Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Edmont - Prince of Darjeelberg - Sun End
Chapter 7 - A Chance and Perplexity
After Edmont-san heard me out, he made a very surprised look. Although, he went back to his usual demeanor soon after and spoke with a determined look.
Edmont: ...Let's go.
While we were heading to the boy's house, Edmont-san told me his surprising reason. One of the adults that treated him nicely whenever he would go to town in the past was the boy's mother...
Boy: Miss!
As soon as we entered the house, the boy ran up to us.
Boy: It's really the prince! It's Edmont-sama, Mom!
The boy ran in between us and his mother restlessly.
Mother: It can't be, it really is... Edmont-sama.
After her eyes widened from seeing Edmont-san, the boy's mother strongly coughed.
Edmont: It's been a while. Here, lie down.
Edmont-san made the boy's mother lie down as he gently supported her back.
Mother: Edmont-sama, at that time... When that happened... Is there any way we can apologize to you somehow...
Those words made Edmont-san look down sadly...
Chapter 8 - The Past and Hesitation
As Edmont-san was looking down sadly...
(I don't think it'll do any good if I intervene in the conversation... What should I do?)
When I looked around idly, some tea leaves that were in the kitchen entered my vision. After getting the boy's consent, I brewed some tea.
(It'd be nice if this could lighten the mood a little, but...)
After brewing the tea with the hot water that was boiled, I poured it for everyone.
Boy: Mom, Miss made this.
Mother: My apologies.
MC: It's okay.
The boy's mother's thin body slightly shrunk back.
MC: You too, Edmont-san, here.
Edmont: Thank you, MC.
As he slightly broke into a smile, Edmont-san accepted it as well. Then, after one sip...
Edmont: ...It's good... That's right... This is the taste of the tea that you would let me drink when I came here often.
Then, Edmont-san spoke to the boy's mother a little at a time. After saying that, Edmont-san got up to prepare the medicine.
Then, on our way back from the slums... Edmont-san suddenly stopped and looked around at the slums more closely.
Edmont: We, the royal family... We made this town end up like this... Even though the slums aren't really filled with bad people... Yet, we.
As his voice was dwindling as if it was about to disappear within the sunlight... I couldn't do anything, but hold his hand strongly as if I was trying to stop him from disappearing.
Edmont: ...MC.
When he strongly held my hand back, the warmth of his hand made me want to feel it forever...
Then, a few days later... For the past few days, I've been heading to the slums to nurse the boy's mother with the medicine that I received from Edmont-san. Without stopping me, Edmont-san would send some guards to go with me.
(It's been very troubling since then...)
I felt some pain from thinking of all sorts of things.
One day, when I returned to the castle from the slums...
Minister: Still, who knows just what kind of troubling things will happen now. That place is dangerous.
Edmont: But...
In the castle hallway, Edmont-san and the minister were talking. When Edmont-san saw me, his expression suddenly softened up as he smiled.
Minister: Now then, if you'll excuse me...
Edmont: Yes... MC, welcome back. Did nothing happen today as well?
MC: Yes. The boy's mother seems to be recovering well too... She's very grateful to you.
Edmont: I see...
MC: Um...
I was worried about what the minister was talking about earlier.
(If the slums get demolished, that boy and his mother will be... Including most of the people that live there too, they'll become homeless.)
Edmont: Come here, MC.
As if he sensed my uneasiness, Edmont-san beckoned me to come over to him. While holding back my loud heartbeat, I did as he said that walked towards his side.
Edmont: It'll be okay, so there's no need to make such an uneasy face.
MC: But... The slums are...
Edmont: How troubling. Even though I wasn't intending on making you feel uneasy... I'm only causing you to make that sort of face...
Edmont-san gently pulled my hand and placed my head against his chest The first thing I smelled was the scent of muscats that was lightly drifting...
(Somehow... It's painful.)
Edmont: MC, it'll be okay. There's no need for you to worry about anything.
MC: Edmont-san...
He gently petted my head.
Edmont: Also, the people in the slums too... The best path would be...
Just as Edmont-san reflected on his words, he stopped talking. As his hand that was touching the back of my head, I felt it trembling.
(I want to protect those people too.)
That is what I thought strongly the most.
After that, when I parted from Edmont-san, who had some work to do, I returned to my room and then...
Minister: ...Haa... Good grief.
??: Hehe, it's going just as you said it would, Minister.
Minister: Hmph, once we hurry and get that place demolished, it'll bring in some new riches. How long do I have to keep holding on...
??: Then, we'll go ahead and attract some buyers... As long as you pay us the promised amount.
(What are they talking about...?)
When I immediately hid myself, I felt myself turning pale...
Chapter 9 - A Kiss and Determination
I was turning pale from the private conversation between the minister and a man that looked like a merchant that I've never seen before.
(What should I do... Should I let Edmont-san know? No, or maybe...)
MC: ...!?
Just as I was about to raise my voice when my back hit something due to being so shaken up...
??: Quiet.
My mouth was covered as I was being held from behind. My heartbeat became very loud.
MC: Mm...
Edmont: Silence.
(Edmont-san?)
Due to losing my composure, I thought I was struggling against an unknown person for a moment.
(B-But, why is Edmont-san here...)
From what I can see, Edmont-san was listening in closely to the minster's private conversation with a stern expression. As the two of us were sticking closely together while holding our breaths... After a while, they left...
Edmont: My apologies for doing something so rough.
MC: No, you saved me.
When Edmont-san checked to see that the cabinet minister has left completely, he slowly releases me.
Edmont: But... I thought it was a little strange, seeing what the minister is up to. I thought that something was going on, but to think it was something like this...
Edmont-san bit his pale lip tightly with a sad look.
Edmont: The royal family... For something so shallow and selfish... I can't let those people suffer. I won't let that happen. It's something that we've brought upon them. I need to do something about it.
There was a strong look in those eyes. Edmont-san showed an unwavering strong expression that he's never shown before.
Edmont: It might be too late by the time I come up with an answer though.
MC: Edmont-san... I... If there's something I can do to help. Please, tell me anything. I'd be happy to be of help to you.
Edmont: Thank you, MC. Just having you as an alley is enough for me, I need to work harder.
MC: Edmont-san...
Edmont: It'll be okay, MC. My determination is finally solid. I have nothing to worry about anymore.
Edmont-san gently caressed my hair as he said that
(Edmont-san... He's so dignified and kind...)
When he looked at me with those eyes again...
Edmont: Thank you for supporting my feelings...
His gallantly beautiful smile slowly got closer. Then, he gently kissed my cheek.
Edmont: It's okay now. Also, I need to fulfill my duties as a prince.
HIs strength that was built on kindness was exactly what makes him a worthy prince...
Last Chapter - A Declaration and...
The next day after his determination became solid... Edmont-san went to the slums while leading a castle servant.
(Edmont-san, you can do it.)
When the slums people gathred around as they were unsure on what was happening, they all became uneasy. Then, Edmont-san raised his hand high and spoke.
Edmont: Everyone, listen!
It suddenly became deadly silent. The slums people looked at Edmont-san as he stood on top of the podium.
(Everyone is nervous... I'm sure that this is the first time that something like this has happened.)
Edmont-san looked at the people's faces carefully. Then...
Edmont: Today, I'm making an announcement. I, Edmont, the prince of the Darjeelberg Kingdom, has vowed to do whatever I can to improve the circumstances of the slums!
The commotion was spreading like a wave.
Minister: W-What...
Edmont: It might be hard to believe right away. But, I have intended to make the best of my abilities from now on. Someday, I'll learn to trust everyone. For all the painful days, with all my regret... I deeply apologize... For everything that has happened up till now.
Edmont-san deeply lowered his head. The commotion became louder soon after. Edmont-san's sudden words bewildered the townspeople.
Edmont: ...
At that moment...
Boy: Your Highness...! I believe in you!
Just as we heard a loud high-pitched voice, there was the boy that we met the other day.
Boy: I want to help you too, Your Highness! I want to save Mom...!
Edmont-san became surprised by the boy's attitude, but then, he smiled very gently at him.
Edmont: Thank you.
After that...
Slums Woman 1: Prince Edmont! I want to serve you as well!! Please change this town!!
Slums Man: Your Highness!
Soon after, the commotion turned into voices of support for Edmont-san.
Edmont: ...
Once again, Edmont-san raised his hand. When the cheers became louder, only applauses were being made.
Minister: It can't be...
When Edmont-san descended from the podium, he placed his hand on the pale minister's shoulder.
Edmont: I've gotten Father's approval. It has already been decided.
Feeling dispirited, the minister's legs crumbled down. Then...
Edmont: Now then, let's go back.
Edmont-san made a refreshing smile and held my hand.
MC: Yes!
When I held his hand back tightly, I nodded deeply.
(What a relief...!)
While holding his hand, he made a gentle smile. Everything about Edmont-san was full of kindness and strength that it made him look like he was shining.
Edmont: I feel refreshed somehow.
As he was pulling my hand while walking in town, he told me that with a smile. Around us, the applause and cheers were still ongoing.
Edmont: I feel that I have come up with an answer to everything that I've kept in this whole time. I finally... feel that I can do things properly. And being honest with my own feelings like this is nice.
MC: Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking.
Edmont: Also, since I'm a prince, I need to save everyone.
MC: Yes... You've done well.
That's what his broad smile was showing. It was proof that the wounds he gained from the past have healed and went away...
(The changes in the slums and poverty that has affected people's hearts... That's why, Edmont-san. I'm sure that it'll recover and tat the bright and joyful days will return to town, that's what I believe...)
Edmont: Thank you for supporting me up till now.
MC: N-No, I didn't do anything...
Edmont: It's thanks to you. You took me to the slums and gave me a chance to meet the person I've seen often in the past. My unsettled feelings that led me astray... You guided me to this conclusion.
MC: That's... You're overexaggerating.
Edmont: What are you saying, I think it's all thanks to you. That's why, from now on, won't you stay by my side?
MC: Eh...!
I blinked in surprise. Edmont-san looked at me as he chuckled and then...
Edmont: Now then, Princess. Let's return to the castle.
With a very bright smile, he said that as if he was joking. Although, soon after that...
MC: ...Edmont-san?
Edmont-san entered a narrow back alley while pulling my hand forcefully.
Edmont: Even the slums have nice spots as well. No one would see us here...
MC: ...!
Just as there was an alluring look in his eyes that made him different than usual... Edmont-san pulled me by the waist firmly.
Edmont: I've been holding back until today. Being princely... and also being myself because I wanted to act proper with you. There were so many times... That I wanted to say how lovely you are.
MC: ...!
When my heart skipped a beat in surprise, I couldn't bring any words out at all from what he just said.
Edmont: Right now, I feel like saying whatever I like. I love you. I want you...
MC: Ah...
As he looked at me with a passioante gaze, Edmont-san's face got closer.
(W-What should I do...?)
Unable to hold back my loud heartbeat, I didn't know what to do as my gaze was entwined with his. Then, just as we were at a breathing distance, his eyelashes slowly went down and...
Edmont: I love you...
Along with those single words... He placed his lips over mine. As my heart cannot help, but feel a tightening pain, I clung onto his chest.
MC: Mm...
When Edmont-san pulled me towards him by the waist, the kiss became deeper.
(I can't... anymore...)
Just as it became painful and hard to breathe... He slowly releases me.
Edmont: MC...
He said my name with a very gentle and affectionate tone.
Edmont: ...Was that no good?
MC: That's...
Edmont: I've wanted to touch you lie that for so long. Hugging you, touching your body, kissing you... What I couldn't tell you until now, I wanted to tell you how precious you are so many times.
MC: ...Me too...
Edmont: Hm? What was that?
MC: Me too... I love you, Edmont-san...
I said that frantically. When Edmont-san's expression softened up as if he had become charmed, he strongly hugged me.
Edmont: Thank you, MC. Then... One more time...
MC: ...Okay.
Once again, he poured sweet passionate kisses onto me.
(This scent is...)
The sweet mellow scent of tea that I smelled the first time I came to this kingdom was lightly drifting from Edmont-san. When I finally realized that, I wanted to respond to his feelings that were overflowing so much... Enveloped in the sweet scent that I loved, I desired him as I entrusted myself to him...
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