Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
T/N: This story was hilarious!
Touya - Prince of Hourai - Main Story
Chapter 1 - A Flower That Won't Bloom
Kingdom of Seasons, Hourai, January... It was the time when the cold was gradually settling down and signs of spring were increasing... When the prince of Hourai, the ruler of winter, Touya-san, slowly opened his eyes, he has awakened from a slumber.
Touya: ...It looks like I've been saved. Thank you.
Despite thinking me, Touya-san averted his cold gaze away from me.
(Did I rub him the wrong way somehow...?)
While we were standing still, it became awkwardly silent.
MC: Um... It looks like it's going to be spring soon in the Hourai Kingdom. A lot of flowers have started to bloom.
Touya: ...Are you interested in Hourai?
Looking interested, Touya-san glanced towards me.
MC: I heard that the Hourai Kingdom is a graceful kingdom with some history. I wanted to visit it at least.
Touya: ...I see. Then, I'll invite you over since we're nearby.
After softly murmuring that, Touya-san took me along.
Touya: Thanks to you, I'm going to make it to the ritual. I should show you my gratitude at least.
(...Ritual?)
As I was curious about what Touya-san said, I sighed in relief wholeheartedly.
(That doesn't mean he dislikes me, right?)
Touya: ...But, you don't need to expect much or anything.
While we weren't looking at each other, Touya-san murmured that.
MC: Eh?
Touya: The flowers, their buds still haven't opened. ...If spring comes, it'll be troubling.
After saying that, Touya-san quietly turned his back on me...
Chapter 2 - The Spring Waiting Party
After Touya-san officially invited me, I visited the Hourai Kingdom...
MC: S-So cold!
When a cold wind blew, I couldn't bear it and shrugged my shoulders. Even though spring is right around the corner, there were sheets of snow around.
Touya: ...Welcome to Hourai.
Along with that blunt welcome, Touya-san has come to greet me.
(He doesn't look cold...)
MC: T-Thank you very much.
As I was hugging myself, I responded to Touya-san.
Touya: What's wrong?
MC: Nothing... Even though it's almost spring, it's really cold today...
Due to feeling cold, I could feel my teeth chattering.
Touya: I guess so. You're lightly dressed like that after all...
After saying that, Touya-san suddenly placed his hand over his mouth. He quickly looked away from me as I was shivering.
(Touya-san...?)
Touya-san closed his eyes as if he was holding back something... His straight face returned and he silently turned towards me.
Touya: Here...
When Touya-san took out some fabric that had a traditional Japanese pattern on it from the sleeve of his kimono, he lightly placed it over my shoulders.
(So warm...)
///Choices///
- Don't you feel cold? (☽)
MC: Touya-san, you don't feel cold?
Touya: Yeah... I feel comfortable in the cold.
(As expected of the prince that rules over winter...)
- Thank you (☼)
MC: Thank you.
Touya: ...Let's go. There's a banquet tonight.
After Touya-san smiled, he turned around and started walking.
///Choices///
Feeling appreciative towards Touya-san's consideration, I walked behind him.
That night, there was a huge welcoming banquet being held in the reception hall.
(Such pretty and refine food...)
With the beautifully made food in front of me, my heart pounded excitedly.
King: By the way, you came at a good time, MC-dono.
(Now is a good time despite how cold it is...?)
King: This year is the extreme cold wave that comes every 100 years. Because of that, our kingdom's largest lake freezes and has ice pillars standing. Those ice pillars create a divine path... If you take that path, you'll arrive at a small shrine at the end of the lake. That's where the ritual takes place.
MC: Every 100 years, that seems like a really valuable opportunity.
King: Yes, everyone all over the kingdom is excited with joy. Touya, we're counting on you.
Touya: ...Yes.
(Does Touya-san have a role in the ritual?)
The moment I was enjoying talking with the king... The hall became filled with excitement and everyone started dancing to the music at the spot. Despite how silly and strange it was, I was chuckling while smiling.
Touya: ...
As Touya-san was watching, he silently closed his eyes with his hands on some alcohol.
(Touya-san, is he not feeling well...?)
MC: Um, Touya-san...
The moment I got up and was about to approach Touya-san...
(! My foot's alseep...)
Due to sitting down for a long time, I was staggering like crazy as my body went down.
MC: Wah...
When I tried to endure it, I tripped loudly.
Touya: !
Touya-san looked away from seeing me trip with all his might.
(S-So embarrassing...!)
MC: My foot fell asleep, I'm sorry...
As I rubbed my foot and awkwardly apologized, Touya-san...
Touya: ...
He got up while covering his mouth and quickly left the room.
(Is Touya-san really not feeling well? Or maybe... He's fed up with me.)
While I was sitting, I watched Touya-san leave from behind...
Chapter 3 - The Reason He Doesn't Smile
After the night of the lively banquet waiting for spring...
(How's Touya-san been feeling since then...)
Curious, I boldly visited Touya-san's room.
Touya: ...What?
He greeted me with the same blank look from last night.
MC: Last night, you looked like you weren't really enjoying the banquet.
When I asked about it worriedly, Touya-san hesitantly looked over here...
Touya: Last night...
MC: Eh?
Looking like he had remembered something, Touya-san's gaze wandered aimlessly. Once he pulled himself together, he spoke again.
Touya: Last night... When you tripped, were you hurt?
despite he said that bluntly... When I realized that Touya-san was concerned about it, I became happy from feeling his kindness.
///Choices///
- I'm okay (☼)
MC: Yes, but I only tripped a little.
Touya: ...Even if you were pushing yourself, you didn't need to sit for so long.
MC: But, it's proper manners. It's embarrassing since I'm not used to it...
- It still hurts a little... (☽)
MC: Actually, it still hurts a little...
Touya: ...You did trip loudly.
MC: But, I'm okay. I only tripped a little.
///Choices///
Touya: ...I see.
Touya-san murmured that with a bit of relief.
MC: More importantly, I'm curious about how you were feeling last night.
Once I said that, Touya-san widened his eyes a little and sighed.
Touya: ...Since you were that worried, won't you come with me?
With heavy clothing on, I went with Touya-san to a snowy field. Despite the scenery that's filled with snow, the breeze that touched my cheek felt warm somehow.
MC: It's a little warm around here.
Touya: That's because of the ruler of spring, Ouka, his territory is nearby.
(The spring territory... I see.)
MC: Touya-san, you don't seem to get out much... That's not good for your body.
Touya: ...I'm fine.
While I was worrying, Touya-san smiled a little.
(Did Touya-san smile...?)
At that moment... A warm spring breeze lightly touched my cheek.
(Eh...?)
I saw that the snow around Touya-san's feet had melted and suddenly, grass was starting to grow.
MC: Why...?
(It's as if spring has arrived in just the area around Touya-san...)
A small bird flew from somewhere and landed on Touya-san's shoulder.
Touya: ...
When Touya-san saw the small bird, he looked at it gently.
MC: Touya-san, this is...
The moment I spoke to him...
MC: ...!
Touya-san's eyes made a cold look that was like midwinter. Then, the area around him became freezing cold again.
Touya: ...
When it became frosty around Touya-san's feet, the small bird quickly flew towards the sky.
(What happened? It became cold again...)
As Touya-san had that one expression on his face, I was surprised from the season changing.
Touya: Does that make you understand? Even if I smile a little, it summons warmth and brings spring to this kingdom. But, since the ritual that happens every 100 years is being held this year... I'm not allowed to smile until then.
(Even if something fun is happening, he's not allowed to smile...)
///Choices///
- Why? (☼)
MC: Why aren't you allowed to smile...?
Touya: I don't know... I always do this during winter. So, I'm used to not smiling.
- Is it hard? (☽)
MC: Touya-san, is it hard for you not to smile...?
Touya: ...As long as I'm not smiling, that's fine.
///Choices///
(Despite how he says that so naturally, isn't it really hard...?)
Touya: Do you understand my reason for not smiling?
MC: Yes, but... Why just you?
Touya: Who knows? The royal family of Hourai have been born with mysterious powers, but... It's really troublesome. Ah, it's a secret from everyone. So, only my family knows about it.
MC: Okay...
Touya: Now that you know, you don't need to worry.
As he wasn't looking at me, Touya-san detached himself from me apathetically. From the side of his cold face, he looked somewhat sad...
Chapter 4 - The Reason Behind His Cold Attitude
As the vast field that was covered in snow, a cold breeze roughly blew...
-Flashback-
Touya: Even if I smile a little, it summons warmth and brings spring to this kingdom. But, since the ritual that happens every 100 years is being held this year... I'm not allowed to smile until then.
-Flashback-
Until the day of the ritual, Touya-san isn't allowed to smile.
(During this kingdom's cold winter, Touya-san can't smile until it's time for it to pass...)
Touya: ...We should go back soon.
As the side of his face was enduring the cold, like an isolated tree in winter... He looked somewhat sad. Just as Touya-san was about to start walking...
Man: Touya-sama, hello. I'm looking forward to the divine migration ritual!
Someone from the town of Hourai ran up to Touya-san and spoke to him with a smile.
Touya: ...Yeah.
The man became slightly uncomfortable from Touya-san being blunt.
Man: ...! My apologies for disturbing you... Now then, if you'll please excuse me.
(Touya-san... Does everyone in the kingdom misunderstand him because he can't smile?)
Touya: ...Let's go.
As Touya-san had that neutral expression, he walked ahead.
MC: Ah, please wait, Touya-sa-!
Just as I was running quickly at that moment...
(Wah...!)
Touya: !?
My foot got caught in some deep snow and made me lose most of my balance.
(I'm going to fall...!)
On the hill with the piled-up snow, it felt like I was about to slip...
Touya: MC!
Just as I heard Touya-san shout, he grabbed my arm and strongly pulled me towards him.
MC: ...
Although, he didn't have enough strength...
Touya: !
Along with Touya-san, we both ended up falling on top of the snow.
(Wah...!?)
Before I knew it, I was on Touya-san's chest.
MC: I-I'm sorry!
Touya: ...
Both Touya-san and I were covered in snow.
MC: Um, Touya-sa...
I looked up at Touya-san's face and just as I was about to speak reservedly...
(!)
Touya-san held me tightly in his own chest and hid my face.
Touya: Don't show your face.
When he said that intensely, he trembled a little.
Touya: ...If I look at your face, I'll end up getting careless and laugh.
(Eh...?)
In the sudden embrace, I became surprised from how loud his heartbeat was...
///Choices///
- I'm sorry (☽)
MC: I'm sorry... You ended up getting covered in snow too...
Touya: Please, don't speak anymore...
- Was that funny? (☼)
MC: Are you saying that my face looks funny...?
As I hid my embarrassment, I blurted that out.
Touya: ...Like I said, you shouldn't say something like that...
///Choices///
As if he was almost begging, he said that defeatedly...
Touya: The next time you do something that might make me laugh... You'll get a punishment.
(Could it be that... He wanted to smile and has been holding back this whole time...?)
When he turned his face away, I noticed that he was desperately resisting himself from smiling.
(I might get scolded again for thinking about him like this, but...)
Seeing Touya-san like this made me think that he has gotten cuter...
Chapter 5 - The Diving Migration Ritual
-Flashback-
Touya: The next time you do something that might make me laugh... You'll get a punishment.
-Flashback-
The next day, it was finally the day of the ritual...
On top of the frozen lake, I was guided to the small shrine at the end of it.
(This is "the divine migration ritual"...)
Touya: ...
While participating in the ritual, Touya-san made a firm expression.
(I wonder if Touya-san will be okay...)
King: Traumerei Princess, won't you offer a prayer with us?
As I stood beside Touya-san, a shrine maiden handed a cup of alcohol to us.
Priest: This is the lake's water that we use as an offering for the ritual.
After listening to the priest's explanation, Touya-san furrowed his brow.
Touya: ...This is bad.
(Eh...?)
When I looked at him from aside, Touya-san softy murmured that with a stiff expression.
Touya: If I drink alcohol, I'll become a merry drunk.
(T-That sounds bad...!)
MC: It's okay. If you only need to take a sip, I'll take care of the rest...
Touya: Eh...?
Just as the priest turned around while doing his own thing, I drank Touya-san's portion in one gulp.
Touya: !
MC: ...!
After holding my breath while drinking it all up, I made a hiccup.
Priest: ...What was that sound?
When I quickly covered my mouth, my cheeks gradually started turning hot due to drinking the divine alcohol in one go.
Touya: Kuh...
Unable to endure it, Touya-san started to smile... For just a moment, the ice that his feet were on was melting and water was starting to soak in.
(If the ice ends up melting, he won't be able to cross over to the shrine...!)
MC: You can't laugh, just hold it in for a bit more...!
When Touya-san nodded quickly, he desperately covered his mouth and turned his face away.
Touya: Being with you is really no good...
While enduring himself from laughing, his gentle voice reached my ears...
After the purification ceremony, the divine path that the royal family has been watching over for generations has entered the temple. Among the sacred silence, the ritual proceeded on relentlessly.
Touya: ...
Despite being in the temple, Touya-san was resisting to laugh with his head turned away.
MC: Touya-san, what's wrong?
I asked that to Touya-san beside me in a whisper.
Touya: ...That priest, even though it looks like he's doing the ritual that happens every 100 years, he's been stuttering his words many times from the start.
(Could it be that Touya-san is actually the kind of person that laughs easily...!?)
MC: L-Like I said, you can't laugh.
Touya: Ah, he stuttered again...
(Touya-san...!)
///Choices///
- Pull his sleeve (☽)
Just as Touya-san was about to laugh this time, I quickly pulled his sleeve.
MC: If you laugh here, all our hard work up till now will all be for nothing.
Touya: Yeah... I guess so.
Touya-san got into position and quietly steadied his breathing.
- Hold his hand (☼)
I held Touya-san's hand at the spur of the moment and gripped it tightly.
MC: Just endure it a bit more.
Touya: ...
Then, Touya-san looked at me in surprise.
///Choices///
(Ah, that was close...)
During the ritual, I continued to quickly stop Touya-san whenever it looked like he was about to smile...
......
After that, the ceremony to the ritual had ended peacefully...
King: After 100 years, let's give our blessing to Hourai!
When everyone crossed over the lake, they arrived at land and after that...
(I-I'm tired...)
After bracing myself of not letting Touya-san smile, I sighed deeply. Then...
Touya: ...Fufu.
Suddenly, when Touya-san placed his cold hand on my cheek, I looked at him.
MC: U-Um...?
As he looked at me with a strained face, a warm breeze softly blew...
Touya: ...Thank you, MC.
When he showed a warm smile, my heartbeat became noisily fast.
Touya: But...
The next moment...
Priest: Ah~ That was nerve wrecking...
Just as we heard the priest's lifeless voice, Touya-san couldn't take it anymore and bursts into laughter.
Touya: ...I can't. Hey, it's okay now, right...!
Then... When the sunlight shined in from the clouds, my cold fingers became covered by gentle drops of light.
MC: So warm...
Along with the warm spring breeze, warm weather suddenly arrived in the snowy field. When a crack ran through the thick ice, the perfectly clear surface of the lake appeared...
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