Hinoto - Prince of Kuyou - Main Story

Hinoto - Prince of Kuyou - Main Story

Chapter 1 - Reunited Smiles

Right before January, Calendar Kingdom, Kuyou...

After a few days since I arrived in the town of Kuyou, the streets were calming with a sense of nostalgia somehow.

-Flashback-

 

Hinoto: Next time, I would like to spend some time with you again, promise me that, okay? 

 

-Flashback-

(Hinoto-san told me that, but could he be in the castle?) 

I thought about his natural soft smile that he showed from the time I woke him up. Unaware that my heart was pounding, I headed to the castle of Kuyou. 

When I arrived at the entrance of the castle, a tall man ran twoards me once he saw me. 

(That's...) 

Hinoto: I've been waiting, Princess. Thank you for through all the trouble into coming here. I was actually thinking of going to see you myself though... 

MC: I should be thanking you for inviting me. 

As he narrowed his eyes, it felt like the spring sunlight was shining on me. His long fingers held up my hand. 

Hinoto: Yes, it hasn't changed since the first time we've met, your wonderful smile. 

MC: ...

(My heart is pounding loudly...) 

When I slowly looked away from his smile, I searched for the words to describe my feelings. Then, while looking at me, Hinoto-san furrowed his brow troubledly. 

Hinoto: Sorry, I didn't have the time to welcome you when you saved me, so... You can take your time to rest in Kuyou for a while. 

MC: It's okay, you don't need to worry about me. 

Hinoto: No, I won't be satisfied unless I do this. Also... You're my savior, so I've taken an interest in you. 

MC: Eh? 

Hinoto-san placed his lips on the top of my hand. 

The sound of his kiss made my heart skip a beat again. 

Hinoto: ...Okay? 

He looked at me brightly... 

(Somehow, my heart has only been going fast since earlier...)

Hinoto: Well then, shall I give you a tour of the castle first? 

After saying that, he elegantly extended his arm towards my waist... 

 

Chapter 2 - Flowers in Full Bloom

As the warm sunlight was shining on the castle entrance... Hinoto-san smiled after placing a kiss on the top of my hand. 

Hinoto: Well then, shall I give you a tour of the castle first? 

MC: Yes, please. 

Hinoto: Yes, yes, that's a good response, I love honest girls. 

Then, Hinoto-san escorted me to the castle courtyard. 

The beautiful view of the camellia flowers in full bloom in the scenic courtyard captivated me. 

MC: Pretty...

Hinoto: This is about the perfect time for the prideful courtyard. The flowers here bring comfort to people's hearts after all. 

MC: Yes, just looking at them does purify my heart. 

Hinoto: Fufu, that's good. When you smile, my heart feels like it's blooming like a flower. 

As he smiled gently, Hinoto-san reached out towards a beautiful branch. 

Hinoto: Here, it smells really nice. 

When he brought over a pink petal close to my nose, it's sweet scent tickled my nose.

Hinoto: The gardener did a particularly good job this year. 

He looked at the maid that was tending to the plants in a corner of the garden. 

Hinoto: Thank you, it's thanks to you that the flowers look so happy.

Maid: Thank you very much...

When he smiled, the maid blushed and left soon after. 

(Hinoto-san is a kind person like the warm air that surrounds him.) 

Hinoto: Seems like the maid is a shy person. 

He chuckled with a smile as he hid his mouth. Then, soon after, Hinoto-san placed his elbow on top of the table and turned towards me. 

Hinoto: Now then, without any delays... I want to spend this special time together with just the two of us, but... What do you want to do? 

When he asked me that...

///Choices///

 

- I want to go to town (☽)

MC: I want to look around the town of Kuyou.

Hinoto: What a coincidence, I was thinking about showing you around town just now. 

- I'll leave it to you (☼)

MC: I'll leave it up to you, Hinoto-san. Since I still don't know much about Kuyou. 

Hinoto: Then, how about we walk together for a bit? I've been looking forward to taking my time talking with you. 

 

///Choices///

Hinoto: Isn't the weather nice today?

With his elbow on the table, he placed his hand over mine. His fingers lightly traced my skin... 

MC: Um...

Just as I was about to respond troubledly, a woman with a tense expression approached us. The woman that was holding some documents close to her chest bowed before me and Hinoto-san. 

(This person is...?) 

Hinoto: That's right, this is my outstanding secretary that works hard at her job. 

Secretary: My apologies for interrupting your conversation. 

The female secretary spoke to HInoto-san in a hushed tone. 

Secretary: Regarding the blessing ceremony, the confirmation document needs to be checked. 

Hinoto: Yeah, you should leave that to Kanoe. New Years Eve has already passed after all...

Secretary: Geez... Hinoto-sama! You shouldn't do that. 

Hinoto: Eh... Hmm, fine. 

While looking down disappointedly, Hinoto-san got up. 

Hinoto: Sorry, even though I invited you and all... I have to step out for a bit. Once I return, let's have dinner together. So, will you wait for me? 

MC: ...Sure. 

Hinoto: Good! Well, see you later. 

Secretary: You're troubling the princess with your half-baked promises. 

Hinoto: Isn't it fine to be kind to such a cute girl? 

After sighing, Hinoto-san looked at the secretary as he shrugged his shoulders. 

(Despite what the secretary said, are they close with each other?) 

Feeling the intimate distance between those two, I became a little curious about their relationship... 

 

Chapter 3 - Curious Side

-Flashback-

 

Secretary: Regarding the blessing ceremony, the confirmation document needs to be checked. 

Hinoto: Yeah, you should leave that to Kanoe. New Years Eve has already passed after all...

---

Hinoto: Eh... Hmm, fine. 

 

-Flashback-

Hinoto-san slowly got up. 

Hinoto: Yeah, yeah, I'm going now. 

Secretary: You can just respond once. 

When the woman straightened herself up, she combed up her long hair. 

(Such a pretty woman...) 

Secretary: ...How are you feeling? 

MC: Eh? 

When she looked at me, I came to my senses and searched for a proper way to respond...

///Choices///

 

- There are a lot of women in the castle... (☼)

MC: Well... I was thinking that there are a lot of women in the castle. 

Secretary: Ah, that's because-

Hinoto: Hey, you're going to make me sad if you two are going to ignore me by talking to each other. 

- Have you worked together for a long time? (☽)

MC: Have you worked together for a long time? You two seem to be close. 

Secretary: Really? But, when it comes to women, Hinoto-sama is-

Hinoto: That's right, she's been with me for a long time. 

 

///Choices///

Even when Hinoto-san covered her mouth, the secretary continued speaking softly. 

Secretary: The other royal families of the Calendar Kingdom have a lot of men doing secretarial and gardening duties. Although, in Hinoto-sama's case, there are only women...

MC: ...? 

Secretary: You'll understand once you see the truth. 

After leaving with those meaningful words behind, the secretary headed towards the castle office with Hinoto-san.

......

After a while since then, I heard the bell ringing to notify that it's noon in the castle. 

(Come to think of it, I promised Hinoto-san that we'll be dining together...) 

Up ahead, the secretary was passing by. When I asked her about Hinoto-san's whereabouts, she led me to the office. Although... 

Hinoto: Wasn't this asked for from the start!? Geez... If they're not going to do it, then say so in the beginning. 

(Huh? That voice...) 

The moment I heard that unusually sharp voice from the garden, I became surprised. 

Hinoto: There's not enough people. Even though now's not the time to be saying that. 

(Hinoto-san...?) 

As I was uneasy from him sounding like a different person, the secretary beside me opened the door...

Hinoto: MC...!

Once Hinoto-san saw me at the door, he immediately covered his mouth to silence himself. 

Hinoto: Did you... hear that just now? 

MC: ...Yes. 

(Hinoto-san? The air around him seems completely different than before...) 

Hinoto: ...Looks like it can't be helped, it's pointless to lie. 

After he shrugged his shoulders, he turned towards the musicians with a serious look...

Hinoto: I know what you guys are saying. I'm busy, but I'll think of a simple solution to get more people somehow, so do as you like. 

Hinoto-san looked at the musicians with a stern gaze. 

Hinoto: In return, you need to do a good job... Do you understand what I'm saying? 

After he said that, the musicians left. 

Hinoto: ...

After that, his gaze wandered around as if he was looking for the words to say. 

Hinoto: ...I must've looked scary just now, did I frighten you? ...Are you disappointed?

As there was a sad look in his eyes in front of me, I...

///Choices///

 

- Not at all (☽)

MC: No, not at all. I was just a little surprised. 

Hinoto: That's it? 

- Just a little... (☼)

MC: Just a little...

Hinoto: ...I thought so. 

MC: But, it can't be helped since it's for work. So, I don't mind. 

 

///Choices///

Hinoto-ran raised his face and stared at me fixedly. 

Hinoto: I'm surprised. That was a bit of an unexpected response. 

MC: ...?

At that moment, his eyes that were looking at me didn't have that stern look from just now nor that gentle look that he showed in the garden... 

(To think that Hinoto-san can make a face like this...) 

With his eyes making him look like he was thinking about something deeply, they were like a calm lake surface as they were only looking at me sadly. While I was getting a strange feeling from his gaze, he looked like a different person as he made a smile that was like the spring sunlight. 

Hinoto: What should I do, it'd be nice if I could open up my schedule for today.... So, let's change it again to tomorrow, we'll be able to take our time to talk. 

MC: ...Okay. 

With an indescribable feeling left in my heart, I left the office. 

After leaving the room, the female secretary noticed me and spoke. 

Secretary: My apologies, that must've been uncomfortable for you... Were you surprised? 

MC: No, it seemed like I was the one how interrupted his work. 

Secretary: When Hinoto-sama is dealing with a woman, he's all kind and gentlemanly, but he becomes really harsh when he's with a man... 

MC: Is that so? 

(But, Hinoto-san at that time, he was harsh, but he had a serious look in his eyes...)

I remembered his words and the look he made towards the musicians.

-Flashback-

 

Hinoto: In return, you need to do a good job... Do you understand what I'm saying? 

 

-Flashback-

(Is he kind or strict... No, aside from that, that lonely look from earlier...)

When he made that gentle smile in front of me, he showed his true face for just a bit... I couldn't help, but be curious about that...

 

Chapter 4 - A Lonely Person

-Flashback-

 

Hinoto: In return, you need to do a good job... Do you understand what I'm saying? 

---

Hinoto: I'm surprised. That was a bit of an unexpected response... 

 

-Flashback-

The next day after catching a glimpse of the kind and gentle Hinoto-san's heart... He invited me to have dinner together. 

He took me to a restaurant that had a peaceful and calming atmosphere. 

MC: What a nice restaurant, thank you so much despite how busy you are. 

Hinoto: I'll make as much time as I want for you, I invited you after all. That's what I really wanted to say though, I didn't want to do anything else, but spend time with you. 

When he placed his elbow on the low table, he looked at me as he smiled happily. 

MC: That's...

(He really does act like a kind gentleman when he's with me.) 

As he was looking at me with a smile, I remembered what the secretary told me yesterday.

-Flashback-

 

Secretary: When Hinoto-sama is dealing with a woman, he's all kind and gentlemanly, but he becomes really harsh when he's with a man... 

 

-Flashback-

When I remembered that, I asked Hinoto-san a question.

///Choices///

 

- Come to think of it, yesterday... (☼)

MC: Come to think of it, yesterday...

Hinoto: Hm? You mean about what happened in the office yesterday?

MC: No, I was talking about the pretty secretary. 

- About the secretary... (☽)

MC: Come to think of it, about the secretary... 

Hinoto: The secretary?

 

///Choices///

Hinoto: Ah, are you curious about her? Despite how she looks, she's scary when she's mad... Such a waster despite how beautiful she is, why must she be so short tempered... 

As he said that with a bright expression, it felt like he was treating her like a friend. 

(Could it be that he lets his guard down when he's with her?) 

MC: ...You guys sure get along. 

Hinoto: Eh!? No way!

MC: Eh...

Just as I was feeling sad, his unexpected reaction surprised me. 

Hinoto: Sure, she's not a bad person and I don't hate her. But, a secretary is just a secretary. Well, dealing with male retainers is pretty much different than dealing with women. Also... 

There was a faint distant look in his eyes. 

Hinoto: It's not like I want her by my side all the time... 

MC: ...

(Huh...?) 

-Flashback-

 

Hinoto: I'm surprised. That was a bit of an unexpected response...

 

-Flashback-

(It's that same lonely expression from that time...) 

As he was looking down heartrendingly, I spoke without thinking. 

MC: Um...

Hinoto: ...What? 

His eyes were staring at me... As that odd look in his eyes made my heart tighten, I... 

///Choices///

 

- Are you lonely? (☼)

MC: Hinoto-san, are you lonely? 

Hinoto: ...Even though you're looking at me with such frivolous eyes, you're unexpectedly sharp. 

When he said that as if he got stabbed in a painful spot, he crossed his arms and sighed. 

- Hinoto-san...? (☽)

MC: Hinoto-san...? 

Hinoto: Hm...? Isn't it strange? I feel lonely whenever I don't have someone beside me...

 

///Choices///

Hinoto-san's beautiful hand gently touched my cheek. 

MC: !

The moment the top of his hand caressed my cheek, my heart tightened in pain for some reason. 

(...I wonder why. It seems normal for the cheerful Hinoto-san to be surrounded by people, yet...) 

I remembered the various expression that he's shown up till now. 

(If he's lonely, then I wonder if he's kind to me because he wants to be with me...)

Wanting to know that answer, I looked at him in the eye...

Hinoto: You... The way you're looking straight at me is surprising.

MC: Eh...

Hinoto: I'm happy. This is probably the first time I've had a girl looking at me like this. Look at me with those eyes more... 

With our breaths overlapping with each other, Hinoto-san's face got closer. 

MC: ...

When I turned away without thinking, Hinoto-san's wry smile reached my ear. 

Hinoto: Sorry, I just want to spoil you when I'm with you. Since I've been alone for so long lately. Don't you think I'm pathetic? 

MC: No...

Hinoto: ...But, weren't you lonely when you were alone? 

(Lonely when I was alone...?) 

After I repeated Hinoto-san's words in my mind... 

MC: There were a few times when I felt lonely. But... Just because you weren't by my side doesn't mean that I was alone.

Hinoto: ...?

Just as he removed his hand from my face, one of Hinoto-san's nicely shaped brows went up. 

Hinoto: I don't fully get it, you were alone when I wasn't beside you. Am I wrong? 

MC: That's true, but... 

As I was unable to answer well, a server brought over the food to the room. Just as I was feeling uncomfortable from the silent atmosphere, I sighed in relief. 

Hinoto: I'm sorry for talking about something so pointless... Anyway, how about we enjoy our meal right now? 

MC: I... guess so, otherwise the food will get cold. 

While he was carrying out his gratitude with delicate care, I picked up the chopsticks. Although, aside from the flavors of the food that was set up in front of me...

(Just what is the loneliness that Hinoto-san feels...) 

Thus, I only became curious about Hinoto-san...

 

Chapter 5 - A Special Meaning

One clear day, Hinoto-san and I went to the town of Kuyou. As a thriving atmosphere was drifting through the town, it was overflowing with the people's energy. 

MC: It's so lively and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. 

Hinoto: That's because the yearly divine ritual is approaching. Everyone is getting restless. 

I heard that the Calendar Kingdom, Kuyou, changes clans to watch over the sacred stage in the center each year. During that time, the clan that's chosen out of the 12 royal families carries out a performance as an offering for the praying ceremony. 

Hinoto: The town is crowded with people at this time, so I wanted to show it to you. ...Princess, please take my hand. 

Hinoto-san held his hand out to me respectfully. 

(It's kind of embarrassing... Also, I feel like I'm getting the wrong idea.)

When I held his hand, my heart became noisy as he gracefully showed me around the town that's in full bloom before the divine ritual. 

Hinoto: The sacred stage, where the praying ceremony is going to be carried out, is right across town. The main street here is pretty much the path that leads to the sacred stage... Look. 

When I looked to where he was pointing at...

MC: Pretty... 

On the sacred stage that was on the other side of the ongoing street, it was decorated with unique ornaments and flowers while red and white mochi were put on branches. 

Hinoto: Right? Fufu... Your smile is so natural, it's nice. 

As he gently smiled, his hand caressed my cheek. 

MC: ...

His faint body warmth made my heart throb loudly. 

(Since he treats women politely... He's only being kind to me.) 

Even though his smile was so gentle, it feels like he's only giving me special treatment... 

(He shows this smile to other girls too...) 

When I told myself that, a slight pain ran through my heart. At that moment...

Hinoto: ...You're special to me. 

MC: Eh...? 

As his fingers slid against my cheek, they played with my hair. As it felt like my feelings were getting entangled...

Hinoto: Hey, MC, are you interested in dating me? 

I couldn't bring myself to look at Hinoto-san after that sudden confession. I became completely unaware of the existence of the large crowds or people that were bustling in town. I...

///Choices///

 

- With me...? (☼)

MC: With me...? 

Hinoto: Yes, I want to know more about you. 

- Why? (☽)

MC: Why...?

Hinoto: Hmm... Is it hard unless I give you a favorable reason?

 

///Choices///

(What does Hinoto-san like about me?) 

MC: Really? Even though there's someone out there that's more suitable for you than me... 

Hinoto: There's no one like that.

MC: But... Ah. 

He wrapped his arms around my back and hugged me gently. 

(Even though his secretary seems to be closer to him than me...) 

I recalled what he said the other day. 

-Flashback-

 

Hinoto: It's not like I want her by my side all the time... 

---

Hinoto: ...But, weren't you lonely when you were alone? 

 

-Flashback-

(Hinoto-san probably...) 

MC: Wouldn't you be fine with anyone as long as they're by your side... 

I said my thoughts out loud.

Hinoto: ...

At that moment, his eyes widened in surprise like a child that was being left behind. 

MC: Ah... I'm sorry! I, just now... 

I tried to gloss it over, but Hinoto-san squinted his eyes as he smiled. 

Hinoto: It's fine, don't worry. But, it kind of felt like you stabbed me where it hurts... 

MC: Hinoto-san...

Hinoto: ...Sorry. 

When he looked down after saying that, Hinoto-san lets go of me. Within the unnatural open space, I felt the distance between our hearts. 

Hinoto: I need to cool off my head for a bit, so won't you keep yourself open today? 

MC: ...Okay... 

Without our gazes meeting, he disappeared as he went into the crowd. 

(Was he serious about me...? I just don't understand Hinoto-san...) 

The moment he left, his lonely expression wouldn't leave my mind. I could only hear the noise in the town of Kuyou in my ears...

 

Chapter 6 - Clearing Up the Misunderstanding

As I was looking at a part of the garden from the castle hallway, it was just as beautiful the first time I came to the castle. Although, the same scenery looked dull to me today...

-Flashback-

 

Hinoto: It's fine, don't worry. But, it kind of felt like you stabbed me where it hurts...

 

-Flashback-

(My words ended up hurting him...) 

I couldn't forget that lonely expression that I've never seen him make before. 

(...I need to go apologize to him.) 

I looked for him in the castle. Although, because of the praying ceremony approaching, Hinoto-san was busy, so I was unable to see him. At that moment, I encountered the secretary. 

Secretary: Is something wrong? You don't look so good. 

MC: Ah, I...

When I explained the situation...

Secretary: So, you're worried that you hurt Hinoto-sama... 

MC: ...Yes.

After the secretary kindly listened to me, she smiled widely. 

Secretary: It's true that he always has women by his side, but... He's never held any interest in them, no matter how many of them have spoken to him. Surely, you must be the first one, Princess. 

MC: Eh... Is that true? 

Secretary: Yes. 

She broke into a smile as she chuckled. 

(Then, Hinoto-san was serious about what he told me at that time?) 

-Flashback-

 

Hinoto: Hey, MC, are you interested in dating me? 

 

-Flashback-

When I remembered that, my heart tightened in pain lightly. 

MC: But, you seem to be more special to him than me... 

Secretary: You've misunderstood.

As she smiled, she spoke clearly.

Secretary: I've been Hinoto-sama's friend since we were children. He probably thinks of me as an older sister. Also, despite how I look, I have a child. 

MC: Eh!? 

(Despite how young she is!?) 

As the secretary made an odd smile, she doesn't look like she has a child no matter how I look at her. 

-Flashback-

 

Hinoto: Such a waste despite how beautiful she is, why must she be so short tempered... 

 

-Flashback-

I instantly understood the reason behind their close relationship. 

(I was the only one thinking that they were suitable for each other...) 

MC: Um! I need to go apologize to Hinoto-san right now...

Secretary: I think Hinoto-sama should be coming back from a meeting in town at this time. 

MC: Thank you!

I ran off and immediately headed to town. 

(Hinoto-san's true feelings, I didn't accept them...) 

Overflowing with feelings of regret, I ran to town... 

By the time it became completely dark, I found someone that was about the same height at him.

///Choices///

 

- I'm sorry! (☽)

MC: I'm sorry!

Forgetting about the people around me, I shouted that to Hinoto-san. 

Hinoto: ...Why are you here? 

- Grab his arm (☼)

MC: Hinoto-san!

When I ran up to him and grabbed the hem of his clothes, I looked up at Hinoto-san's face. 

Hinoto: MC...? 

 

///Choices///

He widened his eyes as he turned towards my voice. Although, when he looked away from me soon after, he played with his hair with his slender fingers. 

Hinoto: ...Why did you come here? How troubling... Even though I prepared myself properly. 

MC: Prepared yourself...? 

Hinoto: ...For this conversation. 

MC: ...?

When he made a curt smile vaguely, he spoke again...

 

Sun End

Moon End