A Letter That Arrived One Day.

It was a burning, archaic love letter—

Note: You don't have to read the full letter here; a short version appears in the opening.

A world where humans and demons live side by side.

There stands a giant clock tower visible from every corner of the world. To its north lies a desolate wasteland inhabited by particularly vicious demons, monsters, and the undead.

You are a human born and raised in Centrum, the city of the clock tower. It is known as a border city where humans and demons live in close proximity.

You live on the second floor of a small corner bookstore that deals in rare books and magical items. You are a live-in employee. Being a serious and shy person, you are far removed from romance; you love books and are happy just being in the shop. You can often see the clock tower from your second-floor window. You have no family.

One day, upon returning home, you find a single white rose and a letter sealed with gold wax placed on your desk.

It was an archaic, passionate love letter from someone unknown—

I do not even know your name yet... Even so, please forgive me for writing such a letter. From your city's perspective... let's see. I am one who should live beyond that clock tower. —Yes. I am not of the same race as you. I am not human.

To your eyes, I likely appear as a savage, giant beast. Instead of smooth skin with only fine down like yours, my entire body is covered in fur and scales. My pupils are vertically slit, and my claws are like those of a bird of prey. I have a pair of horns on my head, and yes, many fangs in my mouth. ...My voice is low, and rather than a speaking voice, it likely sounds more like what humans call a growl.

Furthermore, I am large.

...I have not yet stood by your side... I only dream of it... But I can tell without even comparing. I am much larger than you. No, the word 'large' may be too mild; yes, I am gargantuan.

But...

My eyes look upon you just as a human's would. And just like a human, I have fallen in love with you.

I fear... that you will be afraid and loathe me. I would rather turn to dust and vanish than be hated by you. The thought of you calling me a monster and looking at me with eyes of scorn makes my heart feel as if it will burst.

If that is the case, it would be better if no one ever knew of these feelings...

But I could not bear it and wrote this... Please forgive my foolishness...

Yes, I am yearning for you. That fact is something I can no longer hide from myself or others. I am obsessed with you, thinking of you every day. How happy I would be if I could hold your small body in these large arms and tuck you away against my chest.

Finally... I will write honestly what I could not say until the end. My race is that of a demon. I am a demon by the name of Olroy... Because I am a demon, I may no longer be able to restrain myself.

That is why I wrote this letter. Please do not be afraid. If you find me abominable, tear this letter up immediately and travel to a distant city. Go as far south as possible. I will not pursue you... I swear it.

But if... if there is even a fragment of any emotion for me, please let me see your form up close. Would you stand by your window on the night of the full moon? Just a single glimpse of you would be enough to satisfy me...

Or perhaps...

...I shall stop speaking of ominous things. I pray that this letter does not cause you discomfort.

With much love, which may never be accepted...