Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Nox - Prince of Necropolia - Main Story
Chapter 1 - A Mysterious Smile
Kingdom of Grave Keepers, Necropolia, September... The silver moonlight shined on the small flowers, along with the front of the graves. I came to visit this area after the prince of Necropolia, Nox, invited me over.
(It looks like each of these graves have been taken care of thoroughly.)
The somewhat mystical atmosphere around the graveyard at night didn't gave me a strange or scared feeling. When I looked around, a pale light crossed my vision.
MC: ! A butterfly...?
My eyes followed the fluttering butterfly that was shining mysteriously. Then, up ahead, there was someone standing still while holding a lantern...
Nox: Welcome. Did you get lost?
MC: Nox-san...! Did you come to pick me up?
His eyes were shining softly underneath his hood.
Nox: You don't need to call me by "-san". I would like it if you called me by my name.
MC: Okay... Nox.
When I did as he said and called him the way he wanted, he made a satisfied nod.
Nox: It's dangerous at night. So, I'm observing this area tonight.
MC: Is that so?
Just as I was feeling happy about reuniting with him again... The butterfly from earlier fluttered right past us.
Nox: This butterfly is said to be a sign of the spirits.
MC: Spirits... You say?
Nox: Isn't it nice how it looks so beautifully free? The spirits that I see are a bit different though.
(Eh...)
As the moonlight shined on his mysterious smile, my heartbeat became fast. Although, the next moment...
Nox: Let's go. It's dark, so watch your step.
(I thought I heard him say that he could see spirits...)
Unable to question the meaning behind those words, I went with Nox...
Chapter 2 - A Grave Keeper's Duty
Within the ultramarine darkness, only the sound of footsteps was heard... After reuniting with Nox, I continued to proceed through the silent graveyard with him.
Nox: Sorry. Dragging you into observing this area.
MC: No, thank you so much for coming to get me here.
Just as I shook my head and smiled, I noticed a nearby tombstone that was shining somehow.
(Is this a jewel...?)
When I took a closer look, the other tombstones were decorated with the same kind of jewel.
(They're all different colors and sizes, but each and every one of them are beautiful.)
Noticing my gaze, Nox smiled with a chuckle.
Nox: Those are "reminiscence stones".
MC: Reminiscence stones?
Nox: They're the crystallization of the most treasured memories and strong feelings in people's lives... In other words, it's like a way of showing how these people lived.
(A way of showing how these people lived...)
I looked around the area with a slightly different feeling than before.
///Choices///
- They're all so beautiful (☼)
MC: They're all so beautiful.
Nox: Fufu. You thinking that makes your heart the most beautiful thing here.
- So, that's why they're all different (☽)
MC: So, that's why they're all different shapes and colors.
Nox: That's right. None of them are the same as each other... I wonder how yours would shine.
///Choices///
The shadow that his long eyelashes made with the lantern light on them slightly swayed.
Nox: Protecting these reminiscence stones is the important duty of a grave keeper.
MC: Protect...?
Nox: Since long ago, grave robbers would go after them. They're mysteriously beautiful, so it seems like just one would go for a high price. This scythe too, it was originally made to drive away those kinds of people.
MC: I see...
(To think that was the reason why he's always carrying that scythe.)
when Nox suddenly stopped, he held the lantern up high.
Nox: Since we don't get involved with the outside world that much, we're feared for being a mysterious kingdom... I love this kingdom very much. Everyone is peaceful and it's a relaxing place to sleep in.
When he shined the light on the reminiscence stones, they started to shine like countless stars in the dead of night.
(The way they all shine like this shows how they lived.)
MC: I'm not sure if I'm saying this well, but... I think they're happy to be sleeping in a beautiful place like this.
When I said that softly, he looked at me from aside.
Nox: I'm glad that you like it. Then, would you like to live in this kingdom forever?
MC: Eh?
My heart skipped a beat a little from that sweet entangling whisper.
Nox: ...Just kidding. I was joking just now.
(That surprised me...)
Nox: But, I would really like it if you could come over to hang out sometimes.
His soft smile didn't have that mysterious feeling from before. Unable to figure out Nox's true intentions, I looked at him as he was being entrancing...
Chapter 3 - A Disturbing Feeling
With the faint sunlight on the town, time was going by peacefully... The next day, Nox invited me out to walk around the town of Necropolia.
MC: Where are we going?
Nox: I wanted to show you around Necropolia. I thought of that after finishing my observation at the graveyard last night.
After Nox told me that, the atmosphere felt somewhat stiff.
(What a mysterious person...)
When I stared at the side of his vague face...
Nox: Is there something on my face?
MC: !
Just as he turned towards me with an amused smile, I hesitantly spoke.
///Choices///
- Thank you for showing me around (☽)
MC: No... Thank you for showing me around.
Nox: No problem. Also, since you're here, I wanted to try talking to you without any haste.
- I was thinking that you're mysterious (☼)
MC: I was just thinking that you're kind of mysterious.
Nox: Mysterious, huh? Could that mean you want to know about me more?
///Choices///
Just as I thinking on how to respond to that, I heard hurried footsteps. I saw a little girl running over here from the side of the road...
Girl: Nox-sama!
Nox: Hm? What is it?
When he crouched down at the same eye level as her, the girl gave a cute flower to Nox.
Girl: I found a mysterious and pretty flower, so I wanted to give it to you, Nox-sama!
Nox: For me? That makes me happy, thank you.
When he accepted the flower with a gentle smile, the girl became bashfully happy.
(Nox sure does connect with the townspeople.)
As I watched them talk to each other with a warm feeling...
Man's Voice 1: Isn't that... prince?
Man's Voice 2: What, he looks weak... Talk about child's play.
(Eh?)
When I looked around, I saw some men whispering to each other among the crowd. As I was unable to hear their conversation well, they were looking at Nox as if they were watching him...
Nox: MC, what's wrong?
MC: !
When I suddenly came to my senses, Nox was done talking to the girl and was looking at me with a puzzled expression.
MC: Nothing...
When I turned towards the crowd again, the men weren't there anymore...
///Choices///
- Gloss it over (☽)
MC: I was just thinking that the streets are beautiful...
Nox: If there's a place that you're curious about, I can take you there.
- I must be imagining things (☼)
MC: It seems like I must've been imagining things.
Nox: Really? You can always talk to me if something's bothering you.
///Choices///
After he said that, he glanced towards where I was looking at.
Nox: ...Well then, shall we go?
MC: Sure.
With Nox escorting me with a smile again, I started walking...
......
When he took me to the forest outside of town, I saw a huge tree that looked like it could almost reach the sky.
MC: What a big tree...!
When Nox caught his breath and took off his hood, he stopped underneath the tree.
Nox: The roots of this tree supports the land of Necropolia.
MC: The roots of the tree?
Unable to believe that so suddenly, I looked down at the thriving tree roots that were spread out in the ground. Watching me, Nox smiled and sat down on a tree root.
Nox: We've walked quite a lot, so let's take a break here.
When he lightly beckoned me to join him, I sat down next to him...
MC: The breeze blowing and the scent of greenery is so calming.
Nox: Fufu, it is. Sometimes, I would come here to take a nap.
Nox smiled as if he was sharing a big secret. In his hand, the flower that the girl gave him swayed...
MC: That flower is beautiful.
When I said that without thinking, his beautiful eyes that were like glass balls shined a little.
Nox: Do you want it?
MC: Eh?
Nox: I think you would look good with it in your hair.
When he held out the flower to me without any hesitation, I frantically shook my head.
MC: There's no need, it was given to you after all...! I think that girl would be happy if you kept it on you.
Nox looked down somewhat listlessly.
Nox: ...You think so?
When he sounded sad as he murmured that, my heart became noisy...
Chapter 4 - Feeling Warmth
-Flashback-
Nox: ...You think so?
-Flashback-
When he made a sad expression for the first time, my heart became noisy.
MC: I'm sorry... Did I say something that rubbed you the wrong way?
Nox: No, that's not it.
When he shook his head with a wry smile, Nox looked at the flower in his hand.
Nox: MC, you said that this flower is beautiful earlier, right?
MC: ...Yes.
Nox: I understand why you would think this flower is beautiful. But, just understanding doesn't make me feel anything.
As he said that, he made his usual smile.
MC: Doesn't make you feel anything... What do you mean?
Nox: Hmm... How can I explain it? When someone is smiling or crying in front of me. It always feels like an event from a distant world to me.
MC: ...
Just as I gasped, Nox lowered his brow apologetically.
Nox: Due to being overly close to death, I've never understood these kinds of emotions from the start. That's why I thought that people would be happy to receive flowers they call beautiful wholeheartedly.
(That's why he tried giving me the flower just now...)
Once I understood the reason behind his sad expression, my chest tightened. Before I knew it, I held his pale hand.
Nox: ...?
MC: I'm sorry for doing this so suddenly... But, I don't think that you're unable to feel anything.
Nox looked at me as he tilted his head to the side oddly.
Nox: Why would you think that?
MC: A person who truly can't feel anything wouldn't think about the happiness of a flower.
///Choices///
- You have a heart (☼)
MC: Even if you're slightly different from other people... I think you have a heart that can feel properly.
Nox: ...That's the first time someone has told me that.
- That's why this flower... (☽)
MC: That's why I think this flower should be with you.
Nox: To think that you would go that far to say that... That makes this flower very special.
///Choices///
After saying that, Nox broke into a smile as he chuckled.
Nox: Aside from that, you're an unusual girl.
Just as he changed the topic to me, I blinked.
///Choices///
- Something like that is... (☼)
MC: Something like that is...
Nox: Of course, isn't it a nice quality trait?
- Really? (☼)
MC: Really?
Nox: Fufu, you never noticed that?
///Choices///
After he smiled as his shoulders shook a little... He held my hand and pulled it towards his own cheek.
MC: !
My heart skipped a beat from the sensation of his slightly cold and smooth skin. The next moment, Nox closed his eyes as if he was reflecting on something.
Nox: Your hand is so warm. I see... This shows that you're alive.
His gentle voice that felt warm enough to make snow melt reached my heart...
Chapter 5 - The Distance to the Heart
Once morning came to town, the birds' chirpings were heard... One day after a few days have passed ever since I was staying at Necropolia, I heard a knock on the door as it opened...
Nox: Good morning, MC. Since it looks like breakfast is ready, I came to get you.
MC: Thank you.
(It feels like Nox has gotten a little cheerful lately.)
When I thought of that, he suddenly raised his other hand to escort me...
MC: !
Nox: Now then, let's go.
MC: O-Okay.
I nodded from that natural action. Feeling my fast heartbeat, I let him pull my hand as we started walking...
......
On another day, we were reading books together in the library...
MC: Um, Nox.
Nox: Hm?
MC: You're a little too close...
While borrowing a book, he wasn't aware that he was sticking close to me. With his head on my shoulder, Nox looked down at me as he lowered a brow.
Nox: Sorry, am I too heavy?
MC: No, you're okay.
(It's not that I hate it, but...)
The way we were so close together like a pair of lovers kind of made me uneasy. As Nox smiled peacefully, he got closer to my cheek even more.
Nox: It's so warm and calming. If you don't mind, I would like to stay like this for a bit longer.
When he said that sweetly, I felt my chest tightening...
///Choices///
- That might be a little embarrassing (☼)
MC: That might be a little embarrassing.
Nox: Your face is red. How cute.
- Okay (☽)
MC: Okay. Then, just for a little bit...
Nox: Yes. Somehow, you feel warmer than before...
///Choices///
When Nox smiled, I remembered what he said from when we were underneath the large tree.
-Flashback-
Nox: Your hand is so warm.
-Flashback-
Ever since then, it felt like the distance between Nox and I have gotten close so quickly.
(I'm happy that he trusts me. But...)
Nox: You've been absentminded since earlier. Is that book boring?
MC: ...!
When his breath suddenly tickled the back of my neck, I got up from the chair to evade him.
Nox: MC, what's wrong?
MC: ...I'm sorry.
When I looked away from his eyes that shook in bewilderment, I hung my head down as I held the back of my neck that had gotten warm.
(Nox only wanted warmth...)
As I was becoming aware of him, I felt very sad for some reason...
Chapter 6 - The Grim Reaper in the Moonlit Night
In the library that has books around, a heavy silence has taken over...
MC: ...I'm sorry.
As I had my head down and couldn't look up, I sensed Nox getting up from the chair. Just as he was heading out the door, he stopped after walking right past me...
Nox: ...I'm sorry. It seems like I have gotten a little too excited. I won't do anything you don't like.
After closing the door to the library, it became very silent...
......
Then, a few days later... As I was looking at the beautiful moon that could be seen between the clouds by myself, I was feeling down.
(I wonder if I hurt Nox's feelings...)
Since then, he hasn't shown himself in front of me... As I wanted to apologize, the days passed without us seeing each other.
(I can't leave things as is. First off, I need to apologize to Nox, then...)
///Choices///
- I want to hear him out (☽)
(I... I want to hear what Nox thinks of me.)
Feeling a little scared, I thought that to myself.
- I want to talk to him properly (☼)
(I want to talk to him properly.)
I've decided to visit his room the very next day.
///Choices///
Then, from the window, I saw someone leaving the castle at that moment.
MC: Nox...!
Before I knew it, I quickly left the room...
......
(I saw him heading towards this area, but...)
Relying on the moonlight, I quickly headed towards the graveyard... Then, from the gap of the cluster of trees, I heard a deep voice.
??: ...What, there's nothing bad about collaborating with us.
Nox: ...
(Is someone else there...?)
When the unsettling atmosphere made me stop, I listened from the shadow of the trees... Many men with knives surrounded Nox.
(Eh...!?)
??: Don't the dead here have no use for treasure? If we take a prince hostage, no one else will raise their hand against us.
(Could they be... The grave robbers that Nox mentioned before?)
Then, among that group, there were the men that I saw in town a few days ago.
-Flashback-
Man's Voice 1: Isn't that... prince?
Man's Voice 2: What, he looks weak... Talk about child's play.
-Flashback-
(They were targeting Nox since then.)
Why I didn't realize that made me grip my chest with frustration and regret. As the men looked at him with vulgar smiles, Nox tilted his head to the side lightly.
Nox: How troubling. I don't really have that much confidence in my strength.
Grave Robber 1: Haha, of course. Now, if you don't want to get hurt...
Before he could finish, the knife that the man was holding broke and fell to the ground.
Grave Robber 1: Wha...
The next moment, the scythe moved fast against the wind sharply and was placed against the man's neck...
Nox: ...I'm tired of being targeted like this.
(Nox...?)
That cold smile was like a grim reaper's in a fairytale. The moment the grave robbers became frightened, their bodies trembled with anger once they came to their senses...
Grave Robber 2: Don't screw with us!
The grave robbers went into a rage and charged at Nox all at once...
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