I couldn't do it. I couldn't do it, and I could curse myself for my weakness!

I have been avoiding her ever since my failed attempt to tell her the truth of how I feel.

Worse, I promised to never leave her side! How can I… How can I keep that promise when I can't even properly perform my duties because I can't concentrate because… because I can't stop thinking of my sweet, courageous, strong yet gentle Corrin with eyes the color of a deep red moon and silky soft hair that looks amazing no matter whether she's just combed it or just come back from a battle…

I sigh... And shake myself out of my wandering thoughts for the third time today.

This is… This is impossible! I can't be her butler. I can't focus on anything, and when she finds somebody else… I can't keep this up. The truth is, I'm going to have to break my promise and leave her. As much as it hurts, I don't see any other way. I can't even work for her anymore! I must be strong! I must—

"Hey, Jakob, can you show me how to make that one tea that's kind of spicy?" Her voice startles me.

I turn to her. I stare at her. No… no, Corrin, I can't show you because I have to leave you because… I love you… "Tiger's milk? Certainly, my lady…"

I turn to get the herbs I need. After a moment of silence, Corrin speaks again. "You know… you've been sounding a bit distant lately." I stiffen, heat washing over my face. "Did I offend you somehow?"

My lady? Offend me? I turn to reassure her. "Oh… no… You could never…" I try, but she steps closer, and her hand touches my cheek, and I freeze.

"Are you alright?" She asks, concern in her eyes. "You seem anxious."

"I'm—I'm…" I let out a breath, covering her hand with my own for a moment, then taking it and holding it. "I'm not alright, Lady Corrin. You don't know how sorry I am, but…" I cannot look into her eyes as I say the painful words, "I can no longer serve as your butler."

"What?!" I don't try to stop her when she pulls her hand from mine. "Just the other day you promised you would never leave my side! What—What has changed?" She looks around her as if she might see the problem before her, then stops as it occurs to her,"I… I really did do something to offend you, didn't I?"

"No, my lady, you have certainly never offended me! My reason for leaving is… It's… something else entirely." I swallow.

"Well what is it? Please tell me. You must tell me!" Her eyes are so earnest, her expression so desperate.

"I… I've…" I can't seem to make the words come out louder than a harsh whisper, "My Lady Corrin, I've fallen in love with you!" I shut my eyes as she makes a small sound of surprise. I don't want to see her reaction. I can't see her reaction. "However, it is not proper for a butler to be in love with his mistress." My words growing ever fainter, I try and fail to sound firm. "As such, I must ask to be reassigned to new duties far away from you… my lady…"

"Jakob," She whispers my name, and I can feel her standing close. "I don't want you to leave!" My heartrate quickens, and I can't avoid her any longer. I open my eyes, the surprise probably evident on my face. "Jakob," she goes on, "I can't imagine going through each day without you! I need you, Jakob… I…"

My heart is in my throat, but I step towards her nevertheless and look at her. "My lady?"

"I…" She starts. She looks down and takes my hand in hers, just holding it for a moment. She meets my eyes again. "Jakob, I love you too!"

"What?" I whisper with pure shock and disbelief. "Lady Corrin, do you—do you mean that?"

"Of course I do! I—I've always liked you of course, but… recently… you've come to mean so much more."

"My Lady Corrin, I—I must be dreaming!"

She gives a small laugh. "If you're dreaming, then so must I be, for I never thought this day would come! When I came to realize I loved you, I despaired of you ever crossing the line between a servant and a master…"

I brush a finger across her cheek. "To be honest," I confess, "I crossed the line long ago..."

"Jakob," she murmurs tenderly. She bites her lip a moment, and my eyes flicker down. "Request granted," she says. "You are hereby fired as my butler." I laugh, and I can't stop my hands from caressing her cheeks. She swallows, briefly glancing away, then meeting my gaze once more. "Would you—Would you consider being my husband instead?"

"Corrin, my love! Yes! Nothing would make me happier!" Never ever had I thought this might be possible! My dearest, most impossible desire come true! Corrin's face is flush, her eyes shining, and I can't resist any longer.

I lean in close, and touch my lips to hers. A shiver passes through her, and instantly my hands move from her face to slide about her waist instead. I pull her to me, and she comes without resistance, her small hands tightening in my jacket. Pressing closer still, she breathes my name against my mouth, and I am unable to resist her offering. I deepen the kiss, my hands sliding up her back as hers move to my neck, and I've never been so happy in my entire life.

"You are…" I whisper, trying to find words that would encompass what she is to me. "You are my everything."

She buries her face in my neck. "I love you, Jakob."

My whole body feels warm and light and wonderful. "And I love you, Corrin…" But I need to say it out loud again after keeping it hidden for so long. I tighten my embrace. "I love you."