Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Inami - Prince of Kuyou - Main Story
Chapter 1 - Meeting in the Sun
Calendar Kingdom, Kuyou, January...
In the middle of a quiet forest at noon, a single prince woke up from within a bright light.
??: Mm... Huh? I... Ah, that's right. The dream eaters got me...
As his jade eyes slowly blinked, the man that just woke up stretched while sitting.
MC: Are you okay?
When I asked that, he turned towards me.
??: Could it be that you saved me? Which means... You're the Traumerei Princess?
MC: Yes. My name is MC.
After I introduced myself, he smiled with a nod.
Inami: That's a cute name. I'm the prince of the Ox Clan in the Calendar Kingdom, Inami. Thank you for saving me.
His natural smile made me smile as well.
MC: Inami-san, I see. Nice to meet you.
Inami: Just Inami is fine. MC-chan.
MC: Then... Inami-kun.
When I addressed him like that... Inami-kun lightly smiled.
Inami: Yeah. Let's get along from here on.
As he said that, he extended his hand and lightly caressed my cheek. His large warm hand naturally reassured me...
(It's strange, even though we've just met.)
For some reason, being with Inami-kun made me feel at ease. The air around him that was like a serene sunny spot warmed me up...
Chapter 2 - A Beautiful Smile
A gentle breeze softly made Inami-san's bangs sway...
Inami: MC-chan, let's go to the castle together. I want to thank you properly.
After saying that, Inami-kun got up carefreely. I looked up at him as I was surprised that he was taller than I thought due to his looks.
MC: But, won't I be intruding?
Inami: You won't be intruding as a benefactor. Also... Since this is a rare meeting, I want to get to know you a bit more.
(Eh...)
His beautiful smile made me speechless.
Inami: But, if it's a bother to you, don't force yourself.
MC: No, I'm not bothered...
When I frantically denied that, Inami-kun sighed in relief.
Inami: That's good. Then, let's hurry, I'll take you to the castle. Ah, but... Sorry. Wait for a bit.
Just as Inami-kun furrowed his brow, he showed a troubled look to me.
MC: Um...?
Inami: No... Even though you're a girl, I thought that it would be okay. My castle, it's pretty much in the countryside and a little far.
MC: Just how far is it?
When I asked that, Inami-kun slightly tilted his head to the side.
Inami: With my feet, it would take about half a day.
(Half a day!? That might be impossible...)
Inami: I like walking, so it doesn't bother me, but... I might be a little hard for a girl. If we walk, will you be okay if we took a break along the way?
When he looked at my face, I blinked uneasily.
MC: But, won't it become late by the time we'll get there?
(The people in the castle must be worried about Inami-kun...)
Inami-kun smiled as if he was not worried about what I said.
Inami: It'll be fine. Well then, shall we go while taking our time?
Inami-kun's calm smile made my shoulders go weak.
(Inami-kun is kind of easy to talk to... Talking to him gives me reassurance.)
No longer holding back my guilt, I lightly nodded.
MC: Then, I'll be in your care.
Then, just as we were about to start walking, Inami-kun turned towards me and held out his hand to me.
Inami: That's right, how about you hand me your stuff?
When I looked at his hand that was held out and my own things, I...
///Choices///
- Thank you (☼)
MC: Uh... Thank you.
When I thanked him, I felt troubled from how nice he's been despite that it's our first meeting. Just as our gazes met, Inami-kun bent down.
Inami: It's far, so you're going to get tired.
- I can carry it myself (☽)
MC: No need, I can carry it myself.
My stuff wasn't a big deal, so I shook my head with a smile. Inami-kun smiled troubledly again from that.
Inami: That's not what I meant, aren't you tired?
///Choices///
Inami: You're a girl, so you should leave this sort of thing to a man.
As I was unsure on how to respond to those smooth words, my cheeks became slightly warm.
Inami: Also, speaking politely is embarrassing.
When Inami-kun said that, he took my things smoothly.
MC: Ah...
Inami: Now then, shall we go?
MC: ...Thanks, Inami-kun.
After I said that casually, Inami-kun held out his large hand.
Inami: Yeah. You're welcome.
He gently petted my head.
(This is the second time...)
His warm hand that was petting me made me feel ticklish... While standing next to him, I started walking in the forest as well...
Chapter 3 - His Way
After a while since we set off to Inami-kun's castle... Before we knew it, the sun was approaching the horizon as the sky was turning orange.
Inami: MC-chan, you must be tired. Shall we take a little break?
MC: No. I'm still okay.
Inami: Really?
Inami-kun would sometimes talk to me like this. When I acclaimed that, I started to feel tired.
(Inami-kun is so kind.)
MC: Sorry. I'm walking slower than you...
Inami: No, not at all.
Despite that short response... That calm voice of his made it feel like he was saying his true thoughts. Just as I was about to thank him...
Inami: Ah... Look over there.
MC: Eh?
Inami: If we go across this river, we'll get there a bit more sooner. Can you endure it for a little while longer?
MC: Ah... Sure!
While walking towards the upper stream on the wide riverside, I tilted my head to the side.
(Go across the river... Just where though?)
Inami: If we're going to do this, that should be nearly complete soon.
When I followed Inami-kun's gaze, there was a bridge that was still in the middle of construction.
MC: You mean that bridge?
Inami: Yeah. With the hope of everyone in this kingdom, it's being made right now.
While looking at the bridge that's being built, Inami-kun spoke calmly.
Inami: We could've taken another bridge that's pretty far from here, but wouldn't it be troubling to take a roundabout way just to cross the river? I don't want it to be such an inconvenience to everyone. I want to associate with each of everyone's voices to make this a peaceful kingdom to live in.
I looked at the side of his face that had a strong determination on it.
(...Even though I thought that he was someone with a warm atmosphere around him.)
As I felt his wholehearted thoughts for everyone in the kingdom, I...
///Choices///
- How unexpected (☽)
MC: That's kind of unexpected.
When I murmured that without thinking, Inami-kun lightly smiled.
Inami: What do you mean?
MC: Ah, it's nothing bad or anything, it's just that...
- Everyone must be happy (☼)
MC: Everyone must be happy from you thinking like that, Inami-kun.
When I said that honestly, Inami-kun became bashful.
Inami: You don't need to exaggerate like that.
MC: No, I'm not. I really think that.
///Choices///
MC: The way you think of everyone so dearly got through to me.
Inami: ...I see.
When his big eyes softly narrowed, the next moment... He suddenly held my hands and led my arms around his neck. Then...
(Eh...?)
He placed his hands beneath my legs and easily picked me up.
MC: ! Inami-kun...!?
As he was carrying me, our faces were so close to touching.
Inami: This river, you're not used to it, so crossing it may be difficult for you. Hold on tight, so that you won't fall.
MC: ...
When Inami-kun nimbly stepped on a huge rock, he crossed the river safely. I couldn't tell if my heart was noisy from fear or from his robust arms...
Inami: Just a little bit more...
Before I could respond, Inami-kun quickly descended to the other shore in just a moment. As he was walking while holding me, I spoke to him frantically.
MC: Inami-kun, thank you. Um... I'm good now.
Inami: You think so?
When he softly puts me down on the ground, my heart was still beating fast...
Inami: But, you must be tired. You've already walked a lot.
After he mentioned that for the first time, I realized that I was shaking as I forgot how tired I was. When I looked up at him, I...
///Choices///
- Sorry for making you worry (☽)
MC: No. Sorry for making you worry.
Inami: Don't worry about it. Isn't it a man's duty to help a woman?
When he said that as if it was obvious, my cheeks became warm.
- I'm okay (☼)
MC: I'm okay. Because you were taking me into consideration.
Inami: Really? Then, that's fine.
When he looked at me with a gentle smile, my heartbeat became faster.
///Choices///
(It's because he picked me up so suddenly like that...)
Inami: MC-chan, what's wrong?
MC: ...
When he looked at my face, my heart throbbed loudly from how close he was. As I was trying to ease my shaking, I quickly searched for another topic.
MC: Sorry, I was just surprised. I didn't think that I would cross the river so easily like that.
Inami-kun looked down at his own feet from my words.
Inami: Yeah. It's because I trained my feet.
MC: Feet?
As I tilted my head to the side, Inami-kun's mouth curved up...
Inami: Ha!
He strongly stepped forward and at the same time, he lightly jumped.
(...!)
Just as I heard the sound of the wind, he turned his foot and skillfully landed on the ground.
(Wow...!)
Before I could ask what that move was, Inami-kun stretched himself.
Inami: Ah, I've already showed you enough. It's something that I can do in my household's castle.
Ahead of what he was pointing at was the town that could be seen clearly... I couldn't forget his skillful movements that were etched in my mind...
Chapter 4 - The Prince of the Ox Clan
By the time the stars were twinkling in the indigo sky... When we finally arrived at Inami-kun's castle, I was surprised from how spacious it was.
Servants: Inami-sama, welcome back...!
A large group of servants gathered around Inami-kun and greeted him.
Inami: I'm back. Sorry for making you all worried.
Servant 1: When we heard that you might've been attacked by dream eaters, we really didn't know what to do...
Servant 2: Are you hurt anywhere? Ah! Your foot...
Inamie: Yeah. Thanks, I'm fine.
When Inami-kun showed that area by jumping like before, the servants sighed in relief.
(Come to think of it...)
-Flashback-
Inami: Yeah. It's because I trained my feet.
-Flashback-
MC: Inami-kun, you mentioned that you train your feet... Why?
When I asked that while thinking that it was strange, Inami-kun blinked.
Inami: Ah, that's right. I didn't tell you. There's a dance that the Ox Clan does for generations called kick dancing.
MC: Kick dancing?
I tilted my head to the side from the unfamiliar words.
Inami: As you can see around you, the Calendar Kingdom is pretty rural. A long time ago, there were a lot of rowdy people... If you're not strong, you can't lead the people. Which is why my clan has trained in martial arts for generations, especially in martial arts that uses feet.
MC: I see...
Inami: So, as you can see, I'm pretty strong.
With a grin, he positioned his feet. He showed a flawless move for just a moment.
Inami: Aside from that, kick dancing is used for the praying ceremony too... We present a traditional dance by using our feet.
I finally understood that what he showed at the river earlier was a dance.
///Choices///
- That was cool (☼)
MC: I see... That was cool.
When I said that as I remembered the move from before, Inami-kun gently smiled.
Inami: Thank you.
- Your feet must be important (☽)
MC: So, your feet must be important.
As I was impressed, Inami-kun made a slightly wry smile.
Inami: That's right. If someone else did that, their feet, their feet will... Who knows what'll happen.
MC: That's not what I meant. The dance that you did before was really amazing.
///Choices///
(I'm sure that the dance that he shows is cool.)
When I thought of that, I looked up at him and our gazes met...
Inami: MC-chan.
His gentle smile made my heart skip a beat lightly.
Inami: How long do you want to stay here? You should take your time and make yourself at home.
MC: Eh...
Inami: I want to do that properly as thanks for saving me. Also, I kind of want to get to know you more.
His big eyes stared at me.
MC: Um, then... If I'm not a bother, can I stay here for a few days?
When I nodded while trying to hold back my fast heartbeat, Inami-kun smiled widely.
Inami: Of course. That's fine.
His hand gently petted my head.
(...Could this be Inami-kun's habit?)
When I thought of that, I couldn't hold back my noisy heart anymore... and I looked at his eyes. Then, Inami-kun slightly tilted his head to the side.
Inami: Hm?
MC: N-Nothing... I'll be in your care for a while.
I bowed to avoid him and to hide my red face...
Chapter 5 - Important People
A few days later since I've been staying at Inami-kun's castle... I've been spending time peacefully together with Inami-kun by pounding mochi and visiting the temple.
(Being with Inami-kun is really relaxing and fun.)
When I thought of that while getting up, I was called to where the clan is gathering for the New Year's party.
Inami: MC-chan.
In the crowded area that had a feast of osechi* and alcohol, Inami-kun came over.
T/N: Traditional Japanese New Years food
Inami: Once this is over, want to go out for a bit?
MC: Sure, I'd love to.
When I smiled, I made a second response with a nod...
......
After the New Year's party has started... The two of us walked in town that was vibrant with various colors and talisman ornaments.
Inami: Isn't it pretty crowded? Everyone is so lively.
In the residential town of Kuyou, there were cows going back and forth while busily pulling people and carriages that had piles of bags of rice. Among the mixed atmosphere, everyone was enjoying themselves and were buying various New Years goods.
///Choices///
- It's a nice town (☼)
MC: It's a nice town.
When I said that, Inami-kun made a happy expression.
Inami: Yeah. Thanks.
- It's really lively (☽)
MC: Everyone is really lively. So much energy...
My words made Inami-kun smile somewhat proudly.
Inami: Yeah, that's the value of this town.
///Choices///
As Inami-kun looked at the townspeople with a gentle warm gaze, how he really treasures everyone was conveyed to me.
MC: Inami-kun, you must really love everyone.
Inami: You think so?
MC: You came here because you actually wanted to see how everyone was spending their time... That's what I was thinking from looking at you.
Then, his big eyes widened in surprise... He made the warmest smile that he has ever shown so far.
Inami: ...But, it does seem that way. Even though it's a small town, everyone here is important... Everyone's smiles are what makes me happy.
Just as my eyes were caught by that gentle smile, the next moment...
Inami: Ah, MC-chan.
MC: ...
Suddenly, my hand was pulled and I was brought towards Inami-kun's chest. At the spot where I was just standing at, a carriage passed by vigorously.
Inami: Sorry, it's livelier than I thought.
As Inami-kun made a wry smile, he pulled my hand and led me to the side of the road.
MC: Ah, thank you.
Inami: It's dangerous to be in the middle of the road, so we should be fine walking here.
With our hands connected, I became strangely aware of his warmth that it made my cheeks hot.
MC: ...
Inami: MC-chan? Is something wrong?
As he looked at my face, I became surprised when he suddenly closed the distance between us.
MC: Ah... No, it's nothing.
He petted my head without hesitation while holding my hand... The close distance suddenly made my heart skip a beat.
(I'm sure that Inami-kun isn't worried about it, but...)
Before I knew it, I became aware of my heartbeat being fast from just that, but I have yet to realize the name of that feeling...
Add comment
Comments