Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Kotohogi - Prince of Amatsu - Main Story
Chapter 1 - Among the Light of the Skyscraper
Before my eyes, there was a beautiful vast nightly view that was like the inside of a jewelry box.
MC: Pretty...
When I softly said that, Kotohogi-san's green eyes narrowed.
Kotohogi: I'm glad that you like it.
The nightly view, Kotohogi-san's smile and his comforting gentle voice in my ears... My gentle smile was being reflected in the window.
MC: Thank you so much for taking me to such a nice place.
Kotohogi: The Traumerei Princess woke me up. So, that much is obvious.
After saying that, he placed his right hand on his chest and bowed with perfect movements... This place is the Amatsu Kingdom. When Kotohogi-san invited me over as thanks for waking him up, the time I've spent at the skyscraper that was like a dream felt short. After Kotohogi-san calmedly exchanged some words with the bartender, he brought over a glass and placed it in front of me.
Kotohogi: I had this made with your image in mind.
I softly took a sip of the peach-colored liquid in the glass.
MC: ...It's good!
My reaction to the champagne cocktail that had a faint berry flavor made Kotohogi-san smile.
Kotohogi: It may not be enough to thank you for waking me up, but... I'll give you a tour of this kingdom.
Looking at the bright various colorful lights in town made expectations rise in my heart. As he was looking at me with an elegant smile, I didn't know what to expect...
Chapter 2 - An Empty Heart
(This feels kind of nostalgic.)
When I visited the town for the first time, my feet stopped.
Kotohogi: What's wrong?
When he suddenly looked at me, I became surprised. As I was under Kotohogi-san's care, there was his beautiful face up close.
MC: Nothing! I'm sorry.
While trying to calm down my noisy heart, I looked back at the town again.
MC: It's just that it looks like the world that I used to live in.
Kotohogi: I see...
Kotohogi-san blinked in deep fascination.
Kotohogi: How are they alike?
MC: The tall buildings and the trees on the roadside too... Ah, over there! It looks like a festival stall!
When I pointed at a street stall on the other side of the road, I said that.
Kotohogi: I see.
Kotohogi-san narrowed his eyes as he silently watches me being all excited.
(...Could it be that?)
///Choices///
- Are you bored? (☽)
MC: Could it be that... you're bored?
When I hesitantly looked up at Kotohogi-san...
Kotohogi: Bored? Why? Let me hear about it some more.
- Are you not having fun? (☼)
MC: Um, are you not having fun, Kotohogi-san? I must've been pushing you.
Kotohogi: ...Fun, huh.
///Choices///
Kotohogi-san looked at me with a very intrigued look in his eyes.
Kotohogi: You're a cheerful person.
As he smiled with a chuckle, he slowly held out his hand. His fingers slightly touched the back of my neck.
Kotohogi: ...The bottom of your neck looks lonely.
MC: Eh?
When he murmured that, he pulled my hand the next moment and started walking.
......
Then, we arrived at the town's largest jewelry shop. When I looked at the various colorful jewels in the showcase, I blinked many times repeatedly.
Kotohogi: Here, won't this look good on you?
MC: This is...
There was a bright emerald of good quality on my chest.
(It's nice, but this is.)
As Kotohogi-san was waiting for my response, he immediately paid the bill.
Kotohogi: You don't need to hold yourself back.
When he looked at me as I was bewildered, he made a satisfied smile. As I watched him walk ahead of me from behind, I lightly sighed in guilt.
MC: Despite how expensive it must've been... Thank you very much.
Kotohogi: Don't worry about it. It's just a present from me.
MC: Then, I would like to thank you as well. Is there something that you want or like? If there's anything I can do...
Kotohogi-san turned towards me after I said that...
Kotohogi: Nothing in particular.
MC: Eh...
Just as I stopped, he made a troubled smile at the same time.
Kotohogi: Things that I want, things that I like.
When he silently approaches me, he softly held the bright emerald.
Kotohogi: I really have nothing like that. I'm an empty human being after all.
(Kotohogi-san?)
Kotohogi: Showing you hospitality like this too...
Just as he said that, Kotohogi-san became surprised and stopped talking.
Kotohogi: Sorry. I just really wanted to give you that. So, don't worry about it.
When Kotohogi-san smiled as if it was nothing, his expression looked somewhat sad... As I couldn't take my eyes off that face, at that moment...
Townsperson 1: Look, there's a lot today as well. They were taken from the Mei Kingdom*.
T/N: Shigure's kingdom
Townsperson 2: As expected of Amatsu. Mei takes from us and they instantly get caught.
When I looked towards the people that said that, there were castle guards and people gathering around as dozens of people were marching in a row.
Kotohogi: ...It's nothing. Let's return to the castle now.
After he said that, he placed his hand on my back and pushed me to walk.
(Just what...)
Just as I was about to ask, it felt like his gentle smile was saying "don't ask" for some reason that I couldn't bring myself to ask him anything...
Chapter 3 - Strategy
That night...
When I was led to the castle, the king gave me a passionate welcome.
King: If it isn't the Traumerei Princess! Thank you for saving my son, I really don't know what to say...!
I frantically waved my hands in front of my chest towards the really grateful king.
MC: It was nothing, Your Majesty.
King: Kotohogi, make sure to give MC-sama a proper tour.
The king looked at Kotohogi-san mischievously.
King: You must be infatuated since she's so beautiful.
Kotohogi: Yes, Father.
As Kotohogi-san and I smiled wryly, the king left us and returned to his official duties.
MC: He's pretty friendly.
Kotohogi: ...
When I said that, Kotohogi-san's face stiffened up.
///Choices///
- What's wrong? (☼)
MC: What's wrong?
Kotohogi-san became surprised and quickly showed a smile.
Kotohogi: Sorry, it's nothing... Now then, let me take you to your room.
- Don't say anything (☽)
(I wonder what's wrong with Kotohogi-san.)
When I thought of that, I stayed silent as I was unsure on what to say to him.
Kotohogi: Yeah, that's right. Isn't he an energetic father?
///Choices///
After he responded with a smile, he took me to my room.
Kotohogi: This'll be your room.
MC: Thank you very much.
As I was curious about his expression from earlier, I couldn't say anything else and quietly entered the room.
Kotohogi: ...Wait.
MC: Eh?
When he suddenly stopped me, he placed his hand on my shoulder. The next moment, his gentle fingers reached out towards my chest...
MC: ...?
He softly touched the emerald necklace that he gave me as a present.
Kotohogi: Yes, it really does suit you. Goodnight, MC.
After smiling from the emerald-colored light, Kotohogi-san turned his back on me.
(I thought about saying goodnight to him though.)
As my heart was being noisy in my chest, I just stood there.
Then, during these past few days, I received warm hospitality in Amatsu. This whole time, Kotohogi-san has been really kind, but...
-Flashback-
Kotohogi: Things that I want, things that I like. I really have nothing like that.
---
Townsperson 1: Look, there's a lot today as well. They were taken from the Mei Kingdom.
Townsperson 2: As expected of Amatsu. Mei takes from us and they instantly get caught.
-Flashback-
For some reason, remembering that sense of discomfort was making me uneasy.
Then, one night...
After tossing and turning many times, I got up from bed.
(I'm going to get some fresh air outside.)
As I was walking towards the courtyard and looking at the stars, at that moment... I heard a voice from a door as light was leaking out from it.
King: Have you won over the Traumerei Princess?
(That voice, the king?)
My body stiffened up. Inside the room, it seemed like the king and Kotohogi-san were talking about something.
King: If she becomes our ally, we'll gain superiority over the Mei Kingdom.
I quietly listened as the king was acting differently from the other day as his deep voice was filled with thirst for greed.
Kotohogi: As you wish.
King: What would you like as a reward?
Kotohogi: Nothing at all.
(What are they talking about...?)
While holding back my fast heartbeat, the king was about to leave the room after the conversation ended.
(...!)
I tried to hide in the shadow of a pillar in a panic, but...
King: If it isn't... MC-sama...!!
MC: Ah...
King: Since you heard, I guess it can't be helped.
Just as the king made a surprised face, he made an ominous smile soon after.
King: We have a favor to ask of you. Something simple. Traumerei Princess, support my kingdom. I want to declare that officially.
MC: Support...?
As I was getting scared from the king acting differently than the other day, I took a step back.
Kotohogi: Father!
Before I knew it, Kotohogi-san strongly opened the door and got in between the king and me.
Kotohogi: I told you to leave this matter to me.
King: I understand... I'll leave the rest to you. Well then, Princess. I'm counting on you.
After the king said that, he turned around.
Kotohogi: ......
///Choices///
- Question him (☼)
MC: ...What's going on?
Kotohogi: ...Sorry.
He slowly looked down and lightly sighed.
- Wait for him to speak (☽)
MC: ...
Even though I wanted to question him, Kotohogi-san looked really sad... I waited for him to speak.
Kotohogi: ...Got nothing to say?
///Choices///
Kotohogi: The Amatsu Kingdom has a long-standing opposition against the Mei Kingdom... For a long time, Father has thought of ways to make the Mei Kingdom fall, but hasn't been successful. In the end, even I have fallen to a slumber... But, at that moment, you appeared. By having the Traumerei Princess as an ally, Father would gain superiority over the Mei Kingdom.
Kotohogi-san silently casted his eyes down.
Kotohogi: Father ordered me to win you over by showing you hospitality. ...I got close to you with the thought of using you.
When he made a disgusted expression despite his words, I spoke.
MC: ...The, why are you making such a pained expression?
Kotohogi: ...I did something like this as the prince of this kingdom. That's all.
He sounded like he was really in pain...
MC: Kotohogi-san...
When I said his name, Kotohogi-san bit his lip tightly...
Chapter 4 - Where Are Your True Feelings?
The cold moonlight was shining through the curtains. I went to Kotohogi-san's room. The well-organized furniture didn't have a speck of dust on them and were taken care of neatly. At the veranda, there were some small pots that had leafy plants in them.
Kotohogi: ...It's my only hobby.
Kotohogi-san touched a plant's green leaf caringly.
Kotohogi: When I'm growing them, I feel alive for some reason. Isn't it strange?
After he smiled self-mockingly, he placed his hands together behind his back and slowly began to talk.
Kotohogi: ...Father and the queen of the Mei Kingdom had a friendly relationship from the start.
When he sat on the sofa, Kotohogi-san started talking with a melancholic expression.
MC: A friendly relationship...?
Kotohogi: Amatsu and Mei started their opposition a long time ago. Since then, the people in both kingdoms have been fighting with each other. The people of Mei kidnaps people from Amatsu and Amatsu takes them back.
MC: ...That's unbelievable.
Kotohogi: Even if it's unbelievable, doesn't it sound idiotic? But, it's still happening even now. Father and the queen of the Mei Kingdom, they don't like fighting. If they understood each other, it'll bring peace to both kingdoms. But... It seems like they're both thinking of their own interests to ascend the throne... They couldn't find a common ground in order to get along and as a result, the fighting won't stop. Instead, the fighting just gets worse. Both kingdoms don't just do kidnappings, they would sometimes commit murder.
He deeply sighed.
MC: Kotohogi-san... What do you think of all this?
Kotohogi: I...
MC: ...You don't look like you wish to fight with the Mei Kingdom.
Kotohogi: Me? It's strange to say, but I am the prince of this kingdom. When I was born as the first prince, I carry out that role... That's my wish.
Even though he says that's his wish, those words felt very empty.
MC: Is that really what you truly intend on doing...?
When I got up, I approached Kotohogi-san.
///Choices///
- I want to know your true thoughts (☼)
MC: I want to know your true thoughts, Kotohogi-san. If the real you does wish for this current situation... You wouldn't make such a pained expression.
Kotohogi: ...
- Don't make such a pained expression (☽)
MC: Please don't make such a pained expression.
When I saw his green eyes shaking sadly... I slowly reached out towards his cheek.
///Choices///
Kotohogi: MC...
When he said my name, I looked down.
MC: I'm sorry. For being so intrusive.
After I apologized, Kotohogi-san spoke.
Kotohogi: MC... I...
MC: It has already gotten so late, so I'll be going now.
Without waiting for his words, I left the room as if I was running away...
As I was walking towards my own room, I felt remorseful.
(Even though I didn't know about the situation, I was being meddlesome. But, I don't want to see Kotohogi-san being in pain.)
At that moment...
MC: ...!
Suddenly, my mouth was covered by force.
(Who...!?)
I inhaled some kind of medicinal scent. Soon after, I lost consciousness...
......
Kotohogi: Where did she go...!
When MC disappeared, Kotohogi searched for her in the castle with an anxious look.
Kotohogi: You over there. Have you seen the Traumerei Princess?
Guard 1: N-No, I don't know...
Guard 2: We know nothing...
Kotohogi: ...
Kotohogi silently grabbed the guard by the neck and pushed him against the wall.
Kotohogi: ...Tell me.
The guard froze in fear.
Guard: I-It was the king's order...
Kotohogi: Father did...!?
Kotohogi tightly clenched his fist.
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