Kagetora - Prince of Wilhelm - Main Story

Kagetora - Prince of Wilhelm - Main Story

Chapter 1 - The Perceptive Prince

Kingdom of Literature, Wilhelm, September... As the thick trees were rustling like whispers in the afternoon... A tall prince that was surrounded by a bright light has woken up from a slumber. 

MC: ...!

As he furrowed his brow, I flinched when he looked at me. 

(Scary...)

??: ...Who are you? 

His appearance that made him look like a villain in a story gave me a feeling that's telling me not to get close to him. 

MC: Ah... You can call me MC. 

??: Did you wake me up? 

MC: Ah... Yes. Um, you are...? 

Kagetora: I'm Kagetora... 

After introducing himself as Kagetora-san, he slowly staggered. 

Kagetora: ...I've been asleep for so long, so it looks like I'm out of shape. 

MC: Are you okay?

When he approached me...

Kagetora: Don't move.

MC: !

I watched one of his hands going into his breast pocket. 

Kagetora: Stay like that for a while. 

MC: O-Okay. 

As the strong sense of pressure made it feel like he was going to bring out a weapon from his breast pocket, I took a step back. 

Kagetora: That was a narrow escape from death...

When he said that, he walked up to where I was and crouched down. 

(Ah...) 

Ahead of his gaze was a budding flower. 

(I... I was about to step on it since I didn't notice it.) 

Kagetora-san looked at the flower gently. 

(I thought he was a scary person, but...)

When he got up, he suddenly took something out from his breast pocket. 

MC: !

What was in his hand wasn't a weapon, but a box of cigarettes. 

(Cigarettes...) 

I felt relieved.

Kagetora: Dammit... I'm all out. 

After he crushed the cigarette box, he looked at me. 

Kagetora: ...If you got time, come with me. 

MC: Eh...? 

Kagetora: It may be a boring kingdom with nothing, but books... I want to thank you for saving me. 

As he walked, I quickly followed his tall back...

 

Chapter 2 - An Unexpected Face

In the clear blue sky, clouds that looked like cotton candy were lightly floating...

With Kagetora-san showing me the way, we headed to the castle of Wilhelm. 

??: Ah, it's Kagetora!

Just as we heard a young child's voice, many boys came running over.

Boy 1: Kagetora is on a date with a girl!

MC: Eh...

Kagetora: Wha... It's not what you think. 

Boy 2: He's turning red. 

Boy 3: Miss, this guy may look scary, but he really isn't. 

Kagetora: ...Geez, such cheeky brats. 

He lightly picked up a boy and placed him on his shoulder. 

Boy 1: Do that to me too!

Boy 2: Me too! Me too!

The boys gathered around Kagetora-san happily. 

(They seem to be having fun.) 

The boys' muddy shoes were making Kagetora-san's clothes dirty. Even so, he didn't seem to mind at all and smiled. 

(...That's a little surprising. But, he might be a kind person...) 

Touched by his kindness, I broke into a smile. 

......

After parting from the boys, Kagetora-san and I finally arrived at the castle. In the elegant hall, a celebratory banquet was being held for Kagetora-san's return. 

King: Now that the prince has returned, our kingdom has become peaceful. Let us formally thank you, Princess. 

Queen: Thank you so much. 

The king that has the exact same fierce looks as Kagetora-san and the queen that was smiling gently thanked me altogether. 

MC: No, it was nothing. 

Ibuki: Thank you, Big Sis. 

Kagetora-san's younger sister, Ibuki-chan, smiled at me. 

(How cute.)

King: Please enjoy your stay here in the Kingdom of Literature. 

MC: It's said that this kingdom is where authors of various genres gather, right? 

King: Yes. Even the royal family does some writing activities. 

Kagetora-san was silently eating. 

MC: Kagetora-san, what kind of books do you write? 

Kagetora: ...Well, all sorts of them. 

He said that as he looked around. 

MC: ?

Ibuki: He does picture books. 

Kagetora: !! ...Didn't you promise Big Bro to keep that a secret from everyone? 

In a panic, he said that to the young Ibuki-chan. 

(How charming...) 

When I broke into a smile from watching the two of them talk to each other, my eyes met with Kagetora-san's.

As he made an awkward expression, his cheeks turned red. 

Kagetora: ...What's with that look? If you're going to laugh, then do it... 

When he looked away, my heart lightly skipped a beat. 

(Somehow, he's kind of cute.) 

As I was getting a pleasant feeling within my heart, I looked at him...

///Choices///

 

- I won't laugh (☽)

MC: I won't laugh. 

He looked away in embarrassment. 

- I think it's nice (☼)

MC: I think it's nice. Really. 

Just as Kagetora-san made a surprised face, he looked at me. 

 

///Choices///

Kagetora: ...But, don't tell anyone. 

MC: Why? 

Kagetora: Aside from the few people that know, I keep the fact that I'm a picture book author a secret. If it's revealed that I'm the one that's been writing them, it'll destroy the children's dreams. 

His gentle eyes trembled sadly. 

Queen: I don't think that'll happen. 

The queen smiled at Ibuki-chan. 

Ibuki: Yeah!

Kagetora-san patted Ibuki-chan's head. 

(Picture books...) 

During the gentle and peaceful time, I thought about the stories that Kagetora-san wrote... 

 

Chapter 3 - A Warm Story

While the elegant sound of a piano was heard... I became more curious about Kagetora-san than the fancy food in front of me. 

(I wonder what Kagetora-san's picture books are like.) 

As his far younger sister, Ibuki-chan, was smiling at him, I tried imagining it... 

(...No good. Nothing comes to mind at all.) 

Just as I thought of that, my gaze met with Ibuki-chan's. 

Ibuki: Big Bro has a lot of picture books under the name, Margaret. 

Kagetora: Ibuki. 

Kagetora-san looked at Ibuki-chan as if he was telling her not to speak anymore. When Ibuki-chan stuck her tongue out adorably, his shoulders dropped. 

King: As of now, Kagetora specializes in writing picture books, but... He was influenced by the hardcore fiction novels that I wrote in the past. 

(That does match his image...)

Queen: Kagetora even based his appearance from that. Fufu. 

MC: Really, Kagetora-san? 

Kagetora: ...Pretty much. 

Without our gazes meeting, he said that bluntly. 

Queen: Kagetora has written novels of various genres. As a prince of this kingdom, he does what he can to broaden his knowledge. He may look scary, but he's a very hard worker that is adored by everyone in the castle. 

As the queen smiled proudly, the king nodded many times next to her. While being in front of those two, Kagetora-san drank some water with an awkward expression. 

(But, why does he write picture books?) 

Just as I thought of that question, Kagetora-san silently got up. 

Kagetora: ...Come. 

MC: Eh? 

Kagetora: It's nothing special or anything, but I'll show you around the castle. 

MC: ...Ah, okay. 

Ibuki: Wait. I want to play with Big Sis more!

(Ibuki-chan...) 

Kagetora: But, Ibuki, you should...

Ibuki: Hey, Big Sis, let's read some picture books in Ibuki's room. Big Bro's picture books. 

Ibuki-chan held my hand as her eyes sparkled. 

///Choices///

 

- Sure, I'd love to (☼)

MC: Sure, I'd love to. Are you okay with that, Kagetora-san? 

Kagetora: ...If you're fine with it, then I don't mind... 

Kagetora-san narrowed his eyes towards Ibuki-chan as she smiled happily. 

- If you're all right with me... (☽)

MC: If you're all right with me... 

Ibuki: Yay! Big Bro, you'll come too, right? Is that okay? 

Kagetora: ...Geez, guess it can't be helped. 

Kagetora-san smiled softly. 

 

///Choices///

As I was holding hands with Ibuki-chan, we headed to her room. 

......

In Ibuki-chan's room, I read out loud the picture book that Kagetora-san wrote. 

MC: "The blue bird continued to fly among the shooting stars. And so, his friend, the bear, cherished the shooting star that the blue bird caught for him forever and ever." 

("The Two Shooting Stars", what a nice picture book...)

When I closed the book with a warm feeling, Ibuki-chan was sleeping softly beside me. 

(She fell asleep without realizing it...) 

As Ibuki-chan was sleeping, Kagetora-san placed a blanket on her. 

MC: ...Looks like I've become a fan of Margaret.

Kagetora: You don't need to flatter me. Adults tend to find them boring. 

///Choices///

 

- I'm not flattering you (☼)

MC: I'm not flattering you. This the first time a story gave me such a warm feeling. 

Kagetora: ...Cut it out. I'm not used to being told that right to my face. 

Kagetora-san's cheeks blushed as he looked down. 

- Don't say something like that... (☽)

MC: Don't say something like that... You should have more confidence in yourself. I think it's a nice story. 

Kagetora: ...You're the first person to have ever said something like that to me. 

Kagetora-san made a bit of a surprised look. 

 

///Choices///

Kagetora: It seems like my picture books are popular with children and their parents, but... Aside from that, they've been called "convenient books that deceive children". 

When Kagetora-san smiled self-mockingly, it gave me pain. 

MC: That's... 

Just as I was about to speak, the sudden knock on the door drowned out my words. 

Kagetora: Ah. Looks like the doctor is here. 

MC: Doctor?

Kagetora: Ibuki's pediatrician. 

(Eh...?) 

Those words made my heart pound heavily...

 

Chapter 4 - Private Thoughts

In the silent hallway, the moonlight was shining in faintly from the window... We left Ibuki-chan's room, so that we wouldn't get in the way of her medical examination. 

Kagetora: She needs an IV drip in the morning and night. 

MC: ...Is it really that bad? 

Kagetora: The treatment is hard, but she won't get affected by her illness if she continues taking it. 

The thought of Ibuki-chan's small body putting up with such treatment gave me pain. 

Kagetora: I'm going to town... Want to come? 

MC: But...

Kagetora: If we loiter around in front of her room, we'll be getting in the way of her treatment. 

///Choices///

 

- ...I understand (☼)

MC: ...I understand. I'll go too. 

Kagetora: The town is nothing special though...

After saying that, he started walking.

- It'd be better to stay (☽)

MC: But, it'd be better to stay...

Kagetora: Ibuki told me this. She wants me to show you around town. 

He pressed me to walk. 

 

///Choices///

In the hallway, only our footsteps were heard...

As the enchanting lights in the paper lanterns brightened up the town at night... We arrived at the residential town of Wilhelm with the use of Kagetora-san's motorcycle. 

(There's kind of a mature atmosphere around...)

As I was looking around the area, I was walking a step behind Kagetora-san and then... Some scary looking people greeted him one after another. 

Man 1: Your Highness, it's been a while!

Kagetora: Yeah. 

Man 2: Good work for today, Your Highness. 

Kagetora: You look well. 

Man 3: Your Highness, let's go drinking again. 

Kagetora: Next time. 

(That's amazing... Kagetora-san.) 

Kagetora: Despite their looks, those guys are novelists too. 

MC: Really? 

Kagetora: When we're drinking together, we would talk about novels and the kingdom's future. 

MC: About you being Margaret... 

Kagetora: They don't know. It's unthinkable to talk about it. 

When he took out a cigarette from his breast pocket... 

Kagetora: Can I smoke? 

///Choices///

 

- That's fine (☼)

MC: That's fine. 

Kagetora: I see. 

As he lit the cigarette, the side of his face didn't have the look of a picture book author. 

- Don't mind me, go ahead (☽)

MC: Don't mind me, go ahead. 

Kagetora: Sorry. 

He put the cigarette in his mouth and lit it. 

 

///Choices///

As I watched him happily smoke the cigarette, I broke into a smile. 

Kagetora: What? 

MC: I'm sorry. You just look so happy. 

Kagetora: That's because I hold back when I'm in front of Ibuki and children. 

(He must think deeply about Ibuki-chan and the children...) 

......

We arrived at a hill that has a view of the town. Within the darkness, the town lights were on all over the place. 

MC: ...It's like a starry sky. 

Kagetora: She said the same thing. 

MC: She? 

Kagetora: My sister. I brought her here once. 

He lit another cigarette. 

MC: I thought so... Do you write picture books for your sister? 

He silently blew out some smoke. 

Kagetora: ...When my sister couldn't sleep because of the pain, she became really happy when I read her picture books like how Mom did... Her smile at that time was the trigger. When I showed her the picture book that I wrote, she became so happy... That sense of accomplishment I felt for the first time from the bottom of my heart made me really happy. Since then, I continued writing. Only picture books with happy endings. 

His thoughts gave me a warm feeling. 

(Only sticking with happy endings is surely... It's because he wants to give hope to Ibuki-chan and the children.) 

Kagetora: ...I said too much. 

After Kagetora-san murmured that, he made a wry smile. 

MC: No, I'm glad to hear about it. Gentleness, warmness... That's what I felt from reading your stories. 

Kagetora: ...

MC: They're not books that deceive children... I think they are books for children. 

Kagetora: ...Thank you. 

He silently looked at me. The full moon in the night sky was silently looking down at us...

 

Chapter 5 - Good News

From outside the window, I could hear birds chirping... 

MC: It's such a nice day out today as well. 

A few days later since then... Ibuki-chan begged me to stay in the castle. 

MC: Shouldn't you take a little break? 

I looked at the side of Kagetora-san's face as he was in the middle of writing at his desk. 

(He's furrowing his brow again...) 

As his large body was slightly curled up, he was drawing a picture of animals seriously. Feeling attached to him like that, I narrowed my eyes. 

Kagetora: ...It smells nice. 

I brought over the coffee that was on the side table to him. 

MC: Can I see your picture? 

Kagetora: Every day, you just never give up... 

Despite his words, he didn't seem to mind and showed me the picture. The animals that were standing in a forest were drawn with a warm touch. 

(How cute...) 

While I was looking at the picture, there was a knock on the door...

......

Coming to visit was Kagetora-san's editor in charge. 

MC: Eh... The Charlotte Literary Award? 

Editor: Yes. It seems like Margaret's picture book has been chosen for such an influential award. 

The editor happily held up the picture book. It was the picture book that I read to Ibuki-chan, "The Two Shooting Stars".

MC: That's amazing, Kagetora-san!

Kagetora: My book is...

As he was amazed, the editor talked some more. 

Editor: Also, after the award ceremony, we'll be doing a public reading for the children. So please, Prince Kagetora. 

Kagetora: ...I refuse to participate in the award ceremony. Let someone else substitute for the public reading as usual. 

MC: Eh...? 

///Choices///

 

- Don't say anything (☽)

Sympathizing with his feelings, I didn't say anything. 

Kagetora: If I go out there, it'll destroy the children's dreams. 

(But, it's such a rare opportunity...) 

- But, it'd be such a waste... (☼)

MC: But, it'd be such a waste...

Kagetora: It'll be fine. I just can't appear in front of people. 

As he furrowed his brow, he took a sip of his coffee. 

 

///Choices///

Editor: Even though you not making an appearance makes it a popular and mysterious secret... I think it's about time for you to reveal yourself. 

Kagetora: I won't. 

He responded briefly towards the editor's words. 

Editor: In that case, let's try making a new book. One that'll attract adult readers too... 

Kagetora: No. 

Kagetora-san's immediate response hits the editor. 

Editor: You can do it, Your Highness! You're talented and your other books are... 

Kagetora: My picture books... They're books that are for children. 

After Kagetora-san refused firmly, he looked at me and softly smiled. 

Editor: ...I see. 

(Huh...) 

There was a dark shadow on the editor's face. 

(What is this feeling...) 

Feeling uncomfortable, I couldn't bring myself to say anything. 

Kagetora: Have a guest participate in the public reading as usual. 

While not noticing the editor's behavior, he continued talking. 

Kagetora: This is your chance to know about the children's honest reactions. If you'd like, would you like to see? 

MC: Eh... 

Kagetora: What are you spacing out for? Well, it's not like I'm telling you to force yourself or anything though. 

MC: Not at all! Please let me attend.

Editor: ... 

At that moment, a strong breeze blew in from the window and made the written manuscript flutter into the air...

 

Chapter 6 - Betrayal

Underneath the clear blue sky... 

Without any delays, the public reading of Margaret's picture book has ended. 

(The children are focused.)

Margaret... Kagetora-san's substitute, a woman, was reading the picture book while the children were listening to her. 

(Kagetora-san's picture book is really amazing.) 

As Kagetora-san and I were mixed in with the audience, we watched the children's behavior. 

Substitute: "The blue bird continued to fly among the shooting stars. And so, his friend, the bear, cherished the shooting star that the blue bird caught for him forever and ever."

Once Kagetora-san's substitute closed the picture book on the last page... The smiling children applauded.

///Choices///

 

- This is good (☼)

MC: This is good, Kagetora-san. 

Kagetora: ...Yeah. 

As he was looking at the children, his gaze was completely gentle. 

- Watch silently (☽)

I looked at Kagetora-san as he was watching the happy children. 

Kagetora: ...Those guys are making nice expressions. 

He murmured those few words. 

 

///Choices///

At that moment... Cutting off the applause, the male host appeared on top of the podium. 

Host: Everyone, we have a special guest here today at this very venue!

Right at the same time he said that, a bright spotlight was shining on Kagetora-san. 

Kagetora: Wha...!

Host: That's right. Prince Kagetora of Wilhelm, the picture book author known as Margaret!

(Eh... Why!?) 

It became noisy in the venue. 

Kagetora: Dammit... 

In a panic, Kagetora-san hid his face from the children and fled. 

MC: Wait...!

I went after him and left the venue that was filled with confusion...

......

As I was going after Kagetora-san, behind me was...

Editor: Please wait! Come back to the venue!

Following behind me, the editor grabbed Kagetora-san. 

Kagetora: Hey... What is the meaning of this? 

Editor: ...Well. 

Looking at the editor that was hesitant to speak, Kagetora-san's face turned pale. 

Kagetora: Could it be that it was on purpose? 

As if he was used to it, he grabbed the editor by the collar. 

(What should I do...) 

From afar, I couldn't do anything, but watch. 

Kagetora: It's true that I leave all the publicity stuff to you, but... Did you think that I would let you off from this!? 

When Kagetora-san shouted that angrily, the editor looked at him defiantly. 

Editor: ...Guess it can't be helped. It has become a problem for the picture book division when people lose interest while reading, especially when sales don't do so well. That's why the chief editor thought that we'll get more attention by revealing yourself at the greatest stage, the Charlotte Literary Award... 

Kagetora: ...

Sympathizing with the editor's difficult position, Kagetora-san lets go of his collar. 

Kagetora: So, that's why... 

Editor: I'm sorry for deceiving you. But... Since you're a prince, it should be enough for the uninterested adults to get into it. 

Kagetora: ...Are you really okay with this? 

Editor: ...

Kagetora: When we first met, I told you this. I want to protect the children's dreams. That's why I did this with you. Yet... You were going to destroy the children's dreams as an adult. 

Editor: Still...!

Both of their silent anger clashed with each other... 

Kagetora: But, I won't do it. 

Editor: Then, what's the point! You won't be able to obtain anything, not even dreams. 

Kagetora: ...I'm disappointed in you. 

After saying that, Kagetora-san turned his back on the editor and started walking. 

Editor: ...In the end, picture books are just books that deceive children. 

Those words made Kagetora-san's feet stop. The tense atmosphere enveloped the entire area with a dark feeling...

 

Sun End

Moon End