Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Leeya - Prince of Oz - Main Story
Chapter 1 - Intelligent Eyes
Kingdom of Rainbows, Oz, September... In a vast, endless rural area...
As I was in the middle of traveling, I saw something shine as it was reflecting against the sunlight.
MC: Ah, oh, no...!
Just as I rushed over to the crows that were playing with the shiny object, they flew off. Although...
(It looks like they're looking over here from afar. Are they that interested in it?)
From what I saw, the cause of the shininess was a ring.
(This is...!)
When I quickly placed both of my hands together and prayed, the ring emitted a strong light...
??: Mm... Ah... Dammit, my head hurts!
A tall young man appeared as he scowled. He fixed his distinctive hat that was made of straw and looked up... Suddenly, he looked angry and energetically got up.
??: These guys... Taking the chance while I couldn't move...! Unforgivable!
Just as he shouted at the crows that were cawing mockingly, he immediately took out a strange book.
(W-What...?)
When he strongly turned to a page, he murmured something softly the moment his fingers stopped. While thinking that it was strange, the very moment I was about to speak to him...
??: Take this!!
MC: ...!
Along with that shout, a strong tornadolike wind blew out from the book that he was holding. The crows got sucked into the strange tornado that appeared and were blown away.
??: ...Geez, I must always be on guard... So, who are you?
Just as he sighed in relief and anger, the young man closed the book and looked over here. Those eyes that were looking at me for the first time emitted a beautiful intelligent brilliance.
MC: Ah, I'm...
As he made a puzzled look, I explained myself to him.
??: Hmm...
His golden eyes looked at me with great interest.
??: I see. Then, I should thank you.
He pulled down his large straw hat deeply and turned around.
??: ...This isn't the place to do it.
MC: Eh...?
??: Let's return to my territory. You're my benefactor after all.
Without paying any mind to me as I was confused, he started walking soon after.
MC: Um!
??: What?
When he turned only his face towards me, he said that with a sour look.
MC: Your name is...
??: ...
After clearing his throat, he turned towards me.
Leeya: ...It's Leeya.
I noticed that his face turned somewhat red...
Chapter 2 - A Rough Kindness
To thank me for waking him up, Leeya-san walked towards the territory that he mentioned as I followed him from behind.
Once we left the tranquil rural area, we arrived in the town that was bustling with developed steam engines.
(Wow... The atmosphere turned completely modern.)
The moment we stepped into town...
Townsperson 1: It's Leeya-sama!
Townsperson 2: Leeya-sama has returned!
We instantly became surrounded by the townspeople.
Leeya: Uwah, what is it!
Townsperson 3: Leeya-sama, big trouble! During your absence, the crows in the fields...
Townsperson 4: Leeya-sama, the crows in the fields...
Leeya: Huh? In that case, then put up the scarecrow. Rotate it's neck once within 5 seconds and it'll shake around. Those guys won't be able to move or think.
Townsperson 5: Oh... You're a genius! A genius!
Townsperson 6: He's a genius!
Townsperson 7: Leeya-sama, about that, how are we supposed to make the scarecrow's head move?
Leeya: Well...
After a while, Leeya-san answered all the townspeople's barrage of questions as if it were a pain.
Townsperson 7: Oh, amazing!
Townsperson 8: You're a genius!! Wow!
Once the townspeople have diminished, Leeya-san hid his eyes with his hat.
Leeya: ...Geez, try thinking for yourselves.
(It's amazing to be relied on and being called a genius by everyone, but... Leeya-san looks troubled.)
When Leeya-san sighed heavily, I...
///Choices///
- That's amazing (☼)
MC: Leeya-san, that's amazing. All the townspeople relying on you like that.
I said that brightly to cheer Leeya-san up as he was looking glum.
Leeya: ...They rely on me too much. They need to think about it themselves a little.
His abusive way of speaking sounded a little sadder than earlier next.
(Is he thinking about something...?)
- Are you okay? (☽)
MC: Leeya-san, are you okay?
While feeling worried as he was making a gloomy expression, I spoke to him. Then, Leeya-san roughtly pulled his hat to readjust it and made a stern look.
Leeya: ...Not really, there's nothing for you to worry about.
Despite his curt words, his expression looked somewhat sad.
(Did... something happen?)
///Choices///
Even though I was curious, I felt that I shouldn't ask him about it anymore.
Leeya: Ah, come on, everyone, spread out, spread out! Let's return to the castle first, it's pointless to be discussing about the scarecrow, come.
Townsperson: Ah, Leeya-sama...!
Leeya: Got it? Rotate the neck once within 5 seconds and the scarecrow will move, it's not that hard! Okay!
After Leeya-san declared that strongly to remind them, he grabbed my hand.
(Eh...?)
Leeya: The guys in town will be gathering. So, don't get lost!
MC: O-Okay...
(Leeya-san is...)
Despite his rough words, his hand felt gentle... As the two of us left the noisy town, I started to see Leeya-san's true face...
Chapter 3 - The Prince That Was Given Wisdom
Leeya-san, who woke up from slumber, was very popular with the townspeople when he appeared in town after such a long time. The large crowd of people that appeared out of nowhere were relying on Leeya-san.
(I'm really glad that I woke up Leeya-san.)
As Leeya-san was strongly pulling my hand, I looked at his back while we were walking forward...
When we entered the castle, we headed to the courtyard. We stopped when we saw someone running in front of us in a panic.
??: L-Leeya-sama...!
Running in a hurry was a middle-aged man. After seeing him, Leeya-san pulled my hand and pushed me in front.
Leeya: Butler. This is my guest.
Butler: Y-Yes, Leeya-sama... Leeya-sama, you're all right...!
Paying no mind to me, the butler walked up in front of Leeya-san. Worshiping him, his eyes became teary in rejoice.
Leeya: Hey, didn't you hear me!?
Butler: I heard you! Leeya-sama, welcome back. Everyone was waiting for such a long time for Leeya-sama's return...
Leeya: You're not listening to me at all! Look here, SHE. IS. MY. GUEST!
Butler: Yes...
Leeya-san said that, one word at a time, politely with a loud voice. The butler looked at me as if there was blood in his eyes.
(S-Somehow, I'm feeling uncomfortable.)
Leeya: Listen, Butler. Don't you understand what I mean by guest? Be polite. She's the Traumerei Princess that woke me up.
Butler: Oh! Well then... Um, how should I be polite?
Leeya: Haa... Look, listen well. If she's an important guest, shouldn't you take her to the top floor in the East tower!? Also, prepare some top-quality sweets and good tea! Got it!?
Butler: Understood, Leeya-sama.
The butler made a satisfied nod from the detailed order that was given by Leeya-san. Seeing that made me remember the townspeople from earlier.
(Leeya-san... He looks really troubled somehow...)
Then, Leeya-san pulled my hand strongly again.
Leeya: Let's hurry, if we don't, who knows what'll happen, so I'm going to return to my room. If there's something you need, even if it's an inconvenience, just call for that guy anytime.
After saying that, Leeya-san pointed at the butler. I...
///Choices///
- Thank you very much (☼)
MC: Thank you very much.
Leeya: Huh? I'm the one who should be thanking you. Make yourself at home.
Those words were a little rough, but I noticed that Leeya-san was smiling a little.
- What about you? (☽)
MC: Um, what are you going to do after this, Leeya-san?
Leeya: I got a little something that I need to do no matter what. Once things have calmed down, I'll listen to whatever you want to say, so wait.
MC: ...!
(T-That's not what I meant, but...)
When he said that with a smile that had a gentle reliability to it, my heart skipped a beat. It made understand why everyone relies on Leeya-san a little.
///Choices///
After parting from Leeya-san, the butler led me to the guest room in the East tower...
......
As I was spending some time in an elegant room that was prepared for a guest, I was enjoying the tasty tea that the butler brewed and some sweets...
Butler: Thank you very much for saving Leeya-sama.
The butler bowed respectfully.
MC: It was nothing, I'm just glad that he woke up.
Butler: Truly... Leeya-sama is really important to us...
The butler talked about how amazing Leeya-san is. A long time ago, Leeya-san went on a journey to search for Oswald-san in order to be granted wisdom.
(A traveler... That kind of suits him.)
As a result, he came across Oswald-san by chance and easily received wisdom... With that wisdom, he somehow defended against the pestering family of crows in the west forest.
Butler: Leeya-sama is a genius! Without him, this kingdom would've been done for!
While listening to the butler as he was highly praising Leeya-san like crazy... I remembered how all the townspeople were calling Leeya-san a genius.
(But... Being relied on by so many people for this long must be troubling.)
The moment I imagined Leeya-san sighing deeply...
MC: ...!?
Along with a loud explosion sound, the room shook like crazy.
(W-What...!?)
Then, someone jumped into the room energetically...
Leeya: You okay!?
Butler: L-Leeya-sama, this is...!
Leeya: I'll explain later! Sorry, but we need to get out of here!
MC: O-Okay.
The next moment...
MC: ...!
Leeya: ...!!
During the second tremor that occurred, when the bookshelf fell at that critical moment... Leeya-san pulled my arm and held me to protect me.
Leeya: Come...!
The strength in Leeya-san's arms got stronger as he held me. When I looked at the side of his serious face, I...
///Choices///
- Did something happen? (☽)
MC: U-Um, did something happen?
Leeya: Let's get out of here first! It'll be okay!
Leeya-san softly smiled to give me some reassurance.
- Don't say anything (☼)
MC: ...
I said nothing and silently entrusted my body to Leeya-san.
Leeya: It'll be okay!
Concerned about me when I became silent, Leeya-san said that strongly.
///Choices///
After that, we managed to escape from the East tower as it crumbled down...
Chapter 4 - Scarecrow Making Plan
In front of the crumbled down East tower, Leeya-san sighed deeply...
(For it to suddenly crumble down... What happened?)
Leeya: Ah... They got us...
Leeya-san pulled his hat down uneasily... Soon after, he hit his face and took a short deep breath.
Leeya: Looks like the East tower is no good...
MC: Um, Leeya-san, this is...
Leeya: Mm... Since you got wrapped up in all this, I'll explain.
Leeya-san made a wry smile and took me to his own room...
......
Leeya-san's room was quite peculiar. In the room that was made with sturdy walls, there was a spiral staircase going up.
(What... is this?)
Leeya: Don't go up there. Those stairs lead up to the head, but it's still in the middle of construction.
MC: The head...?
Leeya: I'll explain later... Ah, you can sit in that spot over there.
(Even if he says that...)
There were books and research materials scattered around the area that there was no room for me to sit in. Also, there were a lot of strange machines.
Leeya: Well... This room is connected to the project too.
MC: A project?
Leeya-san explained with a prepared cup of warm tea in his hand.
Leeya: Yeah. This is the project. The truth is, it has something to do with the past, back when this kingdom was often invaded by the family of crows from the west forest. I was thinking about what to do about the cause.
(Crows... I see, that's why he was made at the crows that woke him up. Come to think of it, the butler mentioned it.)
Leeya-san gritted his teeth in frustration wholeheartedly.
MC: What kind of project did you thought of?
Leeya: The guys in this kingdom don't know how to think with their own brains. That's why I'm the only one that can reconstruct this castle right now.
MC: ...You're going to reconstruct this castle all by yourself?
Leeya: Yeah, there's no one else that I can rely on.
///Choices///
- That's... (☼)
MC: That's... Can't they help you? I'm sure that if you talk to them...
Leeya: Yeah, I could do that. But, right now, it's hopeless to give them instructions. I would've done that in the first place after all.
MC: I see...
Since that's what he says, then it can't be helped.
- Why... (☽)
MC: Why...
Leeya: Huh? What was that?
MC: Why is everyone only relying on you...?
Leeya: That's because in the past, I...
MC: ...?
Leeya: I-It's nothing!
Leeya-san turned away to avoid me.
///Choices///
Leeya: Anyway-, I can do it by myself. At any rate, the scarecrow was worked out into destroying this castle.
MC: Eh...?
Leeya: Just now was a bit of a miscalculation in the plans. I'm sure that I can get it to work out next time!
MC: T-Then, the head that you mentioned, could it be that...
Leeya: Yeah, those stairs go up to the scarecrow's head... They're actually stairs that go up to a watchtower!
With a confident look, Leeya-san's eyes brightened up, but without thinking...
MC: The castle being a scarecrow, that sounds idiotic...
Just as I became surprised from the words that I ended up saying...
Leeya: Huh!? Did you just call it idiotic!?
MC: ...!
Leeya-san suddenly made a stern look and approached me... The moment the cup fell from his hand, he pressed my body against the wall.
Leeya: I'm not stupid!
///Choices///
- Please calm down (☼)
MC: L-Leeya-san... Please calm down!
Leeya: How can I calm down after being called stupid!
As he was speaking roughly, Leeya-san drew near me.
MC: Actually, I wasn't calling you an idiot, Leeya-san.
- That's not what I meant (☽)
MC: Y-Yes... Just now, that's not what I meant...
When he said that in frustration, I frantically spoke.
Leeya: Then, what is it?
///Choices///
MC: I was just surprised from how something like that can be actually made.
Leeya: ...In other words, calling it idiotic was just a figure of speech.
Towards Leeya-san's dreadful state, I nodded many times. The distance, where our breaths could touch, and that angry look made my heart race.
Leeya: ...In that case, I'll let you off.
MC: ...I'm sorry, Leeya-san.
Leeya: ...
When Leeya-san slowly lets go of me, he looked away from me. As his eyes were shaking uneasily, his back was facing me completely.
MC: Leeya-san...?
Leeya: Sorry... A long time ago, before I received wisdom from Oswald, the truth is... I was just an idiot. I really didn't like being that way, so... Ah, forget about everything just now! Also... I forgive you. I must've been a little rough with you. Were you scared...?
As Leeya-san had his eyes down at the moment, he picked up the fallen cup.
MC: ...I'm okay. I'm sorry for saying that too...
Leeya: Then, do you forgive me?
MC: If you forgive me too.
Leeya: What's with that...
Leeya-san made a troubled smile. After that, we pulled ourselves together...
Leeya: Anyway, the plan to turn this castle into a scarecrow is most likely almost complete. Those guys gave up a little after all. To turn this castle into a scarecrow, those guys need to be educated a lot, even if they don't like it.
MC: ...But, do you really have to do it all by yourself?
Leeya: Yeah, that's right.
MC: Uh... Is it all right if I help?
Leeya: Huh...? What are you saying, it's not like you can do it!
MC: Even though I'm not as smart as you, I want to help...
Leeya: Then, what can you do?
Leeya-san looked at me with great interest. It felt like those intelligent eyes were quickly checking out my abilities...
(B-But, if I try my best, then surely...!)
MC: I can sort out documents and u-uh, give you a massage when you're tired...
(I-It may not be much, but...)
With that disappointing thought, I waited for Leeya-san's response and...
Leeya: Pfft... Hahahaha! You're an interesting person! It's somehow refreshing! Something like that is making my own head think of a response. It's really nice!!
MC: U-Um...
Leeya: Okay, I'll employ you! Well, do your best to keep up with my brain.
When he patted my head, it felt really gentle...
Chapter 5 - A Crow's Declaration of War
When Leeya-san executed a plan to rebel against the family of crows by himself, I was helping him and after a while...
Leeya: Hey, get the measuring instrument over there.
MC: Okay.
Leeya: Ah, also, can you do the calculation?
MC: Yes, I'll try...!
With Leeya-san giving me all kinds of directions, I have yet to become a hindrance to him, but... Leeya-san kept a distance from me.
Leeya: Ah, this part is off by 0.1 mm...
Leeya-san complained as he said that. When he went down and looked up, he played with the ornament on his hat as usual.
(Ah, Leeya-san's habit...)
Leeya-san would do that when he's thinking. I...
///Choices///
- Softly speak to him (☼)
MC: ...Taking a break?
While not getting in his way, I said that softly.
Leeya: Mm... Just for a bit.
Leeya-san smiled softer than usual.
- Silently go up to him (☽)
I silently sat next to him while not getting in his way. Then, Leeya-san changed his position and turned towards me.
Leeya: Let's take a short break.
His warm smile made my heart skip a beat.
///Choices///
Leeya: More importantly, you... You're working pretty hard.
MC: Eh...?
Leeya: To be honest, I thought that you would run off somewhere...
MC: Since you're so kind... I would never do that.
Leeya: Did you just call me kind? Your head is a little weird.
As Leeya-san said that, he made a carefree smile. That smile has felt especially kind lately...
(Sometimes being with him... makes my heart hurt.)
MC: But... Everyone looks up to you.
Leeya: That's because they rely on my brain.
MC: That's...
Leeya: Also, that'd be boring.
MC: Eh...?
Leeya: How boring... Back then, when I desperately tried to think, I didn't want to be called an idiot... But, after my wish was granted, I'm called a genius now. It makes things a little lonely, but... Really, it feels like I'm all alone.
Leeya-san softly held his hand and used it to cover his face.
Leeya: MC...
MC: ...!
While hiding his face, Leeya-san softly held my hand.
(What should I do.. I could feel my chest tightening.)
Unable to bear it, I strongly held that hand back.
Leeya: If... If this project does protect this kingdom well... I want to go traveling like in the past again. Just like back then, I want to travel to see some amazing things that'll get me excited...
I listened to Leeya-san's heartrending confession... After that, we silently held hands for a while...
That night...
As I remembered what Leeya-san told me today, I was unable to sleep well and then... Something hit the window.
(What...?)
The moment I nervously got out of bed...
MC: ...!
Roughly breaking through the window, crows flew in all at once.
Leeya: MC! What's wrong!?
Just as I heard running, Leeya-san came into the room.
MC: Leeya-san...!
While getting rid of the murder of crows, Leeya-san held me to protect me.
Leeya: Kuh...! That's low, you bastards! What's the meaning of this!? If you want a fight, you should be fighting me fair and square!!
Then...
??: Hmph, fufufu. I just wanted to give your woman a little greeting.
From among the murder of crows, a man in black suddenly appeared.
Leeya: H-Huh!? S-She's not like that!
Leeya-san's face turned red in anger and embarrassment.
King of Crows: Kuku, I just wanted to see her as the king of crows. Since there are a lot of cute crow retainers.
Leeya: Hmm... Just watching isn't a good hobby.
King of Crows: When that girl fell asleep due to exhaustion from helping you, your face turned red as you were petting her head.
Leeya: Wha... W-W-W-W-What the hell are you saying, you bastard!!
(...Uh.)
Leeya: You son of a bitch! That's seriously low!
For a moment, Leeya-san glared at the King of Crows within the serious atmosphere...
King of Crows: Still... As a result, I know that you're planning something... In that case, we got an idea too.
Leeya: What's that?
King of Crows: This is war...!
Leeya: Dammit! Wait...!
In some kind of vortex, the large murder of crows left the room. I closed my eyes from the strong wings flapping and then...
Leeya: ...They got away.
In the damaged room... The King of Crows of nowhere to be seen...
Chapter 6 - Giant Scarecrow No. 1, Launch!
The next day after receiving a declaration of war from the King of Crows...
Leeya-san started proceeding with the project in a hurry.
Leeya: Dammit... It's a shame, but I'm going to need Oswald's help.
When Leeya-san turned a page in a heavy book while murmuring that in frustration, he intensely scribbled down some calculations.
(We need to do something before the family of crows start up something.)
With that thought, I helped Leeya-san and at that moment.
Butler: P-Pardon the intrusion, Leeya-sama!
Leeya: Ah, so annoying! Now's not the time.
Just as he made an angry look, the butler ran into the room.
Butler: B-But, Leeya-sama! The town is...
Leeya: The town... What about it?
As Leeya-san was annoyed, he stopped his hands and turned his head with a serious look.
Butler: T-The town is being attacked by a large group of crows...! Now just the town, but the fields and houses too, it's a great disaster!
Leeya: Those guys...
(How terrible...)
No matter what comes in his way, Leeya-san would never stand aside and not attack. Yet...
Leeya: In that case... In that case, I have no choice, but to launch Giant Scarecrow No. 1!
MC: Giant... Scarecrow?
(So, it had that kind of name...)
Leeya: It may not be complete yet, but... We don't have a choice!
Leeya-san tightened the screw in the incomplete castle type giant scarecrow and started activating it. I...
///Choices///
- I'll help! (☽)
MC: I'll help...!
Leeya: Got it! Then, I'll leave this spot to you!
When Leeya-san handed me a tool, I nimbly moved to the other side.
- The danger... (☼)
MC: But, Leeya-san, it's still dangerous...!
Leeya: Still, what'll we do if we don't use it now!
I couldn't say anything else from Leeya-san being distressed.
///Choices///
......
When we finished the Giant Scarecrow No. 1's final inspection, Leeya-san' strongly held the activation switch in the room.
Leeya: It's going to move instantly, but... My calculations up till now have been perfect.
MC: Yes, I'm sure that it'll be okay.
Leeya-san's eyes caught my gaze. While proceeding with his project, his intelligent eyes shined many times... My efforts were really limited, but we feel really strong when the two of us are working hard...
(Please... Move successfully!)
Leeya-san held my hand and placed his other hand over the activation switch.
Leeya: Shall we push it together?
When I nodded as I swallowed the saliva in my mouth from feeling nervous, I felt Leeya-san's warm hand and the sensation of the robotic switch.
MC: Yes.
Leeya: Giant Scarecrow No. 1, launch...!!
When I felt the switch being pushed with a clunk... The floor shook roughly.
Leeya: MC...!
The moment Leeya-san held my shoulder... The scarecrow was activated as it moved up...
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