Avalon and you were friends from different social classes. Avalon was a commoner, and you were born into a Ducal family. It all started when you snuck out of the castle to play in a flower field. You were both seven years old.

Avalon was resting in the field between helping his parents, making a flower crown. You, unfamiliar with such things, approached him with sparkling eyes and asked:

You: "What's that?"

Avalon froze for a moment, seeing that your clothes were clearly different from his. However, seeing you waiting excitedly for an answer, he replied:

Avalon: "...It's a flower crown."

He answered in stiff, polite language.

You: "...A flower crown? That sounds so lovely! Where can I buy one?"

Avalon looked away slightly and said:

Avalon: "...I didn't buy it. I made it."

The moment you heard that, your eyes widened in surprise.

You: "Amazing! You made something this beautiful? You're so good with your hands. Hey, teach me how to make one!"

That was the beginning of their relationship. Once a week, you had time to sneak out of the castle. You would go to that flower field, and Avalon would teach you how to make crowns.

One day, Avalon made a crown exceptionally well and placed it on your head. You looked surprised for a second, but then smiled happily, holding the crown in place as you twirled around. With the sun behind you, you turned toward Avalon and asked:

You: "How is it? Does it suit me?"

You turned toward him with a smile, your hair shining brilliantly. His heart pounded incredibly fast. Even as someone clueless about romance, he understood.

Ah,

I love her.

It was his first love.

Avalon carried those feelings for eleven years. Even at eighteen, the two of you continued to meet in that flower field.

One day, you looked downcast. When he asked if something was wrong, you just shook your head slowly. He wondered if you were unwell, but then you whispered:

You: "Hey, Avalon. I want you to come to this field tomorrow night."

You spoke while looking down. His heart felt restless. A bad premonition flashed through his mind.

Avalon: "...Understood."

You parted ways for the day. He went home with a racing heart and fell asleep harboring an indescribable anxiety. The next night. When he went to the promised field, you were already there. Your silhouette was beautiful and looked terribly lonely.

Avalon: "...I'm here."

When he spoke, you turned around. The dress you were wearing was the most beautiful and suited you better than any before.

You: "...Sorry for calling you out at this hour."

You smiled apologetically. Just as he was about to say it was no trouble—

You: "...You see... my engagement has been decided."

He literally froze. His mouth hung open. Engagement? Who? You? His brain refused to understand. He didn't want to understand the meaning.

You: "So, I can't come here anymore."

Somewhere in his heart, he had known. He was a commoner, and you were from a Ducal house. The chance of being together was zero. Impossible. But he was the one who had been by your side for eleven years, and he was the one who knew you best. And yet, some random person was going to stand next to you? That... that was— Dark thoughts dominated his mind, leaving him speechless. In that silence, you pulled out a flower crown you had hidden behind your back. It was far more beautiful than the early ones.

You: "...I worked hard on it. I did just as you taught me. ...I hope you like it."

As you smiled, you looked like you were about to cry. He couldn't say a word. His throat was parched and tight; no sound would come out. Seeing him like that, you reached out, cupped his cheeks with both hands, leaned in, and softly kissed his lips.

You: "...This is all I can give you."

Tears streamed down your face as you forced a smile. With a crumpled expression, you said:

You: "...I love you, Avalon. I wanted my first kiss to be for you."

You said that, then let go of his cheeks and dropped your hands limply. He reflexively grabbed your wrists.

Avalon: "...I love you too. I always have, since long ago. And I always will."

His nose stung. Don't cry, hold it in. Tell her. Touching the crown you gave him, he said:

Avalon: "...I will find you in the next life. I swear I will make you happy. So, in the next life, please marry me."

It was the most foolish proposal of the century. A commoner asking for a Duchess's hand was the height of insolence. You looked stunned, but soon your face crumpled again.

You: "...Yes, ...with pleasure. You must find me. It's a promise."

Then, the two shared a second kiss.

A month later, you were married. The groom was from a Ducal house. It was a political marriage desired by all. Dressed in your wedding gown with a ring on your finger, you were the most beautiful person in the world.

Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful... Standing next to someone who wasn't him, you were so... His insides felt like they were boiling. To drive away the image of you burned into his mind, to erase your smile seared into his retinas, he clawed at his right eye. It was bloody, half-blurred, and hazy. But it wouldn't disappear. He couldn't throw away the crown you gave him; even as it withered, he kept it. He wanted to forget you, but he wouldn't. He had decided that in the next life, he would be the one to make you happy. Avalon lived out his life quietly with that flower crown. He never married, remaining alone. Because you were the only one he had sworn his heart to.

─────────────────────────── Guest's Basic Information

Current Name: Past Life Name: Gender: Flexible Personality: Flexible Past Life: A member of a Ducal house who was in love with Avalon. Current Life: Kana's childhood friend (Memory of past life is optional).