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The aroma of chocolate and sweet floral fragrance filled the air, accompanied by the excited and shy confessions of young maidens—ah, could anything be more heart-fluttering than this?
Romantic petals naturally encircled the couples, heartfelt emotions sincerely conveyed to one another... It had all the hallmarks of a traditional Japanese shōjo manga style. But sure enough, that day had arrived—Valentine's Day in Shin Makoku.
Really, despite it being such a joyous occasion, I couldn't muster any happiness at all. So could someone please tell me why the Demon King doesn't get a moment's rest on Valentine's Day? This is exploitation, sheer exploitation!
As the sovereign's most attentive confidant, Günter intuitively stepped forward to explain on his behalf.
"Your Majesty, while I deeply apologize for troubling you with affairs of state today, these matters are of great importance," Günter said, uncharacteristically serious.
Yuuri responded helplessly, "Yeah, yeah. After all, this baseball-loving kid is now the Demon King—the real deal." He sighed, then turned his gaze back out the window at the lively crowd. An innocent young girl was silently confessing her love to her beloved, handing him an exquisitely wrapped box. There was little doubt about its contents—handmade chocolate she had lovingly prepared the night before.
Speaking of chocolate, it probably had nothing to do with someone like me who's lived half his life without any romantic luck... Still, watching them happily eating chocolate together made it hard not to feel envious. Just once, I'd like to taste chocolate made with someone's heartfelt feelings for me!
Just then, a figure pushed open the door, accompanied by a sweet voice: "Yuuri! Greta's come to see you!"
Greta wore a pink dress that was clearly expensive, its luxurious golden threads and brilliant jewels glittering under the light, impossible to ignore.
Although Yuuri felt Greta was still too young for such an ornate dress and should wait until she was older, the person who had chosen it seemed to see no issue, thinking instead, "This is merely adequate for her."
Given that arguing with that particular person could be somewhat intimidating, Yuuri simply smiled. But then another thought crossed his mind—perhaps the noble prince himself had been like this as a child? Appearing before everyone in impeccably tailored, exquisite clothing, making his demands with characteristic willfulness, yet no matter how demanding, it only made him seem like an adorable kitten. The image of a young Wolfram commanding others with his cute little face made Yuuri chuckle softly.
Greta looked at Yuuri with confusion, noticing his foolish grin. "Yuuri, what's wrong?"
Realizing his embarrassment, Yuuri immediately cleared his throat and straightened up. "N-Nothing! By the way, Greta, did you need something?"
Greta smiled happily. "I came to give you a present, Yuuri! Here!" She produced a beautiful red box from behind her back, adorned with a lovely bow.
Seeing the box, a suspicion formed in Yuuri's mind, and he asked excitedly, "Could it be...?"
"Mm-hmm! It's chocolate Greta made all by herself!" Greta declared proudly.
Hearing that it contained his beloved daughter's handmade chocolate, Yuuri pulled his thoughtful child into a tight embrace, so moved he nearly cried. "Ah, thank you, Greta! I'm truly so happy! Thank you for giving me such a precious gift today!"
Receiving chocolate from his beloved daughter on Valentine's Day—surely that was enough to satisfy anyone? Imagining her tiny hands stirring the chocolate liquid with her small fingers, letting it solidify into cute shapes, then personally selecting the perfect beautiful packaging for this precious gift... Could anything be more touching?
Ah, being able to see his daughter's handmade chocolate on Valentine's Day was pure bliss!
But... what about Wolfram? Where was the person always appearing before him, the one who swore he'd never leave his side? Why was he nowhere to be seen on this particularly special day?!
So Yuuri gently patted Greta's head and asked, "Greta, do you know where Wolfram is?"
Greta's face scrunched up hesitantly, as if deliberating something. "Well... it's a secret! Wolfram told me not to tell you yet."
Yuuri's mind immediately flashed with unpleasant possibilities. "What?"
"It's a surprise! A secret surprise!"
Hearing this answer, Yuuri breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness..." But what kind of surprise could it be? Yuuri began to wonder.
Unable to contain his curiosity, Yuuri immediately headed toward the door. Sensing his intention, Günter swiftly blocked his path. "Um, Your Majesty, state affairs—"
"Oh, that? I'll handle it when I get back, okay?"
"But... but!"
"No more 'buts'! I'll take responsibility as Demon King and take care of everything properly. I just want to go out for a little break right now." Then he forcefully opened the door and slipped through the crack.
Günter watched Yuuri's retreating figure and collapsed weakly to the floor, his handsome face instantly drooping as he wept, "Aaaah, Your Majesty...!"
Greta glanced at Günter, whose face was now smeared with tears and sniffles, and managed a small smile.
After traversing various corridors, Yuuri finally arrived before Wolfram's door. Excited and nervously anticipating, he knocked. "Wolfram, are you in there?"
After several more knocks yielded no response, Yuuri pushed the door open on his own, muttering, "Honestly, Wolfram, are you being that diligent?"
But upon entering, he didn't find the person he sought. After a moment of disappointment, he continued on to other places.
Yuuri walked with heavy, hurried steps, his expression somewhat subdued, inwardly complaining with mild dissatisfaction: Although I'm happy Wolfram is preparing a surprise for me, I'd still rather see him...
Lost in thought as he walked distractedly, he suddenly collided with an unexpected person.
Rubbing his slightly sore forehead, Yuuri looked up—Conrad. And the man, usually so composed, actually showed rare signs of panic, glancing around nervously as if fearing something.
"Conrad, what are you doing?"
Only then did Conrad seem to snap back to reality, looking at Yuuri with surprise. "Oh my, Your Majesty, my apologies for bumping into you. I'm feeling rather overwhelmed."
Hearing this only piqued Yuuri's curiosity further. "So what exactly happened to you?"
Conrad sighed first, then pressed a hand to his forehead as he explained, "Well, Your Majesty, you know today is Valentine's Day, correct? The young maidens are rather... excited. They've been eagerly pressing chocolates into my arms. While I know it's wrong to hurt their innocent feelings, I also cannot give them false hope."
Yuuri understood perfectly—and felt like Conrad was subtly showing off. He immediately regretted asking such a foolish question. Ignoring the man's glamorous problems, he simply walked around him and continued on his way.
Feeling abandoned, Conrad immediately panicked. "Um, Your Majesty, have I offended you in some way?!"
Yuuri's mouth twitched. Ah, popular men are so oblivious. Honestly, have some consideration for someone like me who's been unlucky in love for fifteen years!
With that thought, he quickened his pace, leaving Conrad standing bewildered in the wind, staring at Yuuri's back while pondering what he'd said wrong—coming up empty.
"Adolescents are so hard to read..."
Of course, Yuuri wasn't about to give him the correct answer—that might actually wound his fragile pride.
After walking for what felt like an indeterminate time and distance, Yuuri looked up to see the nameplate on a door ahead: Anissina's Private Laboratory. The moment he registered the name, he prepared to turn around and leave.
Just as he pivoted, ready to break his own sprint record, Anissina happened to push open the door, holding a box in her hands. Predictably, when she glanced sideways, she easily spotted His Majesty's suspicious figure.
Anissina tilted her head. "Your Majesty? What are you doing?"
Feeling caught, Yuuri guiltily turned toward her, scratching his head. "Just... taking a stroll."
"Is that so?" Anissina looked momentarily skeptical, but quickly brightened. "Oh, perfect timing, Your Majesty! I wanted you to see the chocolate I made!" With that, she eagerly opened the box to reveal an assortment of chocolates.
Initially, Yuuri had braced himself for something unspeakable, but upon closer inspection, the craftsmanship was remarkably fine. From kittens to bumblebees, each piece was adorable.
Yuuri sincerely praised, "These are really cute."
Anissina smiled proudly and happily. "Hehe, right? As expected from my most satisfactory 'Dextral'!"
"Are you giving these to someone?" The moment Yuuri asked, he had already guessed the recipient. After all, in Shin Makoku, there weren't many men fond of cute things like these—naturally, a certain someone came to mind.
Anissina coughed somewhat conspicuously. "These are for... a friend of mine."
Yuuri smiled knowingly, inwardly marveling: Well, well. Even bold, straightforward Anissina has her unguarded moments.
Watching her nervously repackage the box before dashing off excitedly toward some destination, Yuuri simply shook his head with a light chuckle. "Whoever receives such sincere gifts would surely be happy, right? After all, a maiden's heartfelt feelings are the most important part of chocolate."
Just as he was basking in this warm thought, Yuuri happened to glance through the open doorway at the machine presumably called 'Dextral'—just in time to see it sprinkling what looked suspiciously like pepper into a bowl of chocolate liquid. Yuuri gulped. Well... whoever receives that chocolate, I'll say a prayer for them.
After silently offering his prayers for the unfortunate recipient, Yuuri continued onward. As he walked, he felt the wind brushing past him—gentle and cool, making him forget all his worries.
Standing on the castle balcony, Yuuri listened to the branches below rustling in the breeze, his thoughts drifting far away.
White clouds in the sky transformed into dancing free birds; the gentle wind continuously caressed Yuuri's face, disturbing his soft hair. Just as he was enjoying this rare moment of leisure, someone suddenly appeared beside him.
Yuuri caught a glimpse of familiar golden hair from the corner of his eye, and his heartbeat faltered. "Wolf—" But when he turned, it wasn't who he'd expected.
"Oh, it's you, Lady Celi."
Celi chuckled softly, looking at Yuuri with an amused smile. "Oh dear, have I disappointed Your Majesty?"
Yuuri quickly shook his head, flustered. "Of course not! Not at all! I'm happy to see Lady Celi too!"
Celi nodded knowingly, her eyes warm and teasing. "I understand completely, Your Majesty. I know just how much you miss my dear child..."
"Th-This..." Embarrassed by her directness, Yuuri felt his cheeks warm.
Lady Celi continued smiling at him, her beautiful emerald eyes half-lidded. She leaned casually against the balcony railing, her silken golden hair dancing in the wind. Already beautiful, she appeared even more radiant under the sunlight, like Dante's Beatrice come to life.
Thinking about it, it was only natural that the child born of such beauty would possess features just as striking. That boy's hair shimmered like silk threaded with gold; his emerald eyes were like spring lake water, rippling with beautiful waves; his rosy lips outshone any rose Yuuri had ever seen. Porcelain skin perfectly covered his slender, graceful form—a figure so well-proportioned that even the most confident maiden would feel inadequate.
Although Wolfram would vehemently protest that Yuuri was the cute one, Yuuri would still use the finest words he knew to describe him. Because that's just what he was.
"Yuuri! The moment I take my eyes off you, you're already out flirting with others?!"
An angry contralto voice came from behind—one Yuuri knew all too well. But its owner was currently glaring with an expression wildly incongruous with his beautiful young face, having roughly drawn his sword and pointed it at Yuuri.
Staring at the sword tip inches from his face, Yuuri nervously gulped and defended himself: "It's not like that, Wolfram! I haven't done anything wrong! I just happened to run into Lady Celi! So please put the sword down!" He wasn't eager to meet his maker just yet—even if an angel was currently standing right before him.
Hearing Yuuri's explanation, Wolfram continued furrowing his elegant brows angrily. "Honestly, you never give me a moment's peace!" Scolding all the while, he slowly sheathed his sword, the metallic click clearly reaching Yuuri's ears.
Yuuri chuckled awkwardly in response, then looked at him with mild dissatisfaction. "But you could trust me a little more, you know? I'm your fiancé, aren't I? Ultimately, I'm the one who's going to marry you, right?"
Wolfram fell silent for a moment—though 'frozen' might be more accurate. Finally, he spoke. "Hmph. I wish you'd be this straightforward more often."
"Don't worry, don't worry..." Having placated Wolfram, Yuuri suddenly remembered something. "Hey, Wolf, where were you just now?"
This reminded the other. Wolfram's eyes briefly sparkled before he grabbed Yuuri's hand and started running toward some destination.
Startled by the sudden sprint while being dragged along, Yuuri yelped, "Wait! Where are we going?!"
"To see the gift I prepared for you."
As he spoke, the warm sensation continuously transmitted through their tightly clasped hands made Yuuri smile contentedly, his heart beginning to anticipate whatever gift Wolfram had prepared. Even if it was chocolate made using Anissina's 'Dextral,' he would eat it with love (probably).
They only stopped when they reached their destination, both panting slightly. Smelling the distinctively sweet aroma of chocolate emanating from within, Yuuri steadied himself, thinking: At least the smell suggests it can't be too bad.
Wolfram pushed open the door, revealing what Yuuri had been eagerly anticipating.
Yuuri stared dumbfounded at the 'gift,' while Wolfram crossed his arms, chin raised, speaking with proud satisfaction: "Well? Surprised?"
Staring at a chocolate sculpture of himself, Yuuri wasn't sure whether this counted as a pleasant surprise or a shock—perhaps the weight of both was equal.
"It's... quite nice-looking," Yuuri hedged. Though to be fair, this wasn't untrue. Objectively, the sculpture was remarkably well-crafted—both in facial accuracy and the capture of his expression. If this sculpture depicted Wolfram instead of Yuuri, he might have thought he'd encountered it in Florence.
Hearing this assessment, Wolfram seemed even happier, his chin lifting higher as he stated matter-of-factly, "Well, of course it is! You're very good-looking yourself."
Yuuri's temple twitched. "That's not what I meant..."
Wolfram frowned in confusion. "Then what did you mean?"
"I meant—ah, never mind! Let's skip this topic!"
"Huh? What a newbie."
"I am not a newbie!"
After bickering with Wolfram, Yuuri stepped closer to the sculpture, examining it more carefully. The scene was admittedly somewhat surreal—himself staring at another 'himself,' a thought that alone was enough to give one goosebumps.
Wolfram asked hesitantly, "So... do you like the gift?"
The question caught Yuuri off guard. "This? Of course I like it. More to the point, is there any reason I wouldn't?" He smiled gently, his eyes full of tender affection.
"Mm... ahem. I'm glad you like it." Wolfram turned away, trying to hide the warmth rising to his cheeks.
Yuuri looked at the exquisite chocolate sculpture with some concern. "So... am I supposed to eat this?"
"Huh? Obviously!" Wolfram replied incredulously, as if the answer were self-evident.
Yuuri's eyes widened in shock at this statement. He placed his hands on Wolfram's shoulders and stammered, "W-Wolfram, let's set aside how weird it is to eat oneself—this sculpture is way too big! There's no way I could finish it!"
Wolfram looked at him with innocent confusion. "Is that so?"
"Of course it is! Wait, you never considered this?!"
"Well, when I was making it, all I thought was 'how can I make you feel how much I love you,' and before I knew it, this was the result."
"I truly feel how much you love me..."