Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Haldine - Prince of Ticha - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Tea-Scented Prince
Kingdom of Tea, Ticha, April... In the forest that was colorful with verdant flowers, the bright sunlight was shining on me.
(If I go through this forest, will I get closer to the castle?)
While I was on my way to the castle after I received an invitation as thanks for awakening Prince Haldine... A light mellow scent that was coming from somewhere aroused the tip of my nose.
(What a nice scent... What kind of is?)
As I was being lured by that scent, I walked towards the heart of the forest...
(Prince Haldine!?)
On the ground of a vast prairie, Prince Haldine was sleeping there. When I slowly approached him without waking him up, I quietly looked at his face.
(He seems to be sleeping comfortably. What a peaceful looking sleeping face.)
As those bright shining eyes were closed right now, his long dark eyelashes were bordered around them. When the wind scooped up some of his soft looking hair from his tanned skin, his forehead was slightly revealed.
(Now that I'm looking at him closely, his face looked even more beautiful... Also, is this nice scent coming from Prince Haldine?)
The moment I approached his face without thinking...
Haldine: Mm~...
Prince Haldine slowly opened his sleepy looking eyes.
Haldine: ...Hmm? You're... You even woke me up from my afternoon nap.
MC: Ah...
Haldine: I didn't get the chance to thank you. Thanks for waking me up from a slumber.
When Prince Haldine got up as he looked at me with a friendly smile, I lightly smelled the pleasant scent from earlier.
Haldine: Also, thanks for coming. I've wanted to see you again!
Despite his innocent smile, my heart lightly throbbed from the stimulating sweet scent...
Chapter 2 - A Nickname...
As Prince Haldine was being really friendly during our reunion... That impression made him seem like "an unprincely person"...
Haldine: ...If I remember correctly, your name is MC, right?
Suddenly, Prince Haldine gave me a hard look with his light purple eyes.
MC: Yes.
Haldine: ...Hm~m.
Prince Haldine closed his eyes as he was thinking.
(What's wrong?)
MC: Prince Haldine?
Just as I looked at his face, Prince Haldine smiled broadly at me.
Haldine: I know! Your name shall be Sugar.
MC: Eh...!?
(S-Sugar?)
Haldine: It's because you have a sweet scent. Doesn't that name suit you?
MC: R-Really?
Haldine: Yeah, that's right. I can't think of names to call people that I'm not interested in. You should be grateful to me.
When Prince Haldine said that cutely and a little amusingly, I...
///Choices///
- Be happy (☼)
(Sugar... Huh? How cute.)
I was unexpectedly surprised, but it gave me somewhat sweet feeling and I broke into a smile.
MC: Thank you!
Haldine: Yeah. I knew that you would like it!
Prince Haldine made a satisfied smile.
- A different name would be good (☽)
MC: C-Could you use a different name...
Haldine: Why? You don't like it? I think it's perfect for you. Then... How about Squishy!?* Because your cheeks look like they have that kind of feeling!
T/N: ROFL
MC: ...Please go with Sugar.
Haldine: Okay, Sugar!
///Choices///
MC: Prince Haldine, do you like this place?
Haldine: Yeah, the sunlight feels nice and it's quiet. I especially like it's natural scent too.
MC: I see.
Haldine: ...Somehow, you seem all stiff.
MC: Eh?
Haldine: I know, how about you stop it with the honorifics?
MC: But...
(We're still just acquaintances...)
Haldine: Since I'm calling you, Sugar, you can call me, Hal.
(Addressing a prince that I just met by a nickname.)
Haldine: What's wrong?
MC: Calling the next king by a nickname, wouldn't that be rude...?
Haldine: The next king...
Prince Haldine made a wry smile and lightly sighed.
MC: Prince Haldine?
His suddenly gloomy expression made me worried and when I called out to him, he instantly smiled.
Haldine: Look, I'm not that suitable to become king. I really wonder why I'm a prince.
(Prince Haldine... Is he somehow being forced to?)
MC: Um, Prince Haldine, if you're worried about something.
Haldine: No. Not Haldine, Hal.
MC: Ah... Okay, Hal.
Haldine: Good, Sugar.
Prince Haldine... Hal made a satisfied smile and messily petted my head.
MC: Ah... H-Hal...! My hair!
Haldine: Haha, what a weird hairdo.
MC: That's because you just...
(Huh...? I'm suddenly speaking so naturally.)
I became completely influenced by Hal's way of things.
(What a strange person.)
As we laughed, the peaceful clouds lingered as they were up high in the sky...
Chapter 3 - Close Distance and a Slight Darkness
Since then, within the peaceful atmosphere between us, I became open with Hal before I knew it... Before returning to the castle, we were having a lively conversation for a bit.
Haldine: Okay, I'm going to show you something interesting, Sugar!
MC: Something interesting?
When I tilted my head to the side, Hal showed a smile before me. Hal snapped his fingers. Then, a tea set suddenly appeared in front of me.
MC: ...Wow! Magic?
Haldine: Pretty much, it's my signature move. Wait for a bit. I'll prepare the world's greatest tea right now.
With a proud smile, Hal poured some hot water into the teapot.
(Ah, this scent.)
When I became tempted to go over to Hal, I became aware of the tea's sweet and comforting scent.
Haldine: Here, drink up.
The tea that was poured in the white teacup had a bright golden color.
MC: Thank you.
When I drank it, a very rich flavor was gently spreading in my mouth.
MC: It's good! This is the first time I've had such delicious tea.
Haldine: Right!
Hal's eyes had a strong prideful look in them. When he looked at me with a dazzling smile...
MC: I-It's hard to drink with you looking at me like that...
Haldine: Really? Don't worry about it.
MC: ...!
When Hal said that and lightly caressed my hair, his fingers were entwined with it as they slowly combed through it. The movements of those fingers and the way he was looking at me softly made my cheeks hot for some reason.
Haldine: Sugar's hair is really pretty and soft.
MC: R-Really...?
///Choices///
- Say his face is close (☼)
MC: Um, Hal.
Haldine: What?
MC: You're a little... too close.
Haldine: Really?
Hal smiled as if he's not worried about it.
- Distance yourself (☽)
Feeling embarrassed, I distanced myself from him.
Haldine: What's wrong, Sugar?
MC: N-Nothing.
Haldine: Hmm.
///Choices///
Haldine: Being embarrassed by something like this is what makes you so cute.
His fingers that were in my hair were stroking my cheek next.
MC: ...!
As his fingers slowly moved and slid on my cheek teasingly, they touched my lips next.
Haldine: Hm, how soft. You're soft all over the place.
MC: H-Hal! Don't tease me.
Haldine: I'm not. Isn't it normal to do this sort of thing with a cute girl?
Just as Hal placed his hand around my waist as if he was hugging me...
Haldine: !
When Hal suddenly blinked, his hand stopped.
MC: Hal?
Haldine: It's too bad, but it looks like a nuisance has come.
??: Haldine-sama!
Hal's name was being called out from afar.
Haldine: It's Marc...
MC: Marc?
Haldine: My educator. Just when the mood was getting good with Sugar... How disappointing. Let's have some fun later.
When Hal sighed in disappointment, his lips touched my ear.
MC: ...!?
Haldine: Sugar, aren't you disappointed too?
///Choices///
- Deny it (☽)
MC: I-I wasn't thinking that!
I frantically argued back, but regardless, Hal smiled cheerfully.
Haldine: Be honest, Sugar. The girls in this kingdom are more positive.
(...So, Hal is surrounded by a lot of girls.)
- Be embarrassed (☼)
MC: ...
As Hal was breathing my ear, I became unable to speak.
Haldine: Haha, such a cute girl.
///Choices///
Haldine: Now then, let's go to the castle.
With Hal urging me to go to the castle, he walked ahead...
Villager 1: Ah, Haldine-sama!
Villager 2: Haldine-sama, you look well. Please stop by and drink our tea again!
Haldine: Yeah, thanks.
As Hal was walking, all sorts of people spoke to him.
MC: You seem to be adored, Hal.
Haldine: Even if you say that... I'm not really princelike.
Hal's expression suddenly darkened.
MC: Hal?
Haldine: ...It's nothing! Now, let's go to the castle.
(That expression just now...?)
At that time, I didn't notice the feelings that were burdening Hal...
Chapter 4 - Feelings Coming Forth
After the two of us were passing the time in the open field... When I arrived at Hal's castle, a crowd of servants greeted me.
Then... In the room that I was taken to, a gorgeous dress with jewels on it was set up there.
MC: What a pretty dress...
Maid: This is a present from Haldine-sama.
MC: F-From Hal!?
I became both happy and bewildered from the sudden present. The maid smiled from seeing me like that.
Maid: Haldine-sama wants you to change clothes. He's looking forward to it since he thinks that it'll look good on you.
(Hal...)
As my back was being pushed by the maid, I changed into the dress.
......
After I put on the dress, I opened the room's door and Hal was standing there waiting. When Hal saw me, he smiled in satisfaction.
Haldine: I knew this dress would look really good on you! Do you like it?
MC: Yeah, it's really gorgeous and it has such a nice design... Thank you.
Haldine: It was nothing, this is as thanks. Since you're really cute and beautiful, it suits you the most.
MC: H-Hal...
Like in the prairie earlier, Hal's fingers softly caressed my cheek.
///Choices///
- Hide your embarrassment (☽)
MC: T-The dress looks really nice.
Haldine: Good grief. You're not honest, Sugar. Alright, I'm going to make you be more honest.
- Be honest and say thanks (☼)
MC: Thank you, Hal. I'm really happy.
Haldine: You've become quite honest. Took you long enough.
///Choices///
The next moment...
MC: ...!?
Along with the lightly sweet scent of tea, his face became close... His soft lips touched my cheek.
MC: ...!
Haldine: I just really wanted to kiss you. Now, come, Sugar.
Hal held out his hand to me. I was hesitant a little, but I slowly held that hand.
Then, the moment we reached the courtyard.
Female Friend 1: Ah, Haldine-sama! We've been looking for you!
Female Friend 2: Haldine-sama!
Several pretty women came over.
Haldine: Ah, everyone. Perfect timing. This is Sugar, she's the one who saved my life. Sugar, these are my friends.
MC: N-Nice to meet you. I'm MC.
Female Friend 3: Hmm... This girl, huh?
The women's gazes were obviously cold.
(Why does it feel like I've done something wrong...?)
The women moved their gazes bewteen me and Hal alternatively as if they were comparing us.
MC: I-I'm sorry. I... Please excuse me.
Unable to bear their gazes, I bowed and left from there, but Hal followed after me.
Haldine: What, Sugar? What's wrong so suddenly?
///Choices///
- The other girls are waiting (☽)
MC: I'm fine. The girls... They're waiting for you, Hal.
Haldine: Ah. In that case, let's hurry and go back together, Sugar.
MC: I...
While looking for the next words to say, I became hesitant to speak.
- I'm fine (☼)
MC: I'm fine.
Haldine: Why? Do you dislike being with everyone?
MC: That's not what I meant... I just thought that everyone would have more fun without me.
(I... What am I saying?)
///Choices///
Haldine: Could it be that... You don't like it when I'm with other girls?
MC: N-No!
Haldine: There's no need to be embarrassed. Come here.
MC: I'm not... embarrassed.
Haldine: Ah, Sugar...!
When I denied that with my voice dwindling, I left from there as if I was running away.
(What should I do? Despite that Hal went out of his way to invite me. But...)
I recalled the time when Hal and I were enjoying talking together earlier.As I was unsure about the reason behind the faint pain, I tightly gripped my chest...
Chapter 5 - Hal's True Intentions
A few days have passed since I unpleasantly ran from Hal... As I was given service by a servant, I realized that I've only been thinking about Hal.
-Flashback-
Haldine: Could it be that... You don't like it when I'm with other girls?
MC: N-No!
Haldine: There's no need to be embarrassed. Come here.
MC: I'm not... embarrassed.
Haldine: Ah, Sugar...!
-Flashback-
(Even though he invited me, I shouldn't be doing this. i need to take a stand and apologize properly.)
Once I've gathered up my courage, I searched for Hal in the castle, but was unable to find him.
MC: ...Excuse me, where's Prince Haldine?
Maid 1: Haldine-sama hasn't come back here for a few days.
MC: Eh, a few days!?
Maid 2: The prince does what he likes. He always does this sort of thing.
(I see...)
Then, right at that moment, I heard a voice from afar.
King: Haldine! Where's Haldine?
(It looks like the king is looking for him.)
Maid 2: Haldine-sama went out for a bit...
The maid responded evasively, but she was heard clearly.
King: How long is that boy going to do things without thinking... He can't become king by doing something like this!
At that moment... My mouth was suddenly covered and I was taken to the corner of the hallway as I was put in a hold.
(W-What...!?)
Haldine: It's me, Sugar.
Just as I was about to resist in a panic, a familiar voice was whispered in my ear.
MC: Hal...!
Before I could speak, Hal placed his finger on my lips. My heart tightens in pain from the sensation of his slightly cold fingers.
Haldine: Over here.
......
Then, we arrived at Hal's room...
Haldine: It's been a while, Sugar.
MC: Yeah...
Hal acted as if nothing has happened as he made a carefree smile.
MC: Where did you go?
Haldine: A kingdom called Darjeelberg.* Here, this is a souvenir.
T/N: Edmont's kingdom
After Hal said that, he handed me a beautifully shaped glass bottle.
MC: These are... tea leaves?
Haldine: That's right! The tea in my kingdom is good, but the one in that kingdom is pretty good too.
MC: ...Thank you, Hal.
Haldine: What, you don't look happy. What's wrong?
MC: ...I'm sorry about before. Even though you invited me and all.
When I ended my words there, Hal looked at me apologetically and softly smiled.
Haldine: What, you were worried about that?
When he said that, he placed his hand on my head.
Haldine: So, were you looking for me?
MC: H-How did you-
Haldine: I heard it from the maid. Sorry about that.
MC: Hal, you weren't around for a while. The king was looking for you too.
Haldine: ...
MC: Hal?
With a deep sigh, Hal made an unusually meek expression and started speaking a little at a time...
Haldine: Lately, my old man has gotten so annoying...
It seems like the Hal that likes to be free has always respected his parents. But... Lately, they have been persistently talking about how he should be aware about being the next king.
Haldine: As if I could rule the kingdom. It's been doing good since a long time ago. My old man, he wants me, the first prince, to inherit it, so he has gotten all worked up about it...
MC: That's...
Haldine: I'm fine with being free. I just can't live like that. So, it's impossible for me to become king. I prefer to live freely by smiling with all kinds of people.
When he said that strongly while sulking, I felt a sad pain somehow.
(Hal...)
Before I knew it, I touched Hal's hand.
Haldine: Sugar?
///Choices///
- I think you can do it (☼)
MC: I think you can become king. Besides, all sorts of people look up to you.
Haldine: Just being looked up to isn't enough to manage a kingdom.
- Certainly (☽)
MC: Certainly... Being free does suit you, Hal.
Haldine: Right? Being in the kingdom forever is impossible for me.
///Choices///
(But...)
-Flashback-
Villager 1: Ah, Haldine-sama!
Villager 2: Haldine-sama, you look well. Please stop by and drink our tea again!
-Flashback-
I remembered when all sorts of people were smiling and talking to Hal as he was walking on the path towards the castle. Then, the time when we were at the prairie together and I was smiling at ease...
MC: But, a kingdom where Hal is king sounds like fun.
Hal: ...Eh?
MC: Even though it hasn't been that long since I came to this kingdom. The people that we've met together were all smiling. I actually thought that you weren't princelike when we first met, but...
Hal furrowed his brow troubledly from my words.
MC: But, I was wondering what kind of kingdom will be made from that.
Haldine: Sugar...
MC: If you became king, I'm sure that the kingdom will become a happy place that's always filled with smiles like yours... That's what I think.
As I looked at Hal, I told him how I honestly felt.
Haldine: A kingdom like me...
MC: Yeah.
Haldine: ...Isn't it possible that I'll be sloppy with the government?
MC: T-That's...
Haldine: Haha. You're so honest... But, I see... I never thought that way before...
Hal's strong large hand squeezed mine back.
Haldine: You're a strange girl.
There was still a hesitant look in his eyes, but as I was looking straight at them, they were shining beautifully...
Chapter 6 - Hal's Official Work
Hal, who has said that it's impossible for him to become king, seemed to have changed his thinking. Just as he was looking positive...
Servant: Big trouble! His Majesty is! His Majesty, the king is...!
Right aft it suddenly became noisy in the castle, we heard that the king has collapsed.
Haldine: ...I wonder if my old man is okay.
Hal's shoulders dropped worriedly. I softly placed my hand on his shoulder.
Haldine: It doesn't seem serious, so that's good though. I want him to hurry and get better. Hey, Sugar. Until my old man gets better, will you stay in the castle?
MC: Sure, I'll stay. So, won't you cheer up?
Hal smiled in return and held my hand that was on his shoulder.
Haldine: I feel better with you around. While my old man is in bed, I'll do my best.
MC: Hal...
Haldine: With you supporting me, I feel like I can do it somehow. You're so mysterious.
///Choices///
- I'll support you (☼)
MC: If that's what you want, then I'll support you.
Haldine: Sugar... You really are the best!
- It's because you have the strength (☽)
MC: That's because you've had the strength to do so from the start. So, I'm sure that you can do it.
Haldine: Haha, thanks!
///Choices///
Hal hugged me tightly. As I was being held in his chest, his scent that was I was breathing in was the same mellow scent from when I first met him... It filled me up with warmth.
(This scent, I love it.)
I softly buried my face into Hal's chest.
Since then, I've been watching Hal doing a nice job completing his official duties quickly.
Minister: Prince Haldine, about the issue with the waterway that His Majesty mentioned the other day.
Haldine: I heard. Marc, hand over the documents that were made last night.
Marc: Yes.
Servant: Your Highness, how about you look over this petition from the people next?
Haldine: Got it... Haha! Hey, listen how direct this guy sounds! He's telling me to come in during the afternoon.
Servant: Today?
Haldine: We'll have to consider doing it immediately, otherwise, he won't settle down. Let's carry it out today. Ah, that's right. But, the audience in the afternoon won't care about the schedule. Set aside the time and arrange the schedule.
Servant: Understood.
(Hal is amazing.)
Hal looked like he was enjoying himself as he's talking back and forth with so many people. On the other hand, the people around him seem troubled as they were trying to keep up with Hal's pace...
(Fufu, that's just like Hal.)
Haldine: Ah, Sugar. Wait there for a bit longer. I'll be getting an afternoon break. So, let's have lunch together!
MC: Okay.
As Hal was looking at me energetically, even I was feeling cheerful as well.
At noon... Hal and I took our time to have lunch in the courtyard. Then, suddenly, when Hal's hand stopped as he filled his mouth with sandwiches, he looked at me.
Haldine: Thanks, Sugar.
MC: Eh?
Haldine: You're the one who gave me the push on my back.
MC: Me?
Haldine: Yeah, it's thanks to you. Really, thank you.
Hal smiled broadly. That smile was the best one out of all the others so far and was completely filled with satisfaction...
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