Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Rosso - Prince of Ancura - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Prince of the Phantom Ship
Kingdom of Pirates, Ancura, February...
Within the bright sunlight that was shining down... In the ocean of Ancura, the calm waves were going back and forth along the shore. At the sparkling beach, I stopped when I saw a grain of light that was outshining the rest.
(A ring...!)
When I found a ring that was shining as it was reflecting against the sunlight, I placed my hands together in front of my chest. Then...
MC: ...!
A flood of strong light immediately poured out and when it faded away....
??: Mm...
A man with a splendid physique appeared and slowly got up.
MC: Um, are you okay?
When I looked at the man's face as he was feeling a little hazy...
MC: Ah...
I ended up becoming attracted to his unusually charming purple-colored eyes.
(Such strong... and sad looking eyes.)
As I was looking at him for a while like that...
??: Mm... Haa... This place, where am I... My ship is...
After appearing for a short while, he said that hoarsely.
MC: Um... Are you okay?
The moment I spoke again, the man became surprised and stared at me. After that, he strongly grabbed my arm.
(! Such strong strength...)
Even though he was asleep just a while ago, his strength was unimaginable.
??: Woman... You... Did you save me?
MC: ...Y-Yes.
Just as I felt a sudden chill going down my spine... The area suddenly became shrouded in fog as rain clouds were starting to gather in the sky.
(Why? The weather suddenly just...)
??: Come. To my ship.
MC: ...!
He suddenly pulled me by force as he was holding my arm tightly.
(Eh...? This ship suddenly appeared...)
Before me, I saw a huge ship appearing. I was unable to hide my surprise from the worn-out colossal ship that used to look so elegant.
(A phantom ship...?)
The strange ship that suddenly appeared from among the thick fog had a suitable appearance to be called that. At that moment, I was taken to that ship by the man that I've awakened...
Chapter 2 - The Worn-Out Ship
Underneath the gloomy cloud that were blocking the sunlight, a man and an old ship suddenly appeared... As I was unable to do anything while being surprised, I was taken to the ship by the man.
??: Sorry for surprising you. I just wanted to hurry and return to my ship...
The man's long red hair swayed as he smiled wryly. There was a strong look in those eyes as they were looking at me.
Rosso: I'm Rosso. I'm the captain of this pirate ship... Well, despite that it looks like a phantom ship.
MC: P-Phantom...!?
I felt my blood draining away quickly from those words.
Rosso: You... Ah, I see, you woke me up, which means... Could it be that you're the Traumerei Princess?
When his face suddenly became close, I ended up backing away.
MC: Y-Yes... I'm MC. Um...
///Choices///
- You're alive, right...? (☼)
MC: You're alive, right...?
When I asked that nervously, Rosso-san made an amused look.
Rosso: Haha! Let's see... Everyone does call me the Prince of the Phantom Ship.
(S-So, he really is a ghost...?)
- Are you a ghost...? (☽)
MC: ...Are you a ghost...?
(Despite that's not possible...)
When I thought of that, Rosso-san made an amused smile after I asked that reservedly.
Rosso: What'll you do if I am? Will you run away in fear?
(I-I'm scared, but... What should I do...)
///Choices///
My face became even more stiff from Rosso-san's words...
Rosso: Kuku... Did you believe that? What a cute girl.
MC: ...!
Rosso: I'm kidding. You were making such a nice frightened face! It was the best.
He showed a small smile that he was hiding and broke into a loud hearty laugh.
(I really believed him for a moment...)
When I blinked once, the hem of Rosso-san's clothes lightly fluttered in front of me.
Rosso: Now then, let's depart! As thanks for waking me up, I'm taking on a voyage as a reward!
MC: Eh?
Rosso: Let's head to the deck!
MC: U-Um...
Without giving me a moment to speak, Rosso-san walked off proudly... When we went outside, the clouds that were covering the sky just a while ago have cleared away and the sunlight was calmly shining on the deck.
Rosso: Depart!
Rosso-san held the steering wheel and shouted that loudly.
Sailors: Aye aye, sir!
Along with the sailors' response, the ship started moving soon after... The sail spread out widely as it was being filled with wind.
MC: U-Um...!
Rosso: You have nothing to worry about. We'll be back again in about a month. Alright! Fill the starboard...!
MC: ...!
The ship started to rotate. The worn-out sail with opened holes in it looked like it was about to be teared to pieces as it fluttered.
(In about a month... Will it be okay despite how worn-out it is?)
MC: Rosso-san... Um, will this ship be okay?
Rosso: Huh? What was that?
Unable to hear me due to the wind, Rosso-san placed his hand near his ear and asked that in return. Faced with Rosso-san's exaggerated gesture, I spoke loudly.
MC: This ship! Even though it's a little run down, will it be okay for it to go on a voyage?
Rosso: ...
Then, his cheerful expression from just now suddenly changed...
(Rosso-san...?)
When he frowned deeply, my heart became very noisy.
Rosso: ...This ship is just my kingdom's, my family's Balenarossa. Don't worry. I'm always taking care of this ship.
While making a sad expression, Rosso-san looked at the ocean from afar. I couldn't bring myself to speak anymore towards the side of his face...
Chapter 3 - Ocean Voyage
As the salty sea breeze lightly touched my cheek... I was told that Rosso-san's ship, the Balenarossa, has started unexpectedly. It continued to go along the beautiful far and wide ocean surface as it moved against the wind.
Rosso: The wind today is the best.
(Despite that he was making a sad face... He looks happy again now.)
While he was humming a tune, I became relieved for now.
Rosso: Alright! It's almost time for food provisions. My stomach is starting to rumble.
When Rosso-san said that cheerfully, he walked away from the steering wheel and started preparing something.
MC: What are you doing?
Rosso: Like I said. I'm fishing for food. Since the ship has a lot of sailors, as the prince and the captain, I need to take the initiative for provisions.
MC: I see. That sounds troubling...
Rosso: What, it's no big deal. Once I fish up something big, I'll feed it to you too!
Contrary to the worn-out ship, Rosso-san was being enthusiastic as he smiled brightly.
(Even though I was scared at first because I thought he was a real ghost... Seeing him like this shows that he's a cheerful and nice person.)
After that, Rosso-san started to fish proudly with a rod...
......
Later... The fishing line that Rosso-san has lowered didn't show any sign of moving.
Rosso: Mm...
When Rosso-san looked up at the sky while holding the rod, he moved his neck around...
Rosso: Looks like this is going to be a struggle today. I'm going to sleep.
Then, he raised the rod and lied down on the deck.
Rosso: You too, MC. Laying down here feels nice.
When Rosso-san said that with a grin, I...
///Choices///
- But... (☽)
MC: But...
When I hesitated, Rosso-san looked at me maliciously.
Rosso: I won't do anything bad at the deck of the phantom ship. It's where I sleep without thinking, so ghosts won't really appear, don't worry.
MC: ...!
When he smiled cheerfully, my cheeks became a little warm from embarrassment. To shake off those feelings, I quickly approached Rosso-san.
- Okay (☼)
MC: Okay.
Since he invited me, I went to Rosso-san's side.
Rosso: This is a special spot. It's where the sea breeze feels the most comfortable.
As there was a truly pleasant look in his eyes, my heartbeat ended up becoming fast.
///Choices///
Rosso: Come on, over here. Try lying down. It feels really nice.
MC: Okay...
I lied down on top of the deck next to Rosso-san.
(The floor is cold... But, the scenery changed so quickly...)
The tall sky and the ocean, plus the sail that's fluttering from the wind has entered my vision.
(This feels nice...!)
Rosso: Like this... You'll remember all sorts of things.
MC: Eh...?
Rosso: Before, I would show off when I'm competing. On top of this ocean...
///Choices///
- Did something happen? (☼)
MC: ...Did something happen?
When I asked that mildly, Rosso-san made a bit of a wry smile.
Rosso: Remembering it still makes it a pretty vivid event.
- Was it something sad? (☽)
MC: ...Was it something sad?
When my heart became noisy from that expression, I asked him that and... Rosso-san made a wry smile as if he remembered something from that time.
Rosso: Who knows I wonder.
///Choices///
Then, Rosso-san started to speak calmly.
Rosso: Before, on the oceans of Ancura, I would fight with other pirates whenever I was going around in their territory.
MC: Pirates... You say?
Rosso: Yeah, I'm the great captain of pirates, Rosso.
While making a bit of an evil face, Rosso-san smiled at me, but...
Rosso: Even so, right now... This ship and the small island that I'm using instead of dogs is my domain. Even now, I would get into fights with those guys. But, it's not that serious... It's not like I hate it either. They're just quarrels, pointless stuff...
Rosso-san's words sounded distant as he murmured them softly... As the sea breeze blew, he slowly closed his eyes.
Rosso: Well, there's that. Since I'm always at sea, I use my thinking time more often... No, I do more than enough. Which is why I think of all kinds of stuff like this.
MC: Rosso-san...
Rosso: MC, you're the Balenarossa's first guest in a long time. Since this is becoming a waste of time, let's welcome you!
MC: Waste of time...!
Rosso: Kuku, I know, give me a lap pillow. Body warmth can make you fall in love sometimes.
(...Is he teasing me?)
Rosso-san stared at me with a carefree smile for a while, but...
Rosso: ...Hey, please.
MC: ...
When he said that somewhat eagerly as if he was pleading, I was unable to refuse. Once I got up, Rosso-san placed his head on my lap without a moment's delay.
MC: ...
On my lap, Rosso-san's hair was spread out smoothly.
Rosso: Yeah, this feels nice.
With his satisfied smile up close, my heart throbbed loudly. The next moment, Rosso-san happily closed his eyes...
Rosso: ~♪
As he was humming merrily, it sounded sad among the sky that turned red from the sunset...
Chapter 4 - The Reason Why It's Called the Phantom Ship
As Rosso-san's ship, the Balenarossa, continued it's voyage...
(Even though he said that it would be about a month... Just where are we going?)
When I thought of that, the ship slowly anchored at a cape.
(This place... Where are we?)
It was quiet around the area and just the sounds of the waves were heard.
(Huh? Rosso-san is?)
When I looked around, Rosso-san was nowhere to be seen.
MC: Um, Rosso-san is...?
Sailor 1: The captain? Come to think of it, I haven't seen him.
After asking a sailor, I went down to the cape and searched for him and...
MC: Ah...
At the edge of a cliff on the island, I saw Rosso-san reaching out towards something.
(What is he doing? Those are... flowers...?)
Rosso-san was holding a pile of bouquets that had beautiful white flowers in them.
MC: Rosso-san?
Rosso: ...!
When I called out to him, Rosso-san looked over here with an awkward expression. Then, he clicked his tongue for a second.
Rosso: I've been found...
After throwing the flowers off the cliff as a tribute, Rosso-san turned towards me. I...
///Choices///
- Flowers? (☽)
MC: ...Flowers?
Curious, I ended up asking that.
Rosso: ...Yeah.
After murmuring that, Rosso-san looked towards the cliff again.
- I'm sorry (☼)
MC: ...I'm sorry.
Rosso: It's no big deal, so there's no need to apologize.
Rosso-san lightly sighed as if he has given up.
///Choices///
As the ship was swaying from the waves, Rosso-san's hair fluttered from the sea breeze. On his gloomy face, he made a forced smile.
(Again... This face.)
I wanted to know his real feelings that were being hidden by that cheerful smile...
MC: Um... Won't you tell me? Those flowers-
Before I knew it, I asked him that.
Rosso: ...
Rosso-san sighed and started speaking deeply.
Rosso: Long ago... There was a stormy night... This ship received some serious damage and I lost my group of friends here.
MC: Eh...
Rosso: It was a strong storm. I was unable to steer and the ship ended up crashing into a cliff... Most people survived, but I let those guys die...
MC: Let them die...!
Rosso: No, something like that happened because I was unable to protect them. It was all my responsibility.
As his face was filled with self-blame, Rosso-san tightly clenched his fists.
Rosso: That's why, I'm staying with the Balenarossa for life. That's what I vowed.
(Something like that...)
My chest tightened strongly as Rosso-san was looking straight at the cliff.
MC: Then, could that be why... You won't renew the ship?
Rosso: Yeah, this ship holds a lot of memories of those guys... It may not be in good shape, but their souls ride on this ship. If this guy breaks... I'll surely be abandoning those guys next.
(That's...)
While he was grieving, his bitter expression became stronger.
Rosso: I'll continue to wander the ocean for eternity... As the phantom prince.
After murmuring that, he turned towards me...
Rosso: I'm not exactly wrong, right?
My heart felt pain from that cheerful smile on Rosso-san's face.
MC: Um...
Rosso: Ah, sorry for dragging you into this. But, once we go around, I'll let you off properly. Since I've always been alone for a while... I got a little excited.
MC: Rosso-san...
When Rosso-san became quiet after that, the sea breeze started blowing.
(I really felt Rosso-san's thoughts and feelings towards his friends. But...)
His sad humming rode along the sea breeze... With indescribable feelings holding me, I slowly nestled up close to him...
Chapter 5 - The Calm Before the Storm
-Flashback-
Rosso: Yeah, this ship holds a lot of memories of those guys... It may not be in good shape, but their souls ride on this ship. If this guy breaks... I'll surely be abandoning those guys next.
-Flashback-
Rosso-san's words went through my head many times...
(Has Rosso-san always been at this ship like this...?)
Even after fixing up it's appearance many times, the sail and the rusty floor... Looking at them filled my heart with mixed feelings.
(If it continues on like this, the ship might sink someday...)
The moment I felt a chill going down my spine after thinking that...
Rosso: What? You're making a serious face. That kind of face isn't suitable for a voyage.
MC: ...!
When I suddenly heard that cheerful voice, my body trembled greatly.
Rosso: Hey, cut that out. That's a reaction to ghosts appearing.
After saying that, Rosso-san placed something on my head. When I tried touching it...
MC: ...An apple?
Rosso: Yeah, peel it. I'm having a hard time reading this sea map!
Rosso-san looked at the widely opened map with an exaggerated attitude.
MC: ...? Okay.
While thinking that it was odd, I used a knife and...
Rosso: Oh! Those are some nice knife skills. What do you think? Want to become this pirate ship's exclusive chef? Ah... Can you do something special for me!?
MC: ...! G-Geez, are you teasing me again?
Rosso: Kuku... It's because you're making such a stingy face. You made that apple look good to eat.
When Rosso-san tossed the sea map, he lied down at that spot.
(Is he trying to cheer me up...)
Even though I'm happy about his consideration, my chest tightened painfully for some reason.
(...I'll try saying it.)
MC: Rosso-san.
Rosso: Huh? If it's about the apple, you can just toss it into my mouth.
MC: Aside from that... It's about this ship. Your friends probably don't want to be tied down to this ship like this...
Rosso: So, you're telling me to betray them and throw them off the ship?
MC: ...!
Suddenly, I became surprised and looked at Rosso-san when he said that sharply. His deeply sorrowful wavering eyes were looking at me.
///Choices///
- Yes (☽)
MC: ...Yes. But, I don't think you'll be betraying any-
Rosso: Shut up.
MC: ...
After saying that sternly, Rosso-san got up.
- You're not betraying them (☼)
MC: ...You won't be betraying them. It's just that you're-
Rosso: Enough.
MC: ...
After Rosso-san said that, he got up.
///Choices///
Rosso: Let's not talk about this again. I'll continue to protect this ship. For their sake...
MC: Ah...
As Rosso-san gritted his teeth bitterly, he left the next moment...
......
After that too, when I tried talking to Rosso-san many times...
MC: Um, Rosso-sa-
Rosso: ...
Rosso-san would end up avoiding me.
......
(What should I do?)
While being touched by the sea breeze, I looked at the vast ocean.
(Is Rosso-san happy with leaving the ship like this forever?)
Just as I thought of that...
Sailor 1: MC-sama...
I turned towards the sailors that have gathered around.
Sailor 2: Um... Could you persuade the captain somehow?
MC: Eh...
Sailor 3: Of course, we would never forget about our fallen comrades. But... The captain has been smiling sadly for too long. Also, this ship is already at it's limit.
Sailor 1: If this keeps up...
MC: Everyone...
The sailors' feelings towards Rosso-san reached me.
(I knew it... It can't be left like this.)
Sailor 1: The captain is stubborn though... If he talks to you, he might listen.
MC: I understand... I'll try.
Then, I arrived at Rosso-san's room.
MC: Rosso-san... Please. Can we talk?
As I was being earnest from the bottom of my heart, I appealed to Rosso-san. It felt like a long time has silently gone by and then...
Rosso: Fine. Phew... It's been a long time since I've been given such a strong look. I don't hate people with those kinds of eyes.
MC: Rosso-san...!
Although, at that moment... The light rain that was passing by suddenly became strong and fierce thunder was heard...
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