Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Elfen - Prince of Crema - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Town with the Scent of Coffee in the Air
Kingdom of Coffee, Crema, July...
After being led by a ring's light, another prince has awakened from a slumber...
??: Uu...
The person with a tanned robust body slowly got up.
??: You are...? I see, Traumerei's...
As he looked at me with his strong looking eyes, he spoke.
Elfen: I'm Elfen, the Prince of Crema from the Kingdom of Coffee. You have my thanks for saving me. Come to my kingdom, I'll give you the best drink as thanks.
After making that promise, Elfen-san immediately turned around and left...
......
Then, after a while... Accepting his invitation, I visited the Kingdom of Coffee, Crema, once again.
(There's such a strong scent of coffee in town.)
While walking, the market along the way was selling a lot of coffee beans.
(I still have some time until my meeting with Elfen-san... Maybe I should try drinking some of this kingdom's coffee.)
Drawn towards the mellow scent of coffee, I entered a café.
......
In the café that had a nice atmosphere, I waited for the coffee that I ordered...
Customer 1: Miss, are you traveling?
Customer 2: Welcome to Crema. Please enjoy our delicious coffee.
The people that were enjoying the coffee in the café spoke to me. The many cheerful and kind people gave me a warm feeling.
(What a nice café.)
Server: Thanks for waiting!
The moment the coffee that I was waiting for was brought in front of me...
??: Wait. That's going to be a problem since I'll be giving you a first-rate drink.
MC: ...!
When I heard that deep voice, I turned around and...
Elfen: Don't go drinking coffee wherever you are.
With a stern look, Elfen-san stood where the server was.
Elfen: What do you think I invited you for?
(Eh...?)
When the people that were happily chatting with each other in the café saw Elfen-san, their complexions changed. The peaceful atmosphere in the café became tense the next moment...
Chapter 2 - Cold Words
In the café, where the scent of coffee is drifting, a heavy atmosphere was spreading...
Elfen: MC, let's leave. I'll give you a first-rate drink.
Elfen-san paid no mind to the atmosphere in the place. After telling me that, he turned around and left...
MC: Elfen-san...!
Elfen: What?
When I called out to stop him, I flinched when he spoke back in annoyance soon after.
MC: ...I came all this way to drink some coffee. So...
Elfen: It's not worth drinking. I can pretty much tell from the quality of this café. After all, I check the quality control of coffee beans in this kingdom.
///Choices///
- Have you actually tried it? (☽)
MC: Um... Have you actually tried it?
When I asked that in return, Elfen-san slightly furrowed his brow.
Elfen: I can tell without drinking it.
MC: But...
Elfen: ...Fine. Since you'd go so far to say that, I'll take a sip.
After Elfen-san said that briefly, he picked up the cup.
- Can't we take a sip? (☼)
MC: But... Since we're here, how about we take just one sip?
As Elfen-san deeply furrowed his brow, he placed his long fingers on his chin. After thinking for a short while...
Elfen: Fine. But, the results are going to be the same.
After saying that, he picked up the cup.
///Choices///
Elfen: ...
When Elfen-san took a sip of the coffee, his expression stayed the same as he puts the cup down.
Elfen: The key point of this blend, the beans were cultivated from the Caoa mountains... The beans should've been roasted more to match their individuality. Also, these beans have a nice scent. The way they were roasted ruined them... Were you cutting corners? Or maybe... Did you make light of the way they were stored?
Café Owner: ...
After hearing Elfen-san's words, the café owner bit his lip in frustration. After giving a glance towards the café owner, Elfen-san turned around soon after...
Elfen: Go over the report of the quality control from the owner.
He quickly gave orders to a servant.
Servant: Yes, understood.
Elfen: After that, go check on the retrieval process and storage system of the beans.
Servant: Yes.
Elfen: Also... Not just this café. All the cafés on the main street in the royal capital too, if they seem worthy, recheck them.
As Elfen-san gave that order, his stern eyes were so sharp that they looked like they wouldn't overlook a single bug. While no one was saying anything, it became deadly silent in the café.
(What Elfen-san said... might be right. But, he looked really overbearing.)
As I was feeling uneasy, the café owner took a step forward.
Café Owner: T-This is tyranny! ...Letting this sort of thing happen just because you're the prince!
Elfen: ...
Although, paying absolutely no mind to the café owner's words, Elfen-san made a nonchalant look as the servant started checking things out like what he was told to do.
(What should I do...)
While I was confused and unsure on what to do, the servant finished checking things out and returned right away.
Elfen: Owner. I'll let you know the results of the inspection later.
MC: Ah...
The moment Elfen-san turned around and left, he glanced towards me.
Elfen: What are you doing, MC? Hurry and come with me.
Looking majestic till the very end, Elfen-san left the café gallantly...
Chapter 3 - Drink Comparison
After Elfen-san took me out of the café, he led me straight to the castle. Along the way, there were a lot of cafés with nice scents drifting around them, but...
(...Elfen-san has been making a scary face this whole time.)
Without talking much along the way, I became perplexed from feeling the distance between us.
Elfen: You can use this room during your stay. Once I'm done with preparations, I'll come get you. Until then, rest.
After saying that, Elfen-san left without looking at me.
(Does he dislike me somehow...? Or maybe, has he always been that kind of person from the start...)
Unable to understand him as a person, time went by as I was feeling worried...
......
Then, when a servant arrived, he formally led me to the castle's main hall.
(What a nice scent...)
The rich scent of high-quality coffee filled up the room. When I looked around, there was a well-maintained siphon and roasting appliance arranged next to each other neatly.
Elfen: You came. MC, come here.
MC: Okay.
Preparing to pour some coffee, Elfen-san lightly signaled me to come over as I was slightly away from him. When I did as he said and went over there, Elfen-san started talking with a serious look.
Elfen: It's a rare chance. So, let me explain about the coffee in the kingdom. There are many kinds of coffee beans that are picked in my kingdom. But, aside from the produce area of the beans, the way they're roasted basically changes the flavor.
When he told me that, I...
///Choices///
- Blink (☽)
(Is that so...)
I blinked from the information that I'm hearing for the first time.
Elfen: What's wrong?
MC: It's just that I've never thought it was like that.
Elfen: Well, it's a subject that normal people won't find interesting.
MC: No, that's not what I'm saying... Sorry.
Elfen: You don't need to apologize.
- Be impressed (☼)
MC: Elfen-san, you're so knowledgeable.
When I said that, Elfen-san frowned in annoyance a little.
MC: Ah...
Elfen: Of course. I'm the prince of the Kingdom of Coffee after all.
(That's right... It's obvious that he would say that.)
///Choices///
Elfen: Anyway, try comparing these two drinks. Once you do, you'll understand the difference.
MC: Okay.
When Elfen-san handed me some coffee, I took a sip and drank them.
(Huh...)
MC: This one has a bit of a strong acidic taste, yet it's refreshing... This one is bitter and has a strong richness.
Elfen: Exactly.
Elfen-san made a bit of a satisfied smile as he nodded towards my response.
(Ah...)
Seeing him make such a soft expression for the first time gave me a slightly light feeling.
Elfen: Even though they're both made with beans from the same producing area, the way they're roasted changes the flavor. In other words, coffee beans are a highly sensitive product. State of preservation, ways of roasting, those are the most important things that are needed to make any kind of coffee taste good.
As Elfen-san explained about coffee so eagerly, his rude behavior that I saw today was because of his passion towards coffee... That's what I thought.
(But, it seems like the townspeople don't see that. Despite that everyone loves coffee just as much as Elfen-san does...)
When I thought of that, I...
///Choices///
- Have you told that to anyone? (☼)
MC: What you told me just now, have you told the townspeople about that too?
Elfen: What...?
Elfen-san frowned as if he thought what I said was absurd.
- Aside from tastes (☽)
MC: Um... Don't you think it's good flavor is connected with the location's atmosphere? Even if the enjoyment is temporary, it'll make it even more delicious.
Elfen: What are you trying to say...
Questioning what I just said, Elfen-san made a stern look again.
///Choices///
MC: ...I don't think it's bad for the townspeople to drink coffee while having pleasant conversations... Everyone in that café seemed to be really enjoying themselves after all.
Elfen: ...You have strange tastes.
MC: Eh...?
With a soft expression, Elfen-san said those words calmly.
Elfen: Flavor is either good or bad. It has nothing to do with feelings.
MC: I see...
(Feelings, the atmosphere and the person drinking it. ...Those can improve the coffee's taste too.)
Instead of saying all of that, I held in my words. Then, Elfen-san...
Elfen: The consistency of taste and quality improvement, those are the most certain basics. That's why they're highly valuable.
MC: ...
When Elfen-san flat out declared that, I didn't say anything next...
Chapter 4 - Passion Towards Coffee
The next day after Elfen-san taught me all sorts of things about coffee... During a coffee presentation for some businessmen from other kingdoms, I was in a special seat since I was invited as a guest.
(Even though I was invited... Don't I stand out?)
With a little uneasiness, I felt ashamed...
Elfen: It won't be a difficult discussion. Aside from coffee, we'll be gaining information on making it taste good to drink.
Elfen-san whispered that to only me. Then, he walked in front of everyone...
Elfen: Thank you very much for coming over today to the castle of Crema, the Kingdom of Coffee. Today, I'll be introducing the beans for all the new original blends...
As Elfen-san was acting all dignified, he began the presentation. While he was speaking confidently without faltering, he looked admiringly handsome...
(Elfen-san's approach towards coffee and self-confidence are really respectable. It'd be nice if the citizens knew about that part of him though...)
I couldn't take my eyes off Elfen-san as he continued the presentation with a bright expression...
......
Then, the presentation ended. Along with a loud applause in the hall, the people that have gathered around made satisfied smiles.
Businessman 1: Well, that was a really nice presentation. I would gladly do business with you.
Businessman 2: I would like to consider as well. I was thinking of starting a new restaurant business.
Businessman 3: Actually, my daughter has taken a huge liking to Prince Elfen... That's what I heard from her.
Businessman 4: Come to think of it, my daughter speaks highly of the prince of Crema too. Haha!
After the presentation, the assembled businessmen surrounded Elfen-san.
(Wow. Everyone became so passionate from listening to Elfen-san's negotiation. I guess it's pretty obvious... Anyone would find the presentation just now outstanding if they heard it. If only the townspeople knew about this side of Elfen-san...)
After the businessmen have exited the room and it was just me and Elfen-san, I...
///Choices///
- Sorry about yesterday (☼)
MC: Elfen-san... I'm sorry about yesterday. I didn't know anything about coffee, yet I viewed it so thoughtlessly.
Elfen-san took a sidelong glance at me...
Elfen: I don't know what you're apologizing for.
MC: Eh...
- That was a nice lecture (☽)
MC: Elfen-san... That was a nice lecture. I... Yesterday, I said such selfish things despite that I didn't understand anything.
Then, Elfen-san tidied up the documents and silently looked at me.
Elfen: I already forgot about it.
MC: ...
///Choices///
With a light sigh, he spoke just as the conversation was about to stop.
Elfen: Anyway, try drinking the original blend coffee that's currently in development right now. Once you do, you'll sort out your feelings in all sorts of ways. Also, it truly is the best drink.
Elfen-san softly smiled.
(Ah...)
That unexpected expression gave me a warm feeling.
///Choices///
- I understand (☼)
MC: I understand. I would gladly try it.
Elfen: No one will become satisfied with any other kind of coffee once they drink this.
Despite his strong arrogant sounding words, they didn't make me feel so perplexed anymore.
- I'm looking forward to it (☽)
MC: Okay, I'll be looking forward to it then.
Elfen: It won't betray your expectations.
His smile was filled with confidence.
///Choices///
(...This person's words and actions are because of his love for coffee.)
MC: Elfen-san... I thought that you were a scary person. But, you're actually a splendid prince that's filled with a passion for coffee.
Elfen: ...!
When I told him that honestly, Elfen-san widened his eyes a little. As he looked away in embarrassment, it felt like the distance between us has shrunk a little...
Chapter 5 - The Feeling of Missing Each Other
A few days later ever since I arrived at the Kingdom of Coffee, Crema... Touched by Elfen-san's passion, I wanted to understand coffee more. One day, when I went to town after such a long time...
MC: Eh...?
What I saw before me was the word, "closed".... Beyond doubt, it was on the café that I went to when I first came to this kingdom. At that moment, I got a bad feeling.
(Don't tell me...!)
Unable to sit still, I ran over to where Elfen-san was...
......
When I entered the office, Elfen-san was working with a stern look.
Elfen: ...What is it?
When Elfen-san noticed me and glanced towards me for a short moment, he returned his gaze to the documents.
(It's hard to talk about... But, I need to ask him properly.)
MC: Um...
///Choices///
- I'm sorry for interrupting your work (☽)
MC: I'm sorry for interrupting your work.
Elfen: ...If you really think that it's wrong, then shouldn't you have left me alone?
MC: ...I'm sorry.
Elfen: Whatever. What is it?
- I have something to ask... (☼)
MC: Elfen-san, there's something I want to ask you... Is now a good time?
Elfen: ...I'll give you one minute.
(Just one minute, he says...! No, I need to ask him properly...)
///Choices///
MC: ...I was in town earlier and I passed by the café that I went to on my first day here.
After hearing my words, Elfen-san's handsome brow furrowed.
Elfen: And?
MC: That café has closed down. Could it be that there was a problem with the quality of the coffee?
Elfen: Of course.
Elfen-san answered without moving his brow at all.
(That's...)
MC: But, it was a café with a nice atmosphere. The customers were all smiling while having fun conversing with each other.
Elfen: So, what?
MC: Eh...?
As Elfen-san said that without his expression changing one bit, I couldn't understand his feelings at that moment once more.
Elfen: If you're going to sell coffee in the Kingdom of Coffee, it should be obvious that the quality must be preserved more than anything. If a café can't do that, they won't be allowed to do business in this kingdom.
MC: ...
(How can I understand that?)
Elfen: You look like you've got something to say.
After Elfen-san said that, I continued speaking.
MC: Your thoughts about quality being important, that is true. Your approach to researching delicious coffee, I respect that. But...
Elfen: Is there a problem?
MC: Well... When friends are enjoying drinking it, even normal coffee will taste good. The atmosphere, the people drinking the coffee and the people that serve it... Surely, those are connected to what makes it "delicious"... I think your actions are right, but a little forceful.
Elfen: ...
As Elfen-san tightly pressed his lips together, he made a stern expression that looked stiffer than before.
(What should I do... Maybe I said too much.)
Although, my thoughts that I spoke out to him weren't wrong, so I didn't back down. Then, Elfen-san...
Elfen: If you're going to disappoint me, then you're no different from the others... It doesn't matter if you don't understand. Disappear from my sight, I swear I won't blame you for doing so.
MC: ...
(In the end... I couldn't get through to him.)
Elfen: I don't want to brew coffee in a way that makes it the most delicious, that's something I won't allow above all else.
As it felt like he knew what I was thinking, Elfen-san's words pierced my heart. I could no longer look at him in the eye.
(Elfen-san...)
As my shoulders dropped down in discouragement, I slowly turned around and...
Elfen: It's been planned for the original blend to be sold in a few days.
He said that unconcernedly, but... He sounded a little sad...
Chapter 6 - I Want to Be with You
A few days later ever since I parted from Elfen-san with some discord between us... As usual, there was the nice scent of coffee drifting outside of the room in the clear sky. Although, I've been feeling down while passing the time in my room.
(I said it so forcefully, but... Maybe I said too many unnecessary things.)
Just as I thought of that while feeling hesitant...
Servant: MC-sama. Elfen-sama is calling for you.
From the room door, I heard a servant's voice.
Servant: He wants you to taste the original blend that he talked about the other day...
MC: ...!
(Elfen-san is calling for me...)
While feeling happy, the unpleasant complicated feelings arose as I felt warm for some reason. Trying to hold back my fast heartbeat, I headed over to where Elfen-san is...
......
With the servant leading the way, I stepped into Elfen-san's office.
Elfen: ...
The moment Elfen-san looked at me, his gaze went back to his hands soon after and he started to prepare the coffee skillfully and carefully.
Elfen: They're high-quality beans of the original blend that have been roasted properly.
His piercing unconcerned voice that was like the way he was using his hands reached me thoroughly.
(It really... smells nice.)
Along with the soft sound of coffee being poured, the mellow scent that I've been enveloped in ever since I came to this kingdom surrounded me...
(I wonder why. My heart hurts...)
Elfen: Try drinking it. It's the coffee that I promised you the other day.
Elfen-san's voice sounded a bit more gentle than usual. I...
///Choices///
- Nod (☼)
MC: ...Okay.
With a small nod, I took the coffee cup.
Elfen: ...
I felt Elfen-san's strong gaze on me.
- Don't say anything (☽)
MC: ...
Without saying anything, I held the coffee cup that Elfen-san handed me.
Elfen: ...
Elfen-san silently looked at me.
///Choices///
While feeling the mellow warmth from the cup, I felt pain.
Elfen: ...? What's wrong?
MC: ...
Before I knew it, I held in my words. As he looked at me seriously...
(Elfen-san isn't the kind of person you would want to confront upfront. Even though, I... I want to confront him properly.)
Elfen: MC...?
When he said my name, I slowly looked up.
MC: I... I ended up saying too much to you. I'm sorry for troubling you. I wasn't intending on getting in your way or criticizing you. I just...
Then, while thinking that Elfen-san is a praiseworthy person, I thought about him knowing about what the townspeople want... With the matter of the café that's been closed down, I wanted to tell him that there could've been a way with more compromise...
Elfen: ...I see.
As he made an unusually stiff frown, Elfen-san murmured that.
Elfen: I can't understand what you're trying to say. So... Don't cry.
MC: Eh...
Without realizing it, tears were gathering in my eyes.
Elfen: I'm used to making people cry, but... I'm treating a guest.
When he said that gently to calm me down, I looked at Elfen-san.
Elfen: ...What's with that foolish look?
MC: Uh... I didn't think that you would say that.
Elfen-san smiled wryly from my words.
Elfen: You must think that I'm a cruel natured man.
MC: ! That's not true...
Elfen: Well, I'm not surprised... Since long ago, I somehow make women cry with my forceful nature. It's just that I can't accept anything else except my own thoughts... I don't want to criticize you especially... I never really thought that it'd be good if you disappeared from my sight.
MC: Elfen-san...
For the first time ever since we've met, I realized that Elfen-san was showing his true thoughts.
Elfen: ...The coffee is getting cold. Drink it before it becomes unprofitable.
Just as Elfen-san said that as he looked away with an embarrassed look...
Servant: Elfen-sama...!
A servant shouted that as he ran over here in a panic...
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