Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Haldine - Prince of Ticha - Sun End
Chapter 7 - A Bit More Serious
A few days later since the king has collapsed, he was unable to go back doing official work until his condition has improved. Speaking of which, Hal is...
Haldine: Phew... Today has been tiring as well.
MC: Good work. What did you do today?
Haldine: Just the usual sword practice and economic studies. I'm tired from all that stuff.
Even though Hal says he's tired, he looked really relieved.
Haldine: I may be tired... But, since I have been playing hooky up till now, I've been doing my best in all kinds of stuff.
MC: Yes. It's good that you're moving forward.
Haldine: It's all thanks to you!
MC: Hal...
Haldine: Even though I really want to play with you... I want to show you how I've become a bit more serious. Just watch, okay.
MC: Okay. I'm rooting for you.
(Despite how troubling it is, it's good that Hal is enjoying himself.)
Day after day, Hal has become more awe-inspiring and trustworthy...
Chapter 8 - Time Apart
When Hal has begun taking fencing and studying more seriously, I haven't been spending a lot of time with him.
(It can't be helped, but... I should be leaving soon.)
For some reason, it felt like I've become distant with Hal.
(I know. Maybe I should go to the place where I first met Hal for a change of pace.)
I started walking towards the prairie from that time by myself.
......
MC: Hmm. This feels nice.
As I was by myself, I felt the breeze while walking through the prairie.
MC: !?
??: Guess who?
Suddenly, I stopped in surprise when my eyes were covered by some hands from behind.
??: MC, it's me.
MC: Hal!?
I realized that while my eyes were covered. That sweet scent and gentle voice. My heart felt pain as if it was being gripped tightly.
Haldine: What. You already knew. How boring, Sugar.
MC: Ah...
When Hal said that, I became charmed by his gentle voice as he whispered to me and then... He embraced me from behind.
(Somehow... Hal seems to be more satisfied.)
As the gentle breeze blew around us, I softly touched Hal's hand as he was hugging me.
Haldine: Don't just disappear on your own like that. I was worried.
MC: ...So, you noticed.
Haldine: Even though I'm busy, I've always kept a close eye on you. It's impossible for me to keep my eyes off you. Stay by my side properly, MC...
(He called me by my name again...)
MC: Okay, I'm sorry.
Haldine: Were you lonely?
MC: Eh?
Haldine: I never thought that I would pay so much attention to you.
After Hal releases me from his arms that were hugging me, he turned towards me. Although, I was unable to look up at him due to the feelings that were filling me up.
Haldine: What's wrong... Look here.
When Hal touched my chine, he gently lifted it up.
MC: Hal...
Haldine: What's wrong, Sugar? Such a depressed look.
MC: Once the king gets better... I'll have to leave soon.
Haldine: ...Is that what you really think?
When Hal said that, he gave me a serious look that I've never seen before...
MC: I... I'm really happy that you're doing well. But... I've been a little lonely.
The feelings within me have naturally turned into words.
(I see. I... I was lonely.)
Haldine: It's okay. You must have been worried. In that case, let's make a promise, Sugar.
When Hal softly lifted up my bangs...
MC: ...
He gently placed a kiss on my forehead as a sign of proof.
Haldine: You're really special to me. You're different from all the other girls. Also, I haven't gotten a chance to tell you this. I really like you. More than anyone else. It's probably what they call love.
MC: L-Love...
Haldine: Which is why... I want you to stay by my side for a little while longer.
MC: Hal...
I smiled as Hal looked strangely embarrassed.
(I'm happy.)
Hal's words turned my loneliness into happiness.
MC: Thank you. I'm so happy.
I smiled broadly at him...
Haldine: Sugar... Honestly, you. You're really cute.
Once again, I was in Hal's arms. Then, we passed the time with just the two of us together...
Chapter 9 - Time Together
In the courtyard, I could hear Hal doing sword practice again today.
King: Lately, he's been putting his mind into sword practice and studying. How nice.
When the king saw Hal, he nodded satisfied and left soon after. Although, at that moment...
Haldine: ...
MC: Hal!?
Hal was aimlessly losing his balance and fell to his knees. I quickly ran over to support him.
Haldine: Mm... Ah, Sugar. Sorry, I'm feeling a little lightheaded.
MC: Are you okay? Maybe you should rest for a bit...
Haldine: Hmm, I guess so. I have been using a little too much energy lately...
(Come to think of it... Hal has been overdoing it.)
Haldine: ...How punkish of me. Cramming all sorts of things so suddenly.
MC: I'll take you to your room.
Haldine: Yeah, thanks.
Hal gave me a feeble smile. That smile didn't have it's usual energy and his complexion looked bad.
MC: Hal, can you stand?
Haldine: I'm okay. Just let me stay close to your warm body, Sugar. Yeah, this feels nice.
MC: G-Geez. Joking at a time like this.
After that, I took Hal to his room while supporting him...
Last Chapter - A Strong Will and a Sweet Scent
When Hal's physical condition has fallen in the middle of sword practice, I took him to his room.
Haldine: Thank you, Sugar.
MC: No. It's all right, just take your time to rest.
As I was by the bedside, Hal's body was really warm and his complexion looked weak.
MC: Ah, since it seems like the butler is going to get some medicine, is there anything else that you want? If there is, I...
Haldine: I don't need anything. You're all that I need.
Hal held my wrist tightly.
MC: Don't worry, Hal. I'll stay with you.
Haldine: We promised. That we'll always stay close to each other.
MC: Yes...
Haldine: I love you.
(Eh...?)
Hal looked up at me with a serious face.
Haldine: I've thought about it once more. I love you. Just like this, during depressing moments, the one that I want with me the most is you.
Hal's words filled me up with warmth.
MC: Hal...
Haldine: Which is why...
Hal smiled to avoid what he was about to say.
MC: Hal?
Haldine: No, it's fine. I shouldn't say it while I'm in bed like this.
I thought that his expression looked really mature and gallant...
......
A few days later since then... I was called by Hal when he got better.
MC: Hal? Where are we going?
Haldine: You'll see when we'll get there♪
When he pulled my hand at that moment, I followed him from behind, but...
(Just where is he taking me...?)
The place that he took me to was...
King: You seem to have gotten better. That's a relief.
Haldine: Sorry for making you worried. Also, I must've made you worried this whole time.
Hal placed me next to him as we stood before the king.
King: I have gotten used to you being so wild. Why are you being so respectful?
Haldine: I've made up my mind. I'm still inexperienced, so from now on, I'm going to do what I can as the heir to the throne. By following your example, I will become a splendid and more reliable king.
Hal declared that clearly.
(Hal...)
Seeing how dignified he has become... I looked at the side of his face while standing beside him.
King: Haldine...
The dignified king's expression has eased up with relief.
Haldine: I'm really sorry for everything up till now. So, please look after me from here on.
Hal bowed deeply. The king nodded satisfied with a tear in his eye.
Haldine: Also, the reason why I've started thinking like this... Is because of her. Which is why I want to work hard with MC from now on. And then, I would like to make her my wife someday.
(Eh!?)
King: I see... I understand a little. I have no objections since you've changed ever since she came here.
Haldine: Old man... Thank you!
Hal's sudden words made my heart throb loudly.
After that... Since the king said that breaks should be taken occasionally, we went to Hal's favorite spot.
Haldine: This place feels nice since today is special!
After working for a long time, Hal was in a good mood as he breathed in the air.
MC: Hey, Hal...
Haldine: What?
MC: About what you told the king earlier...
Haldine: Yeah.
Hal looked straight at me with his beautiful violet eyes.
Haldine: I just wanted to introduce you properly. As this kingdom's future queen.
MC: Eh...
Hal's sudden words made my heart throb loudly again.
Haldine: You don't want to?
MC: ...!
Before I could respond, Hal affectionately placed his head on my shoulder.
MC: Hal...?
Haldine: I love you, MC. Once I become king of this kingdom... I want you by my side. I feel that I can do it with you around.
When Hal said that, he gently held my hand.
MC: Hal...
As Hal's hair touched my cheek, a sweet scent was drifting.
Haldine: I want to hear how you feel.
(I...)
While feeling my loud heart, I told him how I honestly felt.
MC: ...I want to see it together. A kingdom that you'll create. I love you too, Hal.
The next moment, Hal gently covered my lips with his own.
MC: Mm...
(Hal...)
When Hal placed his hands around my waist, he strongly hugged me.
Haldine: I want to create an enjoyable kingdom.
When Hal placed his lips on mine again, our bodies fell on top of the warm prairie...
Haldine: I want you.
MC: Hal...
As Hal placed many kisses on my body, he gently caressed my cheek. While feeling Hal's heartbeat, I closed my eyes... I imagined Hal looking majestic as he was surrounded by the smiles of many people.
(I want to stay by Hal's side forever.)
I was sure that Hal and I will be holding hands together in the kingdom around that time... Until that day comes, nothing will change as the scent of black tea emits...
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