Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Shin - Prince of Kuyou - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Prince of the Rat Clan
Calendar Kingdom, Kuyou, August... When I received an invitation from Prince Shin for waking him up from a ring not too long ago, I arrived at the castle of one of the royal families in Kuyou, the Rat Clan.
Servant: Right this way.
As I was being guided to the room that Prince Shin was waiting in, I looked at the garden that could be seen from the hallway.
(Pretty...)
The garden looked like a painting as it was wet from the dew along with the scarlet handrail on it. I sighed in admiration from how tidy the inside of the castle was in every corner. Although, at that moment...
Retainer: Shin-sama, the Traumerei Princess has arrived.
As I was passing through the main hall, there were many people that seemed intimidated as they were lying in wait.
Shin: You've finally arrived, Traumerei Princess.
That compulsive voice made me straightened myself from instinct. Sitting on the upper deck was Prince Shin as he was looking straight at me.
MC: Prince Shin...
Shin: The Rat Clan welcomes you.
Despite that his greeting was kind, my body trembled in fear as he was looking at me with his cold silver eyes.
(What is this feeling...)
The retainers were the same, they all had stiff expressions as they were in front of Prince Shin.
MC: ...Thank you very much for inviting me.
Shin: There's no other way to thank you properly. In this year's spiritual performance, the Rat Clan will be in charge. It's going to be a lively event.
The spiritual performance is a traditional event in the Calendar Kingdom, where they hold a ceremony for it... The spirits that pass by during the occasion have done bad things and what the humans do to make sure that they don't get fooled by them is dress up like spirits and bore them by giving them lessons as they pass by.
MC: ...Yes. I'm looking forward to it.
Prince Shin smiled a little from my response.
Shin: I see. In that case, make yourself comfortable until then.
Following Prince Shin's words, the retainers lowered their heads deeply all at once. As I was unable to move due to the stunning scene before me, all I could do was look at him silently...
Chapter 2 - A Bladelike Temper
The next day after we've greeted each other...
(I couldn't sleep that much...)
As I rubbed my sleepy eyes, I headed to the hall, where breakfast was being prepared.
-Flashback-
Shin: I see. In that case, make yourself comfortable until then.
-Flashback-
When I remembered Prince Shin's eyes, my body began to tremble from fear.
(Could this be... "fear"?)
I shook my head to clear away that feeling.
Servant 1: Good morning, Princess. Did you sleep well last night?
Servant 2: The preparations for breakfast is done. Come this way.
Just as I was feeling insane, the servants spoke to me.
(I'm probably overthinking things...)
When I smiled in relief, I proceeded to the hall. Although, I didn't see Prince Shin there...
MC: Um, Prince Shin is?
Servant 1: Shin-sama doesn't eat that much. He already went to check the preparations for the festival this morning too.
MC: Going that early in the morning...
Servant 1: Shin-sama is focused on managing this year's festival, so he's pretty busy. Even so, it'll surely be a wonderful festival with Shin-sama's strength.
All of the servant's words and expression showed his reliance towards Prince Shin.
(What an amazing person...)
Servant 2: Also, spirits will descend if the performance is incomplete like before...
When he said that uneasily, everyone's expressions clouded up like water rippling. Even I remember the uproar of spirits that descended last year*.
T/N: Heroine is referring to what happened in the 荒神の衣 (The Spirit's Garments) event, where Shin made his first appearance
??: If you're going to talk like that, it'll create fear. I've told you that before.
MC: !
A calm voice echoed within the hall. The atmosphere that was like water rippling turned cold.
MC: Prince Shin...
Shin: There's no need to make a guest worry about something unnecessary.
When Prince Shin sat down, it became deadly silent.
(Since Prince Shin is the only one that came, the atmosphere feels constricting...)
As I tried to suppress that feeling, he took a glance at me and smiled.
Shin: It's gotten late, so let's have breakfast.
His calm words made the servants start moving instantly...
......
Some time has passed during the rigid meal... Although, Prince Shin hasn't touched his food and only casted his eyes down.
///Choices///
- Aren't you hungry? (☽)
MC: Aren't you hungry?
Shin: You don't need to worry about me.
- It's good (☼)
MC: Um... It's good.
Shin: That's good. I had it made to suit your tastes.
///Choices///
MC: But...
Shin: Don't worry about me, you can continue eating.
(Could it be that... He's only here for my sake?)
As I was watching him not touching his chopsticks at all, the moment I became overwhelmed with worry...
Servant 3: Shin-sama! The ink painting got torn up again...!
A servant ran over to Prince Shin in a panic as he was out of breath.
MC: Ink painting?
After I said that, Prince Shin slowly opened his eyes and looked at the servant with his silver eyes that were making a dangerous look.
Shin: Was it necessary for me to hear that right now?
MC: ...!
Even though he said that calmly, it sent a chill down my spine.
Shin: I'll deal with it later.
Servant 3: M-My deepest apologies...!
The servant shrunk back and lowered his head to me and Prince Shin.
Shin: It's gotten so noisy in just a minute. Since the spiritual performance is getting close, everyone has become so restless.
MC: Um... By ink painting?
Shin: Just some minor details. Not something for you to be worried about.
MC: Ah... Then, if there's something I can do to help-
Then...
Prince Shin narrowed his eyes and looked at me with a piercing gaze.
Shin: I'll say it one more time. You're an important guest. There's no need for you to worry about anything.
With his cold gaze on me, my voice got stuck in my throat.
(Prince Shin...?)
Despite those words were used to treat a guest with sympathy... They felt like an insult.
(Is he telling me... to stay silent?)
Shin: My apologies. Even though I called you over here, I'm unable to stay with you. As an apology, I'll take you to whatever place that you would like to see.
He lightly smiled again. I became unable to respond to his forceful gaze...
Chapter 3 - Feelings Hidden Within
As the sky was starting to turn red a little, some shade was added in... While looking at the drifting clouds, I let out a sigh.
-Flashback-
Shin: I'll say it one more time. You're an important guest. There's no need for you to worry about anything.
-Flashback-
(Prince Shin sounded really cold. No, it wasn't just his voice. His smile and words too...)
When I felt his intentions of turning me down clearly, I was unable to say anything. Despite how gentle-mannered he is, the air around him overwhelms other people...
(What if he thinks I'm a bother...)
When I thought back to what happened at breakfast, I became filled with uneasiness. Wanting to know his true intentions, I headed to where Prince Shin was...
......
When I nervously looked inside the room, I saw Prince Shin from behind.
(What is he doing?)
As he was bended forward over the large paper that was on the floor, he moved the brush quickly. While he was handling the flowing brush, beneath it was a tiger that stood out as it looked like it was about to be brought out to life.
MC: Wow...
When I said that without thinking, I immediately covered my mouth.
Shin: ...
After putting down the brush, Prince Shin slowly turned towards me. As his eyes were glaring me down, I felt even more guilty...
///Choices///
- I was curious (☼)
MC: I was curious.
Shin: I see.
- I'm sorry (☽)
MC: I'm sorry.
Shin: Why are you apologizing?
///Choices///
Shin: I told you that you could look anywhere. Also, I thought that you would come here.
MC: Eh...?
Shin: Like I thought... You're an adorably pure princess.
MC: ...!
Despite that Prince Shin was smiling, I couldn't determine his unreadable expression.
(What is he thinking about?)
Shin: You can come in.
When Prince Shin gave me permission to come in, I looked around the inside of the room.
Shin: This is where we gather all the items we need for the next performance.
A beautiful kimono, an animal mask and something that looked like a weapon were all placed together. Among them, what stood out particularly was an ink painting of a dragon.
MC: Wow... Did you make this, Prince Shin?
Shin: I don't mind being called Shin.
MC: Then... Shin-san, did you paint this? It looks like it's about to come to life.
Shin: It's said that this ink painting was something that the spirits were unable to get close to since ancient times. It's quite a painting of a sacred beast. So, it's used for that.
MC: I see. Then, what was torn apart was...?
When I realized what I just said, I immediately closed my mouth.
Shin: ...
Shin-san got up with the picture that he just painted in his hand.
Shin: You can come with me.
After murmuring that, he held out his hand to me. When I nervously held the hand that was bigger than I thought, the cold sensation of his glove left a strong impression on me...
......
As I heard the sounds of a drum coming from somewhere, I was walking beside Shin-san in town.
Townsperson 1: It's Shin-sama...!
Townsperson 2: He came all this way for the performance. It's kind of reassuring...
When everyone stopped their feet, they said his name and bowed. As Shin-san watched the townspeople doing that...
Shin: You must've heard about it this morning, there are a lot of people that are still uneasy because of before.
MC: Yes...
When he stopped, he gave the order of displaying the ink painting that he was holding to the townspeople with just his gaze.
MC: So, you were going to put the picture on display in town.
Shin: In this kingdom, sacred beasts are prayed to in all directions and to control them, the golden sacred beast in the center is prayed to. Praying to these four sacred beasts raises the center beast's power and exorcises the spirits. So, as a way to pray to the sacred beasts this time, we display the ink paintings in town like this. That report was just about that sheet of paper having a small tear in it.
As Shin-san said that unconcernedly, the sunset descended upon his pale-colored hair.
Shin: If there's a tear in it, I can redraw it. That's all.
MC: That's all, you say...
While trying to understand from an amateur's point of view, I remembered Shin-san's impression and delicate painting.
///Choices///
- It must be important (☽)
MC: It must be important...
Shin: ...If it gets torn, I need to take it into consideration and deal with it.
- It can't be that simple (☼)
MC: But, it can't be that simple, right?
Shin: It's really difficult for me to bring out something incomplete in front of people.
///Choices///
(Even though he said that he can redraw it... Painting that wonderful picture must've taken a lot of time. Also, Shin-san probably has some other things to do as well.)
Despite that he's surrounded by a lot of people, why does he do it by himself...
MC: Um.
Shin: ...What?
MC: Are you okay by yourself?
When I said that, Shin-san looked at me. Even though he's been meeting with me up till now, this is the first time that he looked at me in the eye.
Shin: It isn't about me not being able to do everything by myself. Is it because the other princes have servants with them?
MC: I guess so, but...
Shin: ...
As the atmosphere around his handsome profile was the same as usual, it felt like I was about to get swallowed up by it from just looking at him... Yet, the feeling that was boiling up in my heart was different than fear.
Shin: Are you done now?
MC: Ah...
Shin: I should excuse myself soon. I'll have the people with us handle the rest later.
When the servants behind us were sent off, he left soon after. The people he passed by all slightly drew back in fear. As he looked beautiful walking at ease... My chest tightened in pain...
Chapter 4 - A Walk in the Flower Field
After a few days have passed, the preparations for the spiritual performance were progressing without any delays. Since Shin-san didn't have the time to be with me, breakfast was the only occasion we're together.
Shin: Princess. I have rehearsal for the performance today. If you'd like, you can come watch.
He didn't look busy as he was sitting there, but... In the end, he didn't touch his food this morning either and left it there.
(Even though he's busy... He's letting me come with him. Is he eating properly? His complexion doesn't really look so good...)
As I was looking at him without realizing it...
Shin: Princess?
Noticing that I wasn't responding, Shin-san only looked over here.
MC: Um... After you're done, do you have some time?
When I asked that nervously, I moved my gaze around.
Shin: ...Why?
MC: I want to talk with you at ease.
When I made that request, his expression didn't change as expected...
Shin: Then... After rehearsal.
The kindness that disappeared as he said that made the atmosphere around us shivering cold...
......
After the performance rehearsal ended, Shin-san was walking with me as promised.
(Is he pushing himself? But...)
I softly looked down at what I prepared before going to see him practice.
(It may be a bother to him, but if he eats a little of it...)
As we continued walking without talking, I realized that there was a vast flower field before us.
MC: To think that there was such a beautiful place here.
As the wind made the whole field of flowers in bloom sway, the sweet scent reached us.
Shin: So, what do you want to talk about?
Feeling his coldness from his voice, I looked up at Shin-san.
Shin: Do you have some kind of secret that you want to talk about? If that's the case, there's no need to come all the way to a place like this. Or do you want something from me?
MC: ...
The atmosphere around him was heavy on my body that it made my breath tremble.
///Choices///
- There's something I want to do (☼)
MC: There's something I want to do.
Shin: ...What is it?
Shin-san looked at me as if he was trying to figure out my intentions.
- It's not a big deal... (☽)
MC: It's not a big deal...
Shin: Then, be forward. Talk to me.
When he said that more hastily than usual, I felt his irritation a little.
///Choices///
MC: I brought this.
I opened up the parcel that had some dango wrapped in bamboo leaves and handed it to him.
MC: You looked like you weren't eating much... So, if it's all right, I thought that you would like to eat a little of this.
After I finally said that, I looked up at his face.
Shin: Dango...
MC: Yes, if you don't like it, then I'm sorry.
Taken by surprise, Shin-san's eyes lightly blinked.
(Calling him for something like this... I wonder if he's fed up with me.)
As I felt regret holding me...
Shin: ...Have I ever told you what I liked?
I widened my eyes from those unexpected words next.
MC: Eh...! No.
Shin: I see.
When Shin-san elegantly folded his arms, he looked at me. But then...
Shin: Thank you. I'll accept them.
As there was a stiff feeling around him, I noticed that he slightly softened up.
///Choices///
- You're welcome (☼)
MC: You're welcome.
Shin: You're welcome, huh...
- That's good (☽)
MC: That's good.
Shin: Good?
///Choices///
He moved his gaze away from me and looked at the sky...
Shin: I wonder when was the last time that someone else has worried about me.
MC: Eh...?
Shin: No. It's nothing.
When he accepted the parcel, he looked happy.
(...)
After seeing him smile gently for the first time, I couldn't help, but feel my loud heartbeat.
......
In a corner as the peaceful time continued...
??: You're showing something unusual... Rat prince.
As an eerie silhouette was watching the two of them from afar, it smirked...
Chapter 5 - The Distance Apart
After that, I would invite Shin-san to go to the flower field often. The distance between us felt the same as usual, but...
-Flashback-
Shin: Thank you. I'll accept them.
-Flashback-
I wanted to feel the atmosphere around Shin-san from that time again... I spent time with him as I hid that thought. One day...
Shin: You're making me rather tired.
MC: Eh?
When he said that coldly, it penetrated my heart soon after.
MC: Even if that's the case, you need to take a break-
Shin: ...
It felt like his gaze could see through my thoughts as he was looking straight at me.
MC: ...I'm sorry, I lied. I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to know more about you.
After I told him what I thought, he lightly smiled.
MC: I'm sorry since you're so busy and all.
Shin: I didn't say anything about you being a bother. You have a bad habit of apologizing so quickly.
MC: ...!
Shin: It's not something to be proud of. It's something that someone in your position would do.
MC: ...I'll try my best.
Shin: Yeah, that honesty is the problem. If you don't become cautious of people, you'll get used by other people.
(Shin-san is... To think that he's talking to me like this.)
Feeling like the distance between us has gotten slightly closer, I smiled.
Shin: ...?
When Shin-san lightly lowered his brow at that moment...
Servant: Shin-sama! Big trouble!
From the castle, a servant came running over here in a panic...
......
When we quickly returned to the castle, we met with the pale faced retainers.
Shin: This is...
I gasped from the ink paintings that were torn to pieces on the desk.
(How horrible...)
Shin: Claws... Just like the one from before.
Shin-san murmured that when he looked at the tears.
Retainer: Shin-sama, it'd probably be best to cancel the performance. From what we can see, the words are written in something that looks like blood.
MC: Written in blood?
Retainer: It's a curse for Shin-sama!
Shin: Don't say something so pointless.
Retainer: If we continue on with the performance, something sinister will happen to Shin-sama-
At that moment, Shin-san made a fearsome cold look.
Shin: Did you think that I would let you off from saying that?
When Shin-san's cold tone passed through the inside of the room, it sent a shiver up my spine as if I was being hit by lightning.
Retainer: M-My apologies...
Shin: The performance will go on as planned. Don't get discouraged by something like this going around no matter what.
After tearing up the ink paintings, Shin-san took a step out the room.
MC: Please wait! Then, what are you going to...
Shin: If you understand what's going on, we're going to discuss about thinking of a good way to protect ourselves... That's what I have to do...
MC: But...
Just as I was about to talk back, Shin-san covered my mouth with his hand. His gaze that was sharp like the tip of a sword pierced through me at a point-blank range.
Shin: ...It's going to get even more noisy. I fear that it's becoming contagious. What'll I do if it spreads out to the people? The Rat Clan is at the top of the 12 families. Because of the pride that we hold, we must continue on with the preparations perfectly. Which is why we can't call it off right at the last second. If we do, the people's worries will increase. Understand?
Shin-san slowly lets go of me.
(I get it... But.)
///Choices///
- If you cancel it (☼)
MC: If you cancel it...
Shin: Don't give me orders.
- Aren't you worried? (☽)
MC: Aren't you worried?
Shin: There's no need for me to be worried.
///Choices///
His icelike eyes didn't tremble as they were filled with determination.
Shin: If I say that I've already got enough hindrances, how much will it take for the Traumerei Princes to accept that?
When he said that coldly, he turned his back on me as if he was avoiding my gaze.
Shin: Those who get in my way... I won't tolerate any of them.
Even though it felt like the distance between us has gotten a little bit closer... Right now, it felt like we've been pulled apart further away and it gave my heart an unbearable pain. Regretting my own statement in such a situation, I left the room that he was in...
Chapter 6 - The One That Deceives the Heart
When the sun went down, a dark silhouette started to descend upon the garden...
After I left Shin-san's room, I was looking at the garden from the hallway in a daze.
-Flashback-
Shin: If I say that I've already got enough hindrances, how much will it take for the Traumerei Princes to accept that?
-Flashback-
Just as the distance between us has gotten a little bit closer, it became distant again.
(My heart hurts...)
Even so, more importantly, I couldn't sit still while thinking about the dangerous situation that Shin-san was put in. At that moment...
MC: ...?
Getting a bad feeling, I turned around. Although, there was nothing.
(Was I imagining things...?)
The bad feeling suddenly disappeared. After I sighed in relief, I was about to start walking and...
Shin: Where are you going?
His strong hand grabbed my arm and pulled it.
MC: Shin-san...!
(Why...?)
Before I could ask him if he followed me, he strongly pulled my arm.
Shin: Come.
As I became filled with an indescribable feeling, I bit my lip...
......
When we arrived at the garden without saying anything, Shin-san lets go of my hand with his back facing me.
MC: Shin-san... Um.
Shin: ...
When I called out to him, he didn't turn around. As his back looked tense somehow...
///Choices///
- Call out to him anyway (☼)
MC: Shin-san...
Shin: Quiet.
When he said that sternly while standing still, I held in the words that I was about to say.
- Stay silent (☽)
While I was unsure on what to say, I looked at Shin-san's back.
Shin: ...
He looked around the area carefully as if he was checking on something.
///Choices///
After a while, Shin-san slowly turned towards me...
Shin: Problems like the one that we saw are piling up.
He said that coldly as if he was trying to prevent me from getting involved any more than this.
MC: That's... Are you saying that it'd be best if I leave?
Shin: I've showed you enough hospitality, so I already carried out that duty. But, you shouldn't get involved with me anymore.
MC: ...
When he rejected me clearly, a sharp pain ran through my heart. Although...
Shin: ...
(Shin-san...?)
It felt like he was hiding something within his rejecting words...
MC: Please tell me. What are you thinking about right now? I want to know...
I continued looking at him demandingly.
Shin: ...If I give you the chance to see it, it'll mean that we'll fall from the top.
Shin-san said that softly. As he squeezed out those words deeply, I felt fear rising, but... Knowing that he's speaking from the bottom of his heart, I listened carefully.
Shin: I can't tolerate something like that happening. Scraping off things that aren't wanted. That might be the given chance of those who want to take advantage of me. Still...
Shin-san's hand slowly drew near me. His beautiful long fingers gently caressed my hair.
MC: Shin-san...
When our gazes met with each other, it made my heart hurt deeply. At that moment...
Shin: ...You still there?
Just as Shin-san said that like a growl, the atmosphere shook threateningly.
MC: What is-
Shin: Quiet.
The bad feeling that I felt earlier shrouded the area instantly...
??: Kukuku, such cold words... As expected of the prideful rat.
After hearing that creeping voice, my body trembled.
Shin: A bakeneko...
(A cat...?)
As the trees shook greatly, a huge black cat that was like a leopard slowly descended in front of us.
MC: ...
When I gasped, the cat looked at me with a smirk. The next moment...
Shin: ...!
Just as the black cat showed it's fangs, it stomped on the ground and jumped up...
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