Ch. 3: The Password is in the Language of Flowers
Soon it was the time written in the invitation…
Using a map, I arrived at a back alley.
Guido: "Knock three times and say the password. Your hint is a word for the flower that I left you."
Like the letter said, I hesitantly knocked three times.
OO: "Um…what is mimosa in the language of flowers…"
Guido: "It is a word that represents yourself."
I heard a voice coming from behind the closed door.
OO: "Me…?"
Guido: "Sublime, graceful…now, say the password."
OO: "Um…"
Guido: "The answer is ‘elegant’. Tonight you get a freebie♠"
Guido appeared from behind the door with a mischievous smile and guided me inside.
In there was…
Compared to outside…it’s like a completely different world…Wow…
Candlelight floated and illuminated the antique-style room.
It was quite a magical and enchanting space.
Guido: "Sorry about this, greeting you without my true face."
Guido spoke softly.
As if in response to his mask, my chest thumped.
Guido’s true face…
Guido: "Now then, what shall I do? If that is your wish, I want to grant it but…right now I cannot♠ You see, people who witness my true face are afflicted with a terrible curse!"
Remembering his words, I unintentionally looked away.
Guido: "Hm? Ah, the curse was a joke, so you don’t have to be so frightened◆"
OO: "A-alright."
Guido: "You are so upfront little kitten. I’m sorry for scaring you so. I just needed to keep my identity hidden…"
Guido removed his hand from his mask and his expression clouded.
To hide his identity…
[CHOICE]
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Are you alright? (SUN)
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Watch him intently (MOON)
Guido’s long fingers stroked my cheek
Guido: "I’m alright. I just don’t want you to concern yourself with troublesome things. By the way, do you remember what was written in the invitation?"
OO: "Ah…you said it was a secret ball…"
Guido: "That’s right. Welcome, to the mysterious ball for just the two of us◆"
Bowing gracefully, he held out his hand to me.
Guido: "May I have this dance?"
[CHOICE]
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With pleasure (SUN)
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I can’t dance… (MOON)
Guido: "That’s alright. After all, it is my duty to take the lead. And it’s only you and I here, so no one will make fun of you."
Dropping the needle on the record, Guido placed his hand on my lower back.
The bewitching melody of a violin echoed throughout the room.
Guido: "Now, let us dance mademoiselle."
OO: "Yes."
Taking Guido’s hand, I surrendered myself to his lead.
This too seems like a dream…
I could feel the heat from his broad hands against my back.
My heart thumped loudly in my ears.
…
……
As dawn drew close, Guido carried me back to the inn.
He set me down lightly on the veranda and slid his fingers along my cheek.
Guido: "Goodnight…sweet dreams, my cute little kitten. Let us meet again tomorrow night."
The eyes from deep within his mask looked at me affectionately.
OO: "Yes, Guido…"
Guido: "…"
His face leaned in very close to mine.
Eh…?
As if pulled by magic, my eyes closed.
However, the warmth of his breath suddenly faded.
Guido…?
I opened my eyes and he was no longer there. I was alone with only the stars silently twinkling overhead.
OO: "Are you alright?"
Guido: "Are you worried about me? Thank you for that, kitten."
I wonder if Guido is alright...
Guido: "Your eyes are quite eloquent kitten. They tell me how worried you are about me."
OO: "With pleasure."
Guido: "Good answer kitten ◆"
OO: "But...I'm not very good at dancing..."
OO: "I can't dance..."