Rufen - Prince of Vox - Main Story

Rufen - Prince of Vox - Main Story

Chapter 1 - His Return

Kingdom of Voices, Vox, April... 

Just as the trees became dyed by dusk... 

??: Uu~u...

After waking up from a slumber, he slowly stretched out his body. His slightly frizzy hair shined in the evening sunlight. 

??: Did you save me? 

MC: Yes... Um... 

He grabbed both of my hands and shook them exaggeratedly. 

??: Thank you for saving me!

MC: I-It was nothing...

As he shook my hands up and down, my body moved around as well. 

Rufen: My name is Rufen! What's your name? 

MC: It's MC. 

Rufen: I see, MC! Nice to meet you! So, where are we...? 

Rufen-san looked around restlessly. 

Rufen: Oh! This place is near the castle!

MC: Eh...? 

Rufen: MC, over here! My castle is this way!

MC: U-Um... 

While I was perplexed, Rufen-san pulled my hand with a grin. 

After that, we arrived at Rufen-san's castle as he was pulling my hand... 

Rufen: I'm back!

Gatekeeper: Rufen-sama!? It's Rufen-sama!

Butler: Rufen-sama...! You're okay!

Rufen: Yeah! I must've made you all worried!

Everyone in the castle spoke in astonishment from Rufen-san's return. In front of them, Rufen-san spreads out both of his hands. 

Rufen: Now then, let's set up a party! To celebrate my return and also... As my way of thanking you!

Rufen-san looked at me with a bright smile. His loud cheerful voice echoed throughout the inside of the castle... 

Chapter 2 - A Hectic Party

By the time the sky had turned indigo, the party started. On the tables that were arranged, there were many candles in golden candlesticks with flames swaying on them as they made the white tablecloths shine lightly. 

(Pretty...) 

As I was looking around, a comforting melody to celebrate Rufen-san's return reached my ears. 

MC: Everyone is really good... 

Rufen: This kingdom is flourished with singing! Isn't it lively!? 

After saying that, Rufen-san smiled tremendously. 

(Rufen-san's smile is making me feel really happy...) 

MC: Your voice is really cheerful and nice, Rufen-san. 

Rufen: R-Really...!? 

Rufen-san scratched the tip of his nose as he was slightly embarrassed. 

Rufen: T-That's right! Just call me, Rufen! It's more formal. 

MC: Then... Rufen. 

Rufen: That's it!

After I said his name, he gave me a sunlike smile. Then, lots of food was being brought out to the assembly hall. 

Rufen: The food is here! MC, wait here!

Maid: Ah... Rufen-sama! We'll bring over the food... 

Rufen: It's fine! I'll bring it over!

As I was sitting in a chair, he rushed off towards the food. 

Servant: Same as usual. 

Maid: Yes, really. 

Servant: While Rufen-sama was out, it felt like the flames have disappeared from the castle... 

The servants looked at Rufen softly. 

(They all seem to be really happy that Rufen has returned...) 

That thought gave me a warm feeling. 

Rufen: What is it? Everyone's looking over here.

When Rufen came back with a lot of plates, he looked around and tilted his head to the side. As he was puzzled, everyone broke into smiles again. 

(Somehow...) 

MC: Fufu...

Rufen: W-Why are you laughing!

MC: Sorry, talking with you is just fun somehow. Everyone around too... Their smiles are like the sun. 

Rufen: ...!

After I said that, I noticed that Rufen's face has turned red a little. 

Rufen: Now then, let's eat a lot!

He placed many large plates of meat and fish in front of me. 

(I-I can't eat this much... Yet, my appetite is a little...) 

///Choices///

- I can't eat this much (☽)

MC: I can't eat this much... 

Rufen: All the food in this kingdom is good, so there's no need to hold back if you want to eat. 

- Say thank you (☼)

MC: Thank you. 

Rufen: No problem! I can't thank you enough.

///Choices///

Rufen placed more food on the table. 

(Somehow, my body feels heavy and I don't have an appetite... But, since Rufen is offering.) 

Among all of them, I chose the tomato dish and took a bite of it. 

(It's sweet and good...) 

Although, I could only eat a little of it and returned the fork on the plate. 

Rufen: What's wrong? Does it not suit your tastes? 

MC: No...

The food is really good, but my chest feels clogged for some reason and I don't have an appetite. 

(What should I do... I'm feeling lightheaded too...) 

Rufen: Could it be that you don't like any of these things!? 

MC: No... 

Rufen: Then, what is it? Isn't there anything that you want to eat? I know! Is it the garnishing? But, it's all the same when it goes into your stomach. 

(H-He's not giving me a chance to speak...) 

Rufen: I'll bring you something else to eat. What do you like? Something sweet like cake? 

MC: Yeah... I like cake, but... Somehow, I...

(My body feels heavy...) 

Rufen: Okay, cake it is! And what else? What do you like? 

(Rufen is asking me so eagerly... I need to respond to him properly... But... I can't say that I'm feeling lightheaded as well...) 

Rufen: What's wrong? You don't look so good.

MC: I guess so... 

Rufen: Could it be that you're not feeling well!? 

MC: I'm sorry... Just a little... 

Just as Rufen widened his eyes in surprise, he picked me up.

Rufen: Hey, get the doctor! Someone, hurry and call the doctor!

MC: Eh...? 

Rufen: Wait for a bit! Help will be coming soon!

(R-Rufen...!?) 

MC: U-Um... 

As I was confused, he continued to call for a doctor in a panic. After hearing Rufen, the servants started moving quickly. The party that was overflowing with singing came to an end as it became hectic... 

Chapter 3 - Nursing is Easy

After the royal doctor was called, I was taken to my room soon after. 

(What should I do, I was only feeling a little unwell...) 

When I was quickly placed on the bed, Rufen looked at me. 

Rufen: You okay!? 

He frowned uneasily. Just as I was about to respond... 

MC: Ye- 

Rufen grabbed my shoulders and started shaking me strongly. 

Rufen: Hey, MC! Can you understand me!? 

MC: Uu... 

Rufen: What's wrong!? Could it be that you're really sick that you're unable to speak!? 

(I-It's because of him shaking me... that I can't speak...) 

Doctor: Rufen-sama, MC-sama can't respond with you shaking her like that. 

Rufen: T-That's right!

After the doctor said that, Rufen immediately lets go of me. Replacing him, the doctor placed his hand on my forehead. 

Doctor: Are you okay? 

MC: Um... I...

Doctor: Since Rufen-sama has overexaggerated and made a huge fuss about it, it must've been troubling. 

As the doctor made a wry smile, Rufen shrugged his shoulders behind him.

Doctor: Although, you do seem to be unwell. Your temperature is a little high. You must be tired from traveling. Today, please take it easy and rest. 

MC: Okay... 

Rufen: You need to rest! Because tomorrow, we'll be going to the parade in town!

Rufen told me that as his eyes were sparkling. 

Rufen: A lot of people will be singing and they'll be dancing while they march! It's going to be fun! Also. We should eat a lot of tasty food in town!

(It does sound like fun... But, I don't think I'll be well enough tomorrow...) 

Even so, despite his intentions, my body became heavy. 

(...I wonder if my fever will go up. But, Rufen is really looking forward to it...) 

Towards Rufen's smile, I was worried as I was hesitant to speak. 

///Choices///

- It sounds like fun (☼)

MC: That sounds like fun, I want to go...!

Rufen: Right? I'm sure that you'll like it. 

- It might not be possible (☽)

MC: It might not be possible...

Rufen: It'll be okay! I'm sure that you'll get better by tomorrow morning!

///Choices///

Rufen: I know!

As Rufen smiled brightly, he ran off towards the cupboard. Then, he came back with a lot of fruit in his arms. 

Rufen: I brought a lot of tasty fruit! If you eat these, you'll get better soon!

MC: Thank you, Rufen... 

Rufen: I'll bring some others too!

MC: Eh... Um... 

Doctor: Hold it. 

Just as Rufen was about to run off, the doctor kindly called out to stop him. 

Doctor: Rufen-sama, the most important thing you need to give her now is some rest. 

Rufen: I-I see... 

Doctor: Also... It might be difficult for MC-sama to go out tomorrow. 

Rufen: Eh...? 

Doctor: MC-sama needs a full day of rest. You mustn't let her overdo it. 

Rufen: O-Okay...

Rufen's shoulders dropped in disappointment.

///Choices///

- I'll go tomorrow (☼)

MC: I'll go if I heal up tomorrow. 

Rufen: ...

Rufen glanced towards the doctor, but... The doctor slowly shook his head. 

- I'm sorry (☽)

MC: I'm sorry. 

Rufen: Why are you apologizing? 

MC: You went through all this trouble into inviting me... 

///Choices///

Rufen: ...You need to rest, so it can't be helped! Look, I'll be fine, so hurry and rest. 

MC: Okay... 

Rufen: You need to have the blanket on properly. 

Rufen adjusted the blanket and covered my face with it. 

(I-It's kind of painful with it around my face...) 

Rufen: Make sure to rest! Okay? 

Rufen looked at me worriedly. 

MC: Rufen... 

(He's such and honest and kind person...) 

MC: Thank you... 

When I thanked Rufen, he smiled... 

Rufen: N-No... It was nothing...!

As my vision became blurry from the fever, I saw Rufen's face turning red...

Chapter 4 - Kindness That's Separated by the Door

By the time the bells in town were ringing around noon... 

The sunlight that came in shined on my eyelids. 

(It looks like I've gotten better. That's right, the parade...) 

-Flashback-

Rufen: You need to rest! Because tomorrow, we'll be going to the parade in town! A lot of people will be singing and they'll be dancing while they march! It's going to be fun! Also. We should eat a lot of tasty food in town!

-Flashback-

My shoulders dropped as I remembered that. 

(Rufen, he was really looking forward to it...) 

At that moment... I heard a familiar voice coming from the door. 

(Rufen's voice...?) 

Rufen: I wonder if MC is okay. 

Rufen was standing in front of the door as he was going back and forth repeatedly for a while.

??: You're like a honeybee going around like that. 

Rufen: W-What the, Bro!? You've been watching me this whole time!? 

Rufen's Brother: Yeah. Weren't you told that she still needs to be left alone? 

Rufen: Still, I can't help, but worry... What should I do at a time like this? 

When Rufen furrowed his brow uneasily, his brother smiled wryly. 

Rufen's Brother: Looks like it can't be helped. Lend me your ear. 

Rufen: W-What is it? 

Rufen's Brother: First off, prepare a gift. 

Rufen: A gift? 

Rufen's Brother: Yeah. Get a lot of things that she would like. It's easy. 

Rufen: ...And then? 

Rufen's Brother: ...You, must you hear all the answers from me? 

Rufen: P-Please...!

Rufen's Brother: This is the first time I've seen you make such a troubled face. 

As Rufen was sulking while being serious, his brother smiled and patted his head. 

Rufen's Brother: Next, let's see... You should apologize sincerely. I can tell that you were moving her around with your usual personality. 

Rufen: Uu... T-That's... 

Rufen's Brother: First, apologize properly for pushing her around. Don't you love her? 

Rufen: Yeah, I know... Wait! L-L-L-Love!? 

When Rufen shouted that loudly as he turned red, his brother covered his mouth with his hand. 

Rufen's Brother: It's so obvious. How pure, I'm so jealous!

Rufen: S-Shut up!!

Rufen's Brother: Also, lower your voice. Your loud voice is going to wake her up. 

Rufen: Uu... 

Rufen's Brother: She could already be listening in on this conversation. 

Rufen: !! Is that true!? MC!

Rufen's Brother: You... You're seriously an idiot.

T/N: ROFL 

Rufen: Is that true!? MC!

(Well, since he said so...) 

///Choices///

- Respond (☼)

MC: Y-Yes... 

As I tried to calm down my rapid heartbeat, I responded softly. Although... Some time has passed and I didn't get a response from the other side of the door. 

(I wonder if he didn't hear me...)

- Don't respond (☽)

(I can't respond...) 

As my heart was racing from the thought of Rufen opening the door at any moment, it became silent outside the door.

///Choices///

When I let go of the doorknob, I slowly returned to bed. 

(Does Rufen, towards me...?) 

As I didn't know what to do about this heartbeat, I went to bed. 

......

The next morning... Thanks to resting for a whole day, I woke up feeling refreshed. 

(...I should go see Rufen. I need to tell him that I'm feeling better now.) 

I immediately got out of bed and got dressed. Then, when I opened the door, I blinked from that scene... 

Sun End

Moon End