Ouka - Prince of Hourai - Main Story

Published on 1 November 2024 at 12:21

Notes: 

() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks

T/N: My cherry blossom boy!

Ouka - Prince of Hourai - Main Story

Chapter 1 - Meeting in the Rainy Flowering Season

Kingdom of Seasons, Hourai, April... On the land and in the sky, a bright spring was shining. As the refreshing breeze blew, it touched my cheek. 

(So warm, it feels nice.) 

At that moment... 

(Rain...?) 

Suddenly, a single drop of water and another fell from the sky... Then, it all came down. I quickly went underneath a cherry blossom tree to take shelter from the rain. 

(The flower petals are...) 

Before my eyes, light pink colored petals were fluttering down. 

(It would've been nice if the rain didn't make them fall, but...) 

When I thought of that, I watched that elegant view.

......

As I forgot about the time from watching that beauty, I didn't realize that the rain had stopped. 

(I need to get going.) 

The moment I took another step forward, I saw someone's silhouette up ahead. 

MC: Ouka-san!

In the middle of the fluttering petals, Ouka-san was standing there quietly with two umbrellas in his hands. With such beautiful looks, he could be mistaken for a woman... As Ouka-san had a smile on his gentle face with cherry blossoms fluttering behind him, tat beauty took my breath away. 

Ouka: Looks like we won't be needing these. 

MC: C-Could it be that... You came to pick me up? 

(To think that he would go out of his way to come here.) 

As I felt ashamed, Ouka-san chuckled and elegantly smiled at me. 

Ouka: Something like this isn't a big deal. After all... How could I not come pick you up after you have awakened me in this world? 

Seeing Ouka-san's gentle smile made a warm springlike feeling spread within my heart... 

 

Chapter 2 - The Path of Flowers

Due to the rain earlier, many cherry blossom petals have been scattered around. 

MC: Even though they were so pretty... A lot of them ended up being all over the place. 

Ouka: It's okay. 

Ouka-san smiled and walked towards a fallen flower underneath a branch. 

MC: Ouka-san? 

When Ouka-san smiled at me again, he began to dance elegantly as if he was praying to the heavens. 

(Pretty...) 

It was like looking at a lovely cherry blossom petal dancing... I became captivated by the beautiful mysterious sight... Then... 

MC: Eh...

Matching with his movements, flower buds were opening up one after another... Then, flowers were beginning to bloom. 

MC: Wow... 

Ouka: This is just a little of the special ability that my household holds. 

MC: Pretty... 

When I looked at the branch that had many cherry blossoms blooming on it, I became speechless. 

Ouka: Were you really that mesmerized? 

///Choices///

 

- By Ouka (☽)

MC: Yes... Your dancing was beautiful, Ouka-san. 

When I said that, Ouka-san looked a little surprised. 

Ouka: No, it's nothing special or anything. 

Somehow, his cheeks were turning a little pink. 

- By the beautiful flowers (☽)

MC: Yes. They were really beautiful... 

When I said that, Ouka-san looked at me in relief. 

Ouka: I'm glad that you enjoyed them. 

 

///Choices///

Ouka: Do you have any other requests? 

MC: No, there's no need to fuss over me like that. 

Ouka: I'm not fussing over you. It just makes me happy to give you joy. 

)Ouka-san... He's such a really modest person.) 

The warm atmosphere that was overflowing with a lot of elegance made me feel calm. 

MC: Ouka-san, you're so mysterious. 

Ouka: Mysterious? 

MC: Yes. You're really elegant and kind... Not princelike at all. 

Ouka: I see. I'm not really that majestic after all. 

Ouka-san smiled as he furrowed his brow troubledly. 

MC: N-No! That's not what I meant... 

When I frantically denied that, Ouka-san chuckled and smiled as if he found me amusing. 

Ouka: That part of you is what makes you so different from the princesses from other kingdoms. 

MC: I don't have the confidence to act elegantly. 

Ouka: You're being too humble on yourself like that. 

MC: Eh... 

Ouka-san smiled as he placed the sleeve of his kimono against his mouth. 

Ouka: As royalty, we must try to always act elegantly, no matter how hard it is.

MC: ...I understand. 

Ouka: Somehow, we're kind of alike. 

MC: Y-You think so? You and I being alike... You're the one that's overflowing with elegance, Ouka-san.

OUka: Even if you say that... 

Suddenly, Ouka-san's graceful hand touched my cheek. 

MC: Eh...? 

As he caressed my cheek affectionately, my heart became slightly noisy. 

(Ouka-san...?) 

Ouka: Such a cute face... Full of expressions and overflowing with life. Something that you have that I don't. 

Underneath the fully bloomed cherry blossom tree, our gazes intertwined with each other. As I looked at his beautiful eyes, I felt myself forgetting to breathe. 

Ouka: ...My apologies. 

Then, Ouka-san removed his hand from my cheek and turned his back on me. At that moment... A single petal fell in Ouka-san's hair. 

(Ah...) 

Just as I slowly reached out to get that petal... 

Ouka: ...!

Ouka-san's body suddenly stiffened up as he quickly slapped my hand away. 

(Eh...) 

Acting different from earlier, Ouka-san made a really intense expression... 

Ouka: ...What is it? 

MC: U-Um... There was a cherry blossom petal in your hair. 

Ouka: You were just trying to get it out... Thank you. 

Ouka-san immediately went back to smiling kindly. I couldn't forget the dark expression that Ouka-san showed for a moment... 

 

Chapter 3 - The Indigo Shaman

The moment I was about to get a fallen cherry blossom petal out of Ouka-san's hair... 

-Flashback-

 

Ouka: ...What is it? 

 

-Flashback-

(His expression from that time...) 

When Ouka-san's bright expression returned, he smiled at me. 

Ouka: My apologies, but there's someone I need to see before returning to the castle. 

MC: Someone you need to see...? 

Ouka: Yes, the shaman, Shiju-dono.

MC: Shaman?

Ouka: The Kingdom of Seasons... Especially my household, we do everything to manage the area by borrowing the power of sorcery since long ago. General affairs, cures for illnesses and occasionally, we use the divine power to control nature.... Of course, it's said that sorcery is used to protect the peace of this kingdom, but that's no exaggeration. 

(Amazing...) 

MC: What an honor to meet such a person.

Ouka: Yes... 

Then, Ouka-san suddenly showed a gloomy face. 

(Ouka-san...?)

Ouka: ...Before we see Shiju-dono, there's one thing I need to warn you about. 

Ouka-san lowered his voice as if he was telling me a secret. 

Ouka: By any means, don't make Shiju-dono mad. 

Ouka-san's serious expression made my heart race. 

///Choices///

 

- Ask why (☼)

MC: Why? 

Ouka: She's... a really high-minded person. 

Ouka-san hesitantly chose the words to say...

- Nod to everything you heard (☽)

(I want to ask why, but...) 

With Ouka-san acting like that, I nodded to everything he said. 

Ouka: Thank you. 

Ouka-san showed a bright relieved expression. 

 

///Choices///

Ouka: ...I think you'll be fine, but I just wanted to warn you. My apologies. 

MC: No, I understand. 

(Is she a moody person...? I'm feeling a little nervous.) 

With uneasy feelings holding me, I followed Ouka-san from behind when he started to walk into the forest... 

......

Within the forest, there was a small temple. 

Ouka: Shiju-dono, are you there? 

Ouka-san called out to the small cabin. Then, a tall slender woman appeared from inside. 

(What a beautiful woman...) 

In a purple kimono, her black hair hung down from her shoulders as it was tied up. Her purple eyes that were the same color as her kimono made her look like a charming woman that was filled with captivation. 

Ouka: This is MC-san, she saved me. 

MC: I-It's nice to meet you. 

I bowed deeply as a greeting. 

Shiju: There's no need to act all formal. Please raise your head. 

Shiju-san smiled softly at me. 

Shiju: What a cute lady. Please, make yourself at home. 

MC: T-Thank you very much. 

(Despite that I thought that she might be a moody person...) 

Shiju: ...

Shiju-san looked at Ouka-san. 

Shiju: Fufufu, Ouka-dono. You mustn't overdo it again... You must take care of your life. 

(Life... What does she mean?) 

Ouka: ... 

Ouka-san responded by returning a smile. Although, it looked like he was forcing himself to smile like that... 

......

After leaving Shiju-san's residence, we headed to the castle. 

MC: I'm glad that Shiju-san is a kind person. 

Ouka: ...Yes. 

When I said that, Ouka-san casted his eyes down and became silent. 

(Ouka-san? I wonder what's wrong...) 

///Choices///

 

- Don't ask (☽)

(Ouka-san...?) 

Even though I was curious, I couldn't bring myself to speak anymore. 

Ouka: MC-san? 

When Ouka-san looked at my face, I suddenly came to my senses.

Ouka: Is something the matter? You look troubled. 

- Ask him what's wrong (☼)

MC: Ouka-san... Is something wrong? 

Feeling hesitant, I asked him that and...

Ouka: No, I'm sorry. I was just thinking a little. 

After Ouka-san showed a surprised look, he smiled awkwardly. 

 

///Choices///

MC: I-It's okay... 

(...Maybe I'll try asking.) 

MC: Um, Ouka-san. Did something happen between you and Shiju-san? 

When I asked that boldly...

Ouka: ...Nothing at all. 

He sounded straightforward as if he was denying it. The cherry blossom petals quietly fluttered down. Silence took over the area... 

 

Chapter 4 - The Omen of the Storm of Cherry Blossoms

-Flashback-

 

MC: Um, Ouka-san. Did something happen between you and Shiju-san? 

Ouka: ...Nothing at all. 

 

-Flashback-

I became unable to speak anymore when Ouka-san acted like that. After finishing the task, we continued to walk towards the castle again. In the middle of town, when Ouka-san stopped at a shop... 

MC: ...!

Suddenly, someone placed my arms behind my back to stop me from moving. 

Ouka: MC-san!? 

(Who...!?) 

When I nervously looked behind me, there was a man that looked somewhat frightened. 

Ouka: ...Release MC-san. 

Townsperson 1: H-Hand over your money!

Contrary to the man's aggressive words, his body was gradually shaking. 

Ouka: ...I'll hear you out. First, let her go. 

Townsperson 1: ...!!

The man was trembling even more. 

(What should I do... I need to do something or Ouka-san will be put in a troubling situation... But...) 

///Choices///

 

- Don't do anything (☽)

(I knew it... If I do something without thinking, this person might get mad.) 

Although, due to the strength in the man's arm, my body trembled from fear. When the man noticed that, he sighed and spoke to me. 

Townsperson 1: ...Sorry. But, I don't have any other choice. 

When he said that sadly, he slowly loosens his grip in his hand. 

- Question the situation (☼)

When I touched the man's arm that was binding me, he became startled as his shoulders trembled.

MC: Um, won't you explain your situation? 

Clearly confused, I hesitantly conversed with him, but... 

Townsperson 1: ...

After a while, the man slowly loosens his grip in his hand.

Ouka: ...!

 

///Choices///

At that moment, Ouka-san strongly pulled my arm and hid me behind him to protect me. Ouka-san looked at the man sternly... 

MC: Ouka-san, please wait!

Ouka: MC-san? 

MC: ...Did something happen?

I spoke to the man. 

Townsperson 1: My wife... I need money for her illness. 

MC: I see. 

I gathered all the coins I had and approached the man. 

Ouka: MC-san!

MC: It's okay. 

I smiled at Ouka-san as he was worrying. 

MC: Here. I hope that this might be of some use to you...

Townsperson 1: ...

The man ran off after taking all the coins from my hand. 

Ouka: MC-san, please don't push yourself...!

MC: I'm sorry. But, I'm sure that he wasn't a bad person... 

Townsperson 2: That guy doesn't have a wife. 

MC: Eh...

Townsperson 3: That thief is a lowly grunt. Honestly, that guy... 

MC: So, it was all a lie... 

(How foolish of me...) 

My shoulders dropped in disappointment. 

(Still, he was trembling... There must be some kind of reason for that.) 

When I thought of that, Ouka-san looked at me. 

Ouka: Do you hold a grudge against him? 

MC: Eh...? 

Ouka: Anyone would hold hatred in their hearts if they had been betrayed by someone they trust. 

After he said that, I remembered the man's trembling arm from earlier. 

MC: ..Even though he lied about having a wife, he looked really troubled. So...

When I said that, Ouka-san made a surprised look. 

(...Is he that surprised?) 

///Choices///

 

- Look past his intentions (☽)

MC: You might think that was foolish of me. But, he didn't seem to be lying. 

Ouka: ...MC-san, you're too kind. 

After Ouka-san said that, he looked at the ground. 

- Apologize (☼)

MC: ...I'm sorry. That was really dumb of me. 

Ouka: That's... not true. 

Ouka-san was a little perplexed as he looked at me. 

(I really did... surprise him.) 

 

///Choices///

At that moment... Another drop of water fell on my cheek. 

Ouka: It's raining. It's a good thing that these umbrellas will be useful. Let's hurry, MC-san... You were in such a scary situation after all. 

Within the light rain, we hurried to the castle... 

When we arrived at the castle, the servants welcomed us. 

Servant: Welcome. 

MC: I'll be in your care. 

After greeting the servants at that moment... 

Ouka: ...

Suddenly, Ouka-san was coughing roughly in pain. 

MC: Are you okay...!? 

When I touched Ouka-san's hand and felt how cold it was, I gasped. 

Ouka: I'm... fine...

As he smiled in pain, he responded at that moment. 

MC: Ouka-san...!

The strength in Ouka-san's body suddenly went away. As I held up his unconscious body, I called out his name many times... 

 

Chapter 5 - You, Who's Important

As I supported Ouka-san's body, I called out his name many times. 

MC: Ouka-san, are you okay! Ouka-san!

Ouka-san's expression became distorted as he was breathing heavily repeatedly. 

Servant: This is... Oh, no! Hey!

The calm atmosphere suddenly changed when the area became noisy. 

Servant: Ouka-sama! ...Hurry and take him to his room!

The maid's expression changed when the servant gave her that order. 

Maid: Understood!

MC: Me too... 

Although, the servant only felt obliged... 

Servant: No, it's all right. There's no need to trouble yourself, MC-sama. 

MC: But... 

I still refused to back down, but... 

Servant: My apologies, please excuse me... Hey, hurry!

I could only watch as Ouka-san was being taken away. 

......

After a while since then... 

(...Is Ouka-san okay?) 

After there was an uproar in the castle from Ouka-san collapsing, I couldn't get near his room as he was still like that. 

(I'll go check on him.) 

I headed to Ouka-san's room. 

(I came all the way over here, but...) 

I wanted to know about Ouka-san's condition, but I was hesitant on how I should call out to him. Then... 

Ouka: Could it be... Is that you out there, MC-san? 

From inside the room, I heard Ouka-san's frail voice. 

MC: Yes... 

Ouka: Please wait, right now... 

When I heard Ouka-san getting up from his futon, I spoke to him in a panic. 

MC: Ouka-san, please stay there. I just came to visit-

Just as I was about to open the sliding door at that moment... 

Servant: You mustn't, MC-sama. 

That sharp voice from behind stopped me. When I turned around in surprise, the servant was standing there with a stern expression. 

MC: I'm sorry, I... 

When I lowered my head, the servant slowly shook his head. 

Servant: MC-sama, you mustn't do anything bad. 

Ouka: ...I'm not allowed to see her face, right? 

My chest tightened after hearing Ouka-san say that sadly through the sliding door. From behind, a few maids entered with his prepared meal and clothes. 

(...How come I'm the only one who can't see Ouka-san?) 

As I was confused, I tried to understand why. It might be possible that if I stay here any longer, Ouka-san's condition will worsen. 

MC: Um, excuse me. I'm sorry for waking over here at my own convenience. 

After I somehow said that and was about to turn around to leave at that moment... One of the young maids was staggering unsteadily as she was walking with a tray in hand. 

Maid: Ah...!

When she tripped on a ramp in the hallway, she lost most of her balance.

MC: Look out...!

Just as I instantly reached out to grab the maid's kimono sleeve, I somehow saved her... 

MC: !!

The tableware fell and got scattered around. 

MC: A-Are you okay? 

Maid: My apologies! Ah! MC-sama, your leg...!

(My leg...?) 

After hearing that for the first time, I felt a hot sharp pain. The scattered shards ended up giving me a light cut on my leg.

Ouka: What was that sound just now? 

From the room, Ouka-san looked out worriedly. 

///Choices///

 

- Smile (☼)

MC: Ouka-san... I-I'm okay. Nothing happened. 

I didn't want to worry him, so I smiled to dodge the question, but... 

Ouka: ...!

Ouka-san immediately noticed the wound on my leg and made a stern look. 

- Hide the wound (☽)

I tried to hide it quickly, but I was too late. 

Ouka: That wound... 

Ouka-san widened his eyes greatly when he saw my wound. 

 

///Choices///

MC: I'm fine! There's no need to worry... 

Ouka: You're not fine! You, who's important, getting an injury... 

My heart skipped a beat from Ouka-san's words. 

(Just now, what...) 

When the maid quickly brought some medicine and bandages, Ouka-san took them and gave me some treatment.

Maid: Ouka-sama! I'll give her treatment-

Ouka: No, let me do it. I was the one that invited you... How inexcusable of me to let this happen to you. 

Ouka-san's beautiful hand touched my leg. 

(Such a warm hand...) 

Ouka-san, who I wasn't allowed to see, is so close to me like this. From his warmth, words and serious gaze... I was unable to move... 

 

Chapter 6 - Even Though It's Not Allowed

I felt warm as Ouka-san tended to my injury... 

Ouka: Is the bandage too tight? 

MC: No... It's fine. What about you, are you feeling okay? 

Ouka: You're so kind. Worrying about me instead of your own wound. 

MC: That's not true...

Ouka: You just don't understand yourself. 

From outside the window, the warm sunlight was shining in. 

Ouka: Do you want to go to the courtyard? The butterflies gathering around the flowers are beautiful on a day like this. 

The servant that was quietly watching spoke. 

Servant: Ouka-sama...

Ouka: ...I'll be back soon. 

///Choices///

 

- Say you want to go to the courtyard (☽)

(Ouka-san... Suddenly saying that he wants to go to the courtyard. I wonder if there's something he wants to talk to me about.) 

Ouka: Thank you. 

- Worry about Ouka's condition (☼)

MC: Ouka-san... Please don't push yourself. 

Ouka: I'm fine. But, as long as your injury is all right. 

Ouka-san smiled troubledly. 

MC: ...I'm okay. 

Ouka: I see. That's good. 

 

///Choices///

Ouka-san held my shoulder and got up. At that moment, his face approached mine... 

(He really does have a beautiful face... But... I wonder why... He looks really faint.) 

As I felt pain in my heart, I looked at Ouka-san's face. 

Ouka: Is something wrong? 

MC: ...No, it's nothing. 

(I wonder what it is... This feeling.) 

As we were gently covered in the sunlight that was shining on the courtyard... 

Ouka: Let's rest underneath that tall tree. 

Underneath the tall tree in the middle of the courtyard, we passed the time peacefully. 

(Like what Ouka-san said, the butterflies are beautiful...) 

It felt really peaceful as we watched the brightly colored butterflies fluttering lightly over the flowers. 

Ouka: I wanted to talk to you here no matter what. 

Ouka-san suddenly spoke. 

Ouka: Even though the flowers will wither either way, they have fully bloomed beautifully. The butterflies suck their nectar and carry their pollen as thanks. Something like that is what connects their short-lived lives... 

When I quickly looked at Ouka-san's elegant fingers, a butterfly softly landed on it. 

Ouka: Me too... I want to bloom like these flowers. 

MC: Ouka-san...?

(What is he talking about?) 

When he noticed me being curious, he smiled in relief. But, that smile looked really faint... 

Ouka: MC-san... 

The butterfly left his finger and slowly flew off quietly. Before I knew it, Ouka-san's finger touched my cheek. 

MC: ...!

I suddenly looked down.

(My heart is being noisy...) 

Ouka: When you're like that, I... 

As he whispered to me, his beautiful face got closer. 

(Ouka-san...) 

The moment I closed my eyes tight... My shoulder felt heavy. 

MC: ...Ouka-san!!

Ouka-san was on my shoulder weakly and was breathing roughly with a pale face. 

MC: I-I'm going to call for someone right now!

I was about to get up when I quietly set Ouka-san down. 

MC: ...!

Ouka: Please... Don't go... 

He whispered that to me as he hugged me from behind. I could hear Ouka-san's heartbeat directly from my back. 

Ouka: Since the first time we've met... I... Even though I knew that I shouldn't...

He held my hand tightly. The moment Ouka-san said that in pain, the strength in his body slowly left. 

MC: ...Ouka-san? Ouka-san...!!

My shouts echoed throughout the courtyard... 

 

Sun End

Moon End

Add comment

Comments

There are no comments yet.