Kihel - Prince of Atlas - Main Story

Kihel - Prince of Atlas - Main Story

Chapter 1 - Secret Hot Spring Date

A little after the Moon Road disappeared and we've fallen into another world... This is the story of the short, but special time between Kihel and me... 

......

Where people are invited to heal, the Kingdom of Hot Springs, Kaiten... During our escape from Trugville*, we unexpectedly entered thie kingdom. 

T/N: Fllayg's kingdom

-Flashback-

Nayuta: What, you guys? 

-Flashback-

Once Nayuta-san was informed about the situation, he recommended that we take a break in this kingdom... Although, the truth about Trugville wouldn't leave my mind for a moment as I thought about it repeatedly. 

One morning as I was pondering about it... 

Kihel: ...I'm bored. 

Looking up while lying on top of the tatami mat, Kihel murmured that. 

MC: Eh? 

Kihel: I'm so bored~ Just sleeping and eating, sleeping and eating, sleeping and eating... It's my first time coming to a hot spring, yet I'm wasting my time cooped up in here!

Kihel energetically got up and looked around the room, where there's no one else, but us. 

Kihel: Now's our chance to escape... Yes, this is our chance to do some sightseeing!

MC: W-We shouldn't, Kihel. We need to rest properly... Didn't Navi and Avi say so? 

Kihel: It'll be fine. Probably. 

MC: Probably, you say... 

(His complexion has gotten better, but...) 

As I was unable to forget how tired he was, my worries only grew no matter what. 

(Even though he used that power to suppress Adam.) 

While I was looking at him as if I was checking him out, Kihel suddenly smiled. 

Kihel: I'm going to get embarrassed if you look at me like that. 

MC: ...! I was just curious about your condition. 

Kihel: Ahaha, thanks. I've already recovered enough, so don't worry. Ah, but... If I go out with Princess, I might get even more better. 

When Kihel looked back at me, his eyes were filled with expectations. 

Kihel: Hey. Let's go on a hot spring date. 

With a bright friendly smile, Kihel held out his hand to me. 

(A "date"...) 

Despite feeling confused, his smile was so bright... I took Kihel's hand as if I was being drawn towards a light...

Chapter 2 - A Promise to Do Anything

 With milky white steam slowly drifting, the scent of hot water was in the air in town. As Kihel had a curious look in his eyes, he looked around the streets. 

Kihel: Ah! They're selling some manjus over there! They look so good!

MC: Those are hot spring manjus. 

Kihel: This is my first time seeing them! Let's go eat some together, Princess!

When Kihel pulled my hand, he headed over to the shop energetically. 

(He really does seem to be feeling better.) 

I felt relieved from seeing him like that, but... 

-Flashback-

Kihel: ...When everyone in Atlas fell into a slumber, I became alone. 

-Flashback-

When I remembered how sad he sounded, my heart couldn't help, but throb. 

(That happened because they haven't been receiving any dreams from Traumerei... Even though I didn't know... It isn't something that should be overlooked.) 

Kihel has been so kind, yet... When I looked at our hands that were connected, I lightly sighed. Then... 

Kihel: Prin~cess? What's wrong? Does your stomach hurt? 

When Kihel suddenly stopped, he looked at my face worriedly...

///Choices///

- I was just thinking (☼)

MC: I was just thinking... 

Kihel: I see... You were thinking. 

Kihel looked like he was thinking about something, but then... 

Kihel: Then, during this date, I want you to think about me!

- That's not it... (☽)

MC: No, that's not it...

(But, if I tell him...) 

As I wasn't saying anything, he patted my shoulder to reassure me. 

Kihel: Ahaha. I guess I did push you into going out with me. Sorry. I just thought it'd be fun to walk through town with you!

///Choices///

Despite that he was smiling carefreely, a blunt pain was running through my heart. 

-Flashback-

Kihel: My friends, who I treasure... Please, I want you to wake them up. 

-Flashback-

(Even though he's smiling so cheerfully...) 

I was sure that an unimaginable conflict and agony was holding him now. 

(I want to cheer Kihel up. I want to grant his wish.) 

When my feelings suddenly became stronger, I spoke without thinking. 

MC: Kihel... 

Kihel: Hm? 

MC: If there's anything I can do, I'll do it. 

Kihel: Eh?

(Ah...) 

As Kihel widened his eyes, he looked at me blankly. 

Kihel: You'll do... anything? 

MC: Y-Yes. 

Kihel: Really, really? 

When his clear eyes approached me upfront, I became a little flustered. 

MC: Uh... Really, really!

Kihel: ...Princess doing "anything"... 

When he repeated that strongly, I was getting even more impatient... 

MC: P-Probably? 

The next moment, I said Kihel's catchphrase. Just as I covered my mouth, Kihel bursts into laughter amusingly. 

Kihel: Haha, you really are cute, Princess! Then, I guess I'll take advantage of what you said!

When Kihel showed a smile, he ran through the streets that's crowded with people. As his soft blonde hair lightly swayed, it shined beautifully... 

Chapter 3 - Becoming a Normal Person

After eating some hot spring manjus with Kihel... We continued to walk down a small path that leads to a hot spring area. 

Kihel: Look, Princess! There's a cat in the shadow of that tree! Also, it has two tails! It's a ghost cat! Probably. 

MC: K-Kihel. You should look forward while walking...

Just as I said that...

Kihel: Uwah!

Kihel slipped on the wet path and fell backwards in some water. Along with a loud sound of water that was heard throughout the area, a splash of water went up. 

MC: Kihel!

Kihel: ...

After falling backwards in the shallow hot spring, he blinked dumbfoundedly. Although, the next moment... 

Kihel: Ahaha, that was really surprising~!!

When Kihel got up while laughing in amusement, I... 

///Choices///

- That's my line... (☽)

MC: That's my line... 

Kihel: Guess so! Although, I said it, sorry, sorry!

Kihel tightly wringed out his clothes with a wry smile. 

- Are you hurt? (☼)

MC: Are you hurt? 

Kihel: It hurts a little! But, it felt warm and nice. 

As he raised his bangs that became wet from the splash of water, he smiled to reassure me.

///Choices///

MC: You're all wet... Are you okay? 

Kihel: Yeah. It's shallow, so I'll dry off while I walk like this. More importantly, it's good that you're all right. If you ended up coming down with me, Bro* would kill me. Probably.

T/N: Avi

(Kihel...) 

When Kihel smiled unconcernedly, I burst into laughter as well. As the two of us smile at each other, an old man that was passing by spoke to us. 

Old Man: Young man, you seem to be full of energy. But, this place is for those who need to be healed. 

Kihel: Yes. But, I've already recovered enough. Did you come here for some kind of treatment? Like hip pain? 

Old Man: I... 

Even though they've just met, the two of them were having a lively conversation. It felt like the old man was opening up all of his thoughts from Kihel's natural smile. 

(Come to think of it... In every kingdom, everyone immediately opens their heart out to him.) 

Despite being burdened with sadness and pain, Kihel is always smiling cheerfully more than anyone else. 

(That's amazing. I should do more as well...) 

Just as I was struck by his graceful strength...

Kihel: He~ey, Princess! You listening? 

MC: !

Kihel waved his hand right in front of my face. 

MC: Ah, sorry. What is it? 

Kihel: That old man told me about a nice hot spring! Since we're here, shall we go check it out now? 

MC: Right now... 

At that moment, I felt uneasiness in my heart. 

(Despite the current situation, he's been too carefree...)

Due to us falling into this world, it's been exposed to danger... Even though Nayuta-san is being vigilant, dream eaters have been appearing all over the place... 

(Also, I've been thinking about so many things. Traumerei, Atlas and Trugville...) 

Also, Rufus' reason for traveling with us is still unknown. As I was worrying, the old man pushed my back and spoke. 

Old Man: There's a hot spring I recommend for couples. 

MC: ! Couples...

///Choices///

- Ask for Kihel's help (☽)

When I frantically looked at Kihel for help... 

Kihel: Hmm... Well, it seems that way right now! Isn't it fine, Princess!

- Deny it (☼)

MC: We're not like that... 

Kihel: That was pretty harsh of you to say so clearly. Even so! I won't get discouraged from that. Right now, I want to be a couple with Princess!

///Choices///

Overflowing with charm, Kihel lightly winked. 

MC: Wait, Kihel. That's something I need to think about- 

Kihel: Princess!

When Kihel placed both of his hands on my shoulders, there was a defiant look in those eyes. 

Kihel: I'll use all my power to do whatever I want. 

MC: !

Just as I gasped, Kihel made a soft expression soon after. 

Kihel: For the entire day, let's not think about the bad stuff! Princess... MC-chan, you're a normal person like me. Forget about all that princess and prince stuff, we're just normal people! Got it? 

(Kihel... He's taking me into consideration.) 

The moment I came to that thought, I became filled with warmth. 

MC: Okay, I understand. 

Cherishing Kihel's thoughts, I spent time with him... 

Chapter 4 - A Warm Spot

We were at a small exclusive hot spring in the mountains that the old man told us about. As Kihel and I were sitting next to each other on the edge of the bath, we put our feet in the thick hot water. 

MC: Kihel, don't you want to go take a dip? I can wait outside.

Kihel: No, no. I shouldn't be making you wait while I'm the only one who's having fun. Navi-chan would scold me. Probably. 

As Kihel smiled jokingly, I... 

 ///Choices///

- You don't need to hold back (☼)

MC: You don't need to hold back. 

Kihel: I'm not holding myself back at all. A footbath is enough for me... Aside from that, being with Princess is what healing me up the most!

- If that's what you prefer (☽)

MC: If that's what you prefer... Then, fine. 

Kihel: Yeah, let's heal up together with just the two of us! This hot spring is recommended for "couples" after all!

///Choices///

MC: !

When Kihel held my hand so casually, my heart became violently noisy. 

Kihel: Ha~, this feels so nice... I could feel warmth spreading throughout my entire body from my feet. 

When I looked at the side of his peaceful looking face, I became unable to let go of his hand. I devoted myself to Kihel's gentle warmth and the warmth of the hot spring. 

(It's just as Kihel says, the footbath feels really nice.) 

As the hot water wasn't just making my body feel relaxed, but my heart too, the thoughts that were shut within my mind came up. 

-Flashback-

Kihel: MC-chan, you're a normal person like me. Forget about all that princess and prince stuff, we're just normal people! Got it? 

-Flashback-

(If it's okay to forget about our positions right now.)

MC: ...Hey, Kihel. Can I ask you something? 

Kihel: You can ask me anything!

When I asked that hesitantly, Kihel smiled to urge me to go on. 

MC: How can I become strong like you? 

Kihel: Eh, like me... 

MC: You're always smiling so cheerfully, despite that it's not so easy to do... It's amazing. 

Kihel: ...

As he was thinking, Kihel made small circles in the hot water with his feet that were soaking in it. The small ripples made the bright water surface sway silently.  

Kihel: ...That old man. He lost his grandchild. 

MC: !

Kihel: He was really cute, yet was like an empty shell... Also, his son would take him to see other worlds. 

MC: I... see. 

(I never knew that... he was holding such a sad memory.) 

The old man looked like he was smiling wholeheartedly when he was with Kihel. That heartwarming scene made my chest tighten even now. 

(But, why is he talking about that now...?) 

Just as I was about to ask that, Kihel entwined our fingers together more. 

MC: Kihel...? 

As I felt his body heat becoming warmer than before, my heartbeat instantly became fast. Unable to continue speaking, I only looked at the side of Kihel's face. 

Kihel: ...I'm just feeling a little hazy. 

I was reflected in his eyes that could blend in with a lake at night. As that intense blue color was so heartrendingly beautiful, I felt myself becoming drawn towards them... 

Chapter 5 - Someone is Supporting Somebody

As steam was turning red from the sunlight, it flowed with the wind. While Kihel and I were returning to town from the hot spring, we looked at the tourists that were going back and forth at the railing of the bridge. 

Kihel: All of the people here are dealing with some kind of pain. 

MC: Kihel...? 

When my heart throbbed from Kihel sounding so unusually melancholic, I turned towards him. 

Kihel: ...Being alone wasn't the only thing causing me pain. 

Kihel looked up at the dusk-colored Moon Road that is used as a way to cross over. It led to the sky and to his birthplace, Atlas. 

Kihel: I realized it when I left Atlas and met you guys. Everyone has all kinds of things they're holding onto. In their hearts... Where they're hidden.

Kihel softly placed his hand on his chest and silently closed his eyes. 

(Kihel...) 

Although, when he opened his eyes next... Thick clouds hid the sun and made the light disappear from Kihel's eyes. 

Kihel: Anger and hatred towards injustice... Even now, it's not that perfect. My wholehearted feelings, they would sometimes show on my face. 

MC: ...Yes. 

As he made a bitter look, I...

///Choices///

- I guess that's obvious (☽)

MC: I guess that's obvious. 

Kihel: ...For everyone who's asleep, I felt that I shouldn't forget about them. 

- I'm sorry... (☼)

MC: I'm sorry... 

Kihel: You and everyone else didn't do anything bad, I know that... It's just that there are times when I feel really frustrated.

///Choices///

Kihel: But, talking to someone... When I'm with someone, it makes all of those pent-up feelings melt away. 

The moment Kihel looked up at the sky, the clouds moved from the wind blowing. When the sun showed itself again, it's warm light shined on his dark blue eyes. 

(Those feelings... I know them well.) 

When I reminisced my journey from before, I reflected on Kihel's words...

Kihel: Ah! Look over there, Princess. It's the old man from before. 

As the old man was surrounded by other tourists, they were talking about something. 

Kihel: Looks like this place is popular. A daily thing here is people being guided to places. 

MC: Then, that old man is following someone to... 

Kihel: To heal his heart. Probably. 

With an unusually serious face, Kihel looked straight at me. 

Kihel: Even though there are a lot of things to think about... There are so many things we don't know and what to do about them. So... Let's just be together right now, MC-chan. 

As the scarlet sunlight was shining on his smile, it was so bright to the point that it couldn't be looked at. 

MC: Kihel... 

Kihel: You're not alone. Just thinking that is enough to support me... So, let me support you. 

His strong clear feelings made my heart throb greatly. 

(Even though Traumerei did something so cruel, why would he...) 

As I held in my voice, Kihel softly held my shoulders. 

Kihel: MC-chan, don't make that face. We're on a date after all... Okay? 

Even though he's been giving me nothing, but kindness, a piercing pain filled my heart. When the sun disappeared among the horizon, it's fleeting beauty stood out... 

Sun End

Moon End