Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Nero - Prince of Circo - Sun End
Chapter 7 - A Day of Farewells
While I was worrying about Nero and the children of Circo... The circus troupe arrived at a neighboring kingdom.
Nero: This is where... we part.
MC: ...Yes.
When Nero said that again, I felt a tight pain in my chest.
(Nero and everyone... I'm still worried about them.)
Nero: Come watch our circus till the end.
MC: Okay, I'll be looking forward to it.
I somehow smiled as I responded. As Nero was furrowing his brow firmly, he made a small smile too. At that moment...
MC: Isn't that... The doctor?
Nero: Eh...?
When I said that, Nero turned around and looked at the castle.
Nero: That guy...?
We saw the doctor leaving from the castle of the kingdom...
Chapter 8 - A World That You Wish For
Appearing from the castle was Nero's friend, the doctor.
Nero: What is he doing?
Along with Nero, we immediately ran up to the doctor.
Nero: Hey.
Doctor: ...!? Nero!
Just as the doctor's complexion changed the moment he saw Nero, he dropped the bag that he was carrying and it's contents scattered around.
MC: Are you okay?
The moment I was about to pick them up, Nero stopped me from moving.
Nero: ...Wait.
He made a sad look... as if he was very wounded.
Nero: What is the meaning of this? What you dropped just now was this drug...
Doctor: ...
The doctor made a look as if he was chewing a bitter bug.
Nero: What is the meaning of this... Explain!
When Nero approached him to explain with an unforgiving look, the doctor took a step back.
Doctor: This is a drug that I invented. I'm free to do whatever I want with it.
Nero: ...
When Nero took a glance at the castle, he glared at the doctor.
Nero: ...It can't be, you...
Doctor: Nero, we could obtain a lot of money... Won't that make the children of Circo happy?
MC: !
Doctor: The drug is still incomplete, so I was considering getting some support into developing it. Now, I don't have to feel guilty about using it on the children.
Nero: On the children...?
Nero's face turned pale quickly.
-Flashback-
Nero: Lately, a lot of them have been unable to sleep. Also... No.
MC: ...Is there something wrong with the children's bodies?
Nero: The doctor said that they could be stressed due to traveling. If that's what he says, then he can't be wrong, but...
-Flashback-
(It can't be...!)
Nero: I thought it was strange... The increase of children that have stopped growing.
MC: ...!
(Don't tell me... He was testing it on the children...!?)
Nero: You...!!
Nero grabbed both of the doctor's shoulders and shook him greatly.
Nero: You, we... Are you telling me that you were experimenting on them!?
MC: No way...!
Doctor: That's a cruel thing to say. Even though I wanted to grant your wish. I'm bringing the world that you wish for to life.
When the doctor smiled boldly, Nero's hands gradually trembled.
Doctor: Normally, "a world of just children" to continue for all of eternity is completely impossible.
(That's...!)
Nero: What did you say...
Doctor: But, children are truly detestable. They make you do exhausting things... And they yell out loud whenever they feel like it. Sorry, but I've already turned into an adult. So, I'll be continuing the development of the drug in this kingdom from now on. Once I get money, I'll be living abundantly.
After he laughed, he started picking up the drug that has scattered around. Then...
Nero: You deceived me...! How filthy...! All adults and you too... You're all filthy!!
Doctor: ...
Filled with anger and frustration, Nero jumped at the doctor...
Chapter 9 - What's Needed
Overflowing with anger and frustration, Nero jumped at the doctor.
MC: Nero!
I immediately clung onto Nero.
Nero: Let go of me...!
MC: Nero! Think about the children right now...!
As I desperately tried to stop Nero, he became perplexed for a short moment as he had his fist up...
Nero: ...
Nero calmed down.
Nero: ...Tell me. What should I do about the children's bodies?
(Nero...)
Nero: There are children that have become severely ill...! Tell me!!
Doctor: Who knows... I don't know.
Nero: You...!
Doctor: But, there is a way to get rid of the drug's effects.
Nero: !
When Nero raised his fist again, he clenched it tightly...
......
After that, we apprehended the doctor and locked him up in the circus.
Nero: Aside from knowing the cause of the children's poor physical conditions, we need to take care of it...
When I noticed that Nero's voice was slightly shaking as he was acting firm, I slowly... placed my hand over his.
Nero: ...
Nero's hand twitched, but he didn't shake me off... When his hand lightly moved, he gripped my hand reservedly.
MC: We need to collect adult blood...
The doctor told us that was the way to get rid of the effects of the drug... What we need is adult blood.
Nero: Something that filthy for them...?
MC: Nero...
Nero: Something like that, just the idea of it is so strange... But...
While hesitating, Nero hung his head down with both of his hands on his forehead. I softly placed my own hand over Nero's...
Last Chapter - Waking Up from a Dream
While questioning the development of the drug, Nero and I continued worrying about it... We brought along the doctor when we returned to Circo once more.
Even though it doesn't change the fact that the traitorous doctor has done something terrible, it'd be impossible to make the children get better without him... We lent out support by putting all our strength into the children's recovery.
Doctor: Now then, let's begin.
Nero: Kuh...
As the doctor grinned, Nero held back what he wanted to say and bit his lip.
MC: I understand that adult blood is needed. So... How about we use my blood?
Nero: ...Are you sure?
MC: ...I'm sorry that I couldn't be of any more help.
Nero: What are you saying? You're the only adult here... Also...
MC: Nero?
As Nero looked like he was hesitant to speak as he hung his head down, he suddenly looked away. Then, Nero turned towards the doctor...
Nero: Got it? You're only extracting her blood. If you do anything else...
Doctor: ...I'll get things ready.
When the doctor sighed as he continued getting ready, he started drawing blood from me.
......
Although, it seems like my blood alone wasn't enough to help all the children in this kingdom. After a while...
(Somehow, my head is getting dizzy...)
Nero: MC!
Just as I was lightly staggering, Nero held me up. Within my slightly dim consciousness, I felt firm strong arms. Despite at a time like this, my heart was pounding fast.
Nero: No one said that you have to push yourself this far.
As he looked like he was about to cry at any moment now... He looked at me worriedly.
MC: There aren't any adults here besides me.
Nero: ...
MC: I'm okay, so let's continue. We need to get everyone better.
Due to anemia, my fingers felt cold.
Nero: ...You're trembling.
When Nero murmured that, he softly... But, strongly held me.
(It's warm...)
Nero's body that was around me was bigger than mine...
(Nero is already an adult enough...)
As my head was feeling faint, I thought of that...
......
After that...
MC: Mm...
When I woke up, Nero was holding my shoulder.
Nero: MC...! You've regained consciousness, thank goodness...
MC: Nero...? The children...?
Nero: ...Don't worry.
(Nero...?)
When Nero said that as he narrowed his eye, he looked mature somehow...
Nero: Brother... I've decided to consult with my brothers*. Pretty soon, a lot of adults will be coming here.
MC: Eh...
Nero gripped my shoulder more.
Nero: I asked for help from the neighboring kingdom. Brother is currently talking with a messenger.
MC: Nero...
(Even though he detests adults so much...)
Then...
Nero: Use my blood too.
MC: ...!
When both the doctor and I became surprised by Nero's words, time instantly stopped.
(Nero...)
I thought over the meaning behind his words.
(As an adult...?)
Nero: If I don't become an adult... I can't protect those that I want to protect.
Since that day, Nero gave up on being a child...
Then, after a while... When the neighboring kingdom reluctantly lent their support, the conditions of the children of Circo have settled down. One night...
MC: Nero...
While Nero was alone at the balcony, I called out to him.
Nero: Is your body feeling better now?
MC: Yes, I'm okay. What about you...
Nero: You don't need to worry about me.
Nero looked at the small bottle as it was reflected in the moonlight.
("The medicine that'll turn you into a child"...)
Nero: Looks like I don't need this anymore.
MC: Nero...?
The side of his face didn't have any traces of hatred like before. His eyes that were filled with an aggravating fury have now become calm.
Nero: The children of Circo were betrayed by adults... Then, they were saved by adults.
The bright moonlight bordered Nero's beautiful silhouette.
Nero: ...I've decided. I'm going to become an adult. There are filthy adults. Horrible adults. But... Not all adults are like that. I will never become a filthy adult.
After Nero said that...
MC: Ah...
The small bottle broke when he stepped on it. The strangely colored liquid sadly emitted a light near his foot.
MC: Yes, that's right... I'm sure that you'll be okay.
Nero: Thank you, MC.
When Nero said my name gently like never before...
MC: ...
Suddenly, Nero went behind me and hugged me next. My heart throbbed loudly.
Nero: There's something I want to know. If I become an adult... Will I come to realize what these feelings I have for you are?
MC: ...Nero...
I stirred around, but Nero held me firmly in his arms and wouldn't let me go.
Nero: Thinking of wanting to hug you like this... Is that because I'm an adult? Hey... Tell me. You're an adult, so wouldn't you know?
As he hugged me firmly, he whispered somewhat happily to me...
MC: N-Nero...!
As it felt like our feelings have connected with each other, it became warm.
Nero: Thank you... For saving my kingdom with me...
Nero whispered that to me with a slightly affectionate tone. Although, the strength of his firm embrace... made it clear that he was a praiseworthy man...
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