Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Carlyle - Prince of Corona - Main Story
Chapter 1 - On a Beautiful Night
On a certain night where the stars were twinkling in the sky and the scent of flowers were being carried by the wind...
With an unfamiliar full-length dress on, I arrived at the party venue.
(Will it be all right to put the butterfly accessory here?)
As I descended from the horse carriage that picked me up, I put the butterfly accessory that came along with the invitation on my wrist. When I entered the venue, all the people that were in flashy clothing were wearing various kinds of butterfly accessories.
(What lovely designs...)
"I've made a special butterfly tiara. I wonder if my butterfly will perch on the best flower in the venue..."
That's what was written on the invitation that was sent by the prince of the Corona Kingdom, who has made crowns for the King of Dreams for generations.
(The host, the prince of the Corona Kingdom, it's said that he doesn't his face to almost anyone...)
Gentleman: Milady, you seem excited. It's said that the Corona crowns and tiaras bring glory to the people holding them.
MC: I see.
In just a short time after I entered the venue, I heard a lot of people gossiping.
(This kingdom is flourished with youth and eternal beauty... It all seems like a fairytale. But, it's really nice how people can see dreams like this.)
When I took a step into the venue, the beautiful arrangements took my breath away.
MC: Wow, pretty...
(Come to think of it... It was written that it's a private art gallery.)
The wall was brightly colored by various colorful lights, there was a table set that looked like it was carved out of ice and a whole lot of goods were on display...
(Having this many beautiful things gathered around, I wonder what kind of person the prince of Corona is.)
??: Do you like the art?
As I was looking at the various kinds of art, I heard a soft voice from behind.
MC: Ah, yes... I'm not that knowledgeable about it, but I like beautiful things.
When the man responded with a smile, I smiled back at him.
??: Is that so? That's nice. I'm Carlyle. My job is involved with the arts. If it's all right, please let me show you around.
As he smiled gently, he politely bowed to me.
MC: Thank you very much. I'm MC.
As the moonlight shined in through the window and made his hair shine, we smiled at each other...
Chapter 2 - Mysterious Magic
As the moonlight was shining in from the skylight... While going through the mysteriously lit hallways, I listened to Carlyle-san's explanations about art.
Carlyle: This glass was made by star fragments that were gathered around. It was made about 15 years ago.
MC: Star fragments?
Carlyle: Yes. Shooting stars that fell into the ocean and got turned into small crystals. It takes a lot of work to find them.
When I stopped my feet, Carlyle-san kindly explained. As I listened to his explanation, the beautiful object became even more beautiful that it excited me.
MC: Wow...!
I approached the glass case and stared at it to get a better look at it. While watching me, Carlyle-san chuckled with an amused smile.
Carlyle: How troubling. Even though it's my duty, seeing your eyes sparkle like that is making me not want to go on.
///Choices///
- Please, continue on (☽)
MC: Please, continue on. Don't worry about me...!
When I frantically said that, Carlyle-san smiled gently.
Carlyle: No. Aside from it being a task, it's fun being with you.
- I'm sorry (☼)
MC: Sorry, I got carried away.
Embarrassed from getting carried away, I looked down.
Carlyle: No, it makes me really happy. I want to show you even more things.
///Choices///
Carlyle: Ah, a game is starting over there. Let's go check it out.
(Is that okay...)
As I was confused, I somehow couldn't refuse and went with him. Carlyle-san seemed to be a little happy as he looked at me.
Carlyle: This kingdom is well known for it's sorcery. In each of those drinks, magic has been casted on them.
Carlyle-san pointed towards the crowded area as he explained.
MC: Magic! Amazing.
Carlyle: Well, using magic for entertainment is silly though. The women get the drinks that has magic casted on them and the men use magic to undo the spell.
The women were choosing among the small glasses that were filled with beautifully colored drinks.
Carlyle: They all have a respective spell on them, so that you can find your one and true partner... It's that kind of game.
MC: Magic, that sounds exciting.
Carlyle: Go ahead, choose one.
MC: Then... This one.
I picked a drink that had a color that could dissolve in the blue sky. When the bartender approached Carlyle-san, he handed him some kind of candy.
Carlyle: Thank you. If you put this in your mouth, the spell will be lifted and you'll think of the name of your partner. Now then, all at once.
When I put the drink in my mouth at his cue, it tasted like sweet juice.
(What kind of magic will it be?)
I didn't feel any kind of change. Then, Carlyle-san gasped for a moment and let out a chuckle.
MC: Huh...!?
When I looked at my reflection on a shiny display case...
MC: !?
I somehow grew cat ears...
Chapter 3 - What Does the Cat See in the Night Sky?
Underneath the bright chandelier, I looked at my reflection on a glass case...
(I grew cat ears...!)
When I placed my hand on my head, the ears had a fluffy sensation. Carlyle-san was looking at me with an amused smile.
Carlyle: Oh, you have a tail hanging there.
(Even a tail...!)
When I looked behind me, a long black tail grew there.
(S-So embarrassing.)
My cheeks were blushing. Carlyle-san started fiddling with my tail.
Carlyle: It's really adorable.
MC: ...
As I covered my face in embarrassment, I held my burning hot cheeks.
MC: I'll go back to normal, right?
When I looked around me, a woman who had a drink had her hair color change, one got taller and another was turned into a child.
Carlyle: Of course. Your partner has the magic to undo the spell. Well, usually, couples come to this because of the charm being casted on them though.
MC: Then, let's try it out.
Carlyle: No, that's beyond my power.
When Carlyle-san said that much, he looked straight into my eyes.
Carlyle: Because I hold the magic to free you from the spell.
MC: Eh!?
///Choices///
- That's good (☼)
MC: That's good...!
As I was feeling relieved, Carlyle-san looked at me with a smile.
Carlyle: Did you think that was all?
- Aren't you going to undo it? (☽)
MC: Then, aren't you going to undo it?
When I asked that in relief, Carlyle-san only crossed his arms.
Carlyle: Let's see...
///Choices///
(Carlyle-san?)
When he became a little uneasy for some reason, I looked at his face.
Carlyle: ...Then, will you listen to my request?
MC: A request?
Carlyle-san softly touched my cat ears and whispered in my ear.
Carlyle: ...Fall for me.
MC: Eh?
Carlyle: I detest people... Because they always have such filthy thoughts. I want to create beautiful things, but I see too much filth in people's hearts that I'm unable to create works of art anymore. I feel that I could make a lot of beautiful things if I fall for someone. So, fall for me.
Surprised and confused, I became speechless for a short while.
MC: U-Um. If you detest people, why me...
Carlyle: What a strange thing to say. But, it might be because you're a cat?
When he smiled gently, I felt myself being unable to refuse for some reason.
(Will I be able to do that...)
Carlyle: Also, I love cats. Talking to a cat, who knows how much fun that'll be.
He said that to me softly. As I felt somewhat disappointed, I smiled.
///Choices///
- I'll do my best (☽)
MC: I understand... I'll do my best.
Carlyle: Thank you. I'm looking forward to it.
Carlyle-san smiled happily.
- I'm not sure if I can do it though (☼)
MC: I'm not sure if I can do it though...
Carlyle: If you can't do it now, then surely, no one else could.
Carlyle-san softly petted my cat ears.
///Choices///
MC: No...
(It's troubling, so I might have to accept it.)
I looked at the side of Carlyle-san's face as he looked satisfied.
(But...)
As I looked at those beautiful bright eyes, my heart became a little noisy...
Chapter 4 - The Start of Love
The stars that looked like they were about to fall made his hair shine...
When we left the venue with a heated atmosphere around us, we arrived at the courtyard. As Carlyle-san was looking up at the night sky, he turned towards me as if he came up with an idea.
Carlyle: What should we start with?
MC: Eh?
Carlyle: Aren't we going to fall in love?
(I-I see.)
Understanding that, I couldn't think of anything. As I frantically went through my thoughts, I tried looking for an answer.
MC: Uh...
(Love, how does that start?)
I tried thinking, but I couldn't find an answer. Meanwhile, Carlyle-san was playing with my tail.
(How about holding hands...?)
I surprised myself from thinking of something so childish, but I slowly reached out to Carlyle-san.
///Choices///
- How about we try holding hands? (☼)
MC: Um... Shall we try holding hands?
Carlyle: Sure.
Carlyle-san gently held my hand.
- Hold his hand gently (☽)
Carlyle: What is it?
With all my might, I held Carlyle-san's hand.
Carlyle: I see.
///Choices///
MC: I could see lovers doing this sort of thing...
As it felt like fire was spouting from my face, I explained.
Carlyle: Lovers?
MC: Yes. Holding hands, looking at pictures... Then, eating together.
Carlyle: How nice. I want to see pictures too and I'm feeling a little hungry.
Carlyle-san held my hand tightly.
(How embarrassing...)
Even though it was something I did myself, I didn't know what I should do from this point. Carlyle-san chuckled from watching me.
Carlyle: There's no need to be scared. It's not like I'm going to leave and get something to eat.
MC: Eh?
Carlyle: Your tail.
I looked at my tail that was hanging down.
///Choices///
- Deny it (☽)
MC: Um, I... It's not like I was scared or anything.
Carlyle: Then... Were you feeling embarrassed?
MC: ...!
Having all my feelings seen through made me feel even more agitated.
- Become flustered (☼)
MC: !!
(Could it be that he figured out everything that I was thinking of? This is getting even more embarrassing...)
While watching me panicking, Carlyle-san looked at me gently.
///Choices///
Carlyle: This is going to be a fun day.
As Carlyle-san made a mischievous smile, he placed my hand on his arm and acted like an escort. When I looked up at his tall profile, my heart throbbed for some reason...
Chapter 5 - The Flower and the Butterfly
With Carlyle-san escorting me, we walked away from the gorgeous venue.
Carlyle: Beyond here, there's something that you'll like besides pictures and fine art.
(I wonder...)
Due to feeling embarrassed and nervous, my words went off somewhere.
As I was silent with him guiding me, we arrived at an area that was like a flower field.
MC: Wow...!
The whole area of flowers that were in bloom shined as they were filled with nightly dew. Dranw towards the nice scent, a lot of butterflies were lightly fluttering.
MC: Pretty...
Carlyle: You finally showed a smile.
When I looked up, Carlyle-san was looking at me.
Carlyle: No matter what kind of art it is, it isn't short-lived. Also, the flowers are nice... Shining brightly without a care as they are reaching straight towards the sky.
MC: You're right... The way they are shining is pretty.
As I was staring at the flowers and butterflies, I made a response that could almost reach above the sky.
Carlyle: ...They're just like you.
When I heard Carlyle-san chuckle, I tilted my head to the side.
MC: Eh?
Carlyle: ...My apologies while you're in a daze, but won't you look at me? Just to let you know, the areas near your ears and tail are showing.
MC: Ah...! I'm sorry.
As Carlyle-san looked at me with an amused smile, my cheeks blushed.
///Choices///
- They're just so pretty (☼)
MC: They were just so pretty that it made me happy...
Carlyle: Seeing your cute tail go up made me really happy.
Carlyle-san smiled and held my hand.
- Hold his arm (☽)
When I placed my hand on his arm, Carlyle-san chuckled.
Carlyle: Focusing on the flowers and butterflies, you looked like a real cat.
MC: ...
Carlyle: I'm glad that you like them.
///Choices///
Carlyle: But, having you in my hands is so much fun that it makes me happy.
MC: Y-Yes.
As I was feeling embarrassed from him looking at me, he picked a single flower and placed it in my hair.
MC: ...?
Carlyle-san narrowed his eyes gently as a butterfly perched on the flower in my hair.
(Carlyle-san...)
-Flashback-
Carlyle: I want to create beautiful things, but I see too much filth in people's hearts that I'm unable to create works of art anymore.
-Flashback-
Time went by slowly. As his eyes were on the butterfly, I slowly reached out towards his cheek...
Chapter 6 - What Lies Ahead of the Smile
As beautiful butterflies passed through between us... When I gently touched his cheek, he widened his eyes in surprise.
(What am I doing...)
Just as I quickly pulled my hand back, Carlyle-san held my hand.
Carlyle: Would you like to drink some wine?
MC: EH... Sure, if it's just a little.
Carlyle: Then, let's go get a snack. Perfect timing, I was getting hungry.
As my hand was being pulled by Carlyle-san, we returned to the inside of the venue.
I sat down on the stool at the bar counter in the corner of the venue. As Carlyle-san stood next to me, he placed his hand on the counter.
Carlyle: Do you like champagne?
MC: Yes. But, I don't drink that much.
Arriving at my seat, without making a request, champagne and simple finger foods were brought out.
Carlyle: Then, just for a bit. Cheers.
I lightly picked up the glass and placed it against my lips. As the refreshing bubbles went down my throat, I realized how parched I was.
MC: It's good.
When I looked up, Carlyle-san was staring at me.
MC: Um...
Carlyle: I was thinking what we should do at times like these since we're lovers.
MC: Uh...
Due to those unexpected words, I looked down from embarrassment.
Carlyle: The way your ears and tail are standing up is really cute though.
(That's troubling...!)
When Carlyle-san said that teasingly, he looked at my face.
MC: Then...
///Choices///
- Feed him (☽)
MC: H-Here.
When I brought a finger food to his mouth, he smiled.
Carlyle: This looks good.
- What should we do? (☼)
MC: What should we do?
As I was at a complete loss, I asked him that. When Carlyle-san smiled at me, he opened his mouth pleadingly.
///Choices///
Carlyle-san slowly opened his lips as I put a finger food in his mouth. He lightly placed my finger between his lips.
MC: ...
As my heart was pounding, I quickly pulled my finger away.
(Somehow, it feels like my heart is constantly beating...)
Carlyle: Yes, it's good.
Carlyle-san looked at me satisfied.
Carlyle: Let's see, this isn't bad either, but since we're lovers, I'm sure that...
Just as he said that, he looked at my face from behind my seat. I could feel his warmth as he was breathing against my ear.
Carlyle: Just like this, you won't be seen by anyone.
MC: ...
As his fingers touched my cheek, he gently caressed it.
Carlyle: Like this...
(S-So close...!)
When Carlyle-san suddenly chuckled, he petted my cat ears.
MC: Um...?
Carlyle: Your ears were down. My apologies for surprising you. Cats are really nice. They don't lie in both the good times and the bad times.
As he looked at me lovingly, he gently tapped my nose.
(It kind of feels like I'm being treated like a real cat...)
When I placed my hand on my chest as it was beating loudly, I tried to calm down somehow.
Carlyle: What do you think about staying like this forever?
(Even if he says that...)
Just as I thought of that, he became happy with a gentle smile that it made my cheeks blush.
(I shouldn't get the wrong idea... He said that he detests people, but he likes cats. That gentle voice... Those gentle eyes, what kind of spell did they cast on me?)
When I thought of that, I felt a slight pain. Before I knew it, I looked away from his gentle smile...
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