Hikage - Prince of Hourai - Main Story

Hikage - Prince of Hourai - Main Story

Chapter 1 - A Sunlike Smile

Kingdom of Four Seasons, Hourai, July... 

As the town was overflowing with people dancing all over the place for the festival, it was noisy with the sounds of taiko drums and a flute. With the entire town being lively as I was looking around... 

Hikage: Hey, you finally came!

I recognized the person that came running from the circle of people that were dancing joyfully to the beat of the music. 

MC: Hikage-san!

(The prince of the Kingdom of Four Seasons... The person that's cheerful and passionate like the sun in the middle of summer.) 

I came to this kingdom because he invited me to it's biggest festival for awakening him the other day. 

MC: Hikage-san, thank you for inviting me here. 

Hikage: Yeah... There's no need to be all stiff. Aside from that, isn't it amazing how lively it is!? 

MC: Yes, everyone seems to be really enjoying themselves. 

As the sweat on Hikage-san's well-trained body shined underneath the sun, he smiled as he spoke. 

Hikage: Since you woke me up, let's pump things up more than usual!

Dancing Man 1: Of course, Hikage-san!

Dancing Man 2: How can you not enjoy a festival at a time like this, you even called over such a cute girl!

MC: Eh... 

My eyes widened from what the young man said. 

Hikage: You idiots, don't embarrass her.

Dancing Man 2: Haha, sorry, Hikage-san!

Hikage: Alright, don't worry about what those guys said and just enjoy yourself as well. 

MC: Okay... Eh!? 

When he strongly pulled my hand, I joined the dancing ring without knowing my way around. Even so, the people of this kingdom were all so composed... As I was surrounded by close smiles, I was enjoying the unusually carefree festival. Then... 

MC: How pretty... 

Hikage: Yeah, a flashy climax on the first day is suitable. But, the festival is still just starting, so you should enjoy it to your heart's content as well. The festival will be going on for 10 days after all!

As I was very excited about what was going to happen from here on, I nodded by instinct towards his sunlike smile...

Chapter 2 - Summer Night

The flames of the dazzling flared up bonfire swayed more than several people. As I was captivated by those magical flames, it was hard to believe that all the active noise that happened here up till now has become silent. 

(...Eh?) 

When I looked around, a man and woman entered my vision... As they were whispering lovingly to each other out in the open, they touched each other at a close distance as if they were confirming their existences. 

MC: ...

(Is it because of the festival...? Or is this how this kingdom is like usually...) 

Perplexed about what I was looking at, I shrunk down... 

Hikage: ...Hey, you okay? 

MC: Eh? 

I... 

///Choices///

- What do you mean? (☼)

MC: W-What do you mean? 

Hikage: Don't what me. You're the one who's acting strange. 

MC: ...

- ...Yes (☽)

MC: ...Y-Yes!

Hikage: ...You don't look okay.

MC: Eh? 

When I looked up at Hikage-san, he crossed his legs and hung his head down as he brushed up his bangs. 

///Choices///

Hikage: Seems like you're a late bloomer in romance no matter how you look at it, want to head back to the castle? 

MC: The castle... Eh? 

Hikage: What are you surprised for? I told you that I'll lend you a room earlier...

MC: Ah... That's right.

As I was putting up a smile, Hikage-san hummed. 

Hikage: Well, if you're okay with trying that sort of thing with me... I don't mind. 

MC: ...

As he looked at me strongly, his lips turned into a broad smile. Then, just as his fingertips were about to reach out to me... 

MC: U-Um, I. 

I looked at Hikage-san's eyes as the bonfire shined on them. 

(Pretty...) 

As various colorful lights were being reflected in them every now and then, I got attracted to the beauty of those incomparable colors. 

Hikage: Dummy, I was only joking. 

MC: A joke...!? 

Hikage: Of course, if I were serious, I wouldn't be this vague. 

When Hikage-san diverted his gaze, he looked at the flames that were rising in the darkness. Although, as the red flames shined on the side of his face, he looked sad somehow...

(I wonder what he's thinking of...) 

His expression left a slightly small crack in my heart...

Chapter 3 - Like a Calm Sea

The sun in the clear sky was shining brightly today as well. 

(So hot...) 

Ever since I enjoyed the festival with Hikage-san on the first day, many days went by quickly. From what I've seen in the summer festival, I became completely attracted to the overflowing exotic atmosphere of this kingdom, but... 

(Hikage-san, he must've gone out with the townspeople today as well.) 

Due to Hikage-san's caring personality, he would disappear from the castle with the people that idolize him without anyone noticing. 

(But, a special festival is happening at the ocean this afternoon, so I wonder if we'll see each other.) 

I told Hikage-san's father that I wanted to attend the festival as a guest. 

(I should get going soon.) 

......

The festival that was taking place at the beach had a completely different sacredness to it as the shrine maidens were offering prayers to the sea. Just as the ceremony was finally complete after nearly an hour, while Hikage-san was beside me, his father appeared. 

Hikage's Father: Hikage, you seem to be hanging out with the young men as usual. 

Hikage: Huh? What's with you, old man, it's no big deal. 

Hikage's Father: Sorry for saying that, it's just that I'm worried that there hasn't been a single rumor about you despite your age... 

When his father looked at me, he smiled as he placed his hand on his beard. 

Hikage's Father: ...Have you finally fallen in love at first sight with a single woman? 

MC: ...? 

Then, before he could explain it to me, Hikage-san got up...

Hikage: Not at all! Old man, you're seriously being a bother, shoo!

Hikage's Father: Hikage! Using that kind of language again-

Hikage: Hey, let's go already!

Before I could get surprised from what he said so rudely, Hikage-san pulled my hand... 

///Choices///

- Didn't you say too much... (☽)

MC: Um, don't you think that you said too much just now... 

Hikage: Huh!? What's the point in you worrying about my old man!

When his eyes made a sharp glare, I withdrew my words. 

- Please wait (☼)

MC: P-Please wait. 

Hikage: Shut it, the ceremony has already ended and it has already turned into such a stiff place!

MC: O-Okay. 

///Choices///

Without turning towards his father, Hikage-san took me away from that area with big steps. 

Just as we walked further away from the beach, Hikage-san stopped once we arrived at a prairie. 

Hikage: ...

(Hikage-san?) 

When I looked at Hikage-san, there was a slightly uneasy look in his blunt gaze. 

MC: ...Is something wrong? 

Hikage: Sorry. For giving you the wrong idea about me. 

MC: N-No. I'm okay. More importantly, your father...? 

Hikage: It's no big deal, I know that my old man didn't mean any harm, but... 

Just as Hikage-san made an intense look as he said that, he casted his eyes down for a while. Then... 

Hikage: Ah, geez, what a pain!

When he sat down in place, he stared at the path that we took with a distant look. 

Hikage: I'm so crazy about the things that I want to do now, what's wrong with that... Those guys look up to me, so I want to respond to their feelings by taking care of them... Isn't that a good thing? 

As the strong sunlight was being blocked by some clouds that were passing by, the shadows that were falling from the sky shaded Hikage-san's face. 

(This is the first time... I've seen Hikage-san make this kind of face. Come to think of it, he looked a little sad on the first day of the festival...) 

When I became curious... 

///Choices///

- Did something happen? (☼)

MC: Did something happen? 

Hikage: Huh, why? 

As Hikage-san widened his eyes, he looked at me strangely. 

MC: Somehow, you look so sad... 

- Please cheer up (☽)

MC: Hikage-san... Please cheer up. 

Hikage: ?

Hikage-san tilted his head to the side when I said that. 

MC: U-Um... If there's something troubling you. I would like you to talk to me if you're okay with that. 

Hikage: Why are you giving me counseling as soon as we meet? 

MC: ...

Hikage: ...Odd girl. 

///Choices///

Hikage-san narrowed his eyes amusedly. Although, those eyes looked unusually peaceful like a calm sea. 

Hikage: You don't need to hear me out, but... I... 

Just as Hikage-san murmured that, he looked up at the sun that was hidden behind the clouds in the sky as he spoke...

Chapter 4 - Going Together

As the clear sky suddenly became covered with clouds, the sunlight that was shining down became faint. 

While looking up at the sky, Hikage-san softly spoke. 

Hikage: I... Ever since I was little, my straightforward thinking would make me oblivious to what's happening around me. So, I want to be a good person and become stronger... But, as you can see, I'm only human. I'm not good at lying nor flattery, so despite my good intentions, I always end up hurting people... 

MC: You mean girls...? 

Hikage: No, girls are restricted and must accompany the children... My old man was probably the same and wasn't that honest either. 

Hikage-san continued talking as he scratched his head in embarrassment. 

Hikage: I'm kind of bad with girls though. Since they seem so small and fragile... They're kind of cute. So, if someone like me has fallen in love for real, I might break them... That's what scares me. 

(So, that's what he thinks...) 

That unexpected side of his made my heart tightened. I... 

///Choices///

- That's just like you (☽)

MC: That's just like you, Hikage-san. 

Hikage: You... Was that a compliment? 

- That's not true (☼)

MC: I don't think that's true. 

Hikage: Why? 

MC: Because all the townspeople seem to like you, Hikage-san. 

///Choices///

As Hikage-san raised a brow, he made a coughing sound. 

MC: ...?

(Did I say something funny?) 

Hikage: What's with you? But... I guess so, I know that I can be a good person. So, once again, let's get along, MC. 

(Ah...) 

Hikage-san extended his arm that was tanned by the sun. 

MC: Let's get along. 

I happily smiled and held his robust hand. 

Hikage: Yeah!

MC: ...

When he pulled my arm strongly, he grabbed my shoulders. Just as my cheeks suddenly became warm, I looked up at him...

(His usual smile is back...) 

Just as the clouds in the sky suddenly disappeared, the summer sunlight shined on Hikage-san. 

Hikage: Let's go around the festival again. The fireworks finale on the last day are especially beautiful. Also... 

MC: ...? 

Hikage: You know what, never mind. 

When Hikage-san's eyes met with mine, he showed a toothy grin to dodge the question. As the sunlight showed itself once more, it made the area shine brightly even more... 

Chapter 5 - Teru Teru Bozo

Since that day... Whenever Hikage-san makes an appearance in the festival, he would become surrounded by the people that support him. He would sometimes wave his hand and talk to his friends as the two of us went around the festival. 

(Being with Hikage-san gives me a cheerful feeling. Since the last day of the festival is going to be the day after tomorrow, I'm looking forward to it...) 

Although, the next day... 

Hourai got hit by a storm that comes every few years. When it became noon as it has been downpouring since this morning, the thunderstorm became stronger.

Hikage: The rain isn't stopping... At this rate, the festival finale this year is going to get cancelled...

As we were watching the rain from the castle window, we sighed. 

(We even promised to go around together on the last day...) 

It seems like the people in the Hourai Kingdom have lost most of their lives in storms up till now. In the afternoon, an exorcist offered a prayer to the storm out of fear and respect. Although, the rain only became stronger...

Hikage: ...

Even the people in the castle have become completely disheartened like Hikage-san. I... 

///Choices///

- I'm sure that it'll stop (☽)

MC: I'm sure that it'll stop. 

Hikage: That'll be nice, but... 

- Looks like the rain isn't going to stop (☼)

MC: Looks like the rain isn't going to stop. 

Hikage: Yeah... Even though you came all the way here, this is just bad timing. 

///Choices///

As he still had a gloomy look on his face, I thought about something I could do... 

(I know...) 

MC: Let's make some teru teru bozo. 

Hikage: ...What's that? Some kind of exorcism from Traumerei? 

MC: Uh... Not exactly, but they're dolls made of white cloth that you can hang up near the window. It's a way to pray for rain to stop. 

When Hikage-san prepared the tools that I requested, I tried making one as practice in front of him. 

Hikage: Hmm... You're good at this. 

After that, Hikage-san tried making a teru teru bozo by copying what I just showed him. The one that Hikage-san made had a crooked shape, but it had his cheerfulness and it looked like it was making a happy expression. 

Hikage: The rain is a disappointment, but this sort of thing isn't bad!

When we hung them up by the window, we looked at them while smiling. 

MC: After this... I can't say that it'll really clear up. 

The two of us looked at the sky that was roaring with the sound of thunder. 

Hikage: ...I'm sure that it'll stop! We made this many teru teru bozos after all!

With a cheerful grin, he patted my shoulder. Looking at that smile somehow gave me a ticklish feeling. Then... 

(Whether the rain stops or not, I have to leave once the festival ends...) 

The moment I thought of that, my heart tightened. As the rain was still going strong and wasn't weakening outside, it continued to pour down...

Sun End

Moon End