Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Rica - Prince of Chocolute - Main Story
Chapter 1 - An Invitation to the Kingdom of Chocolate
Kingdom of Chocolate, Chocolute, May...
As I was basked in the comfortable warm sunlight, I remembered my encounter with Rica-san when he gave me an invitation to this kingdom.
-Flashback-
Rica: ...So, I was asleep for that long after I got attacked by dream eaters?
The person with chocolate-colored hair and eyes that were the color of melted honey, he was looking at me suspiciously.
Rica: Then, you woke me up.
MC: Y-Yes.
Rica: ...
MC: ...Is something wrong?
Rica: ...Not really. You sure have an interesting power.
(Interesting...?)
Despite that he was glaring at me, he seemed very interesting to me...
-Flashback-
(I wonder what he meant by that...)
After Rica-san thanked me quickly, he left from there soon after. 3 weeks have passed until the day I've received an invitation from him.
(Is Rica-san doing well?)
Then, I saw the town of Chocolute from afar. From somewhere, the mellow scent of chocolate was drifting...
Chapter 2 - Rica and Dark
In the town area, the sweet mellow scent of chocolate was all around.
(There are so many appetizing scents in the town as well.)
On one side of the main street, there were various kinds of chocolate shops lined up in a row. As I was getting excited from just looking at them, I was walking lightly and...
??: Alright, it's my win!
(Huh, this voice is...)
I heard a familiar voice coming from a restaurant in a corner of the street.
When I peeked inside the restaurant from the door...
Young Man: You're the winner again!
??: Sorry about that.
(I knew it, Rica-san...!)
Inside the restaurant, Rica-san and several young men were enjoying themselves with a card game. Rica-san, who has won, had some money gathered in front of him.
(Gambling? A prince doing that sort of thing in town...?)
Rica: Looks like I'm the winner today.
As Rica-san was smiling happily the most, he didn't notice me at all.
MC: Um... Rica-san?
Rica: Hm?
When Rica-san noticed me, his happy expression completely changed.
Rica: Wha...! You!!
MC: Ah... Hello. I was on my way to the castle, but-
Then, Rica-san quickly got up and came towards me.
Rica: W-What are you doing here...
His well-featured face became slightly warped.
Rica: That's right... I called you over... Dammit, I forgot.
When Rica-san sighed as he grabbed some of his bangs, I...
///Choices///
- Greet him again (☽)
MC: Yes, thank you for inviting me. It's been a while, Rica-san-
Rica: Wah, stupid!
MC: ...!?
Just as I was about to say Rica-san's name, he suddenly covered my mouth. As his brow was up, he placed his mouth near my ear.
Rica: Don't say that name here!
- Ask him what he's doing (☼)
MC: What are you doing?
Rica: Can't you tell by looking? It's poker.
Just as he calmed himself down, he cleared his throat afterwards...
Rica: Stupid, don't go saying my name in town.
He told me that softly, so that the young men behind him couldn't hear him.
///Choices///
Then...
Young Man: Hey, is something wrong, Dark?
Rica: !!
(Dark? Not Rica?)
When Rica-san was called Dark, he left me behind and returned to the table.
Rica: Yeah, seems like she mistook me for someone she knows.
Acting as if nothing had happened, Rica-san smiled at the young men.
Young Man: Haha, I feel bad for the guy that she mistook you for.
Rica: How lame that you don't want to admit that you lost.
(...What's going on?)
As I was looking at Rica-san, he noticed my gaze...
Rica: I'll done after one more win. Just wait.
MC: O-Okay.
When he turned towards me, he said that softly and started gambling again.
Rica: Alright! It's my win again!
Young Man: Ah, dammit! Next one! Next!!
Rica: No matter how many times we do this, the same thing will happen.
The inside of the restaurant became filled with their cheerful laughter...
Chapter 3 - A Mysterious Prince
-Flashback-
Rica: Stupid, don't go saying my name in town.
Young Man: Hey, is something wrong, Dark?
Rica: Yeah, seems like she mistook me for someone she knows.
-Flashback-
After that...
When Rica-san was done with gambling in town, he took me to the castle of Chocolute. Just like the town, the inside of the castle was filled with a sweet scent too.
Rica: Ah, that was close. Don't surprise me like that... Geez.
MC: Uh...
When we arrived at the castle gate, Rica-san looked around the area uneasily.
(Just... What's going on?)
I wanted to ask Rica-san as he seemed moody the entire time... As I was thinking about it without asking him, a castle guard saw him and straightened himself up.
Guard: Rica-sama, welcome back.
Rica: Yeah, I just came back. I invited the Traumerei Princess. Tell someone to hurry and prepare a room for her.
Guard: The Traumerei...!? Yes, understood!
When the guard saw me, he was surprised for a moment, but he immediately bowed deeply.
Rica: Until they're done getting it ready, let's wait by having tea in the courtyard. Let's go.
MC: Ah...
Rica-san's beautiful fingers suddenly held my wrist. While waiting for the guard's response, he pulled me to the courtyard...
......
In the courtyard, a white table set was arranged there.
Rica: Sorry. I called you over and didn't get things set up. Well, I did forget to tell someone that I went to town.
As Rica-san showed no signs of guilt, he told me that with a blank look on his face. I...
///Choices///
- You gamble in town? (☼)
MC: Do you gamble in town?
Rica: ...That and all sorts of things.
MC: All sorts of things?
Rica: Yeah, all sorts of things.
After seeing me tilt my head to the side, Rica-san, who had a sour look on his face, smiled a little.
- About you being called "Dark" earlier? (☽)
MC: Um, weren't you being called "Dark" earlier?
Rica: Don't worry about that, anyway, you should sit down too.
MC: ...Okay.
///Choices///
Rica-san sat down in a white garden chair. When he urged me to do the same, I sat down slightly away from him.
MC: ...
Closing the distance, Rica-san looked at my face. The subtle sweet scent tickled my nose.
(This scent is chocolate...)
He stared at me with his sharp golden-colored eyes...
(His face is close...!)
With a little heat in my cheeks, I tightly gripped my skirt over my thighs.
Rica: Don't you want to know me?
As Rica-san looked at me teasingly, I...
///Choices///
- Yes (☽)
MC: Yes...
As it felt like that gaze was urging me to answer, I responded as my voice sounded like a mosquito's buzzing...
Rica: ...
Rica-san stared at me as if he was checking me out. HIs eyes were making my heart pound loudly from uneasiness.
- No (☼)
MC: N-No!
I responded with that.
Rica: ...
Then, Rica-san made a sad look. When that expression made my heart ache, I stopped talking.
///Choices///
Rica: I see...
MC: ...
(If he keeps on staring at me like this...)
When I slowly looked up, my eyes met with Rica-san's.
(What... is he thinking?)
As he was looking at me with a blank expression, I was unable to ell how he was feeling.
MC: Um, Rica-sa-
Just as I was about to ask him that moment...
Butler: Rica-sama, the preparations for MC-sama's room have been arranged.
MC: ...!
From behind, an old butler said that. With my uneasiness going away, I calmed down.
Rica: I see... Then, go ahead and take your time to make yourself comfortable. I haven't made any plans, so I can take you out anytime.
MC: Okay. Thank you.
Rica: See ya.
After hearing my response, Rica-san got up aggressively and left.
(A prince going by an alias and is gambling. What a mysterious person...)
When I thought of that, I watched his tall back as he was leaving...
Chapter 4 - Rica in the Castle, Dark in the Town
A few days have passed since I've received an invitation to this kingdom by Rica-san and have been taken care of in the castle. Although...
-Flashback-
Rica: I see... Then, go ahead and take your time to make yourself comfortable. I haven't made any plans, so I can take you out anytime.
-Flashback-
That's what Rica-san said, but he's been going out into town for a few days and was hardly in the castle.
When I went to see the courtyard that was basked in the bright sunlight...
(Ah...)
Rica: ...
Rica-san was sitting on a bench by himself. As he was listlessly breathing, he looked up at the sky.
(Rica-san...?)
When I noticed that those eyes were trembling sadly, my heart tightened for some reason.
MC: Rica-sa-
Guard: Rica-sama, about the matter with the local security the other day...
Just as I was about to speak to him, a castle guard approached Rica-san.
Rica: ...What is it?
Guard: By changing the patrol routes as you suggested, the thief from the other day has been successfully captured. The townspeople are grateful for that. As expected of you, Rica-sama.
The guard looked at Rica-san respectfully in front of him.
(Rica-san seems to be respected by the people in the castle.)
Rica: I see, that's good...
Rica-san smiled. That expression looked more princelike than cold.
(So, he can make that kind of face...)
From the shadow of a pillar, I took a glimpse of that expression...
Rica: ...
When Rica-san noticed and turned towards me, he furrowed his brow.
(Eh...)
After Rica-san lightly raised his hand as a response towards the guard, he took big steps towards me.
Rica: ...
(Is he mad that I was eavesdropping...?)
I stiffened up from Rica-san's moody expression...
Rica: Hey. Are you free today?
MC: Eh?
When Rica-san asked me that...
///Choices///
- Yes (☼)
MC: Yes. I don't have any plans.
After I said that, I noticed that Rica-san was smiling a little.
Rica: Then, hurry and get ready, I want to go to town.
- No (☽)
MC: No...
As Rica-san was looking down at me with his beautiful eyes, I murmured with my eyes down...
Rica: Liar.
When I took a glance at him, I straightened up by instinct.
///Choices///
Rica: The weather is nice, so aren't you free despite being in the castle?
(That's good... He's not mad.)
After seeing me sigh in relief, Rica-san made a suspicious look.
Rica: What?
MC: N-Nothing.
Rica: Let's go.
Invited somewhat forcefully by Rica-san, we went to the town of Chocolute...
The town of Chocolute had a sweet scent drifting today as well and it was bustling with people. Rica-san particularly didn't seem to be the center of attention as he walked with me around town. Alon gthe way, when we went to the plaza...
Young Man: If it isn't Dark! It's been a while.
Rica: Hm...? Ah, it's you.
Young Man: Don't just, it's you, there's a new dish at our place. It'll be on the house, so stop by to eat some lunch again next time.
Rica: I wonder about that. The dessert last time was a little too sweet.
Despite that Rica-san was being sarcastic, he was smiling happily with the young man. That expression was completely different than the one that I saw in the castle courtyard and he was smiling so innocently.
Young Man: You're so harsh. Well, I'll have it made to suit your tastes.
As the young man made a carefree smile, he left while waving to Rica-san.
(Come to think of it, why does Rica-san go by Dark in town?)
MC: ...
Rica: What, staring at people's faces.
When Rica-san squinted his eyes towards me...
///Choices///
- You're completely different than when you're in the castle (☽)
MC: You're completely different than when you're in the castle.
Rica: ...
When I said that, Rica-san looked away from me in discomfort.
(Rica-san...?)
- You seem to be enjoying yourself (☼)
MC: I thought that it was nice that the two of you were enjoying yourselves.
When I said that, Rica-san scratched his head in embarrassment.
Rica: Yeah... I've known that guy for a long time after all.
///Choices///
Rica: He's the owner of a restaurant around here. Since a long time ago, I would stop by to eat his food often whenever I sneak out into town.
(How bold of him to be sneaking out though...)
MC: That's a little surprising.
Rica: What is?
MC: How you're idolized by both the people in the castle and the townspeople.
Rica: ...
After hearing my response, Rica-san bursts into laughter...
Chapter 5 - Which is the Real One?
MC: That's a little surprising.
Rica: What is?
MC: How you're idolized by both the people in the castle and the townspeople.
After hearing my response, Rica-san bursts into laughter.
MC: Um...
Despite that Rica-san has been showing a moody expression this whole time since we've first met, he was now breaking into laughter.
MC: I... Did I say something strange?
When I timidly asked him that as he was making an amused look...
Rica: Strange, you say. Are you saying that you thought that everyone was afraid of me?
(Ah...)
MC: I'm sorry! Um, that's not what I meant.
As I was stammering, I searched for an excuse and...
Rica: Did you think of me as scary too?
MC: Not at all...
Rica: Then, what were you thinking?
Rica-san suddenly made a serious look. When I remembered everything of him up until now, I...
///Choices///
- You looked like you were enjoying yourself (☼)
MC: I thought that you looked like you were enjoying yourself... Especially in town.
Rica: I see...
Rica-san looked at me amusingly.
- You seemed sad (☽)
(The time when Rica-san was in the courtyard...)
MC: ...I thought that you seemed sad.
Rica: ...
Then, Rica-san's beautiful eyes widened a little.
///Choices///
He shoved his hands into his pants pockets and leaned against the wall in the street. When it became silent for a while...
MC: I-I'm sorry. Did I do something rude...?
Rica: Not really.
As Rica-san lightly shook his head, his beautiful hair along with the golden earring that was visibly seen swayed.
Rica: But, would you say that's what you thought when you met me? You really are strange.
MC: ...You're the one who asked, Rica-san.
Unsure on how to respond, I became perplexed. Then, as he was looking at me...
Rica: ...
His expression softened up. The kind happy look that he was showing made my heart throb a little again.
(This kind of expression... This is the first time that I've seen it. What kind of person is Rica-san really?)
The vague and mysterious prince... Before I knew it, I couldn't help, but become curious about Rica-san himself...
......
Since then...
Servant: Rica-sama, about the next town council meeting...
Rica: Yeah, the meeting with the townspeople. That won't be an issue.
Servant: Yes.
Rica; ...
......
Young Man 1: It's Dark's win again!
Rica: Haha! How much longer until you realize that you're not suited for gambling!
Young Man 1: Dammit! One more time!
Rica: Bring it on. In exchange, if I win, all the new high-class chocolate in that store will be your treat.
This Rica-san in the castle and the Rica-san in town... The days went by as I was unable to understand the reason behind those changing expressions of his. Although...
Rica: Hey, MC! Try this for a sec!
MC: Wow... It's a little bitter, but... It's really good!
Rica: Right? It's a new product in this guy's store.
Rica-san was looking at me with smiles as he was showing me around town...
One night as I continued my stay in the castle... When I was unable to sleep somehow, I left the room and saw Rica-san in the hallway.
Rica: ...
As the moonlight shined on Rica-san's golden eyes, they became tinged with a mysterious radiance.
MC: Rica-san.
When I called out to him, Rica-san made a moody look as he knitted his brow.
(He doesn't seem to be angry.)
Without realizing it, it seems like I've become able to tell how he's feeling from seeing his expressions somehow.
Rica: Always going Rica-san this and Rica-san that... It's a bother, so just Rica is fine.
MC: Really?
Rica: Got a complaint?
MC: That's not what I meant, but...
(Rica...)
I said his name internally. Feeling like the distance between us has gotten a bit shorter, my heart became filled with happy feelings.
Rica: More importantly, what are you doing in the middle of the night? Can't sleep?
MC: Ah... Yes.
Rica: ...
Rica moved his gaze towards outside. Among the black darkness, the cries of an owl were heard from afar somewhere.
Rica: Then, do you want to talk?
I chuckled and broke into a smile from Rica's sudden idea.
Rica: In my room.
My heart throbbed loudly.
(Would going to his room at this hour be okay... But, I want to know about Rica.)
MC: Okay. I thought about wanting to talk too... May I intrude?
As he was giving me a serious look, I responded with that.
Rica: Sure.
......
Then, I paid a visit to Rica's room. There weren't a lot of things in his room and it gave out a small impression.
Rica: So, what do you want to talk about? Is there something that you want to ask? Like about me especially?
MC: !
As he took a piece of bitter chocolate that was on the table, he smiled at me...
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