Notes:
() - Heroines' thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Riel - Prince of Hyule - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Mysterious Forest
Forest Kingdom, Hyule, August...
This forest was the most mysterious and beautiful out of all the other forests that I've seen and traveled to. With the moonlight watching over me as it shined through the gaps of the trees, I moved forward... Feeling like I was being guided, I proceeded on deeper into the forest...
MC: Ah...
When I suddenly found a ring that was being protected by a tree's root, I brought my hands together and gave it a prayer. As light was pouring out of it, I narrowed my eyes from how bright it was...
??: ...
The prince that had awakened from a deep slumber got up. He had clear eyes, shiny hair and also, slightly pointy ears...
(What a pretty person... He looks like a forest fairy.)
He was so indescribably beautiful.
??: Did you save me? Thank you so much.
He made an innocent smile on his beautiful face. At the same time, he naturally showed his hand and I held it without a thought.
??: Could you be the Traumerei Princess?
MC: Yes... I'm MC.
When I looked at him, I became attracted to his deeply clear eyes.
Riel: Nice to meet you, MC-san. I'm Riel. I would like to thank you. Won't you come to my castle?
His voice that came from his majestic form was filled with affection... Without any hesitation, I nodded...
Chapter 2 - The Spirts That Reside in the Forest
The rustling leaves of the forest trees were making whisper-like sounds... With Riel-san leading the way, we moved deeper into the beautiful forest. Then...
(That's... a deer?)
In front of us, some animals that looked like deer I've never seen before showed their 3 heads. When I stopped in surprise, Riel-san smiled happily.
Riel: Did you come looking for me?
Acting like an innocent child, Riel-san ran towards the animals.
Riel: I'm sorry for making you worried.
When he spoke to the animals as he gently petted their noses, it gave me a warm feeling.
Riel: Some dream eaters appeared. I shouldn't have been so careless... Since it was the first time that I've seen real dream eaters, they got me.
The animals trembled.
(Somehow, it looks like they're having a real conversation... Does he know what the animals are feeling?)
Riel: Eh... If you say so, then it can't be helped. Since I've never seen them before. But, it's okay now. The Traumerei Princess saved me... Ah.
When he turned towards me, Riel-san smiled as he furrowed his brow apologetically.
Riel: Sorry, Princess. Let me introduce them.
When he signaled me to come over, I approached Riel-san. The animals that have such elegant looking fur had the same divine feeling around them like Riel-san.
Riel: They're the spirits that watch over this forest at this time. They're a species called Pokkle.
///Choices///
- Spirits? (☽)
MC: Spirits...?
Riel: Yes. They protect this forest.
MC: I see. They kind of have that divine feeling to them.
Riel: Yes, I'm glad that you have taken a liking to them.
Riel-san showed a gentle smile.
- Time? (☼)
MC: Time...?
Riel: They each preside over the forest for 12 months.
MC: They watch the forest at certain times, that's amazing.
Riel: Fufu, yes, they're very dear friends of mine.
Riel-san happily smiled as if he was praising himself.
///Choices///
Then, he turned towards the animals and introduced me.
Riel: Yuri, Mai, Jukab. This is the Traumerei Princess. Isn't she a really wonderful person?
When he said that carefreely, my heart lightly skipped a beat.
MC: Um, do you understand what the Pokkle are saying, Riel-san?
Riel: Yes, I do.
(He can talk to spirits, amazing.)
Despite how unbelievable it was, I easily accepted what Riel-san said. At that moment...
MC: Ah...
A Pokkle approached me and slowly lowered his head.
Riel: Try petting his nose. If you do, he'll become happy from how nice it feels.
After Riel-san said that, I nervously extended my hand and tried petting him.
MC: Wow...
When I touched his really soft fur, the Pokkle chirped in comfort.
Riel: Fufu, now MC-san is a friend of Jukab and the others.
The Pokkle called Jukab was bigger than the other two.
(I wonder if Jukab is the biggest one.)
Jukab narrowed his eyes as he looked at me.
(So, these spirits protect this forest...)
When I thought of that, I properly bowed to Jukab and the others...
Chapter 3 - Clear Eyes
-Flashback-
Riel: Fufu, now MC-san is a friend of Jukab and the others.
-Flashback-
After meeting the Pokkle in the forest, I spent some time with them for a short while.
Riel: Now then, let's head to the castle.
When Riel-san started walking, the Pokkle suddenly took a step forward and roared.
(Is something wrong?)
Riel: They're letting the other Pokkle know that they've found me.
MC: I see.
After that, while being watched by the Pokkle, we started walking down the road to the castle.
......
Along the path towards the castle, I inhaled the air of the beautiful and peaceful forest.
(What a comforting forest.)
When I looked up at the forest happily, Riel-san chuckled.
Riel: Your eyes are sparkling a lot, it's nice.
MC: ...
(Riel-san's eyes are nice and clear...)
Although, I couldn't bring myself to say that and tried to calm my fast heartbeat down.
MC: This is the first time that I've been to such a beautiful forest. It's not just beautiful, but it kind of has a dignified feeling to it and the air is so clean.
Riel: I see, that makes me happy. It's our duty to protect this forest after all.
That soft voice had a firm determination dwelling within it.
(Riel-san really treasures this forest.)
Riel-san looked at the forest trees lovingly...
......
Once I arrived at the castle with Riel-san, the king and queen immediately greeted us.
Queen: Ah, Riel.
King: You've returned safely.
The queen held Riel-san's hand as the king bowed deeply.
(The two of them look really kind...)
Riel: Sorry for making you worried. She... It's thanks to the Traumerei Princess that I was able to return safely.
Queen: My, how nice. We must express our gratitude to you. Please, make yourself at home in this beautiful forest.
MC: Thank you very much.
(These people are so peaceful, so I'm sure that's why the forest is so beautiful.)
Looking at the nice family made the inside of my heart warm.
......
During dinner that day, Riel-san happily talked about all sorts of things.
Riel: I grew up with the spirits of the forest since I was little. That's why everyone is a dear friend, they're like family to me.
MC: I see.
///Choices///
- I want to try meeting other spirits (☼)
MC: I want to try meeting other spirits besides the Pokkle.
Riel: Really? I'm glad.
Riel-san happily smiled.
- How nice (☽)
MC: It's really nice that you get to hang out with other spirits.
Riel: Yes, it's really fun.
As Riel-san remembered the spirits, he smiled happily.
///Choices///
Riel-san talked to me about a whole lot of other things. The season when the climate becomes cold and snow falls, cute flowers called snowdrops blooming when spring comes for a short time and also...
Riel: Also, in the forest, there's a bonfire that the spirits protect. It's said that if it goes out, the forest will disappear... That's why everyone protects it.
MC: A bonfire...
///Choices///
- What a mysterious story (☼)
MC: That's kind of a mysterious story.
Riel: Fufu, I guess so.
Seeing me all puzzled, Riel-san softly laughed.
- I want to see it (☽)
MC: I would like to see it.
Riel: I'm glad that you're interested in our forest.
When Riel-san happily smiled, I felt happy as well.
///Choices///
MC: But... Thinking that it might disappear is a little nerve wrecking.
Riel: Yeah, but it's okay. It's not that easy to make it disappear. Ah, also... There's a place in the forest that has beautiful water flowing...
(Riel-san loves this forest from the bottom of his heart.)
Hearing him talk made me forget about the time. Riel-san's voice was so comforting that it continued to make me feel lively...
Chapter 4 - The Temple in the Forest
The stars outside the window were twinkling in the silent night... After dinner, Riel-san took me to my room.
Riel: MC-san, are you cold?
As night was getting darker, the castle hallways became filled with a cold atmosphere.
(I'm a little cold, but...)
MC: I'm okay. Thank you.
Riel: No problem, since you're not used to this climate, you can always let me know if something's bothering you anytime.
///Choices///
- Are you okay? (☽)
MC: Riel-san, are you okay with the cold?
Riel: Yeah, I'm used to it after all.
- You're so kind (☼)
MC: You're so kind.
Riel: Eh? Really? But, thank you.
///Choices///
Riel-san softly broke into a smile.
Riel: Ah, I know. Before you return to your room, won't you give me a little of your time?
MC: Sure. What is it?
Riel: I'm going to show you something nice.
He presented his hand to me.
MC: Riel-san...?
Riel: Come here, MC-san.
I softly placed my hand in his elegant hand.
Riel: ...You're cold. Were you enduring it?
He lightly placed his large pretty hands around mine.
(So warm...)
From the spot he touched, a soft warmth was spreading.
Riel: Sorry. But, I want to show it to you.
After Riel-san said that with a smile, he started walking in the opposite direction of where we were walking in just a while ago.
(What does he want to show me?)
With expectations in my heart, I went into the forest with Riel-san...
He led me to a temple that looked kind of magical at night. Contrary to the cold outside, the inside of the temple was filled with a warm atmosphere.
Riel: ...Now then.
Riel-san walked ahead of me carefreely as if he was dancing...
Riel: What do you think is here?
As he smiled like a mischievous child, it looked like he was joking a little...
(How cute. But, he said there's something here...)
///Choices///
- Think about it (☼)
MC: Hmm...
(What he wants to show me... Could it be that the forest bonfire is here?)
Riel: Fufu.
While I was thinking about it, Riel-san smiled happily.
- Ask him to say it (☽)
MC: Uh... Please tell me.
Riel: Eh? Haven't I told you enough?
Riel-san smiled somewhat disappointedly.
///Choices///
Riel: Then... You might've already figured it out, but... Actually, this is the temple that has the bonfire that I mentioned earlier. I wanted to show it to you. It's really pretty.
MC: Is it... all right for me to see it?
Riel: Of course. You saved me, also...
As Riel-san smiled, he held out his hand to me.
Riel: I was thinking about how I wanted to show it to you.
Holding back my slightly loud heartbeat, I held his hand...
Chapter 5 - A Vow to the Forest
There was a majestic mystical atmosphere around the temple at night. With Riel-san pulling my hand, the two of us proceeded into the quiet temple...
MC: Wow... Pretty.
The pale swaying bonfire in the center of the altar made me say that in admiration. I got absorbed in looking at the flames that had a mysterious vibe to them.
Riel: Isn't it pretty? It's the forest's life that the spirits are protecting. We assist them in that.
MC: Assist?
Wonder what he meant, I looked up at Riel-san. His gentle eyes that were filled with affection watched the swaying flames.
Riel: We weren't the ones that built this forest. We take care of the spirits, plants and animals. This forest was entrsuted to our family, so that we can continue protecting the forest, this kingdom for all of eternity...
MC: Riel-san...
With the side of Riel-san's face looking really beautiful as he said that calmly, the pale flames looked even more sacred as they were reflected in his eyes. Then, at that moment...
MC: ...!
Riel: Eh...?
We flinched in surprise when we heard a loud sound from afar.
Riel: A gunshot?
MC: It couldn't be...
Riel: No, that sound... Why...!?
MC: Ah...!
When Riel-san quickly ran out, I...
///Choices///
- Stop him (☽)
MC: Riel-san! Wait!
I instantly pulled Riel-san's arm.
Riel: MC-san... I need to go. I need to protect the forest and everyone.
Still looking forward, Riel-san furrowed his brow troubledly.
- Say you're going too (☼)
MC: Riel-san! I'm going too!
Riel: Eh? But, who knows what kind of dangers are out there...
Just as Riel-san said that, he started thinking.
(Riel-san...?)
///Choices///
RIel: ...It might be dangerous to keep you in here instead.
After Riel-san looked back and forth between me and the temple doors in confusion...
Riel: ...Stay by my side. I'll protect you.
MC: Riel-san... Okay, I understand!
When Riel-san placed his hand around my shoulder, we headed into the forest as he protected me.
Then...
Riel: That's...!
As soon as we left the temple and went into the forest, we saw some Pokkle running over here.
MC: ...
Among the center of them, there was an injured Pokkle that they rushed to protect.
Riel: ...
As Riel-san's hand was around my shoulder, it was trembling a little... with an impulse of rage...
Chapter 6 - A Silent Anger
Due to the sudden incident, I felt an incomparable nervousness running through me... Along with Riel-san, we carried the injured Pokkle to the castle courtyard.
Servant: Riel-sama! Are you all right!?
When the servants ran over here, they became speechless the moment they saw the injured Pokkle.
Riel: Aprel... Poor thing, we'll get you treated immediately.
Servant: I'm going to call for someone to treat her!
The servants rushed back into the castle... While waiting for them, Riel-san deeply furrowed his brow as he gently petted the injured Pokkle.
(How could something like this happen...)
The injured Pokkle was small and still young.
Riel: Can someone tell me what happened? Does it have something to do with the gunshot that we heard earlier?
Riel-san looked at the Pokkle around him sadly. Then, one of the Pokkle approached him.
Riel: !? A poacher did it...?
At that moment, Riel-san's expression turned stern.
Riel: Those guys did that to Aprel...?
As I trembled in fear from his beautiful face becoming strained from rage, I felt his wholehearted anger.
(Poachers, what does that mean...?)
MC: Riel-san, um...
Riel: ...!
Riel-san suddenly came to his senses and looked at me.
Riel: ...Sorry for scaring you.
MC: It's okay...
Riel: It looks like poachers have invaded here. When the dream eaters appeared, not a lot of poachers have been coming into the dark forest... I got careless.
Riel-san bit his lip in frustration. Then...
Riel: This is truly unforgivable.
The words of anger that came out from his lips made it hard for me to breathe.
......
Riel-san immediately went to the king and queen. As he was taking big steps, I felt a strong anger from him.
Riel: I'm going after those poachers!
Queen: Riel. Please think about it clearly. Letting your anger take control of your impulses and foolish behavior will be your downfall.
Riel: But...!
Queen: Don't you know that more than anyone?
Riel: ...
Riel-san clenched his fist tightly.
King: Riel, be smart. Everyone feels the same way about those detestable poachers. But, tracking them down without thinking will increase damages. Could it be one poacher or a group? Who knows what kind of weapons they're carrying if we try tracking them down. Did you try thinking about that with a cool head?
Riel: That's...
When Riel-san looked down frustratedly, it became heavily silent.
///Choices///
- I think it's dangerous too (☽)
MC: Riel-san. I think it's dangerous to go after them so recklessly too.
Riel: Even so, I want to protect them.
Riel-san looked at me heartrendingly.
- Let's think about it together (☼)
MC: Riel-san. I'll think about it with you too.
Riel: MC-san...
Riel-san looked at me with an anguished expression.
///Choices///
(This forest is important to Riel-san. Including me...)
The beautiful scenery and cute forest animals that I saw with Riel-san... As I thought about all that, I looked at the royal couple.
MC: Your Majesties. Let me help too.
Riel: Eh...?
MC: Coming to this kingdom and getting to know this forest, it was really nice... It made me think how special this forest is. So, I want to help with protecting this forest and the spirits.
The king shook his head troubledly.
King: But, it's dangerous, we can't let the Traumerei Princess get involved.
MC: No, that's why... I want to be of some help somehow.
Riel: MC-san...
MC: Please...!
As I refused to back down, I knew that Riel-san was looking at me. After that, when we somehow got the king and queen's approval, we headed into the forest with several servants...
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