Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Edmont - Prince of Darjeelberg - Moon End
Chapter 7 - A Cold Gaze and a Bad Feeling
Edmont-san's expression quickly changed when I told him about the boy from the slums. Although, his expression immediately went back to how it usual is.
Edmont: You were really concerned about him this whole time... You were always like that since the beginning. When you came to this kingdom, you immediately got involved with the slums' people. You're seriously too kind.
(No. This isn't how he usually looks... He's colder than usual... Edmont-san, why?)
Edmont: Are you that concerned? About him?
Not just cold, there was also sadness in his trembling eyes that it was making my heart hurt.
MC: Why... Why? Aren't you usually concerned about them too, Edmont-san?
Edmont: ...
As Edmont-san kept silent for a while...
Boy: Your Highness! Prince Edmont...!
The boy's voice was close by. When we turned towards it, the boy was out of breath when he ran over here.
(Was he looking for Edmont-san?)
Guard: Hey, stay away from the prince!
Edmont: Stop.
Edmont-san calmly gave that order to the guard just as he was about to drive the boy away.
Boy: Please! Save my mom... It's really bad. Her illness is getting worse... That's why I didn't hesitate to come over here! Please, help me!
(For such a small boy to do something like this...)
The boy desperately held onto Edmont-san. Edmont-san looked down at the boy with a stern look...
Chapter 8 - What's in His Heart and a Spiral of Conspiracies
As the boy clung onto Edmont-san, it became silent. He was thinking about something with a troubled look.
Boy: Prince Edmont... Please... Uu, *hic*... Not just my mom, there are a lot of other people that are sick. They're all in pain... So, please. Don't destroy our home... Please... Uu.
The boy gritted his teeth as he tried to prevent himself from sobbing.
MC: Edmont-san, please. They'll have nowhere else to go if you destroy this place.
Edmont: I can't, it has already been decided, I've already told you that many times now.
MC: But, is that what you really want...? You came here again because you actually wanted to help them...
Edmont: Don't you think I already know that? There's really nothing that we can do.
Just as he was about to argue back, he suddenly averted his gaze from me and smiled sadly.
MC: Edmont-san...?
Edmont: I guess it can't be helped...
MC: Then...!
My eyes brightened up to what he said. Although, he shook his head.
Edmont: Don't get the wrong idea. There's nothing that can be done to stop the demolishing of the slums.
MC: Eh...?
Edmont: But, I don't want you to make that kind of face, MC. That kind of sad face doesn't suit you.
He lightly caressed my cheek. The palm of his hand... It didn't feel warm as usual, but it felt pleasantly cool.
(Why does it feel cold like this? Despite that Edmont-san is a really kind person...)
Edmont-san turned towards the boy.
Edmont: Go home for today. I'll have some medicine delivered later.
Boy: Really!?
Edmont: Yeah... Your mother helped me a long time ago after all.
MC: Eh...
Edmont: The sick woman that you told me about. ...A long time ago, when I would come here to play, people would look at me as if I was a nuisance.
MC: Edmont-san...
Even so, Edmont-san had a stern expression on his face.
Edmont: ...You. What do you think would make the conditions here better?
As if Edmont-san was talking to himself, he softly said that to the boy.
Boy: Eh?
Edmont: It's nothing... Go back to your home now. You have to go see your mother.
Boy: Okay! Thank you, Your Highness!!
The boy ran down the road with light footsteps.
MC: Edmont-san...
Edmont: Honestly... I never thought that you would be pleading so stubbornly like that. Aside from being kind. You know how to hold your ground.
MC: That's not true...
Edmont: Smile, MC.
MC: Eh...?
Edmont: It's about time that you should show your usual smile.
When he said that, his face looked even more sad. Even so...
MC: ...Okay.
I responded to him briefly and gave him a smile...
......
As time went by, I was worrying about what Edmont-san was feeling in his heart right now.
(Edmont-san... I wonder what he's thinking about.)
As I was walking in the courtyard with those heavy thoughts...
(Huh? That's... The minister?)
In the corner of the courtyard, I detected a man of average height talking to the minister.
Minister: ...Haa... Honestly.
??: Hehe, it's just as you said.
Minister: Hmph, once that place is quickly demolished, it'll bring us more riches. We'll be sticking with that plan no matter what...
??: Then, we'll go ahead and patronize them to win them over... As long as you pay me the promised amount.
(What are they talking about...?)
Just as I took a step back, I ended up bumping into something.
MC: ...!?
As my body staggered, I was suddenly caught in someone's arms.
Minister: W-Who's there!?
??: Minister, you should've at least paid more attention to your surroundings. It looks like we've been heard.
It seemed like the largely built man that captured me is an acquaintance of the minister.
Minister: If it isn't... MC-sama.
MC: What's going on? By payment...
Minister: It's just as you heard. Once the slums get demolished, a huge market will be established there instead.
MC: What are you talking about... Does Edmont-san know about it?
After I said that, the minister sighed tiredly.
Minister: Since the prince is too serious... He'll most likely put a halt to the demolition once he knows about it.
(No way...! Then, he's just using the slums for his own use...!?)
Minister: Hey, I'll leave her to you.
MC: Wai-... Mm!
When the minister left, the man covered my mouth just as I was about to go after him.
Man: Stay quiet.
I frantically struggled to get away, but the man's strength made me unable to and the next moment, I was taken away from the castle...
Chapter 9 - A Crisis and Anger Filled Eyes
After that... I was locked in a cabin.
(I need to tell Edmont-san.)
-Flashback-
Edmont: Originally speaking, it was us, royals, that made that place the way it is now...
-Flashback-
(He feels that the royal family must take responsibility of their selfishness... Because of how it is now.)
As I was looking around for a way to escape, I tried to open the locked door with my hands as they were tied up. While I was thinking of a plan...
Slums Man 1: Hehe, it's true, that is a pretty lady.
MC: ...!
A few men shuffled into the cabin. I had a bad feeling as my body trembled from a cold chill that just went down my spine.
Slums Man 2: A kind fellow told us that a pretty girl was here.
Slums Man 3: Since he was selling, we gave him a good amount of money.
(N-No... What is the meaning of this?)
Frozen by fear, I was unable to speak well...
MC: ...!
The man easily held me up.
MC: L-Let go of me...!
(I'm scared... What am I supposed to do!?)
At that moment...
??: Is it here!?
The door became violently destroyed loudly. After closing my eyes in fear, I opened them and...
MC: E-Edmont-san...!
Edmont: You people... What do you think you're doing!!?
Edmont-san unusually shouted that in anger. With several guards following him, there was anger burning in Edmont-san's eyes.
Slums Man 1: T-This is bad...
After realizing the situation, the men began to move.
Slums Man 3: Tsk...!
MC: ...!
Once they released me, my body fell to the floor roughly.
Edmont: MC!
Slums Man 2: Move it!
Even though they quickly ran and scattered around like baby spiders, they were caught by the guards soon after.
Edmont: Did you think that we were going to let you escape!?
With Edmont-san assisting too, he took down the man that was trying to escape.
Slums Man 2: Gyaaaah!!
After Edmont-san looked at the man that was in agony and pain, he looked at me. For some reason, his eyes made a cold chill go down my spine.
(But, it feels different from when I was scared earlier...)
As I became oddly charmed by the beautiful and ferocious living being... I became unable to express the feelings that were in my heart.
Edmont: Capture the entire crew around the perimeter. Don't let them escape.
Guard: Yes.
After Edmont-san gave the guard that order while stifling his anger, he reached out to me.
Edmont: MC...
He carefully tended to my wrists that were tied up with rope.
Edmont: I'm sorry. I didn't get here fast enough.
At the same time when everyone left the cabin, Edmont-san picked me up.
MC: Edmont-san...
As he was carrying me, I held onto his neck tightly. Feeling relieved, I tried to hold back my tears from falling.
Edmont: When you disappeared, I searched all over town for you. Are you hurt? Do you need anything? Show me your face.
When he asked me a bunch of questions, I looked up as I was trying to come up with an answer. My heart was throbbing because of his face being so close to mine.
MC: I...
Edmont: You're trembling. Poor thing...
His warm gaze was completely different from when his face was filled with anger... Edmont-san's heartrending face got closer to me.
Edmont: I'm sorry...
When he gently placed a kiss on my forehead, we left that place soon after.
Edmont: I want to get out of here now.
The way he said that sounded provokingly cruel...
Last Chapter - Bright Feelings in the Dusk
As Edmont-san was carrying me, we returned to the castle.
When he placed me down on the bed, he began to examine my entire body.
Edmont: Tell me what happened over there.
MC: ...I was imprisoned.
Edmont: But, the men that were there. They were... from the slums. What did they do?
There was a raging anger in Edmont-san's eyes.
MC: Nothing really happened... Just as they came in, you arrived and saved me.
Edmont: ...
When Edmont-san looked at my body once more... He rolled up my skirt.
MC: !? Edmont-san!?
As I was surprised, Edmont-san furrowed his brow.
Edmont: You got hurt.
I looked to see that there was a huge scrape on my knee. There was a big bruise on my thigh as well.
(Did that happen when I fell to the floor...?)
Edmont: Dammit...
MC: ...!
Just as I felt pain rushing through... Edmont-san placed his lips on my injuries.
MC: U-Um...!?
Edmont: I'm disinfecting them. You got dirty after being locked in there for such a long time.
MC: ...
He conveyed his emotions with by placing his soft lips on my knee and thigh. I could feel warmth from his touch.
(My heart... It's loud.)
Finally, after lightly kissing my thigh once more, Edmont-san slowly backed away.
Edmont: Now, you've become clean.
As my heart was beating excitedly, I looked at him to see that his expression had settled down a bit.
MC: ...What's going to happen with the demolition of the slums?
Edmont: How surprising... You still worry about them even after going through something like that.
Edmont-san's calm expression became stern again as he said that as if he was criticizing me.
Edmont: There's nothing we can do about the demolition.
MC: ...
When he declared that clearly, I hung my head down.
Edmont: Although...
MC: Eh?
Edmont-san stopped his words there.
Edmont: I'll properly explain it to you later. Until your injuries heal up completely, okay?
(Edmont-san...?)
Then, a few days later after that...
After the minister got dismissed, Edmont-san took me with him on his visit to the slums.
Townsman 1: It's the prince! The prince is here!
Townsman 2: Your Highness!! We object to the demolition of the slums!
Townswoman 1: Yeah, stop it! How could you take away our homes!?
Townsman 3: Down with the demolition!
Servant: E-Edmont-sama, it would probably be best to stop...
Edmont: ...
As Edmont-san was thinking about something, he motionlessly moved from that spot. In the midst of that, the number of protestors increased.
MC: Edmont-san...
Edmont: Don't worry.
Edmont-san gently patted my head. Then, his usual kind expression disappeared and became dignified and gallant.
Edmont: Everyone, listen!
The shouts of the protests became silent when Edmont-san shouted.
Edmont: The demolition of this area will be carried out as planned.
MC: ...
Edmont: Please stay silent. Listen to what I have to say until the very end.
Edmont-san calmed things down just as another uproar was about to happen.
Edmont: There are many reasons why this place shouldn't continue the way it is now. The current rise of the epidemic was because of the environment here. There have been repeated occurrences of crimes as well. The bad security and poverty should be clear to everyone.
The townspeople listened closely to Edmont-san's words. Before I realized it, I was looking at his fearless self as well.
Edmont: This place... There weren't any ways to help with the crimes. That's why... Once it gets demolished, a new town will be made!
(A new town...!?)
Edmont: I, Edmont, will take full responsibility for that plan. Also, residents of the town. I will make sure to turn it into a peaceful, safe and abundant town. Until then, I'll guarantee security for your homes. So please, accept what I'm saying.
The townspeople made a commotion. They were all talking and having trouble understanding the circumstances. Although, as they were going through what Edmont-san said, he turned his back towards everyone.
Edmont: I... I won't run away anymore.
When he murmured that, no one else heard him except for me that was by his side. As Edmont-san left quietly, the people were still making a commotion...
On the way back...
While we were riding in the horse carriage, I looked at the town outside the window as we crossed a bridge.
MC: What you said... It was really surprising.
Underneath the starry sky, Edmont-san stayed silent and sighed.
Edmont: What do you think about it?
As I was looking for an answer, the lights in the town's dusk made his eyes shine.
MC: I wish I could see the future. ...Is there anything I can do to help? I want to help the townspeople and you.
Edmont-san's faint smile went down. Then...
Edmont: I'm sure that you can.
Edmont-san held me in his arms. As he hugged me from behind, my heart was beating rapidly.
Edmont: Look, the town at night is really beautiful.
MC: ...Yes.
Edmont: But, if you disappear from my arms right now, you might slip into the light of that town... Right now, I just want to hold you like this and make sure that you're safe. Whenever you're not by my side, I get worried...
When I felt his body warmth and heartbeat against my back, I could feel how much I mean to him.
(Edmont-san...)
Edmont: Before I knew it, I became this attracted to you... When you were trying to do what you can for the slums, I ended up feeling that same pain... But, because of your strength, it made me think about the people in the slums.
MC: No... I'm not strong. When you came... You saved me.
Edmont: I want to protect you. That's why I want you by my side.
He gently nuzzled his cheek against my back. As he touched me, I felt my body getting hotter.
Edmont: Look here.
MC: Eh...?
When he said that, I turned around and...
MC: Mm...
At that moment, his face got closer and placed his lips on mine. Our breaths entwined with each other as I felt his soft warm lips.
(He just... kissed me...)
Suddenly, Edmont-san chuckled.
Edmont: You're strong... and very cute.
His blushing cheeks and smile made my fast heartbeat unbearable...
Edmont: I love you... MC.
He hugged me with his hands. As a way to accept his feelings and to convey my feelings of supporting him from now on... I placed both of my hands on him as I was in his arms...
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