Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Lucien - Prince of Arbitro - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Black Prince
Kingdom of Judgement, Arbitro, November...
In a small forest in the Kingdom of Judgement that governs verdicts, I woke up a single prince that was put to sleep by the dream eaters. After being surrounded by light, the black prince's eyelids trembled in pain...
??: So bright...!
As his eyes were blinking from the evening sunlight, his body trembled a little. His beautiful black hair fluttered smoothly as he stretched out his refined body so elegantly.
(Black wings...)
His black wings spread out brightly as they flapped. His overwhelming presence and mysterious dark charm made me speechless.
??: ...Did you, to me...?
MC: Ah... Yes.
As his long eyelashes went up, he slowly looked at me. Along with my heart pounding, a strange feeling of excitement hit me.
(It's strange... I'm just looking at him.)
MC: Are you okay?
??: ...Do I look okay?
MC: Eh...?
When he narrowed his eyes, he slowly moved his gaze away from me and looked down at his feet. The wings that were spread out on his back slowly closed.
??: It would've been best if you didn't wake me up... Someone like me shouldn't have woken up. There was no need for that.
MC: Ah...
After he murmured that, his body staggered as he was about to walk. Just as I was about to help him in a panic, he turned his back on me to evade me.
??: ...Don't waste your time on me.
MC: But, you were staggering...
??: Just leave me alone.
When he said that, he started walking away as he gave out a standoffish air that's telling others to stay away from him.
(His complexion didn't look so good... I'm worried. He told me to leave him alone, but...)
Before I knew it, I took a step forward and followed those black wings...
Chapter 2 - The Detestable Black Winged One
The beautiful prince with beautiful black wings that I've woken up from a slumber, he continued walking while giving out an air that's telling others not to come near him.
(He doesn't look so good... Will he be okay?)
When I saw his pale face, I thought that he was going to collapse at any moment... I couldn't bring myself to leave him alone no matter what.
??: ...How long are you going to keep on following me?
After he said that deeply, I gradually spoke.
MC: I'm sorry. I was just worried...
??: I told you not to worry about me. Leave, don't get involved with me.
When he furrowed his brow in annoyance, my heart felt a sharp pain. I...
///Choices///
- I'm still worried (☽)
MC: But...
I couldn't forget that unsteady look on his face.
??: ...So annoying. I told you not to worry about me.
When he refused me clearly with a pained look on his face, at that moment...
- I'll stop worrying (☼)
(...That's right. I'm causing trouble for him, so I should stop worrying about him.)
MC: ...I understand.
??: ...
When I responded softly as I hung my head down, I noticed that his eyes were trembling a little. At that moment...
///Choices///
Child: Uwaah! My balloon is flying away!
We heard a child crying nearby. What we saw was a balloon leaving the child's hand as it was starting to float up high.
??: ...!
Soon after, shiny black wings were flapping right next to me.
MC: Ah...
As they were spread out widely, those beautiful wings were about to fly up to go after the balloon, but...
??: ...
For some reason, they folded just as the balloon was deflating.
??: ...
(Is something wrong?)
When he bit his lip bitterly, he looked away from the sky. At that moment...
Mother: Oh, dear! I'll go get it right now!
When the mother that was nearby flapped her wings and flew up, she caught the balloon that instant. The color of her wings were white as snow.
Mother: You must be more careful with your balloon, so hold onto it tightly.
Child: Okay... Uu, *hic*. Mama, I'm sorry...
Mother: Good grief... Don't cry.
Just as I felt relieved from the scene before me...
Mother: Ah...
When the mother noticed us, her eyes widened as her face turned pale.
Mother: L-Let's go, my child. It's dangerous.
MC: Eh...?
When the mother and child left in a hurry, I became confused.
(What was that?)
Then...
??: ...It's just the usual.
MC: The usual...
When I tilted my head to the side as I was unable to fully grasp the situation, he turned towards me with a sad look.
??: It's no good to get involved with me.
MC: That's...
Before I could say anything, he turned his back on me and walked forward. At that moment...
Town Child 2: Ah! It's the detestable black winged!
Town Child 3: Something bad is going to happen! Go away!
MC: ...!
When some town children that were passing by saw us, they threw some rocks at us.
??: ...
Although, he didn't say anything while rocks were being thrown at him.
(How cruel...)
MC: Stop that! Why would you do something so cruel...
Town Child 2: Wah! The detestable one's friend is going to attack!
Town Child 3: Run away!!
The children became surprised and ran off.
??: ...
MC: U-Um...
(It's like what happened with the mother and child earlier, but... Why does everyone look at him like that?)
As I was unsure on what to say, I only looked at his black eyes...
??: The detestable one's friend, huh...
(Ah...)
I noticed that he chuckled as he was smiling a little.
??: ...Sorry.
MC: N-No. That's...
After he became so kind in just a moment... When he narrowed his eyes sadly, my chest tightened.
??: You really shouldn't be so concerned about me.
MC: Okay...
His eyes scared me a little, but I felt hopeful somehow... He used his time to face me.
Lucien: ...My name is Lucien. You are?
MC: Eh...
Lucien: I'm asking for your name.
MC: Ah... It's MC.
Lucien: I see...
(Lucien-san...)
After Lucien-san's eyes trembled perplexedly, he lightly sighed.
Lucien: ...It'll be bad if people saw you defending me. Also, it's already getting dark... If you don't have a place to go to, you can come with me.
MC: ...!
Even though Lucien-san said that over his shoulder, the black wings on his back slightly shook happily somehow...
Chapter 3 - Praying to the Blue Sky
The next day after meeting Lucien-san...
-Flashback-
Lucien: ...It'll be bad if people saw you defending me. Also, it's already getting dark... If you don't have a place to go to, you can come with me.
-Flashback-
After arriving at Lucien-san's castle, the servant treated me kingdly and was letting me stay for a while as thanks for waking up the prince. Although...
(Such a lonesome castle...)
In the small castle that was outside of town, there were only Lucien-san and very few servants...
(Lucien-san... I wonder if he's feeling all right.)
Just as I passed by the castle courtyard as I was on my way to see him, I heard birds lightly chirping. Among that, I heard the faint laugh of a man.
(Where have I heard that before?)
When I looked up without thinking...
Lucien: Haha... There's no need to rush, there's still more.
Out on the balcony, there was Lucien-san playing with birds. That expression was completely different from the one yesterday and was more gentle...
(Such a kind expression...)
Just as I felt a slightly warm feeling rising...
Lucien: You...!
When Lucien-san noticed me, his expression instantly stiffened up. Surprised by his deep voice, the birds flew away all at once.
(Ah, the birds...)
I...
///Choices///
- You must like birds (☽)
MC: You must like birds.
When I said that in a panic to start a conversation, Lucien-san's gaze wandered around troubledly. Then...
Lucien: ...I just get along with them.
Without looking at me, he murmured that as a response.
- I'm sorry (☼)
MC: I'm sorry...!
Realizing that I was peeping, I apologized in a panic. Then, Lucien-san...
Lucien: ...I'm not worried about it.
I barely heard that as he spoke softly.
///Choices///
After Lucien-san looked at me properly, he spoke hesitantly.
Lucien: ...Want to come with me?
MC: ...Is that okay?
Lucien-san looked away from me again. Without changing my mind, I quickly headed to Lucien-san's room.
......
MC: Pardon the intrusion.
There weren't a lot of things in Lucien-san's room and it was dark despite that it was daytime.
(This place really does feel a little lonesome...)
Lucien: ...
When Lucien-san was at the balcony, the light was dwindling behind him for some reason.
MC: Lucien-sa-
Just as I was about to go out onto the balcony, Lucien-san placed his index finger on his lips as if he was telling me to be quiet.
Lucien: ...You sure are greedy. Are you still eating?
Lucien-san asked that to the small birds softly. The birds softly chirped as they gathered around him again.
MC: Wow...
I said that as I was impressed by the colorful birds that have gathered around. Then, when Lucien-san turned this way...
Lucien: You should be okay now.
MC: Eh...?
Lucien: These guys don't like people that much.
There was a bit of a gentle look in his eyes as they narrowed.
MC: I see. I'm glad.
Lucien: ...Want to try feeding them?
Lucien-san held out a small leather sack to me. I...
///Choices///
- Thank you (☼)
MC: Yes, I do. Thank you.
Lucien: Try not to spook them.
When he softly placed some small grains in my hand, our hands touched.
(So warm...)
His warmth that I slightly felt moved me deeply for some reason.
- Won't they be scared? (☽)
MC: But... Won't they be scared?
Lucien: You'll be fine as long as you're not loud.
After Lucien-san said that, he put some food in my hand.
MC: Thank you.
His expression within the close distance looked really gentle...
(I thought he was a scary person when we first met, but...)
My heart was pounding softly.
///Choices///
Lucien: If you hold out your hand with food in it slowly, you'll be fine.
MC: ...!
When I did as he said, the birds started gathering around my hand. The pecking sensation tickled me as I became more attached to them.
MC: How cute...
Lucien: Yeah, the birds have different feather colors and they all get along. No matter what color they are, birds are free to do as they please...
Lucien-san looked at the blue sky as if he was praying to the heavens.
MC: ...
As the side of his face looked very sad... I thought it also looked really beautiful...
Chapter 4 - Unaware at the Moment
A few days later since I've came to Lucien-san's castle... In the small castle that doesn't have a lot of people, Lucien-san has been spending most of his time with me all on his own.
One day, as I was walking in the garden...
(Ah... It's Lucien-san. It looks like he's feeding the birds again.)
I saw Lucien-san hanging over at the highest floor of the castle.
Lucien: ...That's a good boy. Here, eat up slowly.
He was given the birds a very gentle look. I...
///Choices///
- Call out his name (☼)
MC: Lucien-san!
Feeling happy, I called out to Lucien-san loudly. Then...
Lucien: ...!
Surprised by my voice, the birds flew away all at once.
(I... did it again.)
MC: ...I'm sorry.
Lucien: You... Loud as usual.
I thought he was going to get mad, but Lucien-san only smiled softly.
- Wave your hand (☽)
(Lucien-san...!)
Being careful to not scare the birds, I waved my hand towards Lucien-san.
Lucien: ...!
When Lucien-san noticed me, his wings lightly flapped. From that sound, the birds flew away from Lucien-san's hand...
///Choices///
MC: I'm really sorry...
Lucien: It's okay. Come here.
I slowly walked over to Lucien-san's side.
Lucien: You're too far away from over there.
MC: ...!
Lucien-san grabbed my arm and pulled me towards his side. The sudden close distance instantly made my cheeks hot...
Lucien: ...Wait for a bit.
Lucien-san slowly held out his hand in front. Then, after a while, the birds chirped cutely again and gathered around Lucien-san's hand.
MC: Wow...
Just as I said that without thinking, I stopped myself in a panic. From that, Lucien-san looked at me with a gentle gaze...
......
As I was surprised by how vast the beautiful view below me was, I fed the birds that had gathered around.
Lucien: ...They're getting along with someone other than me.
When Lucien-san suddenly said that, I looked up.
///Choices///
- Are you jealous? (☽)
MC: Could it be that... you're jealous?
Lucien: ...What do you mean by jealous?
Lucien-san frowned a little from my words.
That's because you're with me, Lucien-san (☼)
MC: That's... Aren't they at ease because you're next to me, Lucien-san?
Lucien: Well... I'm always spending time with them after all.
Lucien-san narrowed his eyes happily a little.
///Choices///
Then, once the birds' stomachs were full, one and then, two of them left. While Lucien-san was watching the birds go off into the distance, he murmured something.
Lucien: ...Those birds and him gather around me... Just like you.
MC: Eh...
Lucien: Everyone fears these black wings.
MC: Why... I think those wings are beautiful when they're flying in the sky.
Lucien: You saying that means that you don't know anything.
When he said that with a slightly inaudible tone, my heart throbbed.
Lucien: ...I don't want you to know.
His long fingers gently touched my cheek.
MC: Lucien... -san?
Unable to stand my fast-throbbing heartbeat, I turned my gaze away. At that moment, I saw a large forest on the other side of the castle wall.
MC: L-Lucien-san! What's that forest over there? It's really large...!
Lucien: ...!
Then, Lucien-san's expression changed that instant...
Lucien: Don't ever go near that place. Got it?
While glaring at that place, he told me that strongly. When the warm look in his eyes from before turned stern, my heart became very noisy...
Chapter 5 - A Discussion with the Servant
-Flashback-
Lucien: Don't ever go near that place. Got it?
-Flashback-
The next day...
Servant: MC-sama. May I have a little of your time?
Along with a knock on the door, I heard a servant's soft voice at the same time. Wondering what was up, I opened the door and waited for the servant to speak...
Servant: I want to discuss about Lucien-sama with you... Since he seems to trust you very much...
(Is there something wrong with Lucien-san...?)
As the servant looked hesitant and sad, my heart started to become noisy.
MC: ...If you need my help.
Servant: Thank you very much... Please follow me.
While accompanying the servant, I left Lucien-san's castle...
The place that he took me to was the area that Lucien-san told me to nerver enter.
(It's kind of an ominous place...)
In front of me, there were sturdy barbed wires laid out around and beyond it were thick thriving forest trees that had a black discoloration as if they were burned.
Servant: Beyond here is the restricted area. If we go in there... Our race's white wings will turn black from the miasma that it's filled up with.
MC: ...! Then, could it be that this is where Lucien-san...
Servant: ...Yes. Everyone detests and fears black wings because they carry a bad omen. Those who become affected by the miasma and those who are born within it... There are many reasons, but every single one of them have to go live quietly at the edge of the kingdom.
MC: ...!
-Flashback-
Mother: L-Let's go, my child. It's dangerous.
---
Town Child 2: Ah! It's the detestable black winged!
Town Child 3: Something bad is going to happen! Go away!
-Flashback-
(That's why... everyone treated Lucien-san like that...)
Servant: Because of that, Lucien-sama has secluded himself in the castle...
MC: I see... But, why do you need me?
Right at that moment.
Lucien: What are you doing!
From behind, an angry shout pierced through.
Servant: Lucien-sama...!
Lucien: I couldn't find you, MC, but I never thought that you would come here...
Lucien-san made an anguished look.
Lucien: MC, I told you not to come here.
MC: ...
Servant: My deepest apologies! She came here because I asked her to. The people of this kingdom are still ignoring the problem with the restricted area... So, I thought that we should go look for other royals... If we have the Traumerei Princess speak for us...
Lucien: ...!
Lucien-san bit his lip.
Lucien: ...Something like this wouldn't change the rumors about black wings. Don't get her involved with this!
Towards Lucien-san's angry shout, I...
///Choices///
- He was worried (☼)
MC: Lucien-san, he was just worried about you... So...
Lucien: I don't need anyone worrying about me.
MC: That's...
When I looked at Lucien-san as he said those unpleasant words, my heart felt even more pain.
- I'm sorry (☽)
MC: Lucien-san, I'm sorry...!
Lucien: Even though you came here... Nothing happened to you.
Lucien-san looked at the deep dark forest vexingly.
///Choices///
Lucien: ...Enough. I'll take her back myself. You, go on ahead.
Servant: ...My deepest apologies.
When the servant left with slumped shoulders, Lucien-san deeply sighed after seeing him off.
Lucien: ...This place only holds sad memories for us*. Also, it's a dangerous place for those that don't have wings.
T/N: Adiel and Micaela
(Us...?)
Lucien: ...It's nothing. Let's go.
MC: Okay... I'm really sorry.
Darker, darker... The shadows of the forest trees on Lucien-san's black wings made their color shine even more. As I looked at them, I couldn't help, but feel pain rising...
MC: ...Isn't there anything I could do to help?
Lucien: ...!
When I asked that, Lucien-san was about to say something, but he looked down listlessly soon after.
Lucien: ...No, it's okay. I just want to hurry and leave this place.
MC: ...Lucien-san...
Just as he was about to walk off as if he was trying to shake something off, he suddenly stopped.
Lucien: ...How strange.
MC: Eh...?
Lucien: Even though the restricted area is supposed to be behind the barbed wires...
When I took a closer look, the black trees had surpassed the barbed wires a little as if they were slowly eating away the side that we were on.
Lucien: The restricted area is spreading... What does this mean?
As he said that shakily, Lucien-san looked beyond the forest
Lucien: Come here...
MC: Eh...
Along with a flapping sound, he wrapped his black wings around me to protect me from the discolored trees.
Lucien: Why...
Then, Lucien-san held my hand tightly as if he was scared...
Chapter 6 - The Decaying Miasma
In front of the barbed wires of the restricted area, Lucien-san stiffened up and didn't move as he held my hand tightly.
-Flashback-
Lucien: Even though the restricted area is supposed to be behind the barbed wires... The restricted area is spreading... What does this mean?
-Flashback-
MC: ...The restricted area is spreading?
Lucien: Nothing like this has ever happened before... Why?
As Lucien-san stared at the barbed wires with a pale face, I've realized that this was a very serious and unexpected problem. After a while, Lucien-san...
Lucien: If it spreads around the barbed wires like this... Something bad is going to happen. I need to hurry and find the cause of all this.
MC: ...Eh?
His tight grip around my hand from before has loosened up... When Lucien-san went through the barbed wires, he went into the restricted area.
MC: Lucien-san!
Lucien: Hurry and return to the castle.
When he told me that with his back facing me, I...
///Choices///
- Refuse and hold onto him (☽)
MC: Lucien-san!
Even though he told me not to go in, I lost control of myself and held onto Lucien-san's body.
Lucien: MC...?
When Lucien-san said my name softly, his body trembled.
- Refuse and pull his arm (☼)
MC: No...!
In a daze, I pulled Lucien-san's arm without thinking.
Lucien: Let go. At this rate, there'll be more people like me...
Lucien-san's hand that I was pulling was trembling.
///Choices///
MC: I've heard that the miasma in there is really dangerous.
Lucien: I'll be okay... These wings... They can't get any darker.
MC: But...
Lucien: MC...
Lucien-san turned towards me with a serious look.
Lucien: I can't waste a second in finding the cause of all this. Before it could cause any more damages... I need to do something...
From Lucien-san's dreadful expression, I felt my hold on him slowly becoming weaker.
Lucien: I'm going.
MC: Ah...
Just as Lucien-san was about to leave, I reached out towards his back before I knew it.
(When he's making that kind of face... I don't want to leave him alone.)
MC: Then... Take me with you!
Lucien: ...What?
MC: I don't have wings like everyone else, so I'll be fine.
Lucien: No. Even if you don't have wings, we don't know what the miasma could do to you.
MC: Please. I don't know what I could do to help, but... I think it's more reassuring to go as a pair. Instead of being alone.
His black eyes trembled perplexedly. As it felt like he was going to push my hand away or he wanted to ask me something... The complicated look on his face made my heart hurt. After a while...
Lucien: ...Stay by my side no matter what.
After he said that briefly, he held my shoulder firmly. I felt his body warmth from his toned physique through his clothes.
MC: Okay...!
When I gripped Lucien-san's clothes tightly, we stepped into the restricted area that's shrouded in miasma...
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