Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Azuma - Prince of Soga - Moon End
Chapter 6 - An Opportunity
When a report about the leader of the rebels collapsing due to illness was given, Azuma-san's complexion changed.
(Azuma-san... What is he thinking?)
I became more uneasy by his stern expression that was different than usual.
Azuma: Now's the time for a beating.
MC: Eh...?
Azuma: I said that now's the time for a beating. A fight.
MC: No way...!
(Azuma-san... Is that what he really thinks?)
MC: S-Since he was a retainer, I'm sure he'll understand if you talk to him. Instead of recklessly shedding blood, how about talking to him?
I didn't want to see him with a sad expression, so I strongly talked back at him.
Azuma: ...
Azuma-san shook his head with a bitter look.
Azuma: What you said...
Although, that bitter face somehow looked sad...
Azuma: Won't do any good.
MC: But...
Azuma: It's pointless. Explaining to that man.
When Azuma-san made a cynical look, he made me go to my room...
Chapter 7 - Injured
Just as Azuma-san was about to talk about the retainer that betrayed them, he took a deep breath.
Azuma: That man, who started the rebellion by betraying us... The truth is, he was Father's most trusted retainer. Also, I used to really look up to that man when I was a kid.
MC: That's...
Azuma-san's words felt very painful.
Azuma: That man was committed to being my father's right-hand man and was completely loyal to him. He taught me everything he could about martial arts. He was an outstanding man... Father appreciated him, including me... I even respected him... Yet, this rebellion...
MC: Azuma-san...
My heart tightened from Azuma-san's sad expression.
(He trusted him so much, yet the person he was so close to betrayed him...)
Before I knew it, I reached out to Azuma-san...
MC: Ah...
Then, he held my hand tightly.
Azuma: A woman like you...
Azuma-san furrowed his brow sorrowfully, then...
Azuma: Why do you always... make me open up like this?
He strongly pulled me and hugged me. Azuma-san's body was tearing up with sadness when I heard his sad tone.
(Azuma-san... He was in this much pain...)
I gently wrapped my hands around his back.
Azuma: I'm such a pathetic man...
MC: Can't you... talk to him?
Azuma: Don't say something so strange. That man will never agree to something like that.
MC: Since you haven't talked to him once up until now, how about you see if it's worth it? If you do...
Azuma: Is that what you really think?
Azuma-san gently loosens his hold and stares at me. It felt like I was gradually being cornered as his strong and beautiful eyes that were filled with sadness were piercing through me.
MC: Yes.
Azuma-san's eyes trembled with hesitation, but then...
Azuma: ...Fine. Let's give it a try.
MC: Okay...!
Among that sadness, there was a sliver of hope shining...
......
When we requested to talk, we headed to where the leader of the rebels was.
MC: It's good that they're waiting at a place to discuss about it first.
Azuma: Don't get too careless. It could be a trap.
MC: ...
With nothing to say, I went along with him, but...
Azuma: ...
As Azuma-san's senses were sharpening, he cautiously looked around.
(The atmosphere doesn't feel right for a discussion...)
Just as I thought of that...
Azuma: Get down!
MC: ...!?
Suddenly, Azuma-san covered me and got down at that spot. In just little time, we got away from the arrow as it stabbed into the ground.
Rebel: Who are you!?
Azuma: I've come to speak with your leader! Lower your weapon!!
Rebel: As if I'll believe you!
Azuma-san gritted his teeth in frustration from those words. The moment when the arrow was sent flying, Azuma-san got up to fight back and then...
MC: ...!
When I felt a heavy dull pain running through my arm, I lost my balance from the impact.
Azuma: MC!?
Although, before I fell, Azuma-san held me tightly in his arm. In my arm, I felt a burning pain that was like an explosion.
Azuma: Dammit, the arrow...!
After saying that vexingly, Azuma-san called for the retainer that was nearby.
Azuma: I'm taking her back to the castle immediately, she needs treatment. Make sure to deliver this to the leader. Without fail.
Retainer: Dammit! Peace is really...!!
Azuma-san's voice filled with rage was sounding more and more distant.
(It's no good... I can't fight it...)
Then, I lost consciousness...
Last Chapter - The Conclusion
As we were on our way to where the leader of the rebels was, I collapsed from getting hit by an arrow. After a few days have passed, right now...
Azuma: How are you feeling today?
MC: I don't feel the pain anymore.
As Azuma-san supported my back, I slowly got up. When I was given some treatment for the injury that was inflicted upon me, it didn't get serious.
MC: I can't really move fast.
Azuma: You don't have to do anything. Anyway, just rest.
MC: But, I won't be of use...
Azuma: ...You don't need to. It's best for you to think about recovering quickly.
MC: Thank you. Doing this much for me...
Azuma: What are you saying? I was the reason why you were called over to the kingdom in the first place.
MC: But, I got to meet you because of that.
Azuma-san widened his eyes in surprise. Although, he made a gentle expression soon after.
Azuma: Just hurry and get better.
He gave me an affectionate look.
(Azuma-san...)
I was concerned about the leader of the rebels, but I was at a loss by his gentle expression that I didn't need to hear anything else. At that moment...
Retainer: Azuma-sama.
As there were rushed rattling sounds in front of the room, a single retainer was heard from the sliding door.
Azuma: What is it?
Retainer: The leader of the rebels wants to see you.
Azuma: What!?
Surprised, Azuma-san looked at me.
Azuma: ...
There was suddenly a sharp look in Azuma-san's eyes.
MC: Azuma-san... I want to be there too.
Azuma: No! I don't want you to get hurt.
MC: That time was in a faraway place... Also, we're at the castle. So, please...
Azuma: ...
Azuma-san made a stern expression, but...
Azuma: Fine. But, make sure to stay with me. Got it?
After he looked at me when I pleaded to him desperately, he gave up with a sigh and agreed to take me along.
......
When Azuma-san and I entered the room, the leader of the rebels deeply lowered his head.
Rebel Leader: At this time, I have no words about the report I've received.
There was a tense atmosphere drifting in the room.
Azuma: It must have been pretty troubling.
Rebel Leader: As usual... You're soft.
After the leader said that, he took something out and Azuma-san put himself on guard.
Azuma: !
What the leader took out was a folded piece of paper and a small black box.
(This is...?)
Rebel Leader: The letter and the medicine from earlier arrived safely.
Azuma: ...I see.
-Flashback-
Azuma: Make sure to deliver this to the leader. Without fail.
-Flashback-
(From that time...!? That was medicine!)
Azuma-san nodded firmly. The leader of the rebels raised his head and continued talking.
Rebel Leader: Azuma-sama... It seems like I was wrong. Doing something like that out of concern for me... Why I'm working as a rebel, even I'm regretting it. For me, who has fallen to greed, please forgive me by beheading me for all my crimes-
Azuma: I don't need any words.
Rebel Leader: ...
Azuma: Until now, you wanted this kingdom.
Rebel Leader: ...I didn't understand why until now.
Azuma: I... You couldn't trust me?
Rebel Leader: ...Compared to your father, I felt weakness in your heart. When the king left the official work to you... I just couldn't agree with it. Still, you saving me now like this... You became truly strong and I somehow lost my way. ...I deeply apologize.
Azuma: Raise your head.
Rebel: Leader: Still...
Azuma: Raise your head!
The room became deadly silent by Azuma-san's angry shout. The leader of the rebels slowly raised his head.
Azuma: You look better. Was the medicine effective?
Rebel Leader: ...Yes.
Azuma: Now, leave this kingdom immediately.
Rebel Leader: !? B-But, such a light punishment.
Azuma: Don't show yourself in this kingdom again. That's your punishment. You betrayed us and wanted this kingdom. You'll be given a severe punishment if you return.
Rebel Leader: Azuma-sama...!
Azuma: ...
Azuma-san didn't say anything in the end and at that moment, he closed his mouth and turned around.
Azuma: Let's go, MC.
MC: O-Okay.
A single tear was formed in the leader of the rebel's eye...
......
Since then, we didn't speak to each other as we returned to the castle. The moment we were back in the room, we quietly sat down.
Azuma: You won't betray me, right?
Azuma-san suddenly asked me that question.
MC: ...I would never do that.
Azuma: I was betrayed because I received something big.
MC: Betraying you... I couldn't do something like that.
Azuma: I might go crazy if it were possible.
Azuma-san closed his eyes in distress.
Azuma: I want to keep you in my hands, so that you won't betray me. I want to keep everything of you in captivity, so that no one else besides me can see or hear you. That's what I'm thinking...
(Azuma-san...?)
When Azuma-san said that sadly in pain, he hugged me. Then, at that moment...
Azuma: You're the only one that shouldn't betray me...
As Azuma-san pinned me down, he looked down at me.
(I don't want him to make such a sad face...)
Azuma: I want to take everything of you right now.
MC: Azuma-san...
Azuma: If I don't touch you, I feel like I'm being stabbed... I can't take it anymore. I want to love you. Regardless of your intentions, because of these feelings... I will give my right arm for your freedom. My hand, leg and body too, you're more important than any of those things. Will you... become mine?
MC: ...Of course.
(I can't... refuse him.)
As I was touched by his strong, gallant and fragile heart, I could feel my tears about to fall altogether. Aside from all that, I have fallen for Azuma-san.
Azuma: MC...
With consideration for my injury, Azuma-san's fingers began to gently slide down my body...
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