I understand what you mean by the situation shaking Sirius' authority and self-esteem, but part of me also thinks that the hypnotism on Sirius may override his realization that Hugh had to go this far. Like when Derek tried to tell him that he used to love his sister, but it was overridden. Of course, at the same time, in this volume, Sirius realizes that there might be an issue. I wonder if there'll actually be a change. And yeah, I also think Hugh is gonna be imprisoned or pardoned. I really doubt that they'll just kill him off. But who knows? Mamechoro, the author, has a lot of stories revolving around isekais with cruel depictions. Still don't think he's gonna die though. YES. THANK YOU ! I absolutely hate those stories which go like "Oh but he forgot", "Oh, but he was only like that in the first time line", "Oh it was just a misunderstanding", "Oh but he was cursed/brainwashed/bewitched/poisoned" blah blah blah. It's my motto now that even if the guy, whether he's ML or family, is trash because he's not himself, the FL's pain was not fake. And Octavia is so stressed because she has to sacrifice herself for his sake when he sacrifices nothing, and she knows that. She's not faking it! She'll fake a smile, but not her pain! It's like I'll Divorce My Tyrant Husband or My tyrant's husband somehow became cautious. I actually read them and I'm like why do people ship them again? Their words and behaviors were just disgusting in the earlier chapters and left a bad impression on me. And it turns out that there was a "misunderstanding". But the FLs in that story suffered HORRIBLY! Where's the misunderstanding in that!? No amount of excuses is going to make it okay for the pain an innocent person had to go through. That's an interesting theory of King Us cursing the family. But I also doubt it. I think it's the opposite where King Us was cursed, from killing his beloved sister and being unable to destroy Esfia. Same with Enoch I suppose. He hates Esfia, from the clues we get, but is unable to destroy anything to weaken the kingdom. To me, sky god is sus...but I think I'm gonna look into Enoch's dad later..... Yeah, it's pretty clear he had something to do with Irene's death. The question what's the exact relation because there's literally no information about her. This is just speculation.... but what if she's originally Enoch's lover? Octavia says that Edgar is Enoch's love, but I haven't seen any conversation between them to show their bond, like you can discern with Clifford and Octavia's, so I'm doubtful about their relationship. They aren't even shown as being affectionate in the background, which is weird , like how Octavia and Clifford are seen as being affectionate in the background in other characters' POV (i.e., Sill, Guy). Edgar's convo with Octavia may provide something (I just skimmed through because no Clifford, he was in prison )
Apologies for the delay. So many chapters have already been uploaded and I've been busy. Spoiler: Chapter 95 Back to Octavia (and Clifford, can't forget about my bby) who arrived at the castle and ordered the soldiers to find and capture Hugh while she (and Clifford, never forgot about my bby) headed to Douche's office because Sill might be there since only a limited number of people can visit, so makes sense for lover boy to be there. Since she's a princess, the best thing for her to do is too quietly wait for the report, but the castle was familiar territory to her and more importantly, she had Clifford (I wish I had a Clifford ) and since he and she are a 'Jyuu' and 'master', so Clifford's strength was my strength ( ). Of course, she wanted to resolve the issue in a peaceful way (but i want violence ). To get to Douche's office she remembered a shortcut. I've already translated it in the manga, but it's basically the secret passsageway where a young Octavia and a young Alexis found during their expedition. She took Clifford to a secret passageway and, before they could move ahead, Clifford asked if she could give him directions since he could sense someone ahead ( aw he's relying on her... okay I'm sorry too much.) So far she could only notice her and Clifford's footsteps but nodded to Clifford and said to let her know if he noticed anything. While she was giving directions, eventually Clifford showed hesitation. She asked about it and he rpelied that there seems to be a battle taking place on the left side, She tried to listen but I think she couldn't sense it but she beleives in it because Clifford sensed it (you see, kids, trust is a very important factor in any healthy relationship ). So she decides to change course, and eventually she heard a metallic sound (I'm assuming swords) and a running sound. Clifford drew his sword and came was........window Sill (now if only i had a window emoji....). He was out of breath with a sword in hand and there was someone behind him with a raised sword. Sill blocked it but then another enemy came. And then Clifford indifferently asked ".... Should I help him?" and Octavia said, "Of course!" And Clifford, like the top-tier Male Lead that he is, defeated both enemies in an instant, and even Window Sill was surprised. She also felt that Clifford's fighting style should have been more merciless, but now he's trying not to kill (Clifford is now on the Pacifist Route ). She then asks Clifford if there are any signs of other pursuers coming, and Clifford said there are signs but Sill must have defeated them (Just to add, Clifford refers to Sill as "Burkes-sama" or Lord Burkes, which is the first time I've heard him say that ). Sill was disheveled but unharmed. He tells Octavia that Nathan (who got nothing on Cliffy) is in trouble and confirms that he's in Douche's office. She finally asked if Hugh-pain-in-the-ass betrayed them, and he confirms it. So they all go through the passageway and despite the danger, she feels safe because Clifford is here ( ). She did ask Clifford to send Sill back while she waited in the hidden passage but Sill said that Octavia might get in danger (and just to add there's no Clifford would be fine with the order of leaving her alone ). Clifford is leading the way, and she and Sill are walking side by side. Octavia needed info, and Sill said that Hugh entered the office with the other escort knights and one of them had the knights who was in the dungeon, and Hugh said that it was dangerous here and that he would take Sill to a safe place, and at that moment Nathan told him to run away. Sill found Hugh strange so he believed Nathan and he saw Hugh draw his sword as soon as Sill tried to escape, but Sill didn't find any murderous intent from him. Anyways, Clifford called out Octavia while turning to her and pointing ahead. If they keep moving then theyll find the office. Clifford was looking for confirmation apparently to break in I guess? So she orders him to rescue Nathan and capture Hugh, and he accepts. After asking if Sill was okay with this, I think she tells Clifford not to forget that Hugh's aim is Sill and he just says "……yes". Spoiler: Chapter 96 They get to the office finally and Nathan and Hugh were there. Nathan was messed up since he could barely stand when Octavia and co burst into the office. Hugh was about to swing his sword at Nathan but could because Clifford threw his dagger at him (noice ). But Hugh doesn't pick up his sword again and says that when Octavia entered it meant he lost. Sill went to help Nathan and Octavia hesitantly asks if Hugh admits to it, and he does admit to tampering with Sill's carriage by giving others orders to do it. And then I dunno Nathan goes on a speech about how some ppl go on a thorny path or something. In the original novel, Nathan is the guy who breaks rules and Hugh gives good advice to Douchebag ( I dont care ). Hugh says that it's presumptuous for him to reprimand Celius, and Nathan yells out why he did this then (cuz he doesn't ship it lol ). Octavia I guess then probes again why he did it and he deflects by saying that he tried to kill sill, and there's nothing more important than that fact. Then Hugh throws something from his pocket (don't u be copying Clifford! Hidden dangers are his niche, okay? It's trademarked!) She assumes it's toward Sill since he's the main target, but Sill is looking after Nathan so she simply calls Clifford, and he....... blocked the weapon that was directed toward Octavia. Because Hugh did that, he is now marked by Clifford as an enemy. Meanwhile, Hugh just had a satisfied smile (screw u ). And it kinda clicked to her because she understood his intentions to target Octavia. And immediately homegirl tells Clifford to stop while she jumps on his back ( ). She held his arm that held a sword with both hands (cute~ despite the situation ). Clifford then changed his sword to ig his other hand and knocked Hugh's sword out in one sweep easily. Of course Clifford was mad . He tells her "Please stop doing dangerous things" (I repeat these two are married and you can't change my mind). He looks at her with angry and doubtful eyes (idk why doubtful but that's what it says). She tells him don't kill Hugh and Clifford just frowns lol. She thought he must have misunderstood her, because she didn't stop him because of philanthropy. Hugh, confused, comments that Octavia would respect the life of a sinner like him, and she denied that (noice). She orders Clifford that if Hugh continues to act suspiciously, he should stop him, but not kill him. She then let go of Clifford's arm and approached Hugh, until they were standing right in front of each other. And then the moment i have been waiting for She slaps him!!!!!!!! You deserve that you arm-grabbing, nay-saying, Douche-loving, pain-in-the-ass jerk. I hope that slap stings. Because then I can redeem u (about let's say... 35%) Octavia then says that Hugh wanted to die (by attacking Octavia, Clifford sees him as an enemy that must be eliminated like he tried to do to Sill when he attacked Octavia but Octavia dissuaded Clifford from hurting Sill... but it was a smart decision to stop him because when Sill tried to attack Octavia, Clifford was imprisoned. I can't have him go to prison again! And not because of you, Hugh-pain-in-the-ass! You get no redemption arc if he goes to prison again! ). She then asks if he thinks that everything will be solved if Hugh dies, and she won't let him die. Octavia was really angry and I think it's because she wanted to live (i.e., not be thrown into a political marriage and be used as a baby-making machine), so she hated that Hugh easily tried to give up his life in front of her (since she was fighting hard to live). And then the door opened. (Not a surprise, it's Douchebag). Spoiler: Chapter 97 So yeah Douche bag entered the room. Generic Derek was there too. Then Douchebag asks why Hugh did all this (you're too late to the party bro ). And Hugh basically says that not everyone blesses (ships) Douche and Sill and Hugh was one of them. Douche asks if he was dissatisfied with Sil, and Hugh replies that while those two love each other, as a person of Esfia, Hugh couldn't let go of the fact that the would-be king (he refers to Douche) only had a partner of the same sex, and he laughed mockingly (I hate to say this but..... noice). Douche then yelled why Hugh didn't tell him first (would u have listened? ) and his yell sounded like a weep (I think this is how Hugh accomplishes his goal even if his plan failed. By making Douche lose his closest friend.... damn). And i don't know there's some convo I didn't bother because I don't care much for their weeping bromance, but Hugh has no regrets and had no last words. Douche finally orders for Hugh's imprisonment in a slightly trembling voice. Spoiler: Chapter 98 And when the day is finally over, and Clifford is now officially back to Octavia's side. First, a round of applause but because there are no clapping emojis I'm going to gush . She was advised to take a break (by who!? Clifford!? Was it Clifford!?!?! I need to know!!!). Clifford sent her to her room and before she could enter, she was still uneasy and couldn't rest. She looked back and told Clifford that she was going to see Hugh and to please guide her to the dungeon. Clifford blinked (cute~~~). He looked like he wanted to say something, but he bowed his head and accepted it (reluctantly might I add, as I deciphered from Clifford's initial response of “…………” ). Sigh. And here I thought that they could finally have a conversation together alone. Oh well. And so they hurried to the dungeon and managed to get through the soldiers and knights thanks to Clifford's accurate guidance and Octavia's imperial authority as the princess (is this the second date? ). In the dungeon, she asks the guards where Hugh is, and he's in the deepest part of the dungeon (for the degree of suspicion, so Clifford and the others knights were in better cells). She then orders them not to let anyone follow them. She continues to walk on with Clifford in front of her with a torch in his hand. While the aisles were clean, but the cells inside were poor. Clifford then stopped. There were in front of Hugh's cell. The guy was covered in blood and some kind of stain and his wrists and ankles were shackled. I know I hate the guy.... but....and I mean lowkey.... I feel kinda bad.... His 10-year redemption arc starts now. Hugh bowed to Octavia. She asks him why he cut the gold thread tassel on his sword which shows that he's one of Douche's guys. Hugh was surprised and if she came all this way just to ask a trifle question. She thinks it's important and asks if he cut it himself (tbh, is this important? But I trust Octavia). She goes on that it's just her and Clifford here so he doesn't need to lie. He asks her what is he lying about, and she replies the motive. While she doesn't agree with Hugh's means, she does agree with him that the Esfian king, who must leave behind an heir, only accepts spouses of the same sex is something she essentially finds fucked up. She asks Hugh if this was all his idea, and thinks that instead he was ordered by someone (does the former Celius count?), and Hugh was silent. She then tells him that he hasn't yet been dismissed from his role as Octavia's knight by Douche (who put him there in the first place) and that he still has to listen to her orders. She says this because she wonders if Hugh stull has the consciousness of being an "escort knight'' (Oh lawd I can only imagine Clifford's jealousy over another man being her escort knight ). So she repeats why he cut the gold thread tassel, and he said he cut it exactly half because he thought it was suitable for him (ah, because the brainwashed Sirius and the former Sirius are the same but brainwashed Sirius is different from the former Sirius. At least that's what I think). He then starts to talk about the order he wanted to follow, and she understands that he had two conflicting orders, but she thinks that one of the conflicting orders might have come from the royal family since they have an equal to high status as Douche. The torchlight, that was in Clifford's hand, then flickered a little and she looked at Clifford. She felt like Clifford told her something... and I think he told her to only move her line of sight to where the light moves. There was a vague figure in the distance. All she thought was ...He's here, but the figure didn't approach them. Who was it? Douchebag? Hugh goes that he chose the one he wanted to obey. And if he obeyed only one of the two orders then he's not qualified to attach the ornamental tassel given to him by Douchebag in its original form. Because Hugh cut the tassel in half, she basically understood that the other conflicting order was from Douchebag himself (in other words, former Celius, but Octavia has yet to know that. Maybe in the next chapter it will be revealed).
So this is pretty short (like actually short). Spoiler: Chapter 99 Leaving off from when Octavia deduces that the conflicting order for Hugh was from former Celius before he became a douche- I mean, before he was hypnotized, Hugh pretty much acknowledges it. So he built a wall between him and Sill, because in the original novel he liked Sill in a romantic sense. Nothing new in this chapter. Hugh isn't repentant and will accept whatever punishment because he followed former Celius' to stop him from going down the wrong path. He was actually going to die whether the plan succeeded or not, by having Clifford kill him, and it's okay for him cuz Douchebag has Nathan and Derek. Also the figure in Chapter 98 was Douchebag. He was listening to Octavia and Hugh's convo. He finally stepped in and asked Hugh if there was there anything he wanted to say. Hugh replies that while he has unchanging loyalty to Douchebag, he, as a traitor, wants to be given a fair punishment. Warning. The next two chapters mark the end of vol 5 of the LN and are dripping with sweetness.
AND NOW THE MOMENT WE (I mostly) HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!!!! Two whole chapters of Clifford x Octavia moments ~~~~~ Vol 5 of the LN is officially published~~~ As happy as I am, I still hate this volume, excluding the last two chapters, Guy's POV and that scene where Clifford and Octavia ride a horse together~~ . Apart from that, too much Douchebag and Hugh-pain-in-the-ass (tbh, that scene about Douchebag's "fashion show" is still giving me second-hand embarrassment... ). Also, a little warning ... since it's been a while since I properly read a Clifford x Octavia moment in vol 5 of the LN... IMMA FANGIRL AND THIRSTTT!!! LET ME HAVE THIS!! (But hey, you're getting free spoilers. Just like how you gotta endure ads on free manga sites. ) Spoiler: Chapters 100-101 So by the time, Octavia returned to her room again, it was already nighttime. I think Douchebag stayed behind in the dungeon to talk to Hugh. And Octavia felt that her room was cold (with everything that just happened). She didn't really feel like going back to her room, so she tried to do "some trivial chores", which apparently included meeting Eleil and Guy, who played the role as Octavia's doubles, changing from Irene's clothes to her everyday dresses, and Clifford (?). She also rebandaged her injured hand because it bleeding again. One of her closest maids, Sasha was busy so Octavia couldn't call her... because Sasha screamed when she saw Eleil back in the castle with Guy... and I think he was still in the dress Octavia forced him to wear . Sasha's gonna have nightmares. I really wanna know what Rust thinks of seeing his lil bro in a princess dress And Octavia, remembering the commotion at that time, felt a little brighter . But then she saw her spacious room, and withered. She didn't want to be alone... So she called out to Clifford Clifford, who was about to leave the room, stopped with a questioning look on his face (I can already imagine the question marks above his head~). Octavia wasn't thinking about anything and just said it (lol, she called out his name as easily as it is to breathe ). She then found a teapot in her room left by Sasha (Noice, Sasha! What'd I tell ya? The maids in this series are the best!). And so, Octavia asked Clifford if he would like some tea with her (finally, the tea party!!!! ). She asks him to sit there while she brewed that tea, and I think she says that she can't guarantee the taste, but, Octavia plz, Clifford will drink anything you make for him. Don't believe me? Just keep on reading and you'll understand~~. When Octavia finished saying that, she realized that when she first called Clifford to her room, a little before they officially became "master" and "Jyuu", Clifford had indirectly refused to sit down and drink her cup of tea (he just didn't sit down, but at the same time, he also, in that same scene, made her become his master so I don't know what to make of that lol). So she adds to Clifford that she won't put in any poison in the tea so he doesn't need to worry (lol wut wut!?!?). She basically wanted to tell him that there was no harm in drinking it. And Clifford just straight up says that it's fine if there's a little poison . Like I said, he'll drink anything she makes! He goes on to say that if she orders him to drink it, he'll drink it, for example, a truth serum which is completely harmless . (Okay, so apparently there's a truth serum in Esfia. It's been referred to a few times in the series but I always skipped over it) Octavia sys that the tea won't even contain truth serum. But Clifford says that he doesn't mind and he'll notice if it's in This boi! Octavia's just like what's up with this convo, Clifford! (Yeah, what's up with this convo? lol both master and servant being a little awkward~ ). She promises him that nothing will be in the tea, especially since he's her "Jyuu", though she wouldn't put anything in it even if they weren't master and Jyuu (since Octavia's not the type to enjoy forcing others). She only said that because Clifford seems to be more receptive to this idea. Kinda like how Clifford would excuse his feelings of joy and jealousy (I'm calling it!) around Octavia as being influenced by her as his master, not them being his own emotions as a man capable of empathy. So, since that's the case... the plot should go to Octavia telling Clifford that her future hubby will protecc her for life, and Clifford will go that that's his job as a Jyuu so he's gonna be the one to protecc her and so he'll marry her It's a little devious but I'm desperate at this point . So Octavia brewed the tea. She made herself some milk tea and made Clifford just some tea, so no milk. Gurl why. She told the confused Clifford to sit down and he did. Octavia felt victorious I guess because he was finally having her tea. Noice. She saw Clifford properly drink the tea and then Octavia blurted out to him to not be like Hugh. Clifford just stays silent, while Octavia continues that he should talk to her first whatever the reason is, because Hugh refused to talk to Douchebag before he made his choice. So if Clifford has complaints about her, she'll improve, and if she can't improve on something she just honestly say that it's impossible (I honestly love the communication between these two , and how real Octavia feels to me. Yes, there is a misunderstanding trope but it's not like "Oh, he/she hates me/wants to kill/has another lover". Octavia thinks he's gay because of her experiences in a male homonormative society though I think she does have a budding crush on him which she has to accept, while Clifford doesn't know the exact reason why Octavia chose him as her knight and I think he stops caring since it's not brought again in his other POVs after the very first one. So the fact that Octavia tells him to just talk to her if he has something on his mind is so refreshing and good advice ). Clifford just stared back at her "with an emotionless, brooding look on his face" (I know he's having some emotion in there! ). He says he understands and she thanks him with I guess a fake smile which failed. Clifford then suddenly says "--Why. Is Your Highness hurt?" So this part is the part of the vol 5 LN's synopsis where Clifford (confirmed!) says "Why, is Your Highness hurt?" All my predictions were wrong for this synopsis... so much for Clifford's sexy "I'm terribly angry" 2.0... and all my other delusions, sigh. Though, it does clear up about Clifford's sentence because I was confused about the structure of the sentence which could affect the meaning itself (For example, "Don't come" & "Don't, come" mean different things). So basically, he's asking why she said that and if she's hurt. Octavia says that if it's about her left hand (which is the injured one), then she had it rebandaged. But, halfway through her words, he shook his head and said that it wasn't about that. She then stopped speaking and knew what Clifford was trying to say. She was apparently shocked that Hugh was a traitor, and she thinks that that's what he asking about (Clifford is jelly at another escort knight who was there with her for the entirety of vol 4 and 5. I repeat, Clifford is jelly ). Clifford then says that if there's something she want to say, she can speak to him. (I just love how Clifford is worried about her mental and emotional health as much as he is about her physical health (aka, her injured hand), and that he's finally taking an initiative to be worried . I just hope he doesn't go "Wait, why'd I do that?" in his POV. Boi, you got the doki doki (love) for her without the actual doki doki (fast heartbeats) ). Octavia then tells him that she's kinda regretful since she's responsible for Hugh, so she wondered if there was something she could do. The reason for that is because the incident is completely different from the original story's plot. Right now, Hugh and Douchebag's relationship was shattered. She wondered what would have happened if she had taken a different action in the past and if she was close with Hugh like in the original story (Hugh was the original Octavia's escort knight if I recall. And if that happened and there was no Clifford, I wouldn't be reading this series ) or if she got along more with her brother (nah, Alec is all you need ). She thought it would be fine as long as she took care of her brother and Sill, and in the original story, Octavia solves the succession problem for the two by sacrificing her children to them. In the original plot, despite all the obstacles that Douche and lover boy go through as any romantic couple goes through, no one dies (or maybe they did and she just never noticed or cared as a reader , since Octavia, as Maki, didn't even care much about the original Octavia and simply referred to her "Younger Sister-chan". It's sad, but I do get it. Kinda like how I myself, as a reader, missed some plots about the supporting and minor characters because I only care about Clifford and Octavia (but mostly Clifford)). Since a happy ending was promised for the main characters, which is just Douche and lover boy, Octavia didn't bother about changing the fate of other characters (but if you look at it, Douche and lover boy also don't care much about other characters and are stuck in their bubble of joy until Hugh pointed it out to Hugh that not everyone ships them. Douchebag is much worse since he monitors Sill for "protection" (overprotection is not a good or healthy thing ), so Sill is surrounded by men who gossip and are bad to Octavia (since they're Douche's yes-men) and only now Sill realizes bout the succession problem when Octavia pointed it out to him but he still didn't do anything. Not even when Clifford was in prison when Clifford simply protected Octavia from him when he tried to harm her. He's like... and this is my own opinion... a doormat ). Of course, she knows that Hugh and Nathan are Douche's absolute allies which is an unchanging aspect of the original story. She also remembered jerk god promising that Douche and lover boy would be together and happy. So... a happy ending for the two of them only . It's undecided if anyone other than Sill will have the same ending in this world, like Hugh. While she's thinking all of this, Clifford responds that "... No matter what the circumstances, the final choice is yours. There is no room for others to intervene." I stan him so much~~ . Thirsting aside, that's also generally good advice. Octavia lightly chuckles and thinks that it's such a Clifford-like answer (meaning it's the right answer ). She says that she's not divisive however. Internally, she thinks that it's because being Octavia has changed her. Even though Clifford said that it's up to the person themselves to choose n the end, Octavia's actions, from now on in her contemplation, may affect other people's happiness in the original story and in no small way (well, yeah. You're the only princess, so if you say no to being a baby-making machine, if which al long-ass, albeit highly fucked up, tradition, ppl are gonna riot like how they riot when Idearia became Queen, a rare thing, and blamed the natural disaster of the sky god being pissed at her. But hey, no one can be a ppl pleaser). And Octavia won't stop (my gurl! ). Clifford then asks if she's still hurt (I want me a Clifford like this~~). And he's still talking about her emotional pain. I wonder if he's thinking about the crying little Octavia from his dream . Octavia thought back to when she was Maki and how she used to complain to her sister a lot, and her sis would then comfort her by saying, "There, there." (yoshi, yoshi ). Even if her problem wasn't solved, there was a place she could vent to, and there were a lot of people who pampered her (I mean, she is the youngest in her family, so she would practically be the baby of her family ........ which makes this even more sad actually). And when she became Octavia, she used to tightly hug Alexis when she was a kid, and Alexis would her back ( ). But Octavia has a sense of feeling of wanting to protect Alexis, whereas she was the one being protected as Maki (especially since, as Octavia, Alec is now the youngest). Clifford kinda calls out to her when I guess she says nothing. She's wondering on how to deceive him but then thinks it's useless since she's the one who wanted Clifford to talk to her and now she's trying to deceive him because she was too embarrassed to talk about it. (Yes! Be honest with him! ). So she just says that when her heart hurts, she used to hug people and have them hug her or pat her on the head. And she tried to keep on going. But just then!!!!! Clifford, who was sitting, got up, and the next she knew it, she was in Clifford's armsssssssssssss!!!!!!!!! I was squealing so hard at this point Octavia remembers that something similar happened at the quasi-ball (actually yeah, Clifford technically both hugged and pat her head ), but that was to wipe out the fucking abominable memory of her death as Maki, and she had ordered that (just the hug, the pat-pat was an extra service from Cliffy ). So she wondered if she gave the order again (Nnnope! Clifford actually took the initiative himself! Progress~~~ ). Clifford asks if there's no problem with this (act first, ask later I like it because it's refreshing with Clifford~~). Octavia is basically silent at this point since her mind was blank and it took her a while to think. She wondered if it was because she said wanted to be hugged whenever she gets hurts (emotionally). But she's never been hugged (I believe in the BL world) and it's always her initiating a hug (I guess that makes Clifford even better boi ). But, she noticed the warmth coming from Clifford which made it hard to leave (Let me in! Let me innn!!!!!!!!) She thought that if it's just a little, she wondered if it's okay to be pampered (y'know those stories about CEOs pampering their wives in the titles (coughcoughchinesemanhuascoughcoughcough) forget about those (most of them are more toxic anyways ) This is the real pampering!!!!). So she put her hands around Clifford's back , who was wrapping her up in the chair and says to stay like this just a little. Cliffor's big hand then caressed her head like he's practicing (if so, his pat-pats deserve an 11/10). I love how Octavia says that she gets a hug or a pat on the head and he just straight up does both . Again! Clifford's pat-pats, as usual, were both clumsy and gentle (he still deserves that 11/10 pat-pat rating). Octavia then remembered that boy from her dream (aka young Clifford). She thinks that it couldn't have happened in real life but Clifford and the boy from her dream who hated to fight but took up a sword to survive overlapped. She gripped the fabric of Clifford's uniform tightly and blurted out that she had a dream. Clifford goes "A dream?" Octavia then explained the details of her dream (wow, she's being really honest with him ). Clifford, meanwhile, was listening to her without interrupting, and then said, while gently stroking my head , that dreams are dreams and that boy doesn't even exist (Cliffy ). There's a line that just says Anywhere. It's not a dialogue, but it sounds weird that Octavia is saying that. It would make sense if Clifford were to say that. But I supposed Clifford denying the boy, basically, the existence of his past self may be because 1) he's ashamed; 2) he doesn't want to worry her when she's already going through a lot; 3) he's not ready to share everything about himself; or 4) bad timing . Clifford did what Octavia said with the hug (+ patpats). She thinks that, rather than being a princess, she's come out too much as Maki, and she also thinks that Clifford's hug is bad because it's both exciting and very reassuring . Told ya he deserves that 11/10. Thank's to Clifford's hug, the feeling of her room being cold disappeared. But, as soon as she returned to her senses, Octavia was embarrassed ( tch. I was moarrrr ). She doesn't blame Clifford but herself she was the one who invited him to tea and was the one to stop him first. Regaining her self-control and getting out the hug, she apologizes and that she's not always like this (but you should be more like this ). And then wonders if it's actually Clifford's fault (yeah, it's his fault for being hella sweet yet also hella spicy ). She goes on that she's showing a pathetic side of herself and is starting to worry about how he would think of her (I can't tell if she's worried about what he thinks of her or what people would think of her, but i think it's the former. Translation errors ). She thinks that it (ig a hug) is useless as a "lord" since, in her mind, a "Lord" has a cool image (Clifford isn't looking for cool). Clifford takes her words seriously. He tries to say "How……" and "His Highness, for me, is..." and his thinking time is longer than expected. But I appreciate that he actually tries to answer what he actually thinks of her . Don't worry, Cliffy. I know how important she is to you in your heart . But then Clifford, after a few seconds, tilted his head and muttered, "A weapon, huh?" I honestly don't get why he said that. Is he trying to say that Octavia is like a weapon to him? Because that'd make no sense. Octavia is kinda confused too, and wonders if she's treated the same as the long sword on his waist (if that's the case, noice . I've always wanted to be like the dagger in his cuff heh heh ). In all honestly, if it is like that, then I guess Clifford means to imply that Octavia is someone that he wants to keep close to him at all costs since Clifford never leaves his weapons. Additionally, the dagger in his cuff (which I think is the same one Octavia used for self-injury), was also first used by a young Clifford to cut the rope that was drowning him and then used to stab the foot of the guy that drowned him. By that fact, Octavia, compared to a weapon, would be someone who essentially saved Clifford. She reignited his empathy and treated him like a person and not a tool, by trusting him, respecting his opinions and choices, and worrying about him, which I keep theorizing is something that he did not receive before he met Octavia. If it's like that then it makes sense. Spoiler But the talk of weapons made Octavia remember the Lev bird sword tassel she promised to give Clifford in the first volume. She took it out, got up from her chair, and held out it to Clifford. She asked if he would accept it and he says that he willingly (and unhesitatingly ) does. He untied the gold thread sword tassel that belonged to Douchebag and attached Octavia's Lev bird sword tassel. Honestly, I just wish he tears that off, but hey, gotta keep a clean image in front of waifu of tolerating the brother-in-law . He partially pulled out his sword from the scabbard to I guess tie the tassel properly and then put it away. Octavia suggested that wouldn't it be better to try to pull it out. So then Clifford smoothly pulled out his sword and made a swing (Clifford, are you showing off a little? ). He says that he'll cherish it, and Octavia thinks that he seems to like it (of course hedoes, he finally matches with waifu ). And Octavia is a bit fidgety so I guess she's kinda shy, but tried to remain cool. She asked him if he liked it, while already predicting that Clifford will answer yes and it will surely be a calm "yes". True to that, Clifford said yes with a soft smile while looking at the Lev bird sword tassel . He says that he likes it very much . And even though Clifford denied it, Octavia remembered the kind boy who appeared in her dream and who hated fighting. She stood up to reach for Clifford's head and tried to put her palm on his black hair (Reversal pat pats!?!?!?! I'm readyyyyyyy ). And then Clifford called her out with wide surprised eyes, and she lowered her outstretched hand and put it behind her back (nnnnoooooo I was readdddyyy! Cliffy why ). Octavia wondered why she did that (don't you start with me ). So, she, from her heart, told Clifford, who was pleased with the decoration, that she was happy that he liked it too. And she said that without her fake princess smile, but a real smile . …… And she was still embarrassed about trying to stroke Clifford's head lol . Just go for it! Clifford would be even more happy ! He'll be a bit confused at first on why he likes it, but eventually, he'll want more pat-pats and also be pampered~~ Clifford also deserves some sweet pat pats and pampering~~~ . And now we wait for Clifford's POV and any other extra stories (if any) to officially end this volume.
This is a wonderful conclusion to Volume 5! Clifford is making great progress! It makes me so happy! And I think his reaction is due to the fact that he missed Octavia these days. Looking forward to his POW! Oh, God, how he took care of her! I wish everyone to find the same man! I want to mention Octavia's great work in her relationship with Clifford. After all, she is the initiator of cute moments! And Clifford is not yet fully accepting his human feelings.. But he is an unusual "cold" male character! He is very polite, gallant and behaves like a real gentleman. I just can't put into words how wonderful he is. I didn't like that phrase. I think that this is where his inner conflict with human feelings is tied. He rejects the existence of this boy, he rejects a part of himself! This is wrong ahahah Clifford is a romantic! Well, you can say that this is a declaration of love. He can no longer live in this world without Octavia. And how he was delighted with the decoration for the sword, it's so cute!!! I've read these chapters 20 times, and I won't stop! I'm waiting for new chapters (I know about the author's long breaks, I hope for a new chapter at least this year) I have some suggestions about the future plot. Octavia will actively look for a fake lover, and Clifford will think: "do I want her to be with another man?" There will be a process of awareness of his feelings. And Octavia will definitely go to her uncle's estate. She talked to Derek about it. And on the estate there are the very trees under which she cried as a child and was comforted by Clifford. And she must remember everything! And there will be a surge of love! At least, I hope so.. Anyway, I'm looking forward to Volume 6!
Ikr~~ The only best thing about this vol 5 (apart from Guy's pov and the horse scene) is that they ended it with Clifford , rather than Douchebag in vol 4 . And I agree~~ He was so anxious when she wasn't by his side ~~~~ And he missed her ~~~~~~~~~ A-M-E-E-N! I am wishing for a Clifford every day! I need a man like that in my life!!!! That's so true! Octavia technically is the initiator! Although I feel like she initiates through her words, whereas Clifford springs into action . And I love it! Like for the hug scene, she just says casually that she like hugs, and he, with no further questions, just does it . Even when they became Lord and Jyuu, he just took her light-hearted words as an affirmation of becoming her Jyuu . He kinda spins it so that he can do his own thing, is what I feel . I think the scenes where Clifford took the initiation himself, without anything remotely said by Octavia, is putting flowers in her hair for the first time in the castle garden, and lifting her up princess/bridal style at the Sky Room. I need more initiative actions from him~~~~ . I love your thoughts so much~~~~ Because they match mine~~~ One thing that I noticed about Clifford is that he does fit into the typically popular "cool and brooding" types of Male Leads. But what makes him different from all those "cool and brooding" Male Leads is that he's loyal to Octavia from the very start and so polite to everyone, even when they talk smack about him! He's indifferent in his POVs to everyone who tried to get under his skin (although I think Daddy Duke kinda did a little ). He's aloof, as people are to strangers and acquaintances who aren't their close friends, and he doesn't try to get revenge (which also never happens with those types of MLs even though they talk big). Clifford just can't be bothered, and I love it~~~~ And I love how he doesn't have any complexes even though he does have a sad story like those "cool and brooding" Male Leads. And so they project a scary aura. But Clifford has only (AND unintentionally) scared Guy, and to a certain the king, Douche, Generic Derek, who know that he's Ongarne's Messenger. Otherwise, no one else, especially the women, are scared of him! (Because the maids are wholesome af in this series, and I want them all to have happy endings ) Yeah My heart broke a little when he said. Young Clifford is part of Clifford. His present mindset stems from his past experiences of that situation he was forced in. It's one thing to move on, but another thing to deny it. Of course, he may have pretended to simply deny his past to Octavia because it's basically a tainted past that he doesn't want to burden her with. Clifford needs to realize that he can get the help he wants now He's not alone anymore. Spoiler: meme Right~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Oh, I'm glad I'm not the only one who keeps re-reading their moments together It is gonna take some time for volume 6, but vol 5, in my opinion, was written and published very quickly after volume 4 was published. Hopefully, as long as the fans keep loving this series, the author might start regularly updating on volume 6 sometime this year. Ohhhhhh~~ I like your predictions~~ Yeah, I had a feeling that vol 6 would take place at Daddy Duke's place. It's a little worrying for me, because generic Derek is there and I'm just like nah stay away potential love rival . Clifford is all she needs. And Clifford better be on that estate during her visit! Then we'll see moments between the son-in-law and the dad-in-law (I acknowledge Daddy Duke as Octavia's dad). Wait... would the mom also irritate Clifford a little? Clifford gonna have a vendetta against the Nightfellows lol And Clifford better start realizing his feelings! I need romance! It's been too long. The lover arc needs to starttttt!!!! All in all, I'm still waiting for Clifford's latest POV in vol 5. I haven't gotten the book yet because globally different addresses are annoying . I am heavily running low on Vitamin C.
When I first read it, I was worried that Clifford was really spins Octavia's words. It seemed to me that he would use Octavia's naivety for his own purposes. And it was not clear why he chose her as his mistress. And also the words that he can't lie to his master, but in fact he still can... in general, I was afraid for Octavia at the first reading. But then, everything changed! I got to know Clifford better! It's good that my fears didn't come true. I am very worried about the speed of writing chapters... 2 chapters were released in 2020! 4 chapters have been released in 2021! It's sad! Maybe the presence of an opponent will push Clifford to take action I want to see more female characters! I think Derek's mom will like Clifford! In general, I would like to see Octavia's biological mother as a victim of this terrible system... As an illustrative example. How she feels about Octavia after so many years of separation, I would like more information about her biological father, otherwise Sirius suspects that it was Nathaniel (but I don't think so). In general, it's interesting to watch this family! And I am worried that Lily Shana is very similar to Queen Idearia (silver curly hair, green eyes), I wonder if silver hair color is spread among the residents, we have already seen 4 characters with this hair color. Oh, I read on Twitter that there was such a moment in his POW: "Clifford thought that he could also be a model to dress up for Octavia and looked away." If this moment is confirmed, then it's just aaaaa I was also waiting for the chapter where Rast's brother will walk in a woman's outfit! I wanted to laugh!
Yeah, a lot of people thought the same. But I didn't. Because Clifford basically asked himself, "Why did I do that?" Analysing Clifford is the biggest thing for me in this series. To me, to explain in detail, Clifford was initially an indifferent, formal and polite knight staying professional. I don't what he thought of Octavia during the first 3 months on the job (but I don't think it was anything bad. Just like observations Ig), but I think Octavia hit a home run with Clifford deciding on becoming her Jyuu because of the things that she did. She tells him she trusts him when she has him enter her room without any maids present, and Clifford kinda grins that she says interesting things, while in the novel he found Octavia's trust in him kinda odd, which leads me to believe Clifford was never trusted (since he was seen as a tool). In the manga, she tells Alexis, whom she thought fell in love with Clifford (lol), that Clifford is her knight, which kinda surprises him as much as it does Alexis (tho Alec is more shocked). Like, Ig, she doesn't want to give him up easily. There's also the moment in the manga where, after Clifford catches her, she tells him to protect her just like he did before which makes him smile. I wondered if that counted, but I guess it might be her way of saying good job (?) at that time, since she technically does praise him throughout the series. So I suppose Octavia treating Clifford with courtesy was something that got him a bit interested. The nail in the hammer was when Octavia wanted him to be her last knight (until she found her fake lover lol), and he was surprised. I think, there and then, he found a way to stick closer to her. That's how he spun her words. He found a way and took it. Maybe it was impulsion? Maybe it was a craving of feeling trusted? These are my assumptions, but that's the only logical explanation I can think of. I should add that it's interesting how, in the manga, he tells her that she doesn't know the weight of her words, as if warning her that trusting might be a bad idea (since many others clearly do not (i.e., king, Daddy Duke, Douche, Alec, Generic Derek (cuz he calls him a monster)). And when she doesn't care, he has this secretive smile and so makes her his Master. It does, of course, confuse Clifford very early in the manga, so I knew that he didn't have any malicious motives. He just wanted to be close to her. Are you talking about volume 4? I don't remember when that was released. But Volume 5 was very quickly published in my opinion. Cough cough Generic Derek Cough Cough Hope so. I am excited to meet her. I hope I can see her and Daddy Duke's lovey-doviness since I think they are in love. Generally speaking, none of the women have spoken ill about Clifford compared to the men, who have talked down about Clifford (as Ongarne's messenger, as Alderton, and as a former commoner). The maids kinda ship him and Octavia~~. Even Rosa, from the other people who have confronted Clifford in his POVs (i.e., King, Daddy Duke, Alec) was the tamest among them even if she was drawing him out. The only other woman in his POVs, apart from Octavia of course, was Octavia's head maid Mathilda who pleaded with him to protect her. And I love that. Octavia likes him, so the maids are also happy that he's such a reliable guy. First, I never really focused on her biological mom. I was most interested in Idearia, Clifford's three sisters, Sisi and Rosa, and of course Matilda and Sasha. I hope that the biological hates the kingdom a little and her king brother. I already feel sorry for the sister who died giving birth to Douchebag. Second, WHATTT!?!?!? Are you telling me Douchebag thought that Nathaniel was Octavia's biological father!??!?!? In which chapter was this!?!??!?! (Also, Octavia has so many dads....... Maki's dad (he counts), Enoch, Edgar, Daddy Duke, the sperm donor related to Octavia's birth (it sounds rude, but that's basically what the guy would be, and mom would just be the surrogate. It's sad....as long as they hate the system). But more than that, Clifford has waaaaay too many father-in-laws ). Third, yeah I keep forgetting about her. Lily Shana would be important to the plot since her color palette is related to mostly Idearia and Tahen itself, which is an important location regarding Clifford. Share. That. Tweet. Share. That. POV. And Clifford deserves to be a model ! He posed in his fanservice scene . God, I want someone to draw him in Zhongli's suit! It suits him so much. I tried to edit one..... I couldn't tell if it looked bad or not...
Thank you very much for your analysis! By the way, I recently went to a website where the author updates chapters, reread chapter 4 and there is no scene where he catches her! Probably, the author changed it. I went to the same site and looked at the release dates of the chapters. And I'm also shipping Sasha and Guy! I think they'll make a good couple! Yes, chapter 4 of the manga. I share links to the analysis of Volume 5 and Clifford's POW from Japanese fans! https://fusetter.com/tw/ZYrY85Au#all https://fusetter.com/tw/DqRkuqFw#all https://fusetter.com/tw/tLVUWg41#all
I've already discussed that scene before in this post. The tripping scene is only in the manga, not the novel. The manga isn't a 100% accurate to the LN, as some scenes and dialogues are added, changed or removed. It doesn't deviate from the general plot, though. If you mean that the manga artist changed the original scene of Octavia tripping and Clifford catching her, that's not true either. Yoneda Kazusa updates the manga (tweet about it) on comic-walker. Just looked it up. Both the original monotone version and the colored version of the manga still have this scene. I don't know what site you're looking at . Tbh, I kinda skip him with Mathilda the head maid , since they were in a scene together, plus another maid called Kiesha. I kinda loved the dynamic between them, and Mathilda is a pretty notable maid. Sarah... needs a hug more than a man (that poor girl...). Sorry, but I just read the ch 4 of the manga, and I saw nothing suggesting Nathaniel was Octavia's biological father. Oh, I know these fans! I love their fanart the most!
Sooooo I finally got and translated Cliffy's P~O~V~. Oh and there's another story with Douche and Generic Derek, but Clifffyyyyy~~~~~ As always save the best for last, so you'll have to wait a little longer for Clifford's POV. BUT FIRST Spoiler: Rant Time about LN Vol 5 and illustrations What. The. Fuck. This time Volume 5 has only TWO ILLUSTRATIONS! LIKE WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK! And I don't mean two illustrations with Clifford in it like in Volume 3 (volume 1,2 and 4 had the most illustrations and with Clifford) since I care about Clifford the most. I mean two illustrations IN TOTAL! That's so unfair. And Twitter's already shared the image with Clifford and Octavia in it (and I don't mean the volume 5 cover). Spoiler: Image It's beautiful but I need MOAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR! I AM VITAMIN C DEPRIVEDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!! What about the horse scene? Or the coffee scene? OR THE HUG SCENE AT THE END! NOT EVEN AN IMAGE FOR CLIFFORD'S POV!!!!!!!!!!!! The other image has Hugh in it. And I'm not gonna show it, because Clifford is all we ever need. We're not going around to other men! I don't care how hot he looks might look. CLIFFORD IS HOTTER!! MUCH HOTTER! MOST HOTTEST! There isn't enough fanart to substitute this So here's the extra chapter I only translated for the plot (and I did not enjoy it). It's the story with the two third-wheelers. WARNING. I will quip a lot. And it's not skippable. Spoiler: Celius and Derek (Boooooo) So Douche is having some headache, just after he tells a soldier to go back to the store where Octavia was. He wondered why Octavia would a place that royalty and aristocrats wouldn't visit (so much for "OhHhH pRiNcE cEliUS CarES aBOuT tHe CoMMonErS". "He's SUUU UnDuRsTenDiN" my ass ). He thinks that she visited cuz it's Edgar's birthplace and I think the place where he and Enoch met. He wondered if Octavia was plotting something to protect Derek (First, Ew. Second, your paranoia is going to make you friendless ). But then he remembered that Clifford only protected Octavia during the raid by the Carlam trees and the traitor was actually from his own knights (ah, the good times I remembered how I happily mocked him). Nathan kidnapping Sil (which is fake btw) occupies most of his mind and he was frustrated to wait for Hugh to contact him (since he had gone to the castle). Douche began to walk to the store and his headache came back and it was immense. He had a strong sense of deja vu of the scene of the entrance of the store. He was never there before, but he then wondered if he actually had been here before (as former Celius). He, of course, couldn’t remember. Then an old memory popped into his head of Enoch telling him not to get close, and former Celius at the time retorts that what was wrong with trying to meet his grandparents, aka Edgar's parents (well, they kinda hate you). Enoch then says that Celius doesn't know anything (You're half the reason for this cliffhanger of mysteries, you damn king ). The current Douche wondered why was he warned and where was he told not to come near, and of course, he knew it was the store. So apparently, former Celius did visit the store before but he didn't enter (wow, so you were a coward even back then . I especially hate him in Clifford's latest POV). He didn't know if he didn't go in because of his own accord or was thwarted in some way. So he finally went in and couldn't find Octavia and the others on the first floor (they ditched you lol ). The headache and the deja vu were gone when he looked around the store. The only unusual thing he found in the store was a Lishran flower that was by the staircase. The flower was apparently seen in the royal castle gardens but not generally widely distributed. He remembered that Octavia had one in her hair at the castle (she had it thrice on) and Edgar was likely involved in how to obtain it (Oh, oh dear.... I just suddenly realized...... ). Douche noticed traces of paintings on the wall that seem to have been displayed for a long time and have been removed very recently (My guess is that it included images of Irene, and they removed it because it reminded them of her who died. Maybe even Edgar, who is now associated with the royal family, who may have something to do with Irene's death). That was about the only time he felt uncomfortable on the first floor. He then saw the staircase and was about to head up until he his right-now-not-so-best-friend best friend, shows up. Douche asks where's Octavia (she's gone to elope with her knight boyfriend ), and Derek lies that she's on the second floor (we know where she is ). Douche says that he wants to talk to Octavia, but Derek doesn't move. So he asks what's he trying to do, and Derek says that if he wants to talk why not talk to him. So Douche says to talk about what, to prove his innocence. Douche can't pretend that Derek's name wasn't written on the piece of paper that the crook had. So Generic boi tells Serious boy if he remembered the advice he gave him yesterday, cuz he apparently visited last night through the secret passageway. The advice was “It’s a mistake to doubt Octavia-sama. There are other people to be suspicious of". I can sense a hint to sarcasm when Douche tells him who is he supposed to suspect if Derek is saying that it's neither Octavia nor Alderton. And Generic boy says that he can't tell him yet because he has no proof (This, ladies & gentlemen, is "How to start a story based on the misunderstanding trope 101" ... but at the same time.... I get it. The Celius rn is a douche so he won't listen. Even when his bestie told him "You're sis aint sus or a psychopath" and he's like "nahhhh she's sus" So I'll give generic Derek a little leeway...just a little....). Douche tells him It's not worth considering and why Derek won't just say the name. So he replies that Douche had Clifford's testimony (which he disregarded ) so Douche needs to be suspicious of his allies even if it's Derek, since Clifford saw one of Douche's men sabotage the carriage. And I'm just like mmmm brewing drama . Douch is like you're defending Clifford who's a suspect but you're telling me to suspect my allies without naming them , and accuses him of trying to stir up an internal discord. Then suddenly, everyone's favorite comedy relief soldier, Guy, comes down and Douche goes up. He sees.....Octavia....but it's not really Octavia, it's Eleil lol! And he knew it wasn't her despite Guy hiding Eliel's face with the black fan. But you know I was more surprised how Douchebag wasn't going "WHY ARE YOU WEARING SISTER'S DRESS!?!?!?" . I guess he is dead on the inside. Anyways, he goes to another room and sees Edgar's mom. Then Derek comes up and Douche wants an explanation. He tells him straight that she's gone off to the castle, and asshole Douchebag thinks she's gone off to Sill or to reunite with Nathan, implying she's a part of the plot. No, you dumbfuck, she's gone off to stop Hugh-pain-in-the-ass because you're useless . His paranoia isn't even toning down at this point. Of course, Derek tells him he's off the mark and shows him a piece of paper with direct reports from Nathan, signifying that they are working together. Douchebag asks why Nathan was talking to him directly (because you're no fun when they bring you to their hangouts so they decided to ghost u ). At this point, he realizes that Hugh was the imposter all along. Part of Douchebag couldn't believe it. Spoiler: me right now The other part was skeptical of Hugh now. He then said that Derek should have shown this to him right away (BITCH YOU WOULDN'T HAVE BELIEVED HIM! YOU DON'T EVEN BELIEVE HIM WHEN HE KEPT SAYING THAT YOUR SISTER WAS NOT EVILLLL!!! ). And APPARENTLY, Derek says "Have you prepared an escape route?" Is he accusing him of letting Hugh-pain-in-the-ass secretly goooo ???? First, dick move on Douche's part, second, see I told you so, douche won't listen, and third, didn't he already let him go before when Hugh-pain-in-the-ass was taken under suspicion . Derek simply says that if Douche doesn't believe him, that's the end of that and everything will go according to Hugh's plan. Douchebag then asks if Octavia believed him (she's got more brains and sense than you, asshole ). Derek says that that's why she isn't here (because she went to the castle to stop Hugh), and that even if Derek doesn't move (do anything), Hught must be stopped. And I think Celius was a little offended because, in his monologue, he thought What do you mean even if I don't move? He means what he means. Derek tests him by asking that both Hugh and him were suspected so what would Celius do and who would he believe. Celius replies neither of them but really he wants to believe in both of them (how~sad~ can you note the sarcasm?). So the only way for Douche to check the authenticity the fastest was to check it out with his own eyes. He tells Derek he's still under surveillance, and Derek laughed as if relieved. Douche is confused, since he didn't believe in Derek. Derek basically says that Sill is the only exception to not be suspected by Douche, so Douche would suspect either him or Hugh, but Derek feared that Douche would support Hugh (I mean, he was prior to this revelation, wasn't he?) and Douche's thoughts get twisted when Octavia gets involved blob_thor. He acknowledged to himself that he became aware of the discrepancies in his memories whenever he had headaches and that he had a vague sense of trust in Hugh, even now, which he didn't know why (that's because those feelings of trust are from former Celius). He was kinda about to remember the promise he made with Hugh as former Celius until he shook his head and thoughts that there was no time to wait for something he couldn’t remember. He ordered to cancel the inspection and to hurry to the royal castle, but I think he backtracked to manipulate the information that the inspection was still going on. Guy and Eliel, who was still in the dress lol, came forward (again, how can you not react to this!?!?!? He ain't got no soul). Douche orders the two to continue to stand in and protect Octavia, and Douche will prepare his own double too, and to continue the inspection, and on the way back, they ride the carriage with the doubles. Originally, I thought that Douche's POV was going to be in third person, like Clifford's POV, due to the lack of personal pronouns. I thought maybe that was a way to allow a comparison between Douche, the original novel's ML, and Clifford, our ML. But nope, as always, Clifford is one of a kind. Next time, it will be about Clifford's POV~~~~~~~~~~ The content in his POV may shock you. Probably. I dunno.
I read this chapter three years ago, and it was a little different. For my brain, relative = father . That's it, it's time for me and my brain to rest. When I'm trying my best to find Octavia's biological father.. Sorry. It feels like they don't want to do a novel... It used to be in paper form with a lot of illustrations! And now everything is sad... Sirius's POV is just
There's nothing mentioning that Nathaniel was a relative either though. Yeah, there's nothing mentioned about Octavia's biological father. Her biological mom herself only got a teenie-weenie, itty-bitty mention. I doubt we'd get to meet him, or at least anytime soon. Tbh, I feel like it's the novel illustrator who might've been uninterested . Their illustrations are in a lot of different works, so they could've been busy... but only two illustrations for LN vol 5 is still ridiculous. The author felt motivated to me, however. They were really consistent with vol 5, updating regularly on the weekends, that they finished vol 5 pretty soon. I guess they were really inspired at the time, since, and I'm saying this from my perspective who likes to write in her free time, writer's block is a bitch. So good for the author. I hope your emoji reactions mean "Ugh. Sirius-ly?" Because that is the only reaction I will accept .
Here it is! Clifford’s seventh POV~~ Also, sorry @zezet, but there wasn't any mention of Clifford wanting to be Octavia's model to dress up for her. Now, grab your Vitamin C beverage (orange juice or you can go for lemonade. I don’t discriminate) and get ready. Spoiler: Clifford 's seventh POV While walking through the grand corridor (the one with the Sky God that he needs to pass through to get to his room), Clifford was pondering on what Octavia meant to him (love of your life, wife, soulmate ). He gets that, to him, as a “Jyuu”, she’s his master (kinky ), and he’s also an "escort knight" to her as the first princess ( ), but he asks what she means to him as an individual (I sense that crush is blooming ). He remembered answering her that she was like a weapon to him, and we finally get what he meant by that. She was similar to the longsword on his waist, which he would feel uncomfortable if it was touched by someone other than himself (called it! on post #284 Man, I’m good ). If his sword were to be chipped, he’d want to repair it (Ig, in similarity to Octavia, if she were hurt, he’d want her to be okay, like how he took care of her mental stress by patting her head when she had a nightmare, patting her head when she was crying because of PTSD, and hugging & patting her head when she feeling down because of Hugh. Not to mention he provided first aid when Octavia self-injured herself ). Clifford would feel restless when he is not equipped with his sword (so he’d feel restless if he wasn’t beside her and someone other than him was guarding her as his knight ). He found it unpleasant when he found that someone else (Edgar) put fresh flowers in Octavia's hair when he was in the dungeon, and even during the inspection when Douchebag fixed her hair ornament during the fake flower ceremony because someone other than himself touched her (OH MYYYYY~~~~~~~~~~ Getting a lil jelly? You want exclusivity~~~~ ). He’d feel uncomfortable if Octavia gets hurt and when she’s far away (I need detailsss ). So that’s how similar she was to a weapon in his opinion. And apparently, ever since it came into his life, a weapon become the only thing he could only rely on since the first time he used a dagger to kill a human. Now, refer to chapter 70 in volume 4. During a dream sequence Octavia had that showed Clifford’s past as a child, a young Clifford was abused and was told fight, but Clifford didn’t want to. He was then drowned with a rope around his leg, until he used a dagger to not only cut of the rope but also stab the jackass in the foot who abused and threw Clifford into the water. Since then, Clifford has no expectations of anyone since no one came to help him, and now considers weapons to be the only thing reliable because he can use them, and they can’t betray him. It was a really sad chapter. Anyways, “[Clifford] put his hand on his hair once and released it.” (Do you get it!? He tried to pat-pat himself~~~ He understood Octavia’s actions when she tried to touch his hair, like he did for her, but she stopped when he called him out. He tried to pat himself to know what it feels like if Octavia pat-pat him ~~~) Of course, naturally he felt nothing. But it wasn’t unpleasant to be touched (he wanted the pat-pat He doesn’t mind being touched her MOEEEEEEEEEE ). His thoughts add “Rather ―” (Rather what? You want to be touched? By Octavia? Oh my lawdie lawd I can’t. This is too sweet ). He originally wondered if this kind of feeling was what a "Jyuu" has for his "master" (NO! NO, IT’S NOT! IT’S VOLUME 5! JUST ACCEPT YOUR INDIVIDUAL FEELINGS OF LOVE FOR HERRR!!!). Then he wondered if he liked his new Lev bird tassel because Octavia, who is his “master” and like a weapon to him, gave it to him (Yes… yes, Clifford. There’s no rocket science behind this ). Octavia also has a part of the Lev bird, since she has the black fan made from lev feathers, which is what she’s known by. Clifford’s thought cut off with “That itself” of the fact that both of them having matching ornaments that uses Lev bird feathers (and not to mention the bird itself connotates misfortune). I can give my own assumptions and theories, but my delusions will take us to point a to point z, so let us continue on. Clifford did, though, think that it was interesting . Until his thoughts were cut off when someone called out his full name. Clifford stopped walking when he confirmed the appearance of the person with his eyes. The person was standing in the center. And the guy just asked if he ever thought of killing himself. WHAT!? WHAT THE FUCK!? BRO!? How do you start a conversation like that? And how dare you to my Cliffy!? What are you trying to suggest!? I will start a petition!!! Clifford, of course, bluntly answers no (…. I mean, it kinda reaffirms my early theory that Clifford isn’t suicidal when there was an assumption the Sill is Clifford from the past… dark days…). Clifford never wanted to die even one (Yes, Clifford! I love a male lead who isn’t stuck in the past with self-pity! You have so much to live for! Octavia and future children!). If he’d rather die, he’d rather kill others (………… I mean …. do the others include jerk god and his associates? .... I’m fine with you punching Douchebag in the throat once ). So this asshole person began that he never wanted to kill himself as much as he does now and that tomorrow he’ll forget things including his original will and Octavia again. Yes. That’s right. The person is Douchebag . I’m not surprised with how he started a convo with “Ever thought of killing yourself?” Though, to be exact, it’s former Celius, prior to being brainwashed/hypnotized. ….. Which makes me still hate him . Cuz he started the convo with that!! When Clifford looked at former Celius/Douchebag, his appearance didn’t change, but Clifford understood, because former Celius/Douchebag just talked about memory. So, putting two and two together, Clifford wondered if the presence or absence of memories shapes a person's personality, and so if the man before him (former Celius) is called the original first prince (yes, he is, he also the remnants of a douchebag ). Even though both of them are first princes, former Celius seemed to be more troublesome to Clifford (you are exactly correct, Clifford. And that is why I stan you~~ ). Anyways, former Celius tells him that he’ll be wary of Clifford again tomorrow, to which Clifford replies if he isn’t wary of him already. Former Celius ask, of him, because he’s 'Ongarne’s Messenger'? He goes on that at least tomorrow he won't be able to get rid of the idea that Octavia has Clifford as her pet dog (Fuck you . How dare you call him a pet dog when Octavia considers him a person!? See? This is why I don’t like former Celius) and is aiming for the throne and Sill (nobody wants your boytoy . periodt). Then former Celius deeply sighed, and that he has trouble understanding why his little sister has to do such crazy things (I think). Clifford doesn’t say a thing. Former Celius keeps blabbering going on that he as former Celius has no reason to be wary of Clifford (Hahahahahahahaahahaahhahaha!!! ... He’s gonna marry your sister ). That is unless Clifford intends to use and betray Octavia (kinda like the douchebag who wants her to be a babymaker ooooooo ). He, as former Celius, thinks of Clifford as a useful human resource (ffffffffffffuck offff! He’s not a pet dog! He’s not a human resource! And that’s not your call to make! ) Clifford says back in a polite and rude attitude of telling him that he’s honored to receive his praise. But we all know that he’s not! But former Celius doesn’t give a damn. Tch And this fucker had the audacity to say that he should’ve thought of wanting to put Clifford under his command!!! I knew it! I KNEW IT! Deep down, he wanted Clifford in his faction! Idc if it’s a joke! The wish of controlling Clifford, Ongarne’s messenger, is subconsciously somewhere in there! Can we please just have a natural disaster and just end him! Clifford claps back say that he sent him, who he wants to keep under his control, to the dungeon. Yes, Cliffy! Be petty! Hold grudges! Still-a-bitc I mean former Celius apologizes (it’s not an actual apology. I refuse to accept that as an apology ). He says he’ll change his mind tomorrow (? Idc what he means anymore ) and STILL GOES ON ABOUT WHAT’S CLIFFORD’S ANSWER! BITCH, STOP! He said no the first time! And Clifford, being the unshakable chad that he is, refuses. (Attaboy, Clifford ! Attaboy! I stan! I stan so hard that I need to sit!). Former Celius is like yeah I figured (why’d you ask him twice then? If you get in front of my ship, I will ram you into an iceberg, and not even an iceberg can sink my ship! It’s stronger than the titanic! ). Anyways, he nodded enthusiastically. Idk why. Does he ship it too? Idk. I just want Clifford’s fanservice at this point. And then finally Clifford talked back by asking what’s his business with Clifford and why doesn’t he talk to Hugh Roberts instead of him (I am loving this petty energy but it’s not petty enough ). Clifford didn’t mean to go along with the introduction and wished that he should have waited while I guess former Celius passed through the corridor (yeah, why didn’t you? ). At Hugh’s name being mentioned, former Celius’ expression distorted. He says that he remained in the dungeon after Octavia left, and talked with Hugh. Both him as Douchebag and still-a-bitc I mean former Celius. But then add that it's none of Clifford’s business (why’d you call him out then!? ). And says that Clifford’s not even interested (you’re right . He’s not. He just wanted you to go away. Take a hint ). Clifford did have little interest in Roberts' betrayal or the reason for it. And even if he did understand the reasoning, Clifford won't have any sympathy. He’s basically like “I don’t care at all” . But that’s why it was baffling to him, because Octavia was hurt by Hugh Roberts' actions. It wasn’t physical pain, like she got at the semi-ball. But she suffered a psychological wound. And, Clifford couldn't even forgive such wounds (awwww~~ I stan supportive MLs to mental health~~ Cuz everyone else be like “lemme lock you up gurl, because that’s how romantic I am” ). Clifford thinks “insignificant things hurt Octavia”. I just love how he indirectly called Hugh-pain-in-the-ass an insignificant thing . I wanted a convo between these two because he essentially took Clifford’s job lol for the entirety of vol 4 and 5. And then Clifford wondered what about Octavia, who was hurt by something that was insignificant? Again, he wondered if such feelings were normal for a “Jyuu” to have towards the "master" (I want to give a test to Cliffy . Imagine that Octavia gets married or has a boyfriend, and gives she gives most of her attention to him, and boyfriend/husband tells Clifford that he’ll take care of Octavia now. On a scale 1 to 10, how uncomfortable do you Clifford would be ? I’m thinking… 20 .) Former Celius says that the reason he came to the Great Corridor was to remember. He was looking up at the ceiling painting of the sky god, but Clifford didn't even look up at it because he finds it uncomfortable when it’s in sight ( ). Former Celius stated that he lost part of his memory here, but he doesn’t know by who (very sus that it was under the painting for the sky god . I smell rotting fish ). And apparently, former Celius was able to resist to an extraordinary degree of the hypnosis (Wait, that’s his resistance? ). He adds that only a limited number of people can pass through the Great Corridor and former Celius was more than a little wary of the one who made him lose his memory. He says, and I quote, "If I think about it" and then says “―― Alexis”. (Get outta here . You’re telling me, Alexis, the only person who genuinely cares about Octavia in this entire fucked up family… could be the one behind douche’s memory loss ? I mean, sure he’s got some weird power … but I don’t believe it ! That is so unfair to be targeting Alexis , who’s forced to be the black sheep of the sheep, excluding Octavia, who openly loves him). Former Celius warns Clifford to watch out for Alexis. Clifford, I think thinks, that’s needless to say (I think this is why Clifford once had a chat with Guy on whether he found something different about Alexis. I guess he knew somehow …. Hmmmmm….). And even former Celius says that Clifford’s not surprised, was he. Clifford remained silent, and instead asked a question. He asked why him, like why tell him all this. Former Celius says that Alexis won't hurt Octavia (periodt! ). And I’m confused about this part since I MTLed but he says that “It's because that child’s heart seems to have forgiven you. Probably.” I wonder if he’s talking about Alexis because Alexis hates Clifford because he’s part of the Alderton family, which Alexis loathes because of his dreams of the past . Idk if he’s actually forgiven him, because we have not seen Alexis since volume 3 where he got only one chapter as his pov, and him and douchebag aren’t close (they haven’t even had a one-to-one convo), so who knows really . Former Celius does say that Octavia would grieve if Clifford was gone. Clifford wondered if she would be sad, and that thought made him frown. A strange feeling came to him, but he didn't know what he was feeling (Unpleasantness? Concern? Maybe a little happy because someone actually and sincerely cares about you as a person ?) Former Celius then tells him to not be like Hugh. This made Clifford remember what Octavia said to him earlier. And, at that time, apparently, he had a silly question in his mind. What if he did actually do what Hugh-pain-in-ass did (I mean I wouldn’t hate you Clifford . I don’t even like Sill, and I know you can get the job done whereas Hugh-in-the-ass was kinda half-hearted). He wondered what Octavia would do then (Well, she’d slap you first of all, like she did with Hugh-in-the-ass , and you won’t be able to be by her side anymore, though she might let you escape if you don’t land up in the dungeon again). He then looked down at the black feather tassel on his sword which caught his eye. As much as I love Clifford and his POVs, and I love this POV too, I was a little disappointed. Not because Douchebag was in here…. Okay, that’s part of the reason…but I think there was so much material that the author could have worked on. I really wanted to know about Clifford’s thoughts on the coffee and the horse scene. I was ecstatic about that. His mention of his feelings of discomfort with other people putting flowers in Octavia’s hair isn’t new news. We already knew that from the main story. And I seriously wanted to know, in detail, of Clifford’s thoughts of not being beside Octavia during the entire inspection and having someone else guard her as her knight. I would’ve loved it if they included his thoughts about he felt while he was forced to be Douche’s knight, which would’ve been a great comparison between him working for Octavia versus him working for someone else. Overall, this volume 5 deserved two of Clifford’s POVs. Similar to volume 1 and 2. But now it’s been cut back to just one, and I hate it. The author had so much material to work with! They could’ve just added another POV.