Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
T/N: One of my favorite stories!
Tiga - Prince of Gartina - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Red-Haired Prince
Kingdom of Jewels, Gartina, July...
The red jewels that were studded in town were shining brightly more than the sun in the clear blue sky.
(This is the first time that I've seen such a pretty town...)
When I got invited to this kingdom by Prince Tiga for waking him up, I headed to the castle while passing through the main street.
??: MC!
When I turned towards that voice, Prince Tiga was smiling at me with his beautiful red hair flowing as he was riding a horse.
Tiga: You're finally here, MC.
MC: Prince Tiga!
Tiga: Haha, that's a little too formal.
MC: Uh, then... Tiga-kun.
Tiga: Well, I guess that'll do. Hurry and get on.
Tiga-kun held out his hand to me from the top of the horse.
MC: O-Okay.
When I held that hand, I was unsure on how to get on and stood there.
(The horse is bigger than I thought.)
Just as I was feeling a little uneasy...
MC: Ah...
When Tiga-kun descended from the horse, he lightly picked me up and placed me on top of the horse.
MC: Ah, thank you.
As I was sitting sideways on the horse, I became surprised from the view being higher than I thought.
Tiga: Don't move.
(...?)
When he got behind me, he extended his hands out from near my waist and held the reins.
(Somehow, I'm feeling nervous.)
While I was sitting sideways, my cheek was placed again Tiga-kun's chest.
Tiga: Let's go.
When Tiga-kun's pleasant voice was whispered in my ear, my heart became a little noisy...
Chapter 2 - The Prince's Smile
When I was taken along with Tiga-kun and saw the castle and the town in one swoop, we arrived at a vividly green and vast meadow.
(Such a pretty green... The breeze feels so nice.)
Tiga: I wanted to make a little detour before going back to the castle. Here, come here.
When Tiga-kun lightly got off from the horse, he offered both of his hands to me as I was on top of the horse.
MC: T-Thank you.
When I hesitantly took both of his hands, he strongly pulled me...
MC: ...
Before I knew it, I was being held firmly in his arms.
MC: S-Sorry...
Tiga-kun smiled at me.
Tiga: Okay, let's take a little break. Thanks, Blanc.
He smiled as he stroked and lightly petted the white horse's back. That smile was so gentle that it gave me a warm feeling.
Tiga: Do you want to try petting him too?
MC: ...Eh!?
As a reaction from Tiga-kun's words, the horse turned towards me.
Tiga: Come on, he's waiting.
MC: O-Okay.
When I timidly placed my hand on the horse's back, he made a comforting look.
(How cute.)
Tiga: Looks like he has taken a liking to you.
MC: That's good.
Tiga: I know, would you like to try riding him by yourself?
MC: Eh? Me?
Tiga: It'll be okay, I'll teach you.
///Choices///
- Okay (☼)
MC: Okay, I'll try riding him.
Tiga: Alright!
- I'm scared... (☽)
MC: But, I'm scared...
Tiga: Don't worry, I'll be with you.
///Choices///
When Tiga-kun's words gave me some encouragement, I tried getting on the horse by myself.
(What do I do, I'm so nervous.)
Tiga: Okay, I'll lend you a hand.
With Tiga-kun's help, I somehow mounted the horse and when I held the reins nervously...
Tiga: Okay, let's walk.
As Tiga-kun held the end of the reins, he led the horse. After a little while, I was enjoying more and more of the horse's springy movements.
(The wind feels really nice... This is fun.)
Tiga: How is it? Isn't it fun?
MC: Yeah!
Tiga: Then, let's go.
MC: Eh?
Then, suddenly, Tiga-kun stopped and lets go of the reins.
MC: T-Tiga-kun!?
When the reins were suddenly entrusted to me, I became surprised.
MC: W-What am I supposed to do!!
Even though the horse was going at a normal slow pace, I couldn't help, but panic.
Tiga: Hold the reins tightly and straighten up your back.
While walking from aside, Tiga-kun said that to me, but... Despite that I understood, my body wouldn't do a thing he said.
(I'm scared...!)
The moment I looked down, I ended up kicking his side.
Tiga: Stupid...!
Thinking of that as a signal, the horse started to run fast.
(Is he going to throw me off...!?)
The moment I clung onto the horse as my head went blank from fear... Tiga-kun's whistle echoed throughout the meadow.
MC: ...?
The horse slowed down his speed and ran over to Tiga-kun.
(T-Thank goodness.)
When we arrived to where Tiga-kun was, he smiled innocently at me.
Tiga: You okay?
As I was unable to answer well, with Tiga-kun's help, I descended from the horse as if I was running away.
Tiga: Kicking him on the side is the signal to make him run. Sorry for not telling you that. But, didn't it feel nice?
MC: I-I was so scared...!
Tiga: Haha! You would be surprised if he ran so suddenly.
As Tiga-kun stroked the horse, he looked at me with his sunlike smile.
Tiga: I'll teach you how to ride again!
(I can't get mad when he's making that kind of face.)
Whether it was because of the fear that I felt from earlier or Tiga-kun's smile... My heartbeat was being so noisy...
Chapter 3 - Tiga and Luca
After running in the meadow on a horse...
With Tiga-kun escorting me, we arrived at the castle safely.
(I don't what to think... of Tiga-kun.)
While remembering how scared I was earlier, I sighed...
Tiga: Okay! Hey, everyone, gather around!
Just as we arrived at the castle, Tiga-kun started gathering all of the servants next.
Tiga: Let's hold a welcoming party for my benefactor, MC! Now, let's hurry and get things ready!
(Eh!? A party?)
When I suddenly became bewildered, Tiga-kun looked at my face.
Tiga: You're the star of the party.
MC: Eh!?
Tiga: Isn't it obvious? That's the reason why I called you over. I'll choose a dress for you. Is that okay?
In the end, I went along with what Tiga-kun said and participated in the party.
In the room that I was led to, I put on the dress that Tiga-kun chose. As I was wearing the dress that had a color that went along with my skin, I looked like a different person in the mirror.
(Somehow, this is a little embarrassing.)
At that moment, Tiga-kun entered the room.
Tiga: ...
MC: Does it look strange...?
While feeling Tiga-kun's gaze, I hung my head down.
Tiga: The dress looks really good on you.
///Choices///
- Be embarrassed (☽)
MC: R-Really...
Tiga: What are you being embarrassed for? You're the star.
As Tiga-kun frowned, he lightly poked me.
- Thank you (☼)
MC: ...Thank you.
Tiga-kun smiled innocently at me.
///Choices///
Tiga: More importantly, it's just as I expected since I chose it.
When my nervousness went away from him praising himself, I broke into a smile.
(Tiga-kun is pushy, but... Being with him is a little fun.)
Tiga: Okay, let's go.
In the party hall, it looked dazzling as it was decorated with the same red jewels that studded the town.
(Wow, there are so many people.)
The nobles that were cladded in beautifully jeweled clothes greeted me alternatively.
(I-I'm so tired... But, I shouldn't be rude.)
Tiga: MC.
As I was unable to calm down from the lively atmosphere, Tiga-kun was right near me.
Tiga: Drink this. It's good.
MC: Thank you.
The moment I was about to receive the glass from Tiga-kun...
MC: Ah...
When I bumped into someone within the crowd of people, the contents of the glass spilled onto Tiga-kun's clothes.
MC: I-I'm sorry!
Tiga: It's no big deal. Wait for a bit. I'm going to go change.
As I was panicking, he smiled cheerfully at me.
MC: O-Okay.
After seeing Tiga-kun off from behind, I sat down on a round chair that was close to the wall.
(Tiga-kun is so kind. Yet, I did something so rude.)
Just as I was looking up at the ceiling...
??: Are you okay?
Suddenly, an unknown man showed his face above me.
MC: ...!
??: Pardon me for surprising you. I've finally got to greet you. Are you MC?
MC: T-That's right...
Luca: I'm Luca: You can just call me that.
MC: Okay.
Luca: I'm a descendant of a noble family that has strong ties with Tiga's family. ...I've been friends with Tiga ever since we were kids.
Luca's tone sounded a little deep as he said that.
Luca: Are you feeling okay? If you'd like, I can lend my shoulder to you.
MC: Eh?
Ignoring what I said in the end, Luca pulled my head towards his shoulder.
(H-Hey, wait.)
Tiga: What are you doing!
(...!)
When Tiga-kun returned to the hall, he strongly pulled my hand and glared at Luca.
Luca: I was only greeting her. She looked tired after all.
Tiga: What were you doing to MC?
Luca: I was just lending my shoulder to her since she was tired. Right?
MC: Eh!?
Tiga: MC, is that true?
///Choices///
- Don't respond (☽)
MC: ...
Tiga: Say something.
Tiga-kun sounded even more irritated.
- Yes (☼)
(It did seem that way though.)
MC: Yes...
Tiga: ...
When Tiga-kun didn't say anything in return, he sighed deeply.
///Choices///
Tiga: Luca, I'll take care of her troubles.
Luca: Go ahead, you're free to do so.
After Luca said that, he lightly waved his hand and disappeared among the invited guests.
MC: U-Um, Tiga-ku-
Tiga: Just come with me!
After interrupting me, Tiga-kun strongly pulled my hand as he walked straight through the invited guests.
MC: W-Wait!
As he was strongly pulling my hands, he suddenly stopped in the middle of the party hall.
Tiga: Sit.
Tiga-kun grabbed my shoulders and forced me to sit down in a chair. The murmurs around us became louder.
MC: ...This chair.
The chair that I was sitting in was the chair that was exclusively used for Tiga-kun as the prince.
MC: I-I shouldn't be using this...!
Although, just as I was about to get up, Tiga-kun pushed me down again.
Tiga: Just be good and sit down!
MC: But, this is your...
Tiga: If you're tired, you should've just said so.
(Tiga-kun...)
Tiga: Just do as I say. Be good and sit down.
MC: ...Okay.
Tiga: Guys like him won't come to make a pass at you if you're here.
(He seems angry somehow... Are Tiga-kun and Luca not on good terms with each other?)
Thus, the party ended as I was sitting in that chair...
Chapter 4 - Playing in the Water with Him
The next morning...
I slowly opened my eyelids from the morning sunlight shining.
(My body feels heavy...)
Tired from yesterday, my head was in a bit of a daze.
(Just a little while longer.)
Feeling lazy, I closed my eyelids once more and at that moment...
Tiga: Hey, you awake?
Along with the sound of a knock on the door, I heard Tiga-kun's cheerful voice.
MC: T-Tiga-kun!?
When I jumped out by reflex from that voice, Tiga-kun opened the door and showed his face.
MC: Hey, wait...!
Tiga: I knew that you would still be asleep.
MC: C-Coming in on your own like that.
Tiga: That doesn't matter, you were late, so I came to wake you up.
When Tiga-kun held down my disheveled hair as if it was no problem, my face became hot as he smiled cheerfully.
Tiga: Now then, since you're awake, let's go out.
Before I could respond, Tiga-kun pulled my hand.
MC: G-Go out?
Tiga: Hurry and get ready. I'll call for a maid.
(Tiga-kun...)
Even so, I was unable to go against Tiga-kun's forcefulness for some reason.
......
Once I was done getting ready, Tiga-kun took me to an area with water that was near the castle. The water surface was really beautiful as it was reflecting the sunlight that was shining down.
(It feels somewhat calming...)
Beside me, Tiga-kun took off his shoes and stepped into the water.
Tiga: You come in too, it's cold and it feels good.
///Choices///
- I'll watch from here (☽)
MC: I'm okay, I'll watch from here.
Tiga: What are you saying?
- Try going in (☼)
MC: ...Then, I'll try going in.
Tiga: You don't need to hold back!
I cautiously took a step in the river.
///Choices///
Tiga-kun watched me for a while, but...
Tiga: I'll get out for a bit, so I'll help you.
When he said that, he offered his hand to me.
MC: Ah, okay.
The moment I held his hand...
MC: ...!
I was pulled into the river with great force. When I became surprised from the sudden coldness that I felt over my knees, Tiga-kun held me up just as I was about to fall.
Tiga: Doesn't it feel nice?
MC: Doing something like that so suddenly...!
Before I could finish speaking, Tiga-kun splashed some water on me.
Tiga: Haha!
MC: ...Geez!
I determinedly splashed some water onto him too with all my strength.
(I somehow got dragged into Tiga-kun's pace. But, this is fun...!)
After a little while, Tiga-kun's hand suddenly stopped hitting the water.
Tiga: You, that's...!
MC: Eh? What?
Just as his face turned red, he looked away from me.
(What's wrong?)
Tiga: Wait for a bit!
When he got out of the river, I watched him grab a coat in a hurry and at that moment, I felt something on my shoulders.
MC: !?
Luca: You're so simple-minded.
Luca suddenly appeared and gave me his coat as he smiled mischievously.
MC: You're...
Luca: Your clothes can be seen through.
MC: !!
Just as I became unable to move from embarrassment, I immediately covered my body with both hands.
Tiga: You again! Why are you here!
With a coat in hand, Tiga-kun returned and glared at Luca.
Luca: Why, you say... I like this place. I've been reading a book here this whole time. Weren't you the ones that came here after?
Tiga: ...!
MC: Tiga-kun, Luca was just lending his coat to me...
Tiga: You don't need to talk. Come!
As Tiga-kun pulled my hand, we left the river while I was wearing Luca's coat...
Chapter 5 - Luca's True Motives
After we returned to the town from the river...
(I came here while still borrowing Luca's coat.)
As Tiga-kun was pulling my hand, he didn't say anything while walking in front of me.
(Tiga-kun isn't saying anything at all.)
As it was silent between us, it felt awkward... Suddenly, Tiga-kun stopped in front of a tailor shop that was along the road.
Tiga: I'll buy you some clothes that you like.
MC: Eh!?
When Tiga-kun pulled my hand, we entered the tailor shop.
(What's wrong so suddenly?)
Tiga: Here, try this.
As I was perplexed, Tiga-kun suddenly pushed some clothes onto me.
///Choices///
- You don't have to do that (☼)
MC: You don't have to do that.
Tiga: I told you that I'll buy them.
- Be perplexed (☽)
MC: Saying that here so suddenly...
Tiga: You don't want to wear the clothes that I'm going to choose for you?
///Choices///
Tiga: My judgement is never wrong. Just try it on.
MC: ...But.
Tiga: You'll catch a cold if you stay wet like that, hurry and put it on. You can just leave that guy's clothes here.
After Tiga-kun said that, I went to go change.
(He's pushy, but...)
Once I was done changing, I showed myself to Tiga-kun.
Tiga: Not bad. But, there are some others too...
As Tiga-kun was choosing some other clothes, his clothes were wetter than mine.
MC: Tiga-kun, you should change too.
Then, Tiga-kun made a mischievous smile.
Tiga: You can choose some clothes for me.
MC: Me?
Tiga: If they're clothes that you chose, I'll wear them.
(That's a little embarrassing, but... He'll catch a cold if he doesn't change.)
When I chose a set of clothes from among the many selections, Tiga-kun tried them on.
Tiga: What's with these clothes? Do you have bad taste?
MC: A-Are they that strange? I thought that they would look good on you though.
Tiga: Since it can't be helped, I'll wear them, but in return, you have to wear this.
What he handed me were some brightly colored clownlike clothes, something that I really won't be able to wear.
MC: Hey, this is...!
While watching me become embarrassed, Tiga-kun smiled happily. For some reason, I smiled as well.
(This is fun.)
As the two of us were smiling at each other...
Luca: Don't you think that this would look better?
Luca suddenly appeared from aside and handed me a different dress.
Tiga: You again! Luca!
Just as Tiga-kun shouted that angrily, Luca ignored him and winked at me.
Luca: Hmm, would you prefer something more sexy? Ah, how about this?
He presented a one-piece dress that had a lot of glaringly bright pink laces.
MC: ...Um.
Tiga: That sort of thing wouldn't look good on her at all!
When Tiga-kun placed the clown clothes that he presented himself on a shelf, he cut in between me and Luca.
Tiga: Hey! Luca! Come here for a sec!
MC: T-Tiga-kun!
Tiga: You wait here for a bit!
After saying that, Tiga-kun took Luca out of the tailor shop.
(What should I do...)
Remembering Tiga-kun's menacing look, I became worried and followed after them...
At a spot that was slightly further away from the tailor shop with no one around, I found the two of them.
MC: Tiga-ku-
Tiga: Just what have you been trying to do since yesterday!? Scampering and following us around...
Tiga-kun's rough tone drowned out my voice when I called out to him.
Luca: I'm just trying to get close to her.
Luca drew near Tiga-kun as he said that so casually.
Luca: After all, isn't MC-chan the Traumerei Princess? Won't I have a good advantage if I got along with her? Once I get good benefits, there won't be a day where you can stand on top.
Tiga: What do you mean?
Luca: Because of you being a prince, I must obey you no matter what since back then... I hated it.
Tiga: Luca...
Luca: Well, there's nothing interesting about that girl. An unsophisticated girl like her isn't my type at all.
(...!)
Tiga: ...You!
Tiga-kun took a big step forward and grabbed Luca.
MC: Tiga-kun...!
Without thinking, I rushed in...
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