Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Superbia - Prince of Votaria - Main Story
Chapter 1 - First Meeting
Kingdom of Sins, Votaria, September...
Deep in the abyss of a forest, where the moonlight can't reach, a bright light was emitted... While being listless next to a large decaying tree, a black-haired man woke up.
??: Mm, geez... What was that? That was seriously the worst...
With black hair that looked like night was painted over it and heterochromia eyes that were yellow and blue... When he got up, he narrowed his eyes as he wiped the dirt off the hem of his clothes.
(His eyes are sharp, but he's such a beautiful person...)
While he was standing, I was speechless from how beautiful he looked, but...
??: ...What do you want?
He asked me that in a feminine tone.
MC: Ah, I'm... MC.
??: ...Hmm. Then, does that mean you're the rumored Traumerei Princess?
MC: Yes.
Superbia: I see. I'm Superbia. As you can see, I'm a member of the household that represents the sin of pride.
MC: Superbia-san...
Superbia: ...
His sharp gaze that was like a glare moved from the tips of my toes to the top of my head.
(What...?)
Superbia: Even though you saved me, you're plain.
MC: Eh...
(Plain...?)
As I searched for the words to say, Superbia-san sighed and then, he moved his gaze from me to his own nails and tended to them thoroughly.
Superbia: Anyway, thanks for saving me. We might meet again somewhere. Bye...
MC: Ah, wai-
Before I could finish, he had already left the forest.
......
After some time has passed, I met him again... When I received an invitation from the Sky Kingdom, Ange*...
T/N: Sefir's kingdom
Chapter 2 - An Unexpected Reunion
When I received an invitation from the Sky Kingdom, Ange...
(An invitation to a "Kliver"* tournament...)
T/N: A game in the series that's pretty much like human sized chess. There were a few events in the game that revolved around it
While imagining all sorts of things about the game I've never heard of, I arrived at Ange and...
(I-It's so lively...)
A large amount of people from nearby kingdoms have gathered around to watch the game.
(To think that Kliver tournament is this popular.)
In the streets that were selling various cheering merchandise that had the emblems of famous teams on them, people were getting excited while waiting for the results of a match that started.
After going through the town that was filled with excitement, I arrived at the lodging place and...
??: Huh? Why do I need to appear? Didn't I tell you not to push yourselves with team training?
(? This voice...)
I heard a familiar voice from within the hallway.
??: Did you try calling for Acedia or Vedy? Well, they are weak though.
Man: ...T-Then... Would it be best if you didn't appear...?
??: Say it clearly. Which is it do you want!
Man: N-No. Well...
(I feel like I've heard that voice somewhere before...)
///Choices///
- Speak up (☼)
(That's right, this voice... Superbia-san?)
Just as I was about to speak up from the corner of the hallway.
- Watch (☽)
(Is there a problem?)
Curious, I looked at the person, who was speaking, from the shadows in the hallway.
///Choices///
Superbia: Who? You, come to think of it... You're Traumerei's.
MC: I thought it was you, Superbia-san.
Over there was the person that I met in the forest before, Superbia-san.
Superbia: You...
As soon as he saw me, he placed his hand on his cheek and smiled maliciously.
Superbia: ...Did I keep you waiting? Sorry. Now, let's go.
MC: Eh...
When he pulled my hand by force, he took me to town...
As he was taking big strides, I frantically tried to keep up with him, so that he wouldn't leave me behind.
(He asked if he was keeping me waiting... But, we weren't planning on meeting up. Could this probably be...)
MC: Um, Superbia-san?
When I spoke up...
Superbia: What? How bold of you to come along. You're a little too naive though. Didn't you know that I was using you? Good grief, this is why I hate women that have no sense of danger.
MC: ! What you're saying is...
I raised my voice from what he said. Then, Superbia-san's expression instantly changed.
Superbia: Oh, that's a nice expression. Looks like you're not just a princess. I hate children and people that are too goody-goody. There's no need for you to hold back either. Well, it's thanks to you that I was saved. So, I should thank you a little.
After saying that, he smiled happily and held my hand again...
Chapter 3 - Another Expression
-Flashback-
Superbia: Well, it's thanks to you that I was saved. So, I should thank you a little.
-Flashback-
After that...
Superbia-san took me around the town of Ange. When we entered a high-class looking store, he picked up some things here and there and puts them back.
Superbia: Yes, this shop isn't bad. You, come here for a sec.
When he called me over to come closer, he happily compared various clothes and accessories by putting them on me.
Superbia: Now that I got a closer look at you, your ankles are nicely firm. How about these shoes? Or maybe this one-piece? Hey, shopkeep!
As he was buying expensive merchandise one after another...
///Choices///
- Stop him from shopping (☽)
MC: Um, please wait.
Superbia: Oh, you don't like it?
Just as I was about to deny that, he picked up another accessory next and put it on me.
- Refuse to accept them all (☼)
MC: Superbia-san... I can't accept all these expensive things.
Superbia: It's fine. I must pay back the favor properly.
As he made an angry look, he held up a one-piece dress against me.
///Choices///
Superbia: I'm a model that also designs clothes and accessories. So, my senses are on point. Also, I enjoy shopping for myself, but I love choosing clothes and accessories for people.
MC: But...
(How troubling. But, he doesn't seem like a bad person.)
In the end, I gave in to his strong forcefulness and accepted the presents.
(I feel bad... But, they're so beautiful.)
But, to be honest, the clothes and small items that he chose were all pretty.
When we left the shop, people that were crazy about Kliver entered our vision again. Superbia-san paid no mind to them and searched for the next shop to go to.
MC: Superbia-san, are you not that interested in Kliver?
Superbia: I like winning. But, I don't go to team training. Besides, I just can't get along with those people.
(Come to think of it... I can understand that strangely.)
Just as I thought of that, Superbia-san glared at me a little.
Superbia: Just now, were you thinking that you understood that...?
MC: Ah...
Superbia: Well, that's fine. More importantly, if you're interested, do you want to try it? Kliver.
MC: Eh?
Superbia: Lots of women play Kliver too.
MC: Me... Why?
Superbia: For the heck of it.
When he said that, he smiled. Although, his lips went down...
Superbia: But, MC, your responses are too honest. Being honest in the middle of a game makes you naive.
MC: I... I can't say that you're wrong.
Superbia: I thought so.
As Superbia-san said that beside me, he shrugged his shoulders amusingly.
(He's direct, but he's not a bad person. He did choose all sorts of presents for me earlier.)
When I thought of that, I looked at the side of his face...
Superbia: Ah, that's right. Since we're here, how about we go eat something together afterwards?
MC: Sure, thank you. I'll accept then.
Superbia: Yes, yes, being honest is the best.
(What a pretty smile.)
Before I knew it, I felt that the distance between us had shrunk. After the two of us smiled at each other, we started walking...
Bookie: Now, this year's tournament is huge! You over there, join in, join in!
Along the streets, there were some lively shouts. I looked to see that there was a lottery counter taking bets on the Kliver game results.
MC: Is that all right? Despite that it's an official tournament of fellow kingdoms having a friendly competition.
Superbia: It's nothing bad or anything. It's been properly approved to be made public.
MC: I see.
Superbia: The supporters get heated up about it. I know, how about you try making a bet too?
///Choices///
- Think about it silently (☽)
(Is this really okay? A lottery sounds like gambling...)
While I was pondering about it, Superbia-san shouted impatiently.
Superbia: Ah, geez!
- Decline (☼)
MC: No thanks, I'll have to decline.
Superbia: Oh, you hate gambling?
MC: I wouldn't say that I hate it... It's just that I've never gambled before.
///Choices///
Superbia: Such an ambiguous girl.
MC: Eh?
Superbia-san strongly pulled my arm...
Superbia: Anyway! Try making a bet. It'll be fun.
MC: ...!
(Just now...)
His masculine voice that made him sound completely different than earlier startled me in return. Although, he instantly went back to making that gorgeous expression from before...
Superbia: There's no need to be reserved, I'm telling you that it'll be fun!
MC: O-Okay.
(That surprised me...)
After catching a glimpse of another expression of his, my heart was still beating fast...
Chapter 4 - Closing the Distance with His True Face
-Flashback-
Superbia: Anyway! Try making a bet. It'll be fun.
-Flashback-
When I became surprised from him shouting, I became startled as my heart became noise...
Superbia: Ah...
Just as Superbia-san covered his mouth, he turned his gaze away.
Superbia: Just now... No one heard that, right?
MC: ? I think you're fine...
Superbia: I got carried away. How unusual for me.
(Superbia-san is back to his normal self. Huh? But, if he got carried away just now...)
The moment I looked at Superbia-san's face and tilted my head to the side, he sighed in relief and raised his shiny bangs.
Superbia: Anyway, it's still early to eat, so let's make a bet for the next match and go to the arena.
MC: Ah.
When he pulled me by the shoulder, the distance between us became close.
(So close...!)
When we went to the lottery counter, he started writing something on the prediction sheet. I quietly looked at his face from a close distance.
(Now that I'm looking at him like this, he's really beautiful... He has long eyelashes. He looks more beautiful than a woman that it's kind of making me nervous.)
Just as I stiffened up, he noticed my gaze as he puts the pen down.
Superbia: ...Are you scared of me?
MC: Eh...
(Was I giving off that kind of look?)
His intense eyes that had a strong look in them caught hold of my heart.
///Choices///
- That's not it (☼)
MC: That's not it. It's just that...
Superbia: It's just... What?
As he looked at me teasingly, I turned my gaze away.
- I was thinking how cool you look (☽)
MC: I was thinking how cool you look.
Superbia: Cool? Not beautiful?
MC: You don't only look like that, uh...
(What am I saying?)
///Choices///
Heat was rising in my cheeks. As Superbia-san was looking at me, he chuckled.
Superbia: ...Nice. You're interesting. I've taken an interest in you a little.
MC: Eh...?
(Just now, again...)
When he showed his true face a little, my heart skipped a beat in return.
Superbia: Here, you should write in your prediction for the lottery entry too.
MC: ...Okay.
He handed me a pen along with a sheet of paper.
MC: The next match is...
Superbia: It's between the Sky Kingdom and Earth Kingdom*. Both of them are pretty fired up... You can tell that they're equally matched in combat experience. The bets of other people are evenly divided.
T/N: Dion's kingdom
He casually explained to me as I was confused.
Superbia: In that case, now's your chance! Well, which one will you choose?
///Choices///
- Sky Kingdom (☽)
MC: Then, the Sky Kingdom.
Superbia: Is that so? Then, I'll continue to bet on the Earth Kingdom.
MC: You'll continue to?
Superbia: I was thinking that I should bet on a different team than you.
- Earth Kingdom (☼)
MC: Me? Then, the Earth Kingdom.
Superbia: I see. Then, I'll change my bet, I want to choose a different team than you.
///Choices///
MC: Is that okay?
Superbia: It's to even the odds. That way, it won't matter who wins.
MC: I see.
When I nodded, the two of us wrote down our bets on the sheet and looked at each other.
Superbia: You ready?
MC: Yes.
We casually laughed at the same time.
(Huh...?)
I gradually felt warm.
(I... Being with Superbia-san is really fun.)
Superbia: Come on, now's not the time to be in a daze, let's go! The match is about to start.
MC: Yes, I'm coming now!
With feelings starting to rise in my heart... As he was walking ahead towards the lottery counter, I followed him from behind...
Chapter 5 - The Results of the Lottery Are?
While going through the main street in town, we entered the colossal lottery counter...
Audience: Woooo!!
MC: !!
The arena was filled with wild enthusiastic cheers.
MC: Such intense cheers...
Superbia: Good. It looks like the match is just starting. It's normal for them to get excited. Ah, look over there, both teams have their fellow aces suddenly battling!
When I looked to where he was pointing at in the center of the field, both players started to have an intense battle with each other. The moment their blades met, cheers that were like fierce roars were made again.
......
As the offense and defense continued advancing in both teams, the final phase of the match had arrived.
Superbia: They both have 8 pieces left... It's almost time. The Earth Kingdom has been using a strategy that has a firm defense to protect theif king... While the Sky Kingdom are fighting back with an unusual skill.
MC: Which do you think will win?
Superbia: That's what I don't know. But, if it were me, I would blitz right through them. With all my strength, I would get the opponent's king in one go. I don't have the patience for long lasting battles.
///Choices///
- I see... (☼)
MC: I see...
Superbia: Hey, look. Both teams are making their move.
- Is it hard to make tactics? (☽)
MC: Is it hard to make tactics?
Superbia: It's not that hard. It is what it is.
///Choices///
(Even though Superbia-san said that he doesn't like team training, he does watch closely. If he were in command of a team, no one would have an easy time battling him.)
At that moment, just as the atmosphere in the field became intense... The moment a player moved, the other team's condition wavered soon after.
MC: Just now...!?
Superbia: Kliver can give unusual abilities to a player. That was a unique move.
Audience: Whoaaaa!!
Surprised from how victory was gained, the field was filled with crazy energy. As a result, the Sky Kingdom's team gained victory.
Superbia: Well then, let's go get our money.
MC: O-Okay...
Superbia: It was a close match, but that's all there is to it, so it'd make a nice memory.
MC: I guess so.
With the bet in my hand, we walked towards the lottery counter and at that moment...
Vulgar Man: Today's game was wretched! Where did that bookie go!?
(What's going on?)
We looked over towards the rude sounding voice at the lottery counter. Then...
Vulgar Man: Bookie! You deceived me, you bastard!
The guy struck the shorter guy.
Bookie: I told you! You can't get them every time, even though you understood my prediction, you lost, right?
Hearing the shouts, an official immediately ran over. While watching beside me, Superbia-san sighed in disgust.
Superbia: What's with that, how pathetic. Looks like that person lost for sure today.
MC: Superbia-san, he could hear you.
Superbia: I don't care.
As we watched from aside, the man was all flared up as he was being taken away from the lottery counter by the official.
Bookie: Phew... Good grief, that was troubling.
After the lottery man's shoulders dropped exaggeratedly...
Bookie: ...Yo.
When the bookie said that, a man appeared from the shadow of a pillar.
(That person is...)
That person looked familiar...
Chapter 6 - A Disturbing Conversation
Throughout the entire arena, people's cheers were heard... Among it, a man silently appeared from the shadows.
(That person is...)
At that moment, Superbia-san's eyes made a sharp look.
Superbia: Isn't that one of my servants?
-Flashback-
??: Huh? Why do I need to appear? Didn't I tell you not to push yourselves with team training?
Man: ...T-Then... Would it be best if you didn't appear...?
??: Say it clearly. Which is it do you want!
Man: N-No. Well...
-Flashback-
Superbia: Oh, dear, could it be that he still hasn't given up? Does he want me to appear in a match that badly...!?
(I knew it...)
It was Superbia-san's servant that he was arguing with in the hallway.
MC: Does he know the bookie?
Superbia: ...
Superbia-san's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
Superbia: ...I'm getting a bad feeling. At times like these, my intuition is right on the mark.
As we hid, we watched the scene. While staying hidden in a small blind spot, Superbia-san held my shoulder.
Bookie: Hey, has it been arranged for that prince of yours to appear?
Servant: Y-Yeah...
MC: !
Hearing the conversation between the two, Superbia-san and I looked at each other.
MC: Superbia-sa-
Superbia: Quiet!
MC: !
Superbia-san covered my mouth with his hand. Then, I heard his deep voice in my ear.
Superbia: It's best to watch for a bit longer.
When I nodded quietly, we listened to their conversation.
Bookie: Hey, which is it? Tell me clearly!
Servant: H-His Highness won't be appearing in the match!
Bookie: I see, that's fine. Well, here's your payment.
As the servant was trembling, the bookie handed him an envelope.
Servant: I-I don't need it...! Like I said, this is really the last time.
Bookie: Huh? I didn't catch that.
As he said that boldly, the bookie glared at the servant.
///Choices///
- Intervene (☽)
Unable to bear leaving him there, I was about to walk towards them and...
Superbia: Wait!
Superbia-san immediately pulled my arm and held me tighter.
- Speak to Superbia (☼)
MC: Superbia-san!
When I spoke with his hand covering my mouth, Superbia-san shook his head to calm me down.
Superbia: Just watch.
///Choices///
(But, at this rate... Why is he joining forces with the bookie?)
Bookie: We'll be working together from here on. Well then, I'll get in touch with you again.
Sounding satisfied, the bookie left.
Servant: No way... Even though I said that I would only do it once...
The servant helplessly hung his head down.
Superbia: ...
MC: Ah... Superbia-san!
With a stern look in his eyes, Superbia-san walked towards the servant...
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