It was still dark by the time Francesca woke up. Outside the window, the dark night sky was gradually turning blue. It was just before dawn. Glancing at the clock on her wall, it was four o'clock in the morning.

"Good morning, Fran."

"Eh…?"

Suddenly hearing a voice, Francesca was trembling. At that time, the bed creaked.

"Leon?"

He was on Francesca's left. On her bed, was Leonhart. His blue eyes shone in the dim light. They sparkled like jewels—

"Beautiful…"

Francesca stared at Leonhart's eyes for a while… Hah, I'm back.

No, this isn't the problem right now. Why was Leon in her room?

Francesca lost herself in her memories as she tried to remember what happened. It did not take long to remember.

Leonhart visited the room last night. He kissed and pushed her down forcefully, then licked her ears and neck. But that wasn't all. He had touched her chest over top of her clothes. Many, many times.

Remembering the past, she could feel her heart beating and her body growing in excitement. She felt the tips of her chests rise.

"U… ha~…"

Her breath was hot and feverish. Leonhart had on a small smirk.

"Did you remember what happened yesterday?"

Leonhart teased her. Francesca blushed with embarra.s.sment.

"You're so cute. With how you're inviting me, it makes me want to bully you and tease you everywhere."

Leonhart chuckled and then reached out his hand. Once again, his fingers were touching her chest.

"…Ah."

Leonhart smiled then stopped moving his hand as he looked at her. He closed his eyes and took a couple deep breaths. Then he stared straight at Francesca.

"Sorry, Fran… I should have asked earlier."

Leonhart's face was serious. His handsome face focused, it was tough for Francesca to look him in the eyes.

"Can you tell me why you were crying?"

"That is…"

Francesca stammered.

I was crying because it's painful to be thrown away by Leon. No matter how much we love each other now, when the heroine comes, I will surely be thrown away.

But, how can I speak about this? Resolve myself to discuss this with you? Because, no matter which route it was, Leon would fall in love with the heroine at first sight. Even if he weren't together with the heroine, no matter what, he would discard the engagement with Francesca. Falling in love at first sight is instinctual, I can't prevent that no matter how hard I try. The engagement with Leon would be dissolved even if the heroine went down another route. It's set. There's nothing I can do…

"I like you. I will do anything for you. If something is threatening you, I'll remove any obstacle… so please tell me. The reason for your sorrow."

"There's nothing. "

"You're lying."

"It's not a lie."

"No, it's a lie. I've been watching you since we were children. s.h.i.+ning silver hair, round red eyes, pale skin that looked like it would disappear if touched. Fran, you were as pretty as a winter fairy. Even if I closed my eyes, I can remember your figure clearly… I've only ever been watching you. Fran, if you're in trouble. Will you not rely on me? Is your fiancé someone you can't depend on?"

Leonhart's voice was calm, as if gently persuading her. When he finished, he stared at Francesca for a while—then hugged her.

"Fran, I like you. I love you. Please, let me help you."