Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Apollo - Prince of Flareruge - Main Story
Chapter 1 - Flame Dwelling Eyes
Sun Kingdom, Flareruge, August...
In the majestic hall, it was filled with a tense atmosphere. After I received an invitation, I was standing before the strict security and Prince Apollo that had about a dozen guards around him...
MC: ...
As I was in front of Prince Apollo, who I have awakened from a slumber, I shrunk down greatly and became unable to speak...
Apollo: Silent woman. Are you really the Traumerei Princess?
MC: Y-Yes...!
When I looked at his fiery scarlet eyes, I responded.
Apollo: Can't you respond properly?
His sharp deep voice echoed within the audience room. I was completely overpowered by Prince Apollo's manliness.
(Something like this happening despite that he went out of his way to call me over...)
Although, the more I thought about it, the more the inside of my head became blank... Then...
Apollo: ...That's fine. Someone like you being the Traumerei Princess, it's absurd. I'm sure that it was some kind of coincidence when you woke me up. I thought that Traumrei is a kingdom where nobles reside in... The royal family being like this is no big deal though.
MC: That's...
Apollo: Oh, so you can talk back.
The ends of his lips curved up into a grin.
Apollo: Still, this is the first time you've looked straight at my face.
(I'm scared... But.)
I felt a shiver go down my spine from his dignity and smile that was overflowing with confidence.
(I wonder why. I'm charmed by him...)
As I was trying not to be taken away by that unexplainable attractiveness, I desperately continued to look at him in the eye.
Apollo: Not bad. Just those eyes are enough for me to approve you. So, tell me your wish.
MC: Eh...?
Apollo: As thanks for waking me up, I'll grant you one wish.
Prince Apollo intensely got up from his throne.
Apollo: I can do anything in this kingdom.
When he demanded me to make a wish, there was a blazing flame dwelling within those eyes...
Chapter 2 - Royal Dignity
-Flashback-
Apollo: As thanks for waking me up, I'll grant you one wish. I can do anything in this kingdom.
-Flashback-
After standing up majestically, Prince Apollo said that he wanted to thank me for waking him up.
(But, saying that so suddenly...)
Apollo: What's wrong? Hurry and say it.
MC: Yes... Uh.
As I was hesitant to speak, Prince Apollo looked at me with a brow up.
Apollo: Such an irritating woman. In that case, choose one of these two. Wealth or beauty. Which do you prefer?
I...
///Choices///
- Beauty (☽)
MC: This is difficul, but... If I had to say something so strongly, probably beauty.
Apollo: Saying something so strongly? What a dishonest woman. Hey!
Prince Apollo irritably gave some kind of order to an attendant.
Apollo: As pride of the Flareruge Kingdom, make some arrangements for a top-class dress and jewels.
MC: Eh...
Apollo: What's with that dumb look?
MC: Something so expensive... I don't want that.
Apollo: As compensation for waking me up, this is too cheap.
- Wealth (☼)
MC: Wealth...?
When I repeated that without thinking...
Apollo: Well then, bring out the reward money.
Prince Apollo raised his hand and gave that order to an attendant.
MC: U-Um... No, I didn't mean that I wanted wealth-
Apollo: You... Are you messing with me?
As Prince Apollo's irritation grew, it felt like it could hurt.
///Choices///
Apollo: Or...
Suddenly, just as Prince Apollo squinted his eyes... He took a huge step towards me and stood right in front of me.
(Eh...? What?)
Within the very close distance, it felt like I was being estimated as he was looking down at me.
Apollo: ...
Just as I thought that his burning scarlet eyes narrowed...
Apollo: Your posture is bad. Straighten up your back.
MC: ...
Prince Apollo's hand suddenly slid onto my back. As he pushed my back by force, my back felt more comfortable as if steel had been put on it.
Apollo: There, much better.
Without any warning, he grabbed my chin next.
MC: ...
Apollo: Pull out your chin more, your face looks funny. Your expression is bad too, can't you make a better face?
MC: U-Um.
Apollo: Don't speak. Your face should have your mouth go up more and your eyes must look forward properly. You should blink less.
(Eh... What is he doing?)
Apollo: Aren't you listening to me? Pull yourself together and do something about that foolish look on your face!
MC: !
His loud voice made me straighten myself up again.
Apollo: That's it... So, you can do it if you try. You must have the proper looks and behavior as a royal of Traumerei.
(As a royal...)
Apollo: You act as if you aren't. I hate people that don't realize that sort of thing the most.
MC: ...
(Come to think of it... Compared to Prince Apollo...)
His majestic looks truly have the dignity of a royal.
Apollo: Okay. Next is-
Then, just as Prince Apollo spoke.
Guard 1: U-Um, Apollo-sama, my apologies for interrupting.
One of the guards that was in waiting from aside spoke with a voice that was like a mosquito's buzzing.
Guard 1: It's almost time... For your meeting with the king and your older brother...
Apollo: It's fine. It's a waste of time going to that sort of thing.
Guard 1: But...
Apollo: You... Didn't you hear me?
Guard 1: Eek...!
(Eh...?)
I noticed a shimmer of hot air slowly wavering around Prince Apollo. The next moment..
MC: F-Flames!?
Bright blazing red flames surrounded his arm.
Apollo: Everyone, they all irritate me.
Guard 1: A-Apollo-sama, please forgive me...!
As the flames looked like they were about to burst over his hand, it made rumbling sounds and turned gigantic.
(What is this!?)
Prince Apollo's expression had a strong raging look as if it was in sync with the burning flames.
Guard 1: I-I'm going to get killed...!
MC: Prince Apollo! Stop it...!
I immediately jumped in between Prince Apollo and the guard.
Apollo: Oh... Do you want to die too?
My body and heart trembled from his leveled tone and the heat from the blazing flames.
Apollo: Move.
MC: ...I won't.
(If I do, he'll surely...)
Apollo: ...
Prince Apollo's sharp gaze pierced through me, but...
Apollo: ...You're such an irritating woman.
Then, the flames around his arm disappeared.
Apollo: From now on, don't show yourself in front of me again. I'm ordering you to hurry and go home tomorrow.
After saying that coldly, Prince Apollo turned his back on me.
(That was scary...)
Guard 2: So violent...
Guard 3: That was scary... At this rate, someday, we'll be...
The guards' murmurs slid into my ears.
MC: ...
Even so, I... As he gallantly walked without looking back once, I couldn't help, but become charmed...
Chapter 3 - Sparkling Golden Color
The next day after I stayed the night at Prince Apollo's castle... I was walking back home by myself in the town of Flareruge.
-Flashback-
Apollo: ...You're such an irritating woman. From now on, don't show yourself in front of me again. I'm ordering you to hurry and go home tomorrow.
-Flashback-
(I was scared, but... I couldn't forget how majestic he was. As a royal... I wonder if I was just disillusioned...)
As I deeply sighed, I continued walking...
Guard 1: Hey, hey, we're soldiers. Can't you see that!?
Child: I-I'm sorry... I'm sorry!
Guard 2: Running in front of us, well, aren't you a gutsy brat.
Several guards surrounded a young boy.
Townsperson 1: Hey, that's...
Townsperson 2: Stop! They might be Dia-sama's guards... If you get in their way without thinking, you'll get killed!
None of the surrounding townspeople moved as they were scared.
(Oh, no...!)
MC: Stop!
I moved right at that moment and stood in between the guard and the boy.
Guard 1: What? You sure are a bold woman. So?
The guard drew out his sword and pointed it towards my chest threateningly.
(What do I do, I'm scared... But.)
As I closed my lips tightly, the men looked at me with amused smiles.
Guard: You've got some nerve.
Just as the blade that was pointed towards my chest slowly moved, it touched my nape next.
MC: ...!
Just as I felt a chilling sensation and couldn't help, but close my eyes... I heard the sharp sound of a sword being repelled right in front of me.
(Eh...?)
In the bright sunlight, blonde hair shined...
Apollo: ...What do you think you're doing?
In front of me, there was Prince Apollo's back as he stood there calmly with a large sword in his hand. My body trembled as I felt his anger from his back. I...
///Choices///
- Say his name (☼)
MC: Prince Apollo...!
When I said his name without thinking, Prince Apollo took a glance at me with a strong look.
Apollo: Be quiet.
After saying just that, he moved his gaze towards the guards in front of him soon after.
- Be bewildered (☽)
(Prince... Apollo.)
Taking in the events that just happened, I couldn't do anything, but look at his large back in front of me.
Apollo: Making a foolish look as usual.
The moment he turned towards me, I saw a smile on his face.
///Choices///
Guard 1: P-Prince Apollo...
Apollo: Are you guys their subordinates?
(Their...?)
The guards in front of Prince Apollo shrunk down like frogs that were being glared at by a snake.
Apollo: ...Fine. If you're not going to answer, I'll finish this.
Just as I thought that he was putting away his sword quickly, Prince Apollo's body slowly emitted heat again.
Guard 2: Eeek! W-We're going to get killed, we're going to get killed...!
Guard 1: T-This is... An example of his power...
MC: Prince Apollo...!
Child: Eek...
Even the townspeople that were watching and the child... They were all bewildered and scared from the fierce flames that Prince Apollo summoned. I...
///Choices///
- Tell him to stop (☼)
MC: Please stop...!
When I shouted that without thinking, Prince Apollo stopped moving and turned towards me.
Apollo: Why are you stopping me?
- Cling onto him (☽)
MC: Prince Apollo...
At that moment, I clung onto Prince Apollo's arm...
Apollo: ...What are you doing? Let go.
///Choices///
MC: No. Please stop... Everyone is... Look at the townspeople and the child...!
I desperately pleaded with him and...
Apollo: ...
The heat disappeared from Prince Apollo's body.
Guard 1: N-Now's our chance to escape!
Guard 2: ...!
The guards took the opportunity and scattered about as they ran off. Prince Apollo looked at me as if he was looking at something repulsive.
Apollo: ...How foolish. Those people, including you.
After saying that, Prince Apollo looked around him.
Townsperson 1: ...!
Townsperson 2: A-Apollo-sama...
The townspeople looked at Prince Apollo with scared expressions.
(Why...)
Apollo: ...
At that moment...
Child: ...Apollo-sama, thank you.
The child that Prince Apollo saved said that nervously.
Apollo: It's obvious that a king would protect his people.
When he said those words with a stern expression, his strength was surely in it.
Child: ...Yes! You were so strong and cool!
As the child looked at him respectively, Prince Apollo smiled a little. Just as I thought of that...
Apollo: Hey.
MC: ...
He looked over here with a piercing gaze.
(W-What do I do? It's because I did something of my own convenience...)
Apollo: ...
As he looked at me strongly, my body became warm for some reason.
MC: ...
While enduring it, I hung my head down...
Apollo: You're highly worthy for helping my people.
MC: Eh...
I raised my head from those unexpected words. Then...
Apollo: But, going against two men was reckless... Going that far so foolishly like that, how dumb are you?
For the first time... I noticed a kind look in his scarlet eyes.
MC: Prince Apollo...
Apollo: Although, you... ...!
MC: Prince Apollo!?
While Prince Apollo was talking, he suddenly grabbed hold of his chest as his knees hit the ground. Just as I was about to support Prince Apollo in a panic...
Apollo: Don't bother...!!
He slapped my hand away.
MC: P-Prince Apollo, but...
Prince Apollo's face turned pale as it became distorted in pain.
(What's wrong? His condition suddenly...?)
Apollo: We're in front of the people... I'm telling you to not make a fuss so idly. To the castle... I'm going back to the castle. You're coming with me.
MC: Eh...? O-Okay.
Even though he actually pushed away my hand that was going to help him, but... I returned to the castle with Prince Apollo as he was walking coldly...
Chapter 4 - Bonded to the Heart
After helping me in town and taking care of the commotion, Prince Apollo suddenly felt pain... Soon after, I returned tot he Flareruge castle with him...
Apollo: Uu...
Prince Apollo didn't want to show himself in front of the servants as he was in a pained state, so once we've returned to his room, he was laying on his bed as he was breathing in pain repeatedly. I...
///Choices///
- Wipe away his sweat (☽)
MC: Um, I'll wipe away your sweat...
I softly wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Apollo: ...
Prince Apollo placed his warm hand over mine.
- Call for someone (☼)
MC: I... I'm going to go call for someone!
Just as I got up and was about to leave... I was stopped when my wrist was grabbed tightly.
Apollo: Don't do something unnecessary... I'll heal up soon.
His pale face became distorted bitterly.
///Choices///
Apollo: Don't... worry about it. There's no need to.
MC: But... You're in so much pain.
Then...
Apollo: ...
As Prince Apollo held my hand, he brought it over to his chest.
(Eh...)
His sweaty robust body was pulsing heavily. Along with his strong heartbeat, mine was starting to become loud too.
(Prince Apollo...?)
At that moment...
(This is... a tattoo?)
On his chest, there was a beautiful and fierce looking design that caught my eye as if I was drawn towards it.
(A sun and... a lion...?)
The tattoo that was engraved on his chest was of a burning sun and a lion roaring ferociously.
(So warm...)
Even though it's all skin, that tattoo was the only part that had a burning warmth dwelling within it.
Apollo: ...Lately, I've been getting irritated a lot... Using that power makes my chest hurt.
MC: That power is...
Apollo: The power to summon flames... I have control over it. My father and brother are after my heart because of that bond...
MC: ...Bond?
Starting to make himself comfortable a little, Prince Apollo steadied his breathing to calm himself down.
Apollo: Yeah. Because of that, using that power... will make my heart hurt.
Prince Apollo made an annoyed look.
MC: Something like that...
Apollo: Can't be true is what you're thinking? Well, it's not like you can understand it.
When he became silent in pain, he sorted out his breathing till the end...
Apollo: I'm feared by my father and brother. All because I rule this entire kingdom.
MC: That's...
Apollo: Because of that, they won't be able to drive me away to a rural area.
///Choices///
- How frustrating (☼)
MC: How frustrating. Being treated like that by your father and brother...
Apollo: ...Hmph.
- How sad (☽)
MC: How sad... Being feared by your own family...
Apollo: Something sad. That's probably what makes me human.
///Choices///
Apollo: If it weren't for this bond, I would've been able to get rid of that pathetic father and brother and become king to rule over this entire land. No, even with this bond... I'm sure that I can get rid of them. I'm the one who's going to become king of Flareruge.
MC: ...
His sharp gaze shined glaringly as if it could shoot down something. My body trembled from the spine-chilling fear that was hidden in his eyes...
Apollo: Above all that, you could be useful...
MC: Eh...?
The next moment...
MC: ...!!
Just as I felt my body shake... Before I knew it, I was being held down by Prince APollo.
MC: Prince Apollo...!?
Apollo: Traumerei Princess. Answer me. What is that power you used to wake me up? For the first time in my life... I received help from someone else.
On his handsome face, the sharp bright sparkle in Prince Apollo's eyes was like his flames... It made them look like they were burning...
Apollo: Are you trying to trap me because you fear me like my father... Or maybe you wanted to save me...
On his arrogant face, it's captivation was coming and going...
MC: ...
Those eyes that could shoot down an animal made me forget to breathe.
Apollo: Aren't you going to answer... In that case.
MC: ...!
Prince Apollo's face got closer. Just as I became surprised, I tried to resist, but my wrists wouldn't move an inch as they were being held down by his strong strength.
Apollo: I've taken a liking to your face. Also, your eyes when they're looking straight at me...
MC: L-Let go of me...!
Apollo: Yes, that's the look.
Prince Apollo laughed amusingly.
Apollo: What's wrong? Hurry and answer... Once you do, I'll let you go.
When his lips that have gotten close lightly touched my cheek... He whispered that in my ear.
MC: ...
Along with a shiver... A fearful feeling crept up my spine. That feeling made me close my eyes tightly and... Suddenly, the top of my body became slightly lighter.
Apollo: You're an interesting woman when I tease you.
MC: ...!?
When Prince Apollo released me, he made a satisfied smile.
(He was teasing me...!)
Apollo: I thought of something good to thank you with.
While not taking an interest in my feelings, Prince Apollo seemed to have thought of something himself...
Chapter 5 - The Merits as a Princess
-Flashback-
Apollo: You're an interesting woman when I tease you. I thought of something good to thank you with.
-Flashback-
After that... When he forcibly took me along, where we were heading to up ahead was...
The royal palace that was further away from Prince Apollo's territory and the place where his father resides in.
(Despite what he told me along the way... Just what is he planning?)
-Flashback-
Apollo: Listen, even if you got something to say to me, stay silent next to me. You must only respond with yes. All other responses must be said with a smile. Also, instead of Prince Apollo, just call me Apollo. Got it?
-Flashback-
Thinking about it along the way made me even more uneasy. After waiting for a while, a majestically dressed man that was accompanied with a companion entered through the entrance of the hall.
(Is that Prince Apollo's father?)
King: It's been a while, Apollo.
While smiling, his father... The king of Flareruge said that as he took a glance at Prince Apollo.
Apollo: Yeah. I came here today because I got some news.
King: News...?
Prince Apollo grinned daringly.
Apollo: This is the Traumerei Princess, we're getting married.
MC: ...!?
When I widened my eyes in surprise and looked at Prince Apollo, he glared at me sharply.
(T-That's right, I must pretend no matter what... B-But, getting married!)
King: ...Is that true?
Apollo: Yeah, once we've decided on a wedding ceremony, we'll let you know again.
MC: Ah...
After saying that, Prince Apollo left the hall. When I bowed in a hurry, I went after him from behind...
MC: Wait! Prince Apollo...
I called out to stop him, but he wouldn't stop walking.
MC: ...Apollo!
Like what he told me from when we were on our way to the royal palace, I called him by that and he finally turned towards me with an annoyed look.
Apollo: ...What?
MC: About what you said earlier. Why would you lie like that...
Apollo: I wasn't lying about getting married in the future. Isn't this fine?
MC: It isn't. Besides, it's so sudden...
Apollo: If the Traumerei Princess is holding my hand, it'll surely make those guys come up with some kind of plan in a panic. That's how much merit you hold. Be happy.
///Choices///
- I don't have that kind of merit (☽)
MC: I don't have... that kind of merit.
Apollo: You're necessary to me.
His emotionless words made my heart throb greatly.
- I'm not happy (☼)
MC: ...I'm not happy.
Apollo: Why?
When Apollo asked me that, it felt like he was demanding an answer out of me.
///Choices///
Apollo: Anyway, I won't be wrong about them doing as I just said. If this keeps up, they won't be able to get to my level.
MC: Apollo, you don't even like me...
Apollo: ...Feelings are unnecessary. All you have to do is do what I say. That's all.
MC: You can't just do tha-...! ...!!
Just as I was about to rebuttal, he strongly grabbed my wrist and the next moment, my back was pushed against a wall.
Apollo: Be silent and obey me...! Everything is all for this kingdom. What's needed to guide the kingdom is strong power.
After saying that, Apollo released me and started walking with big steps again.
-Flashback-
Guard 2: So violent...
Guard 3: That was scary... At this rate, someday, we'll be...
---
Townsperson 1: ...!
Townsperson 2: A-Apollo-sama...
-Flashback-
(Strong power to guide the kingdom... Is that really true...?)
When I was left alone, I stood still as I endured the pain in my heart...
......
A few days later... Apollo was suddenly given an order from his father to come visit the self-governing territory that doesn't belong to him.
(Apollo said that his father and brother should be scheming something, but...)
When he departed with many guards accompanying him, I couldn't help, but be overwhelmed with uneasiness. While the warm burning sun of Flareruge today concealed him...
Chapter 6 - Apollo's Older Brother
As soon as Apollo left for an expedition... When I heard angry shouts and rumbling footsteps, I hurriedly rushed out of the castle room.
(What's happening...!?)
In the hallway, I saw the people in the castle running to escape.
MC: Um! Did something happen?
When I grabbed one of the maids and asked her that, she responded shakily.
Maid: U-Um, Apollo-sama's older brother, Dia-sama and his guards... They're raiding the castle...
MC: ...!?
I became speechless from the surprising truth.
(Apollo isn't here right now... What should I do...!)
I...
///Choices///
- Persuade his brother (☼)
(I know, If I talk to him directly...)
With that thought, I ran into the hallway.
- Delivery the news to Apollo (☽)
(I need to tell Apollo about this immediately...)
While I was unsure on how to go tell him, I ran off.
///Choices///
Then, at that moment...
??: Could you be the Traumerei Princess?
The man that was accompanied by guards said that as he spread out his hands exaggeratedly in front of me.
MC: ...You're?
Dia: I'm the first prince of Flareruge, Dia, Apollo's older brother. Princess, you're cute like the rumors say. Such a waste for a fool like him. How about it, want to become my princess?
Even though he has the same hair and eye color as Apollo... His behavior felt really gutless and was the complete opposite to Apollo's overflowing dignity.
MC: ...No.
(To think that he would come onto me while Apollo is absent...)
As I tightly clenched my hands, I looked at him to show that I refuse determinedly...
Dia: Those eyes... They're just like his. So annoying.
His small smile disappeared from his face.
Dia: It doesn't matter what you say. Now, come with me.
MC: ...!
When he took a step towards me, he grabbed my arm tightly. At that moment...
Apollo: I knew it, what a fool.
A nicely deep tone was heard in the hallway.
Dia: What...?
Apollo: Did you think that you can go conquest my castle and steal my queen while I'm gone? How foolish. Also, she's too good for you.
It felt like he was emitting flames with anger dwelling within them as he slowly walked over here. Then, as he was looking even more noble than before... Bright red flames appeared from his arm.
Dia: It can't be... Why are you here!?
As his brother's hand that was holding my arm trembled, he took a step back.
Apollo: Don't shout, it's annoying...!
Dia: ...!!
The violent flames coiled around his brother to burn him. Although... The flames only burned the floor as a threat and it made his brother unable to stand. The moment he loosened his grip around my arm...
Apollo: MC.
When Apollo said my name for the first time, he held out his hand to me.
MC: ...!
When I shook off his brother's hand and ran towards Apollo without thinking, he pulled me with one of his robust arms and held me tightly.
MC: ...
As I buried my face into his chest, he hugged me more strongly.
Apollo: You did just as I thought you would. Such a foolish brother.
Dia: W-Why are you here...!
Apollo: Just half a day is enough for me to go over that much territory. You underestimated my strength, both you and Father.
Dia: Kuh... W-Well, fine. I'll retreat this time...! Just this time!
After shouting those words pitifully, his brother crawled away as he fled. Slowly... Apollo's flames went away like a heart calming down.
Apollo: ...Are you hurt?
MC: I'm fine. But, Apollo...
His face looked exhausted from using his power.
Apollo: What about me? I was only protecting my queen by calming down the disturbance.
MC: Q-Queen...
Apollo: You're my queen, my decisions are absolute after all.
Apollo said that clearly as if it was obvious.
Apollo: As the queen, you should stay by my side. That's the best way to protect you.
MC: That sort of thing again... Even though you don't like me...
Apollo: I thought about wanting to see you a little.
MC: Eh...
Apollo made a gentle smile that I've never seen before.
Apollo: That's right, I thought about wanting to hurry and see that foolish face.
MC: Geez...!
(He was only teasing me...)
Even though I thought of that, I was unable to say anything as I became overwhelmed from Apollo's smile for some reason...
Apollo: Let's return to the room. I'm a little tired...
MC: ...A-Apollo...!
(He used his power... Will he be okay?)
As I looked at him worriedly, he turned towards me with an aggravated look.
Apollo: I said that you don't need to worry about me.
Even so, his pained distorted face gave me pain...
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