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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]

  • Are you alright? (SUN)

  • 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]

  • With pleasure (SUN)

  • 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..."

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