Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Edmont - Prince of Darjeelberg - Main Story
Chapter 1 - A Single Flower and His Expression
Kingdom of Tea, Darjeelberg, June... Around the time the sun was in the clear sky...
When I received an invitation from Prince Edmont, I headed to the castle while walking through the streets that looked like a painting.
(I wonder if it's all right to bring these cookies as a gift for the tea party.)
The moment I left the Western confectionary shop with some cookies in hand, the hem of my clothes was pulled.
Boy: Hey, Miss, give me a cookie!
A boy in shabby clothing was looking up at me with a smile.
MC: Uh...
Boy: Hey, please!
MC: O-Okay. Is this all right?
Since he asked me so innocently, I was unable to refuse and gave him some...
Boy: Wow... Thank you! Here, I'll give you this as thanks. Bye bye!!
When the boy became very happy from receiving the cookies, he handed me a single white flower.
MC: What a cute flower...
(That boy... I wonder who he was.)
Even though I was a little curious, I bought some cookies again and headed off to the castle.
......
Once I arrived at the castle, the butler led me to the party hall. Inside the castle, it's luxurious appearance made it feel like I was in a painting that it made me sign in admiration.
(It smells nice... Could that be muscat?)
As I was absentminded from the nice castle and the mellow scent...
Edmont: Welcome, MC.
With a gentle smile, Edmont-san appeared. When he saw me, he bowed with smooth movements.
(Such a beautiful person...)
Watching his refined movements made me forget about the time for a short while.
Edmont: Now then, right this way.
When he held his hand out so naturally, I was urged to hold it at that moment.
MC: Ah...
His hand that was holding mine felt gentle like his smile.
MC: Ah, that's right. I brought these cookies, if that was okay.
Edmont: You went through the trouble into bringing them? Thank you. What tasty looking cookies.
MC: It's a tea party after all.
Edmont: You don't need to worry about that. Well then, let's go together.
Edmont-san handed the cookies to the butler to get them ready.
Edmont: Huh? That flower...
MC: Ah, I got this in front of the shop...
Edmont: ...Did you perhaps stop by the town area?
Suddenly, his gentle smile disappeard from his face and was making a bit of a gloomy expression.
(Is something wrong?)
MC: Y-Yes. ...I received the flower from a boy in town.
Edmont: I see... Give it here.
MC: Ah...
When Edmont-san took the flower from my hand, he made a sad look and placed it at the corner of the table.
(Why? His smile suddenly disappeared...)
As there was a bit of a worried look in his eyes, they were trembling sadly somehow...
Chapter 2 - Tea and His Smile
Edmont: ...Did you perhaps stop by the town area?
Edmont-san's eyes were trembling worriedly...
Edmont: Listen, MC. Don't ever go to the town area by yourself again.
Towards those sudden words, I...
///Choices///
- Obey obediently (☼)
MC: Okay, I understand.
As he was acting differently than before, I couldn't do anything else, but nod towards his strong tone.
- Why? (☽)
MC: ...Why?
Edmont: Just promise me. Don't ever go there again.
MC: Okay, I understand.
///Choices///
Then, he finally went back to smiling gently again.
Edmont: Now then, let's end this conversation. I'll send a servant to escort you back, so you don't need to worry about anything.
When I nodded, Edmont-san had a butler to formally pull out a chair for me to sit in.
MC: Thank you very much.
Edmont: Let's drink some tea now. The one that I prepared for you is first-class. Also, there are the special cookies that you brought today.
As if he was born to be gentle, it was like Edmont-san to smile so kindly. With a smile still on his face, his beautiful long fingers handled brewing the tea.
Edmont: Here you go.
MC: Thank you. It smells nice.
From there to evening, the two of us continued having the tea party.
......
MC: Then, there are other kingdoms in the Kingdom of Tea.
Edmont: Yes, each kingdom produces a unique kind of tea. That's what they're famous for. But, I'm sure that ours is the most delicious.
Edmont-san made a mischievous smile. The gentle air around him suddenly made me forget about time as I was enjoying the conversation. At that moment...
Minister: Pardon the intrusion, Edmont-sama. About what we were talking about...
A man with a nice physique came over here.
Edmont: Minister... As you can see, I have a guest right now. Can't this wait until later?
Minister: ...My apologies. Then, let's discuss it tonight.
Then, the minister looked towards the corner of the table.
Minister: Oh? That flower.
Edmont: ...
Minister: Your Highness... You shouldn't be going into the slums without backup.
(Slums...?)
Edmont: I know. This is just nothing. You may excuse yourself now.
After the minister bowed, he left the hall.
MC: Um... What was that about?
Edmont: That's...
He looked down sadly. A pale shadow was casted on his beautiful face and then...
Edmont: In this kingdom, there's a slums town. The boy that you received the flower from is most likely from the slums. That flower only blooms in the slums after all...
(That boy is from the slums...)
Edmont: But, there hasn't been a public order to do anything about that area from the start. Originally, making residential areas has been part of political work, so a lot of fine apartments have been built.
MC: I see...
Edmont: Yes. Although, the kingdom pretends to overlook the slums. They said that restoring it for real would take a considerable amount of money... It's such pointless talk.
When Edmont-san bit his lip, my heart throbbed. Also, about that boy too...
MC: Edmont-san... It seems like you want to do something about it.
Edmont: Yeah... But, I...
(Edmont-san...?)
As he was looking down with a sad expression, I couldn't bring myself to ask about it anymore and touched his hand instead.
Edmont: ...My apologies. For talking about something so depressing.
MC: ...
Edmont: Fufu, hey, don't make such a gloomy face.
He placed his hand on top of mine as he held it gently.
Edmont: Are you enjoying the tea party?
MC: Yes. Very.
As if I was being affected by the cheerful expression that he was showing, I smiled too. Then...
Edmont: I see...
Edmont-san's cheeks turned red a little.
Edmont: ...I'm glad that you like it. You came all the way here. So, enjoy yourself.
Just like when I entered the room, he escorted me elegantly. Although...
-Flashback-
Edmont: It's such pointless talk.
-Flashback-
The pained expression that he showed earlier made my heart ache...
Chapter 3 - An Invitation to the Slums and Uneasiness
The next morning...
(I was so curious about the slums that Edmont-san mentioned yesterday that I was unable to sleep that well...)
With mixed feelings in my heart, I went for a walk in the courtyard for a change of pace.
When I went to the courtyard that had beautiful flower in full bloom, I heard some kind of conversation.
(Huh? This voice... Edmont-san?)
My feet stopped on their own as I listened carefully.
Minister: Edmont-sama, you need to make a decision.
Edmont: I'm unable to make a decision right now. I want to talk about it with Father more properly.
(I knew it. Also, the other person is the minister from yesterday, I think?)
When I felt ashamed for eavesdropping, I was about to leave from there and...
Minister: Edmont-sama! Those slums are obstructing the kingdom's environment.
After I heard that shout, I froze in place.
Minister: It needs to be demolished right away, even the congress is having more opinions about it. Also. Surely, you couldn't forget about the bad experience that you've had there, right?
Edmont: That's...
Edmont-san closed his eyes bitterly.
Minister: Edmont-sama.
Edmont: ...I know, Minister. Even so, I want to inspect it once more.
(This is an important conversation, right? I shouldn't be listening in like this.)
Just as I thought of that and took a step back...
Edmont: Who's there!?
Due to the sound of my footsteps, Edmont-san shouted that.
///Choices///
- Run away (☽)
MC: I-I'm sorry!
I was about to run away in a panic, but...
Edmont: ...MC! Wait!
When Edmont-san noticed me, he strongly shouted that to stop me.
MC: Um... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop...
Edmont: There's no need to be scared, it's okay.
As Edmont-san slightly furrowed his brow troubledly, he smiled.
- Show your face (☼)
Feeling a little hesitant, I nervously showed my face.
MC: I'm sorry. It looked like you were having an important conversation, so I was just about to leave, but...
Edmont: You...
When Edmont-san saw me, he smiled troubledly. Then, he waved to me to come over with his warm hand.
Edmont: It's okay, come here.
///Choices///
Edmont: You ended up hearing something so frightening... I'm sorry, MC. I'm going to town after this, so won't you pass the time by yourself today? Tomorrow, I'll be with you and we'll do something fun together.
MC: I'm okay with being by myself, but...
Edmont: What's wrong?
Edmont-san waited for my words with a gentle look.
-Flashback-
Minister: Also. Surely, you couldn't forget about the bad experience that you've had there, right?
Edmont: That's...
-Flashback-
MC: Um, can we go to town together?
Before I knew it, I said that.
Edmont: Eh? What are you saying! No. Didn't I tell you?
MC: But...
-Flashback-
MC: Edmont-san... It seems like you want to do something about it.
Edmont: Yeah... But, I...
-Flashback-
I thought about Edmont-san's bitter expression from yesterday.
(It'd be nice if I could help him somehow.)
Minister: Wouldn't that be a good idea, Edmont-sama?
MC: Eh...?
Edmont: What are you saying, Minister? Exposing her to danger will surely do no good.
Minister: Still, we have a royal from another kingdom staying here. If she wants to see it, you should let her.
Edmont: Even if you say that, she's a princess and bringing her to a dangerous place like that would be...
Minister: There haven't been any problems for years. It's a rare chance.
The minister grinned at Edmont-san. I felt my heart becoming strangely loud from that.
Edmont: ...Fine. Then, just this once. Just as the minister says, it's important to see various sights.
(I'm glad that he's taking me, but...)
///Choices///
- Thank the minister (☽)
MC: Um, thank you.
When I thanked the minister for backing me up...
Minister: There's no need for that. It was no problem. If something happens by any chance... We'll protect you.
Despite those words, the air around the minister felt suspicious for some reason.
MC: O-Okay... Thank you.
- Be concerned about the minister (☼)
MC: Um, is it really okay?
Curious about the minister, I asked that.
Edmont: This time is special.
Edmont-san gave me a gentle look as he smiled.
///Choices///
Edmont: But, MC. Once we get to town, don't leave my side no matter what.
MC: Okay.
Edmont: Alright, good girl.
His large hand gently petted my head.
(Is it... really such a dangerous place?)
To hide the pain in my heart, I smiled...
Chapter 4 - The Slums' Situation and His Hand
When we arrived at town, Edmont-san started his inspection right away.
Edmont: This area is just as beautiful as before.
Minister: I guess so. But, if we go around on the other side, the slums area is doing nothing as it's getting worse.
Edmont: That's quite specific.
Minister: It's wearing out so severely.
Edmont: The document for the buildings.
Minister: Here.
As Edmont-san looked over the documents, he looked at the town. All the townspeople that surrounded us from a distance looked at us curiously.
(Since it looks like Edmont-san doesn't really do inspections and his way of speaking... Is it really that strange?)
At that moment, I heard an angry shout from somewhere.
Man: Did you think that you could just get away!?
(W-What!?)
When I looked over, there was... Many large men surrounding a frightened small boy.
(That's...)
-Flashback-
Boy: Hey, Miss, give me a cookie!
-Flashback-
(The boy from that time...!?)
MC: Um! Is something wrong?
Without thinking, I stood before the men to protect the boy.
Man: Don't get in the way. This kid stole our merch.
MC: Eh...
Boy: ...I-I'm sorry...
As the boy was apologizing with trembling shoulders, I held him tightly.
MC: ...I'm sorry. I apologize on his behalf. So, please forgive him.
I faced the men and bowed deeply.
Boy: Miss...
Man: Laying a hand on people's stuff is unforgivable! If you're going to get in the way too...
The man raised a fist towards us, but...
Townspeople: Hey! Stop it! Don't raise a hand against a woman and child! That's right. She's going that far to apologize. So, forgive him.
Some people from the slums ran over here quickly and shouted at the men one after another.
Man: ...Tsk.
After a while, the men made sour looks and left.
Boy: Miss... Thank you.
When the boy finally stopped trembling, he lets go of my hand and smiled.
MC: It was nothing... Don't go stealing anymore, okay?
Boy: Okay... I'm sorry.
Just as I said farewell to the boy that was feeling remorseful, I was about to return to Edmont-san, but...
MC: Huh?
(I can't find Edmont-san...)
Boy: Miss, are you lost?
MC: Y-Yeah... Looks like it.
Townsman: Are you looking for Prince Edmont? I saw him going over there for an inspection earlier.
The townsman that helped us told me that kindly.
MC: Thank you so much!
(Such friendly people...)
When I thanked the townspeople, I walked over to where Edmont-san headed off to.
After walking for a while...
MC: ...!
The men from earlier slowly stood before me.
MC: Y-You guys are from earlier...
Man: You were with Prince Edmont. So, you must be a lady with a high social status... Hey, how about you come with us?
I felt a shiver go down my spine from those dull glares.
(No, scary...!)
At that moment...
Edmont: What's going on over there!
Appearing so gallantly just now was Edmont-san himself with some castle guards.
Slums' Man: ...Dammit.
When the men ran off soon after, Edmont-san made a relieved look. Although, in just a short moment...
Edmont: ...! Where did you go?
Edmont-san ran over to me and held my shoulders tightly.
Edmont: Didn't I tell you to stay with me?
MC: ...I'm sorry.
Edmont: I told you not to leave my side no matter what.
///Choices///
- I'm okay (☼)
MC: I-I'm okay.
Edmont: You're not, are you? ...You're trembling.
Edmont-san placed his hand on my back to reassure me.
- I was so scared (☽)
MC: I know... I was so scared.
Edmont: No... I'm sorry. It's because I took my eyes off you.
Edmont-san made a soft look as he smiled.
///Choices///
Edmont: ...I shouldn't have taken you here.
MC: Eh...?
Edmont: If you have gotten kidnapped, something bad would've happened.
As Edmont-san had his head down, his soft looking hair made a shadow on his face.
///Choices///
- The slums' people were friendly (☼)
MC: Edmont-san... But, there are a lot of friendly people in the slums too.
Edmont: ...
MC: Edmont-san...?
As he wasn't saying anything with his head down, I looked at his face and then...
- I guess so (☽)
MC: I guess so...
As I remembered how scared I was earlier, I shrunk down...
Edmont: How shallow of me.
Edmont-san made a frustrated look.
///Choices///
Edmont: I'm sorry that you got put in such a dark situation. Let's return to the castle.
MC: Ah...
When Edmont-san held my hand strongly, we started walking. Instead of his hand being gentle as usual... His hand was strong as it held mine desperately with all kinds of emotions holding him...
Chapter 5 - A Story About the Past and the Results
When I returned to the castle from the inspection with Edmont-san, we went to his room. Inside the nice room that was beautifully organized with fancy things, we sat down in some chairs.
Edmont: I'm really glad that nothing happened to you when I found you.
MC: I'm sorry for making you worried.
Edmont: It's okay, all that matters is that you're unharmed.
His gentle and warm hand reached out to touch my cheek.
Edmont: Hey, why did you say that you wanted to go to town with me?
MC: That's...
Edmont: Fufu, you don't need to tell me. So, what did you think when you saw the town? I was wondering what a princess from another kingdom thinks...
I...
///Choices///
- It was a nice place (☼)
MC: It was a nice place. There were so many nice people.
Edmont: I see... You really are a pure girl.
- It was an awful place (☽)
MC: I thought... it was an awful place.
Edmont: Awful?
MC: The boy in the slums, it looked like he was stealing due to poverty.
Edmont: I see... I guess so.
///Choices///
With a sad expression, Edmont-san looked away.
MC: Edmont-san...?
Pulled in towards his feelings, I held his hand gently.
Edmont: MC...
Edmont-san silently looked at me.
Edmont: I... I've been kidnapped by the people in the slums.
MC: Kidnapped...!?
Edmont-san strongly squeezed my hand.
Edmont: From the start, the kingdom had a sanitation plan for the slums to turn it into a residential area. Father would even take me there when I was a child.
Edmont-san's expression turned unusually stern as he strongly remembers that.
Edmont: I would go over there to get along with the people that were living in that area. Without anyone noticing, I would head off there by myself. Of course, I would leave the castle in secret.
MC: You did, Edmont-san...? That's kind of unexpected.
When I said that, Edmont-san chuckled with a smile.
Edmont: My father is a strict man and would always be in the castle every day, but I enjoy spending time with him. Everyone was really kind. Even though I was a prince, they didn't look at me differently. I treated the other children the same way and would have meals with them...
Next, Edmont-san made a softly soft expression.
(I'm sure that those were nice memories...)
Edmont: But... When the kingdom started to stop taking control of that area, the public security there worsened soon after...
Before Edmont-san's expression turned gloomy again, his hand tightened strongly around my hand. With our two hands entwined together, we were firmly connected.
Edmont: One day... When I went to play there as usual. I got kidnapped.
MC: ...
Edmont: The culprits were some adults that'd always treated me well. At that time, I somehow got a chance to escape though.
MC: To think that something like that has happened...
Edmont: It was quite a shock. The place that I loved... The people that I loved, they all became ferocious.
When Edmont-san pulled my hand, he placed both of his hands on it.
Edmont: Since then, I would avoid anything that was related to the slums. Originally speaking, it was us, royals, that made that place the way it is now...
(So, this is why... Edmont-san looked like he was in pain. His own painful past and his duty as a royal, it's because he was torn between the two...)
As his sad feelings got to me, my heart tighten strongly. The moment I thought about saying something, the sound of a knock on the door cut through the silence.
Minister: Edmont-sama.
Edmont: ...What is it?
Minister: His Majesty is calling for you. He wants you to tell him the results of the inspection.
Edmont: ...Okay. I'll be there soon.
After dealing with the minister as he went out the door, Edmont-san slowly lets go of my hand. Then, he gently petted my head.
Edmont: I'll be done soon, so won't you wait here for me?
MC: ...Sure.
Edmont: Good girl.
When he made an odd smile in the end, he left the room.
After a while since then, I thought about the slums that Edmont-san took me to.
(Edmont-san wants to save the slums... Me too... I want to save the townspeople.)
Then, with a knock on the door, Edmont-san returned.
Edmont: It took a little longer than I thought. My apologies.
MC: Edmont-san... Isn't there anything I can do to help?
Edmont: MC...
Although, he furrowed his brow sadly and shook his head.
Edmont: Let's not talk about the slums anymore.
MC: Eh? Why...
Edmont: You've already been involved enough, so I can't put you in danger anymore. Also, with the results of the inspection, it has been decided to demolish that area.
Right at that moment, I became speechless from what he said...
Chapter 6 - A Sudden Visitor and the Start of Trouble
Edmont: Let's not talk about the slums anymore. Also, with the results of the inspection, it has been decided to demolish that area.
MC: P-Please wait...
Edmont: It has been decided. Because that place... is dangerous.
When Edmont-san said that strongly as if he has become prideful, I...
///Choices///
- Object (☽)
MC: Edmont-san, are you really okay with that...!?
When I said that, Edmont-san's brow twitched from surprise, but soon after, he composed himself and made a serious look.
Edmont: I was thinking for the kingdom, not with my feelings.
MC: That's...
- Listen quietly (☼)
MC: ...
While looking for the words to say, I kept silent.
Edmont: Do you understand, MC?
The way Edmont-san was speaking felt like he was warning me himself as if there was nothing that can be done.
///Choices///
Edmont: Anyway, that's all.
MC: But... Edmont-san, just now, I said I wanted to do something about it.
Edmont: ...
MC: Don't you want to save it...?
I looked at him clingingly. Although, he wouldn't look at me in the eye...
Edmont: I'm sorry... It has already been decided.
MC: Ah...
When he said that over his shoulder, he left the room again soon after.
......
Before long since then, the news about the demolition of the slums has spread out. I even heard some gossip about it in the castle.
(I'm sure that the news has reached the town and the slums. Is this really okay...?)
As I was thinking about it while walking alone in the hallway...
(Huh? There's a lot of noise coming from the castle gate.)
Curious, I headed to the castle gate and...
MC: Um, is something wrong?
Gatekeeper: Ah, MC-sama. This filthy brat... I-I mean, this boy wanted to see you no matter what.
I looked to see that the gatekeeper was holding a small boy.
MC: You're from that time...!
It was the boy from the slums that I was acquainted with when I came to this kingdom.
Boy: Miss!
When he saw me, he frantically shook himself off from the gatekeeper and ran up to me.
Boy: Miss, help...! My mom is... My mom is...
MC: Calm down. What happened?
When the boy fell to his knees in front of me, he desperately appealed to me as tears were falling from his eyes. The boy pushed the white flower towards me as he was crying and shouting for help.
.....
Since the boy was acting unusual, I headed to the slums.
(I know that I'm not supposed to come here, but right now...)
When I arrived at the house that the boy ran to, his mother was lying down in pain due to an illness as she was coughing repeatedly.
Boy: Her coughs... They won't stop.
According to what the slums' boy told me, his mother has been coughing nonstop since a few days ago. She's been in that condition for many days now and her body has become considerably weak.
Boy: Uu, *hic*... Miss... What should I do? I don't have a dad... and I don't have the money to buy medicine... What, *hic*, what's going to happen to Mom...
MC: It's okay, it's okay.
(First off... I should get some medicine.)
MC: Wait here. I'll be right back.
When I promised that to the boy, I left his house for the time being.
Alone, I hurried along the path towards the town area to get some medicine...
(Eh? Is someone following me...?)
When I remembered what happened with the man from before, my body started trembling.
MC: !?
The moment I was about to run off in fear, my arm was grabbed. My heart felt like it stopped, but...
Edmont: I knew it... MC.
MC: Eh...? Edmont-san?
When I turned around, with castle guards accompanying him, Edmont-san was looking at me with a surprised look in his eyes.
Edmont: Why did you come here...?
MC: Edmont-san...!
Feeling both relieved and happy, my body moved without thinking and I hugged him.
Edmont: MC...?
As I gripped his body tightly, he gently wrapped both of his arms around my back... We hugged each other tightly after that.
(Thank goodness... I was so scared...)
Feeling relieved from clinging onto him, I felt my strength slowly leaving me.
Edmont: Are you hurt? Are you okay?
MC: Yes... I'm sorry.
Edmont: If you're apologizing, then are you aware of the bad thing that you've done?
MC: I... Despite what you've told me, I ended up coming to town.
Edmont: I see. Such a bad girl.
As he was hugging me, he gently stroked my back and then, he petted my head.
Edmont: Now, explain. Why did you come here?
When we slowly backed away from each other, Edmont-san asked me that gently.
MC: The truth is...
I told Edmont-san that I was called by the boy from the slums to see his sick mother. Then...
Edmont: What...
Edmont-san's expression suddenly changed.
MC: Edmont-san...?
(His complexion suddenly changed... Why?)
At that time, we didn't notice the minister eavesdropping on us while he was hiding...
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