𝑪𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒆

> If it'll make him smile on his birthday, then she's happy to do so.

❝Is that so...? You're not alone. Due to my own circumstances, it's better for people to avoid me.

But I would be happy to spend time with you, Allen.❞

That's right. Castorice has a lot of money saved up, so it's the perfect opportunity to use it.

He doesn't have to worry about paying. >

Since the Servant of Death can't hold anyone's hand, she had purchased a long ribbon to connect her with others.

❝It's more than alright, Allen. I hope you're okay with me joining you instead of other people... There must be others you'd like to spend time with.❞

Not just one cake. She wasn't sure which flavour Allen would enjoy, so she intended to let him try two cakes.

Keeping her distance from @cursedbxy.bsky.social, she spoke to him.

❝Allen, do you have a moment? Would you be interested in visiting a café to talk?❞

The Servant of Death has a reason for it, of course. She'd like to purchase a cake for his birthday.

Fortunately for Dan Heng, Castorice happened to be walking by as he asked around.

... Though she didn't notice him. Not wanting to accidentally bump into other people, she was too focused on the citizens of Okhema.

Wanting to know whether Dan Heng liked the gift, Castorice waited for his reaction. A smile is good, right? All the hard work was worth it in the end...

After he went inside to put the plushie down, she took the opportunity to leave. She didn't expect him to try to find her.

Gently placing a handmade dragon plushie on the floor, Castorice knocked on @clovdpiercer.bsky.social 's door before ducking out of sight.

❥ Phainon's point of view.

❥ Do I change the layout? 🤔 I'm indecisive.

> hair behind her ear before leaning over to take a sip of his drink.

❝Thank you very much, Lord Phainon. It's very delicious.❞

> ❝Different... Perhaps because we're not in our regular attire? If that's the case, I suppose I understand what you mean.❞

Despite being subtle, the Deliverer seemed to catch onto her quick glance. Turning down his kind offer would be impolite.

With a graceful motion, she tucked a strand of >

Though Phainon might feel that way, she'd never call those feelings selfish. It never even crossed her mind. His desires are valid and deserve consideration, after all.

Even so, it was for the best... For someone with her kind of power, it's dangerous for her to have those feelings. Those wants. >

> in surprise as she processed the unexpected compliment. It would be more appropriate for Lady Aglaea, no?

❝Will this do?❞

If that's the truth, it'd make her happy to know. Castorice never would have thought she'd be part of such joyful memories.

❝If you insist, Lord Phainon... You only have to reimburse me for a small amount. I wouldn't want it to prevent you from partaking in your antique hobby.❞

Her eyes widened >

> ease, I can continue to talk with you. I'm not the best at conversation, though.❞

She should probably ask the most important question first.

❝Do you have a destination in mind, Allen? Is there anything you're looking for?❞

Despite Lord Mydei's words, Lady Aglaea is good at heart. Castorice can attest to that. She shoulders the difficult decisions, even when it is unpopular and unfavourable.

Truth be told, the same could be said for the Servant of Death.

❝Ah, really...? Thank you very much. If it'll put you at >

Perhaps Castorice is dreaming... Yes, that must be the case. It's the only logical explanation.

❝You don't seem like the dishonest type. I am truly very happy. Lord Sunday, you're beautiful too.❞

Since this is a dream, the Servant of Death can be a bit more courageous and honest.

> was merely putting your safety first.

My hands carry out the fated duty of parting. If you get too close, you'll fall asleep amid the warm embrace of flowers.❞

Her eyes widened with the realisation that Sunday was blaming himself for the distance. Castorice had unintentionally hurt him in a different way. She should have told the truth from the beginning...

❝That has nothing to do with you... I must apologise for making you feel that way, Lord Sunday. I >

> to smile. Even if it was just a small one.

❝I hope my realm can one day become the fragrant bed where you will fall asleep... I promise I'll do my best until then, Lord Phainon.❞

> one wish, it would be to see him again. Castorice yearned to feel his warm embrace for the first and last time. It was an impossible dream, but she still held that hope in her heart.

The Servant of Death shook her head, a bittersweet smile on her lips. Knowing him, the Deliverer would want her >

> eyes and began to trickle down her cheek. She understood that the Deliverer would never be able to answer her message.

❝Huh...?❞

She touched her wet cheek, startled by the tears. Once they started, she couldn't seem to stop them from flowing. It was like a dam broke.

If she had >

It felt right to send her final message to him. Phainon has always been there for her, after all. Not only did he offer to listen to her troubles, but he also brought light into her dark world. He treated her like a normal person.

As she thought about their time together, tears welled up in her >

> careful, too. It shouldn't fall entirely on you.❞

Eh? Does Phainon want to touch her? That would come as a complete shock...

❝Ah, I suppose I can't really do that... The chocolate will melt eventually.❞

experience an everyday friendship with you.❞

Upon realising that Phainon had dropped the polite title, her eyes widened in surprise. She couldn't help but smile softly. This is a new memory to treasure.

❝I'm very sure. Whenever you're around, my heart feels lighter. I promise I'll be >

Castorice felt conflicted, as feeling that way could bring disastrous consequences. Despite this, she still had the desire to remain by his side. Or at least as close as she could with her curse.

❝Is that so...? I hope we can stay friends. That is one of my wishes; to be a normal person and >

> strange at all. In fact, I'm glad to know you feel that way. Your kindness and support make it clear how much you care. I'm very happy.

... Would you continue to invite me out for sweets, then? Please don't feel obliged, though.❞

Meeting Phainon was truly like a blessing, bringing happiness and light into her cursed world. These feelings will never change.

Closing her eyes, Castorice placed her hand over her chest as she collected her own thoughts. She hoped her words would convey her sincerity.

❝It doesn't sound >

> much. Though I must admit, I'm a little surprised you want to keep them. I promise I'll send the photographs over.❞