Kotohogi - Prince of Amatsu - Sun End

Kotohogi - Prince of Amatsu - Sun End

Chapter 5 - Determination Budding

(It's cold...) 

I slowly opened my eyes from that sensation. 

(Where am I...?) 

In a daze, I looked at the rugged wooden ceiling.

Castle Guard 1: Oh, you're awake. 

MC: ...? 

Castle Guard 1: Sorry. The king ordered us not to let you escape. 

MC: ...!

(That's right, my mouth was covered with something...) 

I tried to get up, but I couldn't move my body well due to my hands and feet being tied up tightly with some rope. 

Castle Guard 1: Sorry, but stay like that for a bit until we get our next order. 

(...!) 

When I tried to put more effort into untying the rope, it only tightened around my wrists more. 

(It's cold...) 

Just as my consciousness was becoming hazy again... 

Kotohogi: MC!!

(...Kotohogi-san?) 

Kotohogi: You guys... Leave this place at once!!

Castle Guard 2: But, His Majesty...!

Kotohogi: Silence! I'll take all the responsibility for this matter. 

Castle Guard 1: ...

When the guards were struck by Kotohogi-san's angry look just now, they ran off in a panic. 

Kotohogi: MC...!

Kotohogi-san immediately ran over to me and untied the ropes that were binding me. 

Kotohogi: ...I'm sorry. It's all because I couldn't confront Father no matter what... 

Kotohogi-san was trembling. 

Kotohogi: I'm... such a hollow person. Father has told me that I need more self-determination as the prince of this kingdom. But, your words made me realize that... there's something I want to do. 

When I looked at Kotohogi-san, I returned a smile to him. 

MC: Won't you tell me? I'll support you no matter what. 

Kotohogi: Thank you... 

After he said that, we looked at each other. There was a strong determination hidden within Kotohogi-san's eyes... 

Last Chapter - What Kotohogi Wants to Do

While taking me into consideration as my feet were still staggering, Kotohogi-san requested an audience with the king. 

Kotohogi: Father, we need to talk. 

King: What is it? ...! 

Just as the king became surprised from seeing me, he looked at Kotohogi-san directly. 

King: What is the meaning of this, Kotohogi? 

Kotohogi: I want you to stop it with these sorts of things. 

King: ...

Kotohogi: Making MC participate in the dispute against her will just to outwit the Mei Kingdom*... Do you really think that'll end things? 

T/N: Shigure's kingdom

Kotohogi-san put more strength in his hand as it held my shoulder. To encourage him, I gently placed my hand over his. 

Kotohogi: It'll only bring out new triggers. This kind of dispute... I'm sick of it.

King: But, Kotohogi. The Mei Kingdom will continue to make our people suffer. Are you okay with that? 

The king's feelings of pain were showing in his voice. 

Kotohogi: ...Of course, I'm not. But, the first step in resolving... It doesn't have to be between you and the queen of the Mei Kingdom. 

The king looked like he had become fooled and became silent. 

Kotohogi: Of course, I will do anything to make it happen. That's why I want to try working hard in my official duties to make this a wonderful kingdom. 

Kotohogi-san looked straight at him...

King: ...To think that you would say that. 

After sighing deeply, the king continued talking. 

King: ...I understand your opinion. 

Kotohogi-san's nervous expression softened up. 

(That's good...!) 

King: But, it's not possible to make it happen right away. The discord with the Mei Kingdom is deeper than you think. 

Kotohogi: Understood. 

(It might not be a problem if there's something I can do somehow, but... I want to save this kingdom with Kotohogi-san.) 

MC: If there's something I can do, please let me help too. 

I said that with resolve. 

Kotohogi: ...MC.

The king looked at us sadly for some reason. 

King: Looking at you two... It makes me remember the old days. The time when me and her promised to build up a good kingdom... 

Kotohogi: Father...

King: Traumerei Princess... I don't think my apologies will ever erase my guilt. I'll accept any punishment. 

MC: ...Then. Please promise that you'll fully support Prince Kotohogi in bringing peace with the Mei Kingdom. 

Kotohogi: MC... 

King: ...I promise. 

Then, after we bowed to the king, we headed for the door. 

(Even though I ended up saying something like that.) 

The weight of the words that came out from my own mouth made me reflect upon myself even now. 

Kotohogi: MC?

MC: I... I said something so thoughtlessly. 

Kotohogi: It's okay, thank you... It made me happy. 

Kotohogi-san smiled softly. 

Kotohogi: You don't need to worry. No... I'll show you that it'll be okay. 

MC: ...Okay!

Kotohogi-san stopped and looked at me in the eye. 

Kotohogi: I do think that it's going to get troubling from here on. Even so... Will you stay by my side? No, I want you to stay by my side. 

Kotohogi-san gently hugged me. 

MC: Kotohogi-san...? 

Kotohogi: It's all thanks to you. 

With a smile, he placed his hand on my cheek. 

Kotohogi: ...I'm no longer hollow. Both for the kingdom... and you. I want to do a lot for them right now. 

MC: ...!

When Kotohogi-san's face got closer, I closed my eyes. A gentle kiss was placed against my cheek. Kotohogi-san placed his forehead against mine. 

Kotohogi: ...Let's continue this in my room. Okay? 

I couldn't find the words to say back as Kotohogi-san was smiling like that. Suddenly, he gently picked me up as I was staggering. 

MC: Kotohogi-san...? 

Kotohogi: What? 

Within the close distance, he looked at me. 

MC: ...

When I looked away from embarrassment, he chuckled. He softly placed a kiss against my ear. 

Kotohogi: I'll slowly hear you out later. 

His gentle voice echoed in my ear. Feeling like I was being tied down by that voice, I felt myself forgetting to breathe while blinking repeatedly. 

Kotohogi: Let me escort you, Princess. 

I was being reflected in Kotohogi-san's green eyes. 

Those eyes were shining more vibrantly than the time we've met... 

Main Story

Moon End