Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Oswald - Prince of Oz - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Wizard of Oz
Kingdom of Rainbows, Oz, August... Underneath the perfectly clear blue sky...
When a strong light was emitted from a ring, a single prince woke up from within it.
Oswald: Mm... Mm~, I slept well... You... Was it your ring power that woke me up?
MC: Eh!?
Just as the prince woke up, he took the ring that was beneath my chest in his hand and started observing it fixedly.
Oswald: I see... This is... Some kind of technology with a mysterious power.
MC: Uh...
His slightly long frizzy hair and small glasses... Those features are what stood out. Then, when he raised his face, my face became the focus of his eyes for the first time.
Oswald: Oh, pardon me, I was just curious that I couldn't help myself. How about we take our time to talk at least?
His mature eyes looked at me as he made an odd smile.
Oswald: You should come to my kingdom to hang out next time. Here, this is an invitation.
When he took out a card from his chest, he quickly wrote down something with a pen and handed it to me with no refusals...
Oswald: See ya!
Without listening to my response, he ran off gallantly...
......
Then, a few days later... Following the information on the invitation, I visited Oswald-san's castle.
After going through the colossal castle, I looked around his room while waiting.
(This place is Oswald-san's castle...)
In the huge mechanical hanging clock, the second hand was moving as the gears made sounds while moving.
(The Kingdom of Rainbows, Oz... In other words, Oswald-san could be...)
MC: The Wizard... of Oz?
The moment I murmured that...
??: That's right, the Wizard of Oz. That's what everyone calls me.
MC: Oswald-san!?
When I turned around, he was suddenly there while hanging over me with a smile.
Oswald: Although, the truth about that is...
MC: The truth...?
While he was assuming something important, I repeated back what Oswald-san said and... He drew near me upfront and kissed the top of my hand.
MC: Eh...!
Surprised, I pulled my arm away, but he pulled me back with his strength.
Oswald: The truth is, I'm just an old engineer!
MC: Um...?
Oswald: ...If I said that, would you be disappointed?
As he pushed up his fallen glasses with his middle finger, he made a somewhat cunning expression.
And that was my reunion with Oswald-san...
Chapter 2 - Oswald
During my reunion with Oswald-san in the castle of Oz in the Kingdom of Rainbows...
-Flashback-
Oswald: Although, the truth about that is... The truth is, I'm just an old engineer! ...If I said that, would you be disappointed?
-Flashback-
As soon as we reunited, when he said something like that jokingly, I tilted my head to the side in front of Oswald-san.
MC: An... engineer? You mean, a technician?
Oswald: Oh!? That reaction is different from the people of this kingdom!
(Now that I think about it, the castle does have a bit of a mechanical feel to it...)
When I thought of that, I looked around...
Oswald: You appear to be interesting!
As his face got closer, his eyes lit up.
MC: Um, did I say something strange?
Oswald: Not at all, it was very normal! But, it's been a while since I've received something that normal. That's right, I'm not just any humble technician, but... Well, there's nothing I can't bring to realization!
With a confident look, he placed his fingers on his chin.
MC: Uh, so what you're saying is... You can't use magic.
Oswald: That's right! Well, well, you seem to understand it well.
MC: ...!
Suddenly, Oswald-san placed his hands around my waist. Feeling a little surprised, I felt strangely used to this behavior.
Oswald: Hmm, this maiden-like reaction is just what I assumed. But, wouldn't it be better if I did something more bold?
MC: ...O-Oswald-san.
(His face is close...)
The man that was way older than me stared at me. I...
///Choices///
- Is there something on my face? (☽)
MC: Is there something on my face?
Oswald: Yes.
MC: Eh!?
I checked my own cheeks and eyes with my hands in a panic.
Oswald: Look, those pretty eyes and adorable pink lips. If they're on your face, then they're on.
As he stifled a laugh with a smile, he lightly poked my forehead.
(Was he teasing me?)
At that moment.
- It's embarrassing... (☼)
MC: Um, it's embarrassing if you keep looking at me like that...
Oswald: Hm? Doesn't that mean you want me to look at you more?
With an amused smile, he closed the distance between us even more. His long bony fingers reached out towards my cheek.
Oswald: Hmm~~?
(W-What should I do...)
I looked down in embarrassment and at that moment.
///Choices///
Minister: Oswald-sama! Oswald-sama!
Oswald: Hm?
The cabinet minister of this kingdom that showed me the way earlier appeared in front of us...
Chapter 3 - The Disappearing Rainbow
Just as Oswald-san was in a good mood, the cabinet minister appeared.
Oswald: If it isn't the cabinet minister, what's wrong? I was at a very good moment just now though.
With a bit of a disappointed look, Oswald-san backed away from me.
Minster: Well, there's something I need to discuss with you, Oswald-sama.
Oswald: Yes, as long as you understand that I'm not a wizard, I'll listen to you anytime.
Minister: Being so mean again...
The cabinet minister wiped his forehead with a handkerchief as he sweated troubledly. Feeling like the situation wasn't just nothing, I...
///Choices///
- I'd feel bad if you're being mean (☽)
MC: I'd feel bad if you're being mean to him like that.
Oswald: Oh? I see... Even the careless me wants him to know that I'm not a wizard...
- Listen to what he has to say (☼)
MC: Don't say that, should we listen to what he has to say?
Oswald: Hm? You're interested in what the cabinet minister has to say?
MC: I wouldn't say that I'm interested, but...
Oswald: Oh, as expected of the Traumerei Princess!
The cabinet minister's face brightened up from my support.
///Choices///
After Oswald-san thought about it a little, he lightly sighed.
Oswald: ...Well, if it's that troubling, it would be bad. Since we have a guest here in front of us, please make it short!
Minister: Yes...
When the cabinet minister looked over here, he bowed apologetically. Then, he looked at Oswald-san with a serious expression.
Minister: Actually, the Oz Kingdom's symbol, the rainbow that crosses over in the sky above the castle has disappeared!
Oswald: Hmm...
Minister: Don't just "hmm" as if you're a bystander again...!
Oswald: Isn't it just a rainbow? It's obvious that it wouldn't be seen sometimes, it's a rainbow. Right?
As he was seeking for an agreement...
///Choices///
- Yes (☼)
MC: Yes...
Oswald: See! Even MC-chan here says so. Yet, what's so strange about that?
Minister: Even if you say that, there has always been a never disappearing rainbow showing in the sky above the castle until now!
- No (☽)
MC: But, if it's troubling the cabinet minister, then you should probably go check it out...
Oswald: You mean the rainbow!? You say such interesting things.
Surprised, Oswald-san pressed his fingers against his brow.
Minister: It doesn't matter if it's interesting! The rainbow that crosses over in the sky above the castle has never disappeared before!
///Choices///
Minister: Even long ago, back when the town of the Oz Kingdom has been called the emerald capital...
The cabinet minister started explaining about the Oz Kingdom's origin. From what he said, when Oswald-san appeared in the emerald capital, the kingdom's name has been changed to Oz, the rainbow capital. The issue with the rainbow is that it has continued to be in the sky over the castle since the time it was called the emerald capital.
Minister: -is what I wanted to say, okay!?
Oswald: Okay, okay, stop, stop, how about you calm down a little!?
Minister: Mm, still!
Oswald-san stopped him from talking like a machinegun.
Oswald: Anyway, since it looks like it's going to take a long time, let's continue talking about this in my room. You okay with that too, MC-chan?
MC: Yes, I don't mind.
Oswald: Now that's been decided, let's go already! Now, now, go, go.
When Oswald-san turned around, the light in the sphere that dangled on his staff shined brightly.
(What a strange person...)
When Oswald-san placed his hand on my back, I looked up at his face and he looked at me with a mischievous smile...
Chapter 4 - A Rainbow Generating Plan
In Oswald-san's room that I was led to... There were fewer things than I thought and it was well-organized.
(Since he's an engineer, I thought that there would be more things here.)
Oswald: ...Are you surprised?
MC: N-No.
As it felt like he read my mind with that timing, I panicked. Then...
Oswald: Haha, I can't read minds, I can't use that kind of magic.
He smiled with great interest.
MC: I-Is that so...
As I was unsure on how to respond, I said that back. Then, as he looked at me with great interest, he sat down on the couch that was in front of us.
Oswald: So, Cabinet Minister, continue with what you were talking about earlier. How a rainbow can appear in the first place... The sunlight in the sky and drops of water called raindrops... When the reflection and refractive index connect, the observer's eyes...
Minister: What you're saying sounds simple, but it's wrong! The castle's rainbow was preserved by the wizard's magic from the emerald capital since long ago.
Oswald: Haa... Again with that?
When the cabinet minister objected to what's been said based on a scientific point of view, Oswald-san sighed. After listening, it seemed like we've been coming to the same questions and answers many times.
Oswald: Like I said, I can't bring out a rainbow with that sort of logic!
Minister: That's not true! I'm sure that you can do it, Oswald-sama. Don't you always use magic for electrical power!
Oswald: Haven't I told you that wasn't magic many times!
Minister: Still, how can you explain the maintenance in Oz!? The light magic in those things called lightbulbs, the water magic in the sewers, everything is-
Oswald: Ah, geez... Like I said many times, you don't understand.
Oswald-san was at a complete loss as he rubbed his brow. It seems like the cabinet minister completely believes that Oswald-san's engineering is magic. As the two of them were arguing back and forth, I...
///Choices///
- Would it be bad if it wasn't magic? (☼)
MC: Why would it be bad if it wasn't magic?
Oswald: ...!
Just as I said that, Oswald-san sighed and rested his chin in his hand.
Oswald: I can't use magic. It's just that the people in this kingdom believes that my engineering is magic.
MC: I see...
Minister: ...Oswald-sama?
- Is it impossible to do it with engineering? (☽)
MC: Is it impossible to do it with Oswald-san's engineering?
Oswald: Engineering... That's right, I'm an engineer. Yes, of course you'd understand!
Minister: What's... engineering?
Oswald: You'll just continue your denial from before.
Minister: ...?
///Choices///
Then, when the cabinet minister cut into the conversation again, he started to talk about how important the rainbow in this kingdom is. As he continued speaking for a long time again, Oswald-san started to become bored of it...
MC: Um, from what you're saying, you want the rainbow to show up again?
Minister & Oswald: ...That's it!
The cabinet minister and Oswald-san's voices overlapped with each other accurately.
MC: In that case, Oswald-san, you should start to prepare some magic to make the rainbow appear.
When I said that... As Oswald-san was making a stern look, my eyes started to shine.
Oswald: I see, let's do that, good idea!
Minister: Oh, now you're interested!
When Oswald-san suddenly got up from his seat, he nodded greatly. Just as the cabinet minister became relieved, he left the room.
(...? Even though he wasn't interested before.)
Oswald: Now, let's get started!
MC: Eh...?
When he looked at me, I noticed an ambitious look in his eyes and... The light bulb in Oswald-san's hat was flickering brightly...
Chapter 5 - The Kingdom of Rainbow's Rainbow
After getting Oswald-san's approval for making a rainbow, the cabinet minister left the room...
Oswald: Man... MC-chan! It's thanks to you that the conversation was cut short...
Oswald-san sat down in the chair again in good spirits.
Oswald: Well then, let's start!
MC: ...
Oswald: ...
The lightbulb in his hat was flickering as it lit up in a pattern...
MC: U-Um, aren't you going to start?
Oswald: Eh!? You mean you're going to do something?
The moment he widened his eyes in surprise, the lightbulb in his hat lit up even more.
MC: Eh...!?
When I became surprised from what he said...
///Choices///
- Can't you do something, Oswald-san? (☽)
MC: Can't you come up with an idea, Oswald-san? I know nothing about the methods on making a rainbow... Sorry.
Oswald: Ah, no, you don't need to apologize, it's my bad...!
- I can't do it (☼)
MC: I can't do something like that.
Oswald: Aw, man... That's right, that's troubling. No, sorry, sorry, I thought that you were going to say some kind of idea.
///Choices///
Oswald: Still, it'll be a problem if that's the case.
MC: Is it that difficult? It feels like something that you can do though.
Oswald: Hm? Haha, you really think too highly of me, yeah, that makes me happy. But... An idea, huh?
MC: ...You don't have one?
I looked at Oswald-san as he was thinking with his elbow on the table.
Oswald: Hm!?
MC: Ah, I'm sorry...
Just as he raised his face, our gazes met at a close distance. Before I knew it, he was looking down at me next.
Oswald: Haha... Your boldness is stronger than I thought. How nice, I like it.
His long fingers held my chin.
MC: Eh...!?
Within my chest, my heartbeat started to become loud. Soon after that, he lets go of me and looked up at the ceiling with both arms behind his head.
Oswald: To sum it up, it'd be nice if the conditions were made for a rainbow to generate, but... A rainbow, huh...
When Oswald-san got up, he started going left and right in the small room. After a while...
Oswald: Come to think of it, Oz's rainbow in the Kingdom of Rainbows is a rainbow that has never disappeared from changes in the environment... Something that's too obvious would never be thought of though.
Oswald-san muttered that as he carefully thought out a method to bring forth a rainbow. While watching him...
MC: Um, is there something I can do to help?
Oswald: Hm? Hmm?
He came next to me without any hesitation. As his eyes behind his glasses stared at me at a close distance...
MC: U-Um...
Oswald: You're mysterious. Even though I called you over to thank you for saving me, you're helping me again. No, that's not something you can just find in the world.
MC: O-Okay...
While carrying the staff on his shoulder, Oswald-san grinned.
Oswald: Then... I'll let you be my assistant for a bit.
MC: Assistant... Won't that be difficult?
Oswald: No, just searching for documents I ask for and bringing me tea would do.
MC: If it's just that, I can do it.
Oswald: Okay, then let's do it together!
After saying that, Oswald-san headed to his desk all fired up. With a large piece of paper that had lots of numerical formulas written on it in front of us, Oswald-san started going through some documents with a serious look.
Oswald: ...I know the theory... After that is the layout for the equipment... Speaking of artificial... There's sunlight from the start...
(Wow, he's like a different person than before...)
Oswald: MC-chan, get me those notes that's a little to the left over there.
MC: Ah, yes, are these it?
Oswald: Yes, thank you.
After winking happily, he went back to writing agian.
(Even though he's not a wizard, he becomes this serious for something like this. Oswald-san... He's amazing.)
When I thought of that, I continued to help him. Before long, I was looking forward to the rainbow that he was going to create...
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