Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Tinpla - Prince of Oz - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Awakened Tinpla
Kingdom of Rainbows, Oz, August... The calm night was enveloped in a veil of indigo...
According to what a villager told me, I searched for the prince that rules over the Woodman territory in this kingdom. When I finally found the ring and put my hands together, a bright light was emitted and what appeared was...
(Eh, a mechanical body...?)
??: Reboot, confirmed... Program, activate...
What got up while saying that with a meager intoned voice was a prince that had an oddly shaped mechanical body.
(A... cyborg...?)
??: ...Did you wake me up?
He slowly opened his eyes. Those eyes were different from a normal human being's as they made emitted a mysterious light.
(What a pretty light...)
Interested, I looked at him as my gaze met with those mysterious eyes.
??: You are? Checking database... No corresponding data. Input your name.
His eyes that hadn't blinked this whole time gave me a piercing look.
MC: Ah... Nice to meet you, I'm-
I did what he requested and simply introduced myself. He closed his eyes and nodded a few times.
??: ...Traumerei Princess. Understood. Inputting known data. This ring is given to royals, am I right?
MC: Yes... That's what I think.
When he held up the ring from my chest and looked at it, he nodded.
??: Input complete. Carrying out introductions. I'm Tinpla.
MC: Tinpla-san...
When he said that robotically, he stared at me...
Tinpla: Understood. I'll carry out the courtesy to thank you politely.
MC: Eh... O-Okay.
His somewhat cold words apathetically echoed throughout the sky...
Then, a few days later... Just as Tinpla-san promised, he sent me a letter, so I went to see him again.
I proceeded to the Woodman territory in Oz, the Kingdom of Rainbows. Deep within the mountains, there was a tiny castle...
Chapter 2 - Tinpla's Castle
Up ahead, there was a forest surrounded by a slightly cold atmosphere at a high mountain. In that mountain, I walked towards the small castle.
(So, this is Tinpla-san's castle...)
When I arrived at the entrance...
Tinpla: You've arrived.
Tinpla-san welcomed me by himself without a smile.
MC: Ah, Tinpla-san, is it just you?
(To think that the prince himself would welcome me at the castle entrance...)
While feeling a little perplexed from the unexpected welcome, I looked around. Tinpla-san's castle was covered in iron and steel and was made slightly different than other castles.
Tinpla: There's no need to get all stiff. I'm called the prince that was made by Oswald to protect this territory. That's the only task I carry out.
MC: Task... Carry out?
Just like the first time we've met, he spoke somewhat robotically as expected.
Tinpla: Precisely, my body isn't human. That's why... It's strongly durable.
After Tinpla-san said that, he held out his arm towards me.
(Is it okay to touch him?)
I hesitantly touched his arm. His skin was pale like marble and was covered in a strange material that wasn't like a human body's here and there.
MC: ...Cold...
Tinpla: Half of this body is mechanical, so your response is correct.
MC: A mechanical body...
(Does this mean that he's really a cyborg...? But, why?)
From what I can see, the joints on his body made him look like an optical weapon as the prism that was holding him together was reflecting a light.
Tinpla: I was told to fight for the Kingdom of Oz. Although, the dream eaters appeared for the first time. That's why I lost. But, I won't lose next time.
MC: ...
Tinpla: Is something wrong?
///Choices///
- I'm sorry (☼)
MC: Ah, I'm sorry... It's just so sudden that my head can't keep up.
Everything that he said took me by surprise.
(What should I do, I probably did something rude.)
Tinpla: ...It's no problem, almost all the people had the same reaction as you when they first met me.
- Nothing (☽)
MC: N-Nothing, I'm just a little surprised...
Tinpla: Nothing? Contrary to that, your respiratory organs are disarranged and your heart rate is rising. I recommend that you go rest.
MC: No, I'm really fine.
As I waved my hands frantically, I noticed that Tinpla-san's eyes were shaking a little.
Tinpla: ...You're mysterious. But, understood.
///Choices///
For a little while, he stroked his arm as if he was curious about the difference between a living body and armor, but...
Tinpla: ...
Then, with stiff movements, he raised his head and silently looked away from me.
Tinpla: ...I'll show you around the castle.
MC: Ah, okay...!
After he turned around, I quickly followed him from behind. Tinpla-san oddly straightened himself up. When that made him look like something that wasn't human again, I became speechless...
Chapter 3 - Siren
A cold body covered in armor with weaponry parts implanted on it... Tinpla-san's body made me completely speechless.
Tinpla: ...I'll show you around the castle.
After saying that, he led me into the castle and at that moment.
Tinpla: ...!
His mysterious colored eyes made a sharp look. Inside the castle that had a metallic feeling, a loud siren was going off. I...
///Choices///
- Ask what's happening (☼)
MC: This sound? Is something happening?
Tinpla: It's an emergency. But, we don't need to hurry, it's just the usual.
- Look around (☽)
I immediately looked around. As a red lamp was lit up, people started moving around in the silent castle.
Tinpla: I'm being called for dispatch.
MC: Eh...?
///Choices///
Tinpla-san casted his eyes down and looked up.
Tinpla: Weapons----- This body is needed.
(Weapons...)
After hearing him say that, I gripped my chest as it felt like something was coming up from my throat. In the hall that the two of us were at, a formation of soldiers came running in.
Soldier 1: Tinpla-sama, some trouble has happened in the town of the old Emerald City with our fellow magic users.
Tinpla: Understood. Plan... Suppression. Party of 5... Correction, 3. I'll be going.
Soldier 1: Yes, I repeat! Suppression, party of 3, corresponding to A.
From the soldier's words, 3 of the soldiers moved forward from the formation.
Tinpla: Let's hurry to the scene.
Soldiers: Yes...!
Moving in perfect sync, 3 of the soldiers headed out of the castle. Just as Tinpla-san was about to follow after...
///Choices///
- Reach out to him (☽)
MC: Um, Tinpla-san...!
I was about to reach out to Tinpla-san.
Tinpla: ...
Although, when he looked back at me with his emotionless eyes, I was hesitant to touch him for some reason and brought my hand back.
- Speak to him (☼)
MC: Um, please be careful.
Tinpla: ...Understood. All I have to do is hurry and take care of it.
///Choices///
Tinpla: ...
Tinpla-san looked at me as if he was pondering about something.
Tinpla: ...A resident of this kingdom is using magic. When a serious quarrel happens, I go take care of it.
MC: Eh...
Tinpla: This body is strong. That's why it won't be a problem. But, you're a human. I want you to stay in this castle. This place is a safe zone.
The next moment, Tinpla-san went off without turning around...
......
Once I was left alone, I was in a daze for a while.
(He left...)
With everything happening so suddenly, I couldn't process my thoughts. With an indescribable feeling, I watched him as he went out to the exit.
Soldier 2: Princess, I'll take you to your room.
MC: Eh...?
Just as I turned around, one of the soldiers that was in the formation earlier was there.
MC: Thank you very much, please do.
With the soldier guiding me, I walked towards the guest room in the vast castle.
MC: Um...
Soldier 2: Yes, what is it?
MC: Has Tinpla-san always been like that?
Ever since we've first met, I was curious about how he didn't look completely human and his way of speaking.
Soldier 2: I don't know why Tinpla-sama was assigned to this land as a military officer to protect Oz, but... A long time ago, there was a bit of a rumor about a human body being modified...
MC: I see...
(A human body... So, does that mean he used to be human?)
I thought about what he said when we met.
-Flashback-
Tinpla: Precisely, my body isn't human. That's why... It's strongly durable.
-Flashback-
(The way he talks with an emotionless voice... What does Tinpla-san think about his own body?)
With that question holding me as I was in the metallic castle, where I knew no one, all I could do was continue listening to my own thoughts...
Chapter 4 - Tinpla's Return
A few hours have passed since Tinpla-san left the castle to go take care of the emergency that was happening... When the sun went down near the mountain, the castle became shrouded in a silent darkness.
As uneasiness took hold of me, I waited for Tinpla-san's return in the guest room.
(I wonder if he's okay...)
As I thought about him, I remembered everything that happened up until now.
-Flashback-
Tinpla: Precisely, my body isn't human. That's why... It's strongly durable.
---
Tinpla: Weapons----- This body is needed.
---
Soldier: A long time ago, there was a bit of a rumor about a human body being modified...
-Flashback-
(A person with no heart... I don't know what to say about that...)
His cold skin and intoned voice, those were enough for me to believe it. Although, I couldn't forget about the look that his mysterious eyes show sometimes.
(He looked really sad to me, but... How does it all connect?)
While sitting on the edge of the bed, I had trouble thinking of an answer to that question. At that moment.
Soldier: -----Hurry, the party has returned...!
(Eh!? Tinpla-san is back?)
As it became noisy in the castle, I left the room.
When I ran into the hall... The party that left the castle at noon had just returned.
MC: Tinpla-sa-
The moment I ran in, I gasped when I saw his leg.
MC: Oh, no...! Are you okay? Your leg is...
Tinpla: ...Leg?
Tinpla-san's leg was severely damaged and a plate of armor that was covering his body has fallen off.
MC: W-What should we do... Does it hurt!? We need to hurry and give you some treatment!
Tinpla: Hurt...? Treatment...?
While looking at me as I was panicking, Tinpla-san tilted his head to the side. Those around us didn't seem to be particularly worried. I...
///Choices///
- Why is everyone so calm? (☽)
MC: Why is everyone so calm!?
Tinpla: ...It's just the usual.
MC: Eh?
- Doesn't it hurt? (☼)
MC: ...Doesn't it hurt?
Tinpla: ...
After staring at my face, he moved his gaze towards his injured leg. A mysterious light was dwelling within those eyes.
///Choices///
Tinpla: Why are you so worked up?
MC: Why, because...
When I looked at his broken leg, I covered my mouth.
Tinpla: I'm okay. I'll go back to normal once I get some replacement parts, so there's no need to worry.
MC: But, that's...
From his words, I...
///Choices///
- Argue back (☽)
MC: There's no way I can't worry about this, besides, you're hurt...
When I went down on my knees in front of him, I touched his damaged leg.
MC: It looks so painful...
Tinpla: ...!
At that moment for just a split second, I noticed his pupils widening...
- Be silent (☼)
MC: ...
Towards his natural attitude, I couldn't bring out the words.
(Why does he look so sad...)
Tinpla: ...That expression, is it sadness? Or grief... I don't understand.
///Choices///
As his eyes were staring at me...
Tinpla: ...MC...
MC: Eh, just now... My name...
His cold lips said my name for the first time. His voice that was shaking a little made it feel like he had a heart...
Chapter 5 - Pain
When Tinpla-san returned to the castle with his leg all damaged... Those lips said my name for the first time.
Tinpla: ...MC...
MC: Eh, just now... My name... Ah, but more importantly, we need to hurry, your leg...
Even so, I didn't know what to do and looked around. Then, Tinpla-san silently placed his hand on my shoulder.
MC: Ah...
His eyes that were emitting a pale light were looking straight at me. That eye color looked like a faint gentle light.
Tinpla: ...Thank you...
MC: ...Tinpla-san?
Tinpla: ...? Was I wrong? At times like these, you say "thank you"...
MC: Ah... I'm sorry.
I tightly gripped my chest with my hand. For some reason, there was a tightening pain in my chest.
Tinpla: It's strange, but I want to do the right thing, if I don't...
When he said that...
///Choices///
- It's not strange (☽)
MC: It's not strange.
Tinpla: You... think so?
MC: Yes.
- It's okay (☼)
MC: It's okay.
Tinpla: If it's okay, then does that mean I have to be concerned about what I say?
MC: No, that's not what I meant... You don't need to worry about me.
Tinpla: ...
///Choices///
MC: I'm sorry... Honestly speaking, I don't know how to act around you. When you're doing something so dangerous, I get worried...
When I looked at his damaged leg, I closed my eyes tightly. Although, Tinpla-san shook his head apologetically.
Tinpla: No, I'm the one who made you uncomfortable... I don't have a heart... So, it's fine...
MC: ...
(He doesn't have a heart...?)
I couldn't believe my ears when he said that.
(Then, why did he worry about my feelings...?)
I felt a tightening pain emitting within my heart.
(Why does my heart hurt from looking at him...)
Tinpla: ...MC?
MC: Ah, yes...
As I had my head down, Tinpla-san softly spoke to me.
Tinpla: I'm going to change parts. Will it be okay if I come visit your room afterwards?
MC: Yes, I'll wait for you.
He lightly nodded in relief and headed into the castle. I couldn't take my eyes off him until I couldn't see his back anymore...
Chapter 6 - I Want a Heart
When I returned to the guest room by myself, I looked outside the window for no reason. In the room that was at the highest spot in the castle that was built deep within the forest, I could see the stars twinkling in the night sky.
(Tinpla-san...)
Since earlier, I couldn't think as my thoughts were all jumbled up...
At that moment, there was a knock on the door.
MC: Yes, come in.
When I opened the door, standing there was Tinpla-san.
Tinpla: Sorry for coming here this late at night.
MC: It's okay, but more importantly, your leg...
When I looked down, there weren't any traces of injuries on his leg.
(He really can get fixed so easily...)
With a strange feeling holding me, I invited him into the room. Although...
Tinpla: ...
MC: ...
It became completely silent in the room.
(What should I do...)
As I was unsure on what to talk about, only time went by meaninglessly... I...
///Choices///
- Speak to him with courage (☽)
MC: Um... Tinpla-san.
Tinpla: Yes, what is it?
With courage, I looked straight at him in the eye and talked about what happened earlier.
- Wait for Tinpla's move (☼)
I quietly waited for him to speak. Although, he stayed silent like that for a while...
MC: Um-
Tinpla: MC- Ah, sorry, you go first.
When we spoke at the same time, we both looked down.
///Choices///
MC: Uh, there's something I wanted to talk about with you... Tinpla-san, you mentioned that you didn't have a heart earlier, right?
Tinpla: ...Yes.
MC: Why is that?
(Even though it's impossible to not have a heart...)
Grasping those words, I waited for his response. Then, after a while, he started speaking stiffly.
Tinpla: I... A long time ago, I went on a journey because I wanted a heart. Ever since then, I searched for the heart that I lost in exchange for this body... But...
He continued talking detachedly. From what he said, when his journey of looking for a heart has ended, the prince that runs this kingdom, Oswald-san, told him, "you already have a heart".
MC: Did you understand what he meant?
Tinpla: Yes, when I heard those words, I felt something called "happiness". But... As time passed, I couldn't understand myself again. All that I do is operate my power circuits to take care of incidents that occur... That's what this heartless body of mine does. If that's the case, then what is my heart? Where is it?
MC: Tinpla-san...
When he said that, Tinpla-san softly touched the armor on his physical body.
Tinpla: But... This part is always malfunctioning.
MC: Malfunctioning...?
His incomprehensible words were chewing up my insides.
(What's troubling Tinpla-san...?)
HIs eyes blinked sadly. Although, the light in them didn't look artificial and was beautiful.
Tinpla: My heart... Where is it? But, when you were worrying about me earlier... I was... heating up... and trembling too. This very critical malfunction that happened to me... But, what if this is an effect of a heart...
His metallic hand reached out towards my cheek.
MC: Ah...
The coldness of his hand that was touching my cheek made giving me pain. Although, at the same time, my heartbeat was going a little fast...
Tinpla: MC.
He said my name sadly.
Tinpla: This malfunction, please tell me if it can create a heart.
His words that sounded like a heartrending wish made my heart throb sadly...
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