Ivan - Prince of Trugville - Moon End

Ivan - Prince of Trugville - Moon End

Chapter 6 - A Sliver of Hope

As the wind was blowing softly, it touched my cheek. I felt a little nervous about Ivan's request...

MC: You don't have to worry about thanking me. Yesterday, you gave me flowers.

Ivan: That wasn't enough to satisfy me. 

When Ivan only simply shook his head, his black hair shined as it swayed greatly. 

Ivan: Tell me what you want. If you have something for me, I'll do it. Like bringing over some chocolate and helping with chores... Anything you like is fine. 

While I was feeling embarrassed, he looked at me earnestly. 

(What should I do... I can't think of anything.) 

Ivan: ... 

When I went through my thoughts, Ivan stared at me silently as he was waiting for me. At that moment... 

(! That person is...) 

A male servant tripped as he was running over here with a pale face. 

MC: What happened!? 

Servant: A dream eater has appeared, so I escaped...! This was the first time I've seen one so big... 

Ivan and I looked at each other after hearing those words that were strongly filled with fear.

(If it wasn't just any ordinary dream eater, then could it be that...) 

Ivan: Adam might have returned!

Just as I was thinking that, Ivan said it before me. A glimmer of hope was showing in his clear eyes... 

Chapter 7 - Following His Presence

As the wind's direction changed, our heartbeats increased... With restless feelings taking hold of me, we asked the man where the dream eater has appeared. 

Ivan: ...The forest. 

MC: It's possible that it attacked someone. Let's go check it out now. 

Ivan: Yeah. If something happens, I'll protect you. 

When I pulled Ivan's hand, we ran as fast as our heartbeats. 

......

As we advanced through the dense forest of overgrown trees, the ominous presence became stronger. 

Ivan: Adam! Adam!

Only streaming water and the loud wind responded to Ivan's desperate shouts...

(What if he's in a situation where he can't respond...) 

As my worries increased, I gripped my ring tightly. At that moment... 

MC: !

A dream eater that blended in with the trees suddenly stood before us slowly. When it went up in the darkness, both of it's eyes were flaring up brightly. 

Ivan: Get behind me!

The moment Ivan placed me behind him, the dream eater flew towards us intensely.

Ivan: I won't let you hurt the Traumerei Princess! Her existence is needed to save Adam!

When Ivan sent out a sharp attack, he cut the dream eater into pieces. 

Ivan: Traumerei Princess, are you all right? 

As Ivan brushed up his disheveled hair, he turned towards me. 

MC: Yes, I'm fine. Are you okay, Ivan? 

Ivan: Yeah. 

MC: That's good... 

When I made a relieved expression, Ivan turned his face away. 

Ivan: I'm fine. You worry too much. 

The side of his curt face clearly showed that he was embarrassed. 

Ivan: More importantly, we need to focus on Adam right now. 

When Ivan's serious face quickly returned, he cautiously looked around the area. 

MC: Yeah. Except, it seems like his presence has disappeared completely. 

(The dream eater just now might have been what Adam left behind before he disappeared. Looks like Adam must have been here...) 

As I felt hope gradually fading away, I lightly sighed. Although... 

Ivan: I'll lead the way. The path is in bad shape. So, don't trip. 

When Ivan held my hand again, he began to move forward into the forest to search for Adam. His hand that was holding mine was cold as I felt his impatience getting stronger. 

(He doesn't want to give up.) 

As I understood how painful those feelings were, I continued walking with Ivan. 

......

When we reached the end of the forest, there was an open area in front of us. 

(A dead end...) 

Instead of anyone else around, there were countless stars twinkling brightly. 

Ivan: Where could he have gone... Adam, your family is here! The family that you want to live together with...! 

The moment Ivan shouted that sadly towards the sky, he went down on his knees. 

MC: Are you okay!? 

Ivan: ...At least respond a little. 

There was a stiff smile on Ivan's pale face. 

(It was because of that battler earlier...) 

Remembering how he was eagerly protecting me made my heart tighten... 

Last Chapter - Understanding Each Other's Feelings

As it felt like I could reach the sparkling bright star particles by stretching out my hand... Ivan and I were sitting next to each other while looking up at the stars that felt like they could fall from the sky at any moment now. 

MC: How are you feeling? 

Ivan: I rested up, so I'm fine now. 

(That's good...) 

Ivan: Although, I was unable to thank you... 

When Ivan sighed, his shoulders dropped in regret. Not wanting him to fret over it, I did my best to smile at him. 

MC: Like I said before, you really don't have to worry about it. I didn't do anything special after all. 

Ivan: That's not true, Traumerei Princess. 

Ivan strongly denied my words and made a serious look. While I was only being escorted by him, I cannot help, but feel perplexed. 

MC: Why would you go that far... 

Ivan: I... I... I've been in pain for so long... Yesterday, what I talked about with you... 

When he tried to get his voice out of his throat, it instantly got carried off by the wind. 

-Flashback-

Ivan: Every time I see Adam starving in pain... I felt guilty. Even though my dream stealing powers are weak, I thought that it would be good enough to hold him down...

-Flashback-

As it felt like Ivan was confessing his sins, there was a warped look on his handsome face. 

Ivan: Still, compared to Adam's pain, I'm not worth worrying about. I don't have the right for something like that. That's why I couldn't tell anyone about that... 

MC: Ivan...

My heart felt like it was being crushed painfully from thinking about the pain that he has continued carrying alone. I held Ivan's hand without thinking and the next moment... 

He pulled my hand first. 

Ivan: ...But, you told me yourself yesterday, right? You said that it wasn't my fault. Aside from being surprised myself, your feelings saved me. 

My heart became enveloped by his gentle voice. 

MC: I'm glad that I was able to be of help to you for a bit. But... I'm sure that's what everyone in your family thinks too. 

Ivan: When I was little, my family considered my feelings when I told them about it. Mom and Dad... But, it's strange. Having fun talking to someone that isn't family. ...Last night, I didn't let go of your hand. It wasn't even that warm. 

As his large hand was holding mine, he reservedly gripped it more. 

Ivan: Thank you, Traumerei Princess. 

From our connected hands, Ivan's gentle warmth was spreading to me...

(That's why he ='s been saying that he wanted to "thank me" this whole time...)

My heart was unable to bear the feelings that were hidden within his words. 

MC: Then, may I request one thing? 

Ivan: Of course. Tell me anything. 

When Ivan happily said that, his expression brightened up. 

MC: I... I want to talk to you like this. 

Ivan: Are you all right with that? You don't need to refrain yourself. 

As his perfectly clear eyes widened, I smiled. 

MC: No, I'm fine with this the most. 

Ivan: ...I see. Since you say so, I'll do that. 

For some strange reason, Ivan and I wouldn't let go of each other's hands no matter what. As our warmth continued to overlap wtih each other, thousands of stars were watching over us. 

MC: They're really pretty. 

Ivan: Adam wanted to see them too during the time he was in this kingdom. 

MC: Even if he didn't get to see them, you can show him the next time you get the chance to do so. 

Ivan: Yeah. I must do what I can to make that happen. 

As Ivan and I looked at each other deeply, we imagined the same bright future. Although... 

Ivan: If that future ever comes, I wonder if you won't be by my side like now. 

When his expression suddenly darkened, my heart became noisy. 

MC: Eh? 

Ivan: You're the "Traumerei Princess", everyone's princess. I knew that. Yet... I... I want to be by your side.

As Ivan looked at me clingingly, our fingers entwined with each other. Those appealing feelings were spreading throughout my entire body from the contact of our skin...

MC: The me that is here right now isn't the "Traumerei Princess"... I'm staying by your side as "me". 

Ivan: As you... Then, let's stay together for a long time, MC. 

When he said my name for the first time, I became slightly accustomed to that sweet sound. 

MC: ...Yes. Just like now, I want to be with you too. 

Ivan: Thank you. With you around, I feel like I can find my wish too. 

As the twinkling stars were dwelling within Ivan's eyes, they were shining brightly. With the night sky enveloped by countless stars, it felt like this place was the secret treasure inside a jewelry box... 

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