Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Ruber - Prince of Remedium - Main Story
Chapter 1 - An Impactful Reunion
Kingdom of Medical Care, Remedium, September... After a while since Ruber-san has returned to his own kingdom, I received an invitation from him and visited the kingdom.
(Such a pretty town... Since it's called the Kingdom of Medical Care, there seem to be a lot of clinics.)
As I became lively from looking around the area, I heard the murmurs of people and someone arguing.
(...What's going on?)
When I nervously looked among the crowd...
Ruber: ...
(Ruber-san!?)
In the center of the commotion, there was Ruber-san with a strange mask on his face. Around him, I saw some vulgar looking men on the ground with some bandages on them.
MC: Um... What happened?
When I got through the crowd of people and nervously asked that, Ruber-san slowly turned towards me.
Ruber: If it isn't MC. As you can see, I'm in the middle of working.
MC: Work, you say...
(Ruber-san's a doctor, right?)
As I tilted my head to the side without thinking, Ruber-san pointed at the fallen men.
Ruber: They may be my patients, but it's such a pain to treat them at the hospital and leave them there. It can't be helped that this place gives off a bad impression since it's well known for the quarrels here. It's a little rough, but... It's no problem as long as everyone's wounds are treated.
MC: I see...
After Ruber-san explained all the details to me detachedly, I couldn't do anything, but nod...
Chapter 2 - The Person That's Like a Storm
When the aftermath of a fight scene was causing a commotion in the beautiful town... Ruber-san called in some servants to take the fallen men away on some stretchers.
Ruber: MC. Sorry, I feel bad since I invited you myself, but I still have some work to do. I'll make some time for you tomorrow. How do you feel about that?
MC: Yes. I'm fine with that, but...
When I forced myself to say that from feeling overwhelmed, I nodded towards his suggestion.
Ruber: ...Tomorrow, come to this place at the same time. Don't be late.
After saying that briefly, Ruber-san left as his white coat fluttered.
(He's kind of like a storm...)
As I watched him getting further away from behind, I felt calm...
......
Then, the next day... When I arrived at the meeting place, there was Ruber-san. As Ruber-san was just standing there, the sharp atmosphere around him and tall height made him stand out.
///Choices///
- He's not wearing the mask (☽)
MC: You're not wearing the mask today.
ruber: ...First of all, I only use it when I want to hide myself. I don't need it when I'm meeting with you.
- Did I make you wait? (☼)
MC: I'm sorry. Did I make you wait?
Ruber: No, you're right on time. You have perfect timing. You have a good heart.
///Choices///
After closing a book, Ruber-san started walking quickly.
MC: Ruber-san, where are we going?
As I was trying to keep up with him in a hurry, Ruber-san turned towards me puzzledly...
Ruber: I'm just going to show you around town... Was there anything else that you wanted to do?
MC: No, that's not what I was...
When I shook my head greatly, Ruber-san lightly pulled my chin.
Ruber: Then, come with me. The town's not that famous or anything, but since it's your first time coming here, it might bore you.
MC: I wouldn't say that it'll bore me. Thanks for going through all the trouble into doing so.
Ruber: I still haven't done anything for you to thank me for... Such an honest girl.
Before I knew it, he held out his hand to me.
Ruber: Aside from showing you around, it's logical to escort you. I've been traveling by myself for a while, so I've been forgetful.
MC: Uh... Thank you.
Ruber: You've already thanked me earlier.
After he said that teasingly, I felt my nervousness easing up...
MC: Fufu, that's right.
(He's a little blunt, but... He might be a kind person.)
As it felt like I got in touch with his true nature, I became excited...
Chapter 3 - An Unexpected Side
In an area where people are relaxing, there was the refreshing sound of a fountain... Together with Ruber-san, I was looking around the town of Remedium.
Ruber: The museum, the royal park... These are the good parts of town that I would consider checking out.
MC: Yes. Each place is really interesting.
Since he's a prince, Ruber-san seems to know about this kingdom's history and culture very well.
MC: It's a really beautiful town.
Ruber: That's because this kingdom takes good care of it's own hygiene aside from it's property. Remedium is a kingdom that's flourished with medical care. It's said to have the best medical technology and research in the world.
MC: That's amazing. Living in such a kingdom must be really relieving.
When I smiled back at him, Ruber-san turned away with an unpleasant look for some reason.
Ruber: ...I wonder about that.
(Ruber-san...?)
///Choices///
- Did I say something rude? (☼)
MC: Did I say something rude?
Ruber: Not at all. Don't worry about it.
As he sighed, he combed up his bangs that were hanging over his face.
- Look at him (☽)
(Is something the matter?)
While trying to figure out Ruber-san's feelings, I looked at the side of his face.
Ruber: ...What? If you have something to say, just say it properly.
MC: It's nothing...
///Choices///
Just as there was an awkward silence between us at the moment...
Old Man: Ruber-sama! You've returned to the kingdom!
An elderly man walked over to Ruber-san in a friendly manner.
Ruber: Yeah. But, I'll be traveling again in a short while.
Old Man: That's a shame. Despite that there's a lot of patients that want to see you.
After Ruber-san said that, the man's shoulders dropped down in disappointment wholeheartedly.
(Ruber-san seems to be friendly with his patients.)
When I took a step back, I watched the two of them as they were talking to each other.
Old Man: Oh, you were with a cute lady. Please pardon me.
When the man noticed me, he made a surprised look and lightly bowed.
MC: Ah, I...
Ruber: She's a guest from another kingdom. Don't get any weird ideas.
When he introduced me, Ruber-san lightly held up his arm in front of me as he told me that in a confirming matter.
Ruber: Also... Go tell the patients that need to be examined that I'll visit them.
Old Man: Thank you! Everyone will be so happy!
After saying that happily, the man ran off towards the main street.
MC: That person just now was...?
Ruber: He's a town doctor that doesn't have any connections with the royal family. He's been kind to me since long ago.
MC: A town doctor?
When I repeated those words, Ruber-san held up two fingers in front of me.
Ruber: There are two kinds of doctors in this kingdom. Those that are employed by the royal family and the other, town doctors. The equipment and treatment that they provided were overwhelmingly better in the past... It's a pointless story though.
After saying that, Ruber-san made a stern look as he became silent.
(It seems to be a complicated story, but...)
Even though I was curious, the rejecting vibe that Ruber-san was giving off made me not to press into it anymore. To change the topic, I moved my gaze and saw an ice cream shop at a corner of the street.
(Ah, it looks good.)
Ruber: Are you curious about that shop?
MC: Yes...
///Choices///
- I'm hungry (☼)
MC: It's embarrassing, but... It made me a little hungry.
Ruber: You have been walking for quite a while after all. They have good judgement on how much sugar to use.
As Ruber-san nodded with a bashful smile, he held his chin in agreement.
- I thought it looked tasty (☽)
MC: I was thinking that the ice cream in that shop looked tasty.
Ruber: It's just as it looks. Out of the many shops there are, you chose that ice cream shop.
From my response, Ruber-san made a satisfied nod greatly for some reason.
///Choices///
Ruber: The owner that runs that ice cream shop learned some skills in the Kingdom of Frozen Treats*. It's a popular shop in town.
T/N: Juri, Lateria and Sorbege's kingdom
MC: I-Is that so...?
(He seems kind of lively during his explanation...)
Ruber: What's with that look?
MC: ...I was wondering if you like sweets, Ruber-san.
When I said what I was thinking, Ruber-san looked away awkwardly.
Ruber: ...Is that strange?
MC: No. I want to try that shop's ice cream too.
As he looked embarrassed, I felt that we've become slightly closer...
Chapter 4 - An Emergency
As the two of us stood in front of the shop to choose an ice cream flavor...
Servant: Ruber-sama!
Ruber-san's servant ran over here in a panic.
Ruber: Just one thing after another... I just can't get a break.
When Ruber-san sighed listlessly, he turned towards the servant.
Ruber: What is it?
Servant: There's been a cave-in incident at the mines outside of town...!
(An incident...!?)
Ruber: What's the situation?
Servant: There are many injured people. The town doctor in the area is helping, but he's unable to treat everyone...
Ruber: Got it. I'll be there right away. MC. We're going to have to end our tour of the town here.
MC: Okay. Um...
///Choices///
- Will we meet again? (☽)
MC: ...Will we meet again?
Ruber: I'll call out to you once the situation has settled down... You shouldn't waste this opportunity to eat the ice cream.
- Be careful (☼)
MC: Please be careful.
Ruber: Of course, I'm careful enough. So, don't make that puppy dog face.
///Choices///
As Ruber-san was all composed, I calmed down a little from the news of the incident that was given. After Ruber-san had a hushed conversation with the servant, they ran off dashingly.
(It must be really troubling work.)
Soon after, his back became smaller as I watched him from behind...
Woman with Child: Hey, you. Did something happen at the mines?
A woman with a small child spoke to me.
MC: Yes. It looks like there's been an incident...
Woman with Child: ! What... That's where my husband works!
MC: Eh...!
Just as the woman's face instantly turned pale, the townspeople in the area did as well as if her uneasiness was spreading.
(Since we don't know much about the situation of the incident, everyone probably feels anxious.)
Wanting to help the townspeople from the bottom of my heart, I followed Ruber-san...
......
At the scene of the incident, there were a lot of doctors going around busily.
(So many injured people...)
My heart felt pain from seeing the people that were involved in the incident. Ruber-san was in the middle of the scene while giving out commands on treatment...
Ruber: We don't have enough hands. What are the royal family's doctors doing!?
Servant: My apologies, but... It seems like they're unable to come over here.
Ruber: ...Tsk.
(What's going on?)
Feeling uneasy from his conversation with the servant, I approached Ruber-san.
Ruber: MC? What are you doing here?
Just as he spoke faster than me, Ruber-san turned towards me with a sharp gaze.
///Choices///
- Don't say anything (☼)
When I backed down without saying anything, Ruber-san's expression softened up a little.
Ruber: As you can see, we're busy. I'll hear you out later once I take care of this. So, be good and go back to town.
- Talk about the situation (☽)
MC: Actually, the townspeople that asked about the incident seemed uneasy...
When I talked about the situation here, Ruber-san's expression turned even more stern.
Ruber: Go to the servant to hear about the accurate details. You should return to town too.
///Choices///
After Ruber-san said that, he pointed towards the path that leads to town, but... I remembered what he talked about with the servant earlier.
MC: Isn't there anything I can do to help?
Ruber: Don't say something so foolish. This isn't something a princess should get involved with.
MC: I understand. But, you don't have enough help, right? I don't care what kind of job it is. Can't I be of any help to you?
Ruber: ...
While I was being persistent, he looked at me as if he was coming to terms with something...
Chapter 5 - In the Middle of the Chaos
There was a tense atmosphere drifting between Ruber-san and me... Ruber-san was silently looking down at me when I wanted to help.
Ruber: ...These bandages, take them to the medical team.
Then, he silently looked away and set aside a basket next to me as he gave that order.
MC: Understood!
Once I've realized that he's allowing me to help, I reached for the basket of bandages and picked it up.
Ruber: Wait, MC.
MC: Yes...?
Just as I looked up when he called out to me, he lightly placed a white coat over my shoulders at the same time.
Ruber: Put this on.
As his hands were on my shoulders, Ruber-san's face was suddenly close...
(...)
His handsome face being right in front of me made me hold my breath.
Ruber: When you're wearing this, you're not my guest. In order to save people's lives, you must work like a workhorse with pride. Understand?
His eyes that had a fierce look dwelling within them made it feel like they were piercing through me.
///Choices///
- I won't get in your way (☽)
MC: I won't get in your way.
Ruber: Then, come help. If you're unsure about your own judgement, ask me or the other doctors in the area.
- I'll do my best (☼)
MC: I'll do my best...!
Ruber: Good answer. Use that energy until the very end.
///Choices///
Ruber-san lightly patted my back with his large hand to straighten up my posture. As it felt like his hand was sending me off, I headed to the place that he ordered me to go to with the basket in hand this time for sure...
......
As the vast sky above our heads was gradually getting darker... With the sun setting, injured people were being brought over to the treatment area continuously.
MC: It'll be okay. Ruber-san will check on you very soon...
When I said that as encouragement, the injured people made suspicious looks.
Injured Person 1: Ruber? Isn't that the name of the prince of this kingdom?
Injured Person 2: He wouldn't come here. Those royals don't care about people of our social standing.
MC: Eh...?
(What do they mean? Ruber-san is actually helping them...)
Ruber: You guys, don't speak so much. You'll make your injuries worse.
As I was confused, Ruber-san showed himself from behind.
MC: Ah, Rub-
Ruber: ...Quiet.
Before I could say his name, he placed his long index finger on my lips. Not paying any mind to me as I blinked in surprise, Ruber-san looked at the injured people.
Ruber: Everyone, be good and rest. Since you're all my patients, I will tend to your injuries.
After Ruber-san said that boldly, all the commotion and the chaos in the medical area settled down...
(It looks like Ruber-san's words have the strength to calm down the patients.)
While Ruber-san was beginning to do some treatment, I felt reassured from looking at the side of his face.
Ruber: Hey, MC. What are you doing being absentminded for? We're low on medicine. Go get some from the other medical teams.
MC: Okay, I'll be going...!
Just as I became dizzy from how hectic it was, I started to feel proud from being useful to him...
Chapter 6 - The Truth About the Kingdom
As the pale moonlight was shining faintly into the guest room... After finishing treating all of those injured people, Ruber-san took me to the castle of Remedium.
Ruber: I thought that you were going to give up right away, but I never thought that you would make it through till the end.
With an expression that was softer than before, Ruber-san seemed impressed as he murmured that.
///Choices///
- I'm glad to be of help (☽)
MC: I'm glad to be of help.
Ruber: You did a good job. It might be a good idea to make you into my assistant.
(I'm happy that he's complimenting me...)
- Good work (☼)
MC: Good work, Ruber-san.
Ruber: It's no big deal. There have been other sites that were more severe than the one from today.
Regardless that he moved around more than anyone else at the medical site, Ruber-san was making a calm expression.
///Choices///
(Aside from that...)
When I touched the white coat that Ruber-san lent me, I recalled what I saw and heard at the scene of the incident... Suddenly, he palced his hand on my head.
Ruber: Do you have something you want to ask me?
As it felt like he could see what I was thinking with those eyes of his, my heartbeat increased.
-Flashback-
Ruber: We don't have enough hands. What are the royal family's doctors doing!?
Servant: My apologies, but... It seems like they're unable to come over here.
---
Injured Person 2: He wouldn't come here. Those royals don't care about people of our social standing.
-Flashback-
MC: This may sound like a rude question, but... Does the royal family not give medical treatment to the commoners that much?
Ruber: I see. Since you've made that kind of assumption, I'll be brief.
Ruber-san calmly walked towards the window and looked at the vast view outside.
Ruber: Just as I explained during the day, this is a kingdom that's flourished with medical treatments. But, the royal family only gives their prideful top-grade medical treatments to groups of patients that have been approved by the kingdom. That's what's been decided.
MC: That kind of decision is...
Ruber: It's the kingdom's policy. I couldn't accept that, so I went traveling around the world for a while. ...All that I want to do is help the patients that are in front of me. Getting tied down to such pointless rules is so annoying.
Even though he said that detachedly, he looked sad as the moonlight was shining on the side of his face...
(He must've been fighting by himself for so long.)
MC: You're so kind, Ruber-san.
Without realizing it, those words came out of my mouth.
Ruber: You... Look at me, how can you be so carefree?
When he asked me that oddly, I smiled at him.
MC: If you don't know, then that means you aren't aware of how kind you are, Ruber-san.
(Ruber-san treats each of his patients equally and saves so many people.)
MC: Don't you think that all the people that look up to you think the same way?
Ruber: ...Haha... You really are weird. I've been called scary many times, but... That's the first time I've been told something like that straight to my face.
(...)
With an innocent smile, Ruber-san's shoulders trembled oddly.
(Ruber-san... Smiling with a face like that.)
That expression he showed for the first time became deeply engraved in my mind...
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