Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Heldt - Prince of Vealoth - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Prince in the Red Cloak
Kingdom of Red Hunt, Vealoth, January... As birds were chirping in the forest, a prince that was surrounded in a bright light opened his eyes.
??: You are...?
The man with an impressionable red cloak that was covering his head looked straight at me.
(Such pretty eyes...)
As I was drawn to those clear emerald eyes... Suddenly, he pulled my arm.
MC: ...!?
Just as I plunged into his chest so suddenly, my heart skipped a beat loudly.
MC: U-Um...?
??: That was dangerous. There's a poisonous spider.
When I turned around to see what he was pointing at, there was a black spider hanging below a branch.
MC: ...!
??: It's okay. Since you got surprised, it won't attack you.
When he picked up a normal branch, the poisonous spider went on it and he moved it to a tree that was further away.
??: It doesn't show itself much in front of other people. So, be careful whenever you see it.
After telling me about the spider, he turned towards me.
MC: T-Thank you.
As the sunlight went through the gaps of the trees, it shined on his blonde hair.
??: Your name is?
MC: You can call me, MC. You are...
Heldt: I'm the prince of this kingdom, Heldt. Thanks for saving me.
After he said that clearly, I saw a huge hunting gun on his back.
(Such a big gun...)
How it mismatched with his appearance of a bright, gentle and impressionable man made me somewhat curious...
MC: Um, Heldt-san...
Heldt: You can just call me, Heldt.
MC: Ah... I understand, Heldt.
Heldt: Ah, that too. I'm not good with formalities. So, you can be more familiar with me.
MC: Familiar... Uh, got it.
Heldt: Haha! You're too modest.
MC: ...! S-Sorry.
Heldt: That's it. That's fine.
Just as his bright cheerful smile made it feel like we've become close... Suddenly, the roaring sound of a gunshot was heard.
MC: !!
The sound surprised the birds and made them fly out all at once.
Heldt: ...
Heldt's expression that had a cheerful smile turned stern at that moment.
MC: W-What...?
Heldt: It's an "corrupted beastman"... MC, it's dangerous here. So, come with me!
MC: ...!
Before I could respond, he pulled my hand and ran deeper into the forest...
Chapter 2 - An Encounter with a Corrupted Beastman
As we ran pass through the trees up ahead, the smell of gunpowder that was shrouding in the air perked our noses...
Heldt: MC, stop!
When Heldt strongly pulled my arm, he used his red cloak to hide himself. What he was looking at up ahead were some soldiers fighting a huge wolflike creature.
(That's...!)
It had quick movements despite having such a large body and from tit's mouth, it's sharp fangs were showing.
Heldt: It's a corrupted beastman.
MC: A corrupted beastman?
Heldt: Shh... I'll explain later.
As the violent corrupted beastman took down the soldiers one after another, it held up one of them with it's large hand.
(Oh, no...!)
Heldt: Cover your ears!
When Held quickly readied the gun that was on his back, he flawlessly shot at the corrupted beastman's hand that was holding the soldier's neck.
MC: ...!
Just as the corrupted beastman staggered from being hit, the soldier that got caught fell and escaped.
As Heldt was holding the gun, he looked at the corrupted beastman with a sharp gaze.
Heldt: I'm the protector of the people cladded in holy red. This is the Prince of Vealoth, the Kingdom of Red Hunt, Heldt, telling you this!
He shouted that gallantly. How his friendly expression suddenly turned serious made my heart skip a beat loudly.
Corrupted Beastman: Did you just say Heldt...?
The corrupted beastman made an irritated look from Heldt's name.
Heldt: Just hurry and get out of here!
Corrupted Beastman: ...Kuh!
The corrupted beastman that was observing Heldt ran out of here at full speed.
(Wow... To think that it could run that quickly.)
As I was surprised, the soldiers ran over here.
Soldier 1: Heldt-sama!
Soldier 2: Thank goodness... You're all right!
Heldt: Sorry about that. A dream eater got me.
Just as Heldt put the gun on his back again...
Heldt: But, the Traumerei Princess saved me.
After saying that, he patted my back and I became the center of the soldiers' attention.
///Choices///
- I'm glad that you're all okay (☼)
MC: I'm glad that you're all okay.
When I said that to the soldiers, Heldt smiled happily.
Heldt: Everyone here fights with their lives in this kingdom. But... I'd rather not have anyone die.
- Is everyone okay? (☽)
MC: Is everyone okay?
When I asked that to the soldiers worriedly, Heldt smiled brightly.
Heldt: Don't worry about it. The soldiers in my kingdom are strong. Right, guys!
The soldiers raised their voices as a response to his words.
Heldt: It's good that everyone is all right.
///Choices///
Soldier 1: Traumerei Princess, thank you so much for saving Heldt-sama.
Soldier 2: We've been searching for Heldt-sama this whole time when he went missing.
Soldier 3: Heldt-sama, it's good that you're all right...
Heldt: ...Sorry for making you all worried.
Each of the soldiers kneeled before Heldt with tears streaming down their faces as they were overcome with emotions.
(They all look so happy.)
As Heldt talked to the soldiers one at a time, he thanked them for their efforts.
(Even though we've only just met, it feels like I know him well somehow. The reason why Heldt is idolized by everyone...)
As I was struck by the heartwarming scene, my gaze suddenly met with Heldt's.
Heldt: It's thanks to you that I was able to meet up with everyone like this. Let me show you my appreciation. I'll take you to my castle!
When he turned over his red cloak, he held out his hand straight towards me. As if I was drawn to it, I held that large hand...
Chapter 3 - Departing to Besmaar*
T/N: Vim's kingdom
As the window was wide open, the refreshing scent of greenery blew in... One day after a few days have passed since I've arrived at the castle of Vealoth.
MC: Eh...? You're going to Besmaar?
Heldt: Yeah. I'll be going as a messenger.
Besmaar is a kingdom that's adjoined to this one and has beastmen residing there... They're also hostile towards the corrupted beastmen. It seems like those who have parted from the kingdom are called corrupted beastmen because they want to rule over humans with their abnormal strength.
MC: But, why so suddenly?
Heldt: It's not that sudden, but...
After Heldt drank some tea, he turned towards me.
Heldt: You know that there's been an increase of dream eaters here lately, right? Also, the corrupted beastmen have been taking advantage of that and are being active. So, I want to talk about making an official pact with Besmaar.
He sounded calm as he said that, but I felt his strong determination.
MC: I see... If you join forces with the neighboring kingdom, you'll become stronger.
Heldt: Also, it's because they don't know what to do about the corrupted beastmen either. Except...
As Heldt said that, his expression clouded up.
MC: ?
Heldt: We've tried negotiating with them many times up till now. But, they turn us down.
MC: Really?
Heldt: Yeah. Since they're the same beastmen, a lot of them want to fulfill their duties without our help... The prince of Besmaar... Especially Vim, he refuses our help.
I remember how Prince Vim distances himself from people.
Heldt: So, since we couldn't come to a settlement with a letter, I thought that I should go there directly to pursue them.
(Heldt going there personally as a prince...)
As I was impressed by his ability to take action, he drank his tea in one gulp.
Heldt: I should talk to them properly face to face, but do you think my feelings will get through to them?
His straightforward personality struck my heart.
(Come to think of it, meeting with Heldt might change their minds.)
MC: Maybe. But, isn't anyone from the castle coming along with you?
Heldt: No, it'll just be me.
MC: Eh...
I became speechless from that unexpected response.
(To think that he's going to go through the forest of corrupted beastmen by himself...)
Heldt: I'll be okay! I'm strong, don't you know that?
When he said that cheerfully, I...
///Choices///
- But, I'm worried (☽)
MC: ...But, being by yourself, that makes me worried.
Heldt: Hey now, don't talk like that while making that kind of face.
He said that as he smiled brightly.
- I guess so (☼)
MC: Yeah... I guess so.
Heldt: I'm the prince of Vealoth. I can protect myself. I won't mess up.
The side of his dignified face looked bright.
///Choices///
Heldt: I can't bring along the soldiers that vowed to protect the castle since moving in a large crowd would attract attention.
Even though Heldt said that as if it was nothing, remembering the rampaging corrupted beastman must make him uneasy.
(Heldt...)
MC: In that case... I want to go too.
Heldt: Eh...?
His eyes widened in surprise.
MC: If you're going to go against the dream eaters, then I think I'll be of some help...
Heldt: Well, I guess, but... You'll be walking on something that's like an animal trail.
As he was perplexed, he folded his arms.
MC: I can't?
Heldt: ...It's going to be a long journey than you think. Are you going to be okay with that?
(A long journey...)
///Choices///
- Yeah, I'll be fine (☼)
MC: Yeah, I'll be fine.
Heldt: Smiling happily like that.
- Will I be a bother if I go with you? (☽)
MC: Will I be a bother if I go with you?
Heldt: No, that's not what I meant.
///Choices///
Heldt looked at me silently for a short while.
Heldt: ...
(Does this mean I can't?)
The moment I was about to give up...
Heldt: ...Okay. Since you really want to. Also, it might be a fun journey if I take you along.
When I looked up, my gaze met with his gentle eyes.
Heldt: If something happens, I'll save you.
As he looked at me strongly, my cheeks became warm.
MC: T-Thank you. But, I'll do my best not to be a burden to you.
Heldt: Haha... You're so reliable.
I looked at him as he was enveloped in the bright light that was shining in from the window.
(I don't want Heldt to be put in danger by himself.)
We quickly headed off to Besmaar...
......
A few hours later... We were walking on a path that had thick trees in the way.
Heldt: Watch your step.
As I was walking with ease, Heldt pushed away the trees to make a path for me.
MC: Sorry, despite that I said that I wouldn't cause any trouble.
Heldt: ...
Heldt, who was walking ahead of me, came next to me and placed his hand on my shoulder.
Heldt: What are you saying? You're a huge help to me. The dream eaters don't feel like a threat somehow. Also...
Just as he said that, he became silent.
MC: Heldt?
When he looked like he was thinking about something for a short while...
Heldt: MC, I'm going to show you something good.
MC: Eh?
When he turned around and walked, I hurriedly followed him from behind...
Chapter 4 - Words of a Vow
The various colorful flowers swayed from the wind... Heldt took me to a beautiful flower field that was near the forest.
MC: Pretty...
Heldt: Right? This is my favorite spot.
Enticed by the flower's nectar, a blue-winged butterfly happily flew.
///Choices///
- It's just like you (☽)
MC: It's just like you.
Heldt: Hmm? Haha, I didn't think that you would say that.
Heldt sighed and looked at the flower field.
- It's such a nice place (☼)
MC: It's such a nice place.
Heldt: Yeah. When I'm here, I clear out my mind to make my exhaustion go away.
After saying that, he took a deep breath.
///Choices///
Heldt: ...I. A long time ago, I fought a corrupted beastman at this flower field.
MC: Eh?
He looked at me as he remembered that time.
Heldt: At that time, I didn't like gun practice. I would sneak out of the castle and come here to play frequently.
MC: You did...?
Heldt: Yeah. It was just as peaceful as ever back then, but... I hated fighting. This red color was like blood to me... So, I didn't like it that much.
As he was looking at the drifting clouds, he hid the side of his face with his red hood.
Heldt: The person that saved me from the corrupted beastman was a traveling hunter.
I listened closely to his words.
Heldt: Ever since then. I wanted to be like that person to protect people.
While gritting his teeth, Heldt clenched his own hand.
Heldt: "What's needed is the strength to protect, not the strength to kill"... That's what I've been told. At that time, I've realized the significance this red color holds for the first time.
MC: Significance...?
Heldt: I wear this red color. It's a really special color in this kingdom. Long ago, the first person that took down a corrupted beastman wore it. Since then, it became something that was used to protect this kingdom... In other words, only royals are allowed to wear it.
After Heldt said that proudly, he softly touched the red cloak on him.
(To think that it had such important significance...)
MC: I think it suits you, Heldt. That red color.
Heldt: I still got a long way to go.
Heldt turned his gaze from the sky to me.
Heldt: ...To be honest, I thought princesses are more helpless.
MC: ...Eh?
Heldt: So, I thought it'd be obvious for me to protect you, but...
MC: But...?
When he combed up his bangs, he made a carefree smile.
Heldt: You wanting to be with me... That's the first time a princess has said something like that to me.
MC: Was that... strange?
Heldt: It made me happy. Also... I didn't expect that to make my heart race a little.
MC: ...!
(That's...?)
As I thought about the meaning behind his words, Heldt politely went down on one knee in front of me.
MC: !
When he looked up at me, his eyes shined clearly.
Heldt: ...To the brave and kind princess, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
(Heldt...?)
That beautiful gesture made me remember the prince from a fairytale that I read when I was little. As he gave me a serious look that was different from the one before, he continued speaking...
Heldt: Until this journey ends, I'll protect you no matter what. I swear it, in the name of the holy red of Vealoth.
After he said that, he held my hand and softly kissed it.
MC: ...!
His warmth ran up from the top of my hand to my entire body and made me feel hot.
MC: ...Okay.
The sweet scent of the flowers made my heartbeat faster...
Chapter 5 - An Unsettling Feeling
The next day... After we rested in a village near the border of Besmaar, we moved forward in the forest today as well.
(It's a good thing that the weather is nice.)
The sunlight was softly shining on the trees in the forest.
(With the weather like this, we'll reach Besmaar in no time.)
Heldt: ...Hmm?
Suddenly, Heldt stood in front of me as if he was defending me.
MC: Is something wrong?
He cautiously looked around and spoke.
Heldt: Yeah. Somehow, I feel like something's watching us...
///Choices///
- Hide near Heldt (☼)
I immediately hid near Heldt.
Heldt: ...Don't move from there.
As he hid his presence by being quiet, he carefully watched his surroundings.
- Look around (☽)
After Heldt said that, I looked around...
Heldt: ...Be careful.
He steadied his breathing as he cautiously looked around.
///Choices///
Then...
MC: !
From the shadow of a tree, something jumped out.
Heldt: ...It's a wild rabbit.
When the wild rabbit ran into the forest, Heldt lightly sighed.
Heldt: Sorry. Looks like it was just my imagination.
MC: I guess so.
The moment we became relieved, we smiled at each other.
Heldt: Haha! I'm probably nervous because I told you that I would protect you while acting all cool yesterday.
After saying that, Heldt started walking. I followed him from behind, but...
-Flashback-
Heldt: Until this journey ends, I'll protect you no matter what.
-Flashback-
(Remembering that... makes my heart race.)
To calm down my loud heartbeat, I touched the top of my hand that he kissed...
......
After that, we continued walking in the forest for a while and the moment we saw the red sky from the gaps of the trees.
Heldt: Once we leave the village up ahead, we'll reach Besmaar castle after a little while.
Thanks to Heldt's directions, we didn't get attacked by any corrupted beastmen this whole time.
Heldt: After we take a break in the village, we'll head straight to Besmaar castle.
MC: Okay.
The moment we walked towards the village...
??: Kyaaaah!
We stopped when we heard a shriek.
MC: Heldt!? Just now...
Heldt: It came from the village!
We looked at each other and ran towards the village...
......
Once we quickly ran to the village, there were corrupted beastmen going on a rampage.
MC: ...!!
People's homes were destroyed and a few people were being pinned down.
Heldt: You bastards...!!
Heldt quickly readied his gun and shot at the corrupted beastmen. The corrupted beastmen fell one after another from the bullets, but...
??: You finally arrived, Prince of Vealoth.
Coming out from hiding, a remarkably large corrupted beastman appeared. The moment he saw him, Heldt gasped loudly.
Heldt: You're... Stahl!?
MC: Eh...?
Heldt: He's the boss of the corrupted beastmen that's been rampaging lately.
Stahl: Oh, you seem to have brought along a pretty cute soldier.
Heldt: ...
When Heldt readied his gun to protect me, he whispered in my ear.
Heldt: Listen well... MC. I want you to go on ahead to Besmaar castle.
MC: That's...
While making a tense expression, Heldt took a glance to the side.
Heldt: ...Take that path. Let it be a blind spot to get away from the corrupted beastmen right now. I'll hold the corrupted beastmen back here. Once you arrive at the castle, let someone know about this.
MC: But.
Stahl and the corrupted beastmen started grinning as they looked at us mockingly.
(Leaving Heldt in a situation like this...)
Heldt: Stahl is strong. Also, with just us here... Do you understand what I'm saying?
MC: ...!
(If I'm here, I'll be a burden to Heldt...)
Heldt: Come on, don't make that face.
When his stiff expression softened up, Heldt looked at me gently.
Heldt: I may be saying this just to look good. Even though it might be scary to be by yourself, I'll follow after you. So... Please.
Fire was increasing from the destroyed buildings.
(This isn't the time to be worried. Also... I need to trust Heldt.)
When I looked at the villagers escaping from the raging flames, I returned a nod to him...
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