Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Kanoe - Prince of Kuyou - Main Story
Chapter 1 - A Loud Roar
Calendar Kingdom, Kuyou...
Around the time right before January, when I arrived at the town of Kuyou after I received an invitation from the prince that I've awoken, it had a gentle atmosphere along with beautifully lined up tiled rooftops.
(The atmosphere is pretty serene... I can see that the roof tiles are well made. Also, it looks like it's about to snow.)
As I was absentmindedly looking at the town's appearance, someone called out to me.
Kanoe: MC, you came.
The person that invited me, Kanoe-san, stood there with a hand on his waist.
MC: Thank you for inviting me.
Kanoe-san responded to me by turning aside smoothly.
Kanoe: Let's go.
(Eh...!)
Without telling me where to, I quickly followed Kanoe-san from behind while walking...
......
While Kanoe-san was ahead of me a little, he was walking straight as he was moving fast.
(There are so many things that I want to ask, but...)
I quickly followed Kanoe-san as he was going at a fast pace and took glances at him by looking up. As his lips were tightly closed, I wanted to speak up someone within the cold atmosphere...
(What do I do... I'm so nervous.)
Somehow, I was walking so stiffly. Then... From all over town, people in flashy fierce looking clothes noticed and surrounded us.
(Who...? Just what is going on...!?)
As I became startled, the people talked to Kanoe-san loudly one after another.
Man 1: Your Highness! Thank you for earlier. Please come again next time!
Man 2: Your Highness, I... I'm really looking forward to it!
As more people were speaking to him, it felt like it has become lively festival. The moment their voices were overlapping with each other and I couldn't tell who was talking about what...
Kanoe: You guys are being too noisy. Silence.
His flat-out roar echoed among the blue sky. It immediately became silent in the area.
(I-Is he okay...?)
Worried about the tense atmosphere, the moment I was about to speak to Kanoe-san...
Man 1: Your Highness, I'm sorry. I was just so happy to see you.
Man 2: He has a guest.
The people around Kanoe-san smiled cheerfully and apologized all at once. While scratching the back of their heads, they bashfully smiled and nodded.
(They all don't seem like bad people. Also... They must adore and trust Kanoe-san.)
As Kanoe-san was looking at them with his dark amber eyes, there wasn't any anger in them anymore. A gentle and warm look was in his eyes as he was looking at his friends...
Chapter 2 - At a Good Time...
As I was following Kanoe-san to the castle, a lot of people called out to him cheerfully.
(I wanted to approach him at first, but... Everyone seems to adore him.)
When I looked at Kanoe-san while the townspeople were talking back and forth, it made me think that his personality was the opposite of his firm expression...
The faint scent of cypress drifted from the trees near the corridor. As we were walking, there was the sound of a nightingale chirping.
(What a cute sound...)
I continued walking as that sound made my heart sway and...
Kanoe: About earlier... You must've been scared when those guys surrounded us, sorry.
When Kanoe-san suddenly turned towards me, he scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
MC: I'm okay. Rather, I enjoyed from how lively it was... They were all nice people.
When I returned a smile, Kanoe-san slightly raised a brow as he widened his eyes in surprise. He looked at my smile with his dark amber eyes.
Kanoe: You weren't scared?
MC: No.
As Kanoe-san looked a little surprise, he broke into a smile.
Kanoe: I see... Has anyone told you that you're unusual.
(Ah... So, he can smile like this.)
When I became startled from the warm expression that he was showing for the first time, I softly placed my hand on my chest.
Kanoe: I know. Since you're here, let's go see the town. Besides, you coming to this kingdom this year is such good luck.
(Good luck...? What does he mean by that?)
MC: Is something happening?
When I tilted my head to the side, Kanoe-san gave me an amused look.
Kanoe: I can't tell you yet. You'll know when you see it.
I...
///Choices///
- My heart is racing (☽)
MC: My heart is racing.
Like the moment right before opening a present, I felt my heart beating anxiously...
MC: Somehow, I'm getting even more excited.
Kanoe: That's a nice thought.
Kanoe-san looked at me happily.
- I'm looking forward to it (☼)
MC: I'm looking forward to it.
Kanoe: I see. Won't you get impatient?
MC: I'm curious, but... I'm sure that I'll be more surprised once I see it.
After hearing my response, Kanoe-san made a satisfied smile.
///Choices///
Kanoe: Tomorrow, I'll take you to town. Enjoy guessing until then.
MC: Okay. I'll do that.
Kanoe: It'd be best to hold back your excitement twice as much.
MC: I think so too.
(I want tomorrow to come soon...)
Kanoe-san was emitting a strong look in his eyes. I became filled with expectations from just looking at that expression...
Chapter 3 - A Prince's Duty
The next day, Kanoe-san took me to the town of Kuyou just as he promised...
Underneath the clear sky in the town of Kuyou today, the roof tiles sparkled brightly as the sunlight was shining on them. While looking at the sunlight many times, I looked at the streets as Kanoe-san was showing me around.
(It looks like there are a lot more people running around so busily than before...)
Kanoe: What's wrong?
As I was making an odd look towards the people that were moving around, Kanoe-san spoke to me.
MC: The town seems more lively...
Kanoe: Ah, that's because the praying ceremony is approaching.
MC: Praying ceremony...?
Kanoe: It's like a festival.
MC: There's going to be a festival?
Kanoe: Yeah. This year, the Monkey Clan will be taking Kuyou's sacred stage. Everyone is eagerly getting ready for that.
MC: So, that's why.
People were shouting all over the place as they were running around with lively expressions.
///Choices///
- It's such a lively town (☼)
MC: It's such a lively town.
Kanoe: It's noisy, but that's what makes it a nice town.
MC: Yes. That's how I feel.
- What a passionate town (☽)
MC: What a passionate town.
Kanoe: Yeah, us, being in charge of taking the stage is something we do every 12 years. It's an important task that gets the clan heated up... No, that's how everyone in the kingdom feels.
When Kanoe-san explained, I saw a calm fighting spirit in his eyes.
///Choices///
(Amazing... They're overflowing with energy and enthusiasm.)
As I was fascinated by everyone...
Man: Coming through.
I saw a man carrying some large luggage approaching quickly from behind.
Kanoe: Come here.
Just as I was about to bump into him, Kanoe-san pulled me by the waist with his arm.
MC: ...! I-I'm sorry, I didn't notice... I was in a daze.
After I backed away from his hand, my heart was beating as that warmth remained.
Kanoe: Don't worry about it. They're in the middle of getting things ready after all.
As Kanoe-san said that, he smiled as if it was nothing.
(I can see why everyone idolizes him... He's so kind and reliable.)
The man with the large luggage from earlier turned at a corner in a hurry.
MC: What kind of preparations is that luggage for?
Kanoe: It's probably the provisions for the stage. Once it gets built in the plaza, people will be participating in the festival by showing off their skills. The biggest stage is the one that we'll be dancing on, but small stages are built all over the place.
MC: ...I see. Ah, then, what is that?
I continued asking questions when I saw someone walking by in front of me as they were carrying a lot of paper lanterns.
Kanoe: Those are paper lanterns that are going to be used to give directions at the corners of the streets. Don't you see the arrows?
MC: Ah, you're right.
After that too, I asked all sorts of questions and he answered them right away...
MC: ...Did you memorize everything?
Kanoe: Of course, I did. It's traditional for the prince to manage everything here after all.
When Kanoe-san responded as if it was quite obvious, my eyes widened by the fact that he manages all the plans here.
Kanoe: Is it that surprising to you?
When Kanoe-san tilted hi head to the side oddly...
///Choices///
- I'm surprised (☼)
MC: I'm surprised.
Kanoe: Hmm. If anyone had the motivation, wouldn't they use it?
Feeling his eagerness, I sighed in admiration again.
- You have my respect (☽)
MC: You have my respect.
Kanoe: Those who say that... There are a lot of them. Since it's my duty as prince, that sort of thing doesn't affect me.
When he said that calmly, I held in my feelings of respect.
///Choices///
(He's trusted by everyone after all.)
The moment I nodded to myself internally...
Man: Kanoe-sama, today at the usual place.
A man in the same attire as Kanoe-san walked up in front of us and spoke to him.
Kanoe: Okay.
MC: ...? Is something happening?
Kanoe: Sort of. It's not that much of a big deal though.
MC: ?
Kanoe: How about you set aside your excitement?
Kanoe-san placed his large hand on my head.
(...My heart is racing, I wonder why though.)
I was unable to ask anymore questions, but... While feeling my slightly fast heartbeat, I lightly sighed...
Chapter 4 - Special Training for the Dance Performance
A few days since Kanoe-san showed me around the town of Kuyou that was overflowing with energy...
(I wonder where Kanoe-san is.)
Even though he always come to see me in the castle, I couldn't find him anywhere today, so I spoke to a servant in the corridor.
Servant: If you're looking for Kanoe-sama, he's probably at practice.
(...Practice?)
When I tilted my head to the side, the servant gently smiled.
Servant: If you want to see him, how about you go take this towel to him?
MC: Okay, I understand.
Servant: Thank you. He should be at...
Once I received the towel, I headed to the place that was told to me soon after...
......
Where I arrived at was a section of a forest that was close to Kanoe-san's castle.
(Come to think of it, I didn't ask what he was practicing.)
While I was a bit curious about that, I proceeded into the forest.
(The servant said that Kanoe-san should be around here, but... Ah!)
When I looked around, I found him right away. Within the beam of sunlight that was shining through the trees, Kanoe-san stood out.
Kanoe: Ha!
With sweat on his forehead, Kanoe-san was practicing a lively dance performance.
Kanoe: ...There!
As I was watching from afar, my heart became noisy from feeling his fierce seriousness.
(Such an amazing spirit... This isn't the kind of atmosphere where you can speak so freely.)
I tightly gripped the towel that I brought with both hands. While I was captivated by his strong keen and nimble movements, I forgot about the time as he moved with one fist after another.
(I want to get a closer look...)
When I took a few steps without thinking, I stepped on a big branch.
Kanoe: !
Kanoe-san stopped moving at the exact same time he heard that loud sound.
Kanoe: MC: Why are you here...
MC: Good work... I'm sorry. I ended up intruding...
After I said that nervously, his stiff expression softened up.
Kanoe: It's okay. I was about to take a break. It's just that... It's a little embarrassing.
When Kanoe-san sighed as he scratched his head...
///Choices///
- It was so captivating (☽)
MC: It was so captivating.
Kanoe: You won't be able to take your eyes off even more with the real thing.
The way he said that so confidently was strong.
- It was amazing (☼)
MC: It was amazing.
Kanoe: It's still far from perfect.
Although, he looked somewhat confident when he told me that.
///Choices///
His amber eyes shined even more as they were filled with vigor.
MC: Kanoe-san, this is from the servant.
When I approached him, I presented the towel that I was holding to him.
Kanoe: Thanks. I needed a new one.
After he happily accepted it, he quickly wiped the sparkling beads of sweat off his head and the back of his neck. When his firm muscles became exposed, my heart pounded loudly as I was getting an idea of how much training he has done.
MC: You never told me about it when we were in town.
Kanoe: Saying that I've been practicing with my life... Don't you know how much effort that'll take for a man to say that?
Kanoe-san continued speaking bashfully as he held the towel against his mouth.
Kanoe: Anyway, it's something that you'll be seeing on that day.
When he said that bluntly, his cheeks turned red.
-Flashback-
MC: ...Did you memorize everything?
Kanoe: Of course, I did. It's traditional for the prince to manage everything here after all. Is it that surprising to you?
-Flashback-
(Even though he said that as if it was nothing... He's really working hard.)
After finding out that Kanoe-san was that kind of person, I became charmed by that manliness and single-mindedness... I felt myself becoming dizzy as my cheeks were getting warm...
Chapter 5 - A Troubling Occurrence
Ever since I saw Kanoe-san's dance practice, I've been going to the forest to watch him more frequently...
Today, it wasn't just Kanoe-san, the entire dance troupe was there to practice with him. Within the usually quiet forest, it became more humid as most of their breaths overlapped with each other.
(The atmosphere feels much more heated up today. Seems like adjusting with this many people is really difficult...)
Kanoe: Over there, you're off by one beat. After clapping to the beat, raise your foot at the back of the beat.
Man 1: Okay.
Kanoe: You there, you're going too fast. Watch everyone's movements closely.
Man 2: Understood.
During practice, Kanoe-san continued shouting sharply.
(Such amazing vigor... Including his concentration.)
Kanoe: Let's take a break here.
After Kanoe-san said that, everyone released their strain all at once.
(Even I'm tired...)
In the shade of a forest tree, I lightly sighed and...
Kanoe: You tired from watching?
When Kanoe-san approached near me, he said that as he wiped his sweat off.
MC: Yes. I'm looking forward to seeing the real thing... Also, this dance. It reminds me of the yosakoi* dance that I've seen in my previous world.
T/N: A group dance that is performed in festivals and events
Kanoe: I see, there's a dance that's similar?
Interested, his amber eyes shined brightly.
MC: Yes. Everyone would think of the choreography and go out to dance individually and then, in a group formation...
Kanoe: Huh. I see. They are quite alike.
As Kanoe-san nodded after listening, he looked at me.
Kanoe: The person in charge of the praying ceremony changes every year. In each of those festivals, the clan of those years shows off their personality. Each of those clans take pride in preparing for it.
Drawn in towards Kanoe-san as he was talking so passionately, I quietly listened to him.
Kanoe: But, performing and competitive spirit aside, the clans all want to liven up the festival. Even I want everyone to enjoy the festival. That's why, I'll make it a success for sure.
When Kanoe-san said that refreshingly, my heart became warm.
Kanoe: ...Sorry. I got carried away.
When Kanoe-san suddenly realized that, he closed his mouth and shook his head.
///Choices///
- I want to hear more (☽)
MC: I want to hear more.
Kanoe: You're pretty curious.
Kanoe-san turned away as he said that, but I could see that he was embarrassed.
- Your feelings have reached me (☼)
MC: Your feelings have reached me.
Kanoe: That's a little embarrassing.
MC: ...I think it's nice how serious you are.
After I said that, my cheeks became a little hot.
///Choices///
Kanoe: Well, it's about time.
Just as their break time was about to end, Kanoe-san was ready to go back.
Man 1: You're bumping into me too much. Are you taking this seriously?
Man 2: What was that? Aren't you the one who's doing that?
I flinched from those sudden shouts.
Kanoe: What are you doing! Stop that, you two!
Kanoe-san immediately barged in and intervened between those two with a glare. It looked like they were fighting over the formation, but neither of them wanted to admit it.
(Is everything okay...?)
As I was watching them worriedly, they focused their anger onto Kanoe-san.
Man 2: Don't you think the reason behind this problem is the prince's directions? For making this kind of formation!
Kanoe: ...!
(No way...)
Practice has started somehow, but the serious atmosphere was spreading out and they were losing their coordination. Only Kanoe-san's dance commands were barely heard.
Kanoe: ...
When it became a serious problem due to the sudden rift, practice ended well after that. Kanoe-san was looking at them in dissatisfaction... Yet, the day of the festival was approaching by the hour.
(How could this have happened...?)
Despite that I was worried, I couldn't do anything, but watch vexingly as my chest tightened helplessly...
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