a feast with all this fish!"

Loki: "Ooooh, I wonder what we should make! Broiled fish, fried fish-- and we can't miss out on baked fish--"

Harr: "Good grief. This kid is a handful."

Harr: "And he will continue to be-- I could never be hard on you, Loki."

The bright blue sky soon faded into a rich crimson pink.

With his eyes to the dreamy-colored sky, Loki listened to Harr's footsteps fade in the distance.

Loki: "I know for a fact that my magic is good enough on its own."

Loki: "But... I'll keep it a secret for a little longer."

Loki: "Especially if it means... we can keep living together. Just like this."

Many customers have frequently visited the bar oasis. 

The barkeeper heard the door open and greeted his customer with a smile. 

Who has visited the bar tonight? 

Dum: “Welcome, come on in!” 

Dean: "Well hello there, Dum." 

Dum: "Oh, it's you. We're closed for the day." 

Dean: "I still see other customers here though?" 

Dum: "Anyway, you don't drink so why are you here?" 

Dean: "There isn't a rule that says you must drink when at a bar." 

Dum: "Well, no, but that's usually the only reason why people come here.” 

Dean: "Perhaps that's true for others." 

Dum: "So are you going to tell me why you're here?" 

Dean: "I came to complain." 

Dum: "The exit is over there in the corner." 

Dean: "I'll leave when I've finished what I came here to do 

Dum: "Huh? Whoa, why are you taking scissors out of your jacket pocket?" 

Dean: "I know it's sudden, but may I chop off all of your hair? 

Dum: "No! Why do you want to do that?!” 

Dean: "It's already happened 620 times..." 

Dum "That you've been rejected by girls?" 

Dean: "No, the number of times I've been mistaken for being your twin." 

Dum: "Uh, you've been keeping track?" 

Dean "It's just too awful to forget!" 

Dean: "An exemplary teacher such as myself shouldn't be associated with a loser like you." 

Dum: "I think you meant a corrupt teacher." 

Dum: "I hear rumors about you here at this bar." 

Dean: "Oh? What kind of rumors?” 

Dum: "That you're a cruel teacher who gives out final exams without any practice tests!" 

Dum: "Your students say that every day is torture for them..." 

Dean: "Hmm I'm surprised that's what it takes to be called a cruel teacher." 

Dum: "I don't think you should be surprised by that..." 

Dum: "I'm sure you think it's all work and no play when it comes to studying, right?" 

Dean: "I do enjoy seeing my students diligently working so hard." 

Dum: "I'd definitely skip class if it were me.” 

Dean "You couldn't because I would never allow it." 

Dum: "Whatever. You're so intense..."

Dean: "Don't you mean passionate about teaching?" 

Dean: "Besides, you're the one who is more intense than me 

Dum: "I'm surprised... How so?" 

Dean: "A typical barkeeper does not treat every female customer as a princess." 

Dum: "Well, that's my own special policy, you see." 

Dean: "You should throw that policy out the window!” 

Dum: "How rude... Everyone's just having fun anyway." 

Dean: "One girl is happy and another cries, yet you call that fun?" 

Dean: "That's why you're called an ‘Evil Prince’," 

Dum: "Even though I'm such a considerate guy?" 

Dean: "How?" 

Dum: "Well I suppose being called a prince isn't so bad." 

Dum: "Princes are special in the eyes of women, you know.” 

Dean: "They'll soon realize your heart is not pure.” 

Dum: "Oh and isn't your nickname ‘Prince Charming’?” 

Dean "That's your fault, you know!" 

Dean: "Even though we're not twins, everyone wants to compare us…” 

Dum: "Yeah, they even call us the Twin Princes recently…" 

Dean: "That's horrible! 

Dum: "I think so too." 

Dean: "What is so similar between us anyway?" 

Dum: "Right?" 

Dean: "I mean, our faces kind of look alike, I suppose.” 

Dum: "And our hair color matches" 

Dean: "But that's it" 

Dum: "Exactly, that's it!" 

Dean & Dum: "We're not twins!" 

Dean & Dum: ”...” 

Dean & Dum: "Stop that!" 

Dean & Dum: “...” 

Dean & Dum: “I'm done." 

The voices of the two men faded into the noises of the bar atmosphere. 

Will the Twin Princes' feud ever end? 

The members of the Civic Center are all very bright and hard working.

Everyone is always busy except for one person–

And that person is–

Zero: "Hey, Mousse! You can't sleep here."

Mousse: "Mm, cheese..."

Zero: "There's no cheese in a place like this. Wait--Don't bite my arm!"

Mousse: "Ew, that's not tasty..."

Mousse: "..Huh?"

Zero: "So you've finally awoken from your slumber."

Mousse: "Morning. Zero, where's my cheese?"

Zero: "You just tried to eat my arm..."

Mousse: "Ah, my bad. So that's why it tasted weird."

Zero: "You..."

Jonah: "You sure are lazy for a government diplomat."

Mousse: "Ugh, you're so annoying."

Jonah: "How dare you speak to the Queen of Hearts like that!"

Zero: "Jonah, you don't need to glare at him like that. And Mousse, please stop hiding behind me..."

Jonah: "Zero, don't be too lenient when it comes to this silly mouse."

Jonah: "Even when he was in the Red Army he was snoozing and snoring anytime, anywhere."

Mousse: "I was working hard."

Jonah: "Is that what you'd call working hard?"

Mousse: "I was never asleep when I had a saber in my hand."

Jonah: "Other than that you were always asleep right?"

Mousse: "That is incorrect. I was rejuvenating my energy."

Jonah: "That's the same as sleeping!"

Zero: "Calm down, Jonah. You always end up getting upset when you're around Mousse."

Jonah: "Well, that's because I hate stupid mice!"

Mousse: "Me too, cats are my worst enemy, but you're next."

Zero: "Why don't you guys ever get along with each other?"

Jonah: "Isn't it obvious why we don't get along at all?"

Zero: "But didn't you both join the Red Army at the same time?"

Mousse: "That doesn't matter since l'm already retired."

Mousse: "And there's no rule saying you have to get along with your colleague."

Zero: "Well, that's true."

Jonah: "Be honest with me, Zero,"

Jonah: "Didn't you ever think you wanted to stab that silly mouse in the back 100 or 200 times?"

Zero: "No, I have not..."

Jonah: "You don't have to hold back! He was your

mentor at one point."

Jonah: "He'd always skip lectures, and just sleep and sleep... I'm sure that was hard on you."

Zero: "Actually Mousse was an excellent teacher."

Zero: "He not only is very skilled in swordsmanship, he also was fair when giving orders to all of his students."

Jonah: "....You're too kind to others, Zero."

Mousse: "That's because Zero's a good boy..."

Mousse: "Ahh, sleepy..."

Zero: "Hey don't fall asleep again!"

Mousse: "I'm always so sleepy…”

Mousse: "Zero, If you say something funny, I might wake up."

Zero: "Hmm, like a joke? Okay-"

Zero: “....Mousse was eating chocolate mousse and saw a moose outside..."

Jonah: “…”

Mousse: "Zzz..."

Jonah: "Are you sure you don't want to stab him, even just a little bit?"

Zero: “...I might have changed my mind just now."

Mousse: "Phew--"

Zero: "What is it?"

Mousse: "It's almost time for the meeting to begin."

Jonah: "Hold on, you and I are supposed to be at that meeting too, Zero!"

Zero: "You're right, l'd almost forgotten why we'd come to the Civic Center."

Jonah: "We shouldn't dawdle because of this dumb mouse! I'll never be able to face King Lancelot again if I'm late!"

Zero: "That would be unfortunate."

Mousse: "I'll show you the way, Zero, so follow me."

Zero: "Thanks."

Jonah: "What about me?!"

Mousse: "If you can keep up, come along."

Jonah: "…How condescending!"

Zero: "Are you still feeling sleepy, Mousse?"

Mousse: "I'm better thanks to you. And I don't sleep when something important is happening."

Mousse: "I want to work as a government official."

Zero: "You are diligent when it comes to work duties."

Jonah: "I still don't understand if you really have motivation for what you do or not..."

At Cradle's Civic Center there's a sleepy but dedicated diplomat.

What could the drowsy mouse be dreaming of next?

That night, I had leisurely walked into the lounge when—

(Huh?)

I noticed Sirius and Ray sitting across each other, engaged in what looked like a serious conversation.

Ray: “I really think so.”

Sirius: “I don’t.”

[Name]: “What are you two talking about?”

Ray: “Oh, hey [Name]. We’re talking about how Sirius tends to nag me.”

I sat by them and listened as Ray explained that after both he and Sirius finished up work in the Central District, they had made a pit stop at a large public bathhouse on their way back to headquarters.

Ray: “And while we were there, Sirius kept nitpicking at things.”

[Name]: “What do you mean by ‘nitpicking’?”

Ray: “So, for example, --”

Sirius: “The floor’s wet, so be careful where you step.”

Ray: “Hm? Ah, okay.”

Sirius: “You left out the soap you used. I’ll clean it up.”

Ray: “Sorry, my bad.”

Sirius: “Hey, Ray. Suds are dripping down from your hair. Be careful it doesn’t get in your eyes.”

Ray: “Don’t worry about it, it’s fine.”

Ray: “Even after that, he told me things like ‘make sure your shoulders get in the water, too’.”

[Name]: “Haha, that does sound like a lot.”

Sirius: “If even you say that, then I have no choice but to acknowledge it.”

[Name]: “I was just thinking with everything Ray’s said, you sound just like a father.”

Ray: “Yeah, exactly.”

Sirius: “If so, that’s because you were acting like a kid at the bathhouse.”

Ray: “Huh? How so?”

Sirius: “When you finished washing your hair and I told you there was still some shampoo left, do you remember what you told me?”

Ray: “No…? …Oh!”

Ray: “Ah, there’s still some suds left? Rinse it off for me, then.”

As soon as I heard Sirius’s explanation of events, I burst out laughing despite myself.

[Name]: “You’re so spoiled, Ray.”

Sirius: “That’s what I thought too, but I rinsed it off of him anyways.”

Ray: “All right, I admit that was childish of me…”

[Name]: “I wonder if it’s because of how you acted that Sirius unconsciously behaves more like a parent?”

Sirius: “You just may be right.”

Ray: “I think it’s the opposite. The more Sirius nags at me, the more I want to act childish.”

Sirius: “Really? From the way I see it, you’re the one who—”

As they began their back and forth up again, I felt the atmosphere lighten up from the seriousness it had been earlier.

(So Sirius is like a dad, whereas Ray is more like a kid, huh?)

(I’m really glad they have such a good relationship with each other.)

As I thought to myself, I leaned back in my seat and watched as they bickered--

某天，格雷德尔中涌现了温泉。

One day, a hot spring suddenly emerged in Cradle.

温泉正巧在红之领地的红心地区和黑之领地的梅花地区边境交界处涌出。

The hot spring happened to emerge right on the border between the Hearts Quarter of the Red Territory and the Clubs Quarter of the Black Territory.

已经决定要作为异国风的露天泳池使用……

It had already been decided that it would be used as an exotic open-air bath…

而且已经在那附近建好了充满异国风情的旅店。

And an inn full of exotic charm has already been built nearby.

黑之领地居民1:「所以说，那个温泉最后是从属于黑之军团？还是红之军团？我们也能去吗。」

Black Territory Resident 1: “So, in the end, would that hot spring belong to the Black Army? Or to the Red Army? Can we use it as well?”

黑之领地居民2:「欸，谁知道呢。」

Black Territory Resident 2: “Eh, who knows.”

红之领地居民1:「好像这次的会议上，会讨论关于温泉所有权的问题。」

Red Territory Resident 1: “It seems that in this meeting, the ownership of the hot spring will be discussed.”

红之领地居民2：「啊啊。但是在那之前，好像各军的King和Queen都会亲自去观察。」

Red Territory Resident 2: “Ah. But before that, I heard the Kings and Queens of both armies will personally inspect it.”

接着——和街上的传闻一样，兰斯洛特和尤纳，以及雷和天狼星……

And—just as the rumors on the streets say, Lancelot and Jonah, as well as Ray and Sirius……

很巧地在同一天几乎同一时间从军营出发去进行观察了……

Coincidentally, at the same day and almost the same time, set out from their armies for inspections……

在策马前往温泉的途中，尤纳向兰斯洛特说明了事前收集到的情报。

On their way to the hot spring on horseback, Jonah explained the information gathered beforehand to Lancelot.

尤纳：「所谓露天浴池，是会暴露在外界空气中的室外场所。感觉稍稍有些野蛮……」

Jonah: “A so-called open-air bath is an outdoor facility exposed to the open air. It feels a little primitive……”

兰斯洛特：「无法对尚未见过之物发表任何评论。」

Lancelot: “It is impossible to comment on something that we haven’t seen yet.”

尤纳：「确实如吾主所说。」

Jonah: “Just as my King says.”

尤纳毫不犹豫地回答后，表情中流露出一直压抑着的喜悦，昂首挺胸地说道。

After Jonah responded without hesitation, a long-suppressed joy seeped through his expression, and he said, head raised and chest puffed.

尤纳：「虽说爱德华他们也想一起同行……但能和兰斯洛特大人坦诚相见的，只有身为红Queen的我——您的左膀右臂而已！」

Jonah: “Although Edgar and the others wanted to come along too……But the only one who can see King Lancelot exposed is me, the Queen of Hearts--your right hand!”

兰斯洛特：「……是啊。」

Lancelot: “……Yeah.”

兰斯洛特的嘴角露出一丝微笑，但同时察觉到了什么一样，轻轻地拽住了马的缰绳。

A small smile appeared on the corner of Lancelot’s lips, but at the same time, he seemed to notice something, and gently tugged on the reins.

兰斯洛特：「那边的是……」

Lancelot: “Over there is……”

另一边，雷和天狼星两人也同样乘马向温泉而去。

On the other side, Ray and Sirius were also heading to the hot springs on horseback.

天狼星：「听说在露天浴池里，让酒漂浮在水面上并取来饮用也是常识。似乎是因为映入眼帘的天空和自然景色，会成为很好的下酒菜。」

Sirius: “I heard that in an open-air bath, it’s common to float wine on the water and enjoy them. Apparently, gazing at the sky and natural scenery makes for an excellent complement to the alcohol.”

雷：「是吗，听起来很有趣。」

Ray: “Is that so? Sounds interesting.”

天狼星：「能把臭小子们一起带来就好了。」

Sirius: “It would’ve been nice to bring those brats along too.”

听到很有天狼星风格的话语，雷也笑着答道。

Hearing Sirius’s typical words, Ray also smiled and responded.

雷：「这次视察结束后，要是谈话顺利的话，应该就能让任何人都自由前往了。快点把事情定下来……」

Ray: “After this inspection ends, if the talks go well, we should be able to let anyone come freely. Let’s settle this quickly…”

——就在雷想继续说下去的时候，他拉住了缰绳，让马停了下来。

--Just as Ray was about to continue, he tugged on the reins, stopping his horse.

天狼星：「怎么了？……嗯？」

Sirius: “What? ……Hm?”

雷的视线前方，是几乎同时到达的兰斯洛特和尤纳。

Ahead of Ray’s gaze, Lancelot and Jonah had arrived at almost the same time.

兰斯洛特：「真巧啊。」

Lancelot: “What a coincidence.”

雷：「看来事情很快就能定下来，帮大忙了。」

Ray: “It seems that we can settle this soon, how convenient.”

就这样，虽然不是出于本意，但聚集到一起的四个人还是友好地去享受了热气蒸腾的温泉。

And so, although not done out of intention, the four of them gathered still went to enjoy the steaming hot springs in fellowship.

天狼星：「哦。看起来挺不错。对吧，尤纳。」

Sirius: “Ah. It looks pretty nice, doesn’t it, Jonah?”

尤纳：「别跟我说话。为什么我这么悲惨，非要和你们坦诚相见不可啊。」

Jonah: “Don’t talk to me. Why must I suffer this indignity, and have to be exposed with the lot of you?”

天狼星：「火气这么大会容易热晕的哦。进来之前有没有喝过水？」

Sirius: “If you’re that incensed, it’ll be easy to pass out from the heat. Did you drink water before coming in?”

尤纳：「当然喝了。喝了满满一杯……不对，我才不需要你的关心。都说了不要跟我讲话！」

Jonah: “Of course I drank. I drank an entire cup……No, I don’t need your concern. I told you not to talk to me!”

离吵吵嚷嚷的两人稍远一些的地方，兰斯洛特和雷安静地并肩跑着温泉。

A little further from the bickering pair, Lancelot and Ray quietly soaked side by side in the hot spring.

雷：「这个温泉，听说有益于治疗伤口。」

Ray: “I heard that this hot spring is good for healing wounds.”

兰斯洛特：「……原来如此，很是舒适啊。」

Lancelot: “……I see. It’s quite comfortable.”

兰斯洛特用手心掬起一捧热水又重新倒掉，雷状似不经意地瞥了过来。

Lancelot scooped up a pool of hot water in his palms and poured it out again. Ray glanced over at him, seemingly casual.

然后微微歪了歪头，仔细观察着兰斯洛特的表情。

And then tilted his head slightly, closely observing Lancelot’s expression.

雷：「我说。你不会想让更多的人来泡吗？当然，不区分红与黑的立场。而且，总有一天也想带『那家伙』来。」

Ray: “I say, don’t you want more people to soak here? Of course, without distinguishing between Red and Black. And some day I’d like to bring ‘that person’here too.”

兰斯洛特：「啊啊。我同意。」

Lancelot: “Yeah. I agree.”

兰斯洛特用湿漉漉的手撩起刘海，叹了一口气。

Lancelot brushed back his bangs with wet hands and sighed.

兰斯洛特：「这么一来『那个人』也会更开心吧。」

Lancelot: “If so, it would make ‘that person’ even happier.”

雷：「那就这么定了。具体事宜之后再商量……」

Ray: “Then it’s settled. We’ll talk over the details later……”

雷仰头面向天空，将搭在头上的毛巾盖在脸上，深深吸了一口气。

Ray looked up at the sky, draped the towel on top of his head over his face, and took a deep breath.

雷：「再这样悠闲地待一会吧。反正很舒服。」

Ray: “Let’s just relax for a bit longer. It’s comfortable here anyways.”

兰斯洛特：「……可以。」

Lancelot: “……Alright.”

兰斯洛特点头的同时，天狼星也和尤纳一边争吵着一边靠了过来。

As Lancelot nodded, Sirius and Jonah, still bickering, moved closer to them.

尤纳：「兰斯洛特大人，水温如何？」

Jonah: “How’s the water temperature, King Lancelot?”

兰斯洛特：「啊啊。不错。」

Lancelot: “Ah, it’s good.”

天狼星：「在室外泡澡的解放感很棒，对吧，雷。」

Sirius: “The sense of freedom from bathing outdoors is great, isn’t it, Ray?”

雷：「嗯。可能会上瘾。」

Ray: “Mm. It might be addictive.”

就这样，四个人心满意足地享受着露天浴池带来的舒适感受……

Just like this, the four of them enjoyed the soothing comfort of the open-air bath to their heart’s content……

The intense heat of summer had waned as autumn brought a bountiful harvest season to Cradle.

I was out enjoying the cool air while decorating the street lights and garden fences with fruit-themed garlands.

(I think that should do it.)

[Alice]: "Blanc, was that all for the decorations?"

Blanc: "Yes, we're done. Thank you."

Blanc looked around the colorfully decorated street with a pleasant expression on his face.

Blanc: "Thanks to your help, the harvest spirit has settled over the whole town."

The people here celebrated the autumn harvest with a festival much like we did in the Land of Reason.

[Alice]: "Decorating the whole town is intense. This celebration must be really important. I can't wait!"

Blanc: "The weather's been excellent this year, so we're having an especially abundant crop compared to recent years."

Blanc: "I think it's been at least ten years since the harvest festival was this grand."

Blanc: "People all over town will be busy baking pies full of their feelings."

[Alice]: "Feelings...in pies?"

Blanc: "Oh, right. You don't know about that."

Blanc: "During Cradle's harvest festival, we have a custom of giving homemade pies to those we care about."

Blanc: "Gratitude, respect, and affection... people give pies to express all kinds of emotions."

Blanc: "A lovely young woman like yourself is sure to receive 'love confession' pies from lots of men."

[Alice]: "What?"

Blanc: "Though I'm sure all those men would much rather receive a pie you've filled with your feelings."

Blanc: "I know! I'd like to place an order for one of your pies right now, please."

Blanc: "There's always a lot of competition over cuties like you, so I want to get a head start!"

[Alice]: "Uh, ha-ha... You don't need to get so worked up over it. I'll make you a pie, Blanc."

Blanc: "I'm extremely honored. I can't wait to receive it!"

Blanc's sugary sweet smile made my expression soften as well.

(Cradle's harvest festival sure sounds fun!)

Excitement building in my chest, I looked up at the towering and perfectly clear blue sky.

An autumnal chill was in the air, and as the days grew shorter, I found myself longing for the familiar signs of Halloween that I'd been so used to in London.

The back alleyways were a little chilly, but it was worth braving them to play with the cats, and I chatted with Loki as I patted their soft, fluffy fur.

Loki: "Hallo-what?"

[Alice]: "Halloween! It's a special day in the Land of Reason, sort of like a festival, I guess? So we do special things to celebrate it."

[Alice]: "There's lots of serious stuff that people do, but my favorite parts are dressing up in costume, and going around asking for treats."

Loki: "Really? That sounds like fun!"

Loki's eyes seemed to gleam as he looked up at me, and I grinned at him, knowing I'd hit on just the right part of Halloween to catch his attention.

[Alice]: "But guess what else? If people don't have treats to give you, then you get to play a trick on them!"

Loki: "What? Why?"

[Alice]: "I don't know, that's just the rules! It's called 'trick or treat'."

Loki: "So they have to be nice to you, or you'll be naughty to them? I like the way that sounds."

(Me too! When I was a kid, I used to always take part in the Halloween festivities in my area.)

I'd loved bobbing for apples, and roasting hazelnuts to tell fortunes, and trying to eat sticky scones tied up on strings.

But most of all l'd loved trick or treating--going out in costume and coming home with so many treats I could barely carry them all.

[Alice]: "Halloween is a festival that has so many wonderful treats, you never want it to end!"

Loki: "Hey, Alice? Alice!"

[Alice]: "Heehee..."

Loki: "Ahh, it's no good-- she's so lost in treat-filled daydreams she can't hear a word I'm saying."

(I bet we'd have so much fun if we could celebrate Halloween here in Cradle, too! And we could just do the really fun parts--costumes and treats!)

My thoughts were filled with visions of Cradle treats and magical costumes, until a sudden weight on my shoulder dragged me back to reality.

Ray: "That sounds interesting, you know."

[Alice]: "Waaah! Ray, how long have you been here?!"

Ray: "Long enough. Do you wanna try having Halloween here, too?"

[Alice]: "Can we?! Really?!"

Ray: "This is a country that loves any excuse to throw a party. I'm sure they'd be delighted by the idea of having another festival to celebrate."

(Are you saying my dreams of being showered with treats are going to come true?!)

Ray lifted his hand from my shoulder again, smirking at me, and I grinned back at him, suddenly bursting with excitement.

Loki: "If we're gonna do it, we should get the Red Army involved as well! The more treats, the better!"

[Alice]: "I agree!"

Ray: "Sounds like it's gonna be a heck of a celebration, then."

(Ahh, I never imagined I'd get to see Cradle celebrate Halloween as well! I can hardly wait!)

All it had taken was a casual, wistful conversation as we played with some cats on a chilly autumn day.

But suddenly, everything had changed, and Cradle was about to celebrate Halloween for the very first time...

On a lovely afternoon, the sunlight was streaming in through the window.

There was an event in Cradle called "The Best Sleep Ever" in which the most comfortable pajamas were tailored just for you.

I had the day off and so did Ray, Fenrir, and Luka.

We decided to go visit the place where they could tailor the best pajamas.

[Alice]: "Well this seems like a very exclusive event!"

Fenrir: "Yeah, I think it sounds like a lot of fun!"

Luka: "I always enjoy sleeping in my favorite pajamas."

Ray: "This is a great opportunity so l'm looking forward to it."

[Alice]: "Me too!"

(I really would love to get a new nightgown.)

I headed to the venue and there was a familiar face.

Jonah: "Oh if it isn't my dear Luka!"

Luka: "Here we go again--"

Fenrir: "Oh no, not this guy!"

Ray: "Luka, leave it to me."

Luka: "Please stop."

[Alice]: "Did you come here to get pajamas tailored too, Jonah?"

Jonah: "Well yes. As the Queen of Hearts I need special pajamas made just for me."

[Alice]: "Is that so?"

Jonah: "If you are also choosing pajamas for yourselves too, I supposed I could help you."

Ray: "Do you want to choose pajamas with us?"

Jonah: "I didn't say that."

[Alice]: "Then why did you offer?"

Jonah: "Can't you figure it out? I'm the only one who can choose the best pajamas for Luka!"

Luka: "I don't need your help."

Jonah: "It's not a bother, Luka."

Jonah: "Oh I know! Why don't we get matching pajamas like when we were kids?"

Luka: "I would rather sleep naked than match you."

(Luka is now in a very bad mood!)

[Alice]: "Okay, please stop fighting, Clemence brothers."

Jonah: "We aren't fighting though?"

Luka: "Let's just leave Jonah here."

Fenrir: "I wanna go choose pajamas now!"

Just a short distance away from Fenir were rows of pajamas in all different colors and designs.

You can choose your favorite design, and then the tailor will fit them to you.

Jonah: "These pajamas with bunny ears are superb! These would definitely bring out Luka's adorable side."

Luka: "Those are for kids. Cute isn't what guys my age are going for."

Ray: "Actually, I think you would look good in those, Luka."

Fenrir: "Okay, then how about these pajamas with cat ears for Ray?!"

Ray: "What?"

Ray: "Then you should be completely covered and wear footed pajamas!"

Fenrir: "Hey are you sure you wanna see that? Fenrir Godspeed will look too awesome in those!"

Luka: "I'll pass."

Jonah: "If Luka looks cute then anything is fine with me."

[Alice]: "Come on, everyone, can't we all get along and choose pajamas together?"

Ray: "Hey what about you [Alice]? What kind of nightgown do you want?"

[Alice]: "Me?"

Ray: "Your nightgown is the most important, right?"

Fenrir: "True! Guys can wear any ol' pajamas, but girls can choose something extra special."

[Alice]: "Oh really?"

Fenrir: "We gotta choose the best nightgown fit for a princess."

[Alice]: "Haha, l'm not a princess so just a regular nightgown is fine with me!"

Jonah: "No, I agree with the Ace of Spades. A sleeping beauty such as yourself deserves something appropriate."

Luka: “...Yeah. I think you should wear cute pajamas."

(You all really think so?!)

The four of them were arguing up until they all started choosing a nightgown for me.

Jonah: "You would look ravishing in an elegant pink and beige nightgown, don't you think?"

[Alice]: "Oh that's so pretty! The silky fabric would feel so nice against my skin."

Jonah: "Of course. I might even have pajamas made for myself out of silk too."

(Does that mean we would be matching?! But those would be comfortable to sleep in.)

Fenrir: "[Alice] doesn't need something that fancy. How about a simple long camisole?"

[Alice]: "I like that! But is it a bit too revealing?"

Fenrir: "That's okay, it's easier to take off too."

(Oh Fenrir, I know what you're thinking. Although, being able to take it off quickly is convenient when getting ready.)

Ray: "I think an oversized t-shirt would be the easiest to sleep in.”

[Alice]: "That's true! I could really relax in something like that."

Ray: "Yeah, I would definitely stare at you if you wore it."

(He would stare at me? Now I'm feeling embarrassed--)

Luka: "I think fluffy pajamas are best. They are soft and would look good on you."

[Alice]: "Those are cute! They do look quite warm too.”

Luka: "Yep. You'd look cute like a teddy bear."

(You're the one who's like a teddy bear, Luka!)

The four of them each had their own opinions and could not decide on one design.

(I wonder which kind of nightgown is the best for me?)

(Well, I'll just leave it up to them to decide!)

I went into another room to change into the nightgown the four of them chose for me.

While [Alice] was changing into her pajamas–

The four guys had also decided to try on pajamas of their choice as well.

Ray: "These pajamas feel so good on my skin, after putting them on I could fall asleep at any minute."

Fenrir: "Yeah, I got so excited about pajamas that now I'm feeling sleepy."

Luka: "In the back of the venue there is a place you can try on the pajamas"

Jonah: "After I try them on, you can see my pajamas, if you want to."

Fenrir: "Okay, I wanna go try them on!"

After several minutes passed–

(I took longer than expected to get changed.)

I was wearing a nightgown and returned to the place where everyone was waiting.

(Wait, is everyone sleeping?!)

In the back of the venue, on top of the sheets, the four of them were sprawled out and sleeping near each other.

Jonah: "Hehe... My brother is an... angel."

Luka: "Ten strawberries... Two cups of milk..."

Ray: "Soft... Kitty paws..."

(Are they all talking in their sleep?)

[Alice]: "They are fast asleep."

I spoke and Fenrir’s eyelids fluttered open.

Fenrir: "Hmm, [Alice]?"

[Alice]: "Shh, go back to sleep."

He looked at me drowsily then fell back into a deep sleep.

(They can get along and they really do care about each other.)

Sleeping by someone you trust is key to the "The Best Sleep Ever."

In the tranquility of their company, I smiled and lay down next to them.

It was getting close to New Year's Day and Cradle had never experienced this much snow before.

[Alice]: "Since it's been so cold lately, I really want to eat something hot."

Blanc: "Is that so? Well, why don't we try making wild stew at my house then? We can celebrate the New Year as well."

A few days had passed since that conversation with Blanc.

(I actually thought it was just going to be Blanc, Oliver, and me but--)

The word spread and more people showed up to their house than l'd expected.

Blanc: "Come on and lift your glass and cheers to the New Year!"

Seth & Fenrir: "Happy New Year!"

[Alice]: "Cheers to the New Year!"

Kyle: "I'll definitely cheer to the New Year with this nice glass of champagne. My New Year's resolution is to drink every day."

Edgar: "Maybe it should be your resolution to not drink ever again?"

Oliver: "Don't even think about messing things up in my house you ruffians."

As we all clinked glasses together and chatted amongst ourselves, Blanc carried a huge pot over to us.

Blanc: "Alright, watch out, everyone, I'm coming through with a giant pot! Did everyone bring ingredients?"

Lancelot: "Of course. The Red Army's chef hasn't preprepared wild stew before so I'm looking forward to trying it."

[Alice]: "Actually, l've never heard of wild stew before. What's in it?"

On the table was a heater powered by magic crystals.

(Since we have these small bowls in front of us, I guess we'll scoop out the food from the giant pot into our own bowls?)

Seth: "In Cradle, everyone brings whatever they like and then we cook it all together!"

Seth: "Usually it's made in a pitch-black room so you can't see what's in it but--"

Fenrir: "Well, it'd be pretty hard to eat in the dark, ya know!"

(Hmm, l'm a bit concerned since none of us seem to be all that skilled at cooking--)

Kyle: "Before that though, are there any appetizers?"

Edgar: "I brought some candy and snacks just for that. I hope they'll go with whatever we put in the wild stew."

(Okay, now I'm really worried! I hope no one gets ill after this--)

Blanc: "Why don't we start with Oliver?"

Oliver: "Fine. I will go to the kitchen and get the ingredients."

Oliver put down his newspaper and scrunched his eyebrows.

Blanc: "I enjoy that your actions are kind even while you're complaining."

Oliver: "Well if I leave it entirely up to you guys, we won't eat a proper meal."

Edgar: "Oliver's kindness is shown through his snarky remarks."

Oliver: "Here, add these to the pot."

Oliver brought back a variety of fresh vegetables including potatoes, onions, and broccoli.

Oliver: "There are children like [Alice] here so it's imperative to think about nutritional value."

Oliver: "But no carrots. That is a vegetable that should never be consumed by humans."

(Well so far so good, and I really do need to eat more vegetables.)

[Alice]: "I knew you'd choose something healthy, Oliver."

Lancelot: "Blanc, may I add the ingredients I brought?"

Blanc: "Yes! Let's see, you brought beef, pork, chicken, mmm-- and all of them are top quality meats!"

[Alice]: "Wow, l'm so grateful you brought so much!"

Lancelot: "To truly satisfy one's appetite, you must consider both the amount and quality of the food."

Lancelot: "Feel free to choose whatever you'd like to have first, and there will be plenty for seconds."

(King Lancelot is so thoughtful to have prepared more than enough for everyone!)

Fenrir: "Wait a sec, we can't just have meat and veggies!"

Fenrir: "We gotta have a blast of seafood too!"

(I'm surprised Fenrir didn't bring more meat!)

Oliver: "That looks like lobsters, oysters, and fish from under the sea!”

Seth: "Wow, weren't those quite expensive?"

[Alice]: "Yeah, that might be too extravagant for a wild stew!"

Fenrir: "But you should eat it! It's best to eat when it's fresh and to be appreciative towards the food."

Lancelot: "I completely understand how you feel, Ace of Spades. We mustn't forget to be thankful for our meals."

Fenrir: "Right? I never would've thought I'd agree with the King of Hearts on something!"

(I should also remember to be thankful for food!)

Blanc: "Hehe, your eyes are sparkling brightly, [Alice]."

[Alice]: "Yep! To be honest, I was a bit nervous about wild stew, but it looks like it'll taste good!"

Seth: "Okay, I'm next! To coordinate with fruits and veggies, I brought these!"

Seth took out a bright red shiny apple.

Seth: "Fruits are the perfect addition to a wild stew!"

[Alice]: "I don't know about that, Seth."

Seth: "But in steak sauce, apples are a hidden ingredient."

Seth: "If we slice the apples really thin and put them in the stew, I think it'll add a nice flavor to it!"

(Will it though?)

The pot bubbled with vegetables, meat, fish and now slices of apples.

[Alice]: "It really looks like a hodgepodge of things boiling now--"

Kyle: "It doesn't look that healthy to me-"

[Alice]: "I agree with you."

Edgar: "Since fruits are allowed, I think it's my turn to throw something into the pot."

Edgar: "They're fluffy, magically delicious, and will melt quickly so I shall toss these marshmallows in next--"

(Marshmallows?! This isn't hot chocolate, you know!)

Oliver: "Wait, wait wait! You really want to put marshmallows in it? That just seems completely irrational."

Edgar: "If you are completely rational all the time, you will never discover something new."

Oliver: “...That may be true but wipe that smug look off your face."

Lancelot: "Apologies if my Ace offended you, Oliver.

Edgar, do not put marshmallows in the stew, it'll get too sticky."

Edgar: "If King Lancelot says so then instead, I'll put a chocolate bar in it."

[Alice]: "Ah!"

Before anyone could stop him, Edgar put a solid piece of chocolate into the boiling pot.

Edgar: "Chocolate can be a hidden ingredient in a sauce, just like apple is too."

Edgar: "Hmm, now we need something with even more of an impact --"

Edgar: "Especially since this the first time [Alice] has experienced Cradle's wild stew."

[Alice]: "Umm, I think I'm starting to understand why it's called 'wild'!"

(I never would have thought to combine any of these ingredients!)

Blanc: "Let's get back on track. I've also prepared some vegetables for this occasion."

Blanc: "And I really hope Oliver will eat them this year. I have here some delicious carrots--"

Blanc: "Wait, that's weird. My glasses are missing."

Fenrir: "You didn't notice that until now?!"

Seth: "They didn't fall into the pot, did they?!"

[Alice]: "Oh no!"

Oliver: "Stupid rabbit, stop making such a big fuss for nothing. I'll go look for them--"

Blanc: "Oh, here they are! They were in my bowl the whole time."

(I'm so glad he found them and they didn't accidentally end up in our stew!)

Oliver: "Hey, Blanc. Where are the carrots that were in your hand just now?"

Blanc: "Oh, I seem to have dropped them in the pot."

Oliver: "No!"

Oliver grasped Blanc's sleeve and pulled him closer.

Oliver: "I told you a billion times not to put carrots in the wild stew!"

Blanc: "Ah, ah, okay, please go easy on me."

Kyle: "Why don't you just settle down and join me for a drink?"

Blanc: "Kyle, please don't give Oliver wine when he's not in his adult form."

Edgar: "I think it'll take a while for these carrots to soften."

Fenrir: "Blanc is actually quite clever at getting things to go his way."

(Honestly, I'm not sure if Blanc is really crafty or just absent-minded--)

Kyle: "Well, I personally don't mind carrots at all."

Kyle: "But I don't like super sweet things like apples or chocolate in my stew."

Kyle took out a bottle of what I thought was alcohol but out of it came a powdery substance.

[Alice]: "What did you add to the pot?"

Kyle: "I added some spices I got from a guy l met at the pub the other day."

Edgar: "In other words, a stranger gave you spices?"

[Alice]: "Is it really okay to eat that?"

Kyle: "When you're having fun drinking and chatting, everyone seems like your friend. And I believe in my friends."

(It's great that you get along with everyone Kyle, but what if that powder is dangerous?!)

The pot bubbled some more and all of the ingredients inside became covered in a brown sauce.

(Hmm, I wonder if it's safe to eat?)

No one spoke and I sensed disappointment in the air.

Lancelot: "I didn't know that just seeing food together like this could give me a stomachache–“

Kyle: "No worries, Lancelot. If you start to feel sick, I'll just cure you with a shot."

Kyle made a gesture toward's Lancelot's arm and the king gave him a sharp look.

[Alice]: "Hold on, don't the spices that Kyle just added smell really good?"

Fenrir: "Yeah and now I'm starving!"

Blanc: "Okay, please hand me your bowl and I'll dish some out to each of you."

Our bowls were filled with this wild stew and when I took a bite–

(It's surprisingly delicious!)

It was spicy but not overpowering which really warmed me up.

Oliver: "I'm astounded. Did someone cast magic on this wild stew?"

Blanc: "I feel like l've tasted this somewhere before--"

Blanc: "Oh, that's right. In the Land of Reason, they call this flavor 'curry'."

(Curry-- I don't think I've heard of that before.)

Fenrir: "What do ya think of it, [Alice]?"

[Alice]: "It's so yummy!"

Seth: "I'm so glad to hear that! Eat up, Miss Alice."

Edgar: "Seeing your face light up while you eat is quite endearing, [Alice]. There's plenty for seconds if you'd like more."

Kyle: "Everyone should eat a lot and feel warmer!"

[Alice]: "Yes, this was such a great idea!"

Oliver: "If [Alice]'s usually never ending appetite is satisfied, then i'll say this is a success.”

Lancelot: "A warm welcome for the new year."

Blanc: "I am so glad to have seen [Alice]'s adorable smile today."

[Alice]: "Everyone--"

(I wasn't sure what to expect today but I think this is a great start to the New Year.)

(I hope this will be a wonderful year for everyone.)

Everyone smiled and chatted among themselves while enjoying a meal that warmed their bodies and hearts.

It was getting close to New Year's Day and Cradle had never experienced this much snow before.

[Alice]: "Even though it's cold outside, this is our chance to play in the snow!"

Loki: "Okay, come to my place in the forest! Harr even said he wants to wish you well for the new year."

A few days had passed since that conversation with Loki.

(I thought it'd be the perfect chance to invite others too.)

The word spread quickly and more people that I'd expected showed up at the Mysterious Forest.

[Alice]: "Happy New Year, Loki and Harr!"

Loki: "Happy New Year!"

Sirius: "Thank you for everything last year and I'm already looking forward to this year."

Harr: "Oh it is I who should be thanking you, Sirius--"

Loki: "Why are you guys being overly polite all of the sudden? Since Alice came to play with us let's liven things up!"

Ray: "You seem to be in an energetic mood today, Loki. I'm so cold I can barely move."

Luka: "You can handle it, Ray."

Jonah: "The King of Spades is weaker than I thought."

Loki: "Hey now-- Today is supposed to be the day we decide who will be the first person of the new year to make Alice happy!"

[Alice]: "Huh? I didn't hear anything about that until just now--"

Jonah: "Well, since l'm such an awesome older brother, l'll be the first person of the year to make Luka the happiest he's ever been!"

Zero: "I'm sorry, I came to stop Jonah from joining in this event but it seems I was too late--"

Luka: "Ugh, my brother is going to annoy everyone again this year..."

Luka tried to avoid Jonah's gaze by hiding behind the Ace of Hearts.

(This is an unusual group of people today!)

(If it weren't for the New Year's holiday, we wouldn't have been able to meet up like this.)

Ray: "So what's the plan?"

Ray: "It's never snowed this much before so maybe we can do something with it."

Zero: "Actually, when I heard we'd be playing with snow I decided to prepare for it."

Jonah: "It seems that Zero is all in!"

Zero: “...I'm just hoping that [Alice] will enjoy the snow."

Zero pulled a long orange and black board out of his bag.

Zero: "This is a snowboard and it's popular among the winter sports in Cradle."

[Alice]: "Cool! How do you use it?"

Zero: "If you don't mind waiting a bit I can show you."

Zero went to stand at the top of a small hill and got on top of the snowboard. In an instant, he slid gracefully down the hill.

(Wow, he's so fast!)

He slowed himself down by turning at a curve, the snow flying up under his board.

[Alice]: "That's awesome! You're really good at balancing on that board, Zero!"

Zero: "Do you really think so? Thanks, I appreciate that."

Zero: "If you practice enough you'll be able to easily glide on the snow. The cool breeze is refreshing when you slide from the top of a tall hill."

Zero pointed to a very steep mountain in the distance.

Zero: "Do you want to try it together?"

[Alice]: "It seems like fun but that might be too difficult for me!"

(But I should try to do something new this year! Just not today.)

Harr: "You've always had excellent reflexes, Ace of Hearts."

Loki: "Hold on, Harr, why are you just complimenting him but not showing off what you can do?"

Harr: "I'm not sure if there's anything special I can do with snow..."

Loki: "I know! Do that thing you always did in the past. Where you cast magic on the snow--"

Harr: "Oh, that. You really like that spell in particular, don't you, Loki?"

(I'm not sure what's going to happen, but I'm excited!)

Harr: "Please step back for a moment. Here we go!"

Harr's eyes turned crimson and a magical light swirled around him.

Suddenly a small castle that could fit only two people appeared.

[Alice]: "Wow, what a beautiful ice palace!"

Loki: "Now's your chance to invite Princess Alice to your castle!"

Sirius: "Prince Harr. Surprisingly that has a nice ring to it."

Harr: "I'm the P-prince?"

Harr: "And the princess is... [Alice]?"

(He's really going to play the part?!)

Harr: "This castle is your home now, so you can go anywhere you like."

[Alice]: "O-okay."

Harr: "Umm..."

Harr: "Even though it's an ice castle, does the cold bother you?"

Loki: “...Wait, Harr. You don't have to talk about the castle anymore, just let it go and be yourself!"

Harr: "I-I'll try..."

(When Harr's cheeks flush he looks really cute.)

Sirius: "Harr, why don't you take a moment and just relax and breathe deeply--"

Loki: "Hey Alice, do you wanna build a snowman with me?"

While Sirius was massaging Harr's shoulders, Loki took my hand in his.

[Alice]: "Your hand is chilly, Loki."

Loki: "And yours is so warm. Hmm, I wonder how warm your lips are?"

[Alice]: "H-hold on, you're tickling my chin!"

Loki: "Why don't we do something just the two of us that warms us both up?"

[Alice]: "W-what?!"

The Cheshire Cat inched closer to me but–

Ray: "Stop it, Loki. Don't invade [Alice]'s personal space."

Loki: "Hpmf."

Ray grabbed Loki's hood and pulled him back towards Harr.

(My heart was still beating too fast!)

Jonah: "Hey, [Alice] come over here for a second."

[Alice]: "Okay, so what have you been up to, Jonah?"

Jonah: "I'm so glad you asked. This is a snow sculpture I made."

(That's incredible!)

Jonah had created a statue that looked like an exact replica of the King of Hearts out of snow.

Jonah: "From the tip of his nose to the ends of his hair, l've captured his essence perfectly."

Zero: "You always wait for just the right moment to show off your talent."

Jonah: “Doesn't the glistening snow capture Lancelot's regal aura perfectly?"

Jonah: "Ah, where are my manners? I have yet to greet you properly, [Alice]."

[Alice]: "You haven't?"

Jonah: "Happy new year! I suppose I could give you this snow sculpture as a present if you'd like."

[Alice]: "What?! Well, I'm flattered but shouldn't we show it to King Lancelot first?"

(Honestly, I wouldn't know what to do with it if he did give it to me!)

Jonah: "Hmm, I do think that's an excellent idea to send it to his majesty."

Jonah: "I'll think of something more suitable to give to you, [Alice]."

[Alice]: "Thanks, but you don't need to give me anything…”

(That snow sculpture really is amazingly detailed though. You can tell how much Jonah respects and adores his king.)

Luka: "[Alice], if he's bothering you, you can tell him that directly."

Luka: "If you don't, my idiot brother won't stop."

[Alice]: "It's okay, I think he's being thoughtful!"

[Alice]: "Anyway, what are you making, Luka?"

Luka: "Oh, this? Umm, it's a snow bunny."

All around Luka were tiny little snow bunnies, with little stones for eyes.

Luka: "I just thought it'd be fun to try and make something cute."

[Alice]: "They're really adorable!"

(Luka being surrounded by cute snow bunnies is too adorable-- I can't handle it!)

Luka looked so angelic holding a little snow bunny in the palm of his hand.

Jonah: "That reminds me of when we were little and Luka asked me to show him how to make a snow bunny..."

Luka: "Hey, now. The past is in the past. So don't bring it up."

[Alice]: "Wait, Luka! Don't throw the poor snow bunnies…”

Ray: "As usual, Luka always gets all riled up when it comes to his brother."

Luka: “… I’m sorry. I’ll try harder to not let him get to me this year.”

Sirius: "You don't need to push yourself too hard, though."

[Alice]: "There you are, Sirius! Where did you go?"

Sirius: "I made an igloo just behind that tree and Harr's resting inside it now."

Sirius: "Are you chilly, little lady? You can rest there too, if you'd like."

[Alice]: "Thank you so much!"

(Sirius is always so perceptive about the important things!)

Sirius: "Alright, I'll let these kids play in the snow and I'm going to rest in the igloo as well."

Just as Sirius was about to join Harr in the igloo–

Ray: “…”

Loki: "Hey, Ray! Is something bothering you?"

Ray: "It's nothing, I was just thinking that--"

Ray: "Why is everyone doing something different?"

Jonah & Luka: "Hmm?"

Ray: "If we want [Alice] to have fun, we should all decide to do one thing together."

Harr & Zero: "Oh!"

Harr popped his head out of the igloo and everyone turned to look at me.

Ray: "So [Alice], what would make you happy?"

Ray looked straight into my eyes.

(What do I want to do with everyone?)

(Since everyone here is not usually all together like this, I want to remember this day forever.)

[Alice]: "Let me think... Why don't we all build a giant snowman and then take a commemorative photo together?"

Sirius: "A commemorative photo of all of us sounds like something you'd suggest."

Harr: "I'm pretty certain we have a magic crystal camera in our house. Please wait a minute for me to go retrieve it."

Jonah: "Geez, I guess I have no choice but to show [Alice] my talent for building a giant snowman."

Luka: "For [Alice], I'll build the biggest snowman in Cradle."

Zero: "Yes, this will be a memory we'll never forget."

Loki: "Hurry up, Alice!"

Even though the cold snow was still gently falling, I felt a warmness in my heart.

(When I'm with everyone, the cold doesn't bother me at all.)

(I hope that we'll make even more memories together this year.)

I made that wish in my heart for the New Year and then went over to help everyone build a snowman.

It was a day just like any other day, or at least, it started out that way.

[Alice] had told me that she had something she wanted to ask me, so I met her at a cafe in town.

Seth: "So what was it that you wanted to talk to me about?"

[Alice]: "Um... actually, I was just wondering what sort of dates men like to go on."

Seth: "What? Where on earth did that come from?"

[Alice]: "Well, whenever he takes me out on a date, I feel like I'm the only one who's actually really enjoying myself."

[Alice]: "So l started wondering where men like to go, and what they like to do to have fun."

Seth: "I see! You really are the sweetest thing, aren't you ☆"

Seth: "Okay, Alice, leave it to me! I'll do some research for you, and find out what their ideal dates are!"

[Alice]: "Thank you, Seth! I'd love that!"

[Alice]'s eyes sparkled with such excitement and hope that I knew I was going to have to go all out for this one.

The following evening–

I invited them all to join me at the bar--Lancelot, Edgar, Zero, Sirius, Luka and Oliver.

It was an unconventional group, I had to admit, and they were all wearing equally dubious expressions as they sat down at the table.

Seth: "I've gathered you all here today for a very special reason."

Seth: "I want you all to tell me about your ideal dates."

Luka: "Our ideal dates?"

Oliver: "That's the most ridiculously absurd thing I've ever heard."

Edgar: "May I ask why you picked this particular group?"

Seth: "You're the ones who told me you were free tonight when I asked you."

Lancelot: "Your invitation was so sudden that I was more than a little confused."

Zero: "At any rate, are you saying all we have to do is tell you what our ideal date would be like?"

Seth: "That's right!"

Seth: "We've got all night, so don't hold back! Tell me everything you've ever dreamed of!"

Sirius: "Now that you mention it--"

Sirius stared down at the glass of plain water in front of him, and then he looked pointedly over at my glass.

Sirius: "I don't know if this counts as a date, exactly, but l've always wanted to be able to drink alcohol without... well, I'd like to be able to have a few drinks."

Seth: "That's what l'm talking about! C'mon, now, give me all the details!"

Sirius: "It's no big deal, really, but..."

Sirius began to talk, and soon we were all listening intently.

It was the same evening that Seth was gathering the men together especially for [Alice].

Loki: "Yaaay, it's dinner time, dinner time!"

Ray: "I think this might be the first time the 3 of us have eaten dinner together."

Fenrir: "Sorry for bringing you to a bar, Loki. But I guarantee you the food's amazing!"

They were sitting at a table right up the back, cheerfully ordering whatever they wanted.

They'd decided to have dinner together, just the 3 of them, without anyone else interrupting.

Loki: "I bet anything you recommend is gonna taste great. I don't need to drink anything to enjoy-- hang on--"

Waiter: "Welcome! Can I help you?"

Seth: "Yes, I have a reservation under the name Seth Hyde."

Ray: "Hmm?"

A familiar voice echoed through the bar, and all 3 of them turned to look.

Seth was at the head of a group who all looked decidedly uncomfortable about being there.

It was a strange mix of faces, too--

Lancelot stood just a step ahead of Sirius, Edgar and Luka were side by side, and Zero stood awkwardly near Oliver.

Fenrir: "What's with that lineup?"

Fenrir muttered the words as they listened closely, watching the group sit down, but none of them were ready for Seth's next words.

Seth: "I've gathered you all here today for a very special reason."

Seth: "I want you all to tell me about your ideal dates."

Seth: "I'm certain every strong, healthy young man here has a wild idea... or two... or three... or four."

Ray: "Hey... did you hear that?"

Fenrir: "I heard. And there's no way l'm getting dragged into THAT."

Loki: "What are they doing? Aren't they old enough to know better?"

Fenrir: "Well, I reckon we oughta do our best to stay as inconspicuous as possible."

Ray: "Let's just eat the chicken salad, the fish with wine sauce, and the fresh baguettes, and then get the heck out of here."

Loki: "Don't forget about dessert."

They hastily began to scarf down the food that had just been brought to their table, but then the door opened again.

Jonah: "Really, what are you thinking, bringing me to a noisy, dirty place like this?"

Kyle: "It's fine every now and again, right? Think of it as market research. You gotta go to a bar the common people frequent, and drink, and drink, and-- hmm?"

Kyle: "Hey, is that you, Loki? What'reya doing here?"

Loki: "Urgh-- stop yelling so loudly! The Boy's Talk From Hell Club are gonna spot us!"

Fenrir: "Wouldn't we be better off getting them to join us before they give us away?"

Ray: "Agreed. Hey! Get over here!"

Jonah: "Kyle. Someone vaguely familiar-looking over there is beckoning us over rather urgently."

Kyle: "Probably just asking us to join 'em for a drink or six."

Jonah and Kyle crossed the room, both looking faintly perplexed, and the other 3 quickly found extra chairs for them.

Ray: "Listen up, okay? And don't do anything that'll get you noticed. You see..."

Ray quickly summed up the situation between hasty mouthfuls of food and drink.

Jonah lifted his gaze to the ceiling, looking appalled and disgusted.

Jonah: "How on earth did it come to this? I can't believe he's dragged Luka and King Lancelot into it!"

Kyle: "Hey, l'm begging ya here--don't you dare go plotting any sort of frontal assault. The fallout'll reach us for sure."

Loki: "They seem to be enjoying themselves just fine over there. Shouldn't we just leave them alone?"

Fenrir: "I think we should."

Fenrir nodded firmly, and then finished off the rest of his drink in one big gulp.

He set it down on the table, his smile challenging as he looked around at them all.

Fenrir: "So, what's your ideal dates?"

Kyle: "Huh?!"

Jonah: "Aren't we over here specifically to avoid that topic of discussion?"

Fenrir: "Nah, that ain't why. It's 'cause that over there is Seth planning something, without a doubt."

Fenrir: "This here is just us making small talk. So let's have some fun, yeah?"

Ray: "What's with you? Are you drunk already?"

Fenrir: "Maybe?"

Loki: "Well, I want to go on a date at the beach."

Kyle: "Are we going along with it, just like that? Well, I guess it's like an appetizer."

Ray: "I wasn't expecting you to say that. Didn't you tell me you can't swim?"

Loki: “…I can't swim. That's why it's a wild idea, right?"

Loki: "We could go floating around in swim rings together, and build castles in the sand."

Loki: "Then her swimsuit would get washed away by the waves, and she'd be all shy and blushing, and I'd start teasing her, and Alice would--"

Fenrir: "Stop, stop!"

Jonah: "I have a feeling I've just discovered how deranged public morals are amongst young men here in Cradle."

Kyle: "But I like the swimsuit part. Swimsuits are good."

Loki: "How come it makes you sound like a creepy old man when you say it?"

Kyle: "Hey! It's totally normal to want to see a woman looking a little different now and again, right?"

Ray: "Right. But that doesn't mean going straight to swimsuits."

Ray: "Something like-- a different hairstyle is enough. Like looping it all up high at the back."

Fenrir: "Oh yeah, I get what you mean! Or like when she braids it, and you're thinking, wow, she did that just for me, and you get all happy."

Fenrir: "And then you go out together in matching outfits. Now that'd really feel like a date! That sounds like fun!"

Kyle: "I dunno... I think she'd get me more if she put on one of my shirts, you know? And we had a mellow, laidback date at home... or something?"

Loki & Ray: "Definitely."

Jonah: "What on earth are you all going on about? This is meant to be about your ideal date, not about your ideal style for her!"

Fenrir: "But thinking about what sort of style she could wear to make you happy is an important part of the discussion, ain't it?"

Ray: "What about you, Jonah? Don't you have anything? A wild idea for your ideal date?"

Jonah: "My ideal, hmm? I suppose in that case I could consider it my special privilege to see my girlfriend dressed in a different style."

Jonah: "I'd be happy if she came along wearing high heels that made her look a little taller."

Jonah: “...wait, what are you making me say?! It's unhealthy, talking about wild ideas like this."

Loki: "That's funny, coming from the man who knew exactly what he wanted, right down to the heels."

Kyle: "Don't you have anything else? Like what clothes you want her in, or where you want to go with her?"

Jonah: "Look, you lot might have all these weird things you want to do, but--!"

Jonah: "A man like myself would never do anything that would involve me forcing my desires on her, not even in my wildest dreams!"

Fenrir: "Stop being such a stick-in-the-mud. We're just playing a little game here, right?"

Ray: "Well, I feel like I get what you're trying to say, though."

Ray: "No matter how wild the idea, I'd still wanna take good care of the person I loved. It's that simple, right?"

Jonah: "Wha-- could you kindly not act as if you understand how I feel?"

Seth: "You sound like you're having fun over here."

Jonah: "Be quiet... wait, what?"

Seth: "That's right, I heard everything you had to say ☆"

Everyone: "Ah!"

The 5 of them looked up, only to realize that somewhere along the way, Seth had joined their conversation.

Seth: "It looks like you were trying to hide from me, but don't worry, I noticed you right from the start!"

Seth: "Now, why don't you tell me the rest? I can't wait to tell Alice all about your ideal dates, too ♪"

Seth sat down at the table, directly between them and the door, and his radiant smile told them that hell had reached them, too.

The night of wild boy's talk was never, ever going to end…

By the time they'd all told their stories, the night had grown very late.

They all looked so satisfied with themselves, and I couldn't help sighing softly.

Seth: "Geez. You've reminded me all over again that men really are idiots."

Sirius: "That's just the way it is. Although I found Edgar's desire to make her cry a little difficult to understand."

Sirius: "I would never, ever do anything to make the person I love cry."

Edgar: "Is that so? But doesn't loving them make you want to see every single expression they're capable of making?"

Zero: "The one that bothered me was Luka's. I don't think it's a good idea to take your girlfriend wandering through dark alleyways where dangerous men lurk."

Luka: "When it's that late at night, they're likely to pick a fight with you no matter where you walk."

Lancelot: "Is Cradle really that dangerous? We'll have to increase the patrols."

Oliver: "That said, it must be rough, being the king. I can't believe you find it so difficult to arrange even a simple date like that."

Lancelot: "All things considered, your date was unusually simple as well."

Oliver: "I'm fine with that. I don't need to take it any further."

Seth: "Maybe simple is what makes us happiest."

Luka: "Sirius, do you really want to be able to drink alcohol?"

Sirius: "Well, to be honest... it's less that I want to be able to drink, and more that I want to be able to impress the person I love."

Sirius: "I'd say that's a pretty standard desire for any man to have."

Luka: "Yes, I understand that very well."

As they chatted amicably back and forth, an interrogation was underway at the opposite end of the table.

Edgar: "By the way, Zero, I did want to ask you something. Does that notebook actually exist?"

Zero: “...No, it doesn't. It was just a hypothetical situation. So... don't you dare go looking for it."

Edgar: "Is that so? Naturally, I would never go looking for such a thing."

Seth: "You two are enough to make even me feel uneasy."

Seth: "But never mind that. Thank you all so much for helping me with my research! It's been wonderful!"

Seth: "I'll be sure to report everything you've told me in great detail to Alice ☆"

Sirius & Lancelot: "Huh?"

Luka & Zero: "What?"

Edgar & Oliver: "Seth..."

Seth: "Oh my, look at the time! How did it get so late!?

If I don't get some rest, my skin will feel like sandpaper by morning!"

Seth: "Thank you all for your help! Goodniiilight ☆"

My words came out at twice their usual speed, even as I stood up swiftly and turned towards the door.

Oliver: "Why you-- somebody stop that idiot! Now!!"

They were all on their feet in a moment, but it didn't help.

I'd made my escape, and not a single one of them was able to catch me that night...

One afternoon,

Oliver held an unveiling party for his newest invention with some of the army officers.

We sat down to lunch together as we waited for Oliver to arrive.

Fenrir: "I wonder what this new tool of his is."

Blanc: "He said it's something that can be used for crime prevention. But I don't know anything beyond that."

Zero: "If it's for preventing crime, it's probably meant to be used while on patrol."

Jonah: "And since he's gathered us all together, it must be quite extraordinary."

Ray: "Regardless, sharing a meal like this is a good opportunity to strengthen our alliance."

Sirius: "That's true. Have you heard anything about this invention, little lady?"

[Alice]: "No, I don't know anything about it."

Oliver: "Ah, you're all here."

(There's Oliver!)

Oliver: "I invited you here today to show you this."

Oliver held up a small spray bottle that fit in the palm of his little hand.

(That's a crime prevention tool?)

Oliver: "One squirt of this magical spray will temporarily calm a disruptive drunkard or someone brawling in the street."

Oliver: "I created a concentrated solution of herbs with calming properties and used a Magic Crystal to boost its effectiveness."

(That sounds complicated. And impressive!)

Zero: "That seems like a good safety device for civilians like [Alice] to carry. But do we really need something like that?"

Oliver: "You can easily subdue someone with your sword, of course. But is that always the best solution?"

Ray: "He has a point. I like the sound of this. We'd be able to arrest troublemakers without hurting them."

Jonah: "But does it truly work?"

Oliver: "I guarantee it. But feel free to test it out yourself."

Blanc: "Is it safe to use on a normal person?"

Oliver: "It's not harmful. It will just make you feel extremely calm and affectionate toward everything around you."

Passing the bottle of the spray around, everyone took turns spritzing it into their own face.

(Well, I guess I'll give it a try too.)

I started reaching for the bottle, but Sirius picked it up before I could.

Sirius: "I wouldn't if I were you."

[Alice]: "Why not?"

Sirius: "We're all used to taking risks, but I'd never forgive myself if something bad happened to you."

[Alice]: "Oh, okay."

(I was looking forward to trying it. But Sirius makes a good point, so I'll hold off.)

A short while after everyone but me used the spray, Fenrir tilted his head to the side quizzically.

Fenrir: "Hmm. I don't feel any different."

Sirius: "You don't feel more affectionate than usual?"

Ray: "No."

Zero: "Nothing has changed for me. How about you, Jonah?"

Jonah: "I feel nothing. Except a bit annoyed that this isn't working."

Blanc: "This was made to stop crimes, right? So, shouldn't it take effect immediately?"

Oliver: "Yes. It's supposed to. This is strange."

Oliver took the bottle and sprayed his own face.

[Alice]: "Oliver? How do you feel?"

Oliver: "It's true. I don't feel anything. Maybe it's because too much time has passed since I made this?"

As Oliver pondered the problem, the cuckoo clock in the tavern called out once.

Zero: "I need to get going. That paperwork won't do itself."

Ray: "Me too. Oliver, thanks for this."

Ray: "The idea is a good one. Let me know once you've perfected the product."

Oliver: "Sure. Sorry to bring you all here for nothing."

Fenrir: "Don't worry about it! See you next time."

With that, everyone left to go back to their normal day.

At that time I had no clue–

No idea about the crazy things that were about to happen.

After trying out Oliver's magical spray, everyone decided that they should get back to work.

But just as Zero was about to leave the restaurant, he stopped for some reason.

(What's up with him?)

Zero: "Work, hm? You know, I don't really have to get back so soon."

[Alice]: "Hm?"

Zero: "If I'm not there, Edgar will pick up the slack."

(That doesn't sound like Zero.)

A blissful expression had appeared on Zero's face.

Zero: "Forgetting about work and doing whatever you like-- that's another perfectly reasonable way to live."

(Is the spray affecting him after all?)

(I need to go tell Oliver!)

I spun around and was faced with a grinning Fenrir.

Fenrir: "I know exactly how you feel, Zero! When it comes to getting what you want, you have to be willing to do whatever it takes."

A dangerous light glittered in Fenrir's eyes.

(Is this a result of the spray, too?)

I ran as fast as I could to Oliver to let him know.

[Alice]: "Oliver, two of the guys are acting weird. Is it because of the spray?"

Oliver: "I'm not sure. But you're really impressive."

Oliver: "You always show concern for others. I think that makes you truly kind."

[Alice]: "What?"

The gentle smile on Oliver's face made him look like a completely different person.

(Oliver's acting weird, too! Has anyone escaped the effects of the spray?)

I looked around the tavern for someone who was still acting normal.

Ray: "Sirius, I'm sleepy. Let me put my head in your lap."

Sirius: "You forgot to say 'please.' If you can beg me properly, then I'll let you do it."

(Nope, not Ray or Sirius.)

Blanc: "You know, I noticed something. You haven't been able to take your eyes off her all day."

Jonah: "Uh! Th-That's not true."

Jonah: "I can't stare at her, because, if I do-- then my heart races so fast it hurts my chest."

Blanc: "Why don't you just give in and be honest with yourself for once."

(Not Jonah or Blanc either.)

Ray was seeking affection, while Sirius acted self-important.

Meanwhile, Blanc was giddily teasing a red-faced Jonah.

(These aren't the people I know!)

(I need to go find help. But who can be relied on at a time like this?)

As if he had sensed my need for assistance, Kyle walked through the tavern door just then.

Kyle: "Here I am!"

(Kyle's a doctor! I'm sure he can help!)

[Alice]: "Thank you so much for coming! For once, I think you're the perfect person to handle this."

When I went running up to him, Kyle's face scrunched up dubiously.

Kyle: "Huh? I'm just here for a drink. Has something happened?"

[Alice]: "Yeah, actually--"

When I explained the situation to Kyle, all he did was shrug.

Kyle: "The fastest way to fix this is talking to the inventor."

[Alice]: "But--"

(Oliver is out of it right now, too.)

Kyle walked over to Oliver, who was smiling and nodding at everything the others were saying.

Kyle: "Hey, Oliver!"

Oliver: "Oh, Kyle! You came!"

Kyle: "What's wrong with everyone in here?"

Oliver: "Nothing. They're all just feeling good. I feel like my true self has been set free as well."

Oliver: "I think you should know that I consider you a truly excellent doctor."

Kyle: "Uh, huh?"

Oliver's sweet, admiring smile made Kyle pale slightly.

Kyle: "That is creepy. And I don't think we're going to get any straight answers out of him."

[Alice]: "See? So, how do we get them back to their usual selves?"

Kyle: "Good question."

Kyle crossed his arms and looked around the tavern.

Kyle: "But I think we can probably just leave them be."

[Alice]: "We can't do that!"

Kyle: "Why not? Look how well everyone's getting along. There's no bickering going on between Red and Black officers at all."

(That's true.)

The atmosphere in the tavern was cheerful and lively. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.

Fenrir: "I think it's best to keep one's lover in handcuffs."

Fenrir: "It might sound a little extreme, but how else are you supposed to show them how much you love them?"

Jonah: "I-I could never do that. Just seeing the one I like is enough to fill my heart to bursting."

Sirius: "Jonah, you should practice coming on to her. Use Oliver as a stand in. Unless you'd rather have me show you how it's done?"

Oliver: "What are you talking about? I'm eager to help however I can!"

Ray: "Zero! Come play with me!"

Zero: "I will if I feel like it. I'm living my life how I want to."

Ray: "Fine, then Blanc can play with me."

Blanc: "What do you want to do? Your wish is my command, but only if you tell it to me properly."

Everyone was getting along so well, I could barely believe the two armies used to be at odds.

(I guess that magical spray wasn't a complete failure after all.)

(Having a peaceful day like this is nice.)

The party continued on like that for a while.

But when the effects of the spray finally wore off, everyone looked embarrassed as they headed for home.

The seasons were changing; a pleasant spring had come to Cradle.

But this year's spring was a bit different than any before…

[Alice]: "Wow, it's so beautiful!"

Mousse told me there was something he wanted to show me, so he brought me to a big field.

There were pink flowers blooming that I had never seen before.

Mousse: "These are called cherry blossoms. They're a spring flower; I found them in another country and brought them here."

[Alice]: "What? You brought all these trees here?"

Mousse: "Yes."

(All of them? Wow, Mousse really goes all out...)

[Alice]: "Why did you want to bring them here, though?"

Mousse: "Because they're pretty. And I wanted everyone in Cradle to see them."

[Alice]: "Ohh... Okay."

(That's a really sweet reason.)

I was touched that Mousse cared so much, when…

Mousse: "And there's another reason."

[Alice]: "Eek!"

I let out a shriek of surprise when he suddenly leaned in close to me.

[Alice]: "W-What is it?"

Mousse: "Because I wanted to look at them with you. Flowers always look even prettier when you share them with someone you love."

[Alice]: "Huh?"

(Wait... He's saying he loves me?)

(I'm sure he's just joking...)

Mousse: "So l'm really happy. I'll never forget about these cherry blossoms."

He said, staring intently at the trees.

(I can never get a good read on him. He's such a strange person.)

I gazed at the cherry blossom trees and thought about what Mousse said.

("Flowers always look even prettier when you share them with someone you love." Maybe he's right.)

I thought about the man I loved as I looked at the delicate pink blossoms...

Even in Cradle, cherry blossoms were the messengers of spring.

On one such spring day, Blanc and I headed to the forest to admire how beautiful the flowers were in full bloom before it got crowded.

Blanc: "Apparently, Mousse saw these trees overseas and was stunned by their beauty."

Blanc: "He wanted everyone in Cradle to be able to enjoy the blossoms too, so he decided to import and plant them here."

[Alice]: "Wait, he planted all the trees here? But there are so many... That's impressive."

Blanc went on to tell me about how Mousse even cast special magic over the trees when he planted them to make sure they'd thrive.

Knowing how much effort it took to create such a beautiful area moved me deeply.

Blanc: "We owe a lot to Mousse. It's thanks to him that we're able to enjoy our tea underneath these stunning flowers."

[Alice]: "You're right."

I smiled and nodded at him before continuing to gaze at the pretty pink blossoms above us.

[Alice]: "Everyone in town was so happy when they saw these trees. They all said they'd never seen flowers like these before."

[Alice]: "They've even started a rumor saying how you can hear the thoughts of the person you care about after you look at the cherry blossoms."

Blanc: "Really now? What a quaint little rumor."

Blanc: "Wanting to hear the thoughts of the one you fancy sounds so whimsical and dreamy, doesn't it?"

[Alice]: "It really does!"

We laughed and chatted leisurely, and I brought my cup to my lips during a lull in our conversation.

I took a sip and, just as I drank my tea, I accidentally swallowed a flower petal that had fallen into my cup as well.

My eyebrows rose in surprise, as I hadn't expected anything in my cup. Blanc took notice of my confusion.

Blanc: "Is something amiss?"

[Alice]: "No, it's nothing."

(Is it just me or did it suddenly get a lot warmer? Hm, I must be imagining things.)

(I don't think cherry blossom petals have the ability to make people feel warmer… It's not like it's ginger or anything.)

I tried to convince myself that everything was fine as the refreshing spring breeze threaded through my hair.

I didn't realize it yet at that time, but the rumor was true.

The magic spell of the cherry blossoms was already cast on me, and the spoken word was not the only thing I could hear from then on.