Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Sefir - Prince of Ange - Main Story
Chapter 1 - A Pure White Angel
Sky Kingdom, Ange, February... From the sky, snowflakes were fluttering down...
(The snow is so pretty...)
After a week of traveling, I've arrived at the Sky Kingdom, Ange, for the festival of the revival alliance between the Sky and Earth kingdoms that I've been invited to.
(It's like I'm in a dream)
As the soft snow was piling up, it made the surround area shine brightly. I narrowed my eyes without realizing it.
Sefir: Do you like it? My kingdom.
MC: It's really beautiful.
When Sefir-san said that while showing me the way, I became charmed by the snow as it continued to fall.
Sefir: I can show you and even more beautiful part of the kingdom.
MC: An even more beautiful part?
Just as I turned towards him...
Sefir: Pardon me, MC-sama.
MC: Eh?
Sefir-san lightly picked me up. When his pure white wings softly spread out, Sefir-san flew.
MC: Wah...
As we were getting further away from the snowy field, I gasped from how beautiful it looked.
Sefir: Look. Over there is the temple above the clouds. MC-sama, starting today, you'll be staying at the royal palace, it's at the highest spot above the clouds.
When I looked up towards that proud sounding voice, Sefir-san was smiling gently.
MC: Do all the people in the Sky Kingdom have wings?
Sefir: Yes. Not just the royal family, but all the people in town have wings.
MC: It's really nice that I got to see a view like this...
Sefir-san's golden eyes narrowed elegantly.
(It's like there's a real angel here.)
As Sefir-san was flying in the pure white sky, powder snow landed on his eyelashes. That elegant beauty made me speechless.
(Surely, they look like this...)
I remembered the angels that I saw in picture books a long time ago. Among the snow that continued to fall silently, I softly gripped my chest...
Chapter 2 - Dance Lesson
The next day, it was beautifully clear...
Sefir: Come to think of it...
During afternoon tea, Sefir-san spoke as if he has remembered something.
Sefir: There's going to be a dance party with other kingdoms on the night of the alliance revival festival. We're going to have to dance together.
MC: Eh, um, I, dancing is...
I was unable to hide my uneasiness from those sudden words.
Sefir: You don't have that much experience...?
MC: Yes... It's embarrassing though.
Sefir: If you'd like, I can help you.
As he smiled gently at me, Sefir-san placed the teacup down.
Sefir: Dancing is my forte. I think I can be a good instructor. How about we show the results of those lessons by dancing at the party?
(I'm not sure if I can dance well though.)
///Choices///
- Decline (☽)
MC: I don't have the confidence to dance well.
Sefir: Please, leave it to me.
Sefir-san looked at me in the eye.
- Please (☼)
MC: Please take care of me.
Sefir: Same here, MC-sama.
Sefir-san smiled happily.
///Choices///
Thus, I took some dance lessons.
Evening...
(Dancing in such thin heels...)
While I was being taught a fast dance, I had to wear some beautiful high heels that Sefir-san prepared for me.
Sefir: Straighten up your back.
The sunlight that was shining diagonally turned the floor of the dance hall into a warm color.
Sefir: Pardon me. This is the basic posture.
When Sefir-san wrapped his hand around my waist, my heart slightly skipped a beat.
Sefir: Now then, the waltz.
Just as the orchestra group started playing music, with Sefir-san supporting me with his arms, I started making stiff steps.
Sefir: You're doing good.
Just as I smiled back at his elegant smile...
MC: Ah...
When the heels that I wasn't used to slipped off, I tripped.
Sefir: Are you all right?
As I was holding onto Sefir-san's arms, I heard his voice in my ears.
(H-He's so close...)
When I blinked uneasily, Sefir-san lightly held me up.
Sefir: Looks like you got a blister...
When I sat down in a chair, Sefir-san kneeled down near my feet.
Sefir: My apologies for not noticing... MC-sama.
Sefir-san took the heels off and softly placed a kiss on my foot that had a scratch on it.
MC: ...!
(Somehow... Sefir-san is like a prince from a fairytale.)
While Sefir-san was treating me like a noble princess, I felt my cheeks blushing.
MC: B-But, is it all right for me to be dancing? It's an important ceremony...
Sefir: ...
When I said that, I noticed that Sefir-san's face had stiffened up a little.
MC: ...Sefir-san?
Sefir: Ah, no... My apologies. The upcoming alliance revival festival is an important ceremony that's being held for the first time in 14 years... That's why I wanted you to dance. If you, someone from the royal family of dreams, dance, you'll become a symbol of peace and make everyone even more happy.
MC: Such a big role...
Sefir: It'll be okay. The dance party that I mentioned is just an event that'll be held on the night before the festival. I'll lead you well, so that you can enjoy dancing.
MC: ...
Sefir: My apologies for making you push yourself. Please think about it.
(Sefir-san... What should I do?)
Despite Sefir-san's elegant and gentle smile towards me... I felt somewhat conflicted...
Chapter 3 - The Side of a Pale Face
The next day after the dance lesson...
(Even though it's just a small blister...)
Worried about my foot, Sefir-san turned today's dance lesson into a day off, so instead, we went to town to get a dress made for the dance party.
Shop Owner: This fabric would look beautiful with your skin tone.
(Wow... All the fabric here is beautiful.)
The employee brought out some fabric one after another. Although, all I did was blink while fidgeting.
Sefir: Owner, MC-sama's eyes are spinning.
Breaking into a smile while chuckling, Sefir-san stood right behind me.
Sefir: Bring this, this and also... That silk over there. That'll be all.
MC: Eh?
Sefir: As for the design... Let's see. Your neck is slim, so it stands out.
MC: ...
When Sefir-san's fingers touched the back of my neck, I let out a yelp.
Sefir: ...My apologies.
As he lowered his elegant eyelashes, Sefir-san removed his hand.
///Choices///
- Look down silently (☽)
Unable to respond, I looked down as Sefir-san distances himself from me a little.
- I-It's okay! (☼)
MC: I-It's okay!
When I responded loudly, Sefir-san smiled gently.
///Choices///
Sefir: Well then, let's head off.
Sefir-san finished the order and was about to leave the shop.
MC: Um, I'll pay for it.
Sefir: Let me give this to you as a present.
MC: I shouldn't. Also, I still haven't decided if I should attend the party.
Sefir: Either way, it looked really good on you.
Saying that as if it was nothing, Sefir-san left the shop.
(Being with Sefir-san somehow makes me feel like a princess in a fairytale.)
With a light feeling, I went outside of the shop and followed him...
Townsperson 1: Prince Sefir!
The townspeople surrounded Sefir-san one after another. Sefir-san looked at the people with a majestic expression.
Sefir: Everyone, is everything the same as usual?
Townsperson 2: Yes! The alliance revival festival is almost here and all!
Townsperson 3: To raise our kingdom, we've been proceeding with the preparations for the stalls.
Sefir: I see.
Townsperson 1: Please come to town as well. We'll prepare some food for you!
(Everyone looks so happy from seeing Sefir-san. He's really popular.)
I watched as he was overflowing with dignity. At that moment...
(Huh...?)
I noticed that the side of Sefir-san's face was oddly pale.
///Choices///
- What's wrong? (☼)
MC: What's wrong?
When I whispered that softly, Sefir-san looked at me in surprise.
- Touch his arm softly (☽)
(He doesn't look so good...!)
Before I knew it, I touched Sefir-san's arm softly. Then, I noticed that he was slightly trembling.
///Choices///
Sefir: Please... Otherwise, everyone will worry.
When he whispered that to me, Sefir-san turned towards the townspeople firmly.
(But...)
Townsperson 3: This kingdom sure is peaceful with Prince Sefir around!
As the townspeople were talking to Sefir-san, his complexion worsened.
(Oh, no.)
I immediately held Sefir-san's hand.
MC: ...Prince Sefir! I'm feeling a little tired. Shall we head back to the castle...?
As I squeezed his hand tightly, Sefir-san looked at me feebly.
Sefir: MC-sama... My apologies. Well then, let's go.
After greeting the townspeople elegantly, Sefir-san lightly picked me up.
Then, while flapping his wings towards the sky, Sefir-san's hands gradually became colder.
MC: Sefir-san...
Sefir: My apologies. My strength has weakened.
Castle Guard: Prince Sefir! Welcome back!!
Sefir: Yes. My apologies for coming back so late.
After returning to the palace, those around Sefir-san didn't notice that he was unwell as he was acting firm as usual. Although...
When we returned to the room, Sefir-san looked exhausted...
MC: Are you okay? I'll go get some water right now-
Just as I was about to run off to find some water, Sefir-san held my hand.
Sefir: Thank you. But, aside from that... Won't you stay with me?
When Sefir-san said that weakly, my chest tightened firmly...
Chapter 4 - Sad Past
After returning to the palace from town... While silently sitting on the sofa, Sefir-san softly spoke.
Sefir: You have my deepest gratitude for covering for me. Also, I ended up showing you something so shameful.
MC: No, not at all...
I searched for the words to cheer Sefir-san up.
MC: You sure are loved by the people, Sefir-san.
When I smiled, Sefir-san made a gloomy look.
Sefir: ...When I'm being loved, I put on a mask.
MC: Eh?
Sefir: As the heir to the throne, I must act worthy of it, that's what I disciplined myself to do ever since I was a child. But, I... I'm a sinner. While acting as a member of the royal family, I felt like I'm deceiving everyone.
(Deceiving...?)
///Choices///
- Hold his hand (☽)
As it looked like Sefir-san was about to vanish, I softly held his hand. Then, I noticed that Sefir-san's expression has softened up a little.
- What do you mean? (☼)
MC: What... do you mean?
When I asked that, Sefir-san closed his eyes.
///Choices///
Sefir: Are you aware of the relationship between the Sky and Earth kingdoms?
MC: Yes... Since long ago, they opposed each other and the alliance was forever lost.
Sefir: ...Here's a story from when I was young. While they were in the process of ending their alliance, I encountered the prince of the Earth Kingdom by chance. We met after running away from home at the same time and became friends without knowing about each other's social status. Unaware of our statuses, we had our first fight... After that, our fun days came to an end. I was taken back to the castle, but I couldn't forget about him. Then, half a year later, I met him again. Just like now... The alliance revival festival that has been put off for such a long time had taken place. We ran off... Unaware of our positions as fellow princes of the kingdoms that oppose each other. Then... Attempting to stop it, his foster brother got killed for treason...
MC: Got... killed? Why...
His lips became even more dry.
Sefir: The reason was because a servant tried getting in the way of their master's actions. The declaration of the alliance revival caused some conflict. In the midst of that, we fellow princes thought about what we should do to get them to join forces. That child understood it well... As a response to that, the relationship between the sky and earth got worse... Until this year, the alliance revival festival hasn't been held for 14 years... The circumstances... of the conflict between the sky and earth that went on for so long... was all my fault.
MC: That's...!
Sefir: Since it'll make the people uneasy... I hid that fact and continued acting like a majestic prince in front of them. Inviting you to dance too. If I dance with you, who's a member of the royal family of dreams, at the alliance revival festival. I was told that it could make an impression of strengthening the peace between the sky and earth. But, really... I just wanted to restore the relationship with the Earth Kingdom right away. I want to forgive myself by bringing peace to the kingdom... That's what I want from the bottom of my heart.
MC: ...
Sefir: I showered you with kind words and even injured your foot... Don't you despise me?
(I would never...!)
///Choices///
- I would never do that (☼)
MC: I would never do that.
When I softly held Sefir-san's pale hand, he widened his eyes in surprise.
- Look at him in the eye (☽)
In a slight daze, I looked straight at Sefir-san in the eye. As he hid his expression with his long eyelashes, I felt pain in my heart.
///Choices///
MC: I'll go... to the dance party.
Chapter 5 - Dancing in the Air
The next day at night... As no one was in the dance hall, the stars were shining.
(I need to do my best.)
As I was by myself, I practiced the waltz that Sefir-san taught me.
(It hurts...)
A day ago, without sparing any sleep time, the blister on my foot swelled up and turned red from practice.
(But, I want to help Sefir-san and everyone.)
The lily of the valley shaped gramophone played soft waltz music. While going along with the music, the sounds of my footsteps were heard in the dance hall.
(Such a pretty song... It was a song that was composed for Sefir-san's mother.)
At that moment, the heavy doors of the dance hall opened.
Sefir: I heard from a maid that you were here...
MC: Sefir-san...
Seeing me, Sefir-san gasped in surprise.
Sefir: You were practicing... this late?
MC: Yes. I wanted to dance properly for the dance party.
Approaching me, Sefir-san smiled softly.
Sefir: ...Thank you.
When he gently held my wrist, Sefir-san started leading me.
MC: ...
Just as my face grimaced from the pain in my foot...
Sefir: Is something the matter?
Sefir-san noticed immediately.
Sefir: ...You shouldn't push yourself like that.
Looking at my foot, Sefir-san picked me up.
///Choices///
- I'm not pushing myself... (☽)
MC: I'm not pushing myself... I'm okay.
While holding me, Sefir-san softly placed his hand on my cheek.
- Please let me do it (☼)
MC: Please let me do it. I want to be useful. No matter what...
While holding me, Sefir-san stopped moving in surprise.
///Choices///
Sefir: You truly are kind.
Then, when Sefir-san smiled as he narrowed his eyes, I gasped.
(He's smiling so openly...)
I returned a smile by instinct towards that warm smile.
Sefir: Only taking people into consideration...
I realized that I was in the air as Sefir-san was holding me in his arms. Then, we started doing some dance steps silently...
(My foot doesn't hurt... Sefir-san is always taking me into consideration like this.)
In the room where calm waltz music is playing, the stars shined on Sefir-san's smile.
(He's like a real angel...)
That smile made my heart throbbed loudly...
Chapter 6 - A Sweet Confession...
Then, it was finally the day of the dance party...
(Do I look strange...)
While wearing the dress that Sefir-san gave me as a present, I stood in front of the mirror.
(It really is such a pretty dress.)
It was a pure white dress that shined palely in the light. As I narrowed my eyes from that beauty, there was suddenly a knock on the door.
Sefir: Do you like it?
MC: Y-Yes...
Standing in front of the door, Sefir-san looked at me for a short while.
Sefir: ...You look pretty. No... You're beautiful.
Those words made my cheeks blush.
(Again...)
As I softly gripped my chest, Sefir-san politely held his hand out to me. When I took that hand, I hid my loud heartbeat while walking out.
In the hall that we stepped into, there were a lot of people in gorgeous outfits chatting with each other. We became the center of the people's attention once we were announced as we were entering through the doors.
Doorman: Prince Sefir and Princess MC of the royal family of Traumerei have arrived.
While receiving greetings from many people, the waltz music started playing.
(This song...)
Then, Sefir-san politely went down on one knee in front of me.
Sefir: May I have this dance... Princess MC.
(...!)
When that sudden gesture made my heart skip a beat, I became unable to respond. Like a scene straight out from a fairytale, sighs were made within the hall.
///Choices///
- Silently hold his hand (☼)
(What would a fairytale princess do in a situation like this? I know.)
When I softly placed my fingers in Sefir-san's hand, he held those fingers.
- Raise the hem of the dress (☽)
MC: O-Of course...
After saying that somehow, Sefir-san softly kissed my fingers.
///Choices///
From my fingertips, a sweet tingling sensation was spreading throughout my entire body.
(Somehow, my heart hurts...)
As he held me by the waist, I felt Sefir-san's breath right next to me. While dancing, my heart pounded loudly.
Sefir: Thank you so much. From the start, I was doing this for the kingdom and for myself, but... Dancing with you gives me so much joy from the bottom of my heart. You're the first person that I've ever yearned for.
(Eh...)
Sefir: I don't mean to trouble you. Go ahead... and forget about it. But, right now... Until this song ends. Please, let's stay like this.
(I'm happy to be dancing with Sefir-san. It'd be nice if this song keeps on going forever...)
For the first time, I've realized the name of the feeling that's been causing a sweet disturbance in my heart...
Add comment
Comments