Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Beul - Prince of Aberdia - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Beastmen of Aberdia
Kingdom of Beastmen, Aberdia...
When I arrived at this kingdom after receiving Prince Beul's invitation for waking him up, the greenery of the mountains, the birds chirping happily and the warm sunlight shining down were all peacefully comfortable.
(Even though this is my first time visiting, it feels so nostalgic for some reason... It's a small, but wonderful kingdom.)
When I thought of that while heading to the center of town, a familiar person appeared from the other side of the road. The person who was waving his large hand while happily running was...
Beul: MC-chan, welcome!
MC: Beul-san, hello.
When the tall Beul-san bent over in front of me, he made a bit of a bashful smile.
MC: Did you come to pick me up?
Beul: Yeah. It's a good thing that we didn't miss each other. Since it's a rare chance, I'll give you a tour of the town.
As the two of us were walking, we went to see the shops and the bustling market.
MC: So many people...
Beul: I called you over during the busiest time, sorry about that.
MC: It's okay, I think it's nice that it's so lively. But, what do you mean by busiest time...?
Beul: In Aberdia, there are four seasons. We... During winter, the people of Aberdia take shelter to hibernate. So, the market is always crowded with people buying food for hibernation use at this time.
MC: Hibernation... Does it really get that cold?
Beul: Yeah. Moreover, our race is really weak against the cold.
MC: I see.
Beul: Since we're going to be hibernating, I wanted to see you before winter comes... I'm happy that you came. Thanks.
When he said that with a truly happy expression, I smiled too. Then, after smiling at each other, we entered the bustling market...
Chapter 2 - Getting Ready for Hibernation
When I arrived at Aberdia, I looked around the town market with Beul-san.
The stalls that were standing next to each other on both sides of the roadway were all thriving. Aside from fruits and vegetables, what were set up were just a little bit of fresh fish, dried fruits, jerky, jam and a whole lot of various preserved foods.
Man: Wrap up 5 kilograms of jerky.
Woman: I'll have 3 kilograms please.
I've been hearing those lively conversations all over the place. All the customers that were walking down the road were carrying large bags with both hands.
Beul: Buying large amounts for hibernation use must be surprising to you.
MC: Yes. Everyone is really buying a lot.
Beul: Yeah. Even though we'll be fine without eating while sleeping. It's really troubling after waking up with no food supply.
MC: I see, that's true...
After I nodded towards Beul-san's explanation and looked around the area, I was feeling a little overwhelmed by the people that had large builds as they were walking and carrying tons of luggage.
(All the men and women are so big... Their bodies are so big and they eat so much, getting things must be troubling. I don't want to cause trouble, so I should be careful...)
Among the crowd of people, I imagined them as tiny children. Then...
Beul: Ah. Are you tired from walking? If you'd like, I can carry you.
Beul-san leaned over in front of me and asked that innocently.
MC: Eh? Ah, uh... I-I'm okay.
When I politely refused Beul-san's offer... The store owner approached us with a basket of fruit from the stall that we were facing.
Owner: Beul-sama, are you here for an inspection?
Beul: No, I'm just showing a guest around. Right?
MC: Yes. I'm the Traumerei...
Just as I was about to introduce myself softly, the store owner looked at us with a nice smile.
Owner: Beul-sama and a princess. Please try some if you'd like.
Beul: What tasty looking pears. Thank you.
When Beul-san accepted a pear and took a bite of it, it made a crunching sound as he was chewing.
(This is the first time I've seen something look good from someone eating it...)
Beul: MC-chan, what's wrong?
///Choices///
- It looks good when you're eating it (☼)
MC: It looks good when you're eating it, Beul-san.
Beul: Really? But, it's true that you'll feel really happy when you're eating tasty things.
- Do you like fruit? (☽)
MC: Beul-san, do you like fruit?
Beul: I like everything. Eating is my favorite thing to do.
///Choices///
Owner: You too, Princess, go ahead and try some.
MC: Ah, yes. Then, thank you for the food.
Like how I saw Beul-san do it, I took a bite of the round pear. The next moment, a juicy sweetness was spreading within my mouth and I let out a sigh.
MC: ...It's really good!
Beul: Then, let's buy some as souvenirs.
Owner: Thank you very much.
After accepting the pears that the owner wrapped up, we proceeded into the market...
Chapter 3 - The Reality of Aberdia
Along with Beul-san, we walked even more into the market... Then...
??: Kyaah!
Beul: !?
When Beul-san went in front of me to protect me, he looked over to where that scream came from. After I did the same, there was already a crowd wanting to know what happened.
Beul: I'm going to go check it out.
///Choices///
- I'll go too (☼)
MC: I'll go too.
Beul: Eh...? But, it could be dangerous.
MC: Even so, there could be something that I can help with...
- Won't that be dangerous... (☽)
MC: But... Won't that be dangerous...
Beul: In that case, we need to check it out even more. There could be something I can do.
MC: Then, I'll go too.
///Choices///
Beul: ...Okay. But, stay behind me.
MC: Okay.
When Beul-san and I pushed through the crowd of people and moved in front.
Beul: ...A child?
In the center of the crowd was a child lying down with a pale face. Beul-san and I looked at each other from the unexpected scene.
Beul: What happened? Could someone explain?
When Beul-san said that, a merchant from a nearby stall stepped forward.
Merchant: That child... It seems like he's been sitting there for many days and hasn't been eating properly...
Beul: How could something like that... Where are his parents?
Merchant: His father works by selling medicinal herbs in the market. But, I found out that he went into the mountains a week ago... The people that went out searching for him said that it seemed to have found his shoe that had fell in another race's territory. It's most likely that he got involved in a fight and lost his life...
(He was killed by another race...?)
As I was shocked, Beul-san sighed bitterly.
Beul: ...Does the child know?
Merchant: He refuses to believe it. So, he's been persistent for his father's return. I tried giving him food, but he would refuse it...
Beul: I see...
Beul-san crouched down to the boy and picked him up.
Beul: Let's take him to a doctor. MC-chan, if you'd like to tag along...
MC: Yes, of course.
When we left the crowd of people that were watching worriedly, we headed to the town doctor.
Doctor: Well, if he were in a dangerous place. It would've been too late to save him...
The doctor was surprised after seeing the skinny boy, but immediately injected him with a nutritional supplement.
Beul: ...Will you let me know when he wakes up?
Doctor: Yes, understood. I'll make sure to contact you.
Beul: Thank you. Well then, MC-chan, let's go.
MC: Ah, yes.
As I followed Beul-san from behind, we went outside of the building.
Beul: It's a good thing that his condition wasn't serious.
Beul-san turned towards the building as his shoulders dropped in relief.
MC: True. But...
Beul: MC-chan?
///Choices///
- About the other race... (☽)
MC: About the other race that the merchant mentioned...
Beul: ...This kingdom has a problem.
- About the child's father... (☼)
MC: About the child's father...
Beul: ...Yeah. It's a sad story...
///Choices///
Beul: The neighboring kingdom has people that see the beastmen of Aberdia as a threat*... That child's father might've been hunted down by those people.
T/N: Most likely related to what was mentioned in Heldt's story
As Beul-san furrowed his brow bitterly, he looked down.
Beul: ...As a prince, I need to resolve the misunderstanding to the beastmen at all costs. It's frustrating that we still can't use oru power at all.
Beul-san sounded gentle as usual, but... His claws were digging into him as he clenched his fists.
MC: ...I'm sure that you'll be able to resolve the misunderstanding someday.
When I timidly reached out and touched Beul-san's hand, he looked up quickly.
Beul: MC-chan... Thank you.
Beul-san loosened up the strength in his hands and softly held my hand...
Chapter 4 - Determination for the Future
Just as we took a break after taking the boy that fainted in the market to the doctor... The sky over our heads started to turn red before we knew it.
While looking up at the red sunset that covered most of the entire town, Beul-san placed both of his hands on his waist.
Beul: It's gotten pretty late. We should head back to the castle soon.
MC: Okay.
Beul: ...What was that earlier?
While walking, the tall Beul-san looked down at me.
MC: Earlier?
Beul: Yeah. I was happy when you cheered me up. For a moment, it felt like everything I've done had no meaning to it...
///Choices///
- I'm sure that you'll be repaid (☽)
MC: I'm sure that your efforts will be repaid someday.
Beul: Yeah. That'd be nice...
- Believe in yourself (☼)
MC: ...Please believe in yourself.
Beul: MC-chan...
///Choices///
MC: What happened in the market was sad, but... What you did was wonderful.
Beul: I see. Thank you.
Beul-san scratched his head with his large hand in embarrassment.
Beul: The kingdom itself isn't that abundant. Because of that, there are a lot of children that are in trouble like that boy... I have a younger brother and sister too, so watching them is really hard. But, if we could improve the relationship with the neighboring kingdom, profits would go up from trading. This kingdom is blessed with good crops after all... If the prejudice against beastmen went away, all sorts of things might improve a bit.
When Beul-san said that while looking up at the red sky, the side of his face looked strongly determined.
MC: I'll be rooting for you.
Beul: Eh? Ah, uh... Sure. Uu...
MC: Beul-san?
When he turned towards me, his cheeks turned red for some reason...
Beul: Making such an adorable face like that and saying something so cute... I don't know what to do.
After hearing Beul-san's words, I became embarrassed as well at that moment. As we were aware of each other, a slightly awkward silence was made on our way back...
......
Beul's Brother: Welcome back, Big Brother!
Beul's Sister: Is this your friend, the princess?
Once we've returned to Beul-san's castle, his younger siblings happily surrounded me.
Beul's Sister: Princess, I'll show you around the castle!
His sister made an adorable smile as she pulled my hand.
Beul: Ah, hey now. You shouldn't trouble MC-chan!
Beul's Sister: Okay!
After his sister said that, she pulled me into the castle. From behind, Beul-san and his brother came along while smiling... We all enjoyed ourselves while going around the castle.
......
As we were talking in Beul-san's room after the tour of the castle, his siblings became completely attached to me and wouldn't let go as they stuck close to me.
Beul's Brother: Big Brother, do that! Make me fly!
Beul's Sister: Me too, me too!
Beul: Ah, sure. Come on, get over here.
(Make them fly...?)
While thinking that it was strange, I watched his siblings grab onto Beul-san's arms...
Beul: There, we go! Hang on tight~
Beul-san lifted his arms up and spun around in place.
(Fufu. His siblings seem to be having a lot of fun. Also, Beul-san is making a really gentle smile...)
While peacefully watching him being very caring, at that moment...
Butler: Beul-sama. The preparations for the dinner party have been arranged.
Beul: Oh, thanks. Now then, everyone, let's go.
MC: Dinner party...?
Beul: Yeah. It's small, but I had it arranged for you.
Beul's Sister: Sister, shall we go? I'll take you to the dining room!
MC: Ah, sure. Thank you.
((They're all such kind people...)
As my head was being pulled by Beul-san's sister, I headed to the dining room with a warm feeling...
Chapter 5 - A Promise in Spring
After the dinner party in the Aberdia castle...
We were in Beul-san's room happily passing the time by having a friendly conversation.
Beul: Sorry, MC-chan. My siblings have been clinging onto you this whole time...
MC: It's okay. I'm having a lot of fun.
Right at that moment, we heard a knock on the door and the queen arrived.
Queen: Princess, I've been looking forward to meeting you. Thank you so much for saving Beul.
The queen that looked a lot like Beul-san gave me a warm and kind smile.
Queen: Now then, children, you shouldn't be troubling the princess, so you should go to your own rooms soon...
Beul's Sister: No, I want to be with the princess some more!
Queen: Oh, dear, what a selfish thing to say...
Beul: How troubling...
After saying that, Beul-san picked up his small sister with a gentle look.
(Beul-san... He sure loves his siblings.)
Watching Beul-san's family gave me a feeling that was like a warm lamp being lit...
......
Then, a few days later... When the preparations for hibernation were finished, the day for me to leave Aberdia has come.
(It'll be sad to part from everyone... Also...)
-Flashback-
Beul: Making such an adorable face like that and saying something so cute... I don't know what to do.
-Flashback-
(I want to... be with Beul-san some more.)
The time that I've spent with him was filled with kindness and warmth... Before I knew it, I felt comfortable from just being by his side. At that moment...
Beul's Sister: Princess, don't go!
When the door was opened with great force, Beul-san's siblings rushed into the room.
Beul's Brother: Hey, hey, Princess, let's hibernate together!
MC: You guys...
As the children clung onto me, I petted their heads with a wry smile and then, Beul-san appeared after them.
Beul: You guys, didn't I tell you not to trouble the princess?
Beul's Sister: Yes... Princess, come back to play again...
MC: Sure, thank you. I promise.
After Beul-san scolded his siblings, they left the room downheartedly.
Beul: ...Good grief, they sure have gotten completely attached to you.
MC: That makes me happy.
Beul-san scratched his head troubledly, but...
Beul: ...But, actually, I want to spend some more time with you too.
When I raised my face in surprise from those words, Beul-san was looking down at me seriously.
///Choices///
- That makes me happy (☼)
MC: That makes me happy...
Beul: Do you mean that?
MC: Yes...
- I feel the same way (☽)
MC: ...I feel the same way too.
Beul: MC-chan... Wow, that makes me really happy...
///Choices///
Beul: Then... How about we make another promise?
As his cheeks were a little red, Beul-san held both of my hands.
Beul: Once spring comes, come see me again.
MC: Yes, of course.
The cold winter wind made the window shake... Although, my hands felt very warm as they were being held by Beul-san...
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